FEATURED PHOTO CREDITS: THE WV NEWS

Another Day Another Dollar

One week after a dramatic win, Wheeling Park continued with the momentum.  Taking on out-of-state Cambridge, Alex Dunlevy tossed four scores while Kenya Robinson nearly ran for 200 yards.  They were never slowed on offense, and though the defense ended up surrendering 29 points, the Patriots cruised to a 56-29 win to stay undefeated.  Also undefeated, Martinsburg stretched their win streak to 33 games (one shy of the state record) and did so in convincing fashion.  Academy Park (PA) is probably the best team the Bulldogs have seen this year.  Though they hung around, Grant Harman’s passing and takeaways by the defense kept Academy Park at bay until they pulled within eight in the second quarter.  Cue consecutive takeaways by Michael Boaitey and Asa Creamer-Gaskins, and another Harman TD pass and Dewayne Grantham run, and they kept their distance eventually to 41-20 victory.  Another panhandle AAA kept a zero in the loss column.  Though Musselman started slow, holding a five-point lead after the first, the usual suspects of Tre Beard III and Blake Hartman quickly exploded in the second.  Despite an impressive passing performance by Princeton’s Ranson Graham, the Applemen were too much with Hartman’s five touchdowns to win 61-28.

4-1’s

In Hedgesville, the Eagles took on out-of-state James Wood.  Early scoring between Owie Ash and N’iyjere Smith had them take a quick lead.  Though James Wood fought back into it, they could never get within shooting distance of the high-flying Eagles.  They would move onto 4-1 with the 45-20 win as Malakai Brown had yet another 150+ yards receiving and two more touchdown grabs.  Ripley also took care of business to move to 4-1 while holding Brooke to -8 yards rushing.  RJ Evans was the main horse of a team that rushed for nearly 400 yards.  Evans had 174 and five touchdown rushes.  They never let Brooke quite in the game with a 42-14 victory.  Though many have criticized their schedule, their lone loss to Parkersburg South looks more respectable every week.

Building Steam

In Morgantown, the Mohigans hosted one of the more interesting games this season against Linsly Prep out of Wheeling.  The first half of this matchup saw a defensive chess match, standing 7-7 going into intermission.  The third quarter held much more excitement including a 96-yard pick six by Ty Konchesky, a Cameron Rice TD run, and also another score by Jace Whetsell.  Linsly, however, would score three straight to tie it up at 28 in the fourth.  Though Morgantown’s John McConnell missed a time expiring 53-yard field goal to win, he got another shot in the first overtime as he won it in dramatic fashion 31-28.  In another interesting result, Parkersburg South sent a message in a complete domination of John Marshall.  The team we expected to see earlier has now arrived.  The offensive trio of Brayden Mooney, Dylan Day, and Nick Yoho was firing all night which accounted for all five touchdowns in this 35-7 victory.

Dogfights and Blowouts

In Petersburg, the undefeated Vikings laid host to a Weir team coming off a heartbreaking loss.  With Tyler Komorowski still out on offense, the Red Riders offense doesn’t fire as much as the first few games.  Petersburg played them tough and with a mostly running battle on both sides, the score changed multiple times with Weir taking an 18-15 lead into the half.  Rushing by Donovan Kirby, who finished with 178 yard and three scores, and Reed Reitters’ field goals ultimately distanced them from Petersburg who saw Jacob Hartman and Doug Morral be their two lone scorers.  A strong defensive performance by both yet Weir would take it 25-15.  Fairmont Senior hosted AAA University and gave us another statement performance.  Connor Neal tossed three touchdowns, including the first play of the game, mostly to his main man JD Smith who totaled 155 and two scores.  Rhett Heston impressed at running back as well.  The Polar Bear defense terrorized Logan Holgorsen, who led several promising drives with big passes to Evan Parow, but three interceptions and a bend-and-don’t-break Fairmont Senior defense held them to 7.  A very telling 50-7 win.

