MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The AAA state football championship trophy was in full display last night at Martinsburg High School.
A ceremony was held in honor of the 2018 football team who won its third straight state championship last Saturday over Spring Valley, 31-7.
Fans, students, family members and administrators gathered in the school’s cafeteria as players and coaches signed autographs.
Head Coach Dave Walker, who became the all-time winningest football coach in state history this season, said this group was a special one.
“I think the way they overcame adversity and just the way they worked throughout the year,” said Coach Walker. “These guys were on a mission and they saw it through. I’m very proud of them.”
Senior QB Grant Harman said the hard work put in with the teammates he has known for years is what made this season special.
“This one is so special because these are the guys that I’ve been working out since I was a 8th grader,” said Harman. “To win the state championship one more time with my brothers is a great feeling.”
Sophomore RB Naieem Kearney led the team in rushing this season. He says the wealth of talent at the skill positions helped everyone this season perform at a high level.
“Iron sharpens iron,” said Kearney. “We all just compete everyday so, it just makes us better on the football field.”
Principal Trent Sherman touted how his student-athletes excel on the field and in the classroom but added the success of the football program shines a light on the entire region.
“The Eastern Panhandle has kind of been the red-headed stepchild of West Virginia for many years,” said Mr. Sherman. “Coach Walker and his coaching staff have done a great job building a program here and obviously winning 42 in a row puts a spotlight on the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.”
The Bulldogs end the 2018 season are on a state record 42 game win streak and have won state titles in 7 of the last 9 seasons.