FEATURED PHOTO CREDITS: KYLE JENKINS (WV NEWS)

Panhandle Blowouts and Classics
#1 Martinsburg went for the state record tying 36 consecutive wins Friday against the #8 Hedgesville Eagles. It was never much in question as the Bulldogs easily outmatched them- jumping out early. Early touchdown passes from Grant Harman to Chelo Teneval and Jarod Bowie, a Naieem Kearney score, and a Harman run all had them up in the blink of an eye. Hedgesville’s offense never mustered much at all- giving Kearney, Harman, Bowie, and also Elijah Banks to all score in the second quarter. They were up 48-0 at the break. Harman tossed one more score to Teddy Marshall (his fourth of the day) before coming out. Hedgesville managed 58 yards of total offense in the 69-3 shalacking. In a much closer matchup, #5 Musselman traveled to #9 Wheeling Park in a panhandle crossover game. After impressive defensive performances by both last week, it was the offenses that clicked. Alex Dunlevy had the Patriots up early with three first half passing scores. The Applemen never were too far behind with great passing by Tre Beard and all-purpose plays by Blake Hartman. Wheeling Park held a 35-33 lead late after another Dunlevy score but Blake Hartman capped off the third Musselman score in the fourth quarter with under a minute left to win 41-35 an stay unbeaten.

All Hail Parkersburg
Parkersburg South hosted Morgantown in what would become a statement game. The Patriots, with only two losses, showed the felt disrespect and dismantled a low morale Mohigan squad. The Patriot offense slowly but surely grinded away at Morgantown behind the legs of Nick Yoho and Brayden Mooney. Morgantown’s offense stayed under pressure constantly and could never get a drive going. Going up 14-0 at the half, Yoho and Mooney scored each one more time. Though Ty Konchesky brought it within 28-7, a safety and late pick six by Yoho ultimately put the nail in this statement game coffin 35-7. Another hotstreak team in Parkersburg, the Big Reds gave it to a good Hurricane ball club. The everchanging but effective Parkersburg offense featured Tyler Moler and Jake Johnson using their feet early and often. Hurricane, who was without head coach Jeremy Taylor after last week’s ejection, stayed close with big early turnovers by the defense. They led early after a Nathan Roy TD run, but after that runs by Johnson (who had three scores), Brenton Strange, and Moler kept Hurricane well out of distance. Parkersburg continues to impress after the 38-14 victory.

Top AA’s Roll
#1 Fairmont Senior continued the most impressive conquest in AA with a demolition of AAA Preston. By halftime, Kennedy Award favorite Connor Neal already five passing scores while the defense and special teams also found ways to score. They were up 57-0 at the half to Preston’s 24 yards of offense. It would finish 64-0. #4 Bridgeport put up an impressive performance behind usual suspect Jake Bowen. The senior runningback had 179 yards and two touchdowns in their 35-0 win over Elkins. Their defense had three takeaways in to preserve the shutout. Keyser was on the ropes all game with out-of-state Allegany (MD). A late first half touchdown pass from Ryan Shoemaker and Reggie Redman helped give them a one a score lead. It took a second half Golden Tornado defense to step up and allow Brady Clay to chunk away on offense. With Allegany still within reach in the fourth, another Shoemaker-Redman touchdown put the game on ice to seal the win for Keyser 33-20.

Important AA Wins
#9 Weir handled their business against an outmatched Ohio-based Edison team. Two touchdowns early in the game had them jump out quick- both runs by Donovan Kirby. Behind the awaited return of star Tyler Komorowski. Sebastian Spencer stayed in at quarterback, though, where he tossed for 171 and two scores. The lead was built earl6 and the game was never much in question as they won 47-15.  In an expected close bout, Frankfort dominated Petersburg.  The usual prolific Viking offense never quite found their footing as the Falcons’ Dalton Pollock and Nick Marley were all over them on the offense.  The lead was built early on the ground and never seemed to close despite some eventual scores by Petersburg.  The 48-20 victory pushes Frankfort to one loss on the season and raises eyebrows on how good they might be.