Instant Classic

What do you think was going through Keyser’s head being down 17 in the third quarter one week after erasing a 26-point deficit?  We don’t know if they will ever share the secret.  Despite Jefferson’s Corbin Pierson tallying three scores to have them up 24-7, the Golden Tornado were ready to come back.  As they did against Weir, they shutdown the Cougar offense while Brady Clay and Caden Biser went to work.  The comeback was capped off by Aaron Lyons whose run put them ahead 31-24- where it would stay.  Keyser moves onto 3-1 while Jefferson falls to 0-5.  Another AA thriller saw Bridgeport take on a hungry Robert C. Byrd.  It was a back and forth battle all night which starred top state runners Jake Bowen and Ghovan Davidson.  Bowen, who finished with 255 yards and five touchdowns, was the ultimate difference maker as his final score put the game on ice at 41-35 despite the Eagles leading for a lot of the game.  A hard fought match up front and a game where the smallest of mistakes were the difference.

Single A’s Stay Unbeaten

Cameron continues to prove their dominance.  Taking on 3-1 Madonna, they ran away with it early.  Another big performance by Andrew Ritchea had the Dragons on all cylinders early.  Perhaps the best stat is that Cameron forced six turnovers- five being interceptions.  Matthew and Andrew Ritchea combined for five touchdowns in their 46-0 win.  Another crazy statistic, Wheeling Central has given up 7 points all year.  Holding worthy opponent Fayetteville to 44 yards, the Wheeling Central defense was amazing.  Though the Pirates played tough defense, behind Curtis McGhee III, Braden Price, and Vinny Mangino- the Maroon Knight offense would stretch this to a 33-0 win.  Tucker County claimed another big win over AA Philip Barbour.  The tough defense held them to zero points which was just enough win by 10 and stay undefeated.

Contenders

Did anyone miss Hunter America after his bye week?  There was plenty to go around this week.  The state leading rusher despite playing four games, breaks into the 1000 yard mark behind 373 yards and five scores.  The Ritchie County Rebels, who have impressed this far, were in the ball park behind a strong passing performance by Tatem McCloy.  However, the Bulldog offense was too unforgiving in their 41-12 win.  Williamstown and Magnolia also continue to show their worth as they move to 4-1 and 3-2, respectively, behind pretty hard schedules.  The Yellowjacketss dominated Buffalo 66-13 with Carter Haynes showing out again.  Magnolia’s QB, Patrick Mirandy, was also instrumental in  their 28-6 victory over Frontier (OH).  They will make treks into Ohio two more weeks.

Notables

Lewis County continues to rise as they have won three straight easily after opening up with losses to Bridgeport and Fairmont Senior.  Their 41-7 victory of AAA Preston can be accredited much to another big showing by RB Marshall Hobbs.  Frankfort moves to 5-0 and borders the very exclusive top ten after yet another dynamite performance by Dalton Pollock and Nick Marley.  Parkersburg held off Marietta (OH) 41-28 behind 230 yards rushing by Tyler Moler and both Brenton Strange and Braeden Mason had over 100 yards receiving.  Pendleton County and Spring Mills both fell to out-of-state opponents.  Parkersburg Catholic moves to 5-0 behind their ferocious running back Ty Sturm.  And, Moorefield defeated South Harrison 46-7 to snap their former longest losing streak in the state.  Ironically, the streak had started with a blowout loss to the Hawks several years ago.

AAA Player of the Week: Blake Hartman (Musselman)

AA Player of the Week: Jake Bowen (Bridgeport)

A Player of the Week: Hunter America (Doddridge County)

FEATURED PHOTO CREDITS: DARRELLE BURDETTE (FAYETTE TRIBUNE)

Just Keep Winning…
The Capital Cougars faced a test last week as they took on a Parkersburg team that has been gaining momentum. The Big Reds jumped out to an early lead, but a pair of Kerry Martin Jr. touchdown passes quickly ended that. Chance Knox had another big game for the Cougars, but it was Deshaun James’ 175 yards that helped Capital come out on top 35-22.  Huntington continue their undefeated season as they rolled over the Flying Eagles of Woodrow Wilson.  The Highlander defense came up huge Friday night as they held the Woodrow scoreless in the first half while simultaneously tacking on 34 points of their own. Behind Tajhan Blackwell’s four touchdowns, Huntington cruised to a 47-14 victory. The Timberwolves of Spring Valley met with a struggling South Charleston team last week, but three first half fumbles put them into trouble early. After correcting their mistakes, the Timberwolves battled back and secured a 13-7 halftime lead. The Black Eagles would not capture the lead again as Spring Valley anchored behind their big offensive line and steamrolled their way to another victory 42-14.

