2018 C&C All-State Hogs: SILVER LIST

November 29, 2018November 30, 2018coalfieldsandco

All Classes
Based off in-season performance
Lineman Only
Gold List = Top 12 Players
Silver List = Next 24 Players
Bronze List = Next 36 Players
Players Ordered Alphabetically

SILVER LIST

AJ Brinegar (DL) Martinsburg

Ryan Creech (OL) Parkersburg

Dalton Geter (OL) Hurricane

Layne Daniel (DL) Sherman

Ben Gribble (DL) University

Rhett Heston (DL) Fairmont Senior

Max Howell (OL) Huntington

Hunter Jones (DL) Midland Trail

Caydan Keeler (DL) Ripley

Levi Kessler (OL) Cabell Midland

Jevon Lang (DL) Jefferson

Vinny Mangino (DL) Wheeling Central

Dakota Meadows (DL) Poca

Wyatt Milum (OL) Spring Valley

Stephen Perrine (DL) Huntington

Jerrad Price (DL) Lincoln County

Logan Osburn (OL) Cabell Midland

Dominick Owens (OL) Fairmont Senior

Terrance Pankey (OL) Huntington

Deiyantei Powell (OL) Bluefield

Cody Stanley (OL) Spring Valley

Mason Walker (OL) Bluefield

Jeffery Whittington (OL) Poca

Dylan Wood (DL) Wheeling Park

2018 C&C All-State: SILVER LIST

November 28, 2018November 26, 2018coalfieldsandco

All Classes
No position limits
Based off in-season performance
Non-linemen (separate list upcoming)
Gold List = Top 15 players
Silver List = Next 30 players
Bronze List = Next 60 players
Players ordered alphabetically

SILVER LIST

Hunter America (RB) Doddridge County

Mike Bartram (LB) Wayne

Tre Beard III (QB) Musselman

Brocton Blair (LB) Huntington

Jake Bowen (RB) Bridgeport

Malakai Brown (WR) Hedgesville

Owen Chafin (RB) Spring Valley

JT Cooper (LB) Hurricane

JJ Davis (RB) Bluefield

Jordan Dempsey (RB) Fayetteville

Daylin Goad (QB) Mingo Central

Dewayne Grantham (LB) Martinsburg

Will Hackney (QB) Sissonville

Blake Hartman (RB) Musselman

Jacob Hartman (QB) Petersburg

JT Hensley (QB) Sherman

Christian Hill (RB) Hurricane

Luke Jackson (LB) Ravenswood

Jake Johnson (QB) Parkersburg

Drew Joseph (LB) South Charleston

Donovan Kirby (RB) Weir

Teddy Marshall (DB) Martinsburg

Arnold Martin (LB) Bluefield

Kerion Martin (DB) Capital

Amir Richardson (WR) University

Logan Spurlock (LB) Capital

Jermain Snodgrass (LB) Wheeling Park

Evan Parow (WR) University

Ethan Payne (RB) Poca

Ivan Vaughn (RB) Cabell Midland

2018 C&C All-State Hogs: BRONZE LIST

November 28, 2018November 26, 2018coalfieldsandco

All Classes
Based off in-season performance
Lineman Only
Gold List = Top 12 Players
Silver List = Next 24 Players
Bronze List = Next 36 Players
Players Ordered Alphabetically

