By Greg Carey
With the calendar flipped to August, here are five players to watch in Class A (in no order):
1 — Hunter America, RB, Doddridge County
America unquestionably enters the season as a Kennedy Award candidate following his eye-opening junior campaign.
In helping lead the Bulldogs to an unbeaten regular season and trip to a Class A semifinal, America also led the state in rushing yards (2,829) and touchdowns (40) to earn the Curt Warner Award as the state’s top running back.
If he was able to catch any opponent by surprise a season ago, the same won’t be said in 2019.
With a new Cline Stansberry Stadium and a strong core of talented returnees, there is perhaps as much buzz ahead of the season as there’s ever been at Doddridge County.
While the Bulldogs have several holes to fill, the return of America makes them candidates to host at least one playoff game at the new field as they try to build on last year’s school-record 12-win season.
The senior will again be counted on to produce on the ground, and his mix of toughness, speed and vision should allow him to do just that.
2 — Curtis McGhee, QB, Wheeling Central
A dual threat behind center, McGhee is poised for another breakout season as he tries to lead the Maroon Knights to a third straight Class A championship.
Last year, McGhee overcame a late-season injury to do just that. He played a prominent role on both sides of the ball, factoring into Central’s defense heavily from his safety spot.
As a signal caller, McGhee is capable of hanging in the pocket and working through his reads, but also has no difficulty hurting opponents with his legs.
In four playoff wins a season ago, McGhee helped the Maroon Knights total 192 points and at least 40 in every game.
He’ll likely only be more polished in his final high school season.
3 — Adam Murray, LB, Wheeling Central
Murray has already made his fair share of history over a career that’s been nothing short of spectacular with the Maroon Knights.
In 2017, Murray became the first Class A player and first sophomore to garner the Sam Huff Award, presented to the premier defensive player in the state.
Murray followed it up by winning the Huff Award again last season, fighting through injuries to his hand and shoulder to become the first player in state history to repeat the honor.
Having been in on 326 tackles over the last two seasons, including 172 last year, Murray will look for a third straight Huff Award as the Maroon Knights seek a third straight state championship.
4 — Mark Rucker, RB, Tyler Consolidated
Somewhat quietly, Rucker was one of the more dazzling players in the state a season ago.
He helped the Silver Knights overcome an 0-2 start to qualify for the postseason, while surpassing 1,500 rushing yards and reaching the end zone 23 times on the ground.
Rucker, a first-team all-state selection on offense each of the last two seasons, also caught 43 passes for 546 yards and six touchdowns as a junior.
Rucker has already scored the most points in TCHS program history, but with quarterback Griffin Phillips having graduated, the Silver Knights will need his best season yet to reach the postseason again.
5 — Eric Brown, LB, Williamstown
Brown made quite a mark on the Yellowjackets’ defense in his junior season, so much so that he earned first-team all-state honors at linebacker.
A physical player who doesn’t struggle getting to the ball, Brown will be looked at to provide not only production, but plenty of leadership in his senior season.
In addition, the Yellowjackets’ top two offensive playmakers from last year — quarterback Carter Haynes and tailback Donathan Taylor — are no longer around, meaning players such as Brown may see their offensive workload increase.
Brown was a big factor in the team’s passing attack a year ago and hauled in a pair of TDs from Haynes in a Class A semifinal victory against Midland Trail.
His biggest impact, however, is likely to remain on defense as he tries to help Williamstown build off of last season’s 11 wins and runner-up finish.
Others to watch
Jeb Boice, Parkersburg Catholic; Griffin Devericks, Doddridge County; Mike Hamrick, Magnolia; Payton Marling, Wheeling Central; David Stewart, Van; Ty Moore, Williamstown; Garrett Owens, Ritchie County
