GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
Spring Mills (4-5) at No. 9 Hedgesville (6-3)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: Spring Mills knocked off North Hagerstown, Md., 32-9 to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Eagles had a bye week and last played October 19 when they secured a winning season with a 42-13 victory at Hampshire.
Why it’s important: Hedgesville needs a win to have a chance at hosting a first-round playoff game and with several teams in front of the Eagles facing difficult Week 11 challenges, a victory could very well allow them to stay home next week. Spring Mills needs to pull the upset and get some help to qualify for the playoffs.
Who to watch for Spring Mills: In the Cardinals’ last contest, Evin Hurt started at quarterback in the place of an injured Keon Padmore-Johnson and threw two touchdowns while rushing for another score.
Who to watch for Hedgesville: Wide receiver Malakai Brown is among the state’s most explosive players and whether catching passes or taking handoffs, Brown must be accounted for at all times. He scored three first-half touchdown against Hampshire.
CLASS AA
No. 7 Keyser (7-2) at Mountain Ridge, Md. (6-3)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: The Golden Tornado locked up a playoff berth with a 27-13 win at rival Frankfort. The Miners were soundly beaten against Fort Hill, Md., 56-0.
Why it’s important: Keyser needs a win to stay at home for the opening round of the playoffs. A loss likely opens the door for Mingo Central or Wayne to host instead.
Who to watch for Keyser: When Caden Biser at it his best, so usually are the Golden Tornado. Biser rushed for 111 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Falcons.
Who to watch for Mountain Ridge: Iosefa Pua’auli gets more than his fair share of touches and the Golden Tornado front seven will have to be up to the test to slow him down.
CLASS AA vs. CLASS A
Class AA No. 13 Petersburg (7-2) at East Hardy (2-7)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: The Vikings offense led the way in a 52-20 win against Tucker County. The Cougars claimed their second win of the season in convincing fashion at South Harrison, 44-7.
Why it’s important: For the Vikings, the formula is simeple — win and you’re in the playoffs. A loss, however, combined with a Grafton win over North Marion, and Petersburg is likely on the outside looking in.
Who to watch for Petersburg: Quarterback Jacob Hartman has helped carry the team all season and is coming off one of his better performances. Hartman completed 10-of-12 passes for 326 yards and five touchdowns against the Mountain Lions, with Tyce Wisnewski accounting for 259 of the receiving yards.
Who to watch for East Hardy: Chance Dove has big-play ability and the Vikings will need to slow him down. Dove rushed for 107 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Hawks, while also returning a kickoff 64 yards for an additional TD.
Thursday games: Preston (1-8) at Musselman (8-1); Frankfort (7-2) at Hampshire (2-7); Washington (0-9) at Jefferson (1-8)
Friday games: Pendleton County (7-2) at Berkeley Springs (0-9); Tucker County (6-3) at Notre Dame (4-5)