GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 2 Martinsburg (4-0) at Hedgesville (0-4)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Bulldogs had little difficulty earning their state record 46th straight win in a 45-8 victory over previously unbeaten Academy Park (Pa.). The Eagles suffered a 49-14 loss to Morgantown.
Why it’s important: At No. 2 in the Class AAA playoff ratings, the Bulldogs could jump to the top spot considering No. 1 Cabell Midland takes on No. 4 Capital. Martinsburg has been impressive when it comes to taking no opponent lightly and the Bulldogs are halfway to an unbeaten regular season with a win here.
Who to watch for Martinsburg: Defensive back Teddy Marshall intercepted three passes in last week’s win. Marshall, who reps as a wide receiver on the other side, joins Jarod Bowie and Malakai Brown as quarterback Elijah Banks’ favorite targets on a team not lacking in that area.
Who to watch for Hedgesville: It’s been a tough year for the Eagles after reaching the quarterfinals of the postseason a year ago. Quarterback Owie Ash is a dual threat behind center and running back Devin Heath can hurt the opposition on the ground and with his pass-catching skills.
Woodgrove, Va. (3-1) at No. 4 Musselman (3-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Applemen suffered their first loss of the season in convincing fashion, falling to Tuscarora (Va.), 35-0. The Wolverines bounced back from their only loss of the year to date with a 39-7 win over Dominion (Va.).
Why it’s important: Musselman proved to be no match for Tuscarora, which is responsible for Woodgrove’s only loss two weeks ago, 13-12. This looks to be another tough test for the Applemen, who still have regular season games with Wheeling Park and Martinsburg after this.
Who to watch for Woodgrove: Quarterback Brett Johnson will provide a challenge for the Applemen pass defense, while the Wolverines’ defense will look to make life tough on the Musselman offense for a second straight week.
Who to watch for Musselman: Caleb Hardy has assumed starting quarterback duties after Caleb Horner was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Although Hardy completed 15-of-18 passes a week ago, he passed for only 92 yards. Tailback Blake Hartman is the team’s top threat and caught nine passes for 75 yards in the loss to Tuscarora, but was limited to 38 rushing yards.
CLASS AA
No. 2 Keyser (4-0) at No. 11 Nicholas County (3-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Golden Tornado posted a third consecutive shutout with their 49–0 dismantling of Weir. The Grizzlies claimed a 34-7 win against Lincoln.
Why it’s important: Keyser is outscoring opponents this season, 223-7. The Golden Tornado have gone from a likely Class AA playoff team capable of hosting a game in the postseason to a legitimate state championship contender in the season’s first month. Nicholas County, meanwhile, is off to a solid start and has surrendered only 49 points for the year, including 27 in its three wins.
Who to watch for Keyser: The formula’s been simple and plenty successful thus far for Keyser — utilize a surplus of backfield depth to establish the run and dominate defensively. Drae Allen, Caden Biser and Aaron Lyons are the team’s primary ball carriers, while the defense has allowed 406 total yards in four games.
Who to watch for Nicholas County: Quarterback Timmy Baker was out with an injury against the Cougars, but is expected to return this week. In his absence, Luke LeRose transitioned from wideout to QB last week and rushed for an 86-yard touchdown. Zach O’Dell also gave the Grizzlies a big lift on the ground rushing for 129 yards.
Frankfort (3-1) at Northern Garrett, Md. (3-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Falcons handled Berkeley Springs, 48-0. The Huskies also recorded a shutout in a 33-0 victory over Clear Spring (Md.).
Why it’s important: Frankfort is one play away from being unbeaten, but at 3-1, the Falcons are currently No. 17 in Class AA. With the small margin for error in AA and a plethora of teams vying for the final few playoff spots, a win here could go a long way for the Falcons.
Who to watch for Frankfort: The Falcons are comfortable giving the ball to several players and it showed in last week’s win. Nick Marley rushed for 136 yards and two TDs on only three carries, while JJ Blank accumulated 46 rushing yards and scored on both of his carries. Peyton Shanholtz added 72 rushing yards and two scores on nine attempts. FHS has allowed a total of three points in its three wins.
Who to watch for Northern: Having beaten Tucker County 62-0 in its second game, Northern has recorded back-to-back shutouts. The defense will look to limit Frankfort’s ground game, while Northern has a strong rushing attack of its own. Jake Rush gained 161 yards and scored twice on the ground a week ago, while Hunter Meyers also had two TDs and finished with 89 yards.
Other games: East Hardy (1-2) at Class A No. 12 Meadow Bridge (2-1); Hampshire (0-4) at Mountain Ridge, Md. (1-2); Jefferson (0-4) at Heritage, Va. (1-3); Class A No. 11 Moorefield (3-1) at South Harrison (1-2); Class A No. 1 Pendleton County (3-0) at Southern Garrett, Md. (1-2); Petersburg (2-2) at Weir (2-2); South Hagerstown, Md. (2-1) at Class AAA No. 7 Spring Mills (3-1); Parkview, Va. (0-3) at Class AAA No. 15 Washington (1-2)