— By Fred Persinger II
GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 9 Spring Mills (6-4) at No. 8 Greenbrier East (7-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Both teams won their regular season finale. Spring Mills defeated Hedgesville, 28-20. Greenbrier East topped Riverside, 25-6.
Why it’s important: This is the first home playoff game for Greenbrier East since 1992. The winner of this game takes a big step forward and will move on to play the winner of the Martinsburg-Preston game in a quarterfinal.
Who to watch for Greenbrier East: The duo of quarterback Kyle King and running back Marion Lawson have been pivotal to the team’s success on offense.
CLASS AA
No. 13 Man (8-2) at No. 4 Bluefield (9-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Man defeated Chapmanville, 33-8. Bluefield knocked off Woodrow Wilson, 48-15.
Why it’s important: Man comes into this game having lost two of its last three, though the Hillbillies earned a much-needed win in their regular season finale to secure a playoff spot.
The Beavers have been playing outstanding after a week 3 loss to Lord Botetourt (Va.), which just finished their regular season 10-0. Bluefield is undefeated at Mitchell Stadium this year and is attempting to advance to the Super Six for a third straight year.
Who to watch for Bluefield: The offense is averaging 48 points per game during the current seven-game win streak. Tailback J.J. Davis is a home run threat every time he touches it, while Sean Martin is a force on defense.
No. 11 Wyoming East (8-2) at No. 6 Oak Glen (10-0)
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Last Week: Wyoming East defeated Liberty Raleigh, 40-27. Oak Glen had last week off and beat Grafton, 57-10, two weeks ago in its final regular season contest.
Why it’s important: Two upstart programs in Class AA that many wouldn’t have thought would be in the postseason several months ago. The Warriors will be traveling nearly 5 hours to New Cumberland for this one, while the Golden Bears try to stay unbeaten.
Who to watch for Wyoming East: Running back Caleb Bowyer hhas led the Warrior team all season and will have to be on top of his game for the Warriors to win on the road against one of just three undefeated teams in Class AA.
No. 10 Mingo Central (8-2) at No. 7 Shady Spring (9-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Mingo Central raced by Winfield, 55-20. Shady Spring had the week off.
Why it’s important: Despite the Tigers having the better record and higher seed, most would consider them an underdog in this matchup. This game shapes up to be a battle of Mingo Central’s explosive offense and Shady Spring’s stingy defense.
Who to watch for Shady Spring: For Shady to win this game, the Tigers will have to slow down the explosive offense of Mingo Central.
The Miners have scored more than 40 points in the last five games and average 42.1 points per game.
Shady Spring is giving up only eight points per game, but this will be the best offense that the Tigers have seen all year. Because of the Miners’ ability to throw, getting to Mingo Central quarterback Daylin Goad is a key for the Tigers.
No. 9 Nicolas County (8-2) at No. 8 Frankfort (8-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Nicholas County had its way with Princeton, 36-6. Frankfort lost to rival Keyser, 35-0.
Why it’s important: It looks to be a relatively even matchup and perhaps the best first-round game in Class AA.
Nicholas County went through a stretch in the midpoint of the season where it was hampered by injuries, but the Grizzlies are healthier and have been playing well.
Both teams were shutout by their only common opponent — Keyser.
Who to Watch for Nicholas County: The Grizzlies have scored 230 points over its last five games. With quarterback Timmy Baker back, he and wideout Luke LeRose must always be accounted for.
CLASS A
No. 13 Tygarts Valley (7-3) at No. 4 Greenbrier West (9-1)
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Last Week: Tygarts Valley lost to Doddridge County, 46-7. Greenbrier West defeated Mount View, 44-12.
Why it’s important: After being down for a couple of years, a young Greenbrier West team has put together a great season. A win in the first round for the Cavaliers, who only have four seniors on the team, would be a big step for a program that should continue to be strong in the near future.
Who to watch for Greenbrier West: The Cavaliers have allowed fewer than 14 points in five of their last six games. Should Greenbrier West hold the Bulldogs’ ground game in check, another strong defensive effort could be in store.
No. 9 Midland Trail (6-4) at No. 8 East Hardy (7-3)
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Last Week: Midland Trail lost handily to Pocahontas County, 49-13. East Hardy defeated Petersburg, 26-6.
Why it’s important: These two teams are going in different directions at the end of the year.
East Hardy has won its last two games and outscored the opposition, 65-6. Midland Trail has lost two straight by a combined score of 76-33.
Who to watch for Midland Trail: With two straight losses and defeats in three of their last four games, the Patriots must now make a lengthy trip for their first-round matchup. To prolong its season, Midland Trail will need more production from an offense that’s sputtered at times, as well as improved defensive play from the last few games.