GLENVILLE – Wheeling capitalized on five Glenville turnovers Saturday afternoon, posting a 27-10 road win over the Pioneers at Glenville's Morris Stadium. The Cardinals intercepted three passes, and recovered two GSC fumbles in a game that showed the two teams close in total yardage gained (333-296).
Defense was the name of the game early, as the two teams remained scoreless until the 2:59 mark of the second quarter. Wheeling's Matt Greenwood kicked a 27-yard field goal to put the Cardinals up 3-0. Moments later, Wheeling recovered a muffed punt at the GSC 26, and scored four plays later Ryan LaFollette caught a seven yard scoring toss from Brennon Norris, extending the lead to 10-0. GlenvillGlne marched back down the field, and a 32-yard
Josh Jones field goal cut the lead to 10-3 at halftime.
Glenville advanced to Cardinal 30 late in the third quarter, but lost possession on a fumble. Wheeling marched 60 yards from there, scoring on a Norris four-yard pass to Tristan Ballard. Another Greenwood field goal, from 32-yards pushed the lead to 20-3.
Coach
Mike Kellar's Pioneers answered with an 11-play, 75-yard drive, scoring on a three-yard pass from Tim Hleltzel to
Kyree Wallace. The Pioneers had an opportunity to carve deeper into the Wheeling advantage, but a Cardinal interception ended hopes of a late GSC comeback. Wheeling closed the scoring with another Norris-to-LaFollette connection from 13-yards.
It was Glenville's top game rushing on the season, as
Alfred Menjor was solid, accumulating 116 yards on 27 carries. Heltzel was 11-of-25 through the air for 119 yards, whle
Corbin Pierson was 7-of-20 for 62 yards.
Javon Butler was again the top receiver with six cathes for 78 yards, followed by
Orion Bonner with 45 yards on five catches.
Defensively,
Seth Arnold again led the unit with 13 tackles, including one for loss.
Brandon Penn registered seven tackles, plus a diving interception.
Ellis Lilly and
Abu KaiKai each recorded sacks.
Avery Book enjoyed a solid day of punting, averaging 46.2 yards on six punts.
Sy Alli led the Cardinal rushing attack with 105 yards on 26 carries. Norris closed his day 25-of-41 for 210 yard passing.
Wheeling improves to 2-2 overall, and 2-1 in the MEC. The Pioneers fall to 1-2 with the loss.
Glenville travels to West Liberty next Saturday, facing the Hilltoppers at 1:00.
