Saturday, June 15 at Dayton, Ohio
Small school football and particularly the CCC gets a bad wrap in this day and age. There is a perception that Division VI and the CCC is weaker than the Divisions higher. In reality, there are quality players playing in the CCC and Division VI football. For those non-believers, the result of the North vs South All-Star game at Welcome Stadium on June 15 is proof that there are great football players in Division VI and the CCC.
On the home front, Covington Buccaneer's defensive back, Mike Molesky represented his school and community proudly by playing solid defense and special teams for the North team that won 44-15. Mike gave the spectators a glimpse of his hard hitting, aggressive defensive play that Bucc fans have become accustom to over the past few years. In a one sided affair, Mike saw action in at least half of the plays on defense. On one play, Molesky leveled a South ballcarrier that brought ooze and aahhs from the crowd. On another play, Mike closed in on an open receiver to break up a pass. Playing on the same field that he will play on in college, Molesky had a solid impact on a dominating defensive performance by the North All-Stars.
"This is fun," mentioned Molesky. "Everybody's a little faster and better than during the regular football season but I'm having a blast."
While Mike Molesky made an impact on defense, fellow CCC player, Brian Shoup of Bethel stole the show on offense. Brian was named game MVP after completing 18 of 25 passes for 331 yards and 4 touchdown passes. Brian also ran for 69 yards on eight carries and another touchdown of 42 yards as he led the North All-Stars to a record setting 44 points.
"There was a lot of pressure at first coming from a small school," described Brain Shoup. "Once I started playing I became relaxed and everything just click for us. I felt very comfortable back there."
Not only did these two players represent the CCC very well, they represented their families. A large contingent of Covington and Bethel supporters attended the game including Mike's parents and Brian's parents. Also, Covington coach Ted Peacock was in attendance and a few smiles appeared across his face as Mike took part in the action.
Normally Bethel and Covington are fierce rivals in all sports because both schools are competing for CCC supremacy but talking to the folks from Bethel gave a different perspective on the competitive situation.
"These kids (Brain and Mike) are such nice kids," commented Brain's mother. "They really got to know each other the past few weeks during the State Track meet and football practice to prepare for this game. Brain came home after practice one day and said that Mike Molesky is really a great guy. Brian has also known Josh Burelison and a few of the other Covington kids since they were about 11 or 12 from playing sports together and they are good friends. It's a shame all of the kids can't get to know each other because they are all such great kids. I know a lot of people from Covington and they have all been very nice."
Yes, in the grand scheme of things the rivalry between Bethel and Covington will go on because both schools represent the high quality of athelets in the CCC and Division VI. When the two teams battle on Friday nights we are all mortal enemies but when the final gun sounds we are all friends, and that's the way sports is supposed to be. Sometimes we need a Brian Shoup and a Mike Molesky to remind us all of that fact.
Strinking a blow for the CCC...
It was the kind of night you only dream of...being the starting quarterback in an all-star game. You're suddenly surrounded by players from schools much bigger than your own, and yet...you perform like you belong. The play dictates that you take your drop, make your read, make the throw....and bang...the catch is made and it's a touchdown. On top of that...you're voted game MVP at the end. Please don't wake me up from this dream. This is just too good!
Bethel's Brian Shoup had just such a game Saturday night in the Time Warner North-South All-Star Game played at Welcome Stadium. All Brian did was set a new game record for completion yards, throw for four touchdowns, score one himself on a fifty yard scamper from the pocket...and yes, he was selected as the most valuable player at game's end. What an irony for a youngster more noted for his accomplishments in basketball and baseball. A member of the 2001 Bethel state champs in basketball, Brian will attend Wright State come fall on a baseball grant.
"All I wanted to do was prove that a player from a small school could compete," said Shoup to reporters after the game. "I think there are a lot of guys from small schools who can play...if they get the chance. I'm happy for myself, naturally...but really feel good about my school and teammates."
Shoup's performance struck a blow for Division VI football, and for the oft-maligned Cross County Conference of which Bethel is a member school. His play did not go unnoticed by the North's coaching staff.
"We knew he would play the position...and get the ball into the hands of the right people," said North coach Lance Schneider, "but to do what he did under game conditions was remarkable. To see the field and be that accurate in delivering the ball was a lot of fun to watch."
Actually, a potential fifth touchdown was dropped at the goal line, but Brian wasn't grousing. "It's really great to throw to talent that can go get it like these guys can...and they didn't drop very many. This was a quarterback's dream."
Covington defensive back Mike Molesky also participated and did nothing to diminish his own reputation as a hard hitter, playing primarily in the second and fourth quarters. Miami East linebacker Kenny Sandlin also saw action with the North defense.
"It's a great way to wrap up your high school football career," said Sandlin, "and something to carry forward to college ball come September. I can't wait to have it happen." Sandlin, along with East teammates Josh Knoop and Dan Bently will attend Capital University this fall.
The game, though lopsided in score, was nonetheless entertaining, due in a large part to the performance of Shoup, who definitely left an impression on many of his teammates from larger schools. More than one congratulated him on his night of nights...and left wondering just what kind of football they play at Bethel and in the Cross County Conference. No one could have been happier than Ted Peacock whose record at Covington must be considered more seriously in light of Shoup's performance. And no one had to tell Ted Peacock about Brian Shoup. He already knew!
