Story by Parker Stone
Berkeley Springs, W.Va – The key word to pull out of last year’s season of Berkeley Springs Football is “hope.” For much of the 2023 season, the Indians were on the receiving end of lopsided scorelines and trying to find ways to build an ounce of momentum.
October 28th of last year may prove to be that spark of hope and momentum that second-year Indians Head Coach Wes Eddy can take for a more successful 2024 iteration. A 27-21 victory over Braxton County was the first for Berkeley Springs in over 700 days and broke the longest active losing streak in West Virginia high school football at the time.
“That Saturday afternoon was our Super Bowl Sunday”, said Eddy, “The fact we had this place packed when we were 0-9 at the time speaks to the support you get at Berkeley Springs and it’s a very special place.”
Eddy when hired in 2023 initially wanted to take the Indian offense in a more run-centric approach with the Wing-T offense, but a decision was made mid-season to transition into more sets in a shotgun approach and that late change seems to be where the offense heads in 2024.
“We’re doing everything the same way we ended last year.” We throw the ball a lot more and I wanted to give Aidan Cain the protection he needed to get rid of the football. Now that we’re getting better up front we’re able to throw the ball a lot better,” said Eddy.
Senior Aidan Cain returns at quarterback for Berkeley Springs after starting all last year and parts of 2022 for the Indians. His top weapons in the offense look to be sophomore receiver Kyle Moore, junior tight end Adam Rippeon, and senior Landon Schetrompf who joins Indian football team this year to play a similar role to what Jonah Kirk did a year ago.
“Aiden Cain is a great athlete and can throw the ball all over the place. We’re counting on him as the face and focal point of our offense,” said Eddy. Eddy added about Moore: “Kyle Moore is smart, athletic, and puts the work in. We threw the ball deep to him in one of our first plays in our scrimmage two weeks ago and he caught it and about landed in the end zone. If attention goes to Kyle that will allow others to receive more open opportunity.”
The defensive side of the football has proven to be a sore spot for Berkeley Springs. Last year they gave up on average 49 points per game, but Eddy is encouraged with the 2024 outlook. Berkeley Springs did not allow any points in their scrimmage against South Huntington two weeks ago and Eddy expects a fun and aggressive defense in 2024.
“The kids have been taught a lot about defense from Paul Price who has coached in the Mountain East and the WVIAC since the 80s. We play a 3-4 that moves a lot, and the goal is to penetrate and get up the field. Some players moved positions, and our players have a lot of excitement and energy from not allowing any points in our scrimmage a couple weeks ago,” said Eddy.
With the graduation of kicker Axel Robles, senior DJ Hinckle will serve as the team’s kicker and punter.
Berkeley Springs will open their 2024 season at home against rival Petersburg Friday August 30th at 7 PM. You can hear every Berkeley Springs game on Cool 92.9 WXDC.
