2024 Week 17 (West Virginia)

Week 17 was originally planned to be an off week. With the Pennsylvania scheduled shifted a week earlier to match Ohio, and Texas not yet resetting, it gave me this extra weekend. Where I had originally considered going to Texas a weekend early. But then West Virginia happened.

West Virginia’s WVSSAC had just started a fourth classification for football. And in doing so, had changed their formulas for their playoff participation. And they did this AFTER the season had been set. So, some schools were basing things off the preseason formula, and some were basing it on the after the season official began formula.

Which was fine until teams were qualifying for the playoffs in one formula and not in the other. And that led to lawsuits. And delays. And suddenly the entire state was frozen from playing and pushing their playoffs back a single weekend.

And though it’s just four games, there was another twist. It was the first year in about three decades that the games were being played somewhere other than Wheeling. This time in Charleston at University of Charleston Stadium.

So, I knew where I was going. Another group from PFN was going to the games, so I was added to the media list. I also booked a hotel, solo, as I wasn’t sure on short notice if anyone else would be with me. Which was fine.

With West Virginia’s expanded championship slate, they now had four games. And played them at 12pm and 7pm on Friday and Saturday. Formerly, they did not have a Friday afternoon game. Which meant driving down the night before.

It isn’t a long drive. And it’s not too tedious. I headed through Boardman, across US224 and down OH225 toward Alliance. A familiar route to Canton for me. Taking I-77 south through Ohio into West Virginia and to Charleston. From there, it was a quick westerly turn on I-64 to Dunbar, and the Red Roof Inn.

It was a little hard to find as it was part of several other buildings and the address was just for the building at the front of the lot. But it was the cheapest and I’m not one to spend a lot on a hotel where I’m not going to be long in the hotel.

The next morning, I drove east on I-64 to the heart of the bustling capital city, and down I-77 past the stadium to my exit. You loop back on city streets and then down Elizabeth Street to the field. And it was packed. For a Friday afternoon, you also had the Capitol traffic as well. And the lots were full. I finally found a spot to park at the furthest reach of the main lot.

But I got into the stadium with little trouble. The West Virginia setup familiar in Wheeling was similar in Charleston. Very friendly. Accommodating, and easy to work with. Got passes at the table out front and let in and you’re right at the endzone. Onto the field. And got prepped for the first game of the day kicking off shortly after noon.

#87 – Wahama v. Cameron

This was my first time seeing Wahama, the White Falcons, play. But not my first time seeing Cameron. This was the third time seeing the Cameron Dragons. Hailing from just south of Pennsylvania, I had seen them play at West Greene (PA), their northern neighbor, as well as another game at Weirton Madonna in Weirton.

It was a close game throughout. The sun was out and it wasn’t nearly as cold as it first felt. This was one of those back-and-forth games, and it slowly started to go Wahama’s way. Third quarter went for two scores, and a comfortable 29-14 lead. And Cameron’s late score couldn’t propel them to a tie. As Wahama won their first title in 12 years, 29-22.

After the game, I made my way to my truck, and headed out. Planning to stop somewhere for dinner, but decided not. Got back into the stadium later. Though, parking was again difficult. This time parking along the tracks far from the field, but closer than we could have been.

#88 – Frankfort v. Roane County

This was my first time seeing both the Frankfort Falcons and the Roane County Raiders. I did like the Falcons dual-blue uniforms, reminding me of UNC, with the Atlanta Falcons logo on their helmet. And with my pick, they jumped out to an early and commanding lead, 28-0 at the half.

At halftime, I made my way over to the media hospitality room under the stadium now that I knew where it was located, and got something to eat. It was getting colder, but not frigid. Had some pasta and water. Also, a cookie.

For the second half, it was more of the same. Frankfort seemed unphased by Roane County and easily added three more touchdowns and though they gave up a few scores, it was a controlled burn. Winning, 49-14.

After the game, I headed back to my hotel. Got the photos done for Day 1, and got ready for Day 2. Including a long drive home post-game.

The only time I had seen Bridgeport before, was a game at East-West Stadium in Fairmont, against East Fairmont. This was my first time seeing Herbert Hoover. The crowd was excellent for the Saturday afternoon. And one of the more memorable ones on the season.

#89 – Bridgeport v. Herbert Hoover

This game was a dud. I had hoped it would be close. Bridgeport was the heavy favorite, but it seemed like Hoover was going to keep it interesting. They didn’t. Though I did get one of my best shots of the season. Reusing it for the halftime tweet.

For all the scoring in the first half, Bridgeport managed just a single score to close out the game. With a running clock, I had a very early finish for the afternoon.

After the game, I headed back to my car. With the Capitol employees vacating the area on a Saturday, parking was much easier. I headed down US60 toward Malden and across to Kanawha City and stopped at Cracker Barrel. This is where I did photos while eating some Chicken and Dumplings. When I was done, it was back in the truck and driving back to the stadium.

I arrived fairly early, and went to the media room and waited. And got my free food box. Which included some pasta salad, a sandwich, a cookie, and chips. Having just ate, I picked out the cookie and sandwich and shared the rest.

#90 – Martinsburg v. Spring Mills

This last game was going to be the smallest crowd of the night. For the biggest schools playing a big rivalry game in the state final. Both schools are from Martinsburg. A 300 mile drive east of Charleston. When they’re just a few miles apart. And this was a game already played in the regular season. And being televised, with threat of bad weather, many stayed home and watched on television.

This was my third time seeing Martinsburg play. All three in state championship games. First a win over Spring Valley from Huntington in 2017, and another win over Huntington in 2021.

It was my first time seeing Spring Mills. And they were the decided underdog. But the underdogs made good of the opportunity and were down by a scant 7-0 score at the break. And even then, could’ve been closer with how they were playing.

The second half opened up, and some late back-and-forth play happened to make it 17-17. And then Martinsburg scored on a long TD by their star Q to essentially win it, 24-17. Their second straight title, and 11th in 15 seasons.

I also got my photo in the local paper for the game

Martinsburg’s football reign continues in West Virginia with 11th state title

After the game, it was a very quick finish. I snapped the team photo, and then made my way quickly to the parking lot and got situated for the long drive home as quickly as possible.

ECONOMICS

For the weekend, I drove a total of 529 miles and spent $162.76. Most of which was the hotel for $92.98. Gas was $14.51, while food was $49.27. That was mostly the Cracker Barrel, and food on the trip down and back. As well as a gallon of Milo’s. And $6 was spent on miscellaneous. Namely cheap gloves.