AA Week One Review: POTW, Top Performers, & More!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>For a discounted subscription to view all of our content, use Code PRZWV30 at checkout for 30% off!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 1 of the 2024 West Virginia High School football season is complete. Here is our first edition of the Weekly Review, our deep dive into everything that happened on the field!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WEEK TWO POWER RANKINGS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Scott</strong>&nbsp;<strong>(0-0)</strong>&nbsp;<em>Last Week: Open</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Williamstown</strong>&nbsp;<strong>(1-0)</strong>&nbsp;<em>Last Week: Defeated Ravenswood 47-7</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3.</strong> <strong>Wheeling Central</strong>&nbsp;<strong>(1-0)</strong>&nbsp;<em>Last Week: Defeated James Monroe 28-6</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Independence</strong>&nbsp;<strong>(0-1)</strong>&nbsp;<em>Last Week: Lost to Herbert Hoover 37-30</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Roane County</strong>&nbsp;<strong>(1-0)</strong>&nbsp;<em>Last Week: Defeated Shady Spring 36-12</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Bluefield (0-1)</strong> <em>Last Week: Lost to Graham (VA) 10-0</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Frankfort (1-0)</strong> <em>Last Week: Defeated Moorefield 28-7</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Philip Barbour (1-0)</strong> <em>Last Week: Defeated Grafton 35-14</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9. Wayne (1-0)</strong> <em>Last Week: Defeated Tolsia 21-7</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10. Chapmanville (1-0)</strong> <em>Last Week: Defeated Sissonville 55-13</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["907153"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae905b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>200 passing yards 5 touchdowns - 64 rushing yards 2 touchdowns</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Westside QB [player_tooltip player_id='907153' first='Kadien' last='Vance'] began his senior season with a bang with a huge performance against Wyoming East that will be difficult to top this season. Vance threw for 200 yards and 5 touchdowns as the Renegades aired it out, but he also got it done with his legs. The 6'3 quarterback added two more scores on the ground and scored twice more to total 7 touchdowns on the night in the 59-6 win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["450991"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae90621"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>12 tackles 4 TFLs 3 sacks</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Bluefield DL [player_tooltip player_id='450991' first='Jaden' last='Francisco'] earns our Week One PRZ WV Defensive Player of the Week with a strong defensive effort against rival Graham (VA). Although the Beavers fell short 10-0 in a defensive struggle, Francisco was a handful all night for the G-Men offensive line. The 6'4 255 defensive end totaled 12 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 3 sacks on the night that helped hold Graham to just 10 points. Francisco played with high effort on film whose combination of strength and quickness created issues for opposing offensive linemen during the game. The Bluefield big man got it done on both sides of the line and showed why he's one of the top linemen in the 2025 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16418327/66d3669a455719e77ecfc074' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae9089d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WEEK ONE TOP PERFORMERS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["832676"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae908e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>15/23 180 yards 1 TD - 106 rushing yards 2 TDs - 2 INTs 1 Pick 6</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Clay County QB [player_tooltip player_id='832676' first='Noah' last='Collins'] made a strong case for both Players of the Week spots but earned our first Top Performer mention for his work against Midland Trail in week one. Collins got it done on both sides of the ball and was clearly the best player on the field Friday night. He completed 15/23 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown while adding two more scores with his legs and 106 rushing yards. Collins' impact on defense was all the more impressive with 2 interceptions and taking one of them to the house. He's one of the most underrated and under-the-radar players in the state whose recruitment should begin to pick up after a very strong junior season and a great start to his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15016410/66d4d3b4f013d3e49d138813' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae9090b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1419090"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae90948"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>21 carries 227 yards 1 touchdown</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We got eyes on the Thursday night Weir at Oak Glen game and 2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1419090' first='Devan' last='Juszczak'] had a huge night for the Golden Bears in a 41-20 loss. Juszczak is a new name on our radar, but he is firmly on it now after seeing him run all over a solid Weir squad. He finished the night with 21 carries for 227 yards and a touchdown including an 81-yard gallup to the endzone. The Oak Glen Wing-T created some run fit issues for the Red Riders and Juszczak was the main benefactor while showcasing some breakaway speed and hard running throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18028639/66d253f4bd4ec8f734e319a5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae90967"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1106035"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae909a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>16 carries 178 yards 2 touchdowns - 9 tackles</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roane County got off to a good start to the 2024 season with a nice 36-12 win over AAA Shady Spring with 2025 RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1106035' first='Lane' last='Watson'] leading