MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Through the first five weeks of the high school football season, Morgantown High, University High and Clay-Battelle are a combined 5-9 and could be on the verge of accomplishing something not done since 1991.
That was the last time a high school from Monongalia County did not appear in the state playoffs.
Reasons vary.
UHS (2-3) is going through a rebuilding phase with several underclassmen being counted on along the offensive and defensive lines.
MHS (1-4) switched quarterbacks three weeks ago and two close losses against Parkersburg and Bridgeport will likely end up being missed opportunities for bonus playoff points.
Clay-Battelle (2-2) is battling injuries, including sophomore Daniel Gorby, who was one of the Cee-Bees’ top linebackers and offensive lineman. Starting guard Jacob Kassay also broke his elbow during last week’s overtime victory against Valley-Wetzel.
“We’re really beat up at the moment,” C-B head coach Ryan Wilson said. “We’re looking at right now plugging some guys into some spots who just haven’t played very much.”
All three schools suffered defeats on Friday, by a combined score of 124-30.
“They were able to grab the momentum early and we didn’t respond well enough,” MHS coach Matt Lacy said after the Mohigans fell to Linsly, 44-17. “They made some big plays and they were just a better football team than we were tonight.”
Trinity Christian (2-2) is now in the mix of Mon County high schools, but the private school took a 1-0 forfeit loss to Maryland School for the Deaf two weeks ago, because the school said it didn’t have enough players. The Warriors have a difficult matchup scheduled against No. 13-ranked Weirton Madonna (4-1) this week.
Moving forward, the Hawks entered this week ranked No. 12, but will likely drop after a 52-6 loss against Fairmont Senior. UHS may stand as the county’s best chance to qualify, but the Hawks are also going through a possible quarterback change of their own.
Freshman Chase Edwards came in for starter Joseph McBee in the loss and scored the team’s lone touchdown.
“I don’t think Chase is the backup any more,” UHS coach John Kelley said.
UHS faces two out-of-state teams in Albert Gallatin (Pa.) and Mountain Ridge (Md.) in the next two games before finishing up with Buckhannon-Upshur, Preston and Morgantown — all have a losing record.
“We’re in a very dark place right now,” Kelley said. “Everyone is questioning if we can do anything the rest of the season.”
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