Northern Panhandle Report: Week 13

— By Shawn Rine

GAMES TO WATCH

CLASS A

No. 10 Wheeling Central (7-4) at No. 2 Ritchie County (10-1) 

When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Last Week: Wheeling Central showed its resiliency and unwillingness to quit, as Jacob Rine hit Jalen Creighton on a bomb with seven seconds to go, for a 13-12 road victory against Tolsia. Second-seeded Ritchie County wasted little time in rolling past rival South Harrison, 40-6. It marked the third time in school history the Rebels have advanced past the first round.

Why it’s important: A berth in the state semifinals is at stake. For the Rebels, who have had to endure skepticism throughout this magnificent season, it’s an opportunity to put those doubts to rest once and for all. The Maroon Knights have been dealing with their fir share of naysayers since all-state QB Curtis McGhee III went down with a season-ending knee injury. But as Wheeling Central proved last week, it’s not easy to kill a (two-time) champion.

Who to watch for Wheeling Central: With McGhee on the sideline, junior Jordan Waterhouse had had to take over the lion’s share of the running duties. He’s quick and elusive, as the numbers — 915 yards and nine scores on 117 carries — suggest. He had 102 on 19 carries last week, before leaving the game with a head injury.

Who to watch for Ritchie County: Tre Moss leads the ground game with 1,455 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Garett Owens has 786 yards and 15 more scores rushing.

CLASS AA

No. 6 Oak Glen (11-0) at No. 3 Poca (11-0) 

When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Last Week: Playing in the first home playoff game in school history, Oak Glen took Wyoming East out of its game quickly en route to a 55-13 victory. Poca, meanwhile, got a bit of a test from North Marion before emerging with a 41-27 verdict that helped set up this battle of unbeatens.

Why it’s important: Poca, which produced its first undefeated regular season since 1978, has been here several times in the past. But it’s been what seems like an eternity since the Dots were threats to make it to the Super Six at Wheeling Island Stadium. The Golden Bears have never been there. Oak Glen has had its schedule questioned virtually all season, but seemed to have quieted some of the whispers last week. A victory here would snuff them out completely.

Who to watch for Oak Glen: The entire defensive unit. The offense gets all the attention because of its quick-strike ability, but he defense has carried this team. The Golden Bears surrender 10.55 points and 81.45 rushing yards per game. When they take away the running game, “DB High School” as the secondary has named itself, takes over. Oak Glen defenders have picked off 27 opposing passes this season, including a state-leading (all classes) 14 by senior team leader Michael Lemley.

Who to watch for Poca: Everyone knows by now that Ethan Payne stirs the drink for the Dots. He’s set virtually every state rushing and scoring mark on the books this season. In total, Payne has rushed for 2,661 yards and has scored 51 total touchdowns. If the Golden Bears can somehow limit his effectiveness, they will march onto the semifinals.





More High School Sports

High School Sports
Herbert Hoover improves to 10-0 with 2-1 win over Hurricane
The Huskies collected a pair of victories Thursday in the Guard the Capital Invitational in Charleston.
March 29, 2024 - 12:51 am
High School Sports
Independence bests Wahama, 10-2 in the Guard the Capital Tournament
March 28, 2024 - 9:03 pm
High School Sports
Photo gallery: University defeats Bridgeport, 12-3
March 28, 2024 - 6:24 pm
High School Sports
Class AAA Boys Basketball All-State List
State champion Shady Spring lands two on first team, including captain Ammar Maxwell.
March 28, 2024 - 8:42 am