Parkersburg captains Sylas Cheuvront (2), Braxton Kupfner (13) and Hunter Leavitt (10) walk to midfield for the pregame coin toss last week in Morgantown. (Photo by Brian Cox Photography)

SPRING VALLEY AT PARKERSBURG

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Did not meet.

SVHS (0-1) result: lost to George Washington, 27-7

PHS (0-1) result: lost to Morgantown, 44-7

Key SVHS players: RB Miguel Cain, QB Caidon Lovejoy, RB Zeke Lewis, RB Cam Perdue

Key PHS players: QB Alex Greer, QB Tyler Cameron, RB Sylas Cheuvront, WR Tytan Parsons

Game notes: The Big Reds of head coach Matt Kimes get their Mountain State Athletic Conference schedule underway on Friday night at Stadium Field.

“We didn’t play very well at Morgantown, but they had a lot to do with that,” said the coach, who admitted the Big Reds are healthy this week. “I think they are a title contender this season and if that’s true then we need to cut that gap a whole lot more in the next 10 weeks if we want to go where we want to go.”

Spring Valley and head man Brad Dingess couldn’t get much going out of their wing-T attack last week.

“Spring Valley is a program that’s used to winning and they expect to win every week,” added Kimes, who noted “they are a little bit unpredictable when it comes to what style of offense they are going to come out in after seeing them week one.

“Regardless of what formations they are in their focus will on trying to establish the running game.”

The PHS defense allowed the Mohigans to go for 255 yards on 22 carries and four touchdowns.

“We are going to have to tackle a whole lot better this week than we did last week if we want to have a chance to win,” said the PHS head coach, who is looking for his offense to be “more consistent and more efficient.

“We can’t put ourselves behind the chains by self-inflicted mistakes. That’s been our focus this week is to be a little more organized on offense and also have less mental mistakes.”

Spring Valley, which continues its road march next week with the short trip to rival Huntington, holds a 6-3 edge in the all-time series.

SOUTH AT UNIVERSITY

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Parkersburg South 49, University 20

Parkersburg South (0-1): Lost to Wheeling Park, 23-7

University (1-0): Def. Musselman, 40-21

Key Parkersburg South players: Dedrick Riggs (RB/OLB), Kinzyn Lutchminsingh (QB/OLB); Taj Joyce (WR/CB); Kamero Jackson (WR/OLB); Collin Hayes (QB/OLB)

Key University players: Brody Kehler (RB/WR), Marcos Kniska (RB/MLB), Kaleil Lewis (WR/FS)

Game notes: Parkersburg South played Wheeling Park on even terms after ending the first half down 7-0. Then reigning Curt Warner Award winner Brennan Wack took over and finished the night with 213 yards rushing and three touchdowns. The Patriots have dominated the series with University in recent years – having won three straight and scoring 72 points or more on two occasions. Just a sophomore, Kehler rushed for five touchdowns against Musselman, while the Hawks’ defense forced six turnovers, including five interceptions.

RITCHIE AT DODDRIDGE

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Doddridge County 35, Ritchie County 14

Ritchie County (0-1): Lost to Tyler Consolidated, 38-14

Doddridge County (1-0): Def. Liberty (Raleigh), 41-6

Key Ritchie County players Turner Shriver (QB/LB), Carter Satterfield (RB/LB), Kellen Cress (WRDL)

Key Doddridge County players: Brycen Dixon (QB), Landon Thomas (WR/DE), Lyric Blake (RB/DB)

Game notes: In the Highway 50 rivalry which began in 1986, Ritchie County leads the series 23-16. Since losing four in a row from 2010-13, Doddridge County has won 11 straight meetings. The Bulldogs are not scheduled to meet only one playoff team (Tyler Consolidated) from a year ago among their first four games.

RAVENSWOOD AT RIPLEY

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Ripley 38, Ravenswood 13

Ravenswood (0-1): Lost to St. Marys, 13-0

Ripley (0-1) Lost to South Charleston, 27-23

Key Ravenswood players: Jakob Simmons (RB/OLB), Owen Curtis QB/OLB)

Key Ripley players: Ian King (OL/DL), Carter Neal (TE/DE), Gavon Harmon (OL/DL)

Game notes: Ravenswood seeks to snap a 17-game losing streak. Last week’s loss at St. Marys was the best defensive effort by the Red Devils since their last victory – a 21-14 win over Sherman. Ripley leads the series between the two Jackson County schools, 45-40-4 – having won the last eight meetings. Last year’s game renewed the rivalry after a three-year hiatus.

