n PAYBACKS: Off to a 4-0 start, Class A No. 11 Notre Dame has already avenged two of its losses from last year's 6-4 season. The Irish defeated Valley Wetzel, 41-1, whom it lost to 13-0 last season, and St. Marys, 40-20, Friday night (33-0 in 2002). Up next is No. 8 Parkersburg Catholic on Saturday -- a 48-0 loss last year.
n SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE: Much was made after the graduation of Bridgeport linebackers Kenny 'Spud' Kerr, Christian Marsh and Joe Stout from last year's team which allowed just one 100-yard rusher and was the backbone of the Indians' 9-2 team. Through five games last season, Bridgeport allowed just 42 points and 710 yards of total offense. Through five games this season, the Indians have given up eight points and 651 yards and to date, no 100-yard running backs.
n CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF: Elkins' wingback Gary Brown was the main beneficiary of a newly-installed play dubbed the "jet sweep" by Tigers' coach Greg Hott. Brown rushed for a career-high 185 yards on eight carries. Brown begins the play on the wing, starts in motion about two counts before the snap and is handed the ball by the quarterback parallel with the line of scrimmage. The Tigers' 376 rushing yards were more than the Eagles' defense had given up all season.
n HIDDEN YARDAGE: Backed up at their own 18 early in the fourth quarter, Andrew Perine nailed a 54-yard punt that backed South Harrison up to its own 28. Two plays later, the Hawks fumbled, giving the Cougars the ball deep in Lincoln territory which later resulted in a touchdown.
n HOT START: With its 48-8 victory over Gilmer County, Doddridge County improved to 5-0 for the first time in head coach Dan McConnell's eight-year tenure and first since 1995. The Bulldogs finished 5-6 that season.
n BEE KEEPER: Bridgeport coach Bruce Carey improved to 7-0 against East Fairmont after Friday's 14-0 victory. The Bees last victory against the Indians came in 1987.
n SHUT OUT: Friday night's loss to Elkins marked the first time in his career that Robert C. Byrd receiver Migel Lockett was held without a catch.
n ANY WAY YOU CAN GET 'EM: Casey Mossallati recorded Notre Dame's second fumble recovery for a touchdown of the season Friday in the Irish's 40-20 victory over Class A No. 2 St. Marys. Notre Dame has now scored by rush, pass, fumble and punt returns and an interception this season.
n BIG PLAY MAN: Drew Vernon's 17-yard touchdown reception helped seal Lincoln's 14-6 victory over South Harrison. However, two of Vernon's biggest plays won't appear in any box scores. Vernon essentially ended the Hawks' best scoring opportunity in the second half when he sacked South Harrison QB Mark Frum for a nine-yard loss on a first-and-10 play from the South Harrison 26 and set up his TD reception with a fumble recovery at the Hawks' 31.
n STAT OF THE NIGHT: If you thought Morgantown kicker Patrick Shadle was just a product of the Mohigans' high-scoring offense, maybe it's time to reconsider. Shadle, who set a state-record for a kicker with 60 points last season, booted a 50-yard field goal in Morgantown's 38-0 win over Preston. Fayetteville's Craig Williams holds the record with his 55-yarder in 1999.
n LOOKING AHEAD: Some of the luster was taken off this game Friday, but archrivals Bridgeport (4-1) and Robert C. Byrd (3-2) play at Eagles Stadium. Elkins pulled one of the area's biggest upsets with its 28-21 victory over the Class AAA No. 10 Eagles. The Indians stifling defense has yet to relent. Bridgeport has dominated the series with a 6-1 advantage, but only one of the games has been decided by more than a touchdown.
-- Compiled by sports writer Mike Nutter
