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Yellowjackets, Devils highlight Week 6 games

Photo by Michael Uhl Ravenswood’s Jake Greene is tackled by Williamstown’s Trevor Hoosier (16) and Collin White (32) during last week’s game at Flinn Field.

PARKERSBURG — Even though we are only in Week 6, there is a huge game with playoff implications taking place at 7 p.m. today in Williamstown. St. Marys and Williamstown each will look to get a step up on the other one in the WVSSAC football ratings.

The Blue Devils (4-0), ranked No. 3, will be looking for their second big win in three weeks. They took down a powerful Marietta team, which dominated Class AAA Parkersburg High School, 49-13, last week. Devils’ head man Jodi Mote knows how important this game is and so do his kids.

“Oh yeah, no question this is a huge test for our team,” said Mote. “Also, we could pick up some major points in the ratings and be well on our way to playing at home through the entirety of the playoffs if we grab this win and a few more. The kids are excited to play Williamstown … They are always up for the challenge, I don’t have to say anything to them.”

On the other sideline, Terry Smith and company will be looking to avoid picking up their second loss of the season and falling out of the top 16 in Class A. Right now, all of those teams either have no losses or just one so keeping pace is important. Giving St. Marys its first loss of the season would help entrench the No. 11 Yellowjackets (4-1) more firmly in the playoff picture.

This rivalry has easily become one of the marquee matchups in the state and the game tonight at Williamstown High is sure to be another classic to add to the annals.

Another local Class A team who has its sight set on pulling its record to 5-0 is No. 6 Gilmer County. The Titans of head coach Steve Shuff have a tough game when they travel to take on Midland Trail (3-2) in Hico. Shuff’s son Trey leads a passing attack that has helped Gilmer average 40 points per game over a 4-0 start. The two teams did not play last year so anything could happen this evening.

Back on the banks of the Ohio River, Parkersburg South will attempt to up its winning streak to three games over Class AA power Point Pleasant.

The Patriots, who had been passing the ball, finally established the run and have scoring totes from five players. Special teams are also emerging as a threat after Zane Hinzman returned the opening kickoff 95 yards to the house in South’s 44-12 pummeling of John Marshall. Tyee Gibson also found his way to paydirt after he returned a kick 89 yards against Warren the week prior.

Point only has played one team with a winning record all-season and though the Patriots are currently 2-3, they have some close losses to playoff hopefuls Ripley, University and Morgantown. The Big Blacks, who are riding a state regular-season best 38-game winning streak, should have there hands full and don’t be surprised if South pulls out the victory to climb back to .500.

In Little Kanawha Conference action this weekend, Ravenswood travels to Ritchie County, Doddridge County takes on host Wirt County, Calhoun County welcomes top-ranked South Harrison while Parkersburg Catholic has a Saturday matchup with Valley (Wetzel) at PHS Stadium Field.

In Ohio, Marietta goes for its first ECOL victory when they play host to Cambridge, Belpre travels to South Gallia, Warren will be the visitors when it takes the field against Jackson, Federal Hocking welcomes undefeated Southern, Frontier and Fort Frye renew their rivalry in Beverly and Wateford looks to keep their impressive season going when they get a visit from Eastern.

Also on tap for tonight are Ripley at Huntington, Magnolia playing at Monroe Central in a battle of 0-5 programs as well as Cameron heading to Paden City. The other Saturday tilt in the Mid-Ohio Valley has Caldwell visiting Rosecrans.

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