ST. MARYS AT OAK GLEN

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: St. Marys 28, Oak Glen 0

St. Marys (1-0): Def. Ravenswood, 13-0

Oak Glen (1-0): Def. Weir, 32-14

Key St. Marys players: Eli Wilson (RB/DE), Jeremiah DeMoss (QB/LB); Jace Larsen (OL/DE)

Key Oak Glen players: Logan Murray (RB/CB), Maddon Bowen(QB/FS)

Game notes: Both teams are on a modest two-game winning streak. The Blue Devils have won all four previous meetings with Oak Glen by 21 points or more. Behind a 217-yard ruishing performance from Logan Murray, Oak Glen had lost 14 straight before ending last season with a win over Tygarts Valley.

GILMER AT BRAXTON

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Did not meet.

Gilmer County (1-0) result: d. Calhoun County, 46-20

Braxton County (0-1) result: lost to South Harrison, 23-15

Key GCHS players: OL Briar Gray, OL Richard Bush, RB Tyler Ratliff, LB Drayden Shackleford

Key BCHS players: RB Logan Payne, QB Landon Mays, WR Jamie Nettles, WR Brodi Smarr

Game notes: Gilmer County took care of business in week one and now the task turns to double-A Braxton County.

The Eagles came up short in their opener to the Hawks and lead the all-time series with the Titans by a 15-2 margin. In fact, Gilmer County has lost seven straight to the Eagles.

Gilmer County head coach Tommy Hamric is looking forward to the challenge.

“We came out healthy and ready to go,” said the Titan head coach of week one. “Our run game was on point against Calhoun. O-line and tight ends blocked excellent. Running backs blocked good and opened big holes for our four backs.

“If we block as good Friday night I expect another big night on the ground. Braxton is bigger and stronger than Calhoun, but I believe we match up to that decently. Need to clean a few things up, but expect a good game Friday.”

MAGNOLIA AT WIRT

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Wirt 48, Magnolia 24

Magnolia (0-0) result: N/A

Wirt County (0-1) result: lost to Eastern, 47-13

Key Magnolia players: QB Kingsten Christen, RB Hunter Cooley, WR Finn Loy, DL Anthony Lancaster

Key Wirt County players: QB Tyler Smith, DL Braden Whipkey, TE Jake Moore, TE Easton Wyer

Game notes: Magnolia and third-year head coach Craig Mason opened the season with a bye and will eye a 1-0 start to the campaign Friday evening in Elizabeth.

A year ago it took a portion of two days to complete this affair, but the Tigers won the fourth straight meeting between the two programs, which saw Magnolia taste its lone triumph, 12-0, back in 1932 at Alumni Field.

Tiger freshman receiver Andrew Lemley had two touchdown catches as well as an interception in his debut, but the Tigers were down to No. 3 quarterback Luke Hickman early in the third quarter after losing Tyler Smith and Jake Moore.

“Both quarterbacks are working through the concussion protocol and everything is on pace for both of them to be back by game time,” said WCHS head coach Jason Hickman. “Magnolia brings back a lot of players off of last year’s team.

“They have good size and they will play hard. It took us until the second half to get any real separation from them last year, and I’m sure they will come in ready to play again Friday.”

EASTERN AT SOUTH GALLIA

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s score: Eastern 43, South Gallia 14

Eastern (2-0) results: d. Meigs, 23-19; d. Wirt County, 47-13

SGHS (2-0) results: d. Southern, 54-7; d. River Valley, 45-6

Key Eastern players: RB Ethan Edwards, OL Matt Marcum, DL Mason Sheppard, RB Parker Durst

Key SGHS players: QB Hunter Wright, RB Layne Wright, OL Waylon Waugh, LB Blaise Davison

Game notes: South Gallia hasn’t had a lot of recent success against Eastern and fourth-year head coach Jason Jackson of the Eagles is hoping to keep things that way.

