Wheeling Park welcomes in new starters on offense, quality veterans on defense

WHEELING W.Va. — Wheeling Park ended the 2020 season on a seven-game win streak. In most seasons, that would equal a state title. The Patriots however were halted by the COVID map after going 7-1.

“Our seniors were heartbroken,” said Wheeling Park head coach Chris Daugherty. “But the kids that have returned, they were itching to go. I thought their mental status on the offseason was really, really good.

“Anytime you get to work with young kids, there is a certain excitement they bring because it is their chance. It is their year. It is my opportunity. It is nice to be around that. It keeps you young as a head coach. I am probably as excited this year as I have been in a long time just because we have a bunch of new faces. It is fun to be around that.”

Chris Daughtery has led the Patriots to ten consecutive playoff appearances but he faces a unique challenge this fall on the offensive side of the ball.

“We started eleven seniors offensively last year so we have a lot of questions. We like our young group of kids and we think there is some talent here. But I think we will be a work in progress all season long. I think we will get a little bit better and a little bit better. That is what you hope for.”

Park welcomes in a new starting quarterback for the third consecutive season in junior Brett Phillips.

“We knew at a young age that Brett was going to be a really good, athletic kid. We felt good that if Beau Heller had gotten hurt, he would have stepped in there and did what he does. It is a little bit different because he can run and get out of the pocket,” Daugherty said. “But he is a pretty good thrower too.”

The Patriots must replace leading rusher Stevie Mitchell and their top six receivers from last fall. Hunter Nixon, Will James and speedster Jerrae Hawkins will be counted on heavily. Hawkins is a sophomore who just picked up a scholarship offer from Pittsburgh. The search for reliable linemen continues.

“It has been work all summer trying to find the five and who those guys are. And then you try to find six and seven. We feel pretty good about where we are right now.”

Wheeling Park is more experienced on the defensive side of the ball, with second-leading tackler and first team all-state defensive back Nate Shelek leading the unit.

“He is such a smart football player. That’s what gets lost in his play. He makes a ton of tackles for us. He is like having another linebacker out there. But he gets his hand on the ball too. That’s because of his brain.”





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