by Eric Little — Seven Ranges Radio for WVMetroNews.com
One area team hosts a big-time opponent in their own backyard, while another plays on a big stage against a traditional power. Time to fire up those (Thursday and) Friday night lights.
GAMES TO WATCH
Class AAA
No. 7 Parkersburg at Morgantown
When: Thursday, 7 p.m. (airing on wvmetronews.com, AT&T Sportsnet)
Last Year: In his first year at PHS, head coach Mike Byus led the Big Reds to a 7-3 record and to a home playoff game. Unfortunately for the Big Reds, turnovers at ill-advised times cost them in an opening round loss to John Marshall. Morgantown finished a 4-6 regular season and was unceremoniously booted from the opening round of the postseason as well.
Why It’s Important: It’ll be Parkersburg’s first chance to show how deep of a team they have and that they’re more than just Brenton Strange (more on him later). It’ll be a chance for Byus to show the strides his program has taken on the field and in demeanor with a big start to his second year.
Who to watch for Parkersburg: Strange is a highly-touted college prospect, but he’s questionable after he suffered a hamstring injury in Parkersburg’s last scrimmage. Jake Johnson subbed at quarterback last year for an injured Kam Mace, and this year, he slides over from wide receiver on a full-time basis. Tyler Moler leads a well-rounded running attack. Kionte Peacock provides speed and explosiveness in the receiving game, the defensive secondary and on special teams.
Ripley (0-0) at Parkersburg South (0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last Year: Parkersburg South finished 3-7, but still had an outside shot at the playoffs going into their final game. The Patriots are unproven up front, but return both a quarterback and their best big play threat. Ripley had depth in the backfield, but finished below .500 with several close losses. Now, the Vikings need youth to step up in the backfield so as not to waste a veteran line.
Why It’s Important: Both of these teams seem to perennially be on the fringe of the Class AAA playoffs, so an opening week win could be the push needed for one of them to qualify in 2018. South has lost the last two games against the Vikings, including two years ago at Erickson All-Sports Facility when a late turnover was a costly blow for the Patriots in a narrow loss.
Who to watch for Parkersburg South: Quarterback Braden Mooney returns for his second season under center. His main task will be to get the ball into the hands of Nick Yoho, a talented running and receiving threat who could probably line up anywhere head coach Mike Eddy chooses to play him. Brandon Penn will draw some attention as a slot receiver, thanks to his speed. Dylan Day and Brett Hearn give Mooney ample targets on the edges.
Who to watch for Ripley: Whoever steps up to work behind their veteran offensive line.
Class A
No. 1 Wheeling Central at No. 4 Williamstown
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Last Year: Wheeling Central won the Class A state championship a season ago, taking advantage of turnovers and sloppy play in the red zone from Williamstown’s longtime rival — St. Marys — in the title game. Williamstown made the playoffs despite a 5-4 regular season, only to make a long trip to Baker in the first round and fall to East Hardy.
Why It’s Important: A common complaint for both programs is that they sometimes have problems finding opponents, which is why they so frequently meet.
Both teams bring prestige to the table, with a fistful of state titles between the two since the late 1990s. In the past 20 years, these two programs have met in both the regular season and the postseason, with a few games coming down to the last play.
It’s also the only game in town in the area, meaning that if you want to see football live — or scout either of these opponents — you’ll DVR the PHS-Morgantown game and buy a ticket to see this one.
Expect to see a lot of people in attendance without connections to either school.
Who to watch for Williamstown: Quarterback Carter Haynes and running back Donathan Taylor return to headline what could be a potent offense, if a young offensive line congeals. Eric Brown is a wide receiver and linebacker that has earned high praise for his play, especially on defense.
Parkersburg Catholic (0-0) at Paden City (0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last Year: Parkersburg Catholic would like to forget about a bizarre 2017 that saw one game cancelled due to an industrial fire and another because of the lack of available players. In his second year, head coach Lance Binegar has higher numbers and everyone back that played for him a year ago. Paden City battled through injuries to expected key contributors to finish below .500. With a better balance to their schedule, the Wildcats would do well to break even this year.
Why It’s Important: Parkersburg Catholic wants to change public perceptions about their program after a rough 2017 and prove to people that it was nothing more than a down year. Paden City has winnable games down the road, and a good start their 2018 slate might help boost them over the top in some of their toss-up games down the road.
Who to watch for Parkersburg Catholic: Ty Sturm and Jake Boice team up to serve as a running back tandem that could play for just about any team in the area. Sophomore Xavier Collie is in his second year as quarterback.
Who to watch for Paden City: Leading rusher Ryan Cross returns to a deep backfield, as does Mikey Cross. Clayton Thomas and Anthony Newman also figure to touch the ball at some point. Alex McCoy didn’t see much time last year, but will start at quarterback for the Wildcats. Matt Saxon will play all over the field on offense for head coach Brent Croasmun. EJ Weber — out last year due to injury — figures to anchor the line on both sides of the ball.
Ritchie County (0-0) at Tyler Consolidated (0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last Year: Ritchie County wants to put last year in the past, thanks to the fresh energy new head coach Rick Haught brings to the program. A proven winner in track-and-field, Haught will try to sprinkle some of his magic into a football program that only has two playoff appearances since the 90’s. Tyler Consolidated was in the running for a playoff spot until a loss to eventual state runner-up St. Marys in their final regular season game.
Why It’s Important: Both programs have different things to prove. Haught wants to prove that he’s the man to bring Ritchie County to the same prominence the Rebels enjoyed in the 80’s and 90’s under former head coach Kenny Wright. There’s already proof that enthusiasm is rampant in the Rebel program – Ritchie County’s roster, despite being in the 30’s, still represents their greatest rate of participation in several years. Tyler Consolidated wants to win with a proven set of skill players. What the Silver Knights lack in depth, they make up in quality.
Who to watch for Ritchie County: Gabe Ray is the new man under center for Ritchie County. Last year’s quarterback, Tatem McCloy, figures to spend much of his time as tight end, where he’ll be a key cog in the running game and, perhaps, Ray’s most reliable passing target.
Who to watch for Tyler Consolidated: Griffin Phillips returns for another year as the quarterback for Ryan Walton’s offense. Mark Rucker will try to top a sophomore season that saw him rush for more than 30 touchdowns.
Other Games: Calhoun County (0-0) at Wirt County (0-0); Wahama (0-0) at Ravenswood (0-0); Liberty Harrison (0-0) at Roane County (0-0)