Entering the season, Spring Valley’s matchup at Capital was thought to be one of the state’s top games. Through five weeks of regular season play, both teams have lived up to, if not exceeded, their expectations and carry unbeaten marks into this showdown. Elsewhere, Poca and Sissonville will clash Saturday in a pivotal Class AA matchup.
GAMES TO WATCH
Class AAA
No. 2 Spring Valley (5-0) at No. 1 Capital (5-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Spring Valley poured it on George Washington, 62-21. Capital overcame a slow start to post a 20-7 win against Cabell Midland.
Why it’s important: Each team came into the season with high expectations after the Cougars were a semifinalist last year and the Timberwolves finished runner-up. This is one of the top games across the state throughout the regular season and features a matchup of unbeatens and two of the state’s most impressive teams this season.
Who to watch for Spring Valley: Known as more of a power running team, the Timberwolves displayed a prolific passiong attack against GW. Will Adkins threw for 302 yards and five touchdowns, while the versatile Graeson Malashevich had 178 receiving yards and four TDs.
Who to watch for Capital: Kerry Martin Jr. and Quisean Gray are offensive playmakers. The Cougars special teams units have been stellar all season and are responsible for a number of blocked kicks/punts and long returns.
George Washington (2-3) at No. 11 Hurricane (3-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Patriots had trouble stopping Spring Valley in a 62-21 loss. The Redskins got a strong performance from their defense to lead the way in a 14-6 win against Woodrow Wilson.
Why it’s important: A win for the Patriots would be a big step toward securing a spot in the postseason, while a loss leaves them needing a 3-1 finish to secure a .500 record in the regular season. Hurricane has responded well from losses to Spring Valley and Capital by winning two straight, but there’s little room for error with matchups looming against Huintington and Parkersburg.
Who to watch for George Washington: Quarterback Grant Wells is one of the better signal callers in the state, but the Patriots must show defensive improvement to defeat the Redskins. GW has allowed a total of 154 points in its three losses.
Who to watch for Hurricane: Running back Christian Hill will try to wear down the opposition. The Hurricane defense has allowed only 29 points in the team’s three victories, including a combined 16 the last two weeks.
Class AA
No. 4 Poca (5-0) at No. 9 Sissonville (4-1)
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Poca proved its unbeaten to start to the season was anything but a fluke with a 45-27 win against Mingo Central. Sissonville responded from a close loss to Mingo Central in strong fashion with a 42-21 win over Herbert Hoover.
Why it’s important: A Cardinal Conference showdown, the winner of this game will be in good position to host at least one playoff contest. It’s a matchup of two high-scoring offenses that could turn into a shootout. Field conditions at Sissonville forced a change of venue to University of Charleston Stadium and the game was postponed from Friday to Saturday.
Who to watch for Poca: Ethan Payne has been a workhorse on the ground and continues to put up eye-opening numbers. Quarterback Jay Cook proved the Dots are capable through the air by passing for 283 yards against the Miners.
Who to watch for Sissonville: QB Will Hackney is the driving force behind an offense that’s surpassed 40 points in each of its four wins and managed 36 in the team’s only loss.
Other games: Huntington (4-0) at South Charleston (0-4); St. Albans (1-4) at University (2-3); Cabell Midland (2-3) at Riverside (1-3); Herbert Hoover (1-4) at Chapmanville (3-2); Nitro (1-4) at Logan (1-4); Scott (1-3) at Wayne (2-2); Tug Valley (2-2) at Buffalo (0-5)