GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AA
No. 8 North Marion (7-2) at No. 15 Liberty Harrison (7-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Huskies secured a spot in the postseason with a 34-14 win at Robert C. Byrd. The Mountaineers, meanwhile, suffered their second loss of the season at Roane County, 34-15.
Why it’s important: The Huskies can ensure themselves a home playoff game by beating Liberty, which needs a win to qualify for the postseason. After stumbling in last week’s loss to the Raiders, the Mountaineers should be plenty desperate. A loss leaves Liberty needing help to make the playoffs.
Who to watch for North Marion: Quarterback Gunner Murphy continues to be effective through the air. Last week at RCB, Murphy completed 9-of-13 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns.
Who to watch for Liberty: For the Mountaineers to keep the potent Huskies’ offense off the field, they’ll need to play ball control. Liberty’s best chance could be relying on Seth McIntyre, who gained 192 yards and found the end zone three times in a 42-14 win over Lincoln back on Oct. 25.
CLASS A
No. 1 Doddridge County (9-0) at No. 9 Tygarts Valley (7-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Doddridge County recorded an impressive 20-7 win at Williamstown. Tygarts Valley blanked Pocahontas County, 21-0.
Why it’s important: With a win, Doddridge County secures its second straight unbeaten regular season and the top seed in Class A. If Tygarts Valley can pull the upset, the Bulldogs could be in position to host a first-round playoff game.
Who to watch for Doddridge County: Hunter America keys the offense. The workhorse tailback is coming off another memorable effort in the win over the Yellowjackets as he rushed for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Teammte Hunter Jenkins added a receiving touchdown and intercepted two passes.w
Who to watch for Tygarts Valley: To stay competitive against the only remaining unbeaten in Class A, the Bulldogs must break off some big plays. Caden Boggs provided a 95-yard touchdown run en route to rushing for 145 yards a week ago, while Daniel White added 103 rushing yards in the win.
Other games: Class AA No. 1 Fairmont Senior (9-0) at East Fairmont (4-5); Philip Barbour (0-9) at Class AA No. 2 Bridgeport (8-1); Class A No. 15 South Harrison (5-4) at Tucker County (0-9); Clay-Battelle (5-4) at Hundred (2-7); Grafton (1-8) at Class AA No. 16 Lewis County (6-3); Trinity (2-7) at Wirt County (3-6); Lincoln (5-4) at Robert C. Byrd (4-5); Class AAA No. 15 Preston (4-5) at Brooke (2-7); Buckhannon-Upshur (1-8) at Elkins (2-7)