By: Fred Persinger II
A look at some of the common opponents, points scored and matchups for round one of the playoffs.
No. 9 (AA) Independence (8-2) at No. 8 (AA) Lincoln (8-2)
The 8 vs. 9 matchup typically shapes up to be a pretty even game each year in the postseason. Looking at this matchup, Independence has outscored its opponents 344-111 on the season, while Lincoln has outscored its opponents 373-191.
The Patriots have faced three teams that are in the playoffs, going 1-2 by beating Class A 10-seed Summers County. Lincoln, meanwhile, went 3-1 against four playoff teams — that lone loss came to undefeated and No. 1 Bridgeport.
The two teams do have one common opponent in Roane County. Independence lost to Roane County in the final week of the regular season, 21-8. Lincoln, meanwhile, beat Roane County 32-13. Prior to the loss to Roane, the Patriots had won six straight games. The Cougars, meanwhile, have won five games in a row – their last loss came back on September 23 to Bridgeport, 24-0.
The combined record of the Independence’s opponents is 48-52. Lincoln’s opponents have a combined record of 49-51. Kickoff on Friday night is set for 7:30, with the game airing on WJLSAM.com.
No. 10 (AA) Keyser (7-3) at No. 7 (AA) Nicholas County (9-1)
Keyser enters Friday night’s opening round playoff game having outscored its opponents 353-146 this season. Nicholas County, meanwhile, has outscored its opponents 381-80. The Grizzlies overall didn’t give up a point defensively until Week 6 — they’ve given up more than 10 points just twice this season.
The Golden Tornado, meanwhile, lost to just one in-state opponent, Bridgeport. Keyser led 13-3 after three quarters in that contest, but saw the Indians score three fourth quarter touchdowns to complete the comeback win, 24-13.
Keyser and Nicholas County did play a common opponent this season. Nicholas County played three playoff teams this season with a 2-1 record with the lone loss coming to Class A No. 3 Fayetteville — four of Nicholas County’s opponents were out of Class A. Keyser, meanwhile, played four playoff teams and one Class AAA opponent. Nicholas County has won four games in a row while Keyser has won its last two contests. Kickoff in Summersville is set for Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
No. 11 (AA) Winfield (7-3) at No. 6 (AA) James Monroe (9-1)
Winfield made the move from Class AAA to Class AA this year and finds itself in the playoffs for the first time since 2005. The Generals have outscored their opponents 373-265, while James Monroe outscored its opponents 326-89 this season. Winfield has faced a difficult schedule, playing five teams that are in the playoffs — the Generals went 2-3 in those matchups. Winfield’s opponents have a combined record 52-48.
James Monroe, meanwhile, has faced just two teams that made the playoffs, going 1-1 in those contests. The Mavericks’ opponents went a combined 42-56 on the season as just two of those teams finished with a winning record. These two teams did not play any common opponents this season. Winfield comes into the game this week off a 48-9 loss to unbeaten No. 2 Mingo Central. That loss broke a four game winning streak. James Monroe, meanwhile has won five games in a row. Kickoff is set for Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
No. 14 (A) Van (6-3) at No. 3 (A) Fayetteville (10-0)
Fayetteville has been riding momentum all year, ending the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record. The Pirates have scored 40 points or more eight times this season, overall outscoring their opponents 454-133. Van, meanwhile, has outscored its opponents 262-210.
Van has played two teams that are in the playoffs, falling to Cameron 28-26 and beating Sherman 30-13. Fayetteville, meanwhile, faced two playoff teams as well, beating Nicholas County 44-42 and Buffalo 24-21.
These two teams have played three common opponents: Van defeated Meadow Bridge 20-6, Midland Trail 35-20 and Richwood 49-30. Fayetteville defeated Meadow Bridge 58-6, Midland Trail 51-31 and Richwood 49-6. Kickoff on Friday night is set for 7:30 p.m.
No. 10 (A) Summers County (8-2) at No. 7 (A) Gilmer County (10-0)
Gilmer County finished with its first ever 10-0 season and now welcomes Summers County to town for a Saturday night matchup. Summers County has outscored its opponents 406-146 this season, while Gilmer County has outscored its opponents 413-64.
The Titans have given up more than 10 points just twice this season. Summers County and Gilmer County have played two common opponents this season: Gilmer County defeated Richwood 28-14 and Meadow Bridge 57-0, while Summers County defeated Richwood 70-28 and Meadow Bridge 53-0.
Summers County has faced one playoff team, falling to Class AA Independence 36-14. Gilmer County, meanwhile, also played just one team that advanced to the postseason – that was a 36-6 win over Sherman. Kickoff is set for Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.