By: Kristin Kurelic
No. 4 Morgantown (4-1) at No. 12 Musselman (3-2)
The Mohigans aim to rebound from their first loss of the season, another heartbreaker to Martinsburg. The Bulldogs kept their win streak, dating back to the Mohigans’ 2004 state championship victory, in the rivalry alive with special teams. Juwan Green returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. Martinsburg still trailed at halftime, but was able to come back and then hold off Morgantown.
The Mohigans, who lost starting quarterback Zayne Hern to an injury in the second quarter, had a 36-yard field goal attempt to win the game blocked at the last second, after a bad snap.
After leading by nine points at the break this past week, Musselman put winless University away in the second half, 44-20, to win its second straight and move above .500 for the first time on the season.
The Applemen beat Morgantown 27-20 last year.
No. 2 South Harrison (4-0) at No. 13 Calhoun County (4-1)
South Harrison went from 2-8 in 2013 to 6-4 in 2014, but narrowly missed the playoffs. Now, the Hawks returned much of their starting lineup, and have climbed to 4-0, ranked second in the state. They were tested for the first time this past week, and came out with a 12-7 victory against previously undefeated, then-No. 9 Class AA Lincoln.
Calhoun County, which is seeking its first playoff berth since 2008, is coming off its first loss of the season, 54-12, to Tyler Consolidated.
Elkins (2-2) at No. 3 Bridgeport (4-0-1)
Elkins has been involved in tight contests each week. It’s most recent 41-23 loss to Fairmont Senior, which came the week after an overtime loss to Preston, was the first of its games to be decided by more than one score. This week could be another one, though.
In Bridgeport’s four complete games, it has averaged 54 points while allowing just 8.5., with its biggest challenge coming in a 48-21 win against Robert C. Byrd. Bridgeport scored 31 points in the first quarter against East Fairmont on its way to a 64-0 win this past week.
No. 15 Preston (3-2) at Hedgesville (0-5)
After climbing into the state’s top 10 teams this past week, the Knights were routed by Class AA, then one-win North Marion, 40-13. Their defense was suspect for the second time this season, allowing 40 points or more. This week they look to buckle down against Hedgesville, which is scoring just 6.2 points per game, while allowing 48, and has been shut out twice.
Preston was the easy winner, 35-6, in the matchup in 2014, as running back Josiah Nuse rushed for 323 yards and four touchdowns on 16 carries.
Other games:
University (0-5) at Greenbrier East (2-3)
Lewis County (1-4) at Buckhannon-Upshur (1-3)
Grafton (2-3) at Notre Dame (2-2)
East Fairmont (1-4) at North Marion (2-2)