Undefeated A’s Stay Unbeaten
#1 Wheeling Central put on perhaps their most impressive performance yet. Behind a ton of all-purpose yards by Curtis McGhee III with four total scores and another 100-yard pick six by Braden Price- Martins Ferry (OH) never had a shot. The impressive defense had an early safety as well as several takeaways. Martins Ferry only scored late in the fourth- losing 43-7. #2 Doddridge County continued their dominance with a shutout victory over Ravenswood. Stat monster Hunter America tallied 230 yards on 31 carries for three touchdowns. Tanner Lett and Griffin Devericks kept the Red Devil defense on their heels as well with an efficient passing game. The defense smothered and the Bulldogs stay undefeated. #5 Cameron lived up to the billing. The well-sized line paved the way for Andrew Ritchea- who ran all over Clay-Battelle. The pass game was there too. However, it was the defense that shined in a dominating fashion. Noah Neely pulled in his eighth pick of the year also in their 42-0 reckoning.  Parkersburg Catholic ran into their toughest test to date.  Riding Jeb Boice and Ty Sturm (who combined for over 50 carries), it was an absolute dogfight with Notre Dame all after the Crusaders jumped out to a 22-0 lead.  Holding on late, it was their duo of runningbacks that kept the Irish at bay and preserve their perfect record with a 35-28 win.

Big Contender Wins

#3 Williamstown came into their home matchup against Warren Local (OH) missing star runningback Donathan Taylor.  Stepping in his place was Ty Moore.  The offense started slow with stalled out drives and several turnovers.  Warren also began moving the ball quite well too.  Only being up 14-7, the Yellowjackets began leaning on Ty Moore for a slew of tough and long drives.  Through the third and fourth, Moore’s running helped stretched the lead while motivating the defense to keep Warren scoreless the rest of the game.  Moore would finish with 228 yards and four touchdowns in their 33-13 win.  In Magnolia’s rivalry game against St. Marys, it was very one-sided.  It was Patrick Mirandy’s feet that were on display this week instead of his arm.  Early big runs by him and Jason Beisel had them up 28-0 at the end of the first.  Mirandy’s arm also came into play through the second and third as he tossed three touchdowns (five total).  The Blue Eagle defense held the Blue Devils to only slightly over 100 yards of offense in the 41-7 whooping.

Notables

Liberty (Harrison) remains in the playoff race after a thumping over winless East Fairmont.  TuckerCounty fell 35-14 to out-of-state Southern Garrett (MD).  It was only their second loss of the season.  Lewis County forced five turnovers to remain in the playoff race over equally desperate North Marion.  A big and impressive 23-6 victory.  University appreciated the return of Logan Holgorsen- who had a great return in their thumping of Buckhannon-Upshur 46-19.  Finally, John Marshall moved to 5-2 with a 42-14 win over Brooke.  They now prepare for a very important game with hotseat Morgantown this next week.

AAA Player of the Week: Blake Hartman (RB) Musselman
AA Player of the Week: Connor Neal (QB) Fairmont Senior
A Player of the Week: Curtis McGhee III (QB) Wheeling Central

FEATURED PHOTO CREDITS: THELEVISALAZER.COM

Elite AAA Defenses

The Timberwolves, coming off a win over previously undefeated Capital, played host to the Riverside Warriors in Week 7.  Riverside was coming off of a well fought loss to Cabell Midland, but was not able to muster the same strength against Spring Valley as the dominating line play of the Timberwolves proved to be too much to handle once again.  With the starters in, Riverside couldn’t muster a play past six yards.  The Thanks to early touchdowns by Graeson Malashevich, they cruised easily into the last stretch.  However, they must face “AA” powerhouse Point Pleasant and the undefeated Huntington Highlanders before they can reach the perfect season they are hoping for. Speaking of the Highlanders, the Huntington defense was on display last week as they were able to hold Hurricane star Christian Hill to under 40 yards rushing on the night. The Highlanders were without their workhorse running-back Wilcoxon, but by neutralizing the Redskins’ main offensive weapon, they were able to keep rolling by securing the 34-21 victory and remaining undefeated.

