GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 9 Capital (3-3) at No. 9 Huntington (3-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: While the Cougars were on a bye week, the Highlanders fell to .500 with a 24-7 setback against Hurricane.
Why it’s important: With two straight losses prior to the off week, Capital hasn’t won in nearly a month. The loser will have dropped three straight and have very little chance of hosting a playoff game. Should the Highlanders fall in this one, they have the much tougher schedule down the stretch and could be in jeopardy of a losing season and missing the playoffs.
Who to watch for Capital: The Cougars’ offense has been predicated on big plays all season, and after being shutout by Spring Valley in the most recent game, Capital needs to find ways to score against a defense that’s struggled at times. Quarterback Evan Landers likes to look the way of Marshall commit Kerion Martin, while tailback Tay Calloway has enjoyed a strong season as well.
Who to watch for Huntington: After scoring 52 points in a narrow win over South Charleston, the Highlanders have been held to a total of 28 in their last two games. Huntington struggled mightily against Hurricane and to get back on track, Billy Seals’ team will need to establish the run. That means Brocton Blair and Diallo Mitchell will be tasked with moving the chains and quarterback Tajhan Blackwell needs to be sharp.
No. 15 Hurricane (3-4) at No. 13 Parkersburg (3-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Redskins got a much-needed 24-7 victory over Huntington. The Big Reds suffered a tough loss to George Washington, 34-21.
Why it’s important: The winner of this Mountain State Athletic Conference clash will have a much better chance of making the playoffs. Hurricane needs a victory to keep hope alive for a winning season as it tries to build off the big victory from a week ago. With a loss, PHS would fall below the .500 mark for the first time this season, and the Big Reds still face Huntington, Spring Mills and Parkersburg South down the stretch.
Who to watch for Hurricane: Christian Hill rushed for 115 yards a week ago and keys the ground game, while quarterback Austin Womack and wideout Nate Barham help prevent the Redskins from being one dimensional.
Who to watch for Parkersburg: Quarterback Bryson Singer is the focal point offensively, while Braeden Mason is a big play threat and returned a kickoff 93 yards for a TD in last week’s loss.
No. 16 South Charleston (2-4) at No. 11 Riverside (3-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Black Eagles blanked Woodrow Wilson, 55-0. The Warriors were beaten by Spring Valley, 40-21.
Why it’s important: Both teams still have legitimate postseason aspirations, but the loser will leave itself little to no margin for error the rest of the way. SC kept playoff hopes alive in a big way last week and will try to build off its first win since the opener. Riverside is looking to avoid a third straight loss.
Who to watch for South Charleston: Freshman quarterback Trey Dunn had a strong performance in last week’s win. Romeo Dunham and Zeiqui Lawton are two of the more talented players in the entire state.
Who to watch for Riverside: Tailback Caden Easterling has enjoyed a memorable season, while quarterback Javante Elzy is a player opposing defenses have to key on.
Other games: Buffalo (3-3) at Class A No. 10 Tolsia (4-2); Class AAA No. 4 Spring Valley (6-1) at St. Albans (1-6); Class AA No. 15 Sissonville (4-2) at Winfield (4-2)