Prep football playoffs: Mavericks in playoffs yet again, draw familiar Bluefield
· Yahoo Sports
Another year, another playoff berth for James Monroe — even if the road there was a little more challenging than usual.
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The Mavericks have had to deal with injuries and a roster not as deep as accustomed. Still, they are back where they want to be, against a familiar opponent.
No. 14 James Monroe (6-4) will travel to No. 3 Bluefield (8-2) for a Class AA first round playoff game at iconic Mitchell Stadium. Kickoff on Friday at 7 p.m.
“In a lot of ways, it’s been tough,” Mavericks coach John Mustain said. “We’ve had several kids out of this senior class, going clear back to when they were coming out of the eighth grade, that aren’t with us anymore that I feel like could have helped us.”
And then the injuries started immediately. Fullback Kolton Dowdy was lost for the season in the opener against Greenbrier East, and senior center Tyson Meadows has been out since getting hurt in a loss at Independence on Oct. 2.
Mustain said Meadows has been released to come back for the postseason.
Then there’s the schedule, which included six West Virginia playoff teams.
But Mustain also understands his team is not alone.
“It’s the same thing everybody else goes through,” he said. “I was talking to Coach (David) Jones from Mingo Central up in Parkersburg the other day and he’s been through the same thing. We all go through it, and some years are worse than others.
“At the same time, with the schedule we’ve had this year, I’m pretty happy with finishing over .500 and getting into the playoffs. It’s had its ups and downs, but I’m pretty proud of these boys for hanging together and being able to put together a season that’s resulted in a playoff appearance.”
Quarterback Jayden Miller has gotten the job done in leading the way. He has completed 107 of 166 passes for 1,362 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions, and also has 143 rush yards and two scores.
Receiver Bryce Gardinier has 647 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air.
The ball has spread around in the ground game, with Easton Dowdy (284 yards, 3 TDs), Bryce Parker (230 yards, 4) and Ben Comer (182, 3) among those getting carries.
The Mavericks and Beavers have a history, from regular season matchups to playoff battles. Most recently, Bluefield beat James Monroe 60-14 on Sept. 11.
The Beavers lost a 49-42 shootout to Frankfort on the Falcons’ last play in last season’s state championship game.
Quarterback Max Simpson has thrown for 2,536 yards and 25 touchdowns. His top target has been Pax Calhoun (39-938, 10). Jeremiah Jones has been the rushing leader with 94 carries for 865 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Drawing a familiar opponent in the first round helps in preparation.
“The biggest thing is that you have actually seen them in person,” Mustain said, “so you know exactly what they have and what they’re capable of doing.”