— By Fred Persinger II
CLASS AAA
No. 9 Greenbrier East (6-3) at No. 14 Riverside (4-5)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Greenbrier East defeated Princeton, 48-12. Riverside lost to Capital, 57-21.
Why it’s important: A lot is at stake in the game for both teams. Greenbrier East needs a win and a Huntington loss to secure a home game in the first round of the playoffs.
For Riverside, a loss does not knock the Warriors out of the playoff hunt, but they would need some help to sneak in at 4-6. With a win, however, Riverside will finish .500 and lock up a spot in the postseason.
Who to watch for Greenbrier East: Kyle King, who has done a little bit of everything for the Spartans’ offense this season.
Who to watch for Riverside: Running back Caden Easterling is the leading rusher for a Warriors’ offense that does the bulk of its damage on the ground.
CLASS AAA VS. CLASS AA
Woodrow Wilson (1-8) at No. 4 Bluefield (8-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Beckley lost at George Washington, 27-12. Bluefield defeated James Monroe, 49-12.
Why it’s important: For Beckley, it’s simply a game of pride and trying to send the seniors out on a positive note. The Flying Eagles can get a jumpstart on next season, which will be their first in 15 years not playing in the Mountain State Athletic Conference.
For Bluefield, a playoff spot is already clinched, but a win would enhance the Beavers’ chances of playing multiple games at Mitchell Stadium, which was recognized by USA Today this week as the best high school football stadium in the country. BHS is also looking for the highest seed possible.
Who to watch for Beckley: Junior running back Hezekiah Creasy went over 100 yards last week in the loss to George Washington. Lineman Ian Pomeroy will play his final game in a Beckley uniform and will make his 40th consecutive start on the line.
Who to watch for Bluefield: The explosive offense is keyed by quarterback Carson Deeb, tailback J.J. Davis and wideout Jaheim House. The Beavers have scored at least 30 points in their last six games, including a school-record 42 points in the first quarter against James Monroe.
CLASS AA
Liberty Raleigh (4-5) at No. 11 Wyoming East (7-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Liberty’s playoff hopes ended in a 35-12 loss to Shady Spring. Wyoming East defeated Independence, 42-28, for a much-needed seventh win.
Why it’s important: Wyoming East can secure its playoff berth with a win. A loss would not eliminate the Warriors, but they would need some help to stay in and likely drop to a 15 or 16 seed.
For Liberty, after starting the season 3-0, the Raiders have struggled and a win would mean a .500 finish and give the Raiders some momentum going into the offseason.
Who to watch for Liberty Raleigh: Ryan Simms, Logan Doddrill and Isaac Atkins key a ground game that will need to be effective to keep the Warriors’ offense on the sideline. The defense will also need to be up to the task against a Wyoming East offense that can hurt opponents in a variety of ways.
Who to watch for Wyoming East: Running back Caleb Bower is third all-time in rushing at Wyoming East in a single season as he has rushed for 1,643 yards. A big game here, combined with a trip to the playoffs, could allow Bower to pass Tank Tunstalle, who has the top two rushing seasons in school history at 1,967 yards in 2001 and 1,913 yards in 2000.
Other games: Princeton (2-7) at Class AA No. 10 Nicholas County (7-2); Point Pleasant (3-4) at James Monroe (6-3); Sherman (1-8) at Lincoln County (0-9); Westside (1-8) at Oak Hill (2-7); Mount View (4-5) at Class A No. 4 Greenbrier West (8-1); Pocahontas County (3-6) at Class A No. 8 Midland Trail (6-3); Gilmer County (3-6) at Meadow Bridge (5-4); Van (3-6) at Richwood (2-7); Montcalm (2-7) at Webster County (3-6)