GAMES TO WATCH
Class AAA
No. 13 Cabell Midland (2-2) at No. 1 Capital (4-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Cougars held off Parkersburg for a 35-22 victory on the road. The Knights suffered their second straight lopsided loss, 40-10, against Hurricane.
Why it’s important: Capital can get halfway through the regular season unbeaten and head into next week’s showdown against Spring Valley with a 5-0 record. Cabell Midland can erase a two-game losing skid with a marquee win.
Who to watch for Cabell Midland: Ivan Vaughn is the focal point of the offense and has gotten his numbers in every game this season except for a loss to Spring Valley. The Knights will need to establish Vaughn early and often to have a chance.
Who to watch for Capital: Quarterback Kerry Martin has been electric and can count on Deshawn Harper and Chance Knox to make plays vertically, while Breece Hoff and Kalai Clark are a defensive duo tasked with trying to slow down Vaughn.
No. 5 Spring Valley (4-0) at No. 16 George Washington (2-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Timberwolves stayed undefeated with a 42-14 win over South Charleston. The Patriots had their way against St. Albans, 69-9.
Why it’s important: Spring Valley’s defense has been one of the state’s most dominant units through four weeks and will try to contain Patriots’ QB Grant Wells. The Timberwolves want to remain unbeaten ahead of next week’s contest with Capital, while GW can get back above .500 and take a big step toward a playoff berth should it pull off the upset.
Who to watch for Spring Valley: Graeson Malashevich has developed into of the state’s most versatile weapons and is key for the Timberwolves in just about everything they do. Along with Malashevich, Owen Chafin and Isaac Howard are often able to power their way behind an impressive offensive line.
Who to watch for George Washington: Wells is the focal point for GW, but the Patriots will need to find a way to get Aidan Johnson going on the ground against a physical defense.
Class AA
No. 9 Mingo Central (3-1) at No. 6 Poca (4-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: For the second time this season, the Miners scored a late touchdown to pull out a win. This one led to a 39-36 victory at Sissonville. The Dots stayed unbeaten after pouring it on Logan, 62-36.
Why it’s important: Three of the Miners’ four games have been decided by one possession, but a win in this one gives Mingo Central a four-game win streak and 4-1 record over a tough five game stretch of its schedule. The Dots have won all four of their games in convincing fashion, but this will be by far their biggest challenge yet and could set the tone for the second half of the season.
Who to watch for Mingo Central: Only a sophomore, quarterback Daylin Goad has consistently made big plays, including several down the stretch of close games that have helped to put the Miners in a quality position after one month of the season.
Who to watch for Poca: The Dots’ Ethan Payne leads the offense and found the end zone six times in the win over Logan. However, in this game, Poca’s defense will largely be responsible for giving the team a chance to win. The unit is likely to be tested against a prolific Mingo Central offense.
Other games: Class AAA No. 13 Woodrow Wilson (2-2) at No. 16 Hurricane (2-2); Riverside (0-3) at St. Albans (1-3); Class AA No. 11 Sissonville (3-1) at Herbet Hoover (1-3); Logan (1-3) at Winfield (1-3); Wayne (1-2) at Nitro (1-3); Class A No. 9 Williamstown (3-1) at Buffalo (0-4)