Games to Watch
H.D. Woodson, D.C. (0-0) at Class AAA No. 1 Martinsburg (1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Bulldogs recorded their 29th consecutive win, rolling past Loudoun Valley, Va., 62-12.
Why it’s important: Martinsburg likes its fair share of out-of-state tests annually and the Warriors should provide one. Woodson is the last team to win at Martinsburg back in 2015, and the Washington, D.C., based school has produced more than its fair share of Division I talent in the past. Woodson is one of the few teams on the Bulldogs’ schedule that at least has a chance to matchup with Martinsburg athletically.
Who to watch for Martinsburg: A number of Bulldogs cause problems for the opposition, including quarterback/safety Grant Harman, running back/linebacker Dewayne Grantham and wide receiver Jarod Bowie. R.J. Barrett scored off a blocked punt last week, and Trey Sine and Naieem Kearney are commanding touches out of the backfield with their play.
South Hagerstown, Md. (0-0) at Hedgesville (1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Eagles cruised by Washington, 68-8, in last Thursday’s season opener.
Why it’s important: A playoff team each of the last two seasons, Hedgesville can improve to 2-0 and take a big early season step toward a third straight postseason berth with a win over the Rebels. South Hagerstown shut down the Eagles last season for a 12-2 win.
Who to watch for Hedgesville: Wide receiver Malakai Brown is among the most explosive players in the state. The Eagles want as many touches as possible for N’iyjere Smith and Devin Heath, while quarterback Owie Ash was impressive in his debut a week ago. The play of the Eagles’ offensive line will be key.
Frankfort (1-0) at Class A No. 4 East Hardy (0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Equally dominant on both sides of the ball, the Falcons rolled past Moorefield for a 42-0 victory. The Cougars, meanwhile, suffered a hard-fought loss in overtime, 19-13, against Bishop Carroll, Pa.
Why it’s important: The Cougars are thought to be contenders in Class A, but an 0-2 start at least creates doubt as to how successful the season can be, especially with No. 1 Wheeling Central looming next week. With one more victory, the Falcons would match last their win total from all of last season with coach Kevin Whiteman back on the sideline.
Who to watch for Frankfort: Dalton Pollock rushed for a pair of touchdowns and came up with an interception in last week’s lopsided win, while J.J. Blank returned his interception for a TD. Nick Marley also added a pair of scores on the ground vs. Moorefield.
Who to watch for East Hardy: Aden Funkhouser is in on the action frequently, while Jeff Mills is worth keeping an eye on. Center/linebacker Adam Baker and running back/linebacker Austin Alt provide plenty of strength.
Other games: Keyser (0-0) at Berkeley Springs (0-1); Hamsphire (0-1) at Musselman (1-0); Jefferson (0-1) at Sherando, Va. (1-0); Pendleton County (1-0) at Petersburg (1-0); Pocahontas County (0-1) at Moorefield (0-1); Spring Mills (0-1) at Washington (0-1); Tucker County (1-0) at Tygarts Valley (1-0)