BRONZE LIST

Terymykal Alexander (OL) Shady Spring

Johnny Adkins (OL) Wayne

Ryan Carter (OL) Shady Spring

Austin Chapman (DL) Riverside

Andrew Deal (DL) Nicholas County

Noah Dillon (OL) James Monroe

Luke Duplaga (DL) Wheeling Central

Tanner Ferguson (DL) Spring Valley

Nevin Ferguson (DL) Cabell Midland

Tyrese Foster (OL) Capital

Liam Fultineer (OL) Mount View

Colton Groves (DL) Nicholas County

Trevor Harrell (OL) Midland Trail

Justin Hawkins (OL) Sherman

Travis Honaker (OL) Oak Hill

Phillip Hull (OL) Pendleton County

Cole Hughart (DL) Sissonville

Cole James (OL) Doddridge County

Devon Matzdorff (DL) Wayne

Marcellus Marshall (OL) Morgantown

Jaden Marino (DL) Robert C. Byrd

Drake Mullins (DL) Bluefield

Brandon Moran (OL) Martinsburg

Nathan Pettus (OL) Bluefield

Ty Powell (DL) Mount View

Jaden Rollyson (DL) Liberty-Harrison

Brent Setser (OL) Tolsia

Gavin Shamblin (DL) Sissonville

Magnus Sheets (OL) Fairmont Senior

Brayden Simmons (OL) Cabell Midland

BJ Summerline (DL) Huntington

Michael Turner (OL) Hedgesville

Seth Whitt (DL) Chapmanville

Jaden Wolfley (OL) Morgantown

Don Woodworth (OL) Keyser

Colton Wright (DL) Woodrow Wilson

2018 C&C All-State: BRONZE LIST

November 27, 2018coalfieldsandco

All Classes
No position limits
Based off in-season performance
Non-linemen (separate list upcoming)
Gold List = Top 15 players
Silver List = Next 30 players
Bronze List = Next 60 players
Players ordered alphabetically

BRONZE LIST

Griffin Adkins (DB) Cabell Midland

Will Adkins (QB) Spring Valley

Elijah Banks (QB) Martinsburg

Elijah Barner (LB) Mount View

Michael Boaitey (WR) Martinsburg

Nico Burgess (RB) Independence

Jesse Cain (LB) Hedgesville

John Covert (LB) Winfield

Joel Cruickshanks (LB) Clay County

Ghovan Davidson (RB) Robert C. Byrd

Alex Dunlevy (QB) Wheeling Park

Caden Easterling (RB) Riverside

Juice Edwards (RB) Bluefield

Abe Farrow (WR) Oak Hill

Chucky Felder (RB) Logan

Desmond Fluarty (RB) North Marion

Preston Fox (WR) Morgantown

Justin Frohnapfel (WR) John Marshall

Quisean Gray (RB) Capital

Deshawn Harper (WR) Capital

Devin Hatfield (WR) Mingo Central

Ike Howard (FB) Spring Valley

Austin Isaacs (QB) Midland Trail

Isaiah Johnson (DB) Bluefield

Naieem Kearny (RB) Martinsburg

Chance Knox (WR) Capital

Nick Marley (RB) Frankfort

Mayson Miller (WR) Sissonville

Patrick Mirandy (QB) Magnolia

Monroe Mohler (DB) James Monroe

Adam Murray (LB) Wheeling Central

Tyler Moler (RB) Parkersburg

Jacob O’Dell (RB) Nicholas County

Keon Padmore-Johnson (QB) Spring Mills

Trey Pancake (LB) Bridgeport

Kionte Peacock (DB) Parkersburg

Corbin Pierson (QB) Jefferson

Dalton Pollock (LB) Frankfort

Elijah Posey (DB) Fairmont Senior

Braden Price (WR) Wheeling Central

Kole Puffenberger (QB) Pendleton County

Marqus Ray (WR) Mount View

Reggie Redman (WR) Keyser

Caleb Richmond (LB) Meadow Bridge

Andrew Ritchea (RB) Cameron

Anthony Robbins (WR) Wheeling Central

Kenya Robinson (RB) Wheeling Park

Evan Rose (RB) PikeView

Mark Rucker (RB) Tyler Consolidated

Jared Sagraves (QB) Nicholas Co

Bronson Skeens (DB) Poca

Ty Sturm (RB) Parkersburg Catholic

Sebastian Spencer (WR) Weir

Donathan Taylor (RB) Williamstown

Chelo Teneval (WR) Martinsburg

Timothy Thorne (WR) Pendleton County

Josh Wamsley (WR) Point Pleasant

Ty Wilcoxon (RB) Huntington

Tyce Wisnewski (WR) Petersburg

Nick Yoho (RB) Parkersburg South

Semifinals Review – ALL CLASS

November 26, 2018November 26, 2018coalfieldsandco

FEATURED PHOTO CREDITS: SHOLTEN SINGER (HERALD DISPATCH)

AAA

#4 Musselman at #1 Martinsburg

Martinsburg did not necessarily thump Musselman like the first time they played. The Applemen came out valiantly with a deep return by Blake Hartman but were held off at the goal line. Naieem Kearney would then pick up the scoring in the first then added in the second by a Grant Harman-Michael Boaitey TD pass. Harman would also add in another rushing touchdowns right before the break for the 21-0 lead. The second half began with another Harman rushing score then Martinsburg takeaway resulting in a short field and another touchdown. Up 35-0 in the third, they would hold on to win 42-14. Dave Walker becomes the winningest coach in state history and the Bulldogs move onto their third straight title appearance.

