PARKERSBURG — When Parkersburg High crushed Martinsburg, 34-6, in the Class AAA state championship game Saturday, the 2006 Big Reds became the second PHS team to complete a 14-0 season.
The only other Big Red squad to go 14-0 was the 1999 team.
In the seven years in between perfect seasons at PHS, a great deal has changed.
The school has a different principal, a different athletics director, even a different head football coach.
The only person in a key position who has been part of both 14-0 teams is assistant coach Mark McCullough, who handles the Big Reds’ special teams.
McCullough sees many similarities between the 1999 and 2006 teams.
“They’re both smart teams,’’ McCullough said. “They both have a lot of kids who are good in the classroom. This year’s team has about 35 kids on the honor roll. One of the first things we look at every year is how many kids are on the honor roll. When you’ve got smart kids, you can teach them a lot more.’’
Plus, most of those who make good grades have a good work ethic. That, he said, shows their dedication. Dedication that carries over to the football field and the all-important weight room.
“Both of those teams worked so daggone hard,’’ McCullough said.
Both also shared similar talent and philosophies.
“Both teams had big fullbacks and outstanding defenses,’’ he said.
McCullough noted the 1999 team featured running backs Babe Davis and Al Hammell, while this year’s team featured fullback Charlie Taylor and halfback Matt Lindamood.
They also were led by quarterbacks who were winners; Marc Kimes in 1999, Andy Thomas this year.
“We knew we were going to win both games,’’ McCullough said of the title games. “Even in the 1999 game when Riverside took a 28-24 lead, we knew Marc would lead us down the field for a touchdown and he did.
“He and Andy are winners.’’
All week long, Parkersburg’s coaches expressed confidence about beating Martinsburg. Why? Because they knew Thomas would find a way to win, even if he had to will the Big Reds to victory.
Naturally, McCullough talked about special teams, for which both teams were noted. PHS spends time each day on special teams, something not every program does. And McCullough’s summer kicking camp, featuring professional kickers, has elevated the status of kickers locally.
McCullough also sees a lot of similarities between the two coaching staffs, headed by Marshall Burdette in 1999 and Bernie Buttrey this year.
“Both coaching staffs are solid,’’ McCullough said. “Bernie Buttrey has done a great job here.’’
Both staffs operate in similar fashion. Each Sunday, they break down film of the opposition. By Monday, not only is the game plan for the week in place, but every player on the Big Red roster gets the most complete scouting report imaginable.
When a program has been around as long as Parkersburg High — which has been playing football for 101 years — certain qualities seem to surface no matter the personnel.
That’s why it’s not surprising the qualities of the 1999 and 2006 teams are similar — great defense, strong special teams, big fullbacks, winner quarterbacks and a work ethic unmatched by any other program.
Mark McCullough has witnessed it — not once, but twice.
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