AA Semifinals Showdown: Bluefield vs Philip Barbour

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   16 teams have advanced to the playoff semifinals after the second round of the postseason in West Virginia. Here is our playoff semifinals preview for round three.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 BLUEFIELD vs #3 PHILIP BARBOUR</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOW BLUEFIELD GOT HERE</h3>    Bluefield dominated from the opening kickoff, jumping out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and never looking back in a 45-7 victory over Midland Trail at Mitchell Stadium. The Beavers' defense effectively neutralized the area's leading rusher, [player_tooltip player_id='2047490' first='Jayden' last='Roop'], holding him to just 57 yards on 22 carries and limiting him to 30 yards on 16 attempts in the first half. Midland Trail also struggled with field position, starting multiple drives inside their own 5-yard line, which made it difficult to gain momentum. Bluefield's balanced attack, including strong passing from [player_tooltip player_id='1166648' first='Max' last='Simpson'] and scoring contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='1958273' first='Jeremiah' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2066889' first='Jaleel' last='Jones'], quickly built a commanding lead, allowing the Beavers to control the game from start to finish.   The win advances Bluefield to the Class AA semifinals, where they will host No. 3 Phillip Barbour, marking their first semifinal appearance since 2021. Simpson finished with 263 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Pax Calhoun caught seven passes for 98 yards. Midland Trail's season ends at 10-2, despite the loss, Trail's program enjoyed its best campaign since 2018, while Bluefield now looks to carry its offensive and defensive dominance into the next round of the playoffs.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">HOW PHILIP BARBOUR GOT HERE</h3>    Philip Barbour dominated Clay County in the Class AA quarterfinals, cruising to a 69-7 victory to advance to the program's first-ever playoff semifinal, where they will face Bluefield. The Colts capitalized on nearly every turnover, recovering multiple fumbles, some resulting directly in scores, and executing efficiently on both sides of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='2047488' first='Landyn' last='Carpenter'] led the ground attack with 150 yards and two touchdowns, while [player_tooltip player_id='1430947' first='Robbie' last='Jones'] contributed 62 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and completed 2-of-3 passes for 69 yards and two scores. The Colts' defense was equally impressive, holding the Panthers to just 50 rushing yards and 27 passing yards while forcing repeated turnovers that kept the game firmly in Philip Barbour's control.   From the opening drive, Philip Barbour set the tone, scoring on short runs and quick passes, including big gains by [player_tooltip player_id='894893' first='Patrick' last='Webster'], [player_tooltip player_id='1692921' first='Malachi' last='Poling'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1154896' first='Mason' last='Jones']. The Colts repeatedly converted opponent mistakes into touchdowns, highlighted by multiple fumble recoveries and opportunistic plays in the red zone. By halftime, the Colts had built a commanding 42-0 lead, continuing to pile on in the third quarter with long touchdown runs from [player_tooltip player_id='1154896' first='Mason' last='Jones'] and a short scoring plunge from [player_tooltip player_id='1138206' first='Malachi' last='Cross']. Clay County avoided a shutout late in the game on a Brody Scarbro 11-yard touchdown run, but Philip Barbour's dominant performance ensured a decisive blowout victory and a place in the semifinals.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">BLUEFIELD PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    2027 Bluefield LB [player_tooltip player_id='1677416' first='Chadney' last='Stanback'] is emerging as a key piece for the Beavers heading into the playoffs after a promising sophomore season. At 6'1" and 210 pounds, he already shows the size and physical tools to compete at a high level. Stanback has the instincts and athleticism to make a major impact at a college program in the future, and his film from this season hints at the upside he can reach as a senior. With continued development, he's a player who will attract attention from college programs looking for a versatile, productive linebacker.     2027 WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1616354' first='Jamarius' last='Smith'] has begun to make his mark for Bluefield as the Beavers head into the semifinals, where he totaled 274 yards and four touchdowns heading into the last game while contributing on both sides of the ball. The 2027 slot receiver shows natural playmaking ability, and with the passing game expected to expand behind emerging 2028 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1166648' first='Max' last='Simpson'], Smith is poised to produce even more as a junior and senior. His athleticism and upside make him a player to keep an eye on in his senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1866730' first='Tylee' last='Simon'] has emerged as a key contributor for Bluefield as the playoffs arrive, building on a season in which he's totaled 337 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while also making plays in the defensive backfield. He's shown the ability to impact games on both sides of the ball, highlighted by a big play potential on offense and shut-down ability on defense. With continued production and more game film, Simon is shaping up to be one of the team's top playmakers this postseason.     