We are proud of the Man and Matewan football teams, which both made it to the second round of the Class A playoffs and represented both Logan and Mingo County well in their games in the northern part of the state.

No. 9 Man fought hard, but came up short against No. 1 Williamstown in the second playoff game. Man had a chance to win at the end, but the top-ranked team advanced in the playoffs by beating the Hillbillies, 21-16.

No. 5 Matewan went up against No. 4 and defending state champion Wheeling Central Catholic and led for a long time before the momentum swung the other way and Wheeling Central won 40-23.

Both teams fought hard and left their hearts on the field.

Both of our area teams scored first in the game and led their opponents.

We're so proud of both teams. Man and Matewan both had great seasons and made it farther than other teams from our area and we applaud both the Hillbillies and the Tigers for a job well done.

We urge both teams to keep working toward next season. Players need to get in the weight rooms and go to camps and we're sure their hard work will pay off in the end. We look forward to next season, because we know these two teams will be state championship contenders again in 2009.

Congratulations Man and Matewan for successful seasons and a good run at the Class A state championship!