West Branch’s McNeely airs it out

By MARK W. MILLER

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

BELOIT — West Branch’s veteran quarterback Steve McNeely sent signals throughout the area last Friday that last year’s successful passing attack appears even better.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound McNeely lit up the scoreboard, throwing for 347 yards and six touchdowns as the Warriors defeated Southeast 48-0 to open the season.

It was the second straight year that McNeely, a three-year letterman, threw for six TDs against the Pirates. Last season, the Warriors prevailed in a 55-41 shootout.

Both of those performances tied a school record. Matt Rycraft, who went on to play at Youngstown State, also threw six TD passes in a game, in 2001.

A 4.0 student, McNeely is on the verge of setting some of the school’s career records.

Good receivers

Last Friday McNeely’s four primary wide receivers were juniors Jase Uyselt (5-10, 170); Chad Butcher (6-1, 160); Eric Bates (6-0, 170), and senior Jeremiah James (6-1, 175).

Uyselt caught TD passes from McNeely covering 54, 19 and 34 yards, while James caught 17 and 6-yard TD strikes and Butcher one for 20 yards.

“I’ve got confidence in all four of them and they make catches that make me look good,” said McNeely. “We try to mix it up to keep our opponents off balance.

“It was a good feeling to come out and do that in our opener, knowing that all of our hard work in the offseason paid off,” he added.

West Branch coach Bob Altenhof also credited the offensive line.

“We did a good job of protecting the quarterback,” said West Branch coach Bob Altenhof. “We didn’t make mistakes and put some points on the board.”

Altenhof, in his third season said, “The men worked three days a week all summer on timing, throwing and catching the ball. They have a lot of experience, the chemistry is there and they get along well together on and off the field.”

Impressive last season

McNeely completed 242-of-424 passes for 3,207 yards and 30 TDs a year ago as West Branch posted a 6-4 mark, including 3-4 in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference.

He also played guard on the basketball team and was a shortstop, batting .385 last spring for the baseball team. He hasn’t made up his mind where he wants to go to college.

The Warriors travel to Beaver Local Friday for what should be a good non-league matchup. The Beavers trounced East Liverpool 48-7 last week.

“Beaver is very big, strong and has a couple of fast guys in the backfield,” said Altenhof.

“We have a tough NBC schedule ahead and Beaver Local will be one of our toughest Fridays.”

miller@vindy.com