Bluefield 2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1166648' first='Max' last='Simpson'] has continued to impress as the playoffs approach, already totaling 2,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns this season. The young signal-caller has developed a strong feel for the position and has steadily improved each year, helping guide the Beavers to the #2 seed despite a youthful roster. Simpson's ability to distribute the ball across the field keeps defenses off balance and positions Bluefield for a deep postseason run.     Bluefield 2028 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1625644' first='Ethan' last='Thompson'], now a sophomore, is a lineman who has already proven he can contribute at the varsity level. He'll be an important part of the Beavers' offensive and defensive lines in the playoffs, showcasing impressive footwork and athleticism for his age. Thompson earned playing time at tackle as a freshman, demonstrating both his versatility and the confidence his coaches have in his abilities, and he looks poised to develop into one of the top linemen in his class.     2028 Bluefield WR [player_tooltip player_id='1311053' first='Paxtyn' last='Calhoun'] is producing a huge sophomore season for the Beavers, and we're getting game film of him for the first time as well. He'll rank among the top receivers in the class in our next rankings update after the season, and has as high a ceiling as any pass catcher in this class. At 6'3 185, Calhoun possesses the length and size that top colleges are looking for in a wideout, and he also has the athleticism to match it. He's a big-play vertical threat and a well-rounded receiver with a bright future ahead of him, both as a player and a prospect.     2028 Rb/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1958273' first='Jeremiah' last='Jones'] has stepped up big this season for the injured [player_tooltip player_id='1154894' first='Willis' last='Wilson'] at running back for the Beavers. He's rushed for over 700 yards and 11 touchdowns before last week's quarterfinal win over Midland Trail and is a big bruising back for them to lean on in the postseason as a change of pace from their explosive passing attack. Jones isn't just a power back and has good footwork, and can break free in the open field as well. He's another high upside and potential prospect in their sophomore class for colleges to keep close tabs on.     Adding to their talented 2028 class is WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='2066890' first='Jordan' last='Hess'], who has emerged as a top playmaker in his sophomore season. Hess has emerged as one of their go-to targets in the passing game out of the slot and does a great job of working the middle of the field. He's reliable over the middle and is a tough matchup for linebackers with his speed, quickness, and ability to find space. Hess is another high upside young player for the Beavers, especially as he physically matures over the next two years.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PHILIP BARBOUR PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>    Philip Barbour's 2026 lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1138206' first='Malachi' last='Cross'] enters the postseason as one of the more technically polished big men in his class. His wrestling background shows up in the way he controls leverage, and his 6'4 frame gives him the reach to lock out defenders and keep them where he wants them. Cross consistently wins with strong, accurate hand placement and a firm punch in pass protection, traits that helped land him on our Perfect OL Recruit list. With that combination of size, length, and refined technique, he's become a key piece up front and a standout 2026 OL prospect heading into the semifinals.     [player_tooltip player_id='928036' first='Cameron' last='Bennett'] has been the engine of the Colts' offense this fall, piling up 1,300 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns, most of them on the ground. Now in the postseason, the 2026 standout remains their go-to threat, consistently creating chunk plays whenever the ball is in his hands. Bennett has become even more valuable as a versatile weapon who can impact the game from multiple spots. His production and athletic profile make him a strong candidate for in-state D2 attention as he continues to showcase his playmaking ability on the big stage.     2026 Philip Barbour ATH/DB [player_tooltip player_id='894893' first='Patrick' last='Webster'] has carried his strong regular-season play straight into the postseason, continuing to make his presence felt on both sides of the ball. Entering last week, he'd already stacked up 48 tackles and 5 interceptions, anchoring the Colts' secondary with his ability to track the ball and close space in a hurry. He's also been an asset offensively and in the return game, pushing past 700 all-purpose yards thanks to his open-field speed and instincts. As Philip Barbour gears up for the playoff gauntlet, Webster's versatility and knack for creating momentum-changing plays make him one of their most important pieces and a name that college programs should keep an eye on down the stretch.     2026 Philip Barbour defender [player_tooltip player_id='1592209' first='Aidan' last='Phillips'] has stepped up down the stretch, giving the Colts steady production in the front seven as they push deeper into the postseason. He's been active all year with 72 total tackles, showing he can impact the run game whether he's aligned on the edge, shaded inside, or walked up at linebacker. That positional flexibility has made him one of the most valuable pieces on their defense, allowing the coaching staff to plug him into whatever matchup they need to win. Phillips' motor and adaptability have been constants for Philip Barbour, and his junior film has firmly placed him among the more intriguing EDGE prospects in the 2026 class.     