MORGANTOWN – One will host, one will travel, but both Morgantown and University will enter postseason play as the 2024 WVSSAC HS football playoffs begin this weekend around the Mountain State.
After the postponement of the playoffs last week in all four classes due to ongoing litigation, the fields are set and the teams are ready to meet between the lines on either Friday or Saturday.
MHS will host the No. 10 seed Woodrow Wilson (6-4) on Friday night. Kickoff from Pony Lewis Field is set for 7:00 p.m.
Morgantown head coach Sean Biser says his players are eager to get back out on the field after the delay.
“I think we are most excited to just be able to go back out there and compete,” he said. “We had a bye week in Week 11 and then the couple weeks waiting for everything to be solved; it’s been a while since we’ve seen some different jerseys standing across the line from us and our guys are ready to take the field and battle.”
The No. 7 seeded Mohigans finished the 2024 regular season 7-3, earning the right to host a playoff game at Pony Lewis Field for the first time since 2016.
“That means the world to us, especially this senior group who knows they get another game in front of their fans,” Biser said. “Pony Lewis is one of the best venues to attend a high school football game in the entire state. We feel we have a true advantage when we play there, and anytime we have the chance to host a game we will take it. Sprinkle in the playoff stakes and you have one heck of a Friday night in my book.”
MHS will aim to get its offense going early with senior running back AJ Thomas in space, and the 1-2 punch of quarterback duo Alex Himes and Maddox Twigg.
However, the Flying Eagles boast a front core of talented lineman, who according to Biser, aren’t only big but agile as well.
“They have a few guys up front who are over six feet tall and pushing 300 pounds, but they’re athletic and can move in ways you wouldn’t expect,” he said. “We have to be ready to play a physical game from the first snap to the last and be ready to not only take a hit, but deliver our own and get the pushes we need.”
The Hawks and first-year head coach Eric Snyder enter the Class AAAA playoffs as the 12-seed, finishing the regular season 4-6.
UHS will travel to visit No. 5 Huntington (9-1) on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff from Bob Sang Stadium is set for 1:30 p.m.
“Huntington has a big line and fast skilled positions. They are able to get their playmakers the ball in space and create havoc on defenses,” Snyder said. “The defense gives multiple looks that are run well with their aggression and speed.”
Snyder says of everything that’s happened recently, the strangest thing may be playing on a Saturday.
“The trip may seem like the weirdest part. My team is used to getting up on Saturday mornings for our weightlifting session,” he said. “I am sure once they go between the lines at Huntington High School, they will feel normal and ready to compete like a Friday night.”
The Highlanders boast a plethora of playmakers, including WVU commit Zah Jackson, and Division-I prospect Tayveon Wilson.
“It is hard to find a weak spot against them, but we need to do our jobs in all 3 facets of the game. I want our kids to play the best game they have all season long. By doing that I believe we can be successful,” Snyder said. “Giving our team a sense to prove something to the rest of the state has been a driving force during our time preparing for this game.”
Class AAAA playoff matchups/schedule:
No. 16 Parkersburg (4-6) at No. 1 Martinsburg (9-1) – Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m.
No. 15 Hedgesville (2-8) at No. 2 Spring Mills (9-1) – Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m.
No. 14 Cabell Midland (5-5) at No. 3 Jefferson (7-3) – Saturday, November 23 at 1:30 p.m.
No. 13 Musselman (2-8) at No. 4 Wheeling Park (7-3) – Saturday, November 23 at 4 p.m.
No. 12 University (4-6) at No. 5 Huntington (9-1) – Saturday, November 23 at 1:30 p.m.
No. 11 George Washington (7-3) at No. 6 Hurricane (7-3) – Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m.
No. 10 Woodrow Wilson (6-4) at No. 7 Morgantown (7-3) – Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m.
