GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 10 Capital (5-4) at No. 7 George Washington (6-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m. (live broadcast on the MetroNews channel)
Last week: The Cougars went over the .500 mark with a resounding 57-21 win over Riverside. GW wasn’t quite as sharp, but still managed its fourth straight win by beating Woodrow Wilson, 27-12.
Why it’s important: Both teams are in the mix to host a playoff game and the Patriots can ensure they do with their seventh victory in eight games since an 0-2 start. It’s a battle of nearby Kanawha County rivals and two teams who will be in the postseason, but the winner likely puts itself in better position to win its first-round game.
Who to watch for Capital: Kerion Martin had two touchdowns of 70-plus yards against the Warriors, one on a 77-yard catch and the other a 75-yard kickoff return. Tay Calloway also scored twice on a pair of runs to help keep defenses honest, while quarterback Evan Landers continues to shine behind center. Landers was 11-for-15 with 193 yards against Riverside.
Who to watch for George Washington: Isaac Isabell is one of quarterback R.T. Alexander’s favorite targets. Isabell had a pair of touchdown catches for 129 yards in the win over the Flying Eagles.
No. 9 Greenbrier East (6-3) at No. 14 Riverside (4-5)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Spartans assured themselves of a winning season and kept hope alive to host a first-round playoff game by taking care of Princeton, 48-12. The Warriors fell flat against Capital in a 36-point loss.
Why it’s important: Greenbrier East is safely in the playoffs, but the Spartans still have a legitimate shot of hosting a first-round game. The Spartans need to beat Riverside and have Huntington lose to Spring Valley for that to happen. Riverside, which has not yet clinched its spot in the postseason, can do so with a win and finish .500 for the year. Should the Warriors drop their third straight, they’ll need help to stay in the top 16.
Who to watch for Greenbrier East: In addition to rushing for 116 yards against Princeton, Kyle King also scored on an interception return and a kickoff return. Power back Marion Lawson gained 156 yards and scored twice on the ground in the win over the Tigers.
Who to watch for Riverside: Caden Easterling rushed for 92 yards in last week’s loss. Easterling, along with quarterback Javante Elzy, need to be effective on the ground for the Warriors to be at their best.
CLASS AA
No. 11 Mingo Central (7-2) at No. 11 Winfield (7-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Miners rolled at Chapmanville, 49-14, to win their fourth straight. The Generals handled Scott, 49-0, for their third win in as many weeks.
Why it’s important: Both teams are likely to qualify for the postseason, but the winner is in for sure. A matchup of two of the more prolific offenses in Class AA, this one may be a shootout.
Who to watch for Mingo Central: Quarterback Daylin Goad is a handful. In last week’s win over the Tigers, Goad rushed for three touchdowns and passed for an additional three scores — connecting with Devin Hatfield on two of the passing TDs and Drew Hatfield on the other.
Who to watch for Winfield: Much like Goad, Winfield QB Nick Vance must always be accounted for. Vance rushed for three touchdowns against Scott. Tailback John Covert also found the end zone three times against the Skyhawks.
Other games: Wahama (3-6) at Buffalo (5-4); Logan (1-8) at Herbert Hoover (3-6); St. Albans (1-8) at Hurricane (3-6); Scott (1-8) at Nitro (3-6); Class AA No. 3 Poca (9-0) at Wayne (1-8); Roane County (4-4) at Sissonville (6-3); Class AAA No. 2 Cabell Midland (9-0) at No. 13 South Charleston (4-5)