Friday Night Lights are back! West Virginia high school football season roars to life as the Ripley Vikings clash with the South Charleston Black Eagles. Get ready for an epic showdown featuring a coaching comeback and intense gridiron action. Will the Vikings continue their winning streak against the Black Eagles, or will South Charleston turn the tide? Find out who claims bragging rights!
The vibrant spirit of West Virginia high school football ignites this Friday night as the Ripley Vikings prepare to host the South Charleston Black Eagles in a highly anticipated season opener. This pivotal matchup not only kicks off the gridiron season but also marks the return of a familiar and successful coaching presence to the sidelines, setting the stage for an intense athletic contest.
Adding a significant storyline to this Friday Night Lights event is the reappearance of acclaimed coach Donnie Mays at South Charleston. Mays, a figure synonymous with state championship success in West Virginia’s high school football scene, returns to a program where he previously achieved significant triumphs. His three-year tenure at Hurricane saw considerable success, including a run to the Class AAAA semifinals last year, underscoring his strategic prowess.
Under the guidance of second-year head coach Ryan Simon, the Ripley Vikings are poised to defend their home turf against the visiting Black Eagles. The game, slated for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff, promises a dynamic clash of strategies and talents, as both teams vie for an early-season victory that could set the tone for their respective campaigns. Spectators are eagerly anticipating the intensity of this initial contest.
The Ripley Vikings enter this new football season following a respectable 7-4 record last year, which earned them a spot in the Class AAA playoff field. Although their postseason journey was cut short in the opening round against North Marion, the team demonstrated resilience and competitive spirit throughout their campaign, building a foundation for continued growth and success.
Conversely, the South Charleston Black Eagles have faced a period of considerable challenge since Coach Mays’ initial departure. Their recent struggles include a 1-9 finish in 2022 under former SC and NFL great Carl Lee, followed by two winless seasons under Dustin Resler. The team is now looking for Mays to reignite their competitive fire and reclaim their former glory on the gridiron.
Interestingly, last season saw Ripley’s first-year head coach Ryan Simon secure his inaugural win at South Charleston, where the Vikings triumphed over the Black Eagles with a 38-19 score. That game was notable for its lightning delay, a testament to the unpredictable nature of Friday Night Lights matchups and the resilience required from both players and coaches.
Coach Simon has provided insights into the upcoming challenge, acknowledging the Black Eagles’ defensive strengths. He noted, “Defensively, they are able to penetrate the line of scrimmage, shut down the run, and create pressure on the quarterback. Their defensive secondary is talented and cover well.” Simon emphasized the necessity for Ripley to “establish a run game and take care of the ball on Friday night” to counter South Charleston’s formidable defense.
Delving into the historical context, tonight’s football season opener marks the 23rd meeting between these two storied programs. South Charleston currently holds a 16-5-1 series lead, with the lone tie dating back to 1934. The Black Eagles had dominated the rivalry, winning the last five encounters until Ripley’s victory last season. Adding to the legacy, former Ripley standout Bryce Casto, who retired as SC’s long-time athletic director in spring 2024, won a state championship with South Charleston in 1994, one of their four titles. This thrilling game will be broadcast live on WCEF-FM (98.3), featuring Joey Cunningham and former Vikings standout Jeff Waybright on the call, bringing all the American football action to listeners.
As the lights shine down on the field, both teams are poised to deliver a memorable performance, fueled by rivalry, ambition, and the sheer excitement of kicking off another West Virginia high school football season. The stage is set for a classic battle that embodies the passion and dedication inherent in Friday Night Lights gridiron contests, promising a thrilling start to the school’s athletic calendar.
