GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 13 Washington (2-2) at No. 2 Martinsburg (5-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Washington rolled to a 50-0 win over Park View (Va.), while Martinsburg handled Hedgesville, 67-6.
Why it’s important: The Bulldogs seek a 48th straight victory dating back to the start of the 2016 season. Washington, which has shown improvement and is one play away from being 3-1, certainly has its work cut out against a Bulldogs’ team that has outscored the opposition by an astounding 274-32 margin this year.
Who to watch for Washington: Jace Bradbury keys the Patriots’ ground game, while Frankie Amore adds big play ability and returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown in last week’s win.
Who to watch for Martinsburg: There could seemingly be a different name on this list each week, but the Bulldogs plethora of offensive weapons is a nightmare for any defense to contend with. Quarterback Elijah Banks, tailbacks Naieem Kearney and Trey Sine and wideouts Jarod Bowie and Teddy Marshall are all key factors.
Morgantown (1-4) at No. 4 Musselman (4-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Mohigans fell to Linsly, 44-17. The Applemen bounced back from their first loss of the season in a big way, beating Woodgrove (Va.), 48-28.
Why it’s important: At 4-1 overall and fourth in the Class AAA playoff ratings, Musselman is in a good spot at the midway point of the season. But the Applemen still have regular season matchups remaining with Wheeling Park and Martinsburg, which only adds to the importance of the contest against the Mohigans.
Who to watch for Morgantown: It’s been a tough first half of the season for the Mohigans, who lost tight games to Parkersburg and Bridgeport to begin the season. Wideout Preston Fox is a major threat offensively and on special teams.
Who to watch for Musselman: Blake Hartman had one of the better efforts in his storied prep career in the win over Woodgrove. Hartman returned a kickoff 94 yards for his team’s first touchdown, then rushed for four more TDs and nearly 300 yards in an important win for the Applemen.
CLASS AA
Mountain Ridge, Md. (2-2) at No. 13 Frankfort (4-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Miners had their way in a 36-0 victory against Hampshire to get to the .500 mark. The Falcons earned an important 28-21 win over previously unbeaten Mountain Ridge (Md.).
Why it’s important: Although the Falcons are one play from being undefeated, this matchup goes a long way toward their postseason positioning. Since being outscored 99-7 over two losses to start the season, Mountain Ridge has won its last two by a total of 73-14.
Who to watch for Mountain Ridge: Jared Horsman, Jay Miller and Jeff McKenzie key the rushing attack, which provided 338 of the team’s 418 total yards a week ago.
Who to watch for Frankfort: Peyton Shanholtz and Nick Marley form a strong backfield duo. Shanholtz finished with 97 rushing yards and three touchdowns in last week’s victory, while Marley added 89 yards on the ground and accounted for his team’s other TD.
Other games: Berkeley Springs (1-3) at Class A No. 12 Moorefield (3-2); Sherman (0-5) at East Hardy (2-2); Class AA No. 2 Keyser (5-0) at Hampshire (0-5); Class A No. 1 Pendleton County (4-0) at Tucker County (0-4); Petersburg (2-3) at Philip Barbour (0-5); Fort Hill, Md. (3-1) at Hedgesville (0-5); Dominion, Va. (1-4) at Jefferson (1-4)