STATEWIDE — Overall, nine first round playoff games were completed around the state on Saturday as No. 12 seeds in AA and A both advanced into the quarterfinals.
In Class AAA, No. 1 Huntington pulled away in the second half from No. 16 Lewis County, 31-7. Huntington senior Nick Tubbs went 84 yards for a score on the Highlanders’ first possession. The Highlanders will face George Washington in the quarterfinals.
No. 6 University, meanwhile, edged Morgantown, 9-3.
No. 7 Cabell Midland spoiled Washington’s first trip to the playoffs, eliminating the Patriots, 35-6. The Knights put up over 400 yards on the ground in the win, and will have a rematch of last year’s title game against Martinsburg in the quarterfinals.
The No. 2 Bulldogs on Saturday had a slow start, but pulled away in the second half to beat No. 15 Spring Valley, 36-0. Martinsburg quarterback Malique Watkins finished the game with over 200 rushing yards and another 84 through the air in the win. The Bulldogs held Spring Valley to just 142 offensive yards.
In Class AA, No. 12 Ritchie County took down No. 5 Summers County, 24-14. The Bobcats turned the ball over five times in the loss. No. 3 Bluefield took care of No. 14 Ravenswood, 31-14. The Beavers will move on to face No. 11 Nicholas County in the quarterfinals.
Out of Class A, No. 14 Magnolia handed No. 3 Valley (Fayette) its first defeat, 42-16. Magnolia had 441 yards rushing overall behind Drew Keller who finished with a career high 235 yards on 35 carries and three scores.
No. 12 Bishop Donahue eliminated Man, 21-16 as quarterback Jesse Padlow threw for 353 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
No. 8 Wahama solidified a rematch of last year’s state championship game against Madonna by knocking off No. 9 Clay-Battelle, 49-27. The White Falcons actually trailed at the break, 13-7, before pulling away in the second half.
You can see all of the scores on the MetroNews High School Football Scoreboard.
– Friday’s opening round recap
Below: Wahama – Clay-Battelle highlights by Tom Hunter