Martinsburg’s 34-game win streak is on the line against unbeaten Sherando, while Musselman will try to stay undefeated against a one-loss Hedgesville team.
GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
Sherando, Va. (5-0) at No. 3 Martinsburg (6-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Warriors were on their bye week and last played Sept. 21, when they handled Liberty (Va.), 55-21. Martinsburg rolled by Washington, 67-0.
Why it’s important: Both teams are unbeaten and have won each game they’ve played this season by 20-plus points, meaning a marquee matchup awaits at Cobourn Field. Sherando defeated Martinsburg in 2015, but has lost the last two matchups by a combined 10 points.
Who to watch for Sherando: Quarterback Hunter Entsminger is a dual threat and passes for 123 yards with two touchdowns to go with 77 rushing yards and one TD in his team’s last game. Running back T.J. Washington is explosive and gained 192 yards on 19 carries in that same contest, scoring twice on runs and once on a reception.
Who to watch for Martinsburg: Dewayne Grantham and Grant Harman are well rested after sitting out the win over Washington. Each is a two-way standout and leader for a program that’s won 34 straight games.
No. 6 Hedgesville (5-1) at No. 4 Musselman (5-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Eagles won convincingly at Preston, 72-0, in last Thursday’s Buckwheat Bowl. Musselman also went west and earned its best win of the season at Morgantown, 13-7.
Why it’s important: The winner of this one is in great position to host at least one playoff game and earn critical points for the postseason ratings, while for the loser, it could mark the start of a slide. Hedgesville plays Martinsburg next week and Musselman takes on Wheeling Park the same night and Martinsburg later this month.
Who to watch for Hedgesville: Quarterback Owie Ash, wide receiver Malakai Brown and versatile athlete N’iyjere Smith form a talented and explosive offensive trio for a team with 302 points this season. The Eagles and Martinsburg are the only teams in the state with 300-plus points to this point.
Who to watch for Musselman: Tre Beard and Blake Hartman are a strong 1-2 punch at quarterback/running back and the Applemen defense has been among the best units in the state, having allowed only 63 points this season.
Class AA
Man (3-2) at No. 7 Keyser (4-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: The Hillbillies edged Lincoln County in overtime, 12-6. The Golden Tornado had no difficulty in a 48-6 win over Hampshire.
Why it’s important: Man can earn a quality road win against a likely playoff team, while the Golden Tornado are looking to avoid slipping up. Both teams bring three-game winning streaks into the matchup.
Who to watch for Man: Quarterback Caleb Milton has stepped up and the defense has allowed a total of 26 points during three straight wins.
Who to watch for Keyser: Ryan Shoemaker was in on five first half touchdowns a week ago, throwing for three scores and running for an additional two.
Other Friday games: Frankfort (5-1) at Washington (0-6); Jefferson (0-5) at Spring Mills (2-4); Berkeley Springs (0-6) at Brunswick, Md. (3-2); East Hardy (0-5) at Tucker County (5-1); Moorefield (2-4) at Northern Garrett, Md. (1-3)
Thursday’s game: Pendleton County (4-2) at Tygarts Valley (3-2)