WHEELING - West Virginia head coach Doug Taylor believes his Mountaineer squad could be able to throw the ball quite well because of the solid group of receivers to go along with established quarterbacks.
Taylor, Madonna's head coach, plans on opening things up somewhat at the 67th-annual Rudy Mumley Ohio Valley Athletic Conference All-Star Charity Football Classic July 29 at Wheeling Island Stadium.
"With these receivers and quarterbacks, we're going to throw the ball up and let these kids go get it," Taylor said. "These kids are well-established and they've got good hands and good speed. We're going to get the ball into their hands and see what they can do."
Here's a capsule look at the players:
JEFF HISSAM, Oak Glen - This former Golden Bear got it done in all three phases for former head coach Tony Filberto.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pounder made 25 receptions for 530 yards and nine touchdowns.
He had 908 yards and six touchdowns in the return game. He was also a standout in the secondary.
Hissam was a first-team all-state and all-OVAC pick. He was also produced a WTOV-TV Electrifying Play of the Week.
The son of Tina Hissam of Chester is unsure of his future plans.
ERIK GOMPERS, Wheeling Central - This former Maroon Knight played linebacker and fullback for the Knights, but will see time at tight end for the Mountain State stars.
The 6-2, 175-pounder was the lead blocker for the vaunted Knights' ground game. He was a defensive leader en route to earning co-MVP honors for the season.
Along with football, Gompers is a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society and he's active in several community service projects.
The son of Tom and Sarah Gompers of Wheeling plans to attend West Virginia University.
BOO LATHON, Wheeling Park - This former Patriot had big-play capability for Patriots' head coach Chris Daugherty.
The 6-3, 205-pounder made 42 catches for 480 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. He was chosen to play in the West Virginia North-South Game.
Along with football, Lathon was a standout for the Patriots' basketball team, earning West Virginia Class AAA State Player of the Year.
He was also first-team all-OVAC and played in the OVAC All-Star Game.
The son of Demetrius and Constina Lathon of Wheeling will attend West Liberty University.
KEVIN MINEHART, Morgantown - This former Mohigan wore many hats for head coach John Bowers last season.
Minehart was a second-team all-stater after seeing time at wide receiver, running back, defensive back and kick and punt returner.
The son of Samuel and Jennifer Minehart of Morgantown plans to attend Alderson-Broaddus College to play football.