Playoff Hopefuls
The Black Eagles finally secured their first victory of the season in Week 7 as they defeated their MSAC opponent Woodrow Wilson in dramatic fashion.  A Joseph Wells field goal had Beckley ahead 3-0 at the half, but the momentum shifted when South Charleston’s Shaun Agard took the opening kick of the second half 90 yards for a Black Eagle touchdown and the lead. Woodrow Wilson battled back late scoring two third quarter touchdowns, but South Charleston ultimately escaped Beckley with their first win, 28-23 behind the run game of Zeiqui Lawton. The Cabell Midland Knights hit another speed bump in their road to the “AAA” playoffs last week as they fell to out of state powerhouse Belfry, Kentucky. Cabell Midland’s nearby rivals the Huntington Highlanders defeated Belfry by 8 in their season opener. With the 36-28 loss, the Knights fall to 3-4 and with three MSAC opponents remaining, Cabell Midland must get their kinks worked out if they hope to make the “AAA” playoffs.

Top AA’s Stay Unbeaten

The #1 Bluefield Beavers didn’t even think of slowing down as they rolled over PikeView 41-7. Bluefield managed to score five touchdowns with five different players in the first half of Friday’s contest. To say this win was a team effort would be an understatement, add in a defensive score and two touchdowns from Chandler Cooper and the Beavers quickly ran away with this one. The Grizzlies of Nicholas County also remain undefeated after week 7 following a thumping of winless Braxton County. With this 30 point victory, the Grizzlies move to 7-0 and with the Richwood Lumberjacks still looming, 10-0 is going to require discipline to attain for Nicholas County. The Dots also remain unbeaten after a Week 7 contest with the Generals. Poca’s Sophomore running-back Ethan Payne put up three touchdowns and just under 100 yards in the game, before he had to be helped off due to injury. Unfortunately, it has since been confirmed that Payne sustained a hip injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season, but according to coach Seth Ramsey the injury will luckily not require surgery. However, Poca is now without their biggest offensive threat heading into the back end of the season. Yet, with a complete line, well-coached defense, all-conference sophomore QB, and an interception leader- don’t count them out by any means.

Contenders Continue Winning
The Shady Spring Tigers extended their win streak to four last week after shutting out the Wyoming East Warriors 35-0. The Tigers jumped out to a quick lead as Haven Chapman and Tyler Bragg accounted for three very fast first quarter touchdowns. Chapman amassed 168 all purpose yards while Bragg had 105 rushing. Joe Cantley took the opening kick of the second half all the way back for a Tiger touchdown and the last score of the game. Mingo Central made short work of the Nitro Wildcats last week as they secured a comfortable 65-26 victory. To be fair, it was an extremely impressive offensive display from the Miners. Mingo had two rushers go for over 100 yards in Dougie Dillon and Drew Hatfield, as well as Quarterback Daylin Goad throwing for 242 yards. This victory showed us that the Miner offensive line is stout and can protect their quarterback as well as open up running lanes.

Top Single A’s Roll
In the “A” field two southern teams still remain undefeated. The Patriots of Midland Trail took their powerful rushing attack to Glen Daniel last week as they visited the “AA” Liberty Raiders. It was a dominating performance as the Midland Trail steamrolled any and all that stood in their way, as they tend to do. With Fayette County rival Fayetteville coming up next week, and two “AA’s” up ahead to wrap up the year, the Patriots better buckle down and get ready to endure the meat of their schedule. Also undefeated through seven weeks is Mount View.  The Golden Knights faced off with the quickly improving Tolsia Rebels last Friday and it was certainly a game to remember. The Mount View defense played “lights-out” holding the Rebels to less gthan 20 rushing yards and only one first down in the first half.  A fumble recovery by Mount View’s Ty Powell set the Golden Knights up in excellent field position in the third quarter. This led to an eventual pass from Jesse Rose and into the hands of Malik Cowans for the lone score of the ballgame. Edging the Rebels 6-0, Mount View now looks ahead to Tug Valley as they hope to improve to 7-0.

