As the West Virginia high school football season moves into its fourth week, it’s time to see how some of the state’s top players are progressing.
The list of the state’s best players is subjective. Strength of schedule, player’s usage by coaches, the system in which he plays and the talent around him contribute heavily to a player’s success. Not always is a "star" player utilized in the right way. These seem to be.
Wes Tonkery, RB, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, senior, Bridgeport – The WVU recruit has already missed one-and-a-half of the season’s first three games for the unbeaten Indians. He has 218 yards on 33 carries – an average of 6.6 yards per carry. The two-way star is going to be a safety with the Mountaineers.
Allan Wasonga, RB, 5-10, 180, junior, Parkersburg – His numbers are astounding, considering he’s a running back for a team that can’t stop anybody. Wasonga, who transferred from Class AA Point Pleasant this year, has 669 yards on only 64 carries (10.5 avg). However, the 1-2 Big Reds have given up 95 points in three games and scored 114. Wasonga has 42 of Parkersburg’s points.
Felix Mollett, RB, 5-6, 165, junior, George Washington – He’s small in stature but runs with an attitude. He has 348 yards on 42 carries (8.3) and six touchdowns. While the Patriots have victories over Beckley and Nitro (a combined 1-5), Mollett had 176 yards on 12 carries against defending Class AAA champion South Charleston.
Logan Moore, QB, 5-11, 175, junior, Fairmont – The unbeaten Polar Bears are coming off a 31-14 victory over North Central Athletic Conference rival Morgantown. Moore has thrown for 664 yards in three games, completing 40-of-74 passes for nine touchdowns. He’s on pace for 2,220 yards passing and 30 TDs in Coach J.L. Abbott’s aggressive offensive attack.
Kam Puller, QB, 5-10, 175, junior, Martinsburg – The often-overlooked Bulldogs have one of the state’s best in Puller, who is beginning his second year as the Bulldogs’ starting QB. He has 646 combined yards (rushing and passing) for unbeaten Martinsburg, which has made the playoffs every year since 1998.
Tyler Harris, QB, 5-10, 185, junior, South Charleston – Has spearheaded the Black Eagles’ dominance with 19 consecutive wins. A quarterback that runs like a running back with 793 combined yards with five rushing touchdowns and four passing scores.
Keion Wright, RB, 5-8, 180, junior, Capital – Entered the season as one of state’s best, but has not been dominant. Has 296 yards on 53 carries with games against South Charleston (3-0), Spring Valley (3-0) and George Washington (2-1) still to come.
Justin Fox, QB, 5-11, 175, junior, Magnolia – Could be the best of the state’s Class AA players. Starts at quarterback, defensive back, is team’s kicker and returns kicks. The Blue Eagles lost few players from last year’s state championship-qualifying team and are the odds-on favorite to win the double-A title this year. Magnolia has outscored opponents 159-12 through three weeks. Has run for four touchdowns and returned interceptions and punts for scores.
Rich Stevens, a sportswriter for the Charleston Daily Mail, covers West Virginia
for MaxPreps.
