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West Virginia looks to make it 8 in a row
The Williamson Daily News
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Mingo County is well represented in the 16-annual Hatfiel-McCoy Bowl. The local crew hopes to continue the winning streak for West Virginia by taking the V Saturday night at Tiger Satdium in Matewan at 8 p.m.
slideshow By PAMELA SCOTT JOHNSON

WDN Sports Editor

GILBERT – The West Virginia All-Stars stepped out on the practice field yesterday at Gilbert to prepare for whatever Kentucky plans to throw at them.

And that is unknown according to West Virginia’s head coach Gehrig Justice.

“That’s the thing that has kind of got us in the dark,” Justice said. “None of the guys on my staff have been head coaches but we’ve all played under certain schemes. With them (Kentucky), David (Jones) was always a defensive guy. We think they are probably going to do something like Belfry does but they might do something completely off the wall.”

West Virginia has won seven straight bowl games and owns the series 10-5.

The Hatfield-McCoy Senior Bowl, gives the top graduated high school football stars from eastern Kentucky against those from southern West Virginia what is for some, one last chance to play football. The 16th-annual bowl game is scheduled to be played July 30 at Matewan's Tiger Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m.

Trying to ensure West Virginia remains on the winning side are eight Mingo County All-Stars.

From Gilbert are Josh Johnson, Ryan Altizer, Teddy Morgan and Wes Lester. Austin Vance represents Tug Valley and from Matewan are Justin Bradford, Paul Hammond and Grant Charles.

Vance and Bradford are a one-two punch as Vance led the state in scoring and touchdowns followed by Bradford.

Charles won the gold in the Downunder Bowl in Australia and Bradford played in the North-South All-Star football game while Vance opted to participate in the North-South All-Star basketball game.

Justice said he began to work on special teams the first day of practice.

“Vance can return, (Justin) Kidwell and I’m sure Bradford can if he has to,” he said. “That’s one of our strengths. Even if they try to kick away from us, we will have three or four back there that can return it.”

Justice said he may use Vance in several areas on the field.

“At Tug Valley I did it, I played anywhere,” said Vance. “I used to doing a lot of stuff and if that’s what he wants me to do that is what I’ll do.”

“It means a lot to me just to get out here and get another chance to play football knowing this is probably going to be my last football game I’ll ever play,” Vance continued. “And to show West Virginia football is better than Kentucky. “

Teammate Bradford whole-heartedly agrees and gave what he believes will be the final score.

“WV is absolutely going to murder Kentucky 47-0,” he said.

Bradford said he was brought up with a lot of pride living in Matewan.

“In football especially,” said Bradford. “It just so happened we came out as a team this year and achieved a lot more than anyone ever expected. Getting the opportunity to play in the North-South game was a great experience. I met a lot of great people. Then coming here and playing with my rivals, it’s a whole lot different than the game I went to up there (Charleston).”

“We are getting along and looking good. I am sad to see Matewan closed,” Bradford said. “We were always solid. We’ve been to the playoffs two years that I’ve been there. A lot of great players graduated from there. We’ve always been tightknit over there. I wish MCHS the best of luck of being tightknit up there. I wish them the best.”

“And I wish Kentucky the best but, they are just not going to get an opportunity Saturday night.”

With his background in Gilbert, Justice feels the sadness for the four consolidating schools - Gilbert, Matewan, Williamson and Burch.

“To practice the last time at Gilbert,” he said. “To play the last game at Matewan, arguably the two best teams in Mingo County, arguable the two best single A teams south of Charleston for the past 30 years, has a special significance to it.”

Justice gave three goals for the team to achieve during the game Saturday night.

“1. Be more physical. West Virginia has always outhit them (Kentucky.) 2. Force them to turn the ball over. If we don’t drop it and they do, then we are going to get more chances.”

“And 3 - Have fun.”




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