— By Shawn Rine
GAMES TO WATCH
Class AAA
No. 10 John Marshall (6-3) at No. 8 Wheeling Park (6-3)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: John Marshall clinched its second consecutive playoff berth with a 39-0 victory against Warren, Ohio. Wheeling Park fell on the road to Parkersburg South, 30-0.
Why it’s important: The winner of this matchup gets homefield advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The loser will not only open the postseason on the road, but is likely to face a tougher opponent in its quest of advancing to the quarterfinals.
Who to watch for John Marshall: Sophomore cornerback Reid Wiley has been a difference-maker since being inserted into the starting lineup. He had an interception — plus a TD catch on offense — two weeks ago and led the team in tackles last Friday.
Who to watch for Wheeling Park: Linebacker Jermain Snodgrass has been a weekly nuisance for the opposition.
Class A
No. 1 Wheeling Central (9-0) at No. 11 Magnolia (6-3)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: Wheeling Central went onto the road and came away with a 14-13 victory against Shadyside, Ohio, in sloppy conditions. Magnolia is rested and ready following its bye week.
Why it’s important: The Maroon Knights, against easily the toughest Class A schedule, look to finish off a perfect regular season. A victory would vault the Blue Eagles into a home game in the first round.
Who to watch for Wheeling Central: On a team with no shortage of standouts, Anthony Robbins has played at an all-state level as a wide receiver and defensive back.
Who to watch for Magnolia: Quarterback Pat Mirandy is a dual threat who guides the offense, but he’s yet to face a challenge as difficult as the one the Central defense presents. Mirandy has passed for 1,215 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.
Other games: St. Marys (3-6) at Tyler Consolidated (5-4); Clay-Battelle (5-4) at Madonna (3-6); Paden City (2-7) at Valley Wetzel (2-7); Brooke (0-9) at Princeton (0-9); Montcalm (1-8) at Hundred (1-8); Kiski, Pa. (6-2) at Linsly (5-4)