Contenders Push Out of Bubble

The Pirates of Fayetteville took down a Notre Dame team last week that seems to still be searching for an identity late in the season. Jordan Dempsey once again led his Pirates to a blowout victory, 31-6 and will face off with cross county powerhouse Midland Trail next week. After the Patriots, the Pirates still have a date with the Golden Knights of Mount View, making the home stretch very treacherous for Fayetteville. Van continues to separate themselves from the rest of the pack gaining another win over Tug Valley last week to move them to 5-1 on the year. They sit at #12 in the WVSSAC playoff ratings as of now, but with the Lumberjacks of Richwood and the Sherman Tide still to come, it will take some surprising upsets to keep Van in playoff contention.

Notables

The Vikings rolled over a winless Princeton team last week, winning 40-18 and improving to 5-1. With a less than impressive remaining strength of schedule, we would be surprised if Ripley ends the year with more than two losses. The James Monroe Mavericks got their fourth win of the year over the Westside Renegades. The Mavericks have only two games before the have to meet with Bluefield and Point Pleasant back-to-back. The Pioneers of Wayne are holding on to their playoff dreams and doing their best to keep rolling with a decisive win over Herbert Hoover. Wayne got some of their toughest game out of the way early, so be ready to see them continue winning in the coming weeks.

AAA Player of the Week: Zeiqui Lawton (RB/DL) South Charleston

AA Player of the Week: Drew Hatfield (ATH) Mingo Central

A Player of the Week: Jordan Dempsey (RB) Fayetteville

FEATURED PHOTO CREDITS: RON AGNIR (THE JOURNAL- MARTINSBURG)

Bulldogs Win Prime Time Matchup

After corrective research, Martinsburg has moved into one game of tying the state record for consecutive wins (36).  Their anticipated fight with Virginia’s Sherando lived up to the billing.  Sherando hit first with a deep bomb TD and a defensive stand.  However, big plays by Jarod Bowie and a Grant Harman run quickly tied the game up.  A Harman-Bowie pass put them up only for an ensuing return touchdown to mark it 14-14.  A traded Martinsburg field goal and Sherando touchdown had the hosts down 21-17.  However, before the half both Harman and Elijah Banks would hit Chelo Teneval for a score to have them up 30-21 at the break.  A Bowie-Banks TD, Naieem Kearney run, and Harman run kept Sherando at bay despite late big passes and trick plays to walk away still unbeaten 50-45.

Close Cuts and Blowouts

In a top ten matchup, #5 Musselman laid host to #6 Hedgesville.  What was expected to showcase the offensive explosions we are used to hearing about, the defenses were the storyline here.  Blake Hartman broke the 0-0 score halfway through the second quarter going up 6-0.  Soon after, a Hedgesville interception allowed Keenan Smoot to strike on the ground and gain the 7-6 lead- the score into the half.  Hartman, who finished with 170 yards, scored shortly into the third and that would be the last score.  The Eagle offense stalled out the remainder to lose 12-7.  One week after a walk-off and shootout loss, #10 Wheeling Park took on Morgantown, who had beaten the team they had just lost to.  Nobody expected the result.  The Patriots scored consistently and the Mohigans flawed consistenly.  Bad punts, missed field goals, turnovers all plagued Morgantown who finished with under 175 yards of offense.  Alex Dunlevy, Stevie Mitchell, and Kenya Robinson all chucked away on offense for several scores.  Wheeling Park walked away with a statement 31-0 win.

Hot Streaks and Cold Streaks

One week after Jake Johnson set the Parkersburg’s game passing record, Tyler Moler would break the game rushing record with 311.  That domination was seen on both sides as the Big Red defense forced the red hot George Washington offense led by Grant Wells to throw four interceptions.  Fresh Penn State commit, Brenton Strange, also had quite the day with two sacks, two interceptions, and five catches for 67 yards. The Big Reds won easy 32-7.  University continued their rollercoaster season with an ugly loss against Mountain Ride (MD).  The Hawks could not stop the Miner ground game which surpassed 350 yards.  With Logan Holgorsen out, the Hawks performed well yardage-wise with Amir Richardson and JT Brown switching out at QB.  However, tons of penalties and four interceptions doomed most drives.  They would go onto lose 34-13 in a loss that puts them at 3-4.

