Games to Watch
Class AAA
No. 15 Washington (5-4) at No. 17 John Marshall (5-4)
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Last Week: Washington defeated Hampshire 42-7; John Marshall lost at home to Class AA Keyser 53-21.
Why It’s Important: John Marshall is one spot away from qualifying for the Class AAA postseason at No. 17. A win against a higher-ranked opponent should push the Monarchs into the Top 16. A loss and they will have to hope some of the Top 16 are nullified by COVID-map disqualifications.
Whom to Watch for Washington: Frankie Amore, the Patriots 5-10, 155-pound quarterback, has rushed for 1,331 yards and 18 touchdowns through nine games. While Washington doesn’t pass much, Amore does have 283 yards and four TDs on 17 of 41 attempts.
Whom to Watch for John Marshall: Backfield duo of Dalton Flowers and Alex Burton. Flowers is big-play capable rushing or receiving and will looking to get untracked after a couple of tough weeks.
Class AA
Philip Barbour (0-6)) at No. 4 Oak Glen (5-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Philip Barbour fell to Meadow Bridge 34-13; Oak Glen was off.
Why It’s Important: A win should guarantee Oak Glen at least two home playoff games before potentially hitting the road for the semifinal round. Also, the Golden Bears haven’t played for nearly three weeks and will want to get some game experience under their belt before the postseason starts.
Whom to Watch for Philip Barbour: DeShawn Webster has been a bright spot for the Colts this season as the sophomore running back totaled two scores in the loss to Meadow Bridge.
Whom to Watch for Oak Glen: Hunter Patterson, the Golden Bears senior is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He averages nearly 100 yards rushing and well over 100 yards receiving on limited touches as the Bears’ offense is diverse with players like Gage Patterson and Paxton Shuman.
Class A
No. 18 Wheeling Central (5-3) at No. 11 Petersburg (5-3)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last Week: Wheeling Central knocked off one-loss Williamstown 33-14; Petersburg picked up a forfeit victory against Tucker County
Why It’s Important: Never mind the COVID map for now. If the Maroon Knights want to make the postseason, they need to win this game and jump up from the No. 18 spot in the Class A playoff rankings. Petersburg hasn’t won a game on the field since defeating Class AAA Hampshire back in October. The Vikings has lost two in a row on the field in blowouts to Frankfort and Keyser.
Whom to Watch for Wheeling Central: Michael Toepfer will be key in this game. The Vikings succumbed to two power running teams in Keyser and Frankfort and no doubt will be keying on Central back Jordan Waterhouse to limit his effectiveness. Toepfer and the Knights’ passing game’s ability to move the sticks will help open up the run game as the game progresses.
Whom to Watch for Petersburg: Peyton Day and Montana Sindledecker gives the Vikings a nice combination at running back. Dayis the starter and the work horse, but whilst injured, Sindledecker showed his skills and came up big in the win against Hampshire.
Other Games: Brooke (1-7) at Preston (2-7); Bridgeport (5-1) at Morgantown (3-2); University (2-3) at Oak Hill (3-2); Wirt County (4-2) at Clay-Battelle (3-1); Trinity (3-2) at Wahama (5-4).
