Quarterfinal round weekend was as memorable as it was unpredictable all across West Virginia.
While the average margin of victory was 21.2 points over 16 games, six were decided by one possession, including two — Spring Mills-Morgantown and East Hardy-Pendleton County that were in overtime at the same time Saturday.
Additionally, a strong case can be made there was at least somewhat of a significant upset in each of the four classifications when factoring in University’s victory at Huntington, Doddridge County’s triumph at Independence and the elimination of a pair of unbeaten defending state champions as Chapmanville won at Bridgeport and Cameron was victorious at Wahama.
More thoughts on what transpired:
Class AAAA
- When the postseason matchups were finalized, it was almost assumed Martinsburg and Huntington would square off again in a semifinal. Seventh-seeded University had other ideas, overcoming a seven-point halftime deficit during a dominant third quarter and forcing five turnovers to oust the Highlanders, 35-28. University’s improvement in Eric Snyder’s season year as head coach has been noticeable since the start of the campaign, but Friday’s result at Bob Sang Stadium puts the season into an entirely different category as far as its level of success. There’s no question the Hawks are again significant underdogs in a semifinal against the No. 3 Bulldogs, but it’s important to remember the talent level UHS possesses, particularly offensively. Snyder’s team has scored at least 27 points in every game with the exception of being shutout in the MoHawk Bowl, making the feat from Morgantown all the more impressive.
- Speaking of Morgantown, the Mohigans certainly had one of the more memorable victories in any quarterfinal. A touchdown and 2-point conversion in the final minute of regulation enabled the top seed Mohigans to force overtime with No. 8 Spring Mills. MHS blocked a point-after kick in the second overtime to down the defending state runner-up, 34-33. Sophomore quarterback Maddox Twigg, as he’s done throughout the season, paved the way in the victory that has the Mohigans’ 48 minutes from their first appearance in a state final since 2005 when they won their last of four championships over a six-year stretch.
- To play into December, Morgantown will need to defeat No. 4 Jefferson in a semifinal. The Cougars have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround over the last two months by winning eight straight since an 0-4 start. Two of those wins were one-possession games with George Washington, including last Friday’s 28-21 victory. The Cougars are 4-0 in one score games, and while they lost by 31 points to the Mohigans in Week 2, rest assured Morgantown coach Sean Biser will remind his team it isn’t facing the same one that managed 13 points over four losses to start the season.
- With its 55-35 win over Wheeling Park, No. 3 Martinsburg moved to within two victories of its 12th state championship since 2010. The Bulldogs have won 10 straight since an 0-2 start, and should they defeat University in a semifinal, they’d have a convincing victory on their resume against either potential opponent in the state title game. Martinsburg defeated Jefferson, 46-6, and Morgantown, 34-6. A tip of the cap to Patriots’ tailback Brennan Wack, who wrapped up his memorable career with another standout effort that included 201 rushing yards, two touchdowns, a passing touchdown and an interception. In 16 seasons of following, I can’t recall another in-state opponent rushing for 200 yards against Martinsburg, nonetheless a player.
Class AAA
- All four quarterfinals were played Saturday and two featured sensational performances from standout receivers to help lead their respective team to victory. Princeton’s Brad Mossor totaled 244 all-purpose yards and scored five touchdowns, all of which the Tigers needed to get by Herbert Hoover, 41-35. I’ve seen Mossor in person once this season, and his explosiveness and ability to impact the game numerous ways was on display in a 42-30 win against Independence. While Mossor was starring to help his team eliminate the defending runner-up, so, too, was Nitro’s Malachi Thompson. Thompson’s six catch, 266-yard effort in the Wildcats’ 57-38 win at North Marion featured five touchdowns. Considering the stage and opponent, it’s not a stretch to call Thompson’s effort one of the better performances from a skill position player in recent memory. The WVU-bound wideout was a key factor in ensuring Nitro will play at least one round beyond last season.
- Whether or not Nitro plays in a state final for the first time since 2005 hinges on its ability to defeat Chapmanville in Saturday’s semifinal. The Tigers added to an already memorable season with a 33-27 win at Bridgeport to eliminate a program that had won 25 straight games dating back to the start of 2024. Considering a fourth-quarter running clock had essentially become the expectation for Bridgeport, the result surprised many, myself included. Chapmanville had faced criticism for a schedule that didn’t yield a home playoff game despite an unbeaten record, but it’s important to note the Tigers are undefeated and were hardly challenged save for a 12-point Week 2 win against Nicholas County. When I saw Chapmanville dominate the second half of a 37-point win at Williamstown in late September, it was clear the Tigers had several all-state caliber players, were bound for the postseason and capable of advancing. Just like University’s win at Huntington, the Tigers’ triumph at Wayne Jamison Field puts the 2025 campaign into an entirely different category as far as its success level.
