2008 Parkersburg Register Football Preview: Top Ten Games of 2008

While some of you are loyal to your alma mater alone, others consider themselves fans of the game itself. For those of you who spend the week waiting to see which matchup will be the most enticing, this list is for you. Here’s a look at which games we think will be the most intriguing in 2008.

Week 1:
8/28/2008
PHS @ Cabell Midland

The Big Reds title defense gets a serious test in week one as the Knights hope exact a bit of revenge for their narrow 47-41 defeat in 07. Losing all six games by a combined 34 points, Cabell Midland hopes this year’s senior dominated squad, led by WVU signee Cole Bowers, will finish down the stretch where last year’s squad could not.

Week 2:
9/5/2008
Williamstown @ Magnolia

Williamstown may have had “the streak” stopped last season, but the winning streak against in-state opponents during the regular season endures. The Blue Eagles from Magnolia hope to give the Yellow-Jackets their first loss in-state regular season loss since 2001: the opponent Magnolia.

Week 3:
9/12/2008
PHS @ South Charleston

Just as Cabell Midland struggled to finish in 2007, South Charleston brought it to new lows. Finishing a disappointing 5-5, few teams could rival the heart-breaking losses the Eagles suffered. Losing by a combined 20 points in the 5 contests, South Charleston’s 30-26 loss to PHS in week three was especially hard, as Deion Spurlock’s record setting night became but a footnote.

Week 4:
9/19/2008
South @ Marietta

In Jon Bolen’s debut the Patriots stumbled in the second half, yielding big play after big play to Cody Westbrook and the Tigers aerial attack. Entering their second year, Bolen hopes the Patriots can put the 2007 campaign in their rear view, with three winnable games to open the season, South could be looking at benchmark victory against Marietta.


Week 5:
10/3/2008
Williamstown @ St. Marys

The rivalry has reached new highs in recent years thanks to several post season meetings, sadly for the Blue Devils the results have all been the same. Last year the Yellow Jackets shut out St.Marys on the road 22-0 then at home in week 2 of the playoffs 23-0. St.Marys has plenty of motivation for the first meeting of 2008.

Week 6:
10/10/2008
Catholic @ Fayetteville

One of the Crusaders three wins in 07 came thanks to Fayetteville, as in week 7 Catholic hung on for a 26-21 victory. The loss was especially stinging for Fayetteville, as the loss was their third of the season and nearly ruined their season. Using the defeat as motivation, the Pirates then reeled off four straight victories including an opening round playoff victory over Greenbrier West.

Week 7:
10/17/2008
George Washington @ PHS

The only thing that stood between coach Bernie Buttrey and a perfect season was the Big Reds’ week 8 setback at the hands of GW. Falling 19-14 to the Patriots, PHS yielded 12 third quarter points, both scores coming on passes by quarterback Drew Kindler. Kindler may have departed but Hunt Award winner Rodney Hudson returns, and figures to be a force in opposing backfields.

Week 8:
10/24/2008
Tolsia @ Williamstown, Capital @ PHS

Williamstown went on the road in 07 and escaped with a 21-14 victory over the Rebels. After falling in the AA state championship game in 06, Tolsia had a brief hiccup in 07. The Wayne county group figures to rebound in 08 as a large group of Seniors return.

Capital was all but gutted at the skill positions, however some in Charleston are saying the this year’s squad may be a better team overall. Returning starting tailback Keion Wright, the Cougars figure to carve up opposing defenses yet again.

Week 9:
11/1/2008
Catholic @ Wahama

The White Falcons bowed out of the playoffs early in 07 thanks to a stout Yellow Jacket defense, however the 9-1 campaign gave plenty in Mason County to cheer about. Returning the bulk of the offense, including quarterback Bill Zuspan. Catholic could be building its resume for a playoff berth, and a win over Wahama would go a long way in securing a bid.

Week 10:
11/7/2008
Catholic @ Williamstown

Tommy Brunoni struggled to get going in the season finale last year, and Williamstown quarterback Drew Townsend threw early and often against the Crusader defense. This year the blue and white figure to run the ball with a bit more consistency. This could play into the season finale as last year’s 30-0 final was far closer than the score indicated.