BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — For the fourth consecutive season, Bluefield and Fairmont Senior squared off in the latter stages of the Class AA playoffs. Each has won twice in that span but last fall, the Beavers fell in the semifinal round, 21-19 at Mitchell Stadium. Bluefield’s season ended with a 7-2 record.
“I don’t think you ever really bury it,” said Bluefield senior QB/LB Ryker Brown. “You have to keep that in your mind and let it push you. Hopefully we will get to see them again. But if we don’t, we just play it. You’ve got to win a state championship. That is the goal.”
As the Beavers put the pieces in place for the 2021 season, they are seeking an 18th playoff appearance in the last 20 years.
“There’s always a lot of pressure,” said Bluefield senior WR/DB Jacorian Green. “We’ve been doing good for years. We just have to keep it going every year.”
A solid group of quality skill players are back for the Beavers. The new quarterback is senior Ryker Brown. He has proven himself as a reliable receiver and linebacker.
“He has paid his dues,” said Bluefield head coach Fred Simon. “He is a football player and I enjoy coaching him. He would play anywhere. He has waited his time to play quarterback but he wouldn’t care if we told him to go play guard. That’s just the kind of kid he is.”
One of Brown’s top targets will be senior wideout Jacorian Green. He is established as one of the state’s speediest athletes.
“He is the defending 200 meter champion in the state. And he has worked very hard,” Simon said. “I think he brings a lot to the table. He hasn’t been in that role but I think he is ready for it.”
A deep backfield will be led by a returning starter in Jaeon Flack and he is just the first of many players that should tote the ball.
“We have a senior in Jaeon Flack. We’ve got Amir Hairston. And we’ve got another kid in Jamel Floyd. Those three guys there I think will help. We can mix them in and make sure they get some touches,” Simon said.
Preseason practice will prove critical for the Bluefield offensive and defensive lines. Both units will be working in several new starters.
“They are coming along just fine,” Brown said. “They are a little bit younger and a little bit smaller but they are faster. I believe in them and I like the way they look.”
“Until we start scrimmaging and hitting and things like that, we are not going to know,” Simon said. “We’ve got some good size. But I think we just have to be a little bit more focused. That’s what I see right now that we are lacking.”