Poca looks to overcome injuries

POCA, W.Va. -- In past seasons Poca set the bar high in Class AA, winning three consecutive state championship in 2001, 2002, and 2003. Last season, although the Dots had talent, key injuries put the team out of contention.

"We had a pretty good team last season, but the injury bug got us," Poca coach Bob Lemley said. "We just had an extremely large amount of guys getting banged up."

This year Poca also has to combat a dwindling number of players. Poca only has 32 players on the roster and right now only 28 are practicing because of more injuries.

Returning to provide the offense with some electricity is junior Caleb Arthur. As a sophomore Arthur rushed for eight touchdowns and more than 1,000 yards. Sophomore Christian Combs could also contribute at running back.

Arthur will have the privilege of rushing behind 6-foot-3, 245 pound senior offensive lineman Kerry Casto, who also plays defensive end. Sophomore Jake Skeens and junior Dylan Harrison will play significant roles in opening up holes for Arthur.

It's a logjam at quarterback for the starting spot. Sophomore Traver Dunlap is the favorite, but Jason Cuffee and Matt McClanahan are also solid options.

The long ball threat downfield is senior wide-out Forrest Maddox. At 6-2, 170 pounds, Maddox has the size and speed to make waves on offense.

"I think we can put a pretty good team on the field, but it's just going to be a matter of depth," Lemley said. "It's just going to be about keeping everyone healthy and in good condition."

Schedule: Aug. 29, Nitro; Sept. 5, at Ravenswood; Sept. 12, Logan; Sept. 19, at Chapmanville; Sept. 26, Tolsia; Oct. 3, at Herbert Hoover; Oct. 10, at Point Pleasant; Oct. 17, Winfield; Oct. 24, at Wayne; Oct. 31, Sissonville

Buffalo

BUFFALO, W.Va. -- Mike Sawyer and the Buffalo Bisons know there is no such thing as playoff ready. That type of success must be earned and the team is prepared to lay it all on the line.

Last year Buffalo's hard work paid off and led to a playoff berth. The Bisons went 7-5, losing in the second round of the Class A playoffs.

This season Buffalo returns eight players on offense and defense. The most substantial loss was the graduation of three-year starting quarterback Nick Harris.

With Harris, Buffalo was a pass-oriented team, but with a loaded backfield the Bisons will rely heavily on the running attack this season.

"Last year we set up the run with the pass, but this year we will set up the pass with the run," Sawyer said. "Our schedule is going to be really tough and we are going to have to come ready to play each week."

Senior Corey Good was converted from receiver to lead the team at quarterback. His quickness will allow the Bisons to run the option.

Senior Cody Craig will start at fullback. Junior Matt Moore and sophomore Tray Davis are the top threats at running back.

Buffalo's size at wide receiver is intimidating. Good will have a pair of massive senior targets downfield in 6-foot-3, 185-pound Schuyler Frazier and 6-4, 205-pound Nathan Winterstein.

Seniors Chase Wysong and Chris Cobb will carry the load on the offensive line. Senior Shawn Stover and Chris Belcher will play a key role at linebacker.

"We just have to find out what works for us this year and hopefully we will be in the playoffs again," Sawyer said.

Schedule: Aug. 29, at Gilbert; Sept. 5, at Parkersburg Catholic; Sept. 12, Portsmouth East; Sept. 19, Matewan; Sept. 26, at South Gallia; Oct. 3, Notre Dame; Oct. 17, at Clay County; Oct. 24, Fayetteville; Oct. 31, at Man; Nov. 7, at Wahama.