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WHEELING -- Friday night lights will once again shine brightly all over the Ohio Valley starting this week.
The kickoff of the football season means The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register are once again delivering the 2019 Football Preview to their readers.
This year's 124-page publication, found inside today's edition, is jam-packed with previews of all 51 Ohio Valley Athletic Conference schools, Tyler Consolidated, three local colleges, FBS fan favorites and conferences, along with schedules and intriguing predictions. Gracing the cover of this year's release is a trio of local players who have a strong shot at making their NFL dreams come true.
Inside is the story of West Virginia standouts Colton McKivitz (graduate of Union Local), Josh Sills (graduate of Meadowbrook) and North Carolina A&T star Elijiah Bell (graduate of Wheeling Park) and their hopes of hearing their names called on Draft Day 2020.
McKivitz and Sills have made their presence felt during their time on the offensive line for the Mountaineers and are highly touted heading into their senior campaigns.
Bell, on the other hand, showcases his speed and his hands as his record-breaking career as a wide receiver at North Carolina A&T has fans everywhere talking about what the future holds.
Joining the NFL hopefuls on the cover is two-time Huff Award winner, a Howley Award winner and a two-time state champion, Adam Murray of Wheeling Central.
The accolades have been rolling in for the all-state linebacker but the most important part of his upcoming senior campaign is the goal of claiming a third state title with his teammates.
His story of goals and future plans can be seen inside.
Also previewed is the newly named Wheeling University football program, as it embarks on its first regular season, as well as West Liberty, Bethany and the Mountain East Conference.
FBS schools such as West Virginia and Ohio State are heading into the season with new head coaches at the helm.
Neal Brown and Ryan Day take over the Mountaineers and Buckeyes, respectively, and both have high expectations for their Division I programs.
Marshall, Notre Dame, Pitt and Penn State and the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences are also spotlighted in today's 124-page tab.
The season kicks off tonight with four games that include OVAC schools as football makes its return to the valley.