#3 Capital at #2 Spring Valley

Once again, the presumed game of the year was flipped on its head. Spring Valley came out on fire. Will Adkins quickly jumped out throwing while Owen Chafin plucked away on the ground. Suddenly, they were up 28-7. The Spring Valley defense intercepted Kerry Martin Jr. four times. The backbreaker came in the third as Malashevich passed for a score while Capital answered, then he returned the ensuing kickoff to the one and ran it in. The Timberwolves most impressive performance to date as they won 56-14 and head to Wheeling for the third charm.

AA

#12 Weir at #1 Fairmont Senior

Weir was the lowest seeded team remaining in the playoffs and had fought tirelessly to reach the semi-finals, where they met seemingly unstoppable Fairmont Senior. The Polar Bears and Red Riders had clashed once before in the regular season, where Fairmont Senior captured the 43-14 victory at home. Though Fairmont’s brilliant offensive attack did shine in the contest, it was the Polar Bear defense that did the majority of the damage. The Polar Bears forced six turnovers in the game including four fumbles and two interceptions. The Fairmont defense held Weir to 145 total yards in the game while Polar Bear QB and Kennedy Award candidate Conner Neal racked up 229 passing yards and four touchdowns himself. Camden Longwell was the leading receiver for Neal catching seven passes for 148 yards and three touchdowns. Fairmont Senior shut out Weir 59-0 and advanced to the “AA” state championship.

#3 Bridgeport at #2 Bluefield

These two teams clashed Friday at Mitchell Stadium in a rematch of the 2017 semi-finals, a game the Beavers won 37-14. That’s in the past though, this is a new year with two very different football teams. The Beaver’s ground game was anchored by fullback Arnold Martin who was able to muster 113 yards on the ground against a talented Bridgeport front six. Bluefield once again looked to their talented and experienced linemen to dominate the line of scrimmage and open up opportunities for their potent ground game. Bluefield’s defense played a big part in the contest holding Bridgeport’s star running-back Jake Bowen to less than 90 yards on the night. The Beavers held a 14-7 lead at halftime, but with two quick thirrd quarter scores from Chandler Cooper, Bluefield extended their lead to 28-7 entering the fourth quarter. They would exchange score but Bluefield held out. With the 35-14 victory, the Beavers advance to the state championship where they look to go back-to-back in a rematch with the Fairmont Senior Polar Bears.

A

#4 Doddridge County at #1 Wheeling Central

The matchup of what some considered the top two teams in the land went sort of as expected. The Bulldogs could not establish a ground game behind America and Curtis McGhee III helped the Maroon Knights get out to a big lead. Up 14-0 in the third quarter, Wheeling Central stopped a promising Bulldog drive on fourth down. McGhee responded with two more touchdowns to open up the flood gates. He finished with 399 passing, 91 rushing, and six touchdowns. 200+ of those yards and three touchdowns went to Anthony Robbins. They would cruise onto another state title appearance 47-7.

#6 Williamstown at #2 Midland Trail

What many anticipated as a promising matchup turned ugly fast going to the midway. Williamstown jumped out to a 14-0 lead before a blocked punt halfway through the second really opened things up to a 21-0 lead. Midland Trail would respond with a gutsy drive to bring it back to 21-8. However, the flood gates were broken as Donathan Taylor zoomed down the field for a quick score. Williamstown got the ball back fast and Carter Haynes hit his second touchdown. Midland Trail fumbled the next kickoff and Haynes got one more score in before the half going in up 42-6. The Patriots had no answer in the second as Williamstown heads to Wheeling Island for a rematch after their 56-8 win.

C&C Kennedy/Hunt/Huff Finalists

November 25, 2018November 26, 2018coalfieldsandco

Going into the week of the Super Six, the time to win these awards is now. Unlike prior years, the Kennedy resume has became similar to FBS’s Heisman where team performance matters just as much as personal statistics. These are OUR opinion on who the voters should be looking at- our opinion purely from watching, covering, and observing this year of football. Subjectively, this may not be the best players per category, but we are listing the most deserving regarding performance and statistics.

