GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 8 Cabell Midland (2-1) at Hurricane (1-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Knights suffered their first loss off the season at home against Spring Valley, 35-7. The Redskins dropped their second straight game in a 49-10 setback against Capital.
Why it’s important: It’s a matchup of wo teams hungry for a win to help cement their playoff berth in Class AAA. A loss by Hurricane leaves a lot of doubt as to whether the Redskins will qualify for the postseason.
Who to watch for Cabell Midland: Running back Ivan Vaughn was as impressive as any player in the state through two games, before being slowed last week against a strong Timberwolves’ defense.
Who to watch for Hurricane: Tailback Christian Hill is the focal point of the offense, but the Redskins finished last week’s loss with only 63 total yards. Kicker Timothy McCutchen made a 35-yard field goal a week ago and gives Hurricane an important special teams weapon.
No. 2 Capital (3-0) at No. 16 Parkersburg (1-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Cougars cruised by Hurricane, 49-10. The Big Reds picked up their first win of the season at Woodrow Wilson, 28-7.
Why it’s important: Capital continues to prove itself as one of the top teams in the state and a win over the Big Reds allows the Cougars to continue in that direction. Parkersburg has a chance at a marquee victory and can get to .500 after starting the season with consecutive losses.
Who to watch for Capital: Quarterback Kerry Martin Jr. got the Capital passing attack going last week by passing for 162 yards. Martin also rushed for an additional 119 yards. Kalai Clark is a standout along the defensive line.
Who to watch for Parkersburg: Brenton Strange, a high-level Division I recruit, made his season debut in Beckley and caught seven passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Jake Johnson and running back Tyler Moler give the Big Reds other reliable offensive options.
CLASS AA
No. 16 Mingo Central (2-1) at No. 5 Sissonville (3-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Miners rolled past Logan, 50-8. The Indians scored 40-plus points for the third time in as many games, defeating Scott, 41-7.
Why it’s important: Two of the state’s most prolific offenses will be in action with important playoff points to be gained by the winner.
Who to watch for Mingo Central: Quarterback Daylin Goad and wide receiver Drew Hatfield form a prolific duo through the air.
Who to watch for Sissonville: QB Will Hackney has led the Indians to the unbeaten start and 130 points through three games.
No. 8 Poca (3-0) at Logan (1-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Dots dominated Buffalo, 49-6. The Wildcats were upended by Mingo Central, 50-8.
Why it’s important: Poca tries to move to 4-0 overall before it faces Mingo Central and Sissonville to close out the month. Logan has struggled defensively since winning its opener against Man, but a win gets the Wildcats back to .500 and with winnable games looming.
Who to watch for Poca: Running back Ethan Payne gets plenty of touches and helps the Dots control the ball. Quarterback Jay Cook’s favorite target is running back/wideout Owen McClanahan.
Who to watch for Logan: Chucky Felder is a dual threat at quarterback, while Shawntez Matthews should see his fair share of carries.
Other games: Class AAA No. 5 Spring Valley (3-0) at South Charleston (0-3); George Washington (1-2) at St. Albans (1-2); Herbert Hoover (1-2) at Class AA No. 8 Point Pleasant (3-0); Nitro (1-2) at Chapmanville (1-2); Class A No. 14 Sherman (2-1) at Buffalo (0-3)
Result from Thursday: Wayne 28, Winfield 9