Huntington HighƵs Billy Seals and Spring ValleyƵs Brad Dingess are close friends except for about three hours each high school football season.
That time period takes place again at 7:30 p.m. Friday, when DingessƵ Timberwolves (3-2) entertain SealsƵ Highlanders (4-1) at the Wolves Den.
ƵIƵve always respected coach Seals,Ƶ Dingess said. ƵItƵs a good, heated rivalry, but thereƵs mutual respect between both programs.Ƶ
In 2022, when Dingess was tabbed to coach the South Cardinals in the North-South All-Star Classic, he immediately thought of Seals.
ƵWhen I got the call to coach this game, coach Seals was the first guy I called to be an assistant,Ƶ Dingess said. ƵHe does a great job. ItƵs fun to coach with people you normally coach against.Ƶ
Seals returned the compliment, saying he was honored to coach with Dingess.
ƵHe does a tremendous job,Ƶ Seals said of Dingess.
Unlike past season, the winner of FridayƵs game is guaranteed bragging rights for a year. The teams have met twice some year, once in the regular season and again in the playoffs, but they are no longer in the same class after Spring Valley moved from Class AAAA back to AAA shortly before the season.
That wonƵt change how the teams approach the contest.
The Timberwolves began the season with a 55-20 victory at South Point before losing 63-48 at Hurricane and 45-31 to Jefferson. TheyƵve bounced back to beat Cabell Midland 49-19 and hand George Washington its only loss, 28-18.
ƵWe had two pretty tough losses,Ƶ Dingess said. ƵWeƵve had balance on offense and the defense has made plays when we needed them. The defense is much improved from the first few weeks.Ƶ
Dingess said the Highlanders are a different animal because of their speed.
ƵTheyƵre a really good football team,Ƶ Dingess said.
Highlanders running back Keegan Sack has 539 yards on 70 carries and 12 touchdowns to go with a pair of TD catches. Zah Jackson has rushed 23 times for 242 yards and four scores to go with eight receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
Avonte Crawford has completed 53 of 81 passes for 777 yards and nine touchdowns with three interceptions. Andreas Reese, Tayveon Wilson and Taviun Chandler all are in triple digits in receiving yards.
ƵWeƵre finally a healthy football team,Ƶ Seals said. ƵWe havenƵt been that way all year. WeƵre continuing to get better.Ƶ
So is Spring Valley. Quarterback Liam McGuire has hit on 60 of 95 passes for 960 yards and 11 touchdowns with five interceptions. His top target is Jalyn Abercrombie, fresh off a visit to Penn State University. The son of former Marshall University standout Danny Abercrombie has caught 19 balls for 371 yards and five touchdowns. Gabe Dixon has 10 catches for 179 yards and three scores. Cole Ferguson has hauled in nine passes for 246 yards and a trio of touchdowns.
Miguel Cain has rushed 78 times for 560 yards and five touchdowns. McGuire has 330 yards and three TDs on 38 carries.
ƵOur offensive line has played great,Ƶ Dingess said. ƵLiam has bounced back and played well.Ƶ
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