Friday’s matchup between Bluefield and Fairmont Senior marks the first meeting between the programs in six years.
If this instance resembles any of the previous four, which took place annually from 2017-2020 in the postseason, the MetroNews Television Game of the Week at East-West Stadium will be one worth looking back on over time.
Winners of five straight, the Class AA No. 6 Beavers (5-2) make the lengthy trip north to battle the Class AAA No. 12 Polar Bears (2-4) in an important battle between two of the state’s premier programs over the last decade.
The teams split the four matchups over the last decade with BHS claiming the 2017 Class AA state title game by virtue of a 29-26 win over Fairmont Senior, before the Polar Bears exacted a measure of revenge on the same stage a year later, 23-13.
Bluefield won at FSHS in a 2019 state semifinal, but the Polar Bears returned the favor the next season at Mitchell Stadium in a state semifinal that became a de facto state title game as a result of the COVID pandemic.
WATCH BLUEFIELD @ FAIRMONT SENIOR ON METRONEWS TV
Three keys to watch for in Friday’s 7 p.m. affair:
- Handle pressure
There’s plenty at stake for two teams that could use a victory to enhance their postseason positioning, particularly in the case of the Polar Bears.
But handling pressure in this particular Week 8 matchup also applies to holding up in pass protection as both teams like to go to the air.
The Beavers’ offense is led by talented junior quarterback Max Simpson. Simpson has picked up where he left off last season when he threw for 3,475 yards and 41 touchdowns and led BHS to a state runner-up finish.
Polar Bears’ signal-caller Anthony Smith has also experienced his fair share of success in high school and enters off a 451-yard effort in a resounding 65-30 win at Buckhannon-Upshur two weeks back.
The offensive line that can provide their quarterback with more time to survey the field surely creates an advantage offensively.
- The big play
Fairmont Senior has produced plenty of chunk plays and totaled 107 points across its two victories, though the Polar Bears have allowed between 26-56 points in each of their four setbacks and been plagued by big plays from opponents.
Bluefield has a penchant for big plays and since opening its season with competitive losses to rivals Graham (Va.) and defending Class AAA state champion Princeton, the Beavers have scored 60 or more points in three of their five victories.
Making the opposition drive the length of the field by converting third downs and avoiding penalties and negative yardage plays is the best recipe for success for both defenses.
- Tackle in space
Much easier said than done, especially when factoring in the level of playmakers.
Smith’s 451-yard effort against the Buccaneers was aided by wideout Elijah Holmes, who finished with 298 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. Christian Hrapchak also had a wealth of success in that contest, and the running back is a primary ball-carrier who can also serve as an option for Smith when he goes to the air.
The Beavers have plenty of balance and look to Jeremiah Jones on the ground often.
Wideout Pax Calhoun is a plenty proven threat on the perimeter.
Bottling up the aforementioned skill threats and several others sure to be involved will be pivotal for a pair of defenses facing a stern challenge.