A Comeback for the Ages
The Maroon Knights entered their season opener against Steubenville with high expectations, but the match quickly turned into a test of resilience as they fell behind early.
After dropping two goals in the first half, Wheeling Central answered with a swift equalizer, shifting the momentum and forcing Steubenville to regroup.
The turning point arrived midway through the second half when Loni Kusic struck twice from long range, completing a hat trick that put the Knights ahead.
Jaylin Crites of Steubenville added two goals of his own and nearly completed a hat trick, keeping the Blue Devils within striking distance for much of the game.
In goal, Jodeci Green made nine saves for Wheeling Central, while Bella Fitzsimmons turned away four shots for Steubenville, preserving the narrow lead.
Wheeling Central outshot Steubenville 14‑6 overall, with the majority of those attempts coming after the break as the Knights pressed for insurance.
Both coaching staffs made tactical adjustments during the game, tweaking defensive alignments to curb the opponent’s scoring chances.
Looking Ahead to a Rematch
The victory sets up a much‑anticipated rematch with Lincoln in Shinnston on Tuesday, a team that challenged the Knights in last year’s state championship.
Coach and teammates alike praised the squad’s composure under pressure, noting that the win underscores their intent to defend the West Virginia Class A/AA title.