MSAC Surprise
The Redskins got their first win over a “AAA” program in Week 4 as they upset #6 Cabell Midland in dominating fashion. The Knights did not see the scoreboard until the second quarter and by then they were already facing a 16-point deficit. The Hurricane defense proved unstoppable for the remainder of the night as they held Cabell Midland to only 10 total points on the game. Nathan Roy threw for four ouchdowns and Christian Hill ran for 147 yards as the Redskins secured the win 40-10 and move to 2-2 on the season. Even though Ivan Vaughn did get to 187 yards on the ground, the spread scheme of Cabell Midland never caught fire. Now, Hurricane will get into the less brutal part of their schedule as the Scarlet Knights prepare to head into their toughest stretch.

 
Undefeated AAs
Juice Edwards and the Bluefield Beavers continued their quest for back-to-back championships in game four as they routed a “AAA” team for the second week in a row. This time it was the Greenbrier East Spartans that found themselves in the Beavers’ path of destruction. Their defense played “lights-out” holding the Spartans scoreless to the half, and their offense was as fierce as ever putting up 49 behind Edwards’ three touchdowns. The Beavers cruised to a 62-7 win.  The Grizzlies kept rolling last week as they met with a struggling Lincoln team. Another spectacular display of defense was on display in Summersville as Nicholas County was able to hold the Cougars to under 100 yards of total offense in Thursday’s contest while Jacob O’Dell racked up 136 yards himself. Handing Lincoln their third straight loss (41-6), the Grizzlies move to 4-0 on the season. The Red Devils of Oak Hill are also staying hot as they managed to squeak out a close one in Wyoming County last week. In an absolute battle with Wyoming East, Oak Hill managed to put up 48 points. This was mainly due to the dynamic duo of Abe Farrow and Khori Bass. Bass rushed for 127 yards and added 100 more in the air, 95 of which were to Farrow. Farrow went for 128 on the ground to help elevate the Red Devils to a 48-47 in dramatic fashion.

 
Gunslinger Dual
When the Miners started their season with a loss, there was never really any doubt they would be able to get it back on track. Last week, Mingo Central traveled to Sissonville to take on the undefeated Indians. In what turned out to be a thrilling meeting between the two teams, they combined for a total of 927 offensive yards. Daylin Goad led the way for Mingo Central in last weeks contest as he threw for 328 yards and six total touchdowns. Brothers Drew and Devin Hatfield were Goad’s main targets as Drew racked up 126 and Devin 105 yards receiving, as well as a pair of touchdowns each.  In the end, Sissonville’s Will Hackney mounted a comeback drive and got down to the Mingo 15-yard line, but the Miner defense stood tall and held on for the 39-36 win.

 
Winless No More…
The Pioneers of Wayne have finally picked up their first victory of 2018 with the defeat of the Winfield Generals. The two teams were pretty even on the stat sheet, as there was only a two-yard difference in yardage gained, but the scoreboard told another story. The Generals were able to drive on Wayne, but bad snaps, fumbles, and penalties plagued them all night long. The Pioneers did a better job of seizing their opportunities as Isaac Dean found the endzone on three separate occasions to help them pull away. Despite having two 100 yard rushers in Covert and Brooks, the Generals were held to only nine points and the Pioneers went on to earn their first win of the year 28-9. Also, James Monroe took out unbeaten PikeView for their first win of the season after bouncing back from a crushing loss and long drive.

