GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA VS. CLASS AA
Morgantown (0-1) at No. 4 Bridgeport (1-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: The Mohigans were plagued by turnovers, and a fourth-quarter rally wasn’t enough to prevent a 27-21 setback at Parkersburg. Bridgeport took care of business in a 28-0 win at Lewis County.
Why it’s important: Separated by only 35 miles, Morgantown and Bridgeport are two of the area’s premier programs known for success on a statewide level. The Mohigans are coming off a hard-fought opening loss and an 0-2 start would make a trip to the postseason very much an uphill climb.
Bridgeport, meanwhile, can pick up a win that could go a long way for the Indians. They play only two AAA teams, with a matchup against Preston the other. Important playoff points are at stake for the Tribe.
Who to watch for Morgantown: Preston Fox is a playmaker on the perimeter and had 119 receiving yards on five receptions against the Big Reds.
Who to watch for Bridgeport: While dominating time of possession against the Minutemen, Bridgeport got 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Brian Henderson. The Indians’ defense was stellar as well and allowed one first down in the opening half. In all, BHS ran 67 of the game’s 89 offensive plays.
Preston (1-0) at North Marion (1-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last week: The Knights handled business at Hampshire in a 37-14 win. North Marion knocked off Marion County rival East Fairmont, 33-10.
Why it’s important: After both teams impressed in Week 1, the winner of this one will be rewarded with a 2-0 start and continue to build confidence.
Who to watch for Preston: Sophomore quarterback Trevor Thomas was 11-for-16 with 144 yards and two touchdowns against the Trojans. Colton Rosenberger hauled in a 40-yard touchdown pass and came up with an interception in the win.
Who to watch for North Marion: Quarterback Gunner Murphy keys the Huskies’ offense. He completed 13-of-21 passes for 208 yards and a 78-yard touchdown to Ethan Raines in the win over the Bees. Murphy also rushed for a 9-yard TD — one of four rushing touchdowns North Marion had.
CLASS AAA
No. 8 Parkersburg South (1-0) at University (1-0)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Patriots got off to a strong start under new head coach Nathan Tanner, beating Ripley 49-18. The Hawks, thought to be in rebuild mode this season, picked up a surprising 18-7 victory against John Marshall.
Why it’s important: Both teams are looking to build off opening week wins. Parkersburg South wants to show its among the elite teams in Class AAA, while the Hawks are out to prove last week wasn’t a fluke and they can compete with a ranked team.
Who to watch for Parkersburg South: Brandon Penn threw four TD passes and ran for another score against the Vikings. Dylan Day caught a pair of touchdowns and Devin Gaines scored on the ground while surpassing 100 yards in the opener.
Who to watch for University: UHS finished with only 131 total yards against the Monarchs, scoring two of its three touchdowns on defense and special teams. Colin McBee returned an interception 73 yards to the end zone and Donald Brandel fell on a loose ball in the end zone off a high snap for another Hawks’ TD.
Other games: Buckhannon-Upshur (0-1) at Ripley (0-1); Meadow Bridge (1-0) at Clay-Battelle (0-1); Class A No. 2 Doddridge County (1-0) at Tyler Consolidated (0-1); Grafton (1-0) at East Fairmont (0-1); Elkins (0-1) at Robert C. Byrd (0-1); Lincoln (1-0) at Class AA No. 2 Fairmont Senior (1-0); Lewis County (0-1) at Braxton County (0-1); South Harrison (0-1) at Liberty Harrison (1-0); Oak Glen (1-0) at Philip Barbour (0-1); Hannan (0-1) at Trinity (1-0); Tygarts Valley (1-0) at Tucker County (0-1)