Eastern Panhandle Report: Week 6

Blake Hartman found the end zone five times for Musselman in last week’s win over Princeton.

 

Tough road tests await Mussleman and Tucker County, while Hedgesville gets the action started early with a Thursday afternoon game at Preston.

GAMES TO WATCH

Class AAA

No. 5 Musselman (4-0) at No. 13 Morgantown (3-2)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last week: Musselman crusied to a 61-28 victory against Princeton — its fourth straight lopsided win to start the season. Morgantown got back over .500 with a 31-28 overtime win against Linsly.

Why it’s important: The Mohigans are the toughest test to date for the Applemen. However, this starts the string of a tough stretch for Musselman, which will face Hedgesville and Wheeling Park the next two weeks, while a game against Martinsburg also remains. 

Four of the Mohigans’ five games could have gone either way, but they managed to split them and can receive a big boost in the playoff race by dealing the Applemen their first setback.

Who to watch for Musselman: Blake Hartman is one of the better running backs in the state and rushed for five touchdowns against Princeton. Quarterback Tre Beard helps provide balance for the Applemen offense.

Who to watch for Morgantown: Ty Konchesky produces plenty at running back, but also returned an interception for a touchdown in the win over Linsly. Aaron Alvarez intercepted a Cadets pass in overtime that allowed John McConnell to kick a game-winning field goal.

No. 7 Hedgesville (4-1) at Preston (1-4)

When: Thursday, 1 p.m.

Last week: Hedgesville handled James Wood, Va., 45-20. After starting the season with a win, Preston suffered its fourth straight loss against Lewis County, 34-0.

Why it’s important: This game marks the return of the Buckwheat Festival Bowl, which is why it’s being played Thursday afternoon. The Eagles explosive offense has helped pave the way in the team’s 4-1 start — and if Hedgesville has aspirations of hosting a playoff game, it needs to continue piling up wins.

Who to watch for Hedgesville: Dual threat quarterback Owie Ash often looks to explosive wide receiver Malakai Brown to make plays. Keenan Smoot rushed for 141 yards in last week’s win.

Who to watch for Preston: In the Knights’ lone win this season, Jesse Gribble and Colten Rosenberger combined to rush for 234 yards.

Class A

No. 2 Tucker County (5-0) at No. 11 Pendleton County (3-2)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last week: The Mountain Lions defense put forth another strong showing in a 10-0 win against Philip Barbour. The Wildcats hung tough with Southern Garrett, Md., but squandered a 14-0 lead and suffered a 35-21 loss.

Why it’s important: Tucker County is trying to prolong its unbeaten season, but will need to play well on the road against a quality opponent to do so. Pendleton County can earn its best win to date and get back on track after having its two-game win streak snapped last week.

Who to watch for Tucker County: With 38 points allowed in five games, only Wheeling Central and Cameron have given up fewer points than Tucker County. The defense has been downright dominant, having registered two shutouts in its last three games and not allowing more than 17 points in any game thus far. Quarterback Liam Hood’s favorite target is Jeff Snyder.

Who to watch for Pendleton County: Quarterback Kole Puffenberger could provide Tucker’s defense with its toughest challenge yet. Puffenberger threw three touchdowns in defeat last week, including two to Tim Thorne. The Wildcats have allowed only 37 total points in their three wins, while surrendering 78 points in the two losses.

Other games: Martinsburg (5-0) at Washington (0-5); Spring Mills (2-3) at Boonsboro, Md. (2-2); Hampshire (0-5) at Keyser (3-1); Frankfort (5-0) at Mountain Ridge, Md. (2-2); Philip Barbour (1-4) at Petersburg (3-1); Moorefield (1-4) at Berkeley Springs (0-5); Southern Garrett, Md. (3-1) at East Hardy (0-4)





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