Regardless of what we are involved in, everything seems to come down to just the numbers! The same is true for high school football…..it’s all about the numbers! And, as we enter into week number nine of the 2018 season, it is certainly the “won/loss” numbers that every coach and player is looking at!
At this point in time, we currently have 3 undefeated teams in Class AAA and 3 teams that have yet to win. In Class AA, the numbers are similar with 4 undefeated teams and 4 teams still looking for win #1. In Class A, the numbers are weighted a little more on the positive side with 6 undefeated teams and only 2 teams in search of win #1! The above numbers obviously show two things….as we enter week #9, the 13 teams that are still undefeated will be in the first round of playoffs when they begin the weekend of November 9th and 10th. It is also true that the 9 teams that are still looking for win #1 will start to turn their equipment in that same week! Now we talk about the teams with the most wins being in, but how about the teams that are currently in the “middle of the pack”? Interesting to note when the WVSSAC rankings came out Tuesday, October 9th, there were at least 20 of the 29 teams that are mathematically still alive for the first round of the playoffs. In Class AA, that number was closer to 25 of the eligible 43 teams still alive and in Class A, of the 43 teams competing for one of those 16 spots, 23 are still hoping to qualify!
With only 3 weeks remaining in the regular season, we have some interesting games scheduled for week #9! Beginning with Class AAA, Huntington 6-1) is coming off their first loss of the season last Friday night at Capital and they will stay on the road this Friday night for the short trek to Ona, WV where they will battle the Cabell Midland Knights (4-3). Also in Class AAA, Parkersburg South (5-2) has a big encounter on the road as they make the long trip to Fairlea to take on the (4-3) Spartans of Greenbrier East.
In Class AA, we have a number of games with playoff implications, as Oak Hill (6-1) will travel to Mitchell Stadium to battle the (6-1) Bluefield Beavers. Last Friday night, Bluefield saw their 20 game win steak come to an end as they were only able to run 31 offensive plays in a 17-3 loss to Lord Botetourt, Va., a team that is located near the Roanoke area. Also coming up this weekend in Class AA, Fairmont Senior (8-0) is at Grafton (5-1)….Bridgeport (7-1) travels to Keyser (6-1)…..Robert C. Byrd (5-2) is at Liberty (H) (4-3)……Clay County (5-2) is on the road to Raleigh County to take on (5-2) Shady Spring and Sissonville (4-3) will travel to (5-2) Wayne!
In Class A, there are three games we will have our eyes on this weekend including Midland Trail (8-0) at Fayetteville (5-2)….Tyler Consolidated (4-3) at Magnolia (5-3) and in what might be the best game in the state, Parkersburg Catholic (8-0) at Williamstown (7-1)!
Indeed Friday night is going to be fun…..but then again, during the high school football season, every Friday night is fun! After your favorite teams plays, be sure to join Dave Jecklin and me for GAMENIGHT……from 9:30 to Midnight on many great radio stations around the state and @wvmetronews.com!!