SHENANDOAH JUNCTION — Already stung twice by out-of-state competition, Martinsburg High School comes to Shenandoah Junction, trying to finish as high as it can in the final Class AAA ratings, so it can play at least one game at home in the fast-approaching state playoffs.

Meanwhile, Jefferson High School has a four-game winning streak and 5-2 overall record, as it also appears to have its chances to play at home in the 16-team playoffs.

It’s been years since Jefferson has won a game in this annual series. However, the Cougars were in the 2021 playoffs, where they won their first game over Hurricane, but then dropped a 74-49 decision to ground-hungry Bridgeport. Martinsburg then defeated Bridgeport in the state semifinals, before blasting Parkersburg South, 62-20, to win another state championship.

Just before drilling Spring Mills, 63-0, last week, Martinsburg was beaten by Riverside (Ohio), when it saw an 18-point halftime lead dwindle away, as the visiting Beavers shocked people by outscoring the Bulldogs, 19-0, in the second half to post a pulsating 36-35 win at disbelieving Coburn Field.

Martinsburg also lost to highly-regarded Highland Springs (Virginia) in a home game, where it was held to a field goal in a 34-3 loss.

The Bulldogs have lopsided wins against any West Virginia-based team. Musselman, Sherando (Va.), Hedgesville, Washington and Spring Mills have been outscored by a combined 307-49 count. Martinsburg’s other game was a 40-7 win over Salem in its season opener.

The leading lights for the Bulldogs this season have been Murphy Clement, Kam Shallis, Jameer Hunter, Dominic Busky and Ezra Bagent.

Jefferson has dominated its last four opponents, but previously had losses to Sherando and Musselman.

The teams have some common opponents such as Sherando (a 45-23 loss for the Cougars, but a 56-20 win for Martinsburg), Musselman (a 21-20 loss for Jefferson, but a 62-20 win for Martinsburg) and Spring Mills (a 33-0 shutout win for the Cougars and a 63-0 shutout win for the Bulldogs).

Jefferson had an open date last week to further prepare for the Bulldogs.

The most impressive Cougar players this season have been offensive contributors Dylan Harich, Spencer Powell, Evan Tewell, Isaiah Fritts, Keyshawn Robinson and Wyatt Shively; defensive players Chase Hagaman, Nycere Jacobs and Nolan Meehleib; and lineman Andrew Study. Most of Jefferson’s quick-footed offensive threats also start in the defensive secondary.

Following its home game against the imposing Bulldogs, the Cougars have only Hedgesville and Washington left to play. Martinsburg completes its regular season, after an open date against Bishop Ireton (Va.).

The West Virginia playoffs begin on the weekend of Nov. 12-13, with all 16 qualifiers in action. The state championship game played at Wheeling Island Stadium comes on the first weekend in December.