by Eric Little – Seven Ranges Radio/For WVMetroNews.com
The big schools stay home, the defending Class A runners-up have their long-awaited opener and things don’t get any easier for perennial power Williamstown.
GAMES TO WATCH
Class A No. 8 Williamstown (0-1) at Class A No. 2 Magnolia (1-0)
When: Friday at 7:00 p.m.
Last week: Wheeling Central handed Williamstown a 33-0 defeat. The Yellowjackets were held well under 200 total yards offensively, while allowing nearly 400 total yards against a defending state champion. Magnolia got three touchdown passes from Patrick Mirandy, while the defense pitched a shutout in a 24-0 win over 2017 playoff participant Sherman.
Why it’s important: With a start to the season that includes games against Marietta, Ohio and Ravenswood after this week, there’s a real chance Williamstown waits awhile to pick up a win if the Yellowjackets don’t strike soon. Missed chances, poor execution and penalties plagued Williamstown in their season-opening loss to Wheeling Central. Head coach Terry Smith wants to fix these issues before they become bad habits. Magnolia’s schedule is no cakewalk either, with Ohio powerhouse Shadyside next week and a finale against Wheeling Central. They’ll be looking to rack up wins whenever and wherever.
Who to watch for Williamstown: Linebackers Eric and Ryan Brown will chase Mirandy around, as will Nick Bondi. Ryan Brown picked up two early sacks last week against Wheeling Central quarterback Curtis McGhee. Quarterback Carter Haynes looked strong throwing the football, and was negatively impacted by a few dropped passes. But he missed connecting with running back Donathon Taylor on two early pass plays that easily could’ve been six points for Williamstown. Expect the two to get on the same page sooner rather than later.
Class AAA No. 5 Cabell Midland (1-0) at Parkersburg (0-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Parkersburg dug out of an early 17-0 hole to lead at the half against Morgantown, before eventually falling 45-35 in a game available to millions online and through cable TV. Cabell Midland got a big ground effort from running back Ivan Vaughn in a 62-0 whitewashing of St. Albans.
Why it’s important: After hosting a playoff game a year ago, excitement is sky high around the PHS program. Though the Big Reds lost last week, there were flashes of why this could truly be a special team — with loads of offensive talent. But the Big Reds struggled to stop the Mohigan running attack, which doesn’t bode well for their meeting with Vaughn. Parkersburg will also need to tackle better on first contact to make sure Vaughn doesn’t run wild all over Stadium Field’s brand-new artificial surface.
Who to watch for Parkersburg: Tyler Moler responded to a first-half fumble with a highlight-reel worthy touchdown run to help dig PHS out of the early hole. It was part of a night where Moler ran 22 times for 151 yards and a pair of scores. With a lot of the attention on Cabell Midland’s Vaughn, keep your eye on the Parkersburg running back also.
Ritchie County (1-0) at Parkersburg Catholic (1-0)
When: Saturday at 7:00 p.m. (Stadium Field at PHS)
Last week: Parkersburg Catholic picked up its first win since 2016 with a 47-14 triumph over Paden City. Things got better after the game for second-year head coach Lance Binegar, who followed his first head coaching win by proposing to his girlfriend (she said yes.) Ritchie County picked up a 24-22 win over Tyler Consolidated to make a first-time winner out of first-year head coach Rick Haught, who did not whip out an engagement ring following the game. Rebel quarterback Gabe Ray threw a touchdown pass and ran for a score. Trey Moss led the Rebel running attack with 175 yards on 24 carries.
Why It’s important: For two programs on the upswing, a Week 1 win has gone a long way to boost morale. But only one of those teams will feed off that momentum to make it two in a row.
Who to watch for Parkersburg Catholic: Ty Sturm and Jeb Boice both topped 100 rushing yards for the Crusaders. Sturm ran for a touchdown and hauled in a touchdown strike from Xavier Collie. Boice ran for a score and returned the opening kickoff of the second half 70 yards for another touchdown.
Who to watch for Ritchie County: Ray has a lot of weapons on offense, with a stable of running backs that includes Moss, Kayden Procacina and Garrett Owens, who ran for 120 yards to complement Moss. The Rebels will need to run successfully to grind down the undermanned Crusaders.
