Disappointed to say the least! When the announcement came out that the Ohio Valley Ironmen would bring Professional Football back to the Valley, I was optimistic and hopeful for a great season and some exciting summer entertainment at a high level.

The season kicked off in early June, but after three straight shutout wins including an 82-0 rout of Erie, Pa. the season came to a halt when opposing teams no longer wanted to play and canceled out.

The team is citing a lack of opponents willing to play them following their dominant performance in the first three games as the reason for the early conclusion. They plan to relaunch the team in 2026 with a focus on building a stronger foundation.

The Ironmen began the season with three consecutive shutout victories (45-0, 39-0, and 82-0).

Following those wins, several scheduled opponents canceled games, leaving the team unable to complete their season.

The team has decided to end the 2025 season early to focus on rebuilding and relaunching in 2026, which will involve fans, sponsors, and community members in shaping the team’s future.

All existing tickets and sponsorships will be honored in 2026.

Speaking of football, the 79th annual Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star football game was held on Saturday at Wheeling Island Stadium. Known here locally as the official start to the football season, the All-Star battle between Ohio and WV gave football fans a chance to see last year’s stars one more time before they move on in life.

The contest was dramatic! In what looked like a sure win for the Ohio team, the “never say never” took over. With three seconds remaining on the clock and West Virginia 80 yards away, prospects for a Blue and Gold win were dim. However, never turn the lights off early as the unexpected lingers in the shadows. On the last play of the game teammates from Weirton hooked up on a pass and run play that went the distance to tie the contest at 14 as time ran out. West Virginia coach Tim Brown then decided to go for the win and again the duo from Weirton hooked up for a two point conversion and the win. If you left early you missed it. Many were already gone and others were heading for their vehicles when the fireworks hit. As Yogi Berra would say, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”

The event also featured the McDonald’s All-Star band made up of conference high school band members and the annual Queen pageant where girls from schools on both sides of the river vie for the crown. Also getting another chance to perform were cheerleaders from various schools.

For the first time since I have been covering the All-Star game, no players from our area were listed on the rosters. Paden City and Hundred both had a player selected but they declined. However, the Hornets were represented in the Queen of Queens pageant and several band members from Paden City and Valley high school performed. On a side note, big Bill Fletcher, a 1975 Sistersville Tiger, was honored along with several other All-Stars from 50 years ago. Bill was a great player for the Tigers, time sure does fly, seems like just yesterday he was wearing the Orange and Black.

This year WVU’s 2025 schedule is a dandy. The season opens for the Mountaineers on August 30, with a home matchup against Robert Morris, before taking on Pitt on September 13, in the 108th “Backyard Brawl”. This is just the second time since 2011 the two schools have met in Morgantown.

“This year’s schedule showcases an exciting slate of games for our program and fans,” WVU football coach Rich Rodriguiz said. “The Big 12 is as tough as anywhere in the country. Our players and coaches know we have a lot of work to do in our winter conditioning, spring practices and summer camp to prepare for this year’s season.”

Even though the Mountaineers have faced Utah and Colorado in past years, WVU will play host to the Utes (Sept. 27) and the Buffaloes (Nov. 8) for the first time as Big 12 opponents. This will mark the third meeting with Utah, the first at Milan Puskar Stadium and the first time the two have played since the 2017 Heart of Dallas Bowl. The Mountaineers split a home-and-home series with Colorado in 2008 and 2009, with the home team winning in their only previous meetings. After being absent from the schedule last year, TCU makes a return to Morgantown for Homecoming on Oct. 25, while Mountaineer Week will be celebrated against Colorado.

The Mountaineers will close the regular season at home for the first time since 2018, playing Texas Tech on Nov. 29.

The Big 12 Football Championship game is slated for the first week of December at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will be announced at a later time. The times and television lineup for the 2025 schedule will also be announced at a later date.

The WVU coaching staff includes Paden City native Jeff Casteel, Bandits Coach, and his son Jake Casteel assistant Defensive Coach. Other familiar names on the staff include Pat White and Noel Devine.

This should be one of those years where the unexpected happens more often than not. I look forward to an exciting season and a big name Bowl game.

We’re just about six weeks away from high school Friday night lights. Those hot August days of conditioning and training will prepare locals for opening night.

Magnolia, Tyler Consolidated, Valley, and River will soon be hitting the turf in anticipation of the 2025 season. In just a few short weeks the talk around town will be “Who’s going to win this week”.