*players in no specific order*

KENNEDY

Connor Neal (QB) Fairmont Senior: Neal has put together one of, if not, the best passing seasons in state history. 40+ touchdowns to only three interceptions. The Polar Bear offense has been historically amazing these playoffs. He arguably has not been stopped once with their closest game being a 46-20 win in the season opener against a playoff hosting Robert C. Byrd. Neal will surely face the best team he will play this season in Bluefield. Last year he went north of 300 in the state title game. It would be hard to argue against him if he replicated that performance and got a win.

Grant Harman (QB/DB) Martinsburg: Harman has one of the best careers in state history: first team all-state as a sophomore and junior on arguably the greatest teams in state history, leader of a senior class responsible for the longest winning streak in state history, and starting in his third straight title game. Harman has averaged nearly one touchdown per four pass attempts. He has found ways to win consistently. Defensively, he is also nearing the top of the list in interceptions and is widely considered the top defensive back in the state. His performance against Spring Valley will speak volumes.

Graeson Malashevich (ATH) Spring Valley: Malashevich has become one of the most unique scorers in a long time. On a offense flooded with talent including Spring Valley’s potential all-time leading rusher Owen Chafin, Malashevich finds ways to score in every way- Multiple return, pass, rushing, defensive, and receiving touchdowns. An amazing note on our side is that Malashevich has been the player of the week in Southern AAA the last four weeks against Spring Mills, Huntington twice, and Capital. He’s peaking against the best teams. He will have his shot to win the award against Martinsburg.

Longshots – Curtis McGhee III (QB) Wheeling Central, Hunter America (RB) Doddridge County, and Kerry Martin Jr. (QB) Capital: To win this award in Single A is nearly impossible. Many would agree that if Ross Comis of Madonna didn’t win it with his numbers, no Single A player could win unless specific circumstances. McGhee III has the clear edge over America after 500+ yards of offense against Doddridge County while America did not appear to be the type of back that rushed for nearly 3000 yards. However, McGhee III will definitely return for his senior season as a candidate. Martin Jr. had his shot this past week and played well but not good enough to win nor steal it from the other two AAA finalists. He still finishes with an amazing career and great season with tons of wins, passing yards, and rushing yards.

HUNT (STYDAHAR)

Doug Nester (OL) Spring Valley: Nester has been the staple of one of the best classes in state history. He has all the check offs. He has the size, he has been dominant on both sides, and he is also highly recruited. There are one or two lineman in the state who could even manage Nester one on one. He has paved the way for multiple runners including some of the most prolific runners in school history and potentially the school’s first Kennedy Award winner on top of their third state title game appearance.

Zach Frazier (OL) Fairmont Senior: Frazier is legitimate. Not only is he big and athletic, but he is arguably the meanest out of the finalists. Regardless of film, in person, Frazier is shoving opposing players facemasks in the ground nearly every play. Defensively, he can single handedly take over a drive. Add on that he has already been recruited heavily as that unspoken brownie point, and he is in the race. If does not beat out Nester, he will be the favorite coming into 2019.

Sean Martin (DL) Bluefield: The breakout player of the year in our opinion. On a team already with multiple watch list lineman, Martin might have the biggest impact. He is literally bigger and longer than everyone else as well as actual speed. He can bully lineman or scream right past them. His sack tally has not been updated but it most likely is far past 10. This time next year he should be the highest recruited player in the state.

Longshots – Darnell Wright (OL) Huntington, Nick Malone (OL) Morgantown, and Hunter Jones (DL) Midland Trail: Many have not been impressed with Wright’s performance this year but there is much expected criticism with being the highest recruited player in state history. In some cases, it is harder for a legit 6’7 tackle to block nifty little backers than college backers. Malone has also impressed this year and will finish a top five lineman, however, Morgantown’s record and early playoff exit hurt. Jones had 19 sacks this year after 15+ in 2017- a staple in Midland Trail’s best team in decades. However, with any other award, Single A is a longshot.

HUFF

RJ Barrett (LB) Martinsburg: Barrett is the epitome of standing out on a team of stars. We knew of his special teams ability coming into this season, but he has also stepped it up on defense as well. He is nearing 100 tackles alongside 10 sacks and a staggering five blocked kicks/punts. He is also a devastating hitter/blocker on return teams. Barrett is quick and well-coached with high football IQ and a knack for playmaking.

