WEIRTON - The biggest fan in the stands tonight at Wheeling Island Stadium for the Class A championship knows a little bit about what it's like to coach in the big game.

Jimmy Paul led Weirton Madonna to its only state championship in 1987 and has kept tabs on the school despite leaving more than 15 years ago.

''It's like I've never left,'' Paul said. ''I have been a part of or followed them for more than 20 years. They have a very nice team this season. They got close last year, but I think this is going to be the year.''

A Weirton Madonna graduate, Paul said ''he wouldn't miss'' Weirton Madonna's chance at history against the Man Hillbillies.

It just proves that you can take the man out of the Ohio Valley, but you can't take the Ohio Valley out of the man.

Paul compiled a 25-18 record in four seasons as head coach of the Blue Dons in the late 80s (he served two years as an assistant) before leaving to coach Greensburg Catholic Central in Greensburg, Pa., and Derry in Derry, Pa., for 10 seasons.

He is currently a freshman coach in the Hempfield school district.

Paul has followed not just Madonna, but all the local schools, and is friends with Madonna coach Bob Kramer (who coached with his brother Ron at Toronto), Wheeling Central coach Mike Young, and Steubenville coach Reno Saccoccia.

Last season, he was asked to speak at the pep rally before Weirton Madonna played Williamstown in the title game. He was asked again this season, but politely declined.

''I think I jinxed them,'' Paul said. ''But If I could talk to them now, I'd simply say 'Let's do it! Records are made to be broken and the 13-0 record we posted in 1987 needs to be replaced by 14-0.' ''

He did have a message for Weirton Madonna principal John Mihalyo.

''I sent him an e-mail that reminded him that the banner in the gym that says 1987 state champions is getting lonely,'' Paul said. ''It's about time we give it some company.''

Paul's 1987 team was led by two all-staters in David Osaba and Steve Baloga, and top-notch players in David Burns, Jason Backel, John Porco, and Mike Arlia (whose son Connor is a receiver/tailback/linebacker for the current squad).

''We had some fantastic young men who have become great contributors to society,'' Paul said. ''We had great kids, great coaches.

''It goes by so fast so you have to enjoy every moment of it. My time at Weirton Madonna was fantastic. I loved every second of it. I love Weirton Madonna, I love Weirton, the people, everything. It's home.''