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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Prep Notebook: Dog days of summer yield to football season
Ironton's Major Brice tries to dodge a tackle by C.J. Adkins during Wheelersburg's thrilling 23-22 season-opening victory on Friday night in Wheelersburg.
Purchase this photoHUNTINGTON -- It's an exciting time of year here at The Herald-Dispatch.
Not only are we delivered from the dog days of summer and sprinting toward football season, the staff also is trying several different tactics to bring a more interactive sports atmosphere for the fans.
If you log on to The Herald-Dispatch Web site (http://www.herald-dispatch.com) and check out the "Video" section of the page, you will notice a video named "High School Football Report -- Week 1."
The video is a 5-6 minute preview of the week's top games in our area. This past week, it featured all Ohio games as the Buckeye State was the only state in action.
This week will expand to all three states as Grant Traylor and Jason McClure outline the top games in the Tri-State.
Each week, there will be a featured Game of the Week to open the video preceding the other six or seven games covered on a given week.
Thie new feature will be added to a list that already includes Preps Central and "High Lights," the high school athletics blog.
This season, topics for the blog will include the following: the pros and cons of artificial turf for area schools, the never-ending transfer issue, what college coaches are looking for in high school athletes and size or speed.
TURF COULD MAKE MONEY?: While the prospects of getting artificial turf at both Huntington and Cabell Midland high schools might be costly at first, it could in turn not only save money, but make money for the Tri-State.
Having a pair of multi-purpose facilities that are immune to the weather could make for a strong argument to host several state tournament events in the area, including soccer and football.
HEARTBREAKER: Ironton fell behind 16-0 at Wheelersburg on Friday night, only to rally for a 22-16 lead in the fourth quarter.
However, Wheelersburg defiantly drove 80-plus yards in the final three minutes to snatch a 23-22 win in coach Rob Woodward's debut.
CUTTING DOWN THE OAKS: Oak Hill (Ohio) had preseason ambitions of going undefeated, but after Chesapeake traveled to Oaks Stadium and upended the homestanding Oaks, 30-29, the Panthers are the team with momentum.
Now, Chesapeake will look to slay another football giant this week when they travel to Wayne for the Pioneers' 2008 season-opener.
UP THE DEPTH CHART: Former Cabell Midland lineman Chris Bowers is now a walk-on at Marshall, and he is quickly making a name for himself around camp.
Bowers was moved from the squad team to third-string center in the last week after looking impressive in camp.
