COAL GROVE – When the Coal Grove Hornets put out the welcome mat Saturday night, it will be for the defending Division V state champions.

Friday, September 08, 2000

COAL GROVE – When the Coal Grove Hornets put out the welcome mat Saturday night, it will be for the defending Division V state champions.

But as the case with all teams, graduation takes its toll and the Amanda Clearcreek Aces are no different.

The Aces lost their one-two running back tandem that gained 1,000 yards each, but returning is speedy junior tailback Thad Helber (5-10, 175) who was an ample backup last season.

Also back is wide receiver Todd Helber (6-0, 161), inside linebacker Dan Tooil (5-10, 175), two-way tackle Lance Green (6-4, 311), fullback Jon Ball (6-0, 210), and linebacker Nick Lee (5-10, 190).

The Helber brothers are track stars and the Aces are looking for them to make the big plays with their speed, especially since the Aces suffered their heaviest losses in the offensive line.

"Clearcreek is not as big and physical as last year, and their backs aren’t as big, but they’re still physical and they’re quick," Hornets coach Nick Miller said.

The play of the interior line will hold the key for the Hornets (1-1) who would like nothing better than to avenge last season’s 66-0 shellacking.

"If the offense and defensive line will control the line of scrimmage, then we can make some plays even with our backups," Miller said.

Besides the Aces talent last year, the Hornets problems were compounded by a rash of injuries.

The injury bug is a problem again this season, especially in the running game where the Hornets may be without the services of their top two tailbacks.

Senior Jason Adams, who led the area in rushing last year, is still questionable for the game. Backup Andy Bryant is nursing a sore hip and will be limited to defense while defensive back Ryan Brown is out with a shoulder injury.

"We won’t know anything about Adams until after practice Friday or maybe game time," Miller said.

While Adams and Bryant are banged up, Miller said quarterback J. J. Hunt should be back at full strength.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.’99 state champs