The second week of the high school football season produced a little bit of everything from an overtime nail-biter to blowouts to outstanding performances.

Four of the 14 teams in The Times Leader coverage area are still unblemished, those being Harrison Central, Martins Ferry, St. Clairsville and Shadyside.

Justin Kropka’s Huskies have captured a pair of narrow victories 20-19 over Buckeye Trail and 14-12 over Weir. Both triumphs came when the defense held off late charges by the Warriors and Red Riders, respectfully.

Dave Bruney’s Purple Riders have breezed in their two games, blanking Buckeye Local, 36-0, and routing Wickliffe, 41-6. The offense and defense has been clocking on all cylinders so far for the Purple-and-White.

Brett McLean’s Red Devils have recorded triumphs over Claymont, 24-7 and River View, 36-0, and have never really been threatened.

Mark Holenka’s Tigers extended their regular-season winning streak to 25 games with a methodical, 21-0, blanking of visiting Monroe Central. That came after a 34-20 nod over Meadowbrook.

OVERTIME THRILLER

Bobby Stewart’s 35-yard field goal in the extra session gave Bruce Stiles’ Jets their first win of the young season. It also capped quite a comeback in Morristown as sophomore quarterback Shane Smolenak connected with Josh Bolyard on an 80-yard scoring strike. Spencer Ware’s 2-point run tied the game with a little more than two minutes remaining.

Buckeye Local’s Tyler Miller helped the Panthers build their lead as he threw for 293 yards. He found Eric Banal for a 91-yard score and teamed with Dylan Dokes on a 60-yard six-pointer.

BLOWOUTS

Martins Ferry, St. Clairsville and St. John Central all saw their game shortened due to Ohio’s new mercy rule, which institutes a running clock when the point differential is more than 30 points in the second half of a game. The Purple Riders and Red Devils had to wait until later in the second half before leading by 30-or-more points. However, the Irish held a 35-point margin at halftime, making for a very quick second half against Conotton Valley.

Meanwhile, Barnesville, Bellaire, Bridgeport, Buckeye Trail, Monroe Central and River all found themselves on the wrong way of runaways.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES

Martins Ferry junior tailback Arjay Burress topped all rushers in the area with a 15-carry, 248-yard, 4-touchdown effort against Wickliffe. Teammate James Edwards completed three passes for 80 yards, but one went to Jack Fitch for 60 yards and six points.

St. Clairsville sophomore quarterback Zach Bigelow passed for a career-high 280 yards on 10 of 16. He connected with eight different receivers.

Shadyside senior quarterback Austin Dorris, an Indiana University recruit, ran for 152 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. He also intercepted a pass on defense.

Harrison Central’s defense came up with back-to-back goalline stands to end their game. The Huskies’ Brandon Mitchell came up with the ball as time expired.

St. John Central senior quarterback Chaice Truax combined for 208 yards of total offense and four touchdowns. He was 4-for-8 for 142 yards through the air and carried the ball three times for 66 yards and a fourth score. Sophomore teammate Cameron Opic had two catches for 105 yards and two scores, while also returning an interception 14 yards for another TD.

INJURY UPDATE

Union Local’s Colton McKivitz, a West Virginia University recruit, suffered a strained muscle in his rib cage area and didn’t return to Friday’s game against Buckeye Local. However, Stiles said he will play this week at Barnesville.

Monroe Central’s Levi Brown, the Seminoles’ senior tailback, left the Shadyside game with an undisclosed shoulder problem.

ON THE HORIZON

Shadyside welcomes neighboring Bellaire to Fleming Field Friday night in celebration of homecoming. The Tigers and Big Reds renewed their rivalry last year with the Orange-and-Black prevailing, 46-29, before a huge turnout at Nelson Field in Bellaire. Another large crowd is expected this week. Seats will be at a premium in Tiger Town.

Barnesville hosts Union Local in the annual Milk Bucket Game at Shamrock Stadium in western Belmont County. The Jets won last year’s game, 57-13.

Martins Ferry makes its home debut at the Dave Bruney Complex when Linsly invades. The Purple Riders squeaked out a 28-21 victory a season ago.

St. Clairsville and Steubenville Catholic will get together for the first time in several years when they clash at Harding Stadium Saturday night.

River and Monroe Central will reunite their county rivalry in Woodsfield Friday night.

STILL SEARCHING FOR A ‘W’

Five teams in The Times Leader coverage area are still seeking their initial wins. They include Barnesville, Bellaire, Bridgeport, Buckeye Local and Buckeye Trail.

AROUND THE OVAC

Steubenville Catholic stunned Wheeling Central, West Virginia’s top-ranked Class A team, 29-19, Saturday night at Wheeling Island Stadium. The Crusaders had dropped a toughie at Weir in week one, while the Maroon Knights routed Clarksburg Notre Dame.

Wheeling Park remained unscathed as it held off Bridgeport, W/Va., the defending Class AA champions.

COLLEGES

St. Clairsville graduate Matt Kinnick had a breakout performance as West Virginia State snapped a 17-game losing streak with a 19-14 win over Lock Haven in Institute. The quarterback was 24 of 35 for 230 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. He also ran for a touchdown from two yards out.

Tanner Wright, a former placekicker from River, booted a trio of PATs Saturday, but Concord doubled up Glenville State, 54-27. His only miss in four attempts was blocked, but he made a tackle that saved a two-point return.

Monroe Central’s Marcus Schumacher recorded a team-best nine tackles (6 solo) as West Liberty dropped a 38-13 decision to nationally ranked Shepherd. Former River standout Dylan Potts caught a 1-yard touchdown. Martins Ferry’s Marco Ricchetti made five tackles.

North can be reached at knorth@timesleader-online.com