 
“A” Domination
The Knights of Mount View seem unstoppable in 2018 as their victory train just keeps moving. Last week they faced the Summers County Bobcats, a team that has been close to victory many times, but unable to snatch it up. The Knights found themselves trailing in the first half, but Elijah Barner had other plans. In the second half, Mount View was able to hold the Bobcats scoreless as Barner used 160 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to lift the Knights to 34-13 win. In their final season, the Fayetteville Pirates are looking to go out with a bang. Last week, Meadow Bridge came to Fayetteville and gave the Pirates their best shot. A close game at the half, 14-13, it was all Fayetteville in the second. Jordan Dempsey carried the ball 17 times in the contest and had 180 yards and four touchdowns to show for it. In addition to Logan Frantz’s 120 yards, the Pirates were able to defeat the Wildcats 38-16 and remain undefeated. Also, in what many thought would be a close game, the Patriots dominated last week as they made short work of the Richwood Lumberjacks. Midland Trail can attribute this victory to their linemen who were able to get six different players into the endzone last week. Quarterback Austin Isaacs accounted for most of the yardage with 220 all purpose yards and two touchdowns. With the 44-8 victory, the undefeated Patriots will travel to Valley (Fayette) in Week 5 to meet with the greyhounds.

Notables
George Washington has improved to 2-2 after decimating the Dragons of St. Albans 69-0 last week. One can’t help but feel as if the Patriots have something to prove. The Dots move to 4-0 after last week’s thumping of the Logan Wildcats, but they’re now getting into the challenging part of their schedule, and we will see if the Dots are really back. The third 30 point victory of the year for Cason Payne and the Big Blacks keeps them undefeated, and we expect to see more of the same in the coming weeks. With the defeat of a winless “A” team, Clay County moves them to 3-0. With some subpar teams up ahead, Clay County may be able to stay unbeaten for a while. The Shady Tigers defeated rival Independence last week by capitalizing on turnovers throughout. Shady moves to 3-1 and will play host to PikeView next week. In a 2OT grinder, Webster County pulled out the win over Greenbrier West. This moves the Highlanders to 2-2 with undefeated Mount View on the schedule for Week 5.

AAA Player of the Week: Nathan Roy (Hurricane)

AA Player of the Week: Daylin Goad (Mingo Central)

A Player of the Week: Jordan Dempsey (Fayetteville)

FEATURED PHOTO CREDITS: THE INTELLIGENCER (WHEELING NEWS-REGISTER) 

Top AAA’s Dominate

Make it 32 straight for the #1 Bulldogs.  Though many had excitement for Spring Mills’ offense behind prolific sophomore QB Keon Padmore-Johnson, they wouldn’t even score a point.  Instead it was Grant Harman going 6/7 with two touchdowns alongside and multiple ground scores by Naieem Kearney that had this game over early.  Padmore-Johnson finished with 48 total yards while the Bulldog’s RJ Barrett had four sacks and a punt block score.  56-0.  In another panhandle showdown, it was the #8 Hedgesville run game that showed out which had four first half touchdowns by four different players.  Malakai Brown, of course, had to get two touchdown snags in the second half to ultimately blowout Jefferson 42-6.  Also, Morgantown finally got back into the state after two close losses to out-of-state powerhouses.  Their trials proved worthy as they dominated Brooke early and often with tough running especially by go-to back Ty Konchesky who had two scores.  This was never a question.  63-6.  It was #7 John Marshall this week that stumbled out-of-state to Bellaire (OH).

Classic at Mylan 

Morgantown hosted one of the best Week Four matchups around the state in #5 Wheeling Park travelling to #10 University.  The game went as expected with the Patriots establishing a tough ground game behind Alex Dunlevy and Kenya Robinson.  Though they scored on runs often, it was Logan Holgorsen’s performance that stole the show.  In a game where he ran for his life every play from blitzing fiends Dylan Wood and Jermain Snodgrass, he had numerous highlight plays breaking tackles and launching bombs.  Amir Richardson and Evan Parow were constant targets.  With the game in the fourth, it was a one-handed snag and huge run by Parow that gave University a 38-26 lead with minutes left.  A quick Park score brought it within a score.  Holgorsen converted a third down which seemed to put the game on ice.  However, a fumble ensued.  With the momentum full swing, Robinson tumbled his way to the endzone quickly taking a 39-38 lead.  One last chance for the Hawks but Holgorsen was strip sacked by Snodgrass, and it was taken back into the endzone as  the Patriots stormed the field.  A hard loss.  45-38.

