×

Sheffield searches for first victory

Times Observer File Photo by Cody Elms Jeremiah Richardson breaks free of Otto-Eldred defenders during Sheffield’s week two home opener.

Sheffield (0-2) will look for their first win of the season tonight as it hits the road to take on Elk County Catholic (3-0).

The Wolverines, coming off a bye week, lost their first two games by a combined score of 96-18, falling to Bucktail in the opener and Otto-Eldred in Week 2. Meanwhile, the Crusaders have put up 75 points in three weeks while holding their opponents to 52. Elk County defeated Otto-Eldred 30-15, Moniteau 15-6, and Bucktail 30-16.

Sheffield Head Coach Mike Barr took full advantage of a bye week that he feels came at the perfect time. The second year head coach met with his players early on last week to work with them on a direction, asking his players if they just want to play football or if they want to win games.

The Wolverines responded overwhelmingly in support of wanting to win, which has led Barr to make personnel changes to try to accomplish that.

“We spent the bye week kind of regrouping, reorganizing some players in different positions,” said Barr. “I got to revamp things. I got to change kids around. I got to make some moves. Some kids aren’t going to be playing some positions they have been playing. We went ahead and made the moves, and things have been picking up.”

Sheffield will be moving Dylan Hardwick out to wide receiver, a move that Barr feels is a better fit to his skill set. Barr, a former lineman turned fullback, will be back on the line at the tackle position.

Elk County’s biggest threat will be running back Noah Cherry, who has scored seven times on the ground in three weeks. Cherry proved last week against Bucktail he has big-play ability, scoring both 46- and 31-yard touchdowns. Cherry has racked up 469 yards on the ground this season, averaging 156 yards per game. The Wolverines’ leading rusher is Jeremiah Richardson with 80 yards on the year. Richardson posted a 91-yard game at Bucktail, but was held for negative yardage in the week two home loss to Otto-Eldred. Of the Wolverines’ three scores thus far this season, Richardson has two. Quarterback Colby Barr is the only other Wolverine to put the ball in the end zone.

In their first two games, Sheffield gave up 388 yards on the ground and 243 yards through the air. The Wolverines have turned the ball over nine times.

“These kids, they want to play Elk County, because of last year,” said Barr referencing the Wolverines 68-0 loss to the Crusaders. “If we come out and play like we did against Bucktail, it should be a ballgame.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today