Big Reds, South Patriots need wins in Week 9
PARKERSBURG — With two games left until Parkersburg and Parkersburg South clash at the end of the season, both teams are still on the outside looking in of the Class AAA playoff picture. Both teams theoretically could make the playoffs at 5-5 but they would be left with a trip to Martinsburg, Charleston (Capital) or Huntington (Spring Valley) in a first round matchup. The two rivals are in action this weekend with their postseason dreams hanging by a thread.
North Parkersburg will be the only place in town to see a gridiron matchup Friday night as South is on the road at Greenbrier East. Parkersburg High’s Big Reds (2-5), ranked 21st in the latest West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission’s ratings, welcome in a Warren squad which hung tough with Parkersburg South for a half before succumbing to the talent of the Patriots after halftime. Don’t be surprised if the Warriors do the same thing against the Big Reds and come out ready to play against another talented opponent. There have been some upsets of the Big Reds this season but this game should not turn in to another one.
Already mentioned above, Parkersburg South (3-4) will make the long road trip to Greenbrier County to take on the Spartans, who are also 3-4. Coach Mike Eddy and his squad are currently in sitting at the 18th position in Class AAA with games against Wheeling Park and Parkersburg remaining.
Eddy has three worries going into the matchup with East: 1.) The trip itself is three hours and it is quite likely the Patriots and coaching staff could hit the field in the first half with some bus lag and need to adjust before getting its wits back about them and 2.) The Spartans have a lot of weapons able to make a significant impact on both sides of the ball all game long with some exotic formations.
In addition to the two city AAA teams, Parkersburg Catholic will be in action when they travel for at matchup with the Yellowjackets at 7 p.m. in Williamstown. Curt Shriver’s squad sits at 3-4 on the season and needs a lot of help to secure a spot in the Class A postseason slate.