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Northern Panhandle Report: Week 5

— By Shawn Rine

GAMES TO WATCH

CLASS AAA

Zanesville, Ohio (4-0) at No. 4 Wheeling Park (3-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last Week: Zanesville knocked off River View, Ohio, 49-13. Wheeling Park ran past University, 42-6.

Why it’s important: After this week’s game, the Blue Devils’ five remaining opponents have a combined record of 14-6 (one team has four of those losses) so nothing is guaranteed and they can’t afford to slip up.

The Patriots are tied for the fourth position and feel as though they are a much different team when playing postseason games at home, so this one presents a bunch of points in their quest to stay at home for the playoffs.

Who to watch for Zanesville: Quarterback Ben Everson is coming off a performance in which he completed 9 of 13 passes for 175 yards and five touchdowns, against zero interceptions.

Who to watch for Wheeling Park: Receiver Shaheed Jackson has hauled in 11 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns this season, helping the Park offense average 44 points a games.

John Marshall (1-3) at No. 3 Parkersburg South (4-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last Week: John Marshall was overwhelmed at home in the second half by Bellaire, Ohio, falling in a 35-7 defeat. Parkersburg South continued its perfect season with a 55-18 rout of Princeton at the Erickson All-Sports Complex.

Why it’s important: Simply put, if the Monarchs have any hopes of qualifying for the playoffs for a third consecutive season, this is a must-win. The Patriots have their eyes on not only getting in, but making noise. With a showdown with perennial power Huntington looming, South cannot look ahead.

Who to watch for John Marshall: Defensive back/kick returner/receiver Reid Wiley is an explosive playmaker in the open field. He picked off a pair of Bellaire passes last week.

Who to watch for Parkersburg South: Brandon Penn has been a standout on both sides of the ball for the Patriots. Last week he threw four touchdown passes and ran for another, while adding two interceptions on defense.

Morgantown (1-3) at Linsly (4-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m., at West Liberty University

Last Week: After a brutal schedule to begin the regular season, Morgantown stopped a three-game losing streak by hammering Hedgesville, 49-14. Linsly continued to dominate with a 34-14 road conquest of Coshocton, Ohio.

Why it’s important: Linsly isn’t a member of the WVSSAC so it can’t qualify for the postseason. But a victory against the Mohigans would go a long way toward helping them win an Ohio Valley Athletic Conference crown, which is the school’s version of a state title. 

Morgantown had to rally to win this game in OT last season at Pony Lewis Field, but probably needs a victory even worse this time around. This is a potential season-changer for the Mohigans.

Who to watch for Morgantown: Gunner Lattimore took over at QB last week and completed 8-of-15 passes for 186 yards and two scores. He has also rushed for 111 yards and a score this season on 20 carries

Who to watch for Linsly: Despite missing a game, junior QB Hunter Kelley has completed 32 of 54 for 438 yards, four TDs and zero INTs. He has also rushed for 179 yards.

CLASS A

Western Reserve Academy, Ohio (3-1) at No. 8 Wheeling Central (3-1)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Last Week: Western Reserve blasted Valley Christian School, 33-7. Wheeling Central scored in the final 35 seconds for a huge, 31-27 victory against rival Shadyside.

Why it’s important: It’s Alumni Weekend in Wheeling, which means a large, raucous crowd is expected. The bonus points available to the victor are plenty, considering each team should go on and win their fair share of games.

Who to watch for Western Reserve: Running back Ogden Andrews has already piled up 506 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground this season.

Who to watch for Wheeling Central: Senior QB Curtis McGhee III is putting up Kennedy Award-worthy numbers. In last week’s key victory, McGhee rushed for 223 yards and four TDs before throwing to Jalen Creighton for a game-winning, 21-yard TD.

Cameron (2-2) at No. 13 Madonna (3-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last Week: Cameron came out on the short end against unbeaten Frontier, Ohio, 33-20. Madonna blanked Mathews, Ohio, 34-0.

Why it’s important: The Dragons have been to the dance three straight seasons, and a victory at Jimmy Carey Stadium would go a long way in extending that run. The Blue Dons are hungry to get back to the postseason and have a number of tough matchups down the road.

Who to watch for Cameron: In last week’s tough loss, Garrett Scott caught seven passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. He also picked up a blocked punt and returned it for a score.

Who to watch for Madonna: With the running game shut own last week, the Blue Dons turned to sophomore QB Santino Arlia. He responded by going 28 of 42 for 364 yards and five touchdowns.

Other Games: Ripley (1-3) at Brooke (1-3); Petersburg (2-2) at Weir (2-2); Class AA No. 3 Oak Glen (4-0) at East Liverpool, Ohio (2-2); Valley Wetzel (0-3) at Beallsville, Ohio (1-3); Magnolia (0-3) at Frontier, Ohio (4-0); Paden City (1-3) at Hundred (1-3); Tyler Consolidated (1-2) at Wirt County (2-2)





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