It was an early start to the week, with Class AA No. 1 Fairmont Senior defeating Lewis County for its 22nd consecutive victory.
GAMES TO WATCH
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.
No. 11 Liberty Harrison (6-1) at Lincoln (4-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Mountaineers topped East Fairmont, 21-0, to record their fourth straight win. Lincoln climbed above the .500 mark with a 27-13 victory at Roane County.
Why it’s important: Should Liberty win this game, the Mountaineers would likely finish the regular season with no fewer than eight wins. This would also be Liberty’s first victory over a Class AA foe with a winning record this season. The Cougars have won two straight, but at No. 21 in the playoff ratings, they likely need to win out to qualify for the playoffs.
Who to watch for Liberty: The Mountaineers are run-dominant offensively and use a stable of ball carriers, including Dwayne Buckhannon, Raiden Chidlers and Seth McIntyre. Since its only setback this season to Bridgeport, the Liberty defense has allowed a mere 10 points in four games.
Who to watch for Lincoln: The Cougars have been forced to play without leading rusher Colten Hovermale the last two weeks. In his absence, Yearlings Antwan Hilliard and Levi Moore both stepped up against the Raiders. Hilliard had 106 rushing yards and Moore scored three times in the win.
CLASS A
No. 12 South Harrison (4-3) at No. 8 St. Marys (5-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Hawks made a statement in a 34-13 win over Tygarts Valley, while the Blue Devils handled business against winless Magnolia, 40-6.
Why it’s important: South Harrison will be decisive favorites in its final two games, so a seven-win regular season is well within reach with a victory over the Blue Devils. The Hawks have proven they can beat good team this season, but if they come up short against St. Marys, they’ll have a hard time improving their playoff positioning over the final two weeks against Sherman (1-6) and Tucker County (0-7). St. Marys, which has been handled by Ritchie County and Williamstown in its only two setbacks this year, will have a good chance to host a playoff game if it can improve to 6-2.
Who to watch for South Harrison: Landon McFadden is a versatile weapon who can thrive at different positions on offense. He accounted for four touchdowns against Tygarts Valley.
Who to watch for St. Marys: Brennan Boron threw for 252 yards and tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Lucas Lipscomb last week. Boron also added a rushing TD in the Blue Devils’ fifth win of the season.
Other games: Buckhannon-Upshur (1-6) at Brooke (1-6); Clay-Battelle (4-3) at Conotton Valley, Ohio (3-5); Valley Wetzel (2-5) at Class A No. 1 Doddridge County (7-0); Berkeley Springs (2-5) at East Fairmont (3-4); Class AAA No. 6 Wheeling Park (5-2) at Elkins (2-5); Grafton (1-6) at Robert C. Byrd (3-4); Morgantown (1-7) at Class AAA No. 14 John Marshall (3-4); Philip Barbour (0-7) at Class AA No. 10 North Marion (5-2); University (3-5) at Preston (2-5); Class A No. 10 Tygarts Valley (5-2) at Trinity (2-5)