West Virginia Class AAAA Playoffs Round One Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-32896c7d-e14b-42fd-9249-e04a7ae8bf4f"><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>32 teams have advanced to the playoff quarterfinals after the opening round of the postseason in West Virginia. Here is our Class AAAA playoffs review from round one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#1 Morgantown 56 </strong>Buckhannon-Upshur 0</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgantown dominated its playoff opener behind a stellar first half from sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='923337' first='Maddox' last='Twigg'], who accounted for four touchdowns and completed 12 of 15 passes before halftime. The Mohigans scored on their first six drives and piled up 426 total yards while their defense overwhelmed Buckhannon-Upshur, allowing just 80 yards and shutting down standout quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='618773' first='Dawson' last='Tenney']. A pick-six by Brenden McCutcheon and strong balance on the ground helped Morgantown build a commanding 42-0 halftime lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mohigans kept the pressure on after the break, adding two more rushing touchdowns to seal a 56-0 victory and end the Buccaneers' season at 2-9. Morgantown's efficient offense and disciplined defense left little room for Buckhannon-Upshur to respond, as miscommunication and stalled drives proved costly for the visitors. With the win, Morgantown (10-1) advances to the quarterfinals, where it will host No. 8 Spring Mills — the same team that ended its postseason run last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#2 Huntington 48</strong> #15 Hedgesville 14</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huntington controlled its playoff matchup against Hedgesville from start to finish, rolling to a 48–14 victory. The Highlanders' offense clicked early, mixing explosive plays on the ground with efficient passing to build a comfortable lead by halftime. Their defense matched that intensity, quickly shutting down Hedgesville's attempts to establish any rhythm and forcing the Eagles into long, difficult drives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hedgesville showed fight in the second half, but couldn't slow down Huntington's balanced attack. The Highlanders continued to find success both running and throwing the ball, keeping the Eagles on their heels and maintaining full command of the game. With the win, Huntington moves on in the postseason with strong momentum, while Hedgesville's season comes to an end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#3 Martinsburg</strong> <strong>58</strong> #14 Parkersburg South 0</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martinsburg delivered a dominant performance in its playoff matchup against Parkersburg South, rolling to a 58–0 shutout victory. The Bulldogs set the tone immediately with explosive plays on both sides of the ball, scoring quickly and often while controlling the line of scrimmage. Their offense spread the field, mixing powerful runs with efficient passing to build a commanding lead early, leaving Parkersburg South struggling to keep pace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On defense, Martinsburg was just as overwhelming. The Bulldogs bottled up the Patriots' attempts to move the ball, forcing turnovers and consistently winning battles in the backfield. Parkersburg South could never find a rhythm, and Martinsburg's relentless pressure ensured the shutout stayed intact. With the convincing win, the Bulldogs advance to the next round with strong momentum and the look of a title contender again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#4 Jefferson</strong> <strong>51 #</strong>13 Washington 10</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jefferson took full control of its Class AAAA playoff matchup against rival Washington, powering to a 51–10 victory behind an explosive offensive showing. The Cougars quickly established their rhythm, piling up big plays on the ground and through the air to build a comfortable lead early. Their tempo and efficiency kept Washington's defense off balance, allowing Jefferson to stretch the margin as the game wore on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Jefferson was just as sharp, limiting Washington's scoring opportunities and consistently disrupting drives before they could develop. The Cougars forced the Patriots into mistakes and capitalized on short fields, turning defensive stops into points. By the fourth quarter, Jefferson's dominance was clear on both sides of the ball, sending the Cougars confidently into the next round of the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#5 George Washington</strong> <strong>58</strong> #12 Oak Hill 14</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>George Washington came out firing in its Class AAAA playoff matchup against Oak Hill, bursting to a big lead and never looking back in a 58–14 victory. The Patriots' offense was in complete command from the start, using a mix of explosive runs and efficient passing to overwhelm the Red Devils' defense. By halftime, GW had established full control, consistently finishing drives and capitalizing on Oak Hill's breakdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oak Hill found a couple of scoring opportunities, but the Patriots' defense largely dictated the game. GW applied steady pressure, forced quick possessions, and created short fields that the offense turned into points. As the second half unfolded, George Washington continued to pour it on, showcasing depth and momentum that carried them comfortably into the next round of the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#6 Wheeling Park</strong> <strong>27</strong> #11 Woodrow Wilson 14</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wheeling Park rode a historic performance from senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1137687' first='Brennan' last='Wack'] to a 27–14 playoff win over Woodrow Wilson. Wack opened the game with a 60-yard touchdown on the very first play and continued to dominate, finishing with 258 rushing yards and four scores. His 74-yard burst before halftime not only gave the Patriots control of the game but also cemented him as the school's all-time rushing leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After falling behind 14–7 early, Park's defense tightened up and completely took over in the second half. They shut down the Flying Eagles' offense, forced key stops, and kept giving their offense opportunities to extend the lead. With Wack carrying the load and the defense locking in, the Patriots pulled away and punched their ticket to the quarterfinals with a strong all-around effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#7 University 62</strong> #10 Parkersburg 14</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>University exploded offensively in its 62–14 playoff win over Parkersburg, highlighted by an unexpected star performance from defender-turned-running back [player_tooltip player_id='1577829' first='Jaedyn' last='Katchur']. After barely touching the ball all season, Katchur stepped in and delivered 148 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just 10 carries. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1271395' first='Harrison' last='Helbig'] added balance with three passing touchdowns, two rushing scores, and nearly 300 yards through the air, helping the Hawks turn a tight 20–14 game into a 34–14 halftime lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the second half, UHS kept its foot on the gas, opening with a long scoring drive capped by Katchur's third touchdown. Helbig connected with multiple receivers—including two big plays to [player_tooltip player_id='1326514' first='Hayden' last='George']—while the defense sealed the victory with a pick-six. The dominant win sends the No. 7 Hawks into the quarterfinals, where they'll travel to Huntington looking to avenge last year's playoff loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#8 Spring Mills</strong> <strong>31</strong> #9 Musselman 21</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spring Mills Cardinals pulled out a hard-fought 31–21 victory over the Musselman Applemen in a Class AAAA playoff matchup. The Cardinals built an early lead with a balanced attack on the ground and through the air, forcing Musselman to play catch-up throughout the game. Spring Mills' offense executed key drives in the second half to maintain control and respond each time the Applemen closed the gap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Musselman managed to stay within striking distance, but Spring Mills' defense made timely stops and limited big plays when it mattered most. The Cardinals' ability to convert crucial third downs and protect their lead in the closing minutes secured the win. With the victory, Spring Mills advances to the next round of the playoffs, carrying momentum and confidence into their upcoming matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><br></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->