GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 7 Parkersburg (2-1) at No. 7 Capital (2-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Both teams won to climb above the .500 mark. The Big Reds handled business against Woodrow Wilson, 35-6. Capital got past Hurricane, 33-21.
Why it’s important: A key Mountain State Athletic Conference matchup that will carry a lot of weight in the postseason picture. The Cougars have won two in a row since a season-opening loss to Johnson Central (Ky.), while the Big Reds’ lone loss thus far is to No. 1 Cabell Midland.
Who to watch for Petersburg: The Big Reds used a dominant second-half showing to outscore the Flying Eagles, 22-0, and pull away a week ago. Quarterback Bryson Singer rushed for 133 yards on 20 attempts and tossed a pair of first-half touchdown passes, while PHS held Beckley to 128 total yards.
Who to watch for Capital: The Cougars have made a habit of breaking off big plays and that was key in last week’s victory. Kerion Martin had a 74-yard touchdown reception and returned an interception 40 yards for a score against the Redskins. Tay Calloway added a 50-yard TD run and Chance Knox hauled in a 44-yard TD pass from Evan Landers.
No. 15 South Charleston (1-2) at No. 11 Spring Valley (2-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Black Eagles lost their second straight against Johnson Central (Ky.), 59-29. The Timberwolves fell short at home against Cabell Midland, 28-21.
Why it’s important: After a season-opening win over George Washington, South Charleston has dropped two straight. Things don’t get any easier for the Black Eagles this week as they’ll face a hungry Timberwolves’ squad out to bounce back from last week’s setback.
Who to watch for South Charleston: Romeo Dunham had a sensational 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown last week and has proven he can more than hold his own as a defensive back.
Who to watch for Spring Valley: Corbin Page was a bright spot in last week’s loss and caught four passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. Nate Ellis and David Livingston are relied on heavily for offensive production as well.
CLASS AA
No. 7 Sissonville (3-0) at Mingo Central (2-1)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: Sissonville held its third straight opponent to single digits in a 28-6 victory over Scott. The Miners rolled to a 52-6 win at Logan.
Why it’s important: The Indians have been dominant each of the first three weeks, allowing a total of 20 points and no more than eight in any game. But this will be their toughest test yet and it comes against a Miners’ team with 108 points over its last two games.
Who to watch for Sissonville: While the defense has stolen the show in each outing, Dylan Griffith has also established himself as a high-level playmaker. Griffith rushed for 187 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Scott and also caught a pair of passes for 72 yards.
Who to watch for Mingo Central: Quarterback Daylin Goad and wideout Drew Hatfield form one of the most prolific duos in the state. A week ago, Goad completed 19-of-26 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns, while Hatfield had 127 receiving yards and two TDs on 14 receptions.
Other games: Class A No. 15 Buffalo (2-1) at Sherman (0-3); St. Albans (0-3) at Class AAA No. 15 George Washington (1-2); Clay County (1-1) at Class AA No. 14 Herbert Hoover (2-1); Hurricane (1-2) at Class AAA No. 1 Cabell Midland (3-0); Chapmanville (0-3) at Nitro (1-2); Logan (0-3) at Class AA No. 6 Poca (3-0); Wayne (0-2) at Class AA No. 13 Winfield (2-1)