And we’re off. The much anticipated high school football season has begun across the state.

 

As most of you reading this know, top-ranked, three-time defending state champion Bridgeport opened the season on Thursday by doing what Bridgeport does. Win. The Indians defeated Lewis County 44-20 behind J.T. Harris’ 129 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

 

I was fortunate enough to attend the MetroNews High School Football Kickoff on Thursday as part of the broadcast crew. That game featured South Charleston at George Washington.

 

It was a tremendous atmosphere with a capacity crowd filling the stands on the Hill. The game also featured two of the state’s best players.

 

Penn State commit, South Charleston’s Derrek Pitts opened the season with a bang by returning the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. Then, on the first GW offensive possession, Pitts scooped up a fumble and ran it into the end zone for an early 13-0 lead for the Black Eagles.

 

It was easy to see why so many Division I schools, including West Virginia, were after Pitts. His size, athleticism and skill jumped out at you immediately. His future at the next level is on the defensive side of the ball, but for this year, expect him to turn in some highlight-type runs from the backfield. 

 

GW has a good one as well, sophomore quarterback Grant Wells. Just a sophomore, Wells already holds a scholarship offer from Marshall.

 

After what seemed to be some early game jitters, Wells settled in and showed why Doc Holliday has already decided Wells would be a good addition to the Herd program.

 

His strong arm was evident as he found receivers all over the field in the second half. Wells also showed the ability to run when necessary as well.

 

The most impressive thing about the young quarterback was his poise in the pocket. He didn’t lock onto his receivers as many quarterbacks do. He kept his eyes downfield even when he was flushed from the pocket.

 

While both Pitts and Wells were impressive, defense was the story of the night. GW didn’t allow an offensive touchdown, but could only manage six points. The Black Eagles won the 50th meeting between the two rivals, 13-6. 

 

It’s a great year for Division I prospects across the state. Thursday's game in Charleston featured two of them. Many more took the field for the first time in 2016 last night. 

 

Count me as one who is looking forward to following Wells, Pitts and a whole host of other high school players looking to hoist the state championship trophy in Wheeling in a couple of months.

 

 

Editor's Note: BHS's Mackenzie Holmes runs back a pick-six Thursday. Holmes, who is already drawing casual interest from colleges, including Marshall, wants to play at the next level. Bottom photo shows the scoreboard all players and teams want to see during the final week of the football season at Wheeling Island Stadium. Photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.