By: Fred Persinger II
Woodrow Wilson (1-2) at Cabell Midland (1-3)
Beckley returns to action this week after a bye. The Flying Eagles two weeks ago defeated Bluefield in double-overtime 33-30, securing their first win.
In that win, Beckley found itself down two scores twice — the last time with just 5:30 to go. Senior kicker Jacob Young was clutch for the Flying Eagles, nailing four field goals, including one in each overtime period. Beckley sophomore Logan Cook had a strong game on both sides of the ball, getting more carries with Micah Hancock being forced to leave the game early in the first half with a shoulder sprain.
Jordie Hancock, who is averaging over 10 tackles per game, led a key defensive effort for the Flying Ealges in the second half. Defensive end Breland Walton, meanwhile, came up with a huge sack late in the game, while Peyton Thomas and Logan Cook both collected interceptions for the Woodrow Wilson — Cook intercepted Bluefield quarterback Cody Fuller to end the Beavers’ possession in the second overtime.
This week, Beckley travels to Ona to take on Cabell Midland. The Knights are 1-3, but all of those losses came to top 10 opponents. Last week, Cabell Midland led Capital17-13 lead at the break, but saw the Cougars take over in the second half for a 42-23 win. Capital’s Silas Nazario picked up 136 of his 151 yards in the second half. Cabell Midland was led by Ivan Vaughn who rushed for 228 yards on 20 carries.
This will be the 22nd meeting between the two schools. Cabell Midland has a 15-6 advantage, winning eight straight in the series. The last win for Beckley came back in 2007. Over the last four years, Cabell Midland has defeated the Flying Eagles by a combined score of 230-46.
It’s the fourth time in five seasons that Beckley will face Cabell Midland on the road. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Friday with radio coverage on the Big Dawg 99.5 WJLS, wjls.com and on the iheart radio app.
Independence (3-1) at Westside (2-2)
Both Westside and Independence are trying to fight their way into the Class AA playoff discussion – and a win Friday for either team would go a long way.
Westside is coming off of a tough, 16-6 loss to Tolsia. The Rebels scored twice in the first quarter and shutdown the Renegades defensively to close out the win. Westside finished with just 104 yards rushing and 163 yards of total offense. A third loss for Westside this week to Independence would give the Renegades an uphill battle to reach the playoffs.
Independence, meanwhile, is 3-1, but outside of the playoff mix right now in Class AA, coming in at No. 18. Two of Independence’s wins this season have come against schools without a win themselves, Pikeview and Shady Spring. The Patriots’ third win is over Class A Midland Trail.
In their 42-14 win over Shady Spring last week, running back Conner Gibson bounced back after an injury to rush for 166 yards on just five carries. Noah Adams finished with 132 yards on 11 carries for Independence as well. The Patriots overall finished with 393 rushing yards in the win. Kickoff Friday night is set for 7:30 p.m.
A No. 9 Fayetteville (4-0) at Oak Hill (0-3)
One of the oldest rivalries in the state takes place this Friday night at John P. Duda Stadium in Oak Hill as Fayetteville will battle the Red Devils. The Pirates are coming off a 58-8 win over Meadow Bridge last week. The Wildcats jumped out to an 8-7 lead after the first quarter, but Fayetteville got the offense rolling and scored 51 straight points, breaking a six game losing streak to Meadow Bridge. For Fayetteville, fullback David Gilliam only rushed for 54 yards but scored four touchdowns in the game. Jordan Dempsey was the leading rusher for the Pirates, finishing with for 93 yards.
Oak Hill, meanwhile, has losses to Liberty, Mount View and Wayne by a combined score of 131-45. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Other games:
Buckhannon-Upshur (1-2) at #9 (AAA) Princeton (3-1)
#12 (AAA) Greenbrier East (2-2) at Bluefield (1-3)
Wyoming East (0-4) at #2 (AA) James Monroe (3-0)
Clay County (1-2) at Liberty Raleigh (2-1)
Pikeview (0-4) at Shady Spring (0-4) Saturday 3 p.m.
#2 (A) Summers County (3-0) at Greenbrier West (0-3)
#4 (AA) Point Pleasant (4-0) at #13 (A) Mount View (2-1)
#16 (A) Sherman (3-1) at Wirt County (1-3)
Pendleton County (3-1) at Meadow Bridge (0-4)
Van (3-1) at Midland Trail (3-1)
Hurley, Va. at Montcalm (1-3)
Pocahontas County (1-3) at Richwood (0-4)
Nicholas County – Idle This week
Valley(Fayette) – Idle this week