— By Shawn Rine
CLASS A
Paul Public Charter International (2-5-1) at No. 7 Wheeling Central (4-3)
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Last Week: PPCI suffered a 40-0 loss to Anacostia, D.C. Wheeling Central took one on the chin, suffering a 27-13 defeat at the hands of perennial Ohio power Martins Ferry.
Why it’s important: The Maroon Knights are in good shape in the playoff picture, despite their three losses. However, with road games remaining with St. Clairsville and Magnolia, the time is now if Central wants to play host to at least one playoff game at Wheeling University. It will be a special night as the team honors this season’s seniors, who are going for a third straight state championship. The school is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of its first state title, a Class AA crown in 1979.
Who to watch for Paul Charter: Quarterback Aron Artis leads an athletic offense, having completed 39-of-88 passes for 814 yards and four touchdowns.
Who to watch for Wheeling Central: All eyes are on senior quarterback Jacob Rine. He takes over for all-stater Curtis McGhee III, who saw his career come to a close last week following a torn ACL. Rine has proven capable in flashes, having completed 14-of-37 passes this season. When McGhee was injured last season, Rine led the Knights to three victories.
Beallsville, Ohio (2-6) at No. 15 Cameron (5-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last Week: Beallsville dropped a 29-22 decision to Conotton Valley, Ohio. Cameron rallied from a 13-0, first-quarter hole to knock off Clay-Battelle, 36-21.
Why it’s important: The Dragons are in search of a fourth consecutive Class A playoff berth. On the edge at No. 15, the postseason has already begun for Coach Tim Brown’s club, which features all of three seniors.
Who to watch for Cameron: How about the performance last week of receiver-cornerback Noah Neely? Forced into the running back position because of injury, Neely ran for a career-high 194 yards and a touchdown against the Cee-Bees. He also hauled in a touchdown.
CLASS AAA
No. 6 Wheeling Park (5-2) at Elkins (2-5)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last Week: Wheeling Park suffered a heart-breaking, 26-24 loss on the road to Musselman. The Tigers had a two-game winning streak snapped, finding themselves on the wrong end of a 49-14 beatdown by Bridgeport.
Why it’s important: The Patriots have now suffered a pair of losses by a combined five points, meaning they are a play here or there from being undefeated. They can ill-afford a letdown this week against Elkins, not with games remaining against unbeaten Parkersburg South and rival John Marshall.
Who to watch for Wheeling Park: We talk about him every week, it seems. But quarterback Alex Dunlevy is not only the Patriots’ most important player, but has proven to be one of the best at his position in the state. Dunlevy has more than 2,000 yards of total offense and is responsible for 24 total touchdowns which at the very least, throws his name into the Kennedy Award ring.
Who to watch for Elkins: In the Tigers’ two wins, Dennard Wyche totaled 361 yards and five touchdowns.
Other games: Morgantown (1-7) at Class AAA No. 14 John Marshall (3-4); Buckhannon-Upshur (1-6) at Brooke (1-6); Class AA No. 7 Oak Glen (8-0) at Lincoln County (0-8); East Liverpool, Ohio (4-4) at Weir (4-4); Valley Wetzel (2-5) at Class A No. 1 Doddridge County (7-0); Steubenville Catholic, Ohio (4-4) at Class A No. 9 Madonna (6-2); Magnolia (0-7) at Class A No. 16 Tyler Consolidated (4-3); Clay-Battelle (4-3) at Conotton Valley, Ohio (3-5); Hancock, Md. (1-6) at Paden City (2-5)