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WV backs ready to attack

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — Mike Eddy and his coaching staff sat down with the nominations for the 74th annual OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game and recognized many of the names they had to choose from.

Because they had some restless nights during the season trying to figure out how to defend many of the candidates, so now they’ll have the opportunity to coach them rather than stop them.

With so many options available, Eddy believes the backfield could one of the deepest positions on the West Virginia roster for the game against Ohio, which is slated for Saturday, July 27 at Wheeling Island Stadium.

Battling for the quarterback duties will be Linsly’s Wyatt Hirt and Magnolia’s Patrick Mirandy.

“For the flow of our offense, we like a dual-threat kind of guy at quarterback, so I am interested to see what these guys can do there because we just don’t want to sling the ball all over the field,” Eddy said.

In the mix at running back are Cameron’s Andrew Ritchea, Hundred’s Andrew Zedell, John Marshall’s Chas McCool, Magnolia’s Gage Adams and South’s Nick Yoho.

“There is going to be a lot of versatility in the backs we’ve chosen,” Eddy said. “They all have good open-field speed, but some of those guys are physical, bruising-type guys. We think we can go two-back offense if we need to.”

Here’s a capsule look at the players who hae returned information sheets:

GAGE ADAMS, Magnolia — This former Blue Eagle shined on both sides of the ball for Coach Dave Chapman’s team.

The 5-6, 145 pounder finished with 91 tackles, 49 of which were solo. He also carried the ball for the Blue Eagles.

Adams was named first-team all-OVAC and honorable mention all state.

Gage, who is the son of Kelly and Misty Adams of New Martinsville, plans to attend West Virginia.

WYATT HIRT, Linsly — This former Cadet quarterback was solid in the pocket for Coach B.J. Depew’s team.

The 6-4, 190 pounder passed for 1,376 yards and 15 touchdowns in just seven games because of an injury.

Hirt was a three-year starter and team captain. He was named to the all Times Leader team in 2017.

Wyatt, who plans to attend California, Pa., is the son of Todd Hirt and Debbie Harden-Vigas and resides in Cannonsburg.

CHAS MCCOOL, John Marshall — This former Monarch shined on both sides of the ball for Coach Jason WIllis’ team.

The 5-11, 200 pounder rushed for 402 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior. He also caught two touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 44 solo tackles and seven assists.

Away from football, McCool is a member of the National Honor Society, Drug Free Club and volunteered for Speical Olympics and Miracle League.

Chas, who plans to attend West Virginia, is the son of Robert and Lydia McCool of Moundsville.

PATRICK MIRANDY, Magnolia — This former Blue Eagle was quite versatile for Coach Chapman’s offense.

He accounted for 2,257 yards of offense and 28 touchdowns. He is also a solid placekicker, converting 30 PATs and two field goals.

Mirandy was named first-team all-state and all-OVAC. He also lettered in baseball and track.

Patrick, who plans to attend West Virginia, is the son of Patrick and Holly Mirandy of New Martinsville.

ANDREW RITCHEA, Cameron — This former Dragon was a workhorse for then coach Scott Holt’s offense.

The 5-9, 160 pounder carried the ball 151 times for 1,800 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Ritchea was named first-team all-OVAC for his efforts.

Andrew, who is the son of Fred and Jennifer Reynolds of Cameron, plans to attend West Virginia Northern.

NICK YOHO, South — This former Patriot shined at a bevy of spots for Eddy’s team the last several seasons.

The 5-11, 195 pounder rushed for 1,291 yards and also had 450 yards receiving. He scored 27 touchdowns. Defensively, he logged 99 tackles, including 11 for loss. He also broke up three passes and picked off one.

Yoho was named first-team all-state, all-OVAC and all-TRAC.

Yoho, who will be a preferred walk on for the WVU football team, was also a member of the National Honor Society, Drug Free Club and played baseball.

Nick is the son of Gary and Nicole Yoho of Mineral Wells.

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