MORGANTOWN — Camp opens this week at Bethany College for the seven area football players selected for the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) all-star game. The contest is set for 7:15 p.m. July 28, at Wheeling Island Stadium.
Clay Bailey, University — This multi-year standout was effective as a thrower and runner in coach John Kelley’s offense.
The 6-foot, 185-pounder finished his prep career with 4,486 passing yards and 48 touchdown passes. He ran for 13 scores and 925 yards.
Bailey’ was named second-team all-state and first team all-OVAC. He was the Two Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) Player of the Year as a senior. He was also named The Dominion Post’s Offensive Player of the Year.
Bailey also was a member of the Hawks’ basketball team that advance to the state semifinals the last two years.
Clay, who is the son of Jeffery and Barbara Bailey, of Morgantown, plans to attend WVU.
Owen Zeiders, UHS — The 5-8, 165-pounder played receiver and defensive back for coach John Kelley. He finished his senior season with 19 receptions for
242 yards and a touchdown. He charted 58.5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He scored three defensive TDs.
Zeiders was recognized for his campaign by being named all-TRAC and all-OVAC.
Zeiders also was a standout in wrestling, winning an OVAC title and finishing second in the state tournament.
Zeiders is a member of his church’s youth group and also attended a mission trip. The son of Jeremy and Amy Zeiders, he plans to attend West Liberty.
Hayden Starcher, UHS — The 5-10, 178-pound defensive end logged 170 tackles, including 39 for loss in 2017. He also had 14 sacks.
Starcher’s campaign was named second-team all-state. He was also all-OVAC and all-TRAC along with all-area.
Starcher also earned letters in wrestling.
Headed to WVU, he is the son of Victor Starcher and Cherise Starcher.
Cole Streyle, Morgantown — As a linebacker for coach Matt Lacey’s team, the 6-foot, 215-pounder finished with 81 tackles, three for loss, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
A team captain, Streyle was named first-team all-OVAC, second-team all-TRAC and special mention all-state.
The son of Harry and Tracy Streyle, he who plans to attend the University of Charleston.
Drew Lowery, MHS — The 6-2, 190-pound defensive back for coach Matt Lacy’s team posted 25 tackles and broke up four passes. He also caught seven passes for 102 yards.
Along with football, Lowery was a member of the yearbook staff, Key Club and National Spanish Honor Society.
Neil McKnight, MHS — The 6-2, 235 pound offensive and defensive linemen signed to attend Grove City (Pa.) College. He also was a member of the Mohigans’ wrestling team.
McKnight was a second-team all-conference pick in football.
Benjamin Steele, Clay-Battelle — The 5-10, 245-pound defensive tackle for coach Ryan Wilson’s team was recognized as all-Mason Dixon Conference. He also competed in the state track meet.
Also a standout in the classroom, Steele was a member of the National Honor Society and Leo Club, was a class officer and was part of the Student Advisory Council.
Set to attend Fairmont State, Steele is the son of Steve and Elizabeth Steele.
