— By Fred Persinger II
GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
Woodrow Wilson (1-1) at No. 10 Parkersburg (1-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Beckley defeated Greenbrier East, 24-7. Parkersburg was beaten soundly by Cabell Midland, 55-13.
Why it’s important: In a series that dates back to 1938, this is the last time these two tradition-rich programs are scheduled to play each other because of Beckley’s exit from the Mountain State Athletic Conference (MSAC) after the season. Beckley has not won at Stadium Field since 1986 and has not won a game in this series since 2013.
Who to watch for Beckley: Running back Martay Lee filled in for the injured Lamont Lee and led the team with more than 100 yards rushing last week in the win over Greenbrier East, including an 84-yard touchdown run.
Who to watch for Parkersburg: Quarterback Bryson Singer often looks to the way of Braeden Mason, who is the team’s leading receiver with seven catches for 163 yards over the first two games.
CLASS AA
Wyoming East (1-0) at No. 6 Nicholas County (2-0)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Wyoming East defeated Westside, 44-14, while Nicholas County picked up an important win over Shady Spring, 19-13.
Why it’s important: For the Grizzlies, it’s about continuing to build momentum early in the season to improve their positioning among the top of the Class AA field. For Wyoming East, this matchup gives the Warriors a chance at a win over a quality opponent in Larry Thompson’s second game as head coach.
Who to watch for Wyoming East: Running back Caleb Bower scored three touchdowns in the win last week over Westside. If Wyoming East can establish its rushing attack, the Grizzlies’ potent offense won’t be able to do as much damage.
Who to watch for Nicholas County: The tandem of quarterback Timmy Baker and wideout Luke LeRose is prolific. Baker was 9-of-19 passing for 165 yards, while LeRose caught four passes for 116 yards against the Tigers. Nicholas County has also gotten strong defensive play, having allowed 20 points in two games.
CLASS A VS. CLASS AA
No. 9 Greenbrier West (2-0) vs. James Monroe (0-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Greenbrier West defeated Summers County, 54-25. James Monroe had last week off.
Why it’s important: Another rivalry game between these two neighboring county schools. A win over the Class AA Mavericks could be worth some big bonus points for the Class A Cavaliers as the season rolls on. For James Monroe, this is about trying to bounce back after a season-opening loss to Greenbrier East in Week 1. The margin for error is thin in Class AA, making this almost a must win.
Who to watch for Greenbrier West: Running back Noah Brown rushed for 223 yards on 23 carries a week ago. He scored six touchdowns and accounted for 38 points in the game — both school records.
Who to watch for James Monroe: Monroe Mohler threw a touchdown and rushed for another score in the loss to the Spartans, but the Mavericks will need to see improvement to even their record.
Other games: Oak Hill (0-2) at Princeton (0-1); Greenbrier East (1-1) at St. Albans (0-2); Class AA No. 1 Bluefield (2-0) at Lord Botetourt, Va. (2-0); PikeView (0-2) at Liberty Raleigh (2-0); Independence (1-1) at River View (1-2); Summers County (1-1) at Shady Spring (1-1); Man (2-0) at Westside (0-2); Meadow Bridge (1-1) at Class A No. 3 Midland Trail (2-0); Class A No. 8 Mount View (1-1) at Tazewell, Va. (1-1); Richwood (1-1) at Sherman (0-2)