University (0-1) at Parkersburg South (1-0)
When: Friday at 7:00 p.m.
Last week: Parkersburg South got a big effort from senior Nick Yoho in a 27-7 win over Ripley. Yoho carried the ball 20 times for 229 yards and three scores. The win was South’s first season-opening win since 2015. University fell to the running game of John Marshall in a 35-28 setback at the hands of the Monarchs.
Why It’s important: Parkersburg South was able to successfully distribute the ball to multiple offensive weapons last week. They’ll once again look to do that and build off the momentum of a feel-good win against the Vikings. University wants to step up and get a big win to avoid an early-season skid that could derail the hopes of one of Class AAA’s most promising teams.
Who to watch for Parkersburg South: While the attention will be on Yoho to see what the South senior has up his sleeves for an encore, keep an eye on Patriot quarterback Brayden Mooney. The second-year starter looked calm and poised running South’s offense and made good decisions throughout the night. Dalen King emerged as a passing target for Mooney out of the South backfield.
Ravenswood (1-0) at Webster County (0-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Ravenswood blanked Wahama 42-0 in their season opener, with rushing touchdowns from four different players. Webster County fell 46-36 in a shootout on the road at Richwood.
Why it’s important: With St. Marys returning just two starters each on both sides of the ball and Williamstown off to a shaky start, maybe it’s Ravenswood’s time to step up on the local and statewide scene in Class A. A second straight win would go a long way in that department.
Who to watch for Ravenswood: Luke Jackson led Red Devil rushers with 123 yards and a touchdown on just seven carries. Two of Wayne Stephenson’s three carries also went for Ravenswood scores.
Ripley (0-1) at Buckhannon-Upshur (1-0)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Ripley failed to both stop Parkersburg South’s running game and get a running attack of their own in a 27-7 loss to the Patriots. Buckhannon-Upshur got in the win column with a 21-14 triumph over Princeton.
Why it’s important: For a team that’s trying to get out of the 4-6 funk they’ve been in the last two years, Ripley badly needs to erase the memory of last week’s shortcomings.
In a 29-team Class AAA, four or five wins may be enough to get to the postseason. Buckhannon-Upshur knows how to count.
Who to watch for Ripley: The Vikings struggled to get three-year starter RJ Evans going against Parkersburg South. If they can create space for him, he may spring the entire offense to life.
Scott (0-1) at Class A No. 3 St. Marys (0-0)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: This is the season opener for St. Marys — the defending Class A runners-up — after a bye in Week 1. Scott fell 47-0 to Herbert Hoover.
Why it’s important: As mentioned earlier, St. Marys returns just two starters on each side of the ball. The Blue Devils will likely benefit from the extra week of practice prior to the opener, thanks to the bye week. Also, a Class AA opponent offers valuable WVSSAC bonus points, should St. Marys win. Scott wants to erase the memory of a blowout loss a week ago.
Who to watch for St. Marys: Brennan Boron is the new man under center for St. Marys. Scouting reports say he’s an intelligent young man and is a quick learner, so we’ll see how quickly he picks up the St. Marys offense.
Tyler Consolidated (0-1) at Class A No. 5 Doddridge County (1-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: A late rally fell short for Tyler Consolidated in a 24-22 loss to Ritchie County. Doddridge County gained some attention with its 52-14 win over South Harrison — vaulting up to No. 5 in this week’s Class A MetroNews Power Rankings.
Why it’s important: Tyler Consolidated is another team looking to take the next step toward becoming a perennial playoff contender and can’t afford to go 0-2. Momentum is strong around Doddridge County, and a 2-0 start to the year would only fuel the fire.
Who to watch for Tyler Consolidated: Griffin Phillips and Mark Rucker both ran for more than 150 yards each in the Silver Knights’ season-opening loss to Ritchie County. If those horses continue to do that kind of work, the wins will follow for Tyler Consolidated.
Other Games: Wahama (0-1) at Corning Miller, OH (0-1); Roane County (0-1) at Lincoln County (0-1); Paden City (0-1) at Wirt County (0-1); Notre Dame (0-1) at Calhoun County (1-0)