GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 3 Parkersburg South (6-0) at Morgantown (1-6)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Patriots were off following an important win at Huntington, while the Mohigans led by 15 points in the fourth quarter before suffering a 34-28 loss to Wheeling Park on Thursday.
Why it’s important: Based on the records of both teams, this looks to be a one-sided affair. The Patriots have yet to be beaten, while the Mohigans have won only once. But Morgantown showed last week, even playing short-handed, that it can compete with upper-tier teams still and probably feels like it let one slip away in the loss to the Park. Parkersburg South needs to continue to win to ensure it stays at home in the postseason for as long as possible. The game can be seen live on the MetroNews channel.
Who to watch for Parkersburg South: Quarterback Brandon Penn has developed into one of the state’s top offensive weapons. Penn accounted for 312 all-purpose yards in the team’s last outing, a 30-21 win at Huntington. Penn has over 2,000 all-purpose yards to go with 24 touchdowns this season, while Devin Gaines and Dylan Day have combined for 16 scores.
Who to watch for Morgantown: Preston Fox is used a number of ways and has the ability to hurt opposing defenses on the ground or as a pass catcher. MHS can ease some of Fox’s load if it can establish powerful fullback Deondre Crudup like it was able to do a week ago.
CLASS AA
No. 8 Lewis County (5-1) at No. 12 North Marion (4-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Minutemen handled nearby rival Buckhannon-Upshur, 42-14. The Huskies were on a bye week following a 35-20 loss to Bridgeport on Oct. 4.
Why it’s important: Since a season-opening loss to Bridgeport, Lewis County has reeled off five straight wins thanks in large part to exceptional defensive play. Each of these teams has already lost to the Indians, and the winner can lay claim to being the third best team in the Big 10 Conference, along with increase its chances of locking up a playoff bid and hosting a game in the postseason.
Who to watch for Lewis County: The Minutemen have allowed a total of 35 points in their five wins, so a stingy defense has often been on display. Lewis County gained nearly 400 yards on the ground in last week’s win and counts on Marshall Hobbs, Dylan Wright and Chase Beam to lead the way.
Who to watch for North Marion: Quarterback Gunner Murphy will present a challenge for the Minutemen defense, while Tariq Miller is an athletic weapon in the Huskies’ passing attack.
CLASS A
No. 9 Tygarts Valley (5-1) at No. 15 South Harrison (3-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Both teams suffered lopsided losses. The Bulldogs were beaten for the first time this season in a 41-6 setback against Pendleton County. South Harrison fell short against Ritchie County, 38-12.
Why it’s important: For the Bulldogs, this is not only about showing they can respond from a loss, but also beat a quality team on the road as they try to get back into the top 8 in Class A. The Hawks have faced a challenging schedule and this one will be no different, but a victory would go a long way toward helping South Harrison qualify for the playoffs.
Who to watch for Tygarts Valley: Although the offense was limited against the Wildcats, quarterback Joshua Bright has enjoyed a successful season. Tygarts Valley will also look for Caden Boggs and Daniel White to get going on the ground.
Who to watch for South Harrison: The offense is centered around QB Jaren Robinson and tailback Landon McFadden, both of whom will need big nights for the Hawks to earn their fourth win of the year.
Other games: East Fairmont (3-3) at Class AA No. 12 Liberty Harrison (5-1); Class A No. 14 Clay-Battelle (4-2) at Cameron (4-3); Class AA No. 4 Bridgeport (6-1) at Elkins (2-4); University (2-5) at Buckhannon-Upshur (1-5); Class A No. 1 Doddridge County (6-0) at Ravenswood (3-3); Robert C. Byrd (3-3) at Class AA No. 1 Fairmont Senior (6-0); Braxton County (0-7) at Grafton (1-5); Lincoln (3-3) at Roane County (2-3); Washington (2-4) at Preston (1-5); Trinity (2-4) at Steubenville Catholic, Ohio (3-4)