Previews of this weekend's games

September 01, 2006

Editor's note: Today's games involving Eastern Panhandle teams have been postponed due to school closings in preparation for Tropical Storm Ernesto. See Saturday's Herald-Mail for updated game times.

Berkeley Springs Indians (1-0)at Hedgesville Eagles (0-1)

When: TBA

Series: Berkeley Springs leads, 6-5-1 (since 1970).

Last meeting: 1990 - Hedgesville, 20-6.

Last week: The Indians won their season opener for the first time in three years, pounding Petersburg, 57-6. The Eagles lost their fourth straight season opener to Martinsburg, 48-16.

Notes: It's been 16 years since the Indians and Eagles last met, but Hedgesville has won the last three matchups. The Indians manhandled Petersburg last week, outgaining the Vikings 467 yards to 124. Nathan Sirbaugh threw for 151 yards and three TDs, two to Foster Sirbaugh RB Cody Hess, who topped 1,000 yards rushing last season, got a running start toward the milestone this season with 162 yards on the ground and two scores. The Eagles took an 8-0 lead against Martinsburg when J.D. Goins returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown. The Bulldogs then scored 41 straight points. The Eagles turned the ball over four times, including an interception of their own that Martinsburg returned for a score. The Eagles were outgained by Martinsburg, 451-178. Dan Kershner led Hedgesville with 87 yards rushing, including a 40-yard scoring run.

Sherando Warriors at Jefferson Cougars (1-0)

When: TBA

Series: Jefferson leads, 2-1.

Last meeting: 2005 - Jefferson, 21-7.

Last week: This is the season opener for the Warriors. The Cougars needed overtime to extend their regular-season winning streak to 13 games, winning at Hampshire, 14-7.

Notes: Jefferson has won all three games in the series on the field, but had its 2003 victory over Sherando stripped for using an ineligible player. The Warriors went 10-3 last season, advancing to the state semifinals. Sherando lost RB Joe Oher, the school's all-time leading rusher, to graduation, but QB Ross Metheny returns after throwing for nearly 1,600 yards a year ago. QB Jonathan Hash ran for two touchdowns, including a 9-yarder in the overtime period, to give the Cougars the win over Hampshire. Justin Grantham intercepted a pass to end the Trojans' overtime possession and the game. ... The Jefferson defense allowed only 110 yards against the Trojans, easing some of the pressure on the offense, which gained 236 yards. Neither team completed a pass in the game, going a combined 0-for-5. Ryland Newman ran for 102 yards on 22 carries.

Martinsburg Bulldogs (1-0)at Rockbridge County Wildcats

When: TBA

Series: Martinsburg leads, 1-0.

Last meeting: 2005 - Martinsburg, 18-13.

Last week: The Bulldogs won their sixth straight season opener, beating Hedgesville, 48-16. This is the season opener for the Wildcats.

Notes: The Bulldogs' win over Hedgesville was their eighth straight in the series. ... Josh Twyman scored four rushing TDs and added another score on an interception return. ... Twyman, one of the favorites for the Kennedy Award, which is given to West Virginia's best player, ran for 157 yards on 20 carries. ... The Bulldogs outgained Hedgesville, 451-178. ... QBs Dustin Peters and Cameron Shelton each threw a TD pass for the Bulldogs. ... The Wildcats, from Lexington, Va., went 6-5 last season, losing to Handley in the first round of the playoffs.

Loudoun County Raidersat Musselman Applemen (0-1)

When: TBA

Series: Loudoun County leads, 5-2.

Last meeting: 2005 - Musselman, 16-13.

Last week: This is the season opener for the Raiders. The Applemen fell behind early and never fully recovered in a 42-22 season-opening loss to Keyser.

Notes: The Applemen have won the last two games in the series after losing the first five meetings. Musselman racked up 330 yards against Keyser. ... Both teams threw for 211 yards. ... Applemen QB Ethan French threw TD passes of 75 and 79 yards. ... The Raiders went 4-6 last season.