High School Football Finally Arrives
Call it an appetizer for the upcoming football season, but the first official day of football practice in West Virginia hit Wetzel County by storm, Monday.
Paden City, Magnolia, Hundred, River and Valley high schools used the time to get the players accustomed to and in condition for what they will see for the next several weeks.
Although players will begin getting in shape, they won’t put pads on until next week. For now, they will review special teams situations, as well as new and old offensive and defensive plays and strategies.
At Magnolia, it looks like around 48 players will suit up to play the Ohio Valley’s number one sport.
The Blue Eagles have some unfinished business and getting back to the state championship is at the top of the list.
Down the road, Paden City looks to strap on helmets with the objective of making it to the playoffs, something they haven’t seen in quite some time. The Wildcats have 17 blue-chippers, including some nice looking sophomore prospects, ready to help put PCHS back on the map.
Across the pond, the River Pilots will have to get along without the likes of former defensive coordinator Tim Frye, who retired from football coaching over the summer, and All-Ohio D. J. Duke, lost to graduation. The Pilots ran the table last season before dropping a heartbreaker in the playoffs and will try to reload once more.
In Black and Gold Country, Valley will begin season two with veteran football Head Coach Tom West. The ‘Jacks had a disappointing season a year ago, including a serious leg injury to the coach himself. They will look to rebound with a vengeance. West and his veteran assistant coaches will try to work their magic on 41 Lumberjacks.
However, over the hill, nestled in Hundred, are 19 football players and two coaches who will look to improve on last season’s 2-8 record. Hornet Head Coach Rex Rush is excited and with a new filly of his own, you can bet he will do everything he can with what he has to work with.