Breece Hoff (LB) Capital: Hoff finds himself in the finalist list for the Huff for the second year. Statistically, he didn’t have as many sacks as 2017 but many teams gameplanned specifically for his presence off the edge. He made up for it though with several blocked kicks of his own. Hoff’s downside will come in their hard loss to Spring Valley whether or not it was his fault or not. It might scare away voters. Regardless, Hoff is an elite talent.

Brocton Blair (LB) Huntington: Blair’s potential is coming along nice. He showed signs of what he could be last year, and he risen to it on multiple occasions this year. He has been a solid runstopper and made plays almost weekly in terms of sacks, fumbles, and interceptions. Huntington suffered some tough defensive performances which hurt his stock, but they also had some very high ones as well.

Longshots – Adam Murray (LB) Wheeling Central, JT Cooper (LB) Hurricane, and Arnold Martin (LB) Bluefield: For those saying Murray isn’t a legit talent because he’s in Single A, you’re wrong. He has incredible numbers and is on a historically excellent defense. This year, he has had to share some defensive love with other stars like Mangino, Robbins, and Duplaga. Cooper had a stat-stacking season but many will argue several of Hurricane’s team defensive performance. It will cost him whether or not it was his fault. Martin is an unsung hero of the Bluefield defense with a top recruited lineman and defensive back taking the headlines. He is an amazing sideline to sideline tackler and backbone of a team trying to win its second straight title.

2018 C&C Playoff Preview: SEMIFINALS (ALL CLASS)

November 22, 2018coalfieldsandco

AAA

#4 Musselman at #1 Martinsburg

Another rematch but not as epic as the other semi-final rematch. Seldom does a team get a rematch against team that beat them by 70 in the semifinals. Musselman will be anxious to prove they are a better team then what the Bulldogs saw several weeks ago. Beating the same team twice is not easy and to blow out a top AAA program twice is much harder than that. Martinsburg, however, has had a pretty tough road with Hurricane and Parkersburg compared to Musselman beating John Marshall and Ripley.

Musselman’s Gameplan: The two-headed monster of Tre Beard III and Blake Hartman will need to produce. Find a way for one of the two to get a busted play. Keep the Bulldogs from scoring on deep shots and make them work down the field. As seen with Parkersburg, they do turn the ball over occasionally like everyone else. Slow down the game and build confidence that things will turn out different.

Martinsburg’s Gameplan: Do whatever they can as a staff to get the team off to a hot start. The Bulldog players simply know they are a better team but on any given weekend anyone can get be beat. Expect the Martinsburg offense to try and get this game over with early and not allow the men in green to stick around. Defensively, the Bulldogs have the formula to stop Mussleman over the years so expect nothing any different- lock down the stars then swarm. Continue the playoff home winstreak.

#3 Capital at #2 Spring Valley

Rematch of the southern titans. This could be the game of the year in AAA. These two powerhouses are simply loaded with enough talent to rival most small colleges. The last several meetings have all went to the Timberwolves but every single one was dog fight. Both have cruised with impressive wins thus far. The preconceived ideas of these teams do not tell the full truth. Spring Valley has speed and Capital’s line is as tough as anyone in the state. This matchup is a dream come true.
Capital’s Game Plan: Spread the Spring Valley defense out and make them cover all their speedsters and somehow account for the QB in the box. Even though Spring Valley has improved against teams who have challenged them in this manner, however, most teams don’t have Kerry Martin Jr. tucking and running. Defensively, gain that lead and put your best men on Graeson Malasevich. Don’t let Will Adkins get a passing attack going. Build a lead and make them use the run game to keep up.

Spring Valley’s Game Plan: Home grass field, verge of third state title appearance, and the best line in the state. Find ways to get Malashevich the ball to make big plays will relying on Owen Chafin to keep the Cougars honest. Defensively, don’t let Capital get that big play. Make them work down the field and let them shoot themselves in the foot. Build the lead steadily then push the Cougars into panic mode.

AA

A rematch will take place at East-West Stadium as the Year of Weir Red Riders take the trip down to Fairmont. Weir has been the lower seed in both their substantial wins over Poca and Nicholas County. They will be much healthier this time going to Fairmont. However, the Polar Bears are playing their best ball right now after a demolition of worthy Point Pleasant. Two great AA’s peaking at the right moment.

