— By Shawn Rine
GAMES TO WATCH
Class A
Linsly (4-1) at No. 1 Wheeling Central (4-0)
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Last week: Linsly went on the road and lost a slugfest against Morgantown, 31-28 in overtime. Wheeling Central roughed up previously unbeaten Fayetteville, 33-0.
Why it’s important: Not being a member of the WVSSAC and thus ineligible for postseason play, this is the game Linsly has circled. After this one, the Cadets likely will run the table the rest of the way, so this has the potential to be a points bonanza for the Maroon Knights. Simply put, it’s one of the top games in the state this week and Hall of Fame Weekend at Central.
Who to watch for Linsly: Nils Braun is mountain of a man at 6-foot-7, 294 pounds and will be key in the effort to create holes for running back Eli Petho. Thomas Aronokhale is a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive tackle the Maroon Knights will have to keep out of the backfield.
Who to watch for Wheeling Central: Anthony Robbins is known for his athletic ability, and it will need to be on display — especially defensively — as he looks to make a living in the backfield. Linebacker Adam Murray is generally all over the field, and he’ll need to be this week.
Class AAA
No. 6 Wheeling Park (4-0) at Parkersburg (2-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Wheeling Park continued its strong first half of the season by going to Cambridge, Ohio, and coming home with a 56-29 victory. Parkersburg rebounded from a tough loss to Capital by scoring a 41-28 victory at Marietta, Ohio.
Why it’s important: Don’t be fooled by Parkersburg’s record. The Big Reds have battled injuries and a daunting schedule, and at 2-3 it’s still safe to say PHS is among the better teams in the state. With games remaining against Morgantown, Musselman, Parkersburg South and John Marshall, this is a swing game for the Patriots, who can get halfway to an unbeaten regular season.
Who to watch for Wheeling Park: Offensive lineman Tristen Hicks-Bittner (6-5, 290) recently gave his commitment to play next year at Marshall. Running back Kenya Robinson is putting up eye-popping numbers, including a 194-yard effort last week.
Who to watch for Parkersburg: The Patriots must obviously account for tight end Brenton Strange, who had six catches for 122 yards last week. But Big Reds running back Tyler Moler is having a terrific season, including 230 yards on 22 carries against Marietta.
Other games: Cameron (5-0) at Paden City (1-4); Clay-Battelle (2-2) at Calhoun County (1-4); Gilmer County (1-3) at Hundred (1-4); John Marshall (3-2) at Buckeye Local, Ohio (0-5); Magnolia (3-2) at Monroe Central, Ohio (0-5); Oak Glen (2-3) at Edison, Ohio (3-2); Webster County (2-3) at Tyler Consolidated (2-2); Valley Wetzel (1-3) at Parkersburg Catholic (5-0); Union Local, Ohio (3-2) at Weir (4-1); Musselman (4-0) at Morgantown (3-2); St. Albans (1-4) at University (2-3); Indian Creek, Ohio (3-2) at Brooke (0-4); Notre Dame (2-2) at Madonna (3-2)