The last two runner-up finishers in Class A kickoff the 2026 high school football season when Cameron visits Clay-Battelle in the WVSSAC Kickoff Game at 7 p.m. Thursday.
The contest also marks the first MetroNews Television Game of the Week this season and pregame coverage will start at 6:30 p.m.
A year ago, the teams played a pair of competitive games. The Dragons won the season opener, 22-16, before the Cee-Bees exacted a measure of revenge in a state semifinal, 24-12.
WATCH CAMERON @ CLAY-BATTELLE ON METRONEWSTV
Three keys to watch for Thursday:
- Control the run game
Both teams figure to run early and often in an effort to control possession and help setup more favorable numbers in the pass game.
Whichever team can hone in on slowing the run game will be best suited to have the opposition at least somewhat deviate from their game plan.
- Take advantage in red zone
Points were at a premium when these squads clashed twice last season, and that could again be the case in this one as defenses are generally ahead of offenses to start the year.
Capitalizing on scoring opportunities is a must, particularly when factoring in that field goals aren’t always an option, and when they are, they’re far from a sure thing.
- Patience is a virtue
Mistakes are bound to happen in Week 1, and likely more often than in the weeks to come. Limiting them is important, but so, too, is accepting some and moving on while nerves are bound to play a role.
Both teams will have a lot of emotion in what has developed into a quality Class A rivalry, but it’ll be important for players and coaches alike to focus on controlling what they can, adhering to assignments and avoiding hero ball.