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MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK: WVU needs to get more physical

In 2017 and 18, West Virginia University Mountaineer football fans enjoyed watching a prolific offense which averaged over 37 points per game during those two seasons. This success was almost entirely attributable to an outstanding quarterback in Will Grier along with three exceptional receivers. Defense were so focused on stopping this efficient passing offense that WVU was at times able to run the ball effectively. But even with great success through the air, there are times that truly good offenses must be able to physically control the line of scrimmage. And this is where those ...

Big week for area net teams

With the month of October nearly over and Halloween quickly approaching, that means the prep high school volleyball season is nearing official go-time. Area programs have been working on their rotations since the season started in early September. Soon, every squad will have the “proverbial” 0-0 record as the slate starts anew in the postseason. Prior to that happening, fans will have their choice of two great tournaments come Saturday to attend. In Spencer, Roane County High School will serve as the host site for the annual Little Kanawha Conference volleyball championship. ...

MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK: WVU thrashing not easy to stomach

There is more than one way to keep the Sooner Schooner off the field at Oklahoma home games. The preferred way, of course, is to stop the Sooners from scoring so often. Regretfully, the West Virginia Mountaineers couldn’t find a way to do that in Norman in Saturday. But the Schooner, a horse drawn wagon, had a harrowing crash after yet another Oklahoma touchdown in the second quarter. Fortunately, no one riding in the wagon was hurt. The ponies, Boomer and Sooner, were fine as well, but probably just as happy their afternoon was done as their celebratory galloping on the field was ...

MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK: Cyclones were just much better

Saturday’s game against Iowa State had a similar look to the previous week. Down by the same score (21-14) late in the third quarter, West Virginia was hanging in a competitive game. But while a rash of turnovers spelled the Mountaineers doom against Texas, this time they were simply overwhelmed by a far superior Iowa State squad. After quarterback Austin Kendall was injured a few plays into the game, WVU fans had to feel somewhat satisfied at the half to have forged a 14-14 tie. Backup Jack Allison had been effective on a touchdown drive tying the game with 38 seconds left in the ...

ALBRIGHT: These Patriots are for real, folks

Parkersburg South High School’s football team could have left Cabell County Friday night with a 5-1 mark. But, that didn’t happen. Yes, Parkersburg High School head coach Mike Byus. You should be worried about this Patriots team. Nate Tanner’s excitement during a phone call Friday night after his group’s 30-21 win over Huntington was clearly audible. Tanner’s tone never left the upper levels of enthusiasm during the 10-minute conversation I was quite thankful for given the circumstance of his group being on the road. His undefeated Parkersburg South team, having ...

MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK: Offensive futility haunts WVU 

West Virginia battled 11th ranked Texas well into the second half Saturday but in the end the Mountaineers futility on offense when the game was on the line resulted in a frustrating 42-31 loss. Entering the second half trailing 21-14, the defense did its job by holding Texas on five consecutive possessions, including an interception which set up WVU at the Longhorns 14-yard line. But with good field position, a strong prevailing wind at its back in the third quarter, and an enthusiastic homecoming crowd urging them on, the West Virginia offense couldn’t get it done. In the first ...