GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 10 Parkersburg (3-2) at No. 12 George Washington (3-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Big Reds had a bye week. The Patriots evened their record by rallying from a 14-point deficit to edge Hurricane in overtime, 28-27.
Why it’s important: While Parkersburg has a slightly better ranking than GW, the Big Reds also have a difficult remaining schedule. Whichever team wins this matchup takes a big step forward toward a playoff berth and potentially hosting a first-round game, while the loser will have little margin for error down the stretch.
Who to watch for Parkersburg: Quarterback Bryson Singer leads the offense and passes for 175 yards while rushing for an additional 132 in the Big Reds’ 42-21 win over Marietta (Ohio) on Sept. 27.
Who to watch for George Washington: R.T. Alexander is getting more comfortable each week behind center and the QB threw four touchdowns against the Redskins. Alexander has a plethora of weapons to choose from, including Brayden McCallister, Alex Mazelon and Luke Grimm.
No. 7 Huntington (3-2) at Hurricane (2-4)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Highlanders came up short in their quest to hand Parkersburg South its first loss, 30-21. Hurricane suffered a tough 28-27 overtime loss against George Washington.
Why it’s important: Coming off a nine-point loss to the unbeaten Patriots, Huntington needs a win to stay above the. 500 mark. The Redskins, meanwhile, enter off a one-point overtime setback against a Patriots’ team they were fighting for playoff positioning with. Hurricane has lost close games to Cabell Midland and GW recently, and at No. 17 in the playoff ratings, the Redskins are running out of time to pick up wins.
Who to watch for Huntington: Brocton Blair has been effective in the Huntington rushing attack and gained 124 yards on the ground in last week’s loss.
Who to watch for Hurricane: Christian Hill has helped Hurricane compete with some of the state’s better teams in Class AAA. Hill managed 119 rushing yards a week ago, and when he’s effective, the Redskins can shorten games and are at their best.
CLASS AA
No. 11 Winfield (4-1) at No. 3 Poca (6-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Generals were on their bye week. The Dots dominated Sissonville, 69-24.
Why it’s important: The Generals have won four straight since a season-opening loss to Hurricane, including the last three by an average of 36 points. But they’ve yet to beat a team near the caliber of the unbeaten Dots, who are the third-highest scoring team in the state with 308 points and one of six remaining unbeaten teams in Class AA.
Who to watch for Winfield: Quarterback Nick Vance and running back John Covert should present a tough challenge for the Dots’ defense. The Generals have scored 48, 37 and 70 points in their last three contests, respectively.
Who to watch for Poca: Ethan Payne is one of the state’s most productive tailbacks, while younger brother Toby Payne is coming off a four-touchdown performance, including three TD receptions and a pick six.
CLASS A
Buffalo (3-2) at No. 15 Tyler Consolidated (3-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Buffalo enjoyed a bye week, while the Silver Knights rolled past Webster County, 70-31.
Why it’s important: At No. 18 in the playoff ratings, a would would go a long way for the Bison in their quest for a trip to the postseason. Tyler Consolidated, meanwhile, has won three straight since an 0-2 start, but needs to prolong its streak to stay in the top 16.
Who to watch for Buffalo: In its two losses to Greenbrier West and Williamstown, Buffalo has managed only seven total points. In the team’s last win Sept. 20 against Sherman, the Bison forced seven turnovers and got defensive scores from Dalton Jones and Cameron Lovejoy.
Who to watch for Tyler Consolidated: In two of the Silver Knights’ three wins, they’ve scored at least 70 points. Mark Rucker is the offensive catalyst and rushed for 274 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Webster County. Gage Huffman contributed three TDs on the ground as well.
Other games: Herbert Hoover (2-4) at Wayne (0-5); Nitro (3-2) at Mingo Central (3-2); Class AAA No. 5 Spring Valley (5-1) at No. 8 Riverside (3-2); Lincoln County (0-6) at St. Albans (0-6); Woodrow Wilson (1-4) at South Charleston (1-4)