GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 12 Hurricane (3-3) at No. 2 Huntington (5-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Highlanders remained unbeaten with a 37-14 win over South Charleston. Hurricane fell back to .500 with a 24-16 loss against George Washington.
Why it’s important: Huntington is in position to play at home in the playoffs (up until the Super Six or its season ends), but certainly can’t take lightly a Hurricane team that recently handled Cabell Midland and is out to prove it can compete with a team on the short list of the state’s best.
Who to watch for Hurricane: In Christian Hill, the Redskins have a workhorse tailback who often carries the load. He rushed for 257 yards and two touchdowns on 41 carries in the loss to GW.
Who to watch for Huntington: Diallo Mitchell stepped up when Ty Wilcoxon left with an injury last week, rushing for a touchdown and returning an interception 14 yards for another TD. Darnell Wright anchors the team’s powerful offensive line that often wears down opponents.
No. 16 George Washington (3-3) at No. 12 Parkersburg (3-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Both teams posted important wins over quality opponents to improve to .500. GW knocked off Hurricane, 24-16, while Parkersburg defeated Wheeling Park on a late hook and lateral, 57-51.
Why it’s important: The Patriots and Big Reds both enter in good position to earn a postseason berth, but the winner of this one takes a much bigger step to ensure its playoff bid.
Who to watch for GW: Quarterback Grant Wells is a household name at this point, but continues to shine for the improving Patriots. His 66-yard touchdown run against Hurricane helped seal the win and led to a 120-yard rushing output. Alex Mazelon is Wells’ favorite target and had six receptions for 112 yards last week.
Who to watch for Parkersburg: Tight end Brenton Strange committed to Penn State this week and is the lead playmaker on an offense guided by quarterback Jake Johnson, who threw for 396 yards and five touchdowns last week. Dylan Shaver was responsible for the winning score against Park.
CLASS AA
Poca (6-0) at Winfield (2-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Dots handled a quality Sissonville team, 40-20. The Generals enjoyed were on their bye week and last played Sept. 21, when they posted a 64-32 win against Logan.
Why it’s important: Poca has played its way into the discussion of Class AA contenders and recent wins over Mingo Central and Sissonville show the Dots are a certain playoff team and capable of advancing.
Who to watch for Poca: QB Jay Cook, tailback Ethan Payne and wideout Bronson Skeens are the focal points offensively and make the Dots a tough team to game plan for and contain.
Who to watch for Winfield: John Covert had one of the better individual efforts this season last time out for the Generals, as he rushed for 286 yards and seven TDs to help his team double up Logan.
Other games: Riverside (1-4) at Spring Valley (6-0); South Charleston (0-5) at Woodrow Wilson (2-3); Wayne (3-2) at Herbert Hoover (1-5); Mingo Central (3-2) at Nitro (1-5)