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
America overtakes Sturm as the prolific Single A performer. America rushed for over 100 yards and three touchdowns against a tough Ravenswood defense. His numbers are still boggling as he surpassed the school record this past week. He should have big games against Valley (Wetzel) and Tygarts Valley with an opportunity to make a statement against Williamstown in two weeks.
Hackney took another hit to his campaign with a 28-14 fall to Winfield. He didn’t play bad but not the usual stat packer he usually has. Slightly under 200 yards and responsible for both touchdowns, the Indians ran into a rising Winfield team. Hackney is definitely not out of the race by any means as Sissonville still has their eyes on the playoffs and a potential run.
Malashevich continues to raise eyebrows. It took several games to grab the state’s attention because the Timberwolves’ starters rarely play a full game- he also shares touches with other definite all-staters. Against St. Albans this week, he made lightwork with three early touchdowns before the reserves were mercifully sent in. His do-it-all ability definitely has him the race.
Connor Neal has been by far the most consistent player in the state statistically. This past week he tossed another handful of touchdowns- all before the second quarter ended. His TD-INT ratio is off the charts, and he has a heck of a team surrounding him. The Polar Bears will be the favorite heading into the AA playoffs, and Neal will continue to be the favorite for the Kennedy Award.
Martin Jr. had a bye week this past Friday. Coming off their first loss of the year, they will have several more good chances in the regular season to jump back up. However, with the large amount of prolific stat players operating across AA and A, it most likely will come down to his playoff run and final performances.
