MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Martinsburg High School football coach Dave Walker admits he’s already being quizzed about the quest for a fifth consecutive state title. Walker and the Bulldogs captured their fourth straight back on Saturday at Wheeling Island Stadium with a 9-7 victory over Huntington.
Walker laughed about the expectations on MetroNews Talkline Monday.
“I think our fans are a little bit spoiled,” he said.
Walker said the discussion of a fourth title hadn’t come up as part of any team conversation until the game week rolled around. He acknowledges he realizes it’s a subject on the minds of his players. He tries to downplay the expectations because nothing comes without hard work.
“As long as they are working in the off-season and trying to put themselves in a position to be successful, they’re going to talk about it,” he said. “If that’s what motivates them, so be it, but we don’t talk about it as a team because it’s a lofty goal and it’s tough.”
Martinsburg is now one of the most successful football programs in the state and with success comes great expectation.
“I want them to think in those regards,” said Walker of his players. “But you’ve got to put in the work.”
Walker said of Saturday’s game they knew they would struggle offensively and they did. The Bulldogs’ only touchdown came when the coach’s son caught a pass in the end zone.
“Every father’s dream,” said Walker. “I was very happy for him. He was excited and he’s had a great year.”
The difference came when Martinsburg blocked a Huntington punt which rolled through the end zone for a safety. Nobody thought it would standup as the game changer in the second quarter.
“We had a block on after we saw something on field we thought we could try,” Walker said. “At the time you knew it was a huge play, but you didn’t expect it to be a deciding factor in the game.”