— By Shawn Rine
GAMES TO WATCH
Class AAA
No. 13 John Marshall (6-4) at No. 4 Musselman (9-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: John Marshall fell to rival Wheeling Park on the road, 35-7. Musselman rattled Preston by a 70-7 count.
Why it’s important: This would be a feather in the cap for first-year Monarchs coach Jason Willis if he can pull off an upset.
Who to watch for John Marshall: Linebacker Jace Boggs has been a machine this season, saving perhaps his best for last a week ago. Boggs made 14 tackles and assisted on four in the loss against the Patriots.
Who to watch for Musselman: Blake Hartman. The passing game gets the headlines, but talk to those in the Eastern Panhandle and they say the key to hanging with the Applemen is slowing Hartman.
No. 9 Parkersburg (6-4) at No. 8 Wheeling Park (7-3)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Parkersburg shut down what had been a versatile Parkersburg South offense in a 28-10 victory. Wheeling Park rolled over rival John Marshall, 35-7, as it racked up nearly 500 yards of offense.
Why it’s important: The Patriots are out for revenge after the Big Reds beat them earlier in the season on a hook-and-lateral play with just seconds remaining in a 57-51 shootout.
Who to watch for Parkersburg: Tight end Brenton Strange has offers from just about every big-time Power-5 school in the country and is a Penn State commit.
Who to watch for Wheeling Park: Running back Stevie Mitchell erupted for 117 yards and a touchdown last week, giving the Patriots a three-headed monster in the backfield.
Class AA
No. 12 Weir (8-2) at No. 5 Poca (9-1)
When: Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Last week: Weir used its bye week to get healthy and prepare for the second season. Poca suffered its only defeat, 23-0, at the hands of Wayne.
Why it’s important: Coach Tony Filberto’s Red Riders entered the season with high expectations and are looking to make good on those against a Dots team that’s enjoyed a remarkable turnaround.
Who to watch for Weir: Reed Reitter is a jack-of-all-trades performer. He can make big plays in the passing game and his leg is a weapon in the kicking game.
Who to watch for Poca: Running back Owen McClanahan was bottled up last week, but is a dangerous performer in the open field. He averaged more than 10 yards a carry prior to the Wayne contest.
Class A
No. 16 Tyler Consolidated (6-4) at No. 1 Wheeling Central (9-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m., at Brooke H.S.
Last week: Tyler Consolidated handled St. Marys, 26-7. Wheeling Central fell on the road to Magnolia, 21-12.
Why it’s important: The Maroon Knights set out to defend their title in August and most have come to the conclusion it is theirs to lose. The Silver Knights have the opportunity to turn the Class A field on its ear.
Who to watch for Tyler Consolidated: Mark Rucker can do it all for coach Ryan Walton’s team. He’s a threat running the football, catching it out of the backfield and in the return game.
Who to watch for Wheeling Central: Linebacker Adam Murray, who won the Huff Award as the state defensive player of the year last season, has racked up more incredible stats. The junior has 113 tackles, including 31 behind the line of scrimmage, despite playing sparingly in several games.
No. 9 Magnolia (7-3) at No. 8 Pendleton County (8-2)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Magnolia surprised Wheeling Central, 21-12. Pendleton County hammered Berkeley Springs, 44-8.
Why it’s important: The Blue Eagles and coach Doc Chapman know they cannot look ahead to a possible rematch with Central, not with a talented Wildcats team standing in the way. Pendleton County is playing its first-ever playoff game at home
Who to watch for Magnolia: Jared Barrows is coming off a seven-tackle, two-sack performance.
Who to watch for Pendleton County: Running back Dalton Dunkle is listed at just 5-foot-10, 150 pounds, but has proven to be a slithery runner.
No. 12 Van (8-2) at No. 5 Cameron (10-0)
When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Van was shutout, 30-0, on the road at Sherman. Cameron enjoyed its bye week.
Why it’s important: Coach Scott Holt and the Dragons have gone 29-1 in their last three regular seasons, but have not made it out of the first round. They have their eyes set on a deep run.
Who to watch for Cameron: Running back Andrew Ritchea became a star this season. He led the Ohio Valley with an even 1,800 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground. All told, Ritchea accumulated 188 points.