— By Shawn Rine
GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 3 Parkersburg South (8-0) at No. 6 Wheeling Park (6-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last Week: South made a statement with a 42-10 blasting of then-No. 7 Greenbrier East. Wheeling Park made the long trip to Elkins and came home with a 34-0 victory.
Why it’s important: It really doesn’t get any bigger for these two sets of Patriots. For Parkersburg South, this game offers an opportunity to legitimize itself as a true threat to Martinsburg’s Class AAA throne. Coach Nathan Turner considers this the toughest test to date for his club. For Coach Chris Daugherty and crew, it’s a chance to do much of the same. A victory here would assure Park of at least one, and probably two home playoff games should it advance.
Who to watch for Parkersburg South: Senior receiver Dylan Day is the go-to guy when the Patriots put the ball in the air. He has more than 40 catches for 700 yards and has found the end zone six times.
Who to watch for Wheeling Park: Slot receiver Steven Mitchell is a threat to go the distance any time he catches the ball. He had three touchdowns a week ago, and has accumulated 26 catches for 505 yards and 10 scores.
CLASS AA
No. 7 Oak Glen (9-0) at Grafton (1-7)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last Week: Oak Glen steamrolled Lincoln County, 59-8. Grafton found itself on the wrong end of a 37-12 score against Robert C. Byrd.
Why it’s important: In this game last season, Oak Glen knocked off a ranked Grafton squad, providing a springboard to this season. Now, the Golden Bears enter the final game of their regular season looking for a perfect 10-0 season. Playoff positioning is key. Oak Glen enters this contest seventh, likely needing a victory to secure at least one home playoff game.
Who to watch for Oak Glen: Running back Hunter Patterson has proven a tough player to tackle all season. He has gained more than 900 yards and scored 12 times on the ground, while also picking up 595 yards and seven touchdowns receiving.
CLASS A
St. Clairsville, Ohio (7-2) at No. 7 Wheeling Central (5-3)
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Last Week: St. Clairsville drubbed Fairfield Union, 56-7. Wheeling Central got back on track with a 59-8 rout of Paul Public Charter.
Why it’s important: This is the final regular-season game for the Red Devils, who sit precariously at sixth in the Ohio Division VI, Region 15 ratings, with the top eight schools earning a postseason berth. A win and they’re in, but things get dicey with a loss.
With or without Curtis McGhee III, the Maroon Knights are going to be a factor in the playoffs. But a win here would all but assure they don’t have to do it the hard way, which would be winning three road games — barring upsets — to get back to Wheeling Island Stadium for the title game.
Who to watch for St. Clairsville: The team’s leading rusher, Aaron Jordan, is coming off an injury that forced him to miss some action. He has run for 768 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Who to watch for Wheeling Central: Junior running back Jordan Waterhouse figures to get plenty of work. He carried five times for 117 yards and a score last week. All told, Waterhouse has accumulated 601 yards and seven scores.
Other games: Class AAA No. 15 John Marshall (3-5) at Warren, Ohio (6-3); Brooke (2-6) at Weir (5-4); Class A No. 11 Cameron (6-3) at Bridgeport, Ohio (1-8); Conotton Valley, Ohio (4-5) at Class A No. 12 Madonna (6-3); Class A No. 15 Tyler Consolidated (6-3) at Valley Wetzel (2-6); Paden City (3-5) at Beallsville, Ohio (2-7); Fort Frye, Ohio (9-0) at Magnolia (0-8); Hundred (2-6) at Montcalm (1-7)