By Nate Beutel
In the midst of a three-game winning streak and perhaps the best season since Niagara Falls and LaSalle High Schools merged in 2000, the Wolverines were dealt a tough hand earlier this week.
Starting quarterback Bruce Hartinger was suspended from school indefinitely Tuesday following his arrest on charges of third-degree assault. He is also suspended from the football team, coach Dan Bass said Wednesday.
Tailback Dale Stewart began taking reps at quarterback with the first-team offense on Tuesday and Bass decided Wednesday that he will start Friday’s Class AA North game against Williamsville North at Hyde Park Stadium.
“He gives us the best chance to win,” Bass said.
Stewart, the younger brother of former NFHS and UB standout James Starks, leads the Falls in rushing yards and touchdowns this fall. Justin Healy will be the backup, Bass said.
NFHS is currently 3-1 overall and 2-0 in Class AA North play. With a win Friday, it can clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2005.
The final two weeks of the regular season include matchups with unbeaten North Tonawanda and a solid Lockport squad.
