Sports
Parkersburg South Holds On To Slim Playoff Hopes
By: Ian McConville
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Chaos (n): “Complete disorder and confusion.”
Following Parkersburg South’s disappointing 17-14 home loss to Wheeling Park, the Patriots’ playoff chances now sit in absolute chaos.
Entering that contest, the Patriots sat in the 14th position in Class AAA, and a win would have all but assured them of a postseason bid. However, the defeat dropped the Patriots out of the Top 16, placing their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy.
The chances are slim, as three teams sit between South and that coveted 16th spot. In order to keep the hopes alive, Parkersburg South must take care of its business Friday night when it hosts the 2-7 John Marshall Monarchs.
Parkersburg South head coach Jon Bolen knows that the odds are not good for his team to reach postseason play, but is looking at this game as an opportunity to build a strong foundation for next season.
“It’s still a big game for us. We have a chance to have a winning season,” Bolen said.
Parkersburg South will look to take advantage of its apparent speed and size advantage over John Marshall. Expect the Patriots to air the ball out early and often to try and beat the Monarch corners deep. Also, you cannot forget the potent ground game the Patriots possess, featuring Braxton Johnson, Logan Cox and Jordan Quiocho.
Meanwhile, visiting John Marshall is battling a completely different type of chaos itself. During the middle of last season, the Monarchs former head coach unexpectedly resigned. John Marshall finished that year 0-10. That was when current head coach Rich Goodrich stepped in to undertake the daunting task of rebuilding the program from the ground up.
Thus far, Goodrich said that he is pleased with the progress his team is making, but he knows there is still a long way to go.
“I’m pleased with the progress. We only had 27 kids on the roster last year. This year we have 57. So we know our kids aren’t quitting. We’ve made great strides and have gotten better every week,” Goodrich said.
Last week, John Marshall dropped a tough 17-13 decision on the road to Brooke.
The Monarchs have yet to win a road game this season, and have lost their last four games. They have been outscored this season 262-148.
Obviously, much of the eastern United States has experienced inclement weather due to Hurricane Sandy. Inches and inches of rain has accumulated and has turned most everything into a muddy, sloppy mess. This may have an impact on the game Friday night, but both coaches expressed that they are not concerned about the conditions of the field.
“I’m not worried at all,” Bolen said.
“I think it will affect them more than us, but both teams still have to play in it. We can’t control it,” Goodrich said.
Kickoff at the Erickson All-Sports Facility is scheduled for 7:30.