GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 1 Martinsburg (8-0) at Jefferson (1-6)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Martinsburg tied the state record with its 36th consecutive win, cruising by Hedgesville, 69-3. Jefferson notched its first win of the year, topping Loudoun Valley (Va.), 32-13.
Why it’s important: The Bulldogs are one win away from breaking the state’s all-time longest winning streak, which they currently share with Ansted and Wayne. Martinsburg is also No. 1 in the latest WVSSAC ratings and is looking to avoid a letdown to stay unbeaten and play at home throughout the postseason.
Who to watch for Martinsburg: Grant Harman threw for 167 yards with four touchdowns against the Eagles, while Naieem Kearney added 121 rushing yards and a pair of TDs.
Who to watch for Jefferson: Quarterback Corbin Pierson is a dual threat who played a big role in the Cougars’ stopping a 16-game losing streak last week.
Mountain Ridge, Md. (5-2) at No. 16 Spring Mills (3-4)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Spring Mills was on its bye week and last played Oct. 5 when it defeated Jefferson, 52-22. The Miners won their fifth straight game against Northern, 43-20.
Why it’s important: At No. 16 in Class AAA, the Cardinals are squarely on the bubble of the postseason picture. However, Spring Mills’ three wins have come against teams with a combined 2-19 record and they’re winless in two tries against teams from Maryland this season with another looming next week when they face North Hagerstown.
Who to watch for Mountain Ridge: Sefa Pua’auli is coming off a performance in which he rushed for 211 yards and scored six touchdowns.
Who to watch for Spring Mills: Quarterback Keon Padmore-Johnson is the focal point of the offense and his arm strength means defenses must always be wary of long passing plays.
CLASS AA
No. 4 Bridgeport (7-1) at No. 7 Keyser (6-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Bridgeport blanked Elkins, 35-0. Keyser got past Allegany (Md.), 33-20.
Why it’s important: The winner of this game puts themselves in position to finish the regular season 9-1 and host two playoff games. What has developed into a quality Class AA rivlary should again be a hotly contested matchup with plenty of bonus points up for grabs in the playoff picture.
Who to watch for Bridgeport: Tailback Jake Bowen is the driving force of the offense and plays a prominent role defensively at linebacker. Trey Pancake is relied on to block for Bowen and also featured at LB.
Who to watch for Keyser: Quarterback Ryan Shoemaker threw a pair of touchdown passes to Reggie Redman in last week’s win. Considering that Bridgeport struggled to stop the pass in its lone loss this season against Fairmont Senior, look for the Golden Tornado to rely on that duo to move the ball.
Other games: Washington (0-7) at Class AAA No. 3 Musselman (7-0); Class AAA No. 11 Hedgesville (5-3) at Hampshire (1-6); Berkeley Springs (0-8) at Green Street Academy, Md. (6-1); Class A No. 8 Pendleton County (5-2) at East Hardy (1-6); Petersburg (4-2) at Moorefield (2-6)