Eastern, which is hoping to make a deep run in the postseason after losing an opening round home game in 2024, rolled to victory a year ago as the Eagles own a 20-6 series mark that includes 11 straight wins.

South Gallia head coach Bryan Morrow’s team advanced to the second round of the playoffs last year, but the Rebels have been shutout thrice versus Eastern in the past six meetings and have amassed just 30 points during that span.

“Very athletic offense with multiple threats,” coach Jackson said of the Rebels. “Number 17 their main back (6-foot-1 senior Layne Wright) can score from anywhere. The quarterback number 14 (6-foot senior Hunter Wright) is very athletic, runs spread, runs effectively and can score. They love to put the ball in space and try to outrun you. Our O-line matches up well to their defensive line.”

Eastern’s defense was led by Blaise Gilmore with a dozen tackles last week at Wirt County, while Mason Sheppard already has registered a half dozen sacks in two games.

Sophomore signal-caller Braxton Yonker hooked up with Ethan Edwards, the Eagles’ leading rusher thus far with 264 yards, for a touchdown pass last week.

Coach Jackson, who is trying to get Yonker “to cut loose,” also has watched Parker Durst churn out 155 rushing yards.

CALHOUN AT RICHWOOD

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Did not meet

CCHS (0-1) result: lost to Gilmer County, 46-20

RHS (0-1) result: lost to Webster County, 42-22

Key CCHS players: QB Brennen Carpenter, RB Charter Cottrell, FB Rome Riddel, LB Chase Schoolcraft

Key RHS players: RB Fawkes O’Dell, RB Corey Minter, QB Grady Hall, WR Travis Johnson

Game notes: Fourth-year Lumberjacks head man Todd Russell’s squad is coming off a winless campaign and have lost 19 of their last 20.

Richwood, which has a 25-man roster compared to Calhoun County’s 22-man roster, was led in last week’s loss by running back Fawkes O’Dell, who found the end zone twice and carried 24 times for 147 yards.

Red Devil QB Brennen Carpenter surpassed 100 yards through the air and on the ground in the opener.

Charter Cottrell had two interceptions while linebacker Chase Schoolcraft led CCHS with 14 tackles.

“We are definitely an improved team,” admitted Goodrich, who is hoping this is the week Calhoun County’s 26-game losing skid ends. “Defense had struggled with being out of position, but I think we have it ironed out heading into this week. We had one killer turnover to start the third when we fumbled on the 1.

“That would have had us within one possession, but in all a much improved team. This week we need to keep an eye on number 6 (O’Dell) and 12 (Minter) as far as guys in the backfield are concerned, and number 1 (Johnson) at wide receiver. If we contain them and stay in position we should be in good shape.”

Despite the fact the two programs have been playing football for more than a century, Friday’s contest at Dean Memorial Field marks their first meeting

Richwood started football with a 13-13 tie against Nicholas County in 1921 while Calhoun County’s first game was a 12-6 setback at Glenville Normal in 1923.

TYLER AT WAHAMA

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Did not play

Tyler Consolidated (1-0): Def. Ritchie County, 38-14

Wahama (1-0): Def. East Hardy, 79-40

Key Tyler Consolidated players: Reese Davis (QB/MLB); Gideon Winfrey (RB/OLB), Brayden Neff (RB); Caden Hall (RB)

Key Wahama players: Reezin Stitt (RB), Trace Simpkins (QB)

Game notes: The upcoming schedule did not do Tyler Consolidated any favors. Starting with the defending state champs in Wahama, the Silver Knights follow with another three playoff teams from a year ago – Doddridge County, Petersburg and Cameron. This week marks the first meeting between TCHS and Wahama. The White Falcons are riding a 15-game winning streak. Their 79 points against East Hardy last week marked the second largest output by the program. Wahama defeated Southern 92-0 in 1970.

ATHENS AT MARIETTA

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Athens 42, Marietta 21

Athens (2-0): d. Logan, 41-0; d. Paint Valley, 48-0

Marietta (0-2): lost to Morgan, 31-16; lost to John Marshall, 23-21

Key Athens players: RB Anthony Sutton; QB Daniel Heightland; WR Weston Wheatley

Key Marietta players: RB/LB Kobe Alexander; OL/DL Tim Simons; WR/DB Timmy Ryan

Games notes: Marietta faces its toughest test to date in 2025 as Athens rolls into town having dominated both of its opponents.

