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Kanawha Valley high school football report: Week 2

Quarterback Grant Wells leads George Washington into a Week 2 matchup against Ashland, Ky.

 

Class AAA No. 4 Spring Valley plays host to No. 10 Hurricane as the Timberwolves hope to avenge last year’s loss to the Redskins. Elsewhere, Capital and George Washington look to build off season-opening wins, while Winfield takes on Herbert Hoover.

Games to Watch

Class AAA

No. 10 Hurricane (1-0) at No. 4 Spring Valley (1-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Each team picked up a win over a solid Class AA foe. The Redskins topped Winfield, 24-13, while the Timberwolves had their way with Wayne, 49-8.

Why it’s important: A matchup of ranked teams that’s among the biggest games in the state this week. Hurricane can make a major impression early in the season and establish itself as a contender, while the Timberwolves can ill-afford a loss with September matchups awaiting against Cabell Midland, South Charleston, George Washington and Capital. The Redskins handed the Timberwolves one of their two regular-season losses a year ago.

Who to watch for Hurricane: Running back Christian Hill is a household name across the state and gained 186 yards on 26 carries in the opener. Kicker Timothy McCutchen booted a 42-yard field goal against Winfield.

Who to watch for Spring Valley: Graeson Malashevich had 130 receiving yards and caught a touchdown, while rushing for 33 yards and another TD against Wayne. QB Nate Ellis threw for 141 yards and two TDs and is protected by a pair of high-level Division I prospects in Doug Nester and Zach Williamson. 

No. 2 Capital (1-0) at South Charleston (0-1)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: The Cougars rallied for an impressive 28-21 win at Johnson Central, Ky., while the Black Eagles struggled defensively in a 45-30 loss to rival George Washington.

Why it’s important: Two of the top AAA programs in any given year, the stakes are generally high when these rivals clash. Capital showed itself last week to be among the best teams in the state, while SC is hungry for a win as it looks to pull off the upset and prevent an 0-2 start. The Black Eagles will be playing with heavy hearts after former quarterback Tyler Harris was shot and killed Wednesday in Lynchburg, Va. Harris is one of the most accomplished players in the history of SC’s program, having won the Kennedy Award in 2009 and led the team to consecutive Class AAA state championships in 2008 and 2009.

Who to watch for Capital: Quarterback Kerry Martin is a gamebreaker, while fullback Kalai Clark rushed for two touchdowns last week and is a force along the defensive line. K.J. Figures returned a kickoff 78 yards for a TD last week.

Whot to watch for South Charleston: Wide receiver Samajhi Simon caught three touchdowns in the season-opening loss. 

Ashland, Ky. (2-0) at No. 7 George Washington (1-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: The Patriots outscored South Charleston, 45-30, to put an end to a four-game losing streak against the Black Eagles. Ashland got a 99-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to knock off Raceland, Ky., 21-14.

Why it’s important: Much like Capital earned one last week, GW has a chance for a marquee victory against an established out-of-state opponent. The Tomcats won 10 games a year ago, have won each of their first two this season, and possess a high-level quarterback in Braxton Ratliff.

Who to watch for George Washington: Quarterback Grant Wells is coming off a 267-yard passing performance with three touchdowns and one rushing score. Running back Aidan Johnson amassed 154 rushing yards and scored twice.

Class AA

Winfield (0-1) at Herbert Hoover (1-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: The Generals were competitive, but fell short against Hurricane. Hoover dominated throughout in a 47-0 win over Scott.

Why it’s important: Winfield has won seven regular season games each of the last two seasons. A loss here would require a7-1 finish to the season to reach that mark again. Meanwhile, with upcoming games against Point Pleasant, Sissonville, Wayne and Mingo Central, the Huskies would like nothing more than to start the season 2-0 and bolster their chances of finishing above .500.

Who to watch for Winfield: Running back John Covert finished with 20 carries for 136 yards in the loss to Hurricane.

Who to watch for Herbert Hoover: Quarterback Rhett White threw for 213 yards and three touchdowns, including a 70-yard TD pass to Jon Bradley vs. Scott. 

Other games: Huntington (1-0) at Riverside (0-1); Logan (1-0) at Sissonville (1-0); Poca (1-0) at Chapmanville (0-1); St. Albans (0-1) at Nitro (0-1); Tolsia (0-1) at Buffalo (0-1)