GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 1 Martinsburg (2-0) at Sherando, Va. (2-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: The Bulldogs dispatched of Eastern, D.C., 76-6, for their 44th straight win. The Warriors defeated Jefferson, 41-7.
Why it’s important: This will unquestionably be Martinsburg’s biggest test to date. These two schools have formed a quality series and the Bulldogs defeated Sherando in their closest call last season, 50-45.
Who to watch for Martinsburg: Wide receiver Anthony Smith has been one of quarterback Elijah Banks’ favorite targets through two weeks. Banks also likes to look the way of wideout Jarod Bowie, while tailback Naieem Kearney helps to provide plenty of balance. Kevon Warren returned an interception for a touchdown in last week’s win.
Who to watch for Sherando: Payne Bauer is a defensive force and finished with four sacks and an interception for a touchdown in the win over the Cougars. Quarterback Chacai Campbell had three passing touchdowns and a rushing score vs. Jefferson.
CLASS AA
No. 9 Frankfort (2-0) at Weir (1-1):
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: The Falcons had their way with East Hardy in a 41-0 win. Weir bounced back from a season-opening loss to beat John Marshall, 28-7.
Why it’s important: Frankfort wants to its strong start to the season that has seen the Falcons outscore their first two opponents, 76-3. But both of those foes were Class A teams, and the Red Riders will be hungry to pick up a quality win and move over .500 for the first time this season.
Who to watch for Frankfort: The Falcons rushed for 405 yards against East Hardy thanks in large part to the performance of J.J. Blank. Despite carrying the ball only seven times, Blank totaled 161 yards and scored four times.
Who to watch for Weir: Speedster Sebastian Spencer overcame a tough opener against Oak Glen with a big effort against the Monarchs. Spencer had a hand in all four Weir touchdowns, rushing for three scores and 103 yards and passing for another TD and 64 yards.
CLASS A
No. 7 Pendleton County (1-0) at Pocahontas County (1-1)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: The Wildcats began their season by beating Petersburg, 25-16. The Warriors lost on a last-second field goal against Moorefield, 9-8.
Why it’s important: It was a quality start to the season for Pendleton, which picked up a win over the Class AA Vikings. But a letdown against the Warriors would spoil a lot of what the Wildcats accomplished last week, and Pocahontas County should have plenty of motivation following a one-point loss last week.
Who to watch for Pendleton County: Javin Kuykendall caught a touchdown pass and had an interception in the Wildcats’ season-opening win.
Who to watch for Pocahontas County: Dillon Shinaberry and Keaton Baldwin both surpassed 100 rushing yards in the Warriors’ season-opening win over Tucker County. Last week, however, Pocahontas’ offense was limited to eight points in a tough loss to Moorefield. The Warriors have allowed only 15 points in two games.
Other games: Hancock, Md. (1-0) at Berkeley Springs (0-2); Spring Mills (1-1) at Hampshire (0-2); Hedgesville (0-2) at Class AAA No. 8 Wheeling Park (1-1); Jefferson (0-2) at Class AAA No. 4 Musselman (2-0); Class AA No. 4 Keyser (2-0) at Petersburg (1-1); Moorefield (1-1) at Southern Garrett, Md. (1-1); Northern Garrett, Md. (1-0) at Tucker County (0-2)