By: Shawn Rine
The Wheeling Intelligencer and News-Register
Class A No. 7 Cameron (9-0) at Pocahontas County 5-4
So it all comes down to this for Cameron and Coach Scott Holt. A victory at Pendleton County guarantees a home playoff at Dragon Stadium. A loss and … well, they don’t want to think that way in rural Marshall County.
“This is full blast,” Holt said. “When we scheduled this game, we thought it was going to be one we needed to win.
“It will help us keep our spot and avoid making another long bus ride. As if we needed any more motivation other than going 10-0.”
In other words, no starters will be resting when Cameron makes the four-hour ride to Pocahontas County. After all, the Dragons are going for their second unbeaten regular season.
In order to do so, they will have to find a way to slow down a large, physical Warriors team that has losses to Moorefield (21-14, Pendleton County (34-12, East Hardy (37-3) and Summers County (19-14) on its resume. Those who follow prep football in the state realize there are no slouches among that group.
“They are bringing back many of their starters that went to the playoffs last year,” Holt said. “I know they have to be disappointed with where they are coming off a playoff berth. They have four losses to quality teams.
“The ball just hasn’t bounced their way this year.”
It certainly did the last time these clubs met. Pocahontas County left the Northern Panhandle with a 65-22 victory a season ago.
The Warriors feature three linemen that weight more than 300 pounds. They’ll be trying to get in the backfield and disrupt a Cameron offense that is led by quarterback Colby Brown and running back Michael Starcher, who in his last games has run for 376 yards and five touchdowns. He’s over 1,000 yards for the season.
“On paper, they have a huge advantage there,” Holt said of the size difference. “Our linemen average out at 160. We know we are going to have use our quickness and our scouting report.
“We realize there are going to be a few schemes we are going to have to take a chance on to compensate for our lack of size.”
Holt said his players remember how it felt getting pushed around on their home field last season.
“It was a big loss for these guys they way they pushed us around,” Holt said. “We are excited to show them how much of an improved team we are.”
Class A No. 5 Wheeling Central (7-1) at Bishop Donahue (6-3)
The stakes don’t get much higher for these two rivals.
The Maroon Knights, owners of a nine-game schedule and for all intents and purposes coming off two byes — a victory against outmanned Beallsville, Ohio, and an actual week off, are looking to improve their playoff positions. If the Bishops don’t find a way to pull an upset, there won’t be any postseason at all.
By beating Bishop, Coach Mike Young and Wheeling Central – currently seventh – would likely climb into the top 5 of the Class A playoff ratings. That would give them two home games. A loss and it’s probably on the road for the duration.
“It’s really been awhile since we have played a meaningful game,” Young said. “The kids are very hungry right now and we are looking forward to getting back on the field and trying to set the tone for the upcoming playoffs.
“But at the same time we are not going to overlook Bishop Donahue. This is a very good backyard battle and we have played some very good games with them. Coach Durdines does a great job with that team.”
Donahue started 4-0 but injuries have derailed what at first glance looked to be a sure playoff date. The Bishops lost starting quarterback Jimmy Hull a few weeks ago and three more key contributors will be out this week.
“This has really been a unique season for us with the schedule we have played and the injuries we have endured,” BD coach John Durdines said. “The injuries the last few weeks have really been piling up on us, and we are not a team that was very deep to begin with.
“But there are no excuses and the kids are still in very high spirits going into this week. It has just turned into a situation where the next guy has to step up and help us out.”
Hull was in the midst of a great campaign, having thrown for 1,272 yards, 17 touchdowns and two interceptions through seven games before getting hurt. Senior Gage Wilson took the snaps last week and was 13 of 25 for 162 yards, a touchdown and one interception.
Donahue has a dual threat in senior J.C. Custer, who has rushed for 538 yards and six touchdowns while catching 29 passes for 458 yards and seven more scores. Last week he hauled in four passes for 101 yards and his team’s only touchdown.
“They are a good team with a very nice line and overall they are strong and aggressive,” Young said. “I know they had a tough game against Shadyside, breaking in a new quarterback and all, but we expect their best this week.
“I know we will be looking to go out and play hard. We are having a nice season with only one loss and that says a lot about this senior group that we have. With the playoffs lying ahead we are very excited and ready to get going.”
Central is led by veteran quarterback Isaac Rine, who is 52 of 84 for 856 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions. Add into that mix the leadership that Rine provides and he is the engine that makes the Maroon Knight machine roll.
The rushing attack is led by sophomore Bray Price (641 yards-7 TDs), while senior John Burkhalter is one of the most explosive receivers in the Ohio Valley.
“Wheeling Central is a very talented team,” Durdines said. “They have one of the best wide receivers in the state in Burkhalter, so much speed at the running back position and a good mix of experience and youth on both sides of the football.
“This is the kind of rivalry that the kids are real close and a lot of them grew up playing little league together and are still friends today outside of football. Itás a hard-hitting, friendly rivalry and we expect another great atmosphere and crowd this year.”
Other Games:
John Marshall at Wheeling Park
Clay-Battelle at Madonna
Paden City at Valley (W)
Tyler Consolidated at St. Marys
Magnolia at Moorefield
Rappahannock, Pa., at Hundred