GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AA
No. 8 Frankfort (9-2) at No. 1 Fairmont Senior (11-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Falcons took care of Nicholas County, 58-12. The Polar Bears remained unbeaten by outscoring Winfield, 63-34.
Why it’s important: Dating back to the start of the 2018 season, Farimont Senior has won 25 consecutive games. The Polar Bears have also been in the Super Six each of the last three seasons. Frankfort is out to dethrone the top seed in Class AA with a spot in a semifinal at stake.
Who to watch for Frankfort: For the Falcons to stay competitive at East-West Stadium, they’ll need big performances from their backfield duo of J.J. Blank and Nick Marley. Neither had trouble producing against the Grizzlies, with Marley rushing for 129 yards, Blank adding 125 and each scoring twice.
Who to watch for Fairmont Senior: With Kennedy Award candidate Gage Michael nursing an ankle injury during last week’s game against the Generals, the Polar Bears needed other players to step up. Frankie Smith came up with three second-half interceptions, while Kieshawn Cottingham gained 185 yards and scored three times on the ground.
No. 10 Mingo Central (9-2) at No. 2 Bridgeport (10-1)
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Last week: The Miners held off Shady Spring, 13-7. The Indians handled Lewis County in far eashier fashion, 56-15.
Why it’s important: From 2013-2016, one of these two teams won the Class AA championship each year. The Indians had a three-peat through 2015, before the Miners broke through for their title in 2016. Since then, Fairmont Senior and Bluefield have met in each of the last two title games — but that can’t happen this season. The winner of this quarterfinal between two of the state’s premier programs puts itself one win away from a trip to Wheeling.
Who to watch for Mingo Central: Quarterback Daylin Goad and wide receiver Drew Hatfield are one of the more prolific duos the state has seen in sometime. Goad showed he’s much more than just a passer in last week’s win over the Tigers, rushing for 190 yards and two scores. The Miners’ improved defense also continued to shine, holding Shady Spring to 210 total yards.
Who to watch for Bridgeport: The Indians’ power run game will be on display early and often against the Miners. Brian Henderson rushed for 110 yards and a pair of TDs against the Minutemen despite carrying the ball only four times. Carson Winkie, who also plays a pivotal role on the Tribe defense, recorded 101 rushing yards and a pair of scores.
CLASS A
No. 8 East Hardy (8-3) at No. 1 Doddridge County (11-0)
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Last week: The Bulldogs rolled by Madonna, 57-7. The Cougars hung on to beat Midland Trail, 12-7.
Why it’s important: Since an 0-2 start, East Hardy has won eight of nine. Its only loss over that time is also its lone loss to a Class A team — 7-6 against Pendleton County. The Bullldogs haven’t lost a regular season game since 2017 and can reach a Class A semifinal for a second straight season.
Who to watch for East Hardy: Quarterback Christian Dove threw two touchdowns in the first-round win, before forcing a late fumble that the Cougars recovered to hang on for the win. East Hardy will have its work cut out to keep this one competitive, but the Cougars have allowed just 23 total points in their last five games, three of which are against Class A playoff teams.
Who to watch for Doddridge County: Reece Burnside and Hunter America both rushed for more than 100 yards a week ago. America did so in limited action due to an injury that kept him out for the second half of the game. Quarterback Noah Bumgardner grows more comfortable behind center each week and was 7-of-8 for 184 yards against the Blue Dons. Bumgardner threw a 74-yard touchdown pass to Griffin Devericks, which marked Devericks’ ninth receiving touchdown this year.