Heavyweight Showdown: Spring Mills vs. Morgantown

Friday night’s matchup between Spring Mills and Morgantown has the feel of a playoff game in September. Two proud programs. One rising star at quarterback. And one of the toughest defenses in West Virginia ready to stand in his way.

At the center of it all is Maddox Twigg, Morgantown’s sophomore quarterback and current Kennedy Award finalist. Through just a few weeks, Twigg has been nothing short of spectacular, accounting for nearly 1,000 yards of total offense and 12 touchdowns.

The Sophomore Sensation

Twigg’s production has been staggering:

• Rushing: 309 yards on 27 carries (11.5 YPC), 5 TDs

• Passing: 35-of-48 (73%) for 675 yards and 7 TDs

• Totals: 978 yards, 12 TDs

• Defense: 1 interception in roughly 10–12 snaps

That kind of efficiency—both in the air and on the ground—has made him one of the state’s most talked-about underclassmen. His recruitment is already blossoming, with offers from Marshall and Kent State, a visit to Pitt this weekend, and interest from WVU, UNC, and Wake Forest.

Still, Twigg’s biggest test yet will come against Spring Mills’ defense.

Spring Mills: Defense and Balance

The Cardinals, last year’s state runner-up, enter with one of the most complete defensive units in West Virginia. Their pass rush has been relentless, forcing quarterbacks into hurried throws and disrupting game plans before they ever get started.

Anchoring the team on the other side of the ball is Xavier Anderson, the Cincinnati commit at tight end, who doubles as both a physical blocker and a dangerous receiving threat. But this year, the Cardinals’ offense has found even more balance.

Blake Sanders, Spring Mills’ running back, has strung together three tremendous games on the ground, giving the Cardinals a reliable option to pound the football and control tempo. And when you combine that ground attack with the leadership of quarterback Rylan Swartz, who is as dangerous with his arm as he is with his legs, Spring Mills has evolved into a multi-dimensional offense to complement its suffocating defense.

The Matchup

This game may come down to one question: Can Spring Mills’ defense contain Twigg long enough to let Sanders and Swartz dictate the pace?

• If the Cardinals’ pass rush gets home, Twigg may be forced to move quicker than he wants, limiting Morgantown’s big-play potential.

• If Twigg buys time and extends plays, his dual-threat ability could turn the game into a shootout—something Spring Mills would prefer to avoid.

What’s at Stake

For Morgantown, a victory would announce that their young star and his team are ready to contend with anyone in the state. For Spring Mills, it’s about proving that last year’s runner-up finish was no fluke, that their defense is still elite, and that their offense is as balanced and dangerous as ever.

When the ball kicks off, it won’t just be a game. It’ll be a measuring stick—Twigg’s breakout moment against a seasoned Spring Mills squad with championship aspirations.

Friday night in the Eastern Panhandle, expect fireworks.