Kanawha Valley Report: Week 13

GAMES TO WATCH

CLASS AAA

No. 7 George Washington (8-3) at No. 2 Cabell Midland (11-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: The Patriots earned a hard-fought 17-10 win over Huntington. The Knights remained unbeaten by taking care of Riverside, 42-6.

Why it’s important: Although both schools are in the Mountain State Athletic Conference, they did not face each other in the regular season. Since starting 0-2, GW’s only loss is to Spring Valley, and two months ago, not many thought the Patriots would be in this position. Cabell Midland has passed every test this season, but would be disappointed to not at least reach a semifinal.

Who to watch for George Washington: Quarterback R.T. Alexander keys the offense and is capable of extending plays. Alexander threw a pair of touchdowns against the Highlanders in the opening round. The Patriots’ defense has somewhat quietly been stout and allowed a total of 92 points over the team’s current six-game win streak, including 44 points over the last four games.

Who to watch for Cabell Midland: Wake Forest commit J.J. Roberts gives the offense another dimension with his ability to breakaway in the open field and find targets in the passing game. Roberts rushed for a touchdown last week and threw a 58-yard TD to Hayden Hass, who also scored on the ground.

No. 11 Capital (6-5) at No. 3 Spring Valley (10-1)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: The Cougars were the highest seed to win an opening-round game after handling Wheeling Park, 45-21. The Timberwolves used a strong second half to eliminate Hurricane, 34-6.

Why it’s important: A rematch of a Class AAA semifinal from last season, this matchup pits two of the premier programs in Class AAA. Capital is one of the more dangerous double digit seeds in recent memory and proved why last week. Spring Valley has been to the Super Six each of the last three seasons and had its way with Capital back on Oct. 4 in a 41-0 win.

Who to watch for Capital: The Cougars had more success through the air than on the ground in the regular season. Although Evan Landers threw for 244 yards in the win over the Patriots, it was the Cougars’ ground game that made a major difference. Chance Knox and Tay Calloway combined for 291 rushing yards and five scores. Capital likely won’t be able to duplicate the same success on the ground against Spring Valley, but establishing the run to keep the Timberwolves’ defense honest is crucial.

Who to watch for Spring Valley: Quarterback Nate Ellis is pivotal to the offense, as are David Livingston and Luke Christopher. As always for the Timberwolves, success starts up front and lineman Wyatt Milum is the driving force of that group.

CLASS AA

No. 6 Oak Glen (11-0) at No. 3 Poca (11-0)

When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Last week: The Golden Bears had their way with Wyoming East, 55-13. The Dots outscored North Marion, 42-27.

Why it’s important: A quarterfinal clash between a pair of unbeaten teams is something you almost never see. Although the two schools are separated by more than 200 miles, each is enjoying a historic season. Unfortunately the run will come to an end for one team Saturday, but whoever moves on will be just one win away from getting to Wheeling.

Who to watch for Oak Glen: The Golden Bears have used a balanced offense to their advantage all season. A week ago, quarterback Nick Chaney threw four touchdown passes. Hunter Patterson and Paxton Shuman are key to the ground game, while Gage Patterson and Michael Lemley scored defensive touchdowns against the Warriors.

Who to watch for Poca: For anybody opposing the Dots, the game plan starts with trying to limit tailback Ethan Payne. Payne is one of the top Kennedy Award candidates this season and accounted for 294 rushing yards and five scores a week ago. Payne’s younger brother, Toby Payne, is a major factor on defense and a key to the Dots’ passing attack.





More High School Sports

High School Sports
Herbert Hoover improves to 10-0 with 2-1 win over Hurricane
The Huskies collected a pair of victories Thursday in the Guard the Capital Invitational in Charleston.
March 29, 2024 - 12:51 am
High School Sports
Independence bests Wahama, 10-2 in the Guard the Capital Tournament
March 28, 2024 - 9:03 pm
High School Sports
Photo gallery: University defeats Bridgeport, 12-3
March 28, 2024 - 6:24 pm
High School Sports
Class AAA Boys Basketball All-State List
State champion Shady Spring lands two on first team, including captain Ammar Maxwell.
March 28, 2024 - 8:42 am