North Central Blowouts

Well, if there was any doubt about how good Connor Neal and #2 Fairmont Senior is- it is probably gone.  Despite both starting backs out, Neal would throw for over 300 yards yet again along with four touchdowns in a thumping of #4 Bridgeport.  The Indians’ Bowen was a good workhorse tallying 147 yards and both touchdowns, but it was nowhere enough for the prolific and efficient Polar Bear offense.  45-14.  #9 Robert C. Byrd, recovering from their battle with the Polar Bears, has found their stride.  Versus AAA Preston, RB Ghovan Davidson had 150 yards and four scores… four minutes into the second quarter. With multiple rushers over 100, the Eagles seemed very comfortable in a big 69-14 win.

Panhandlers Come Through Late

After a controversial Week 3 with no game and questions looming over their playoff eligibility, Petersburg took on AAA Hampshire.  Tied 14-14 after one, the Trojans would jump out to a two touchdown lead.  However, big plays by Jacob Hartman and Zach Wampler pushed the game back to a tie going into the fourth.  There, with little time left, Wampler would break off for a huge score and important win for the now 3-1 Vikings.  35-28.  After a classic win over James Monroe, #5 Weir hosted a dangerous Keyser team.  Though Tyler Komorowski sat out, Sebastian Spencer filled in at QB greatly and tag-teaming with Donovan Kirby, it was all Red Riders in the first half and into the second early- they were up 40-14.  However, there’s a reason the game is four quarters.  Caden Biser capped off a mid-third quarter drive which also had a successful two-point conversion.  40-22.  A quick Red Rider fumble turned into a 24-yard score by Brady Clay but a missed conversion.  40-28.  Then, despite all luck, Weir muffed the kick return which had Keyser drive and let Clay score yet again and make it 40-34 going into the fourth.  After defensive stalemates, Ryan Shoemaker made a leaping pick and return which set up another Biser running touchdown and game-leading extra point.  41-40.  Though the Red Riders had one last shot, the momentum was too much.  Keyser pulled off the incredible 26-point comeback.

Unexpected 4-0’s

Tucker County has quickly shifted up in the ranks and remains undefeated after a close win with now the new holder of the longest losing streak: Moorefield.  It took some late stops and two scores through the air by Liam Hood to hold off the Yellow Jackets.  A late run by Cole Rapp ultimately allowed them to keep the lead and win 19-17 and move to 4-0.  Also a team grabbing the state’s attention is Parkersburg Catholic.  Taking on Wirt County, a big second quarter by top eight rusher Ty Sturm had the Crusaders sitting pretty.  The Crusader defense also impressed, holding the Tigers to eight points.  Sturm would finish with 232 on the ground and several scores.  They now move to 4-0 with the 38-8 victory.

Playing for Second

#4 Williamstown laid host to #8 Ravenswood in a potential classic Single A showdown.  However, the Yellowjackets controlled this game from the absolute get-go.  With four passing touchdowns by Carter Haynes in the air and in the first half, Williamstown took an early commanding lead.  The Red Devil offense could never get much and fell into a 41-0 deficit.  Despite some late drives, the Yellowjackets walked out impressively with a 55-19 victory.  #5 Cameron continued their domination too with six touchdowns between QB and RB Aidan Lucey and Andrew Ritchea, respectively.  They would win 40-14 over Frontier (OH) and move to 4-0 on the season.

Notables

In a surprising game, Philip Barbour upset Liberty (Harrison) behind over 200 yards and four scores by RB Chase Collier.  Oak Glen shocked an undefeated Grafton team with 197 yards on the ground by Gage Patterson and five scores through the air by Nick Chaney.  Tyler Consolidated is clicking after some tough early losses with a big game by Mark Rucker and Griffin Phillips as they thumped Calhoun County 47-6.  Ritchie County surprised many with a 24-21 win over St. Marys and now sit at 3-1.  Frankfort moved to 4-0 behind their trusty backs in a demolition of Berkeley Springs.  Finally, THE STREAK IS OVER.  After 50 games lost straight and being winless since 2010, the Hundred Hornets travelled hours away to Hannan High School and got the 42-26 win!  Incredible and an awesome story for a school they had suffered greatly from depopulation and the 2015 floods.  Congratulations!

AAA Player of the Week: Evan Parow (University)

AA Player of the Week: Connor Neal (Fairmont Senior)

A Player of the Week: Carter Haynes (Williamstown)