— By Eric Little
The three remaining teams from the Mid-Ohio Valley all hit the road this week, one for a showdown with the decade’s dominant program in Class AAA. All game dates/times listed:
Class AAA
No. 9 Parkersburg (7-4) at No. 1 Martinsburg (11-0)
When: Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Last Week: Parkersburg went on the road and prevailed 28-21 over Wheeling Park in a back-and-forth rematch from a late September contest at Stadium Field. Martinsburg advanced with a 35-0 win over Hurricane.
Why It’s Important: Parkersburg will look to unseat the defending Class AAA state champion and top-seed in this year’s tournament. While Martinsburg is unbeaten (including a 6-0 mark against in-state schools) and the prohibitive favorite in Class AAA, PHS has won six of their last seven games — with four of those wins coming against 2018 playoff teams.
Who to Watch for Parkersburg: With Brenton Strange and Tyler Moler dealing with nagging injuries, Parkersburg has had contributions from several other key players. Kionte Peacock has explosive speed and athleticism, and used it on his go-ahead 87-yard kickoff return touchdown halfway through the fourth quarter. He’s also a playmaker on offense and defense and can help shoulder some of the load that might’ve otherwise been handled by Strange.
After missing the first four games of the season due to injury, Shane Miller has been a revelation in the Big Reds’ rushing attack. Miller ran for two scores against Wheeling Park — his second straight week with multiple touchdown runs.
You’d also be mistaken to forget about the PHS defense — a unit that’s strengthened ever since allowing 51 points in their regular season win against Wheeling Park.
PHS head coach Mike Byus complemented that group’s work.
“Our defensive coaches, after the Park game, went to work even harder. We have a great defensive staff, putting game plans together for our kids. The young men didn’t give up. They didn’t tuck their head between their tales and go home. They kept working. And we kept getting better.” Byus said. “As a coach, you want to see your program grow from week to week, and I felt like we did that.”
The results are evident. Including the first matchup with Wheeling Park, PHS allowed 28 points or more in five of its first six games. The Big Reds haven’t allowed 28 in a game since and have held opponents to two touchdowns or less in four of their last five games.
No. 5 Ripley (10-1) at No. 4 Musselman (10-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Ripley defeated Greenbrier East 43-15 for its 10th straight win and first playoff win since 2009. Musselman routed John Marshall 60-14.
Why It’s Important: The Vikings hope to continue their dream season and push their winning streak to 11 games against one of the stiffest defenses they’ve faced yet. Musselman’s only loss came to Martinsburg. The Applemen have held opponents to single digits in six of 11 games this year.
Who to Watch for Ripley: Jeremy Harper’s emergence as a backfield threat continues for Ripley head coach Eddie Smolder. Harper carried just eight times last week against Greenbrier East, but scored on three of those carries.
Two of Cyrus Casto’s three passes went for touchdowns, as the Vikings possess such a wealth of backfield talent that they’ve got the luxury of being able to throw when they choose. That might be tested against one of the stingiest defenses they’ve faced all year.
Class A
No. 6 Williamstown (9-2) at No. 3 Mount View (10-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m. (at Princeton High School)
Last Week: Williamstown pulled away late in a 27-12 win over Summers County. The Yellowjackets held a one-point halftime lead, but didn’t allow Summers County to score after halftime. Mount View rallied with 21 fourth quarter points on the way to a 34-14 win over Ritchie County.
Why It’s Important: Williamstown makes the long trip to try to advance to the semifinals and will play on an artificial surface for just the second time all season. Mount View will be looking to get off to a quick start and prove last week’s near-upset was a fluke.
Who to Watch for Williamstown: The Yellowjackets got rushing touchdowns last week from three different players (Ty Moore, Carter Haynes and Donathan Taylor). Taylor and Haynes both ran for more than 100 yards each. Haynes also threw a TD pass to Nick Bondi.
But the Williamstown defense quieted the Bobcats’ roar on Saturday, creating five takeaways. In addition to two fumble recoveries, Williamstown’s defense also came away with three interceptions — one each from Eric Brown, Mason Deem and Brady Ankrom.