— By Fred Persinger II
CLASS AAA
Woodrow Wilson (1-6) at No. 13 Capital (3-4)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Beckley lost to Cabell Midland, 48-8. The Cougars dropped their third straight game against Huntington, 24-12.
Why it’s important: Not many thought Capital would come into Week 9 with a losing record, but that goes to show how tough a schedule the Cougars have played. Even though Capital will likely be in the Class AAA playoffs with one more win, the Cougars would like to get on a run to try to secure a higher seed.
For Beckley, the Eagles will be trying to play spoiler against the Cougars in what will be the final matchup between the schools for at least a couple of years on the gridiron.
Who to watch for Capital: Quarterback Evan Landers is fourth in the Mountain State Athletic Conference in passing and went over 1,000 yards for the season last week as he threw for 99 yards and a touchdown. However, the Cougars will need improved play from their offensive line to get the ball to their skill position players after Landers was sacked six times by the Huntington defense.
Who to watch for Beckley: The offense for the Flying Eagles has struggled mightily the last two weeks. In losses to South Charleston and Cabell Midland, Beckley failed to reach 100 total yards. A better effort will be needed against a Capital team hungry for a win.
No. 7 Greenbrier East (5-2) at No. 3 Parkersburg South (7-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Greenbrier East defeated Ripley, 34-28, in double overtime. Parkersburg South remained unbeaten with a 35-28 victory over Morgantown.
Why it’s important: The importance comes with playoff positoning for both teams. Parkersburg South would almost certainly lock up homefield through at least the first round with a win here.
The Patriots will close with Wheeling Park and Parkersburg, while Greenbrier East faces Riverside team in two weeks. The Spartans can pick up their most impressive win of the season in this one.
Who to watch for Greenbrier East: Kyle King, the do-it-all player for the Spartans. Not only is he the starting quarterback, but King is also the leading receiver for the Spartans.
Who to watch for Parkersburg South: Running back Devin Gaines had a great game in the win over Morgantown.
CLASS AA
Independence (6-2) at No. 12 Nicholas County (5-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Independence defeated Liberty Raleigh, 37-12. Nicholas County handled Braxton County, 47-14.
Why it’s important: Both teams are likely taking a must-win approach to this game because of the Class AA playoff picture. The team that loses will have to get help to get into the playoffs, particularly if it’s Independence, though a 7-3 record might not be enough for either team.
Who to watch for Independence: Running back Atticus Goodson continues to put up big numbers for the Patriots.
Who to watch for Nicholas County: Luke LeRose has moved from wide receiver to quarterback with the injury to Timmy Baker. LeRose is coming off a 270-yard rushing performance against Braxton County.
Other games: Class AAA No. 16 Ripley (3-4) at Princeton (1-6); Class AA No. 8 Bluefield (6-1) at Oak Hill (2-6); Braxton County (1-7) at Class AA No. 9 Shady Spring (7-1); PikeView (1-7) at Class AA No. 15 Wyoming East (5-2); Liberty Raleigh (4-3) at James Monroe (5-2); River View (3-6) at Westside (0-7); Class A No. 5 Greenbrier West (6-1) at Sherman (1-6); Class A No. 6 Midland Trail (5-2) at Buffalo (4-3); Mount View (3-4) at Class A No. 10 Tolsia (4-3); Meadow Bridge (3-4) at Montcalm (1-6); Summers County (3-5) at Pocahontas County (2-5); Richwood (2-5) at Tug Valley (4-3)