The Parkersburg vs. Parkersburg South game is a battle between the two biggest high schools in the fourth biggest city in West Virginia. The winner receives the Arizona Avenue Trophy after the game in an annual tradition the city of Parkersburg embraces each year. This year, the winners were also recognized as Great American Rivalry Champion. This year, both teams were already eliminated from playoff contention, so the only thing on the line was bragging rights. That was all that was needed for 7,000 fans to show up and support this huge rivalry. One side of the stadium was under construction, so everyone packed into one side of the stadium. Despite the close proximity, both sets of fans were very courteous and showed great class as they cheered for their teams.

MVP

J.T. Kemp

Parkersburg South

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Jack Raitz

Parkersburg

Jack is a 3 year letter winner on our football team and was selected as a team captain this year. Jack is also an active member of Drug Free Clubs of America and he is our senior class vice president. Jack is planning on attending WVU next fall to study Exercise Physiology and hoping to get a doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Ethan Airhart

Parkersburg South

Ethan is a four year football player, as well as a long jumper and relay member of the track team. He carries a 4.12 GPA and is involved in several community volunteer activities.. He is a captain on the football team, and plays quarterback and defensive back.

GAME SUMMARY

As the game started neither team could get much going on offense. The first score of the game came with less than a minute to go in the first half, as Parkersburg scored a touchdown but failed to convert the point after. The halftime score was Parkersburg 6 and Parkersburg South 0. The second half was much of the same as Parkersburg South tied the game at 6 with 9 minutes to go. Neither team could score again before time ran out. Therefore, we had free football in Parkersburg, West Virginia. In OT, Parkersburg scored first and South was forced to match them and they did with their wide receiver making a catch that resembled a former West Virginia stand out, Randy Moss! In double OT, Parkersburg South and eventual game MVP JT Kemp ran right over top of Parkersburg on the way to winning the game 19-13.