GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 4 Capital (7-1) at Riverside (1-7)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Cougars had no trouble in a 64-0 win at Woodrow Wilson. The Warriors fell short against George Washington, 39-36.
Why it’s important: Capital needs to win out to ensure itself of staying at home through the first two rounds of the postseason. The Cougars could also gain on the loser of Martinsburg’s clash with Musselman, as one of the three remaining unbeatens in Class AAA will almost certainly suffer its first loss.
Who to watch for Capital: Quarterback Kerry Martin Jr. is one of the state’s top talents and threw for 333 yards with five touchdowns last week to add to an already stellar senior season.
Who to watch for Riverside: Tailback Caden Easterling rushed for 410 yards on 45 carries with four touchdowns in the close loss to GW. The Warriors will undoubtedly try to get Easterling established against a stingy defense to help keep the ball away from the Cougars’ explosive offense.
No. 14 George Washington (4-4) at Woodrow Wilson (2-6)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Patriots picked up an important 39-36 win over Riverside to get to .500. The Eagles struggled mightily in a 64-0 loss to Capital.
Why it’s important: GW was able to pull out a close win last week to remain in the top 16. Considering the Patriots are fighting for a playoff berth and close the regular season with Capital, this is a game they almost certainly need to win if they hope to play beyond next week.
Who to watch for George Washington: Quarterback Logan Wells has been on a mission to lead his team to the playoffs throughout the season and completed 23-of-34 passes for 357 yards with three touchdowns last week.
Who to for Woodrow Wilson: The Eagles’ defense has allowed 120 points over their last three games and will need to slow Wells and his supporting cast for any chance at an upset. Woodrow Wilson began the season with two wins and allowed a total of only eight points in those victories.
CLASS AA
Herbert Hoover (1-7) at No. 3 Poca (8-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: The Dots remained unbeaten with a 45-6 win over Scott. The Huskies suffered a 50-21 loss to Mingo Central.
Why it’s important: The Dots are one of four Class AA teams remaining without a loss, though they were passed in this week’s playoff ratings by one-loss Bridgeport. Poca needs to continue winning to put itself in the best position possible for a postseason run and it can’t afford to get caught looking ahead to
Who to watch for Herbert Hoover: Ben Kee rushed for all three of his team’s touchdowns in last week’s loss to the Miners.
Who to watch for Poca: Owen McClanahan stepped up last week in the absence of Ethan Payne, who is out injured for the remainder of the season. Quarterback Jay Cook is also a big factor offensively.
Other games: St. Albans (1-7) at South Charleston (2-6); Scott (1-7) at Winfield (3-5); Nitro (2-6) at Sissonville (4-4)