the way for the Beavers. Watson picked up his first D1 offer from VMI back in July and looked the part of an athlete capable of playing at that level on Friday night. He's just a phenomenal athlete for his 6'3 205 size that you don't often see lining up at running back and returning kicks. The great news is we're now seeing film of him at linebacker this season which we weren't able to see in 2023 and a rankings boost will follow after the season. Watson finished the game with 16 carries for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns while totaling 9 tackles on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16515296/66d71de70545742e2815e167' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae909c0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1419181"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae90a40"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>21 carries 116 yards 3 touchdowns</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another new name on our radar is 2026 Liberty-Harrison running back [player_tooltip player_id='1419181' first='Quinten' last='Hilliard'] who had a strong performance against Elkins in a nail-biting 34-33 win. Hilliard rushed the ball 21 times for 116 yards and scored three touchdowns on the night in a big week one win for the Mountaineers. He got some run last season as a sophomore but appears to be ready for a big junior year in Liberty's final season as a school. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18638385/66d37570bd4ec8f734e4deec' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae90a62"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["877281"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae90a9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">6 carries 113 yards 1 TD - 2 receptions 63 yards 1 TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Philip Barbour needed to replace some huge rushing production from last season and 2025 ATH/DB [player_tooltip player_id='877281' first='Drew' last='Morral'] appears to be ready to be one of those guys ready to step up. Working as one of their wing-backs, Morral needed just 6 carries to eclipse over 100 yards and a touchdown on some misdirection carries to the outside which benefits his straight-line speed. As the defense keyed on those carries, he also got loose up the seams for 2 catches for 63 yards and another score. Morral showed off his high-level speed during the game and is a blur once he gets in the open field and a step on the defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16587675/66d3676f8b617103bf82b457' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae90ad7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1126822"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae90b4f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>15 carries 69 yards 2 touchdowns - 7 tackles 1 sack</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Roane County LB [player_tooltip player_id='1126822' first='Clay' last='Walker'] was another standout for the Beavers on Friday Night and did a nice job complementing [player_tooltip player_id='1106035' first='Lane' last='Watson'] in the backfield and at linebacker. Walker carried the ball 15 times for 69 yards and 2 scores on offense while adding 7 tackles and a sack on defense in the win over Shady Spring. He did a great job leading the way at fullback during the game as well which helped lead to Watson's 170 yards of rushing and made the most of his opportunities on FB dives. Walker is a hard-nosed tough player which was on display on both sides of the ball in week one. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16149407/66d3d7a0ef324203bf9b1a86' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d88fae90b6e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1015094' first='Lynken' last='Joy'] - 2025 Williamstown ATH | <em>246 total yards 4 touchdowns</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1420859' first='Kamauri' last='McBride'] - 2026 Poca QB | <em>5/6 192 yards 2 touchdowns</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1180488' first='Robert' last='Cook'] - 2025 Chapmanville QB |<em> 2/2 49 yards - 9 carries 110 yards 2 touchdowns</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='864596' first='Jaden' last='Hatfield'] - 2027 South Harrison RB | <em>23 carries 152 yards</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='862785' first='Isaac' last='Martin'] - 2026 Wheeling Central RB | <em>18 carries 155 yards 2 touchdowns</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1015071' first='Preston' last='Bonnett'] - 2025 Poca RB | <em>13 carries 86 yards 3 touchdowns</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153783' first='Logan' last='Beam'] - 2026 Philip Barbour RB | <em>17 carries 110 yards 2 touchdowns</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894932' first='Jack' last='McClanahan'] - 2026 Poca WR | <em>4 receptions 180 yards 1 touchdown</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316695' first='Kyler' last='Kenneda'] - 2025 Westside WR/DB | <em>3 receptions 130 yards 2 touchdowns</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157631' first='Nico' last='Kusic'] - 2027 Wheeling Central ATH | <em>3 tackles 2 interceptions</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WEEK TWO GAME OF THE WEEK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Scott at Wayne</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Scott Skyhawks will be getting started a week later than most teams in West Virginia with their open week being in week one. This could either help them or hurt them as Wayne has already one game under their belt and knows what they need to improve on heading into week two against a very good Scott team. On the flip side, Scott won't have that luxury and will be breaking in a new quarterback this season who only saw limited action in 2023 and may need some time to settle in for game one. The Skyhawks feel destined to have their best season in school history this season with a loaded 2025 class leading the way to a potential state championship. Wayne will be a tough game one opponent for them and will likely keep things close for a while but Scott just has too much talent on their roster to lose this one. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score Prediction:</strong> Scott 34 Wayne 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->