All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Carpenter’s Crunch Time Column: Neal Brown isn’t going anywhere

BUCKHANNON – How sweet is it this week that Buckhannon-Upshur is ranked 15th in the first edition of the WVSSAC rankings.

Sure it’s only week three, but it has been a long time since the Bucs were in the top 16? Will they be there in week 11? Who knows but enjoy it now for what it’s worth. There are certainly many more winnable games on the schedule. It is an exciting time right now for B-U football, but as coach Zach Davis says, “Let’s take it one week at a time.”

What isn’t exciting is the current mess known as WVU football. Losing to Kansas at home last week is the lowest point in WVU football for me since WVU lost to Temple at home by a 17-14 in Rich Rodriguez’s first year in 2001.

For those of you want Neal Brown gone this season, I have bad news for you, it isn’t going to happen.

WVU is 0-2 for the first time since 1979 and to make matters worse, we all watched Nebraska dump head coach Scott Frost after the Cornhuskers lost to Georgia Southern last week.

So why isn’t Neal going anywhere? Because current athletic director Shane Lyons extended his contract to include a $20 million dollar buyout. After the new year rolls in, that figure drops to $16.7 million, which is still significant. However, $20 million is a lot of money to cough up midseason, and it’s not like WVU has a long line of wealthy donors to turn to.

So like it or not, Neal isn’t going anywhere, in fact, he may be here longer than most want him.

Now onto our games.

Last week Brian Bergstrom and I both went 4-1 leaving Brian with a 12-3 record while I own an 11-4 mark.

First up this week is:

Buckhannon-Upshur (2-1) at John Marshall (1-2)

John Marshall hasn’t been kind to the Bucs in recent years, but this game could be different. Bridgeport beat up John Marshall pretty good last week. The B-U rushing game looked very good last week. Maybe I am just caught up in the feel-good moment right now of B-U football, but I think they win this game. My pick: B-U, 21-19; Brian’s pick: John Marshall, 21-20.

Bridgeport (2-1) at Fairmont Senior (3-0)

Fairmont Senior is the top team in Class AA this week. Bridgeport rebounded nicely last week after their 10-6 setback to Morgantown two weeks ago. This game is a Thursday night special. I will say this about Bridgeport, they have a brutal schedule this year. They still have games left with Robert C. Byrd, Parkersburg South, Princeton, and Musselman. A loss against the Polar Bears could really damage the Tribe’s playoff with that schedule left. I think the Polar Bears take this one. My pick: Fairmont Senior, 34-28; Brian’s pick: Bridgeport, 35-30.

Liberty (1-1) at Philip Barbour (1-2)

It will be interesting to see how the Colts regroup after their tough loss last week. Liberty is coming off a bye week with two weeks to prepare, but I like the Colts at home this week. My pick: Philip Barbour, 31-23; Brian’s pick: Philip Barbour, 22-6.

Concord (2-0) at West Virginia Wesleyan (0-2)

Wesleyan moved the ball some last week against UNC Pembroke but gave up 386 rushing yards and fumbled the ball away four times. I do think the ‘Cats are trending in the right direction, but it is going to take some more time. My pick: Concord, 39-20; Brian’s pick: Concord, 35-33.

Towson (2-0) at WVU (0-2)

Should be an easy win but for Neal’s sake, he better hope his team plays at a high level. Simply getting past Towson isn’t going to do him any favors. My pick: WVU, 56-14; Brian’s pick: WVU 35-14.

Until next week…see ya!

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Moon Flower opens first satellite store at Delmonte Market in Elkins

Moon Flower Hemp, a woman-owned craft cannabis shop, is opening its first satellite location inside Elkins’s Delmonte Market, offering exclusive products, infused drinks, educational support and special perks for early customers.

Buckhannon Community Theatre’s ‘The Lion King Kids’ set to roar at Colonial Arts Center this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present Disney’s The Lion King Kids on June 20 and 21 at the Colonial Arts Center, showcasing young local talent in a family-friendly production directed by Ella McNeish.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: June 26, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board has released the agenda for its upcoming June 26, 2025, meeting.

B-U’s Landon Marple earns All-State baseball honors

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Landon Marple, who led his team in multiple offensive categories, was named to the West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State Baseball Team as an Honorable Mention.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Kelly Povroznik earns certification in integrative and functional nutrition

Kelly Povroznik, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned certification as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, bringing advanced holistic nutrition expertise to her patients and community.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman says numerous community complaints led to vape shop raids

Community complaints about Upshur County vape shops selling to minors prompted a months-long investigation that led to multi-agency raids, seizure of $500,000 in illegal products, and an ongoing probe with arrests likely.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 19, 2025

Argo Books is launching a community co-op, the Upshur County Library has won a grant for new computer classes, Meals on Wheels needs volunteers, and Fish Hawk Acres has resumed ‘grab & go’ service but paused breakfast.

Weese family legacy burns bright as Brandon coaches Flame 304 to new growth

Brandon Weese is continuing his family’s Buckhannon-Upshur basketball legacy by coaching the Flame 304 girls travel team, which now features players from multiple counties and emphasizes both athletic and personal growth.

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.