The Bulldogs have yet to surrender a point this season as they outscored Logan and Paint Valley a combined 89-0.

The Tigers, whose offense looked a lot better last week in a heart-breaking loss to John Marshall, will try to become the first team to push Athens. Expect a heavy dose of Kobe Alexander in the running game, with Trenton McVey continuing to grow at quarterback.

The Bulldogs have been a machine on offense this season. Running back Anthony Sutton put up 198 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s win against Paint Valley. Quarterback Daniel Heightland has just one incompletion in two games. He’s passed for 165 yards, three TDs and no interceptions.

LOGAN AT WARREN

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Warren 17, Logan 7

Logan (0-2): lost to Athens, 41-0; lost to Nelsonville-York, 46-7

Warren (0-2): lost to Circleville, 16-15; lost to Morgan, 28-13

Key Logan players: QB Carson Tootle; WR Ross Walker; RB Ethan Courtney

Key Warren players: QB/WR/DB Tanner Pepper; RB/DB Eric Carr; DB Nehemiah Reeder

Games notes: The big storyline heading into this one is the return of coach Jimmy Peyton.

Peyton, now the head coach at Logan, guided the Warriors from 2022 to 2024, guiding the program to a playoff berth and a Twin State League title last season.

Peyton’s Chieftains come into the matchup having struggled so far. Logan was blanked 41-0 by Athens in week one before falling 46-7 to Nelsonville-York last week.

QB Carson Tootle provided the bulk of Logan’s offense in the loss to the Buckeyes. He scored the Chieftains’ only touchdown on a 19-yard run and also threw for 158 yards.

Warren is trying to overcome some tough injury luck right now as starting QB Braylon Murray missed last week’s Morgan loss. Tanner Pepper, one of the top wide receivers in the state, stepped in last week and kept Warren in it.

If the Warriors take care of the ball and can come up with a handful of big plays, they will have a shot at their first win of the season.

WATERFORD AT SHENANDOAH

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Waterford 35, Shenandoah 7

Waterford (2-0): d. Vinton County, 50-12; d. Caldwell, 21-6

Shenandoah (0-2): lost to Edison, 35-14; lost to Bridgeport, 22-20

Key Waterford players: QB/DB Hayden Jones; RB/DB Trevin Zimmer; TE/DE Weston Fairchild

Key Shenandoah players: QB Brody Brown; RB Robert Snodgrass; RB Ethan Cutlip

Game notes: Shenandoah keeps improving, but the competition keeps getting tougher.

After losing 35-14 to Edison in their opener, the Zeps pushed Bridgeport to the limit last week before falling 22-20.

Now, Shenandoah faces one of the best teams on its schedule in Waterford. Despite only winning by 15 against Caldwell last week, the Wildcats were dominant. They intercepted five passes on defense and were able to move the ball through the air enough on offense to win by two scores.

If they keep forcing turnovers and being balanced offensively, the ‘Cats should have no issues in week three.

FRONTIER AT CLAY-BATTELLE

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Did not meet

Frontier (1-1): d. Bridgeport, 36-13; lost to Miller, 20-14

Clay-Battelle (0-1): lost to Cameron 22-16

Key Frontier players: RB Caleb Kirkpatrick; QB Avery Powell; WR Austyn Kephart

Key Clay-Battelle players: QB Corey Coen; WR Braden Ponceroff; RB Caleb Snodgrass

Game notes: Frontier and Clay-Battelle both are coming off hard fought defeats.

The Cougars dropped a 20-14 decision to Miller while the Cee-Bees fell to Cameron 22-16 in a battle of Class A powers.

The Cougars are riding a potent ground attack led by Caleb Kirkpatrick, who’s been tough to stop through two weeks. Quarterback Avery Powell has been solid and Austyn Kephart has been his go-to target.

Clay-Battle is led by quarterback Corey Coen. Coen threw for 121 yards and a touchdown last week but was picked off twice. Braden Ponceroff is another player to watch for the Cee-Bees. He hauled in six receptions for 92 yards and a TD last week, and also had a 24-yard scoop-and-score.