2025 4A State Championship: Morgantown vs Martinsburg

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8 teams have advanced to the state championship and will play for a title this weekend at Laidley Field in Charleston. Here is our 2025 Class AAAA State Championship game preview!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#1 MORGANTOWN vs #3 MARTINSBURG</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Time: Friday, Dec. 5, Noon ET - Laidley Field, Charleston, WV</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/box-score {"name":"acf/box-score","data":{"game":["2066665"],"_game":"field_6a1b2c3d4e5f7"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930df47543b6"} /--> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HOW MORGANTOWN GOT HERE</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgantown's path to the Class AAAA state championship game has been anything but smooth. The top-seeded Mohigans survived a tense quarterfinal against Spring Mills, trailing for nearly the entire game before rallying in the final minute and benefiting from multiple missed or blocked kicks to escape in overtime. They followed that narrow win with a dominant 52–21 semifinal victory over Jefferson, setting up a title matchup with two-time defending champion Martinsburg.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The only team to beat Morgantown this year is the very opponent waiting for them in Charleston. Martinsburg, riding an 11-game win streak, defeated the Mohigans 34–6 in October and brings a high-powered offense led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='895900' first='Brian' last='Dick'], who has surpassed both 1,800 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards while accounting for 41 touchdowns. The Bulldogs' defense has been just as strong, allowing only 151 points all season and posting three shutouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgantown, however, has grown significantly since that loss. The offense has averaged over 42 points per game since then, thanks largely to quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='923337' first='Maddox' last='Twigg'], who has carried the unit with big postseason performances through the air and on the ground. While the Mohigans lack a single statistical star, they rely on a deep group of contributors at receiver and running back. With both teams boasting balanced offenses and tough defenses, Morgantown looks to break Martinsburg's dominance and claim its first Class AAAA state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HOW MARTINSBURG GOT HERE</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/box-score {"name":"acf/box-score","data":{"game":["2066663"],"_game":"field_6a1b2c3d4e5f7"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6930df47543fe"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martinsburg earned its spot in the Class AAAA championship game by shutting out University in the second half and pulling away for a 44–13 semifinal win. The Bulldogs struck first behind the connection between quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='895900' first='Brian' last='Dick'] and star receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1154974' first='Boston' last='Todd'], who went on to score three touchdowns. University stayed within reach early thanks to a pair of Brady Goodenow field goals and a long touchdown pass from Jack Bryer to [player_tooltip player_id='1137708' first='Glenn' last='Brown'], making it a tight 21–13 game late in the half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martinsburg seized back momentum just before halftime with a quick scoring drive capped by a short Dick run, then completely took control after the break. The Bulldogs' offense continued rolling with two third-quarter touchdown passes—to Todd again and to [player_tooltip player_id='1605272' first='Mason' last='Walley']—stretching the lead to 35–13. Their defensive unit took over as well, stifling the Hawks' run game and preventing any second-half points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs closed out the victory with a 59-yard touchdown run from [player_tooltip player_id='1566054' first='Kevin' last='Myers'] and a late field goal by [player_tooltip player_id='1105421' first='Cody' last='Paige']. Dick delivered a standout performance, piling up 165 rushing yards along with three passing touchdowns. With another dominant defensive showing that held University to just 45 rushing yards, Martinsburg advanced to Charleston, looking to defend its AAAA state title against Morgantown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score Prediction: Martinsburg 35,</strong> Morgantown 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MORGANTOWN – SCOUTING NOTES </strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">QB [player_tooltip player_id='923337' first='Maddox' last='Twigg'] (Jr.) </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twigg has been the engine of Morgantown's playoff surge, producing efficiently as both a passer and runner. He operates well in space, shows good pocket mobility, and has proven he can carry the offense when needed, accounting for virtually all of the team's yardage in the Spring Mills win. His blend of toughness, decision-making, and burst as a ballcarrier makes him the most dynamic threat on the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">WR [player_tooltip player_id='1686033' first='Carter' last='Cooper'] (Sr.) </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cooper is one of Morgantown's most reliable perimeter options, capable of stretching the field or working underneath to move the chains. While the Mohigans spread the ball around, Cooper consistently finds ways to impact games through sure hands and smart route running. He's particularly valuable on critical downs and red-zone concepts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">WR [player_tooltip player_id='1605281' first='Jayden' last='Smalls'] (Jr.) </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smalls gives Morgantown a true space-creator with his quickness and acceleration. He's dangerous after the catch and forces defensive backs to respect vertical shots. His ability to turn short throws into chunk gains complements Twigg's dual-threat style and helps diversify the passing attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">RB [player_tooltip player_id='1566055' first='Isaiah' last='Thompson'] (Sr.) </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thompson might not have the volume of a traditional feature back, but he runs with purpose whenever called upon. A downhill style and good balance make him effective in short-yardage and late-game situations. He's also an underrated outlet in the passing game and a steadying presence in Morgantown's committee approach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">DL [player_tooltip player_id='1138540' first='Zevon' last='Shipman'] (Sr.) </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgantown's defensive rise in the second half of the season, three straight shutouts, has leaned on a physical, assignment-sound linebacker group. Their top defensive lineman, [player_tooltip player_id='1138540' first='Zevon' last='Shipman'], plays physical downhill, cleans up in space, and anchors their run fits. His discipline will be crucial against Martinsburg's quarterback-centric offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MARTINSBURG – SCOUTING NOTES</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">QB [player_tooltip player_id='895900' first='Brian' last='Dick'] (Jr.) </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dick is the centerpiece of Martinsburg's attack, putting up over 1,800 passing yards, 1,000 rushing yards, and 41 total touchdowns. His ability to escape pressure, extend plays, and rip off big gains on designed runs separates him from most high school quarterbacks. His command of the offense and knack for explosive plays make him the toughest player for Morgantown to contain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">WR [player_tooltip player_id='1154974' first='Boston' last='Todd'] (Sr.) </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Todd is Dick's top target and a touchdown machine, hauling in 18 receiving scores this season. He wins with strong hands, body positioning, and an excellent sense of leverage. Whether on fades, crossers, or deep shots, Todd consistently creates mismatches and is the primary vertical threat defenses must track.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">RB [player_tooltip player_id='1155328' first='Kingston' last='McDonald-Gibson'] (Jr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martinsburg spreads touches, but their leading running back provides steady production and playmaking ability. He's effective between and outside the tackles, keeps the offense ahead of schedule, and benefits from the attention defenses must devote to Dick. His patience and burst help fuel long scoring drives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">DL [player_tooltip player_id='1138227' first='Jordan' last='Kovacs'] (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs' defensive line has been the backbone of a unit, allowing just 151 points all season. Their top interior lineman, [player_tooltip player_id='1138227' first='Jordan' last='Kovacs'], controls gaps, collapses pockets, and disrupts blocking schemes. His presence forces offenses into uncomfortable downs and distances, a major reason Martinsburg thrives defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">DB [player_tooltip player_id='1605272' first='Mason' last='Walley'] (Sr.)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walley is one of Martinsburg's most athletic players on the back end, capable of playing man coverage, jumping routes, and contributing on special teams. His range and instincts help limit opposing big plays, and he's known for turning turnovers into instant scoring opportunities for the Bulldogs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->