Posted on by Sykotyk

2022 Week 15 (Ohio & West Virginia)

2022 Week 15 (Ohio & West Virginia)

This was a week I was not expecting. First, I was expecting to be in Oklahoma for the state finals at Central Oklahoma University. In the meantime, the window for media credentials for the West Virginia and Ohio finals both passed. And then, on Wednesday, I was still in Ohio.

It was on Thursday evening, that I had decided to go to the OHSAA Division 2 Championship Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. I was going to go just as a fan. It was, I thought, possibly my only game of the weekend as my personal plans were still skewed.

#91 – Akron Archbishop Hoban v. Toledo Central Catholic

The afternoon started in Youngstown and a brief stop in Boardman with my daughter. And then, the quick drive to Canton. The drive down US62 was fine, though the line to get into the Hall of Fame Village was backed up onto the I-77 off ramp.

Parking was $10, and the ticket was online only for $15 plus fee. I did get a program for free. So, that was nice. Since I wasn’t covering the game for anyone, I only brought my wide angle lens. Though, after passing through security, it was clear I could’ve probably brought my zoom lens without a problem.

But, I didn’t really care to photograph it anyways. It was cold. And being perched in the second deck didn’t give the best views even if I had the zoom lens. The matchup itself wasn’t too high on my list of games. It was mostly just because it was the only game that night.

I had seen both teams previously. Though this was my first time seeing Hoban in a title game. Hoban’s inability to pass the ball was the entire issue with the game. Central Catholic jumped out to a commanding 28-7 halftime lead.

In the second half, the vaunted Hoban Knights made a comeback. But, were thwarted at the end. Toledo Central Catholic would hold on for a 28-21 lead.

After the game, it was a quick drive home along I-76 to Youngstown.

The next day, I had things to do during the day, so seeing the three state titles at Canton were out of the question. And, I had planned to cover a PA game. But the closest one with the need of another photographer, was in Clarion. When I realized I was going to be late making it to the game. I still had time to make it to Canton. Since the game started a half hour later than the Clarion game. And was a few minutes closer.

But, instead, I opted to sit at home and watch it on TV.

While watching, I had decided my Saturday wasn’t going to be at Canton. I hadn’t seen any games in West Virginia this year. So, seeing the two games at Wheeling Island seemed like the best course.

I was already pretty sure at the time that I wasn’t making the trip to Texas this year. So, these two with the next week’s Pennsylvania finals would be the last games of the year for me. Which would put me right at 99 games.

So, the next morning, I headed out through Boardman, down through North Lima to OH11. And down to OH7 in East Liverpool to Bridgeport. Where you take US40 east across the bridge onto the island. Traffic moved pretty quickly, and I got to the casino parking lot shortly before the game.

For those that have never been, Wheeling Island Stadium and the Wheeling Island Casino are located on the southern tip of the island. The parking lot spans all the land between the casino and stadium.

Parking is, therefore, free. The West Virginia Super Six is three games over two days. The Class 2A game is held Friday night, while the other two games are played at noon and 7pm. This gives you ample opportunity to kill time at the casino between games.

#92 – Parkersburg South v. Huntington

The Class 3A title started with Parkersburg South taking the lead with a field goal. But Huntington would answer in the second quarter with a touchdown. To go up 7-3. Huntington lost last year, in a huge blowout, to Martinsburg. So, with their lead, they looked like they’d be on their way to a state title. Their first on-field title. And first acclaimed title since 1934. Meanwhile, Parkersburg South was a new team for me.

The Highlanders added another score in the third. And two more in the fourth. To win easily, 28-3.

After the game, I headed across the parking lot to the casino to spend a little money and get an early dinner.

For $29.99 it was a bit pricy. The steak wasn’t that worth it. But, the stuffed Sole, prime rib, and mac and cheese was great. Proximity and quality made it worth it. But, not exactly something I would’ve gone out of my way for. After I finished, I headed to the slots and went through $40 before calling it a day.

#93 – James Monroe v. Williamstown

It was a quick walk back to the stadium and to get ready for the final game of the weekend. This was a first time seeing James Monroe. They’re from Lindside, a small town on the southeast corner of the state, southeast of Beckley. Just as the early game, Williamstown was looking to overcome their loss last season.

Williamstown exorcised their demons, the same as Huntington had earlier. Jumping out to a quick lead, 14-8, and extending it to 30-14 at the intermission. A third quarter touchdown led way to a complete demolition in the fourth as Williamstown Yellowjackets added two more scores. To win, 52-20.

After the game, there wasn’t mcuh to do. Just headed back along US40 west out of West Virginia to OH7 north to Steubenville. And continued to OH11 and on the way to home.

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

2022 HSF Wk 15 Ohio

2022 HSF Wk 15 Ohio

2022 HSF Wk 15 Ohio

2022 HSF Wk 15 Ohio

2022 HSF Wk 15 West Virginia

2022 HSF Wk 15 West Virginia

2022 HSF Wk 15 West Virginia

2022 HSF Wk 15 West Virginia

2022 HSF Wk 15 West Virginia

2022 HSF Wk 15 West Virginia

SUMMARY

Total cost for the weekend was $142. Most of that was tickets and parking. $10 parking in Canton, while tickets were $16 at Canton and $11.50 for each game in Wheeling. Souvenir program at Wheeling was $5. Food made up most of the rest. Including the $37 I spent at the casino buffet. and $40 miscellaneous gambling at the casino.

For teams, neither stadium was new. While Parkersburg South and James Monroe were both new teams for me.

Next Week

Week 16 will be the six Pennsylvania State Championships. The games are being hosted at Cumberland Valley High School for the first time after decades at Hersheypark Stadium. All six games will feature teams I’ve seen previously.

2022 Statistics

93 Games
181 Teams
38 Stadiums
15 States

94 New Teams
23 New Stadiums

1,491 different teams
466 different stadiums

1,366 total games

For more, and larger, photos from this weekend, click HERE.

For photos from previous weeks and seasons, visit http://www.flickr.com/sykotyk/sets/

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