GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 7 Martinsburg (3-0) at No. 12 Spring Mills (2-1)
When: Thursday, 6 p.m.
Last week: Martinsburg rolled by Eastern, D.C., 47-0. Spring Mills blew past Hampshire, 49-12.
Why it’s important: The Bulldogs are considered the state’s top program at present day and for good reason. A win tonight would mark Martinsburg’s 32nd consecutive victory. The Cardinals go after a third straight win after losing their season opener to Musselman.
Who to watch for Martinsburg: Dewayne Grantham and Grant Harman are two-way standouts that play at an equally high level on both sides of the ball. Harman and Elijah Banks split time at quarterback, while Naieem Kearney has also been a big factor on the ground for coach David Walker’s squad.
Who to watch for Spring Mills: Keon Padmore-Johnson, Rohan Parchment and Evin Hurt will face a tough task in trying to get going against a strong Bulldog defense. Padmore-Johnson, at quarterback, passed for four touchdowns and rushed for three more in the win over Hampshire.
CLASS AA
Keyser (1-1) at No. 6 Weir (3-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Weir pulled out a late win against James Monroe, 26-20. The Golden Tornado suffered a 20-14 home loss to a talented Robert C. Byrd team.
Why it’s important: It’s a pivotal matchup for playoff positioning in Class AA, particularly for the Golden Tornado after last week’s loss. Another setback would leave Keyser with little room for error the remainder of the way, while a win would right the ship and then some. For Weir, it’s about winning each week to put itself in the best position down the line.
Who to watch for Keyser: Ryan Shoemaker and Brady Clay had strong performances in the loss to RCB, with Clay ripping off a 70-yard touchdown run.
Who to watch for Weir: Quarterback Tyler Komorowski and tailback Donavan Kirby lead the way. Komorowski has 415 passing yards and three touchdowns to go with five rushing TDs, while Kirby’s rushed for 356 yards and six scores.
CLASS A
Moorefield (0-3) at No. 3 Tucker County (3-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Mountain Lions held off Northern Garrett, Md., 7-0. Moorefield was upended by Southern Garrett, Md., 42-0.
Why it’s important: Tucker County’s unbeaten and looks to continue its winning ways in its quest to host at least a first-round playoff game. Moorefield seeks its first win of the season.
Who to watch for Moorefield: If the Yellow Jackets are going to be competitve, they’ll have to get going offensively. MHS has been shutout twice.
Who to watch for Tucker County: The Mountain Lions’ defense, which has allowed only 21 points this season and is coming off a shutout last week when it forced five turnovers in a road win. Cole Rapp and Liam Hood are offensive playmakers.
Other games
Thursday: Jefferson (0-3) at Class AAA No. 12 Hedgesville (2-1); Class AA No. 14 Frankfort (3-0) at Berkeley Springs (0-3); Washington (0-3) at Heritage, Va. (2-1); Class AA No. 10 Petersburg (2-0) at Hampshire (0-3)
Friday: East Hardy (0-3) at Pocahontas County (1-2); Class A No. 12 Pendleton County (2-1) at Bath County, Va. (2-1)