GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
Jefferson (1-6) at No. 1 Martinsburg (8-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Thought to perhaps face a tough test against previously unbeaten Salem (Va.), the Bulldogs rolled to their state record 50th straight win with a 49-14 victory away from home. The Cougars fell to South Hagerstown (Md.), 47-13.
Why it’s important: As is the case each week over the last several seasons, the Bulldogs are trying to prolong an unprecedented winning streak. Martinsburg has played at an exceptionally high level throughout its first eight games and wants to continue that trent ahead of postseason play.
Who to watch for Jefferson: Quarterback Corbin Pierson can do damage with his legs, but will need to be at his best against a defense that’s allowed 46 total points and no more than 14 in any game.
Who to watch for Martinsburg: Wideout Jarod Bowie is on a short list of the state’s most explosive players. In last week’s win, Bowie had two receiving touchdowns, a rushing score and accounted for 184 yards of offense. Naieem Kearney and Kevon Warren have helped elevate Martinsburg’s ground game as well.
No. 10 Spring Mills (4-3) at No. 12 Parkersburg (4-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Both teams earned important wins to climb over the .500 mark. The Cardinals knocked off Albert Gallatin (Pa.), 22-19. The Big Reds raced by Hurricane, 42-28.
Why it’s important: Both teams likely need one more win to secure a playoff spot. The Big Reds have the tougher remaining schedule over the last two weeks with contests against Huntington and Parkersburg South. The winner of this one will not only all but lock up its spot in the postseason, but keep hope alive of hosting a first-round game. The loser will have added pressure to win at least one of its last two games.
Who to watch for Spring Mills: Quarterback Chase Henson was instrumental in last week’s win. Henson rushed for 146 yards on 24 carries and scored two touchdowns. He also threw a 4-yard TD pass to Jacob Barrick in the late stages to lift the Cardinals to the win.
Who to watch for Parkersburg: Quarterback Bryson Singer continues to shine in the PHS attack. The dual threat signal caller can extend plays and rip off big gains, though he’ll no longer have Braeden Mason as an option to throw to. Mason, the Big Reds’ leading receiver the last two seasons, suffered a torn ACL last week.
CLASS AA
No. 3 Keyser (7-0) at No. 4 Bridgeport (7-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Golden Tornado recorded their sixth straight shutout this season in a 49-0 victory over Allegany (Md.). The Indians picked up their fourth straight win, topping Elkins, 49-14.
Why it’s important: Two of the top Class AA programs battling in a highly-anticipated matchp at Wayne Jamison Field. For as impressive as its been all season, Keyser has yet to beat an oppponent of this quality. The Indians, having only lost to defending state champion Fairmont Senior, are seeking a marquee win that would almost certainly allow them to stay home through the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Who to watch for Keyser: In dominant victories each of the first seven weeks, Keyser’s defense has established himself as one of the state’s stingiest units. Outside of a Week 1 touchdown allowed in a 56-7 victory at Robert C. Byrd, the Golden Tornado haven’t given up a point this season. KHS also has a balanced and powerful rushing attack keyed by the likes of Ryan Shoemaker, Caden Biser, Drae Allen and Aaron Lyons. Each of the four aforementioned players gained at least 60 yards on the ground last week, while Biser and Allen each rushed for two TDs.
Who to watch for Bridgeport: The Tribe have a strong defense of their own and held Elkins to 81 total yards a week ago. Bridgeport also got two early special teams touchdowns in the win over the Tigers and a 125-yard rushing performance from Trey Pancake. Pancake, Devin Vandergrift, Carson Winkie and Cam Cole are focal points of the Indians’ offense.
CLASS A
No. 12 East Hardy (5-2) at No. 2 Pendleton County (7-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Cougars topped Moorefield in a defensive slugfest, 14-3. The Wildcats prolonged their unbeaten season with a 26-20 win over Parkersburg Catholic.
Why it’s important: Since starting the year 0-2, East Hardy has notched five straight wins. If it can pick up its best victory to date in this matchup, the Cougars will almost certainly qualify for the postseason. Pendleton County has proven it more than belongs in the top 10 in Class A, but a loss would be detrimental to the Wildcats’ playoff seeding.
Who to watch for East Hardy: Although the Cougars were victorious for a fifth straight game last week, they were held without an offensive touchdown. Oddly enough, Adam Baker accounted for both East Hardy scores — one on a fumble recovery, the other on an interception return.
Who to watch for Pendleton County: Limiting the Wildcats starts with containing QB Isaiah Gardiner, who rushed for all six of his team’s touchdowns two weeks ago in a lopsided win over then-unbeaten Tygarts Valley.
Other games: Berkeley Springs (2-5) at East Fairmont (3-4); Hampshire (0-8) at Class AA No. 6 Frankfort (7-1); Hedgesville (0-7) at North Hagerstown, Md. (2-5); Moorefield (4-4) at Petersburg (3-4); Class AA No. 4 Musselman (7-1) at Washington (2-5); Tucker County (0-7) at Gilmer County (2-5)