— By Shawn Rine
GAMES TO WATCH
Class AA
No. 8 Weir (5-1) at No. 1 Fairmont Senior (6-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: Weir rallied from an early deficit to take down Union Local, Ohio, 38-13. Fairmont Senior cruised past Elkins, 36-7.
Why it’s important: Weir is in the ‘contenders’ category as it pertains to Class AA. A victory or even a close loss would mean this isn’t necessarily what most have assumed is a two-team race between the Polar Bears and Bluefield.
Who to watch for Weir: Reid Reiter is a do-everything kind of guy for the Red Riders, including a reliable kicker. Sebastian Spencer has filled in admirably for injured QB Tyler Komorowski, and as a state track champion, Spencer’s a threat to go the distance anytime he has the ball in his hands.
Who to watch for Fairmont Senior: It all starts with quarterback Connor Neal, a Kennedy Award candidate. He threw four touchdowns in less-than-ideal conditions a week ago. Elijah Posey is a ballhawk for the Polar Bears, having intercepted six passes this season.
Class AAA
No. 17 Morgantown (3-3) at No. 7 Wheeling Park (4-1)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last Week: Morgantown fell to Musselman, 13-7, in a slugfest. Wheeling Park gave up a touchdown on a hook and lateral with 6 seconds remaining in a heartbreaking, 57-51 loss at Parkersburg.
Why It’s Important: The Mohigans have played one of the toughest schedules in the state to date, and their record reflects as much, living little room for another loss. The Patriots want to stay in the upper half of the Class AAA bracket and a win here would go a long way in helping that happen.
Who to watch for Morgantown: Running back Ty Konchesky has churned out the hard yardage each week as Morgantown has gotten back to more of its traditional offense.
Who to watch for Wheeling Park: Receiver Jack Stakem is small in stature, but a big-play threat. He is coming off a seven-catch, 158-yard, two-touchdown effort. Quarterback Alex Dunlevy has proven more than capable in his first season. He’s coming off a 259-yard, career-high five-TD performance.
Class A
No. 18 Tyler Consolidated (3-2) at No. 8 Williamstown (5-1)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last Week: Tyler Consolidated beat Webster County, 49-42, for its third straight victory. Williamstown hammered St. Marys, 48-14, for its fifth consecutive win following a season-opening loss.
Why It’s Important: The Silver Knights need this one badly to stay in the playoff hunt. They will need to the defense to step up in a big way. If the postseason began today, the Yellowjackets would play host to a first-round game … barely. They want to improve their position.
Who to watch for Tyler Consolidated: Running back Mark Rucker is one of the more versatile backs in the state. Heás a threat in the run, pass and return games. Likewise, quarterback Griffin Phillips is a dual-threat.
Who to watch for Williamstown: Quarterback Carter Haynes is the straw that stirs the Williamstown drink, both running and throwing. When Haynes goes to the air, there’s a good chance the ball is going to receiver Eric Brown.
Other games: Brooke (0-5) at Parkersburg South (3-2)
Conotton Valley, Ohio (0-6) at Cameron (6-0)
Paden City (1-5) at Clay-Battelle (3-2)
Valley Wetzel (1-4) at Hundred (1-5); Magnolia (4-2) at Crestview, Ohio (4-2)
Oak Glen (3-3) at Warren, Ohio (1-5)
Wheeling Central (5-0) at Steubenville Catholic, Ohio (5-1)
University (3-3) at Mountain Ridge, Md. (3-2)
Western Reserve, Ohio (2-4) at Linsly (4-2)