In the world of high school sports, the excitement of Friday night lights brings communities together, fostering pride and competition. This week, several matchups are drawing attention in the realm of prep football, pitting teams with contrasting records against each other in thrilling showdowns. These capsules provide a closer look at some highly anticipated games, featuring key players and storylines that could define the outcomes.
Williamstown at Roane County
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Result: Did not play
Williamstown (0-2): The Yellowjackets are looking to recover from two tough losses against James Monroe and Wheeling Central, despite showcasing a competitive spirit. Key players like Breck Allen (QB/DB), Jackson Fulton (RB/WR/DB), and Jackson Kerr (RB/LB) will be central to their revival strategy.
Roane County (2-0): The Raiders are riding high with dominant victories over Greenbrier West and Clay County. With a remarkable record of 39-3 in regular-season games since the 2020 COVID season, Roane County, led by coach Paul Burdette, has the momentum on their side. Star athlete Jacob Greathouse (QB/DB) has been instrumental, alongside Garrett Brabham (FB/DE) and Koltyn Starcher (RB/LB).
Game Notes: This encounter marks the first meeting between these two teams in a decade. Williamstown is eager to end its losing streak, while Roane County aims to extend its 12-game regular-season winning streak and show dominance in the Class AA landscape.
Doddridge at Ravenswood
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Result: Doddridge County 41, Ravenswood 6
Doddridge County (3-0): The Bulldogs look strong with impressive wins against Liberty Raleigh, Ritchie County, and Tyler Consolidated. Top players such as Brycen Dixon (QB) and Landon Thomas (WR/DE) have been critical in securing victories.
Ravenswood (0-3): The Red Devils have faced difficulties this season, currently standing with a 19-game losing streak. Under the guidance of coach Matt Peery, they hope to turn things around with efforts from players like Jakob Simmons (RB/OLB).
Game Notes: Ravenswood seeks its first win of the season, facing a formidable Doddridge squad that has historically dominated their encounters, winning the last four meetings by over 40 points.
Petersburg at Tyler Consolidated
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Result: Tyler Consolidated 27, Petersburg 20
Petersburg (3-0): The Vikings have been impressive this season, defeating teams like Berkeley Springs and Pendleton County. Key player Kaleb Kuhn (WR/CB) has stepped up significantly.
Tyler Consolidated (1-2): Looking to bounce back from a series of losses, the Silver Knights need a strong performance from Reese Davis (QB/MLB) to regain momentum.
Game Notes: This game will be a rematch from last year with heightened stakes for both teams, as Tyler prepares for consecutive challenges against playoff contenders.
Wirt at Gilmer
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Score: Wirt County 63, Gilmer County 20
WCHS (2-1): After an opening loss, the Tigers are back on track with recent wins against Magnolia and Calhoun County. Players like QB Tyler Smith and RB Adryon Hartford will be crucial in their game plan.
GCHS (2-1): The Titans are showing promise under coach Tommy Hamric, hoping to continue building on their developing season.
Game Notes: The historical matchup favors Wirt County, but Gilmer aims to leverage home-field advantage and continue improving as the season progresses.
Bridgeport (Ohio) at Magnolia
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Score: Did not meet
BHS (1-3): Bridgeport comes into this game hoping to break a streak of narrow losses, with players like QB Jaki Threet looking to ignite the offense.
MHS (0-2): The Blue Eagles are still searching for their first win of the season, needing to tighten their defensive strategy against Bridgeport’s running game.
Game Notes: Both teams have their sights set on reversing their fortunes, offering potential for an exciting clash.
Ripley at Point Pleasant
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Score: Ripley 28, Point Pleasant 21
RHS (2-1): Ripley has rebounded well this season after a tough start, showing offensive depth with players like Jackson Moore (QB) starting to shine.
PPHS (0-2): The Big Blacks are looking to regroup after a tough loss. The newly hired head coach faces the challenge of improving the team’s performance.
Game Notes: This rivalry match is expected to be intense, with both teams eager to secure a vital win.
Ritchie at Braxton
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Score: Did not meet
RCHS (0-3): Struggling to find rhythm, Ritchie County aims to capitalize on its experience as they face Braxton County.
BCHS (1-2): Following a victory against Gilmer County, the Eagles are looking to build on their recent success under coach David Lewis.
Game Notes: The long-awaited meeting between these two teams could provide a pivotal moment for both programs.
Calhoun at Wahama
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Result: Wahama 61, Calhoun 13
Calhoun (1-2): Calhoun will need to step up significantly against a well-rounded Wahama squad, hoping to utilize QB Brennen Carpenter effectively.
Wahama (3-0): The defending champions are averaging 50 points a game, led by standout Reezin Stitt, who poses a major threat both in rushing and receiving.
Game Notes: Wahama’s high-flying offense against Calhoun’s defense will be a key storyline to watch.
Green at Belpre
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Result: Did not play
Green (0-3): Still seeking their first victory, the Bobcats need to tighten their defense significantly to avoid another blowout.
Belpre (1-3): Coming off a victory, Belpre looks to capitalize on its momentum, utilizing its home advantage.
Game Notes: This match marks an important chapter in both teams’ seasons.
Frontier at Valley
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Result: Valley 47, Frontier 26
Frontier (1-3): Facing struggles, Frontier will aim to lean on its key players to bounce back.
Valley (0-2): Searching for offensive consistency, fond memories from last season’s victory will fuel their efforts.
Game Notes: Both teams seek to prove their adaptability moving forward.
Whitehall-Yearling at Marietta
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Result: Marietta 33, Whitehall-Yearling 20
Whitehall-Yearling (2-2): After a mix of results, this team will look to establish a rhythm against a struggling Marietta.
Marietta (0-4): The Tigers have found themselves in tough positions this season, needing to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Game Notes: A crucial game for the ongoing seasons of both teams, facing off for the second consecutive year.
Warren at Union Local
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Result: Did not meet
Warren (1-3): With their backs against the wall, Warren will look to Eric Carr to lead through a tough matchup.
Union Local (2-2): With Brody Perzanowski showing promising skills, they hope to press their advantage on the ground.
Game Notes: Both teams will look to establish the run game to secure victory.
Waterford at Nelsonville-York
Game Time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Year’s Result: Waterford 12, Nelsonville-York 6
Waterford (3-1): Coming off a tough loss, they need a solid comeback to stay in contention.
Nelsonville-York (4-0): Unbeaten through four games, the Buckeyes are a formidable challenge thanks to an explosive offensive strategy.
Game Notes: This matchup promises an engaging battle as both teams aim to meet their season objectives.
High school football remains a tapestry of local culture and community spirit, each game highlighting not just student-athlete prowess but the collective hopes and dreams of supporters. Each team, facing its own unique challenges, is set to make its mark on the gridiron this Friday night. Fans can expect to see thrilling action and perhaps the rise of new narratives as the season unfolds.
