MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Several questions were answered on the opening Friday night of the high school football season in West Virginia.
The strongest answer came from Spring Valley, the No. 5-rated team in the MetroNews preseason poll out of Class AAA. The Timberwolves were expected to be very good in 2016, and they certainly delivered in Week 1, rallying from a 13-point hole to drub MSAC rival Cabell Midland on the road 55-26.
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“That’s one of the toughest places to play in our conference,” said Spring Valley coach Brad Dingess. “Our kids showed a lot of grit. We battled back and blew it open in the third quarter. Our kids were really resilient tonight.”
Spring Valley quarterback Derek Johnson ran for 185 yards and four touchdowns while throwing a fifth.
“We put Cabell Midland in a situation that they aren’t used to being in,” Dingess said. “We executed and our defense came up with timely stops and four turnovers. We were able to capitalize on every one. It was the right mix for us tonight.”
Abbott sparks Polar Bears
Also making a statement was Class AA No. 3 Fairmont Senior, which dominated No. 7 Robert C. Byrd 49-12. Polar Bears’ senior Jake Abbott was terrific in his first game as the starting quarterback, completing 10 of 11 passes for 195 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for a fifth score as well.
Junior running back Bryson Gilbert scored on a 95-yard kick return, while adding two other touchdowns for Fairmont Senior.
Tolsia debuts in smaller class
In Class A, No. 6 Tolsia appears to be a strong contender again after dropping down from the AA level, despite the loss of all-state running back Luke Presley to graduation.
The Rebels on Friday pulled away late to beat rival Wayne 26-8, scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter.
Tolsia held Wayne to just 172 yards of total offense (87 yards on the ground). Brian Campbell accounted for all four Tolsia touchdowns, rushing for two and catching two passes. He also recovered a fumble in the win.
Other big moments
Class AAA No. 1 Martinsburg cruised 56-14 over Eastern, D.C., and No. 3 Wheeling Park rolled 41-20 over Perry Traditional (Pa.) Academy. But No. 2 Capital fell to Kentucky power Johnson Central 23-6.
In Class AA, No. 4 Bluefield had a rough night, falling 59-34 to rival Graham, Va., while No. 2 Point Pleasant defeated Lincoln County 44-6 behind Grant Safford’s 167 yards rushing.
Class A defending state champion and second-ranked Magnolia fell to Shadyside, Ohio, 41-14.