As the exhilarating high school football season unfolds, players and fans alike are gearing up for thrilling matchups across the state of West Virginia. The action ignited from October 17-19, showcasing a host of remarkable plays and intense competition on the field.
Heading into Week 9 of the 2024 season, the top four elite high school football teams in West Virginia are clear: dominating Martinsburg claims the number one spot, closely followed by emerging Spring Mills, solid Bridgeport, and the resilient Fairmont Senior.
It’s almost irrefutable that the Martinsburg Bulldogs have firmly established themselves as the team to beat this year. With an impressive defensive lineup, they have managed to shut out three of their seven adversaries, conceding a mere 56 points throughout the season. This dominance leaves little room for debate regarding their rightful place at the pinnacle of West Virginia high school football.
Continuing their strong tradition, Bridgeport maintains its status as the premier team out of AAA. They recently showcased their prowess with a staggering 57-7 win over Preston last week, a performance that emphasized their readiness for tougher challenges ahead.
Highlighting the offensive firepower, Polar Bears’ quarterback Brody Whitehair has been volcanic on the field, completing 92 of 128 passes for an eye-catching total of 1,838 yards and an impressive 21 touchdowns. Only a solitary defeat to No. 1 Martinsburg taints an otherwise remarkable season for Huntington, which continues to display sheer dominance in their matchups.
Princeton’s Chance Barker has emerged as one of the state’s standout quarterbacks, having completed 74 of 104 passes while amassing 1,436 yards with 20 touchdowns against just two interceptions, showcasing stellar play that puts him among the best in the game.
The Washington Redskins recently demonstrated their trademark dominance by cruising to an impressive 63-28 victory over Capital, reaffirming their status as a formidable force in the league.
The Timberwolves rebounded impressively with a significant 53-26 win against Woodrow Wilson, overcoming their previous setback against Huntington and showcasing their resilience.
Competing vigorously, the Wildcats emphasize their robust offensive capabilities, fueled by quarterback Josh Moody, who has thrown for 2,046 yards, directed 22 touchdowns, and maintained a balance with only five interceptions throughout the season.
Among the rising stars is the Roane County team, which continues to ascend the rankings, especially after delivering a no-nonsense performance with a dominant 55-6 victory over Logan.
Morgantown’s recent victory against Parkersburg, edged at a score of 28-14, catapults them from the bottom of the rankings, signaling a resurgence in form as the season progresses.
Leading by example, Mountain Lions’ running back Jared Reall has shown substantial prowess, rushing for 1,276 yards and counting, with a remarkable 24 touchdowns, a feat that underscores his fundamental role in the team’s performance this season.
Bulldogs’ quarterback Brysen Dixon has claimed the spotlight this season, delivering an outstanding performance with 1,070 yards, 16 touchdowns, and an incredibly low interception rate, solidifying his status as a key player for his team this year.
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— Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivesports
Interview with West Virginia High School Football Analyst, Jamie Thompson
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Jamie! It’s an exciting time in West Virginia high school football as we head into Week 9. What are your thoughts on the current rankings, particularly Martinsburg’s dominance?
Jamie Thompson: Thank you for having me! Martinsburg has truly set the standard this season. Their defense is formidable—shutting out three teams and allowing only 56 points in total. It’s clear they’re the team to beat, and their consistent performances make them favorites heading into the playoffs.
Interviewer: Absolutely! And what do you think about the competition they face from teams like Spring Mills and Bridgeport?
Jamie Thompson: Spring Mills is definitely a contender. Their growth this year has been impressive, especially with a strong offense. Bridgeport, on the other hand, continues its legacy as a powerhouse. That 57-7 win over Preston was a statement game that shows they’re ready for tough matchups. They always seem to rise to the occasion.
Interviewer: Speaking of standout performances, let’s talk about some of the quarterbacks. Brody Whitehair from Huntington has been on fire this season!
Jamie Thompson: Brody Whitehair is indeed having a phenomenal year. Over 1,800 yards and 21 touchdowns is remarkable. It’s unfortunate that they faced Martinsburg when they did, as that one loss shouldn’t overshadow his talent or his team’s capabilities.
