Wheelersburg to host UPIKE

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For the second year in a row, the University of Pikeville (UPIKE) will hold its spring football game in Scioto County. The Bears will play their inner-squad scrimmage game at the historic Ed Miller Stadium in Wheelersburg, Ohio. The game will be open to the public, as well as to all high school football coaches and prospects.

“It’s just and inner-squad scrimmage between themselves,” Wheelersburg football coach Rob Woodward said. “It’s kind of a way for them to get out and practice, getting their team out and together at another facility.”

UPIKE used Wheelersburg’s facilities for the first time last year, and the event turned out great, sparking the return this Saturday, according to Woodward.

Gates will open at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the stadium, as the UPIKE Bears arrive to hold their 12th practice of the Spring. Two former Wheelersburg Pirate football players will be in action, along with several players from the Greenup County, Kentucky area.

Eddie Miller III, and Camron Parsley will return to Ed Miller Stadium, where they called home during their high school years.

Miller is a wide receiver for the Bears, who had significant playing time during the 2015 season. The then sophomore had 13 receptions for UPIKE, totaling 112 receiving yards, and a single touchdown.

“Eddie currently has an injury, and I don’t know if he’ll be participating this Saturday,” Woodward said. “As far as I know, Cam Parsley will be playing.”

Parsley was a redshirted-freshman last season, and made an impact during his time on the field. The 6-foot-2-inch linebacker had a total of 46 tackles last season, along with two sacks. He averaged a loss of eight yards per sack, and also forced two fumbles.

Joining the former Pirates will be Pavin Downs from Russell, KY, Lucas Bradley of Wurtland, KY, and Austin Perdue of Ashland, KY.

Downs is listed as a long snapper for the Bears, and was a sophomore last season.

Bradley was a freshman offensive linemen, who played for Raceland Worthington in high school.

Finally, rounding out the local talent on the UPIKE squad, the 6-foot-6-inch, 320 pound Perdue is also an offensive lineman, who just finished his freshman season this fall.

“They’ll scrimmage from about one until three,” Woodward said. “We kind of treat the team here and give them a place to get something to eat, and to get to know the coaching staff.

“It’s a way for them to get out and get the players exposed to travel, but it’s also great for southern Ohio to get exposed to the University of Pikeville.”

Woodward has been in contact with many area high school football coaches, and encouraging them to attend the event, as well as the public.

“Everyone is welcome, it’s free admission,” Woodward said. “It looks like we’re going to have some great weather, and we’re just hoping for a big turnout.”

UPIKE head football coach, Allan Holland Jr., has a direct tie to the Wheelersburg area, being the grandson of legendary Pirates football coach Ed Miller. Holland will be entering his third season as the head coach of the Bears, and his seventh overall season with the team.

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Bears will hold spring game Saturday

By Michael Hamilton [email protected]

Reach Michael Hamilton at 740-353-3101, ext 1931, or on Twitter @MikeHamilton82.

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