PEDRO – Big line.

Wednesday, September 20, 2000

PEDRO – Big line. Big back. Big game. Big problems.

Everything seems to be coming up big for Rock Hill Redmen coach Andy Hall, and it’s nothing good.

Not only do the Redmen have to face a big Wellston Golden Rockets team, they may have to do it with a depleted squad.

Quarterback Gabe Medinger, who was knocked out in last week’s game at Portsmouth West, hasn’t been cleared to practice, let alone play. Two of the Rock Hill tackles are sick. And there are others.

"We had 10 kids out of practice (Tuesday) for one reason or another," Hall said. "Oak Hill is the only game this year we’ve had everyone relatively healthy. It’s been one thing after another," Hall said.

"With two tackles and a quarterback possibly out, our other kids will have to step up and get it done for us."

Rock Hill, 2-2, travels to Wellston Friday in a rematch of last year’s game in which the Redmen held on for a 36-35 upset win. Wellston won the previous year 66-19.

"We were outmanned last year and beat them. Two years ago we got beat 40 points and we were able to come back last year and win. That’s a good indication that you have to get ready to play," Hall said.

Rock Hill is coming off a 33-12 loss at West in which the Redmen had five turnovers including four fumbles. Hall said the Redmen must play error-free to have a chance to win.

"First of all, turnovers will be a big part of game. We have to do a better job taking care of the ball," Hall said. "Number two, with their size difference up front, we have to hang in there and not get blown off the ball and let our linebackers make plays.

"It’s like playing Oak Hill only they’re bigger. We have to stop the run."

Size will be a factor across the board. Wellston has a larger offensive and defensive line, and star running back Brad Young is 6-foot-2, 200 pounds.

"Wellston is huge. They’re as big as any team around here. And I’ve seen Brad Young’s jersey for two years. He’s 6-2, 200, runs a 10.8 hundred, and he can run over you. He’s one of the better tailbacks in the area. He’s a big time player. He’s legit," Hall said.

Despite losing last week, Hall is hoping Rock Hill’s ability to bounce back after losses will continue to hold true.

"After a loss the last two years, we’ve been able to come back and play well. Last year we never lost two in a row, nor have we this year. Hopefully we’ll do that again," Hall said.

The game at Wellston will bring a familiar face back into the Rock Hill program. Wellston’s new head coach this year is Dave Lucas, the former head coach of Coal Grove.

Hall is hopeful that coaching against Lucas in the past will help the Redmen.

"The last time we played against them, I was the defensive coordinator (at Rock Hill) and we upset them. We played really well. They have the same philosophies so that should be a plus for us," Hall said.