Ellwood to battle mighty
Quips with title hopes on line
Written: Oct 06, 2011
 
By Joe Sager
New Castle News
Ultimately, the Ellwood City Lincoln High football team would like to play for a state championship.
The Wolverines will get their chance — sort of — at 7:30 p.m. Friday as Aliquippa invades Helling Stadium for a Midwestern Conference clash. The unbeaten Quips (5-0 conference and overall) sit atop the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s PIAA Class AA rankings.
“Anytime you play a team the caliber of Aliquippa, it’s a challenge. The kids are looking forward to it,” Ellwood City coach Don Phillips said. “It’s a challenge because they are so good and very well coached. They have some outstanding athletes. You find out just how good you really are when you play them, but that’s what you want. The kids are excited about it and it’s going to be a good game.”
It’s an important meeting for both teams. The Wolverines (3-1 conference, 4-1 overall) hope to keep their conference title hopes alive, while Aliquippa is intent at remaining alone atop the circuit.
“The goal for everybody, and that includes us, is to make the playoffs,” Aliquippa coach Mike Zmijanac said. “I am sure the Ellwood City kids will be excited just like us. I’ve read comments where Kyle Crawford is tired of losing to us. When I started at Aliquippa, we were tired of losing to New Castle. So, I know how that works.”
Ellwood has battled the Quips well over the last two seasons. The squad dropped a 27-7 decision in 2009 and suffered a 29-7 setback last year. However, the Wolverines were within one score of Aliquippa for the majority of those games.
“I knew when Ellwood hired Donnie Phillips they’d get much better very fast,” Zmijanac said. “So, it’s no surprise to me. He’s a quality coach. That’s what it takes to develop a program. It should be a fun game. That’s why you play football.”
Ellwood advanced to the WPIAL playoffs last year for the first time since 2000. The Wolverines graduated several key seniors from the squad, but the remaining players have the team challenging for a return trip.
“That’s not surprising to me at all. Donnie always does a good job. He always did for many years when he was at Center,” Zmijanac said. “He’s building a program. People have to understand, coaches win year after year because of the program and not because they are so smart.”
Quarterback Mikal Hall leads Aliquippa’s attack. He has passed for a Beaver County-best 768 yards and nine touchdowns with no interceptions.
“They have a very fine quarterback. I know he is a tremendous passer,” Phillips said. “Their offensive line gives him the chance to be good, plus he has quality receivers. All of that makes for a tough challenge for our defensive secondary.”
Leading rusher Dravon Henry is one of five sophomore starters for the Quips. He has 498 yards and five TDs on 60 carries.
“When you look at them, they have balance like everybody would love to have. They run the ball extremely well. Their backs are smart and fast and they all run hard. They’re tough to bring down,” Phillips said. “It really is a challenge to us to try to slow them down. This is going to be the best test we’ve had this season.”
Crawford leads Lawrence County with 754 rushing yards and 15 TDs. Beau Ewing has 257 yards on the ground, while Julian Cox has 135 yards and Alexander Grymes has 101. Bryan Graebing has passed for 289 yards. Nick Polka has seven receptions for 223 yards.
“They have some skill and speed and toughness. We have to make sure we are disciplined and play in our own areas and don’t let them fool us,” Zmijanac said. “They have a very sophisticated offense. We really have to pay attention to details.”
(E-mail: ncsports@ncnewsonline.com).
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