MSAC'S TOP QBS ON DISPLAY ON BUSY SATURDAY


Publication: THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE
Published: 09/21/2002
Page: 3B
Headline: MSAC'S TOP QBS ON DISPLAY ON BUSY SATURDAY
Byline: NOT AVAILABLE


The top two quarterbacks in the Mountain State Athletic Conference will be on display tonight in Ripley when the host Vikings take on Nitro. Kickoff is set for 7:30.


The showdown between the Vikings and Wildcats is just one of three MSAC duels set for tonight. The others find Hurricane and George Washington tangling at Laidley Field, while Parkersburg visits Cabell Midland.


Senior Derek Midkiff has thrown for 667 yards and five touchdowns so far for Nitro (2-1), which is tied for 11th in the Class AAA playoff ratings.


Corey Isner, a senior for Ripley, stands second to Midkiff in passing yards with 560. He's thrown six touchdowns and hasn't been picked off in 44 attempts.


The Vikings (3-0), who are tied for fifth in the playoff ratings, have turned the ball over just once in their first three games.


Senior receiver Jeff McCoy is Isner's favorite target, having hauled in 15 passes for 367 yards and six TDs. McCoy had seven catches for 115 yards and two scores in last week's 21-14 conquest of Riverside.


Junior Brandon Rogers (35 carries, 331 yards, five TDs) heads Ripley's rushing brigade, which averages 219 yards on the ground.


Nitro (2-1), tied for 11th in the ratings, has a top-notch running threat in its backfield, too, in senior Chris McGhee, who has rushed for 323 yards and six TDs.


Ripley won last year's meeting 43-29.