Interviewer: And what about Princeton’s Chance Barker? How does he fit into the conversation with the top quarterbacks in the state?
Jamie Thompson: Chance Barker has emerged as a serious talent with a solid completion rate and impressive stats. With 20 touchdowns and only two interceptions, he’s showing poise under pressure. His performances are certainly putting him on the radar, alongside Whitehair and others like Josh Moody from the Wildcats.
Interviewer: There’s also been a lot of buzz about the rising star Roane County. What should we expect from them as the season progresses?
Jamie Thompson: Roane County is definitely one to watch. Their recent dominating win over Logan shows their potential. If they can keep building on that momentum, they could be a dark horse in the playoffs. Their ability to rise in the rankings is exciting for fans.
Interviewer: We’ve seen quite a few teams bounce back from setbacks, like the Timberwolves’ win over Woodrow Wilson. What does this say about resilience in high school football?
Jamie Thompson: Resilience is key in high school football, and it’s a testament to the coaching and the players’ mentality. The ability to shake off a tough loss and come back stronger is crucial. The Timberwolves’ recent performance shows they have the talent and determination to compete at a high level consistently.
Interviewer: as we look forward to the rest of the season, what matchups are you particularly excited about?
Jamie Thompson: There are several intriguing matchups ahead that could shape the playoff picture. Keep an eye on Martinsburg’s games—every team wants to take them down. Additionally, the rivalry games, like Bridgeport vs. Fairmont Senior, are always electrifying. Those matchups can swing any team’s momentum in the second half of the season.
Interviewer: Thank you, Jamie, for your insights. It’s clear that this high school football season in West Virginia is packed with excitement!
Jamie Thompson: Thank you! It’s a great time to be a football fan in West Virginia!
Interview with West Virginia High School Football Analyst, Jamie Thompson
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Jamie! It’s an exciting time in West Virginia high school football as we head into Week 9. What are your thoughts on the current rankings, particularly Martinsburg’s dominance?
Jamie Thompson: Thank you for having me! Martinsburg has truly set the standard this season. Their defense is formidable—shutting out three teams and allowing only 56 points in total. It’s clear they’re the team to beat, and their consistent performances make them favorites heading into the playoffs.
Interviewer: Absolutely! And what do you think about the competition they face from teams like Spring Mills and Bridgeport?
Jamie Thompson: Spring Mills is definitely a contender. Their growth this year has been impressive, especially with a strong offense. Bridgeport, on the other hand, continues its legacy as a powerhouse. That 57-7 win over Preston was a statement game that shows they’re ready for tough matchups. They always seem to rise to the occasion.
Interviewer: Speaking of standout performances, let’s talk about some of the quarterbacks. Brody Whitehair from Huntington has been on fire this season!
Jamie Thompson: Brody Whitehair is indeed having a phenomenal year. Over 1,800 yards and 21 touchdowns is remarkable. It’s unfortunate that they faced Martinsburg when they did, as that one loss shouldn’t overshadow his talent or his team’s capabilities.
Interviewer: And what about Princeton’s Chance Barker? How does he fit into the conversation with the top quarterbacks in the state?
Jamie Thompson: Chance Barker has emerged as a serious talent with a solid completion rate and impressive stats. With 20 touchdowns and only two interceptions, he’s showing poise under pressure. His performances are certainly putting him on the radar, alongside Whitehair and others like Josh Moody from the Wildcats.
Interviewer: There’s also been a lot of buzz about the rising star Roane County. What should we expect from them as the season progresses?
Jamie Thompson: Roane County is definitely one to watch. Their recent dominating win over Logan shows their potential. If they can keep building on that momentum, they could be a dark horse in the playoffs. Their growth and performance in the coming weeks will be crucial for their playoff chances.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Jamie! It sounds like the competition is heating up as we eagerly approach the playoffs.
Jamie Thompson: Absolutely! It’s an exciting time in West Virginia high school football, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. Thank you for having me!
