GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 3 Musselman (8-0) at No. 2 Martinsburg (9-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: Each team scored 70 points in a lopsided win. The Bulldogs beat Jefferson, 70-0, while Musselman took care of Washington, 70-6.
Why it’s important: The winner of this one will almost certainly stay home for every playoff game up until the state championship. The Bulldogs are after their 38th straight win one week after setting an all-time state record for consecutive victories. Martinsburg is also looking to complete an unbeaten regular season, while the Applemen want to hand the Bulldogs their first setback since 2015.
Who to watch for Musselman: Tailback Blake Hartman is a workhorse on the ground, while quarterback Tre Beard has been stellar throughout the season and threw five first-half touchdown passes a week ago.
Who to watch for Martinsburg: Naieem Kearney helps give the Bulldogs a strong rushing attack, while quarterback Grant Harman is a two-way standout who threw early touchdown passes to Jarod Bowie and Teddy Marshall in last week’s win.
Class AA
No. 8 Keyser (6-2) at No. 12 Frankfort (7-1)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: The Golden Tornado lost to Bridgeport, 28-19. Frankfort was on its bye week and last played in Week 8 when it impressed in a 48-20 win over Petersburg.
Why it’s important: Despite the record of both teams, neither one is safely in the playoffs yet. However, the winner of this Mineral County rivalry locks up a playoff berth and will have a good chance to host a first-round game.
Who to watch for Keyser: Quarterback Ryan Shoemaker is a dual threat and all four of his completions a week ago were brought in by Reggie Redman.
Who to watch for Frankfort: The Falcons look to establish Nick Marley and Dalton Pollock on the ground.
Class A vs. Class AA
Class A No. 10 Tucker County (6-2) at Petersburg (5-2)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: The Mountain Lions had a bye week following a 35-14 loss to Southern Garrett, Md. The Vikings took care of business against Moorefield, 40-13.
Why it’s important: If the Mountain Lions have hopes of hosting a first round playoff game, they’ll need to beat the Vikings and earn bonus points from a win over a Class AA team. The Vikings, No. 18 in this week’s WVSSAC Playoff Ratings, need to win out to reach the playoffs. Anything less than 7-2 will almost certainly have them outside the top 16.
Who to watch for Tucker County: Liam Hood passed for 200 yards in the team’s most recent game, with Ben Cromer catching three passes for 83 yards.
Who to watch for Petersburg: Quarterback Jake Hartman is relied on to do a lot in the Vikings’ offense, whether it be with his arm or legs.
Other games: South Hagerstown, Md. (6-2) at Jefferson (1-7); Hampshire (1-7) at Washington (0-8); North Hagerstown, Md. (5-4) at Spring Mills (3-5); Moorefield (2-7) at Pendleton County (6-2); East Hardy (1-7) at South Harrison (1-7)