- Considering Spring Valley was among the top Triple-A programs in a three-class system for the better part of a decade until 2023, it’s no surprise to see the Timberwolves among the final four teams. Head coach Brad Dingess’ teams rarely lack toughness or an ability to control the line of scrimmage, and both factors were imperative in a 28-0 win over No. 14 Robert C. Byrd. The challenge at No. 2 Princeton will certainly be significant, but if the Timberwolves can win their fair share up front and minimize possessions, they’re more than capable of hanging around.
Class AA
- Besides Martinsburg, Frankfort is the only other defending state champion with a chance to repeat. The top seed Falcons continued their dominance in a 50-15 win over Mingo Central, giving FHS sole possession of the state’s longest win streak at 26 games dating back to the start of 2024. Somehow, this may be Frankfort’s best stretch yet over that time, starting with a notable 51-point win over a respectable Petersburg team. Since, the Falcons have knocked off Herbert Hoover by 12 in their closest call this season, defeated rival Keyser in the Mineral Bowl by 34 and have won playoff games against Williamstown and the Miners by a combined total of 99-22.
- To play again at UC Stadium at Laidley Field, Frankfort will need to defeat Doddridge County in Friday’s semifinal. The Bulldogs enjoyed a wealth of success in Class A under veteran head coach Bobby Burnside and are hardly slowing down after moving up. Despite entering Friday’s 38-27 victory at Independence with an 11-0 mark, the Bulldogs faced questions about their schedule and ability to defeat a team that had previously enjoyed plenty of success in a larger classification. But Doddridge measured up and then some and got a standout showing from quarterback Brysen Dixon along with several strong efforts from skill players to eliminate a team many considered Frankfort’s top challenger for much of this season.
- Three of four semifinal matchups last year featured a No. 2 vs. No. 3 seed. The only such instance this year comes Saturday at Mitchell Stadium when Bluefield plays host to Philip Barbour in a matchup as intriguing as any semifinal. The Beavers and Colts earned their seeding despite each having two losses, providing evidence of the challenging schedules both navigated. History is certainly on the side of Bluefield, which has 11 state championships, but last won one in 2017. The Colts, meanwhile, are making their first appearance in a state semifinal, but have showcased their quality all season. Conference mates with the likes of Bridgeport, Fairmont Senior, North Marion, Robert C. Byrd and Elkins, Philip Barbour is the lone Big 10 team still playing.
Class A
- Neither team led by more than one possession for the entirety of Pendleton County’s 35-27 quarterfinal round overtime win against East Hardy. Were it not for a late Cougars’ red zone fumble that resulted in a touchback, No. 12 East Hardy would likely still be playing as it was far more competitive in the rematch than in a 57-36 loss to the Wildcats in Week 2. Instead, PCHS, with playmaker Colton Roberson at quarterback, will appear in a state semifinal for the first time since the COVID-impacted 2020 season.
- The Wildcats will almost certainly face their toughest test to date Friday at No. 1 Wheeling Central. Pendleton has been somewhat prone to allowing points and will need to hang in defensively against a stellar rushing attack, but the Wildcats have scored at least 20 in all 12 contests and no fewer than 33 in any of their 10 wins. Because of Roberson’s dual-threat ability, Pendleton poses a challenge for any defense.
- Cameron surprised many last December with a strong showing in a 29-22 loss to Wahama in the Class A title game. This year, albeit on a different stage, the Dragons did one better and had their way with the second-seeded White Falcons, 42-16. Mason Holland is closing in on 1,700 rushing yards for the season, and his performance, coupled with a stingy defensive effort, ensured there will be a new Class A champion as Wahama’s win streak ended at 25.
- Whether or not Cameron finishes a second straight season in Charleston depends on the outcome of Saturday’s regular season rematch at No. 3 Clay-Battelle. The Dragons defeated the Cee-Bees, 22-16, in Week 1 for what marks Clay-Battelle’s lone loss this season. Since then, head coach Aaron LaPoe’s team has been downright dominant, winning 11 consecutive games and nine by at least three scores. Clay-Battelle hasn’t shown any sign of letting up in the playoffs, outscoring its first two opponents, 90-22, but it’s safe to assume success won’t come near as easily against the Dragons.