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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Grid-O-Rama offers early look at MSAC
HUNTINGTON -- In most years, the Mountain State Athletic Conference dominates West Virginia's Class AAA with Parkersburg having led the way over the last two years.
However, the Big Reds suffered some big losses to graduation last year, opening the door for any other team to step in and take full advantage.
So will there be another team or will Parkersburg once again reign supreme?
While that remains to be seen, fans can get a glimpse of every conference team Aug 22 and 23 during the MSAC Grid-O-Rama at UC Stadium at Laidley Field.
Huntington High will be one of four teams taking part in the first day of action. The Highlanders will take on Ripley at 7 p.m. before meeting Capital at 8 p.m. to close out the first day.
On Saturday, Lincoln County opens the day with back-to-back contests against South Charleston and St. Albans at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. respectively.
Local fans can grab lunch at the field and watch Spring Valley take on Princeton at Noon before the Timberwolves take on Parkersburg at 1 p.m.
The local flavor takes a break until dinner time, but comes back strong at 6 p.m. when Cabell Midland and Hurricane take to the field at 6 p.m. in a battle of teams separated by 10 miles. The Knights will take on George Washington at 7 p.m. while the Redskins will meet GW in the event's finale at 8 p.m.
CONFIDENT: Despite not winning a single game last season, Lincoln County's players were upbeat at Friday's afternoon practice.
Lincoln County coach Cory Beck started nine sophomores in 2007 and he returns all 11 starters on offense and nine on defense.
"The expectation is that we are going to compete at a much higher level," Beck said. "This team has been through a lot together and we are battle tested."
During the first two years of the school, Lincoln County has gone 1-19. The Panthers picked up their only win Oct. 27, 2006 against South Gallia, 27-0.
REBELS: Tolsia turned to one of its own as a basketball coach.
Jason Hatfield, a 2002 graduate, was named this week to coach the Tolsia boys basketball team, the Wayne County News reported. The 24-year-old replaces Mark Marcum who resigned after one season.
