— By Shawn Rine
CLASS A
No. 10 Wheeling Central (8-4) at No. 3 Pendleton County (11-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Continuing its road trip to all corners of the state, Wheeling Central went to No. 2 Ritchie County and walked away with a 13-0 victory. Pendleton County shut down what had been a hot St. Marys offense, winning, 13-2.
Why it’s important: The winner will play a week from Saturday at Wheeling Island Stadium, with a state championship hanging in the balance. The Maroon Knights are trying to win their third straight title, and are no strangers to big games. The Wildcats are playing the third semifinal game in the school’s 21-year history, but have never made it to the Super Six.
Who to watch for Wheeling Central: Senior linebacker Adam Murray will leave the school as one of the most decorated prep football players in the state’s history. He is a two-time winner of the Sam Huff Award, given to West Virginia’s top defensive player, and last season added the Chuck Howley Award as the state’s top linebacker. As the leader of a defense that has allowed one TD in the postseason and 18 points the last three weeks, Murray is also going for a third ring.
Who to watch for Pendleton County: It’s the entire defense. Save for a 35-0 defeat at the hands of Moorefield — the Wildcats’ lone loss — the defense has surrendered 20 points or less every time out for fourth-year coach Zac Smith.
CLASS AA
No. 6 Oak Glen (12-0) at No. 2 Bridgeport (11-1)
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Last Week: Oak Glen continued its unbeaten season with its most impressive victory to date. The Golden Bears went on the road and got by previously undefeated Poca in a 25-20 victory. Bridgeport scored a touchdown in all four quarters, knocking off Mingo Central, 28-8.
Why it’s important: This is the first state semifinal game in the history of Oak Glen High School. Coach Ted Arneault Jr. is looking to lead his team into the Friday night showdown at Wheeling Island Stadium next week. On the other side, Bridgeport will be playing in the semifinals for the ninth straight year.
Who to watch for Oak Glen: There are a number of people we could talk about in this space, but perhaps none play as important a role as Hunter Patterson. In last week’s game, Patterson had a 75-yard receiving touchdown and took a kickoff back 97 yards for another score. Patterson finished with 98 yards rushing and threw a game-winning TD to Michael Lemley.
Who to watch for Bridgeport: Carson Winkie has been a star for the Indians throughout the season and it continued last week. Int the victory against Mingo Central, Winkie rushed for 102 yards on 26 carries. He scored on a 2-yard run and also returned an interception 97 yards for a score.