BY MATTHEW PEASLEE
BLACKSVILLE — After showing dedication to the program throughout the summer, the Clay-Battelle football team came together as a cohesive unit. Head coach Ryan Wilson has been pleased with the team chemistry spearheaded by veteran leadership and a strong offensive line.
“Team chemistry goes a long way,” Wilson said. “You could see it during the three-week period in June.”
Clay-Battelle took advantage of its time together over the summer and took part in 7-on-7 camps at Washington & Jefferson and WVU. The experienced offensive linemen also went to a specialized linemen camp to hone their skills.
“You could see that chemistry coming together in those competitions,” Wilson said. “You could see our guys coming together as a team. They were working together and encouraging each other. The older linemen were helping the younger linemen. Things that we were doing there transitioned into our camp in August.”
Thirty-two players are out for the Cee-Bees following a 3-2 campaign in the truncated 2020 season. In the three wins, Clay-Battelle averaged 42 points per game. Building on a strong offense is a key this season, especially with the inspired play of the offensive line.
Jacob Kassey, Allen Nestor, Braden Cohen, Tate Elliot, Seth Sheets and Drew Mercer will see a bulk of the playing time up front. Only one starting offensive lineman graduated last year, so this seasoned group is prepared to build upon its solid 2020 season.
“They’ve done a super job and I am just so proud of that offensive line,” Wilson said. “They’re leaders on and off the field and they open up so much for our offense. We also have a couple young kids coming on. They’ll need to step in probably by Week 3 or 4 to provide a little depth. They have really impressed me.
“They all pretty much know our run game from terminology to how we block. The offense is coming together really well.”
The guys up front will be providing protection for the dual-quarterback system, paced by Carson Shriver and Trinity transfer Drew Boczek. Wilson and the coaching staff have devised schemes that play to each quarterback’s strengths. Both Shriver and Boczek will be on the field at the same time, though, in many situations.
“Both of them throw the ball really well,” Wilson said. “They’re right on target. They performed well in 7-on-7s earlier in the summer and I know they can keep that up this month into game situations. We pop them out as receivers when they’re not under center. They’re playmakers. They are skilled players and don’t need to come off the field.”
Last year, Clay-Battelle was solid on defense in their victories but surrendered more than 40 points in each of their losses. Tightening that up is a focus for Wilson.
“Defensively, from the linebackers to the secondary, we really worked with them during our three-week period,” Wilson said. “Our pass coverage was a work in progress and now it’s looking really solid. I’m pleased with that progression. We’re working on stopping the run game here early in our practice sessions and the kids have picked that up really well.”
Wilson is entering his 27th year as head coach of the Cee-Bees. He has been on the staff a total of 35 years.
“I’ve been very blessed,” Wilson said. “We have a great school and a great community who supports us. Everybody just wants to get back to watching high school football on a Friday night. I know our fans will be there and we’ll show up for them.”
Clay-Battelle opens at home on Aug. 27 against Federal Hocking from Stewart, Ohio. Parkersburg Catholic was originally scheduled as the opening game but the football program folded due to low numbers.
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