Countdown to Kickoff (Edition 26): Parkersburg aiming higher in 2024

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WCHS) — The Parkersburg Big Reds reached the second round of the Class AAA playoffs a year ago, and now a close loss has those around the program feeling perhaps they could have made it further.

This season, Parkersburg believes it is ready to take the next step.

Parkersburg will have a new quarterback this season in Cooper Cancade.

Cancade spent lots of time behind David Parsons, who is now at Morehead State. Big Reds staff have confidence that Cancade can step in and be productive.

"We have a lot of confidence in Cooper and feel like he can lead this offense to have success," head coach Matt Kimes said.

Skill-wise, the Big Reds are loaded heading into the 2024 season.

"Starting with Jekyll Shelton, who is probably our returning leading rusher. He's a senior,” Kimes said. “He'll probably take control of that spot and be the lead guy there, but we got some guys behind him that's going to push for playing time that we're really high on too."

Kimes loves his offensive line situation.

"We're blessed to have some guys that have played there,” he said. “Our center is Rudy Colombo and Rudy played every game for us last year. So it's nice to have the guy that's going to touch the ball every play be a returning guy, and he's one of our senior leaders – leads by example, leads with his voice.

“Then we've got another four or five guys that have started at least one or two games on Friday nights,” he continued. “We think that's probably the strongest unit on our football team. That's a good problem to have that we got depth at the offense line. "

The Big Reds appear to be solid on defense as well, led by linebacker Ethan Jones.

Parkersburg defeated Hurricane in last year's opening round of the playoffs and then lost a tough, 41-37, contest to Princeton. The 7-win season, Kimes feels, could get PHS' program back to where they believe it belongs.

"I think in our program, that's what we're trying to be is relevant in the state,” he said. “Not only relevant, I think we should be playing when it's in the quarterfinals. I think we should be a top 18 year in, year out. Hopefully this year we can turn that into a home playoff game. That's something that hasn't happened here in quite a while.”

Kimes said the goal is to finish the year as strong as possible.

“Make sure you're playing your best football at the end of the season, which we were last year,” he said. “Get some breaks, stay healthy, all those things that always go into a long season and at the end of the year, I like our chances."

Parkersburg opens the season at home inside historic Stadium Field against Morgantown on Aug. 30.