2026 Philip Barbour WR [player_tooltip player_id='1692921' first='Malachi' last='Poling'] has become one of the Colts' most dangerous weapons heading into the playoffs, turning in a breakout senior year on both sides of the ball. With [player_tooltip player_id='928036' first='Cameron' last='Bennett'] taking on more work in the run game, Poling has flourished as the featured receiver, piling up 680 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air. His length and athleticism at 6'3 make him a difficult matchup for any secondary, especially with his ability to elevate and finish through contact. Poling has also made a major impact defensively, adding 5 interceptions to his résumé as a versatile ballhawk. With the postseason underway, he's playing the best football of his career and drawing real interest from D2 programs looking for a rangy, productive target.     2026 Philip Barbour lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1234062' first='Dayton' last='Morrison'] has continued to raise his stock as the Colts roll into the postseason. His added strength and improved mobility have really shown up up front, where he's become a reliable piece of their blocking unit. Morrison moves well for his size, climbing to linebackers cleanly and staying balanced in space, and he's developed a firm initial strike that helps him control blocks longer. He also offers value as a potential long-snapping option at the next level, giving him another avenue for college interest as his senior tape continues to circulate.     2026 Philip Barbour linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1580728' first='Tyler' last='Vance'] has been the heartbeat of the Colts' defense all fall, and his production has only ramped up as they enter postseason play. He leads the team with 148 tackles and 15 TFLs, consistently finding the football and cleaning up plays from sideline to sideline. Though he isn't built like a prototypical backer, Vance's instincts, motor, and toughness more than make up for it, and he's become one of the most dependable defenders in Class AA. His versatility should draw interest from D3 and Sprint Football programs, where his range and physicality could translate to multiple roles on the field.     Philip Barbour has uncovered a major weapon in 2027 running back [player_tooltip player_id='2047488' first='Landyn' last='Carpenter'], who has exploded onto the scene in his first year playing the sport. As the Colts gear up for postseason play, Carpenter has been the engine of their offense, piling up nearly 1,600 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns with a punishing, downhill style that wears defenses out over four quarters. He's also made his presence felt on the other side of the ball at linebacker, showing natural instincts despite his limited experience. With his blend of physicality, stamina, and surprising long-speed, Carpenter has quickly become one of the most difficult backs in the state to contain, exactly the kind of difference-maker that can tilt playoff games in November.     2026 Philip Barbour ATH/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1154896' first='Mason' last='Jones'] has shifted his impact primarily to the defensive side this fall, and that move has paid off in a big way for the Colts as they gear up for playoff football. He's been one of their most dependable defenders, piling up 118 tackles and 9 TFLs while showing the instincts and toughness that make him a reliable presence in the middle of the field. Jones still contributes offensively when needed, but his growth at linebacker has been the defining piece of his junior season. As the postseason ramps up, his consistency and motor give Philip Barbour a stabilizing force on a defense that leans heavily on his ability to read plays and clean up in traffic.     2028 Philip Barbour ATH/QB [player_tooltip player_id='1430947' first='Robbie' last='Jones'] heads into the postseason coming off a strong sophomore regular season, showing real command of the Colts' offense while continuing to make plays on the defensive side of the ball. He's thrown for 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns, giving Philip Barbour a true vertical threat and a quarterback who can attack all levels of the field. Defensively, Jones has once again showcased his instincts in the secondary, adding three interceptions to his resume as he continues to prove he's one of the program's most complete athletes. His growth from freshman to sophomore year is obvious on film, and the way he's handling both roles has elevated the Colts' ceiling entering the playoffs. Jones is becoming the type of player opponents must account for on every snap.     Philip Barbour's freshman kicker, [player_tooltip player_id='1719305' first='Ayden' last='Thorne'], has emerged as a key contributor for the Colts as they make their playoff push. In his first year at the high school level, Thorne has shown remarkable poise and consistency, converting 52/58 extra point attempts and connecting on 4/6 field goals, with a long of 35 yards. Beyond his accuracy, he has displayed impressive leg strength on kickoffs, regularly sending the ball deep to limit return opportunities and provide favorable field position for the defense. Thorne's combination of reliability and power makes him a valuable asset for Philip Barbour in high-pressure situations, and his early success suggests he could develop into one of the more accomplished specialists in his class as the postseason unfolds.

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