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STEUBENVILLE -- Catholic Central and first-year coach Greg Bahen spent all summer thinking they were preparing for Cleveland East Tech on opening night. As it turns out, they’ve come into game week having to prepare for a new opponent.
After the Scarabs had to back out of Saturday’s scheduled game last week, the Crusaders athletic department got right to work and found a new opponent -- Lucas -- and the show will go on for opening night of the 2026 season.
“All summer we thought we were playing Cleveland East Tech,” Bahen said. “And we found out last week or a couple weeks ago that there was a possibility they would cance, and they did.
“Luckily we were able to find Lucas, who was in need of a game, they’re coming to us, so we get to keep our home game, which is huge.
“It’s short notice, and they run a very unique offense that would have been nice to know ahead of time. But they’re in the same boat, so no excuses we are going to strap it up and play.”
Being a new head coach already, dealing with a Week 1 opponent change has been an added wrinkle. And, a challenging opponent it is. The Cubs went 5-6 a year ago and, like Central, are coming off of a playoff season.
“They’re a proud program who has good playoff success,” Bahen said of the Cubs. “They made a deep run a few years ago, to the state final or final four. They just run a very, very unique offense that is hard to prepare for in a week. So it’ll be a good challenge for our kids.
“The best way to describe it, it’s foot-to-foot splits. It’s kind of old-school wing-T-ish. It’s very hard to find who has the ball. Up front, it’s like a rugby scrum on every play. They’re going to be physical. They’re going to come off the ball. If our linebackers don’t read our keys, it’ll be a long night because their guards do take you to the football, but they are trying to control the ball, control the clock, and slow the game down. So it’ll be very limited possessions.
“The game might take ten minutes, honestly, the way they play. We like to run the ball, too. So it’ll be a good match up. It all starts up front. So who can control that line of scrimmage will be huge.”
Aside from the opponent change and preparation, its a big night for Bahen as he will be coaching the Crusaders for the first time, making his debut at the school his uncle led to a lot of success.
“I’m very excited,” Bahen said. “A little nervous, but excited to get out there with the guys and go watch the work we put in all summer and see the result of that. We’ve been working hard. We’re getting better.
“I’m just excited for our kids that we have the opportunity to play with everything that’s happened, and obviously, being a first-time head coach, it’s my first game, so I’m definitely excited to go out there, compete and coach our kids.”
The opening kick Saturday night is set for 7 p.m.