by Shawn Rine – The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register for WVMetroNews.com
A closer look at Northern Panhandle action in Week 3.
Class A
No. 5 Magnolia (1-1) at Shadyside, Ohio (1-1)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: Magnolia was beaten at home by Williamstown, 20-8. Shadyside blasted rival Monroe Central, 55-0.
Why it’s important: Neither of these teams can afford to be sitting at 1-2 three games into the season. This series has gone back and forth recently, with each school at times landing decisive victories.
Who to watch for Magnolia: Sebastian Stickler has emerged as the go-to receiver for the Blue Eagles, hauling in seven catches for 62 yards a week ago. Running back Jason Beisel contributed 90 yards on 10 carries.
Who to watch for Shadyside: Senior running back Connor Banco has been a jack-of-all trades the last few seasons for the Tigers. A week ago he gained 87 yards and scored three times on 11 carries while catching three passes for 64 yards and another score.
Class AA
James Monroe (0-1) at No. 5 Weir (2-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: James Monroe had an early bye week. Weir handled Anacostia, D.C., rather easily, running away to a 70-21 victory.
Why it’s important: It’s very simple for Weir and coach Tony Filberto. They believe the ingredients are in place for a run to Wheeling Island Stadium. The Red Riders cannot afford a slip up.
Who to watch for James Monroe: Receiver Xander Castillo has shown big-play ability in the open field. Freshman QB Ryder Brown completed 11-of-16 passes in the opener.
Who to watch for Weir: Running back Donavan Kirby led the state in rushing last season while at Class A Madonna, but has picked up where he left off in a higher classification. Quarterback Tyler Komorowski is coming off a career outing throwing the football, as he completed 12-of-16 passes for 199 yards and four touchdowns in last week’s rout.
Class AAA
Brooke (0-2) at University (1-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Brooke is coming of its bye week. University rocked Parkersburg South on the road, 24-7.
Why it’s important: The Bruins don’t want to be looking at an 0-2 start, while the Hawks appear primed to rebound after an opening-week loss.
Who to watch for Brooke: Senior quarterback Gage Yost is a tough customer who can hurt teams with both his arms and his legs. When given a small opening, running back Max Camilletti has shown an ability to pick up yards in chunks.
Who to watch for University: Senior quarterback Logan Holgorsen has been playing at an all-state level the first two weeks. In last week’s victory, he completed 22-of-27 passes, good for 327 yards and two touchdowns, one from 71 yards out. He also rushed 12 times for 83 yards.
Other games: Valley Wetzel (0-1) at Class A No. 6 Cameron (2-0); Preston (1-1) at Class AAA No. 6 John Marshall (2-0); Oak Glen (0-2) at Buckeye Local, Ohio (0-2); Van (1-0) at Paden City (0-2); Class A No. 10 East Hardy (0-2) at Class A No. 1 Wheeling Central (2-0); Parkersburg South (1-1) at Athens, Ohio (1-1); Beallsville, Ohio (0-2) at Hundred (0-2); Morgantown (1-1) at Fort Hill, Md. (0-0); Mogadore, Ohio (2-0) at Linsly (2-0); Vincentian Academy, Pa. (0-0) at Madonna (1-1).