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Preston still makes playoffs even with loss to Brooke, set to face reigning champion No. 1 Martinsburg

KINGWOOD, W.Va. — After going on a three-game win streak beginning with a 7-point victory over Washington’s triple-option offense in Week 8, Preston was on the cusp of clinching a decent No. 13 seed in the state playoffs. But instead of finishing out the year with a win, the Knights (4-6) found a 26-12 loss to No. 23 Brooke.

The Bruins (3-7) entered the matchup as the clear-cut underdog, but PHS coach Jonathan Tennant knew he shouldn’t underestimate the Bruins. That concern proved founded with Brooke quarterback Joshua Shorts throwing all over the Preston secondary for 180 yards and two scores, and a BHS defense that stymied playmakers Colton Rosenberger, J.J. Townsend and Trevor Thomas until late in the third quarter.

Townsend capped a 70-yard drive with a scoring run. Later in the final quarter, Thomas connected on a 13-yard pass to Jaxon Lewis.

In total, the Knights tallied 273 yards of total offense, nearly 100 yards less than Brooke (369 yards).

But even with a loss, Preston remains in the playoff bracket due to losses by teams surrounding them in the rankings. The downside, however, is they head into a No. 1 – No. 16 matchup with the three-time reigning state champion Martinsburg (10-0).

Preston will hit the road next Friday in hopes to dismantle the Bulldogs’ all-time state record 52-game win streak.

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