GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 2 Spring Valley (1-0) at No. 10 Hurricane (1-0)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Both teams won in convincing fashion. The Timberwolves blanked Wayne, 38-0. The Redskins defeated Winfield, 55-20.
Why it’s important: A matchup of ranked teams in Class AAA gives each one an opportunity to pick up a marquee victory early in the season.
Who to watch for Spring Valley: David Livingston and Nate Ellis accounted for first-half rushing touchdowns against the Pioneers, but the major story of the win was the SV defense. The Timberwolves held Wayne to 34 rushing yards on 39 attempts and a mere 38 total yards in the runaway win.
Who to watch for Hurricane: In the win over the Generals, the Redskins had plenty of explosiveness and balance. Tailback Christian Hill rushed for 174 yards and three scores on only 13 carries, while quarterback Austin Womack completed 11-of-12 passes four 301 yards and four TDs. That duo will be tested against one of the state’s premier defenses.
South Charleston (1-0) at No. 5 Capital (0-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Black Eagles defended their home turf with a 28-14 victory over George Washington. The Cougars suffered a 28-13 loss against a strong Johnson Central (Ky.) program.
Why it’s important: Although South Charleston has underclassmen playing all over the field, the Black Eagles displayed their high level of talent and upside in the win over the Patriots. The Cougars will be an entirely different challenge, however, and need to beat a rival to avoid an 0-2 start.
Who to watch for South Charleston: Freshman quarterback Trey Dunn had a solid debut and threw for 140 yards and a touchdown. Caiden Davis added two scores on the ground and defensive back Romeo Dunham was key in limiting the GW offense. Zeiqui Lawton, who rushed for an early touchdown in the win, left the game soon after with an injury and his status will be important for the Black Eagles.
Who to watch for Capital: Chance Knox is a primary playmaker for the Cougars as a wideout and punt returner. Fellow wideout Kerion Martin is also an important player, while Shawn James rushed for one of his team’s two touchdowns in the opener.
CLASS AA
Riverside (1-0) at No. 3 Huntington (0-0)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Warriors topped Woodrow Wilson, 38-8. The Highlanders were off in Week 1.
Why it’s important: Riverside can prove its worth with an upset win on the road. The Warriors can even show they’re to be taken seriously if they play the Highlanders tough. Huntington is out to start its season off well by beating a team coming off a 30-point win.
Who to watch for Riverside: Caleb Easterling rushed for 255 yards and three TDs against Beckley. Charles Pierson added 116 yards with one score on the ground and Javante Elzy had an 84-yard touchdown run and gave the Warriors a third 100-yard rusher with 107.
Who to watch for Huntington: Linebacker Brocton Blair is a returning first-team all-state selection. Lineman Terrance Pankey is a force up front and QB Tajan Blackwell is a proven playmaker.
Other games: George Washington (0-1) at Ashland Blazer, Ky. (2-0); Nitro (0-1) at St. Albans (0-1); Chapmanville (0-1) at Class AA No. 5 Poca (1-0); Herbert Hoover (1-0) at Winfield (0-1); Sissonville (1-0) at Logan (0-1); Buffalo (0-1) at Ravenswood (1-0)