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NEW MARTINSVILLE - Blue Eagle fever has struck New Martinsville. It is contagious, and every Magnolia High School football fan has it.

"We're pumped," school Principal Kathi Schmalz said of today's West Virginia Class AA quarterfinal game. "We're ready to go."

Senior team captain Dillon Jackson agreed.

"I'm ready to play," he said.

Magnolia will take on Keyser at 1:30 p.m. today at Alumni Field - and school administrators hope the team will keep right on going.

"We're going all the way," said Wetzel County Schools Superintendent William Jones. "I think this is our year. We've got a great bunch of student athletes and a good coach. I feel really good about our chances this year."

"This is a real exciting time at Magnolia," Schmalz added.

"We have a fantastic group of young men on the football field this year. We have absolutely fantastic senior leadership with the 11 seniors we have on this team. These guys know what it feels like to be where we are this year because last year, we were here when no one expected it.

"It's been since 1964 since we had a state title and 1998 since we had an undefeated regular season," she noted.

But it's not just school officials who have caught the Blue Eagle spirit.

"The community has been overwhelmingly supportive," Schmalz said. "We fill the stands every week. We take one week at a time. Coach (Mark) Batton is a teacher at this school. He has a good relationship with the team, and it shows on the field. It's been a fantastic year. It's been a lot of fun. The team is committed and dedicated. They really mesh together. We have a tradition of excellence."

The excitement can be seen all around the city, where "Let's Go Blue" and "Go Big Blue" signs are on display in large numbers.

Matt Quinet, owner of Quinet's Court Restaurant, said residents and business owners alike are thrilled for the team.

"Everyone's excited with the season they've had," Quinet said. "It's been great for the town - something to feel good about."

Blue Eagle fan Rex Robinson of New Martinsville is thinking positive as well.

"I like their chances," he said. "They've got a good team and good guidance. It think they should win. I think they should also win at state."

Earl Yost of New Martinsville agreed, pointing to the team's strong defensive lineup.

"Defensively, we can play with any team in the state," Yost said.

New Martinsville resident Michelle Starkey echoed their thoughts.

"The community is very excited," she said. "I think they're going to win."

Ed Simms, also of New Martinsville, predicted in July the team would go 14-0 and win the state title.

Carl McDonald, a big Magnolia fan, said he will close his business to attend the game.

"The excitement's there," he said. "Magnolia played well all year, and they've peaked when a team should peak. I think they're on their way to state."