Island is a great travel destination for Weir seniors
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
The Steubenville Herald-Star

WEIRTON - Eric Meek has done his share to help the Weir High Red Riders meet part of a dream.

Yes, winning Friday's West Virginia Class AA state championship is the ultimate goal, but one cannot win it unless they are playing in it.

Such was not the case the past two seasons for Weir.

The Red Riders lost last in the 2004 semifinals and 2003 quarterfinals to Bluefield, which will be their opponent in this year's title game. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Wheeling Island Stadium.

Weir's seniors are glad to be here after the previous two seasons.

Meek, the first-year head coach, has been glad to coach them.

"This is a very outstanding team, probably best high school team I have ever coached," Meek said after Monday's practice in what could be the last of the warn weather. "Our offensive line has been getting better each game.

"Our defense has been solid all year long. We need to get better. There is always room for improvement.

"I commend my players. They are outstanding. They have worked hard and bought into the system. They have done the little things that need to be done and have done them the right way.

"I'm really proud of this group."

Weir is happy to still be playing, something the school hasn't done this far into the season since 1998.

You name the player and this week is what all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears have been for.

Teams do not begin the season in August with two-a-days and immediately think of still playing the first weekend in December.

OK, they might think it, but coaching staffs will not allow it to be the all-consuming thoughts. After all, there have been 14 weeks of games (including one bye) to get to this point.

Meek took over the program last February.

"I'm fortunate to get another week to do that," Meek said of keeping the pads on the kids instead of putting the pads on the shelves. "Also, I appreciate the support I've gotten from the community and also from the players.

"This is a special group of kids, especially the seniors. I've only known them for 10 months, but it seems like 10 years.

"It's going to be a special thing this week because they know it's their last game together. I told them today what a better way to finish off their season than to be in the state championship."

Ticket information

Pre-sale tickets for the game may be purchased at Weir High School, Heights Entertainment or Penn Way Pharmacy through noon Friday. Cost is $5 for students and $7 for adults. All tickets at the gate will be $7.

Community pep rally

A community pep rally for the football team will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Weir High gym.