Weir’s Gameplan: The immediate key is not stopping Connor Neal, it is stopping the run game and Neal’s tuck and run as Point Pleasant found out. The secondary is talented, so covering these receivers won’t be too tall of task as long as they don’t lapse in coverage. Offensively, Donovan Kirby will have a hard time totting the rock every play against this phenomenal front. Getting Sebastian Spencer vertical and allowing Tyler Komorowski to make plays at QB will be necessary.

Fairmont Senior’s Gameplan: Offensively, establish the ground game. No shade towards Nicholas County, but as a unit, the Polar Bears’ line and backs are much better. Weir must stack up to stop the return of both of their backs. Allow Neal to nickel and dime them to keep them on their heels. Defensively, don’t allow Kirby to chunk yard after yard and make them get vertical passing and allow a top rated pass defense to go to work.

#3 Bridgeport at #2 Bluefield

BridgeportBluefield

For the second year in a row, Bridgeport will meet with Bluefield in the semifinals. While Bluefield is slightly different with a three-back rotation but the same line from last year, just bigger- Bridgeport remains similar. Both have cruised to this position and both had surprisingly overly dominant wins over good teams in round two. Bridgeport would love to avenge their loss from last year.

Bridgeport’s Gameplan: Grinding the ball down the field will have the Beavers feeling off early if large amounts of the clock are taken out. Jake Bowen did it last year, and he can do it again. Make sure to score when it’s there. Defensively, they do not have the breakaway speed like last but will throw multiple backs and occasional bombs with a similar style to Robert C. Byrd.

Bluefield’s Gameplan: No one has straight up ran it down Bridgeport’s throat except Fairmont Senior. Chandler Cooper will need to make some efficient passes to open it up. Defensively, the offense runs through Bowen. They have a talented front and linebacking core. Play to their ability and make the Indians rely on Devin Vandergrift’s arm.

A

#4 Doddridge County at #1 Wheeling Central

WheelingCCDoddridge

Here we have it. A very much looked to match in Single A. The only two teams to defeat Williamstown. Doddridge County continues their defensive domination that has not let an opponent score more than once only three or four times. Wheeling Central avenged their only loss now that Curtis McGhee III is back, and it seems that all their swagger has returned as well. We will see what the Bulldogs are about.

Doddridge County’s Gameplan: Attacking McGhee is completely necessary. Blitzing and keeping him from slinging the rock or closing him off from scrambling is key. Also, the defense will need to come up with some takeaways. Griffin Devericks will want to push that pick tally to nine. Offensively, similar to Cameron. Ride Hunter America until they stack up too much to defend the pass. The problem is, the Maroon Knights’ secondary is very deep and talented.

Wheeling Central’s Gameplan: With Robbins, McGhee, Marlin, and others in the secondary, they can afford to stack the house to stop America. If Adam Murray and Vinny Mangino set the tone early up front expect some panic out of Bulldogs, giving way to takeaways. Offensively, the Maroon Knights have more athletes man for man. Spread them out and make them tackle men like Price one on one.

#6 Williamstown at #2 Midland Trail

Midland Trail remains a bit of a mystery but continues to prove nonbelievers wrong. With their main offensive weapon out, it was their special teams and defensive scores that toppled a dangerous Sherman team. The line and defense is the heart of this program. Williamstown is coming off an emotional win where they turned over the ball enough times to lose but Donathan Taylor’s running and Boston Carruther’s kicking pushed them over the top.

Williamstown’s Gameplan: Offensively, even with Austin Isaacs playing somewhat injured, the Yellowjackets will have a better offense. Carter Haynes has been a playmaker aside from occasional turnovers and Taylor is a workhouse. Carruthers at kicker might be needed immensely again. Defensively, Midland Trail’s line beats you down throughout the game. Bend don’t break early and make them have to pass to catch up.

Midland Trail’s Gameplan: The Yellowjackets defense contained a very dangerous Mount View team to 12 points. However, Midland Trail’s defense is much more stern than the Golden Knights. They will need to pull some more tricks out to continue drives and get points. If they score twice, they will probably win. Defensively, Williamstown is turnover-prone. Make them pay. Use that stout defense to win the field position battle.