— By Shawn Rine
CLASS A
No. 4 Doddridge (12-0) at No. 1 Wheeling Central (11-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Wheeling Jesuit
Last week: Doddridge County shut down Cameron in a 27-0 victory at Glenville State University. Wheeling Central avenged its only loss, walloping Magnolia by a 40-19 count at Paul ‘Bud’ Billiard Field inside Brooke Memorial Stadium.
Why it’s important: A berth in next week’s Super Six is on the line. For the Bulldogs, who haven’t been given credit by some, this is a chance to prove they belong in the same breath as the big boys once and for all. As far as the Maroon Knights go, anything less than a state championship would be deemed unacceptable.
Who to watch for Doddridge: This is an easy one as it’s running back Hunter America. The 2,000-yard rusher is the backbone of the Doddridge offense and he’ll need to do something this week that he wasn’t able to for the first time this season against Cameron, which is cross the goal line. America will likely need to do that multiple times.
Who to watch for Wheeling Central: For a defensive lineman, senior Luke Duplaga always seems to have a nose for the football. As evidence, he scored two of the Maroon Knights’ three defensive touchdowns last week. He had a third earlier this season in a rout of city rival Linsly in a game played at Wheeling Jesuit.
CLASS AA
No. 12 Weir (10-2) at No. 1 Fairmont Senior (12-0)
When: Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Last week: Weir sent previously unbeaten Nicholas County packing, running away for a 63-43 road victory. Fairmont Senior had its way with powerful Point Pleasant, blasting its way to a 66-13 rout.
Why it’s important: A berth in next week’s Super Six is on the line. For the Red Riders, who are the lowest remaining seed — by far — in all three classes, this is a chance to try to atone for an earlier meeting when Fairmont cruised to a 43-13 victory. For the Polar Bears, a third straight trip back to Wheeling Island Stadium could await.
Who to watch for Weir: Quarterback/defensive lineman Tyler Komorowski was injured and did not play in the teams’ earlier meeting. He’s a difference-maker on both sides of the ball and it’s going to be interesting to see how much he can make up for the 30-point gap from the regular season.
Who to watch for Fairmont Senior If he’s not at the top of everyone’s ballot for the Kennedy Award right now, quarterback Connor Neal should be no worse than second. He’s worth the price of admission and has put up incredible numbers for the defending state runner-up Polar Bears.