GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 9 George Washington (4-3) at No. 10 Riverside (4-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Patriots had their bye, while the Warriors outlasted South Charleston for an important 36-33 win.
Why it’s important: Both teams have a good chance to make the playoffs, but the winner of this Mountain State Athletic Conference clash will remain within reach of hosting a first-round game. The Patriots have played well since starting 0-2, while Riverside is coming off one of its more important wins in recent memory.
Who to watch for George Washington: With GW having won four of its last five games, including two by one point, quarterback R.T. Alexander has grown more comfortable under center. Alexander also has a wealth of weapons at his disposal, including wideouts Brayden McCallister and Alex Mazelon. Isaac Isabell is a speedster who makes an impact on both sides of the ball.
Who to watch for Riverside: Tailback Caden Easterling is a force on the ground, while quarterback Javante Elzy rushed and threw for a touchdown in last week’s narrow win over the Black Eagles. Riverside, a run-first team, also got a pair of rushing touchdowns from Griffin Key against SC as it gained 340 yards on the ground.
CLASS A
No. 6 Midland Trail (5-2) at Buffalo (4-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Patriots had their bye, while the Bison earned a key 13-6 victory over Tolsia to aid in their quest for a spot in the playoffs.
Why it’s important: Midland Trail has a game against Greenbrier West next week, and a victory in this one would only add to the importance of a likely top 10 matchup in Week 10. Buffalo, No. 17 in the latest playoff ratings, is coming off an important victory and another one here would give the Bison a great opportunity to reach the postseason.
Who to watch for Midland Trail: Although Midland Trail lost its most recent game Oct. 25 to Liberty Raleigh, Robert Ruffner rushed for 152 yards and a touchdown. If Ruffner can duplicate those numbers in this one, the Patriots will like their chances of notching their sixth win.
Who to watch for Buffalo: Jackson England threw for a TD, rushed for a score and intercepted a pass in last week’s win over the Rebels. The Bison didn’t quite manage 200 total yards of offense in the low-scoring affair, but held Tolsia to 101 yards. Buffalo has allowed 38 points in its four wins this year.
Other games: Woodrow Wilson (1-6) at Class AAA No. 13 Capital (3-4); Herbert Hoover (3-4) at Class AA No. 16 Mingo Central (5-2); Class AAA No. 15 Hurricane (3-5) at South Charleston (2-5); Nitro (3-4) at Class AA No. 14 Winfield (5-2); Scott (1-6) at Class AA No. 2 Poca (7-0); Wayne (0-7) at Sissonville (4-3)