— By Fred Persinger II
GAMES TO WATCH
Class AAA
No. 7 Parkersburg South (5-2) at No. 14 Greenbrier East (4-3)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Parkersburg South defeated Morgantown 35-7, while Greenbrier East lost to Ripley, 28-26.
Why it’s important: A win could clinch a playoff sport for Parkersburg South with two tough games left against Wheeling Park and Parkersburg.
For Greenbrier East, a win won’t lock up a playoff spot but it will give them a lot of points that could be critical because the two teams left on the schedule after this have a combined record of 1-13.
Who to watch for Parkersburg South: Running back Nick Yoho has rushed for over 700 yards and is averaging eight yards pery carry and quarterback Brayden Mooney has thrown for over 1,100 yards this season.
Who to watch for Greenbrier East: The combination of Kyle King and Colby Piner helped Greenbrier East score on a late drive that gave the Spartans a chance to tie.
No. 3 Capital (6-1) at Woodrow Wilson (2-5)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Capital handed Huntington its first loss, 30-22 and Woodrow Wilson lost to Cabell Midland, 28-0.
Why it’s Important: Capital will try not to avoid a letdown after an important and emotional win over the Highlanders.
For the Eagles, they’re trying to get back on the winning side. and even though they are three games under .500, a playoff berth is possible with an upset here.
Who to watch for Capital: Quarterback Kerry Martin, Jr. The West Virginia commit has been playing well on both sides of the ball, but the Cougars are far from a one-man team. Quisean Gray is also a big factor and helps take pressure off Martin.
Who to watch for Woodrow Wilson: The offense has struggled, only scoring 41 points over the last five games. The Eagles were shutout last week and held to less than 100 yards of offense.
Class AA
No. 10 Oak Hill (6-1) at No. 5 Bluefield (6-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Oak Hill defeated Shady Spring 21-6, while Bluefield suffered its first loss to Lord Botetourt, Va. 17-3.
Why it’s important: For Oak Hill, a lot of points are at stake and a win could clinch a playoff spot for the Red Devils and jump them into the top eight for the potential to host a postseason game. For Bluefield, its 20-game winning streak was snapped last week, so the Beavers try to bounce back. A win could bring them back into the top four in Class A.
Who to Watch for Oak Hill: The duo of Khori Bass and Abraham Furrow who both rushed for 110 yards last week. Bass also threw for 139 yards and Furrow had 111 yards receiving.
Who to watch for Bluefield: Running backs Jamere Edwards and JJ Davis are explosive and lead the offense, but they were held to a combined 67 yards rushing last week.
Class A
No. 3 Midland Trail (7-0) at No. 12 Fayetteville (5-2)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Both teams are coming off a bye week. In their most recent games, Midland Trail won at Liberty Raleigh 40-8, and Fayetteville topped Notre Dame, 31-6.
Why it’s important: This will be the final time these two schools will be playing the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ as Fayetteville will be consolidating with Oak Hill next year. Emotions will be high in the game, not only for the players but for those in attendance, as this marks Fayetteville’s final home game.
There are also a lot of points up for grabs as a win for Midland Trail could lock up a playoff spot and a victory for Fayetteville could put the Pirates back into the top 10.
Who to watch for Fayetteville: Running back Jordan Dempsey has led the team all season long.
Who to watch for Midland Trail: Quarterback Austin Isaacs is closing in on 1,000 yards rushing and 1.000 yards passing and is one of Class A’s most electrifying players.
Other games: Princeton (0-7) at Wheeling Park (5-2); Mount View (7-0) at PikeView (3-5); Nicholas County (8-0) at Independence (3-5); Clay County (5-2) at Shady Spring (5-2); James Monroe (5-2) at Liberty Raleigh (0-7); Westside (1-7) at River View (2-6); Sherman (6-1) at Greenbrier West (2-6); Richwood (2-5) at Van (6-1); Pocahontas County (4-3) at Summers County (4-3); Montcalm (1-6) at Meadow Bridge (2-5); Gilmer County (3-4) at Valley Fayette (0-8)