GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
Eastern, D.C. (0-2) at No. 1 Martinsburg (1-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: Eastern was shutout in a 45-0 loss to Bishop McNamara (Md.). Martinsburg rolled by H.D. Woodson (D.C.) 49-12 for its 43rd straight win.
Why it’s important: Having won a state record 43 consecutive games, the Bulldogs are always out to prolong that streak. Martinsburg had its way with Eastern a year ago in a 47-0 win. Hanging with the Bulldogs appears to be a tall order again this year for the Ramblers.
Who to watch for Martinsburg: The Bulldogs’ lengthy list of offense options was on display in last week’s season-opening 49-12 win over H.D. Woodson (D.C.). Quarterback Elijah Banks ran for a pair of touchdowns, wideout Jarod Bowie hauled in two second-half TDs and wideout Anthony Smith had a 70-yard TD reception.
Washington (1-0) at Spring Mills (0-1)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: The Patriots picked up their first win since 2017, beating Hedgesville, 34-30. The Cardinals hung tough with Musselman, but fell short, 29-14.
Why it’s important: Washington will try to see if it can carry over momentum from an opening win, while the Cardinals need to avoid an 0-2 start.
Who to watch for Washington: Frankie Amore led a strong rushing attack last week with 154 yards. Thomas Wogan and Jace Bradbury both surpassed 90 yards on the ground in the win over the Eagles as well.
Who to watch for Spring Mills: Quarterback Chase Henson threw touchdown passes to Jake McCarren and Bernard Newman against the Applemen. The Cardinals’ defense played well in the loss and helped send the game into the fourth quarter tied at 14.
CLASS A VS. CLASS AA
Petersburg (1-0) at Class A No. 9 Pendleton County (0-0)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Vikings beat Berkeley Springs 25-14. The Wildcats were off after having a scheduled opener against Notre Dame, which was forced to cancel its program weeks before the season began.
Why it’s important: Both teams qualified for the playoffs last season. The Vikings won this matchup a year ago, 43-35.
Who to watch for Petersburg: Dawson Tingler was solid in his first game at quarterback having taken over for Jacob Hartman, a standout who graduated following last season. The Vikings also got strong defensive play in their season-opening win and blocked a punt for a safety.
Who to watch for Pendleton County: With standouts Kole Puffenberger (QB) and Timothy Thorne (WR) no longer around, how will the Wildcats fare offensively? Isaiah Gardiner and Colt Smith are two players to keep an eye on that should important key roles for PCHS.
Other games: Class AAA No. 4 Musselman (1-0) at Hampshire (0-1); Brooke (0-1) at Hedgesville (0-1); Jefferson (0-1) at Sherando, Va. (1-0); Berkeley Springs (0-1) at Class AA No. 3 Keyser (1-0); East Hardy (0-1) at Class AA No. 10 Frankfort (1-0); Moorefield (0-1) at Pocahontas County (1-0); Tygarts Valley (1-0) at Tucker County (0-1)