Five area high school football teams in West Virginia hit the practice field today.
Mingo Central, Tug Valley, Chapmanville, Logan and Man returned to the gridiron, joining area schools from Kentucky who began two weeks ago.
The Miners, who advanced to the Class AA state semifinals before falling to Fairmont Senior, will open its season Aug. 24 at home against Point Pleasant. The loss ended a 26-game winning streak.
Mingo Central will be led by newly-hired head coach Josh Sammons.
The Panthers reached the Class 1A playoffs and hosted a home game for the first time in school history, beating Pocahontas County. Coach Tony Clusky’s team was beaten the following week at St. Marys.
Tug Valley will open its season on Aug. 24 at home against Hannan.
Chapmanville failed to reach the playoffs for the second straight season in 2017 under coach Rob Dial. The Tigers finished 6-4.
The Tigers will open play at home on Aug. 24 against Sissonville.
Logan will look to bounce back from a disappointing 2-8 season one year ago under then coach James Toth.
The Wildcats will take the field on Aug. 23 at home against Man under new head coach Jimmy Sheppard.
Man hopes to return to the playoffs in 2018 under veteran head coach Harvey Arms.
The Hillbillies managed just one win in 10 games in 2017.
(Photo courtesy of Wes Wilson Photography)