Sports
Parkersburg Returns Home, Faces Capital
By: Kyle Bratke
Posted on:
Last November, Parkersburg High School’s Stadium Field was condemned due to foundation issues, and many gave the Big Reds no chance of playing there this season. However, thanks to a great community effort the Big Reds will make their return to Stadium Field Friday night when they play host to the Capital Cougars.
“The stadium looks great, but I wouldn’t expect anything else after 1.8 million has been pumped into it,” Coach Reeves said. “We’re excited to see this place full and be back in front of our fans.”
It won’t be an easy task for the Big Reds to send their faithful home happy, though. Capital comes to Parkersburg 2-0 and ranked No. 5 in the state. The Big Reds are also trying to rebound from their first loss of the season last week, as they fell, 40-7, to No. 3 Cabell Midland. Parkersburg struggled offensively a week ago, only rushing for 52 yards, but PHS hopes that changes this week against a Capital defense that allowed 28 points a week ago.
“I think we are going to be able to put points up against their defense, we just have to worry about slowing down their offense,” assistant coach Zach Nolan said.
The Capital offense Nolan is referring to has scored 97 points in just two games this season. A week ago, Parkersburg allowed over 500 rushing yards, and they will again face a tough rushing attack. Running back Kashuan Haley has run for 252 yards and three scores on the year, and quarterback Tyrhee Pratt is a dual threat weapon in the Capital offense.
It will be a tough task for Parkersburg to upset the Cougars Friday, but one the Big Reds are excited and ready for. There’s no doubt that Stadium Field will be packed and ready to rock Friday when football finally returns to the historic field.