The West Virginia high school playoffs are set to resume this week after the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of the SSAC, allowing the playoff structure to proceed as originally planned. This decision comes after injunctions that had previously disrupted the playoff seeding process were vacated, reaffirming the SSAC's ability to enforce its established rules. The playoffs will commence with matchups and schedules announced shortly. Notably, Westside secured the 16th seed in Class AA, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, where they will face top-ranked Frankfort.

By the Numbers
  • Westside earns the No. 16 seed in Class AA after previously being excluded.
  • Frankfort is currently 10-0 and will host Westside at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
  • Woodrow Wilson remains at No. 10 and will face No. 7 Morgantown on Friday at 7 p.m.
Yes, But

While the ruling cleared the way for playoffs to resume, the decision affected the seeding and matchups originally set, leading to changes that could impact teams' chances. Some teams retained their positions, while others faced stronger opponents than previously anticipated.

State of Play
  • The playoffs were originally postponed last Tuesday due to legal challenges.
  • Matchups for the playoffs have been confirmed and will kick off this weekend.
  • Changes in seeding mean several teams will now face different opponents from earlier announcements.
What's Next

The playoff games will take place this weekend, with significant implications for teams fighting for advancement. Coaches and players will need to quickly adjust their strategies based on the updated seeding and matchups. The outcomes of these games could redefine the landscape of high school football in the state.

Bottom Line

The resolution of the legal challenges and the resumption of the playoffs highlight the importance of the SSAC's authority in high school athletics. For teams like Westside, returning to the playoffs represents a critical opportunity for redemption and growth, emphasizing the competitive spirit of West Virginia high school football.