GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 9 Capital (3-2) at No. 7 Spring Valley (4-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Cougars fought hard but fell short at Cabell Midland, 26-21. Spring Valley knocked off George Washington, 41-6.
Why it’s important: The winner will be in a much better position to host at least one playoff game, if not multiple. Both teams have lost to Cabell Midland in close calls, while the Cougars also suffered a Week 1 setback to Johnson Central (Ky.). With two losses, this one may be slightly more important to Capital because it has less margin for error.
Who to watch for Capital: Wide receiver Kerion Martin hauled in a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Evan Landers a week ago. Logan Spurlock led a strong defensive effort against the Knights.
Who to watch for Spring Valley: The Knights’ powerful rushing attack was on display against GW, as the Timberwolves rushed for 368 yards. Luke Christopher and Cole Diamond led the way with a combined 142 yards and one touchdown apiece.
No. 15 Hurricane (2-3) at No. 14 George Washington (2-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Redskins rolled by Woodrow Wilson, 41-8. The Patriots were soundly beaten against Spring Valley, 41-6.
Why it’s important: Simply put, the winner has a much better chance of qualifying for the playoffs. With both teams currently in the top 16 but under the .500 mark, the winning team will surely rise, while the loser will leave itself a much smaller margin for error down the stretch.
Who to watch for Hurricane: Quarterback Austin Womack has established himself as one of the top signal callers in all of Class AAA. A week ago, Womack threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns to lead a prolific passing attack.
Who to watch for George Washington: When the Patriots have played well, so too has quarterback R.T. Alexander. The dual threat behind center will need a strong effort against a solid Redskins’ defense. Isaac Isabell is a big play threat as well.
No. 8 Riverside (3-1) at No. 1 Cabell Midland (5-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Warriors handled St. Albans, 50-12. The Knights remained unbeaten by prevailing in their third straight close call against Capital, 26-21.
Why it’s important: It’s the first of two very tough tests in two weeks for Riverside, which faces defending runner-up Spring Valley in its sixth game of the season. Cabell Midland is the top-ranked team and has won three straight games by one possession. The Knights have been banged up, but continue to find ways to win.
Who to watch for Riverside: For the Warriors to hang around, they’ll need to continue establishing the run. That was no problem last week, as tailback Caden Easterling gained 302 yards on 17 carries. Easterling added 110 receiving yards as well.
Who to watch for Cabell Midland: J.J. Roberts adds a different dimension to the Knights’ offense with his speed from behind center. Roberts has been banged up, but continues to produce for an offense that also heavily utilizes Jakob Caudill on the ground.
CLASS AA
No. 10 Sissonville (4-1) at No. 4 Poca (5-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Indians cruised to a 43-7 win over Herbert Hoover, while the Dots won a tough test at Mingo Central, 21-14.
Why it’s important: The Dots can pick up their second marquee win in as many weeks, while the Indians could make a big jump into the top half of the playoff picture if they can prevail on the road.
Who to watch for Sissonville: Parker Shamblin and Jackson Foster give the Indians dynamic quarterback play, while Dylan Griffith keys the running game.
Who to watch for Poca: Ethan Payne is one of the state’s top running backs and leads the charge for the Dots, who got a stellar showing from their defense to limit Mingo Central’s explosive offense last week.
Other games: Chapmanville (2-3) at Herbert Hoover (2-3); Logan (0-5) at Nitro (2-3); St. Albans (0-5) at Ripley (2-3)