MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The longest win streak in state history and the fourth longest active win streak in the nation belong to the Bulldogs from Martinsburg. Their last loss came in the 2015 state quarterfinals. The ‘Dogs are seeking their second ‘4-peat’ in 10 years. Expectations — both internal and external — can not be higher.
“The town, they expect us since we have won state championships in the past, they expect us to keep winning,” said Martinsburg senior lineman Ty Lucas. “We know where we are and we don’t think that we are good enough or better than everyone else. So we just stay humble.”
“It is something cool to be a part of,” said Martinsburg senior receiver/defensive back Teddy Marshall. “I think there is pressure but we don’t let it get to us.”
Despite losing a decorated senior class that was led by Super Six MVP Grant Harman, the Bulldogs have top tier talent and depth all over the field. It begins at the quarterback spot. Senior Elijah Banks split snaps with Harman last year, tossing a dozen touchdown passes.
“He has always been the hype man over our group,” Lucas said. “He’s always getting us all hype for the games. He is such a great leader on offense.”
Joining Banks in the backfield is junior Naieem Kearney. He stepped into a starters’ role midseason in 2018 and eclipsed the thousand yard mark.
“He’s a great kid and he had a great offseason,” said Martinsburg head coach David Walker. “He looked really good in the scrimmage so I am expecting a big year for him.”
The Bulldogs show their most depth at wide receiver. Jarod Bowie, Teddy Marshall and Anthony Smith are experienced veterans for Banks to target.
“Everybody we have out there started last year or at least played a lot,” said Martinsburg senior running back/linebacker Trey Sine. “We’ve got depth and if one guy goes down we’ve got another one ready to fill in.”
For good measure, 2017 Randy Moss Award winner as the state’s best wideout, Malakai Brown transferred in from Hedgesville.
“I think it has been a little different for him as far as our practices because he has actually had to compete against some really good talent,” Walker said. “So I think it has made him a lot better.”
Also, the Bulldog lines on both sides of the ball return mostly intact, led by Matt Bednarski and Ty Lucas.
“We have eight guys we feel like can play for us up front on the offensive side,” Walker said. “And defensively we have four or five guys that have done a nice job as well.”