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Petersburg to face off against Philip Barbour tonight

PETERSBURG — The Petersburg High School Vikings varsity football team (2-2) will be looking to get back on track today when hosting an 0-5 Philip Barbour squad on homecoming night at 7 p.m. in Petersburg.

Last week, PHS was dusted during a 48-7 loss to the visiting fellow Class AA No. 12 Weir Red Riders. The winless AA Colts suffered a 21-7 defeat in Parsons against Class A Tucker County (2-3).

“Homecoming is always a big game and a good time for the kids and the community,” Petersburg coach Kevin Board said. “Everyone is excited, and the kids have enjoyed spirit week themes and the special times that go with it.

“It’s also a game that can be hard for the coaching staff to prepare for while trying to keep the players focused,” he said.

Board was frank about last week’s loss to Weir.

“They were as good as advertised,” he said. “They have good size and speed, and put up over 400 yards on the ground. I give them a lot of credit. They made a four-hour trip to come to our place, and I look for them to make a solid run toward the playoffs.”

Even though the Vikings took a tough loss in their last contest, Board said this week’s practices have been tops among those he has seen during his two years at the helm for PHS.

“Even after a short week of practice since Saturday’s game, our practices have been as good as I have seen so far during my time here,” he said. “The players have responded and continued to work hard. Philip Barbour is better than their record shows, and we expect them to come out hungry and starving for their first win.”

Petersburg’s game plan will be team-centered, with 11 players at a time expected to do their collective jobs on the field, Board has said. Leading the Vikings on offense will be sophomore quarterback Jacob Hartman.

“I could not be happier for a player,” Board said. “One of the concerns coming into the season after Ryan (VanMeter) graduated, was who was going to take over the QB position. Jacob has played extremely well for a first-year starter at that position, and he has excelled. He has completed over 50 percent of his passes for just over 700 yards, 8 touchdowns, and only thrown 1 interception.”

The leading players for the visiting Colts include senior Robbie Shananbarger, junior Hunter Mason and sophomore Chase Collier. Shananbarger leads the PB defense with 59 tackles, while Mason has recorded 57 stops. Collier is the team’s leading rusher with 356 yards and 4 touchdowns on 56 carries.

In a crowded Class AA that boasts the largest number of schools in West Virginia, the 2-2 Vikings may well be facing a must-win situation today in order to keep playoff hopes alive.

“Every game you look at is a must-win, and we take it week by week,” Board said. “I think this could be an opportunity to build some steam if we can get the win. We have a lot of quality opponents left on the schedule, and may well have to win out for a chance to get into the playoffs.

“No matter the result in this one, it’s always one game at a time, and we are on the right track,” he said.

Kickoff time at Viking Memorial Field is slated for 7 p.m. today.

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