Several tough tests await Kanawha Valley teams in Week 3. Capital looks to remain unbeaten, while George Washington and Hurricane try to get back on track following losses last week.
GAMES TO WATCH
Class AAA No. 10 George Washington (1-1) at Class AAA No. 4 Huntington (2-0)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Huntington defeated Riverside, 24-8. George Washington lost to Johnson Central, Ky., 50-28.
Why it’s important: A top 10 showdown in Class AAA features the Highlanders’ stingy defense against the Patriots’ explosive offense. GW has a tough schedule ahead and a second loss in as many weeks would make reaching the postseason all the more difficult.
Who to watch for George Washington: Quarterback Grant Wells has been stellar early on, helping GW score 73 points in two games. He attempted an eye-opening 62 passes in last week’s loss, completing 34 throws for 370 yards and three touchdowns. Wells also rushed for 113 yards and an additional score. Logan Leeber finished with 10 receptions for 130 yards and two TDs in the setback to the Tomcats.
Who to watch for Huntington: Tailback Ty Wilcoxon gained 208 yards on 26 carries against Riverside and usually finds room to run behind tackle Darnell Wright, one of the top lineman in all of high school football.
Hurricane (1-1) at Class AAA No. 2 Capital (2-0)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Hurricane struggled to produce offense in a 27-3 loss to No. 3 Spring Valley. The Cougars had no such difficulty, rolling to a 42-13 victory at nearby South Charleston.
Why it’s important: A loss leaves the Redskins 1-2 overall and with an upcoming schedule that will force Hurricane to face five playoff teams from last season over a six-game stretch. Capital has established itself as a Class AAA contender and hopes to pick up another quality win.
Who to watch for Hurricane: Running back Christian Hill gets touches early and often and piled up 159 yards on the ground in the loss to the Timberwolves. Kicker/punter Timothy McCutchen made a 26-yard field goal a week ago and blasted a 62-yard punt.
Who to watch for Capital: Quarterback Kerry Martin hurts opponents with his arm and legs. While Hurricane usually has a leg up on special teams with the presence of McCutchen, the Cougars’ special teams were stellar against South Charleston. In addition to catching a pair of first half touchdown passes from Martin, Chance Knox returned a punt 66 yards for a TD. Capital also blocked a punt against the Black Eagles, helping set up Martin’s 1-yard TD run.
Class AA No. 7 Sissonville (2-0) at Scott (1-1)
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Indians put up points in bunches for a second straight game, defeating Logan, 48-30. The Skyhawks won on the road against a rebuilding St. Marys squad, 21-14.
Why it’s important: Sissonville is off to a strong start, but with a tough schedule upcoming, the Indians need to continue their winning ways. Scott hasn’t finished with a winning record since 2014 and has a chance for a marquee win over a ranked team.
Who to watch for Sissonville: Quarterback Will Hackney guides an offense that’s put up 40-plus points in each of its first two games. Hackney was flawless against Logan, throwing for 397 yards and six touchdowns.
Who to watch for Scott: Connor White and Caleb Dingess combined to run for all three of the team’s touchdowns in last week’s win.
Other games: Buffalo (0-2) at Poca (2-0); Chapmanville (0-2) at Winfield (1-1); Herbert Hoover (1-1) at Nitro (0-2); Riverside (0-2) at Ripley (1-1); South Charleston (0-2) at Johnson Central, Ky. (1-1); St. Albans (1-1) at Greenbrier East (1-1)