Published: August 28, 2008 01:43 am            

COLUMN: Fall sports officially under way

Fall sports season is officially under way, and all three Marion County schools’ soccer programs seem to be off to a fast start.

And none more so than North Marion’s Preston Parker, who scored five goals in two games this week, not bad for a player who missed all of last season with an injury.

West Fairmont’s Laura Dalton had a hat trick against Elkins and also added a pair of assists on corner kicks, and East Fairmont freshmen Allison Fansler and teammate Jenna Wood both notched a pair of goals in the Bees’ first win this week.

East Fairmont golfer Jess Ferrell, who was a state tournament participant last year, has picked up where he left off.

He’s been medalist in several matches so far this season and continues to lead the Bees on the course.

North Marion’s Ryan Moore picked up co-medalist honors in a major tournament at Wheeling Park earlier this week as well.

Cross country should be beginning soon and taking a cue from last season, Marion County should have some fine runners this year.

And with all that let’s not forget that football season opens this weekend.

All three teams will be on the road, so if it’s football you want to see, gas up the car.

East is at Elkins, trying to repeat its historic season of 2007. West Fairmont is at Robert C. Byrd, and North Marion is at preseason No. 1 University.

East and North both have new quarterbacks, in Nick Bonnett and Cody Morgan respectively, taking their first snaps under center as starting varsity signal-callers.

The Polar Bears have Logan Moore returning under center and will be depending on Desmond Evans to carry the rushing load this season.

I’m sure by now you’ve noticed our Friday Night Lights insert in today’s paper. Well, inside we have a story about the 10 Marion County players to watch this season in football.

Naturally, with three team’s worth of players not everyone could make the cut, so here’s one more from each school that could make a difference in 2008.

West Fairmont wide receiver Kyle Raikes’ name might sound familiar to basketball fans, and it should. The senior has been a standout for the Polar Bears on the hardwood and is now transferring his athletic talents to the football field for the first time.

At 6-6, he’s the tallest player on the Bears’ roster and should get plenty of opportunities to haul in some catches this year.

East Fairmont’s Paris Winfrey made quite the impression during last season’s playoff victory over George Washington.

He looked unblockable at defensive end when he was inserted late in the game, and the Bees hope he continues that as a starter on the defensive line this season.

North Marion’s Matt Pigott doesn’t get a lot of attention, normal for his position in the trenches. But if the Huskies want to run the ball with Anthony DeMary or give Morgan time to throw the ball, it all begins with Pigott and his fellow lineman.

The 6-0, 230-pound senior will be the key up front for the Huskies this season.

So there you go, three more players to put on your list of those to watch this season.

Will any of them make a difference? Will all of them? Only time will tell, and we’re just a day away from our first batch of answers.

E-mail Mike Bowen at mbowen@timeswv.com.

        

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