Big Ten Big Dogs Deliver

#4 Bridgeport and North Marion’s matchup was the story of Jake Bowen.  The senior RB/DB ran for 154 and four scores while also pulling down two picks.  Dominant line play and big plays by Trey Pancake had the Indians cruise to a 49-16 win.  In a big time AA matchup, #1 Fairmont Senior took on #7 Weir.  The Red Riders hung around for awhile despite the typical Connor Neal performance- he finished with 250+ and four scores.  Despite that, Weir went into the half only down 22-13.  They could never get Donovan Kirby going, and it was the Polar Bears’ Rhett Heston who stole the show with big powerful runs that stretched the game to a 43-13 win for Fairmont Senior.

Impressive Defenses

With a new offense in place, Elkins still couldn’t get much success on Robert C. Byrd.  The Eagles of Robert C. Byrd held them to 0 points and just over 100 yards of offense. Robert C. Byrd leaned on big-time rusher Ghovan Davidson per usual who finished with 90 yards and two scores.  Jeremiah King also offered an explosion on the ground.  The Eagles would win 21-0.   Keyser took on Man, who had to make a heck of a trip to the eastern panhandle.  It would be for not as big plays by Reggie Redman, Sam Perry, and Ryan Shoemaker put the game on ice early.  It was never much of match as the Golden Tornado spun to a 50-8 dub.

Top 5’s March

#3 Williamstown continued with their winstreak, taking down a dangerous Tyler Consolidated team impressively.  Donathan Taylor had a big night with two early TD rushes while Carter Haynes tossed two later on in the second.  The Yellowjacket defense contained Mark Rucker and Griffin Phillips well enough to maintain a big lead the entire night and a 51-18 victory.  For #1 Wheeling Central, they took on a hot Steubenville Catholic.  Adam Murray showed out for the potentially historic defense.  Though they were outgained, key takeaways were the difference.  Up 17-0, Wheeling Central’s Bray Price picked the ball off on their own goal line and took it 100 yards to the house.  Curtis McGhee III played incredibly efficient- totaling three scores with no turnovers.  The Maroon Knights stay unbeaten with their 31-14 win.  #6 Cameron had unexpected struggle early with Conotton Valley (OH)  but 223 yards and two touchdowns for faithful runner Andrew Ritchea and two Noah Neely picks (now seven on the year) were able to break the early 14-14 tie.  Also, two Aiden Lucy TD runs and a late pass pushed the game way out of reach in the Dragons’ 38-14 win.

Contenders Impress

#9 Parkersburg Catholic contains to raise eyebrows.  Taking on an improved Calhoun County team, rising Kennedy Award candidate Ty Sturm rushed for 314 yards and three scores while Jeb Boice added on 169 and three of his own.  It was never a match with a 46-6 win.  #2 Doddridge County continued with their usual domination behind 138 yards and three more scores for state-leading rusher Hunter America while Tanner Lett threw two scores as well.  The Bulldogs moved to 6-0 with the 57-7 win over Gilmer County.  #10 Pendleton County only got to play three quarters before it was called for lightning, but not before Kole Puffenberger could toss four scores- two going to Timothy Thorne.  They would win big 34-7 over Tygarts Valley.

Notables

Parkersburg South’s Nick Yoho and Brayden Mooney combined for 348 yards and six touchdowns in a 70-0 thwarting of Brooke.  Patrick Mirandy’s offensive play for Magnolia was not enough to overcome redzone turnovers and a safety in their loss 36-21 loss to Crestview (OH).  Tucker County survived a scare from winless East Hardy to win 21-12.  Both Grafton and Lewis County stayed in the playoff race with close wins over Lincoln and Buckhannon-Upshur, respectively.  Frankfort bounced back from their first loss behind a big performance by Nick Marley to beaten AAA Washington.

AAA Player of the Week: Tyler Moler (RB) Parkersburg

AA Player of the Week: Jake Bowen (RB/DB) Bridgeport

A Player of the Week: Adam Murray (LB) Wheeling Central