GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 4 Capital (3-1) at No. 1 Cabell Midland (4-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Cougars continued to display their penchant for big plays in a 35-13 win over Parkersburg. The Knights scored late to stay unbeaten with a 20-16 win over Hurricane.
Why it’s important: Two programs with aspirations of getting to the Super Six square off in a critical Mountain State Athletic Conference showdown. Despite having played a challenging schedule, the Knights can reach the halfway point of the regular season unbeaten with a win here. Capital, meanwhile, has reeled off three straight victories and a fourth here would bolster the Cougars’ chances of hosting multiple playoff games.
Who to watch for Capital: Entering this season, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Cougars was replacing Kerry Martin Jr., the quarterback of last year’s team now seeing action in the West Virginia secondary as a true freshman. Evan Landers has proven more than capable behind center and completed 18-of-21 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns against the Big Reds. Landers will face a stiff test against the Knights’ stellar defense, but if he can get the ball to the likes of Kerion Martin, K.J. Taylor and Bryce Knox, the Cougars will benefit in a big way.
Who to watch for Cabell Midland: The Knights overcame several important injuries to post a narrow win over the Redskins. The status of quarterbacks J.J. Roberts and Chandler Schmidt, and tailback Isaiah Vaughn, will be important toward the outcome in this one. Cabell Midland got strong special teams play in last week’s win, including a 40-yard return for a touchdown on a blocked punt by Palmer Riggio.
No. 11 George Washington (2-2) at No. 10 Spring Valley (3-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Patriots won for the second time in as many weeks, blanking St. Albans, 28-0. The Timberwolves bounced back from their first loss with a 33-6 victory over South Charleston.
Why it’s important: Two weeks ago, this season was on the verge of being lost for GW. The Patriots then edged Huntington by one point and won again last week, adding to the importance of this matchup. Having already lost to Cabell Midland, the Timberwolves need a victory here to feel good about themselves through the halfway point of the regular season as they try to stop the Patriots from getting over the .500 mark for the first time this year.
Who to watch for George Washington: Quarterback R.T. Alexander has been a playmaker behind center and threw two TD passes in last week’s win. One of those two scoring tosses went to Hasten Pinkerton, who also rushed for a touchdown in a contest that saw the Patriots’ defense deliver its best performance of the year.
Who to watch for Spring Valley: The Timberwolves can generally rely on their defense to deliver a strong performance. They’ve also added to their explosive plays in the passing game, evidenced by Corbin Page hauling in touchdowns of 50 and 41 yards from David Livingston against SC.
CLASS AA
No. 6 Poca (4-0) at No. 13 Mingo Central (3-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Poca put it on Logan, 68-8. The Miners earned an important 33-14 victory over previously unbeaten Sissonville.
Why it’s important: Anytime you’ve reached this stage of the season and a matchup features two teams with a combined one loss, there’s added importance. The Dots want to continue to show they’re a legitimate contender in Class AA. The Miners have been perfect since a season-opening loss, and a win here would enhance their chances of hosting at least one playoff game.
Who to watch for Poca: Ethan Payne continues to power the Dots. In the win over Logan, Payne finished with 274 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He also added a 50-yard TD reception.
Who to watch for Mingo Central: Any team opposing the Miners must contend with the prolific quarterback-wide receiver combination of Daylin Goad and Drew Hatfield. Both were standouts in the win over the Indians as Goad threw for 312 yards and three TDs, while Hatfield brought in all three scores and had 212 receiving yards on eight receptions.
CLASS A
No. 14 Buffalo (3-1) at No. 8 Williamstown (3-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Bison earned a third straight win with a 33-6 victory against Sherman. The Yellowjackets had their way with Ravenswood, 44-0.
Why it’s important: With both teams 3-1 and in the top 16 in Class A, this one holds major implications for the postseason picture. Buffalo and Williamstown have both reeled off three straight wins.
Who to watch for Buffalo: The defense delivered a memorable performance against the Tide, forcing seven turnovers and scoring two touchdowns — one on an interception return, the other a fumble return. Dalton Jones, who returned the fumble for the TD, also hauled in a touchdown pass, while Eli Brock rushed for 90 yards and a score.
Who to watch for Williamstown: Since opening with a 35-13 loss to Wheeling Central, Williamstown has outscored its opponents, 105-7. The Yellowjackets’ offense is keyed by quarterback Brayden Modesitt and tailback Ty Moore. Williamstown’s defense held Ravenswood to 68 total yards last week.
Other games: Herbert Hoover (2-2) at Class AA No. 15 Sissonville (3-1); Hurricane (1-3) at Woodrow Wilson (1-3); Nitro (1-3) at Wayne (0-3); St. Albans (0-4) at Class AAA No. 9 Riverside (2-1); Class AAA No. 16 South Charleston (1-3) at No. 8 Huntington (2-1); Class AA No. 13 Winfield (3-1) at Logan (0-4)