Hard to believe the final week of the regular season is here. Of course, across the river in Ohio, the Buckeye State is entering week two of the playoffs.
The Kennedy Race has narrowed and is heating up, but there are other great stories from around the state that had tongues wagging around water coolers this week.
Look know further than Huntington last weekend where Spring Valley defeated No. 1 and Class AAA juggernaut Martinsburg, 35-30. It’s a significant win for a multitude of reasons.
First, it knocked the Bulldogs from the ranks of unbeatens. Second, and perhaps most important from a statewide perspective, it proved last season’s Timberwolves’ win at Martinsburg, which snapped the Bulldogs’ lengthy win streak, was not a fluke.
Trailing by 14 in the second half, the Timberwolves went on a 21-0 run in the second half, fueled by an impressive performance from Ty Bartrum.
The Harvard-commit turned in a Kennedy-worthy performance, totaling 126 receiving yards and four touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown. Completing the all-around effort, he intercepted two passes on defense.
The win put the T-Wolves into 7th place in the Class AAA playoff ratings with one week to go. Martinsburg dropped to No. 2, lifting undefeated Huntington to the top spot.
Bridgeport is third, with Cabell Midland and University tied at No. 4.
Herbert Hoover is No. 1 in Class AA, with Cameron vaulting into the No. 1 spot in Class A, thanks in part to Williamstown’s big win against previously unbeaten Doddridge County.
Slow Week for the Frontrunners
I’ve stated previously that Robert C. Byrd’s Jeremiah King and Independence’s Atticus Goodson are the frontrunners for this season’s Kennedy Award, and I stand by that proclamation. But neither put up eye-popping numbers last week thought their respective teams certainly did.
The Eagles took care of rival Liberty to the tune of 41-0. Numerous turnovers gave RCB short fields to work with all night. King did total a touchdown and 88 yards in limited work as his team rolled early.
Still, those are 88 more yards than Goodson put up in Independence’s win against Wyoming East. Banged up somewhat during the Patriots huge win against Nicholas County the week prior, the Indy coaching staff elected to give Goodson the night off to rest up. That, coupled with this week’s bye week, will give Goodson two full weeks to heal up. The Pats are currently No. 2 in Class AA with a 8-0 record.
Cameron, Ball Keep Cruising
Cameron and Isaac Ball did it again, beaten a solid Trinity squad for the second time this season in moving up to the No. 1 spot.
Ball ran for 150 yards and a touchdown in the win, giving him 1,445 yards and 14 touchdowns for the season.
The Dragons took down the Warriors 30-0, a bit more impressive win on the resume than their previous 22-13 triumph against MT back on Oct. 1.
Cameron doesn’t play this week, meaning an undefeated regular season is secure, along with potentially the No. 1 seed when the postseason rolls around next week.
Other top performances.
Landyn Reppert, Bridgeport: Reppert was the show pony in the Indians big win against Musselman, rushing for 262 yards and four touchdowns for Bridgeport.
Rickie Allen, Williamstown: Allen played a huge role in Willytown’s victory against the Bulldogs. He rushed for 220 yards and four TDs.
Devin Hetfield, Herbert Hoover: Huskies receiver caught nine passes for 195 yards and two scores in helping top-ranked Herbert Hoover hand Poca its first loss.
Sawyer Vanmetre, Wahama: White Falcons QB passed for 160 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 223 yards and scores.
