Sports
Preview: More Than Just Bragging Rights On The Line Between Parkersburg and Parkersburg South
By: Justin McCauley
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Every year when the schedule is released, players and coaches alike look for that game that they circle. For the teams in Parkersburg, the Civil War is that game. The 48th edition of this rivalry means more than just pride and bragging rights for the rest of the year for these teams.
There are playoff implications on the line this year. The Parkersburg Big Reds (5-4) can make the playoffs with a win. The Parkersburg South Patriots (6-3) are currently sitting No. 12 in Class AAA and have already clinched a playoff berth, but with a win for them they could move up to No. 8 and clinch home-field advantage.
For the Patriots its more then just gaining a home-field game in the playoffs, they have an opportunity to knock their rivals out of the playoffs and get revenge for last years’ loss as well.
The much-improved Patriots squad under second-year coach Mike Eddy has really benefitted from the growth and leadership from junior quarterback Garrett Gilkeson who has thrown for 2,379 yards and 20 touchdowns on the season. He is going to have to deal with a Big Reds defense, however, that has created 27 turnovers this season, including 15 interceptions. The Patriots are going to have to have a big game from their quarterback to beat their rivals on the road.
Stadium Field, where the Big Reds call home is expecting a standing room only crowd for the game this Friday night. The Big Reds’ Dan Fox and the rest of this senior class aren’t ready for their high school football career to end with a loss to their rivals.
With playoffs on the line you can bet that Alex Trembly is going to be looking for a few big plays from his seniors to help break this one wide open and get that home crowd into it. Big Reds’ coach Dan Reeves said “we have been in that do or die mind set for the last few weeks so this Friday doesn’t change that mindset”.
All the talk and predictions go out the window on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. as these rivals face off with a little more on the line then usual.
'Gridiron Glory' airs every Friday night at 11:30 p.m. on WOUB. You can follow the show on Twitter @gridironglory, like the Gridiron Glory page on Facebook, and follow along on Instagram @woubsports. You can also join the conversation throughout the season by using the hashtag #GridGlory!