The top-seeded Wheeling Central Maroon Knights overcame a tough challenge from the No. 4 Pendleton County Wildcats, pulling away in the second half for a 43-20 victory in the Class A semifinal. After falling behind 7-0 early, the Maroon Knights built a 21-14 halftime lead. The game tightened significantly in the third quarter when Pendleton County scored to pull within a single point, 21-20, but Wheeling Central blocked the potential tying point-after kick. This pivotal defensive play sparked a 22-point unanswered run, fueled by a dominant ground game that amassed 320 total rushing yards. Senior tailback Kade Koroneos was the offensive star, rushing 26 times for 266 yards and scoring five touchdowns, including a 79-yard exclamation point late in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Nico Kusic also contributed with 64 rushing yards and a 53-yard touchdown pass to Max Olejasz. For Pendleton County, quarterback Colton Roberson threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns, with Travis Owens and Chase Owens combining for 12 catches and 186 yards, but the team ultimately could not match Central's powerful finish. The 9-2 Maroon Knights advance to the Class A State Championship game to face the winner of the Clay-Battelle/Cameron semifinal.