Players and coaches react to WVSSAC appeal decision

ST ALBANS, WV (WOWK)– Eleven West Virginia high schools are reclassified after they submitted an appeal to the WVSSAC after the creation of a new class caused changed breakdowns.

However with the timing of these decisions, schedules have already been confirmed, meaning that these 11 schools will be playing a higher class schedule for the season.

Two of the 11 schools are located in Kanawha County, St. Albans High School and Sissonville High School.

Coaches and players say they were glad this decision was made. The St. Albans football coach referenced safety concerns. Last year, there were instances where teams with 20-25 players were playing against teams with 70-80 players, which leads to an increase in injuries.

“It’s all about protecting the kids, and if you’re putting kids out there and they don’t have the adequate mindset or the physicality at that time to be prepared to go out there and play… it’s not going to be a fair fight,” said Derek Stotts, St. Albans Head Coach.

Players say they see this opportunity as a challenge and are looking to take the situation in stride.

“We still have to go out, play each game, and then when it gets to the playoffs where the reclassification comes, we are almost more prepared to see those teams,” said Duece McClain, a quarterback and safety for St Albans.

These changes are, so far, only for the upcoming season and will be open to reclassification during the offseason.

The football season begins on Aug. 29 and 13 News will have continuing coverage of the high school football season during our ‘Friday Night Football’ segment.

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