GAMES TO WATCH
CLASS AAA
No. 4 Capital (6-1) at Woodrow Wilson (2-5)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Cougars earned a marquee win over previously unbeaten Huntington, 30-22. The Eagles suffered a 28-0 loss to Cabell Midland — their fifth straight defeat since a 2-0 start.
Why it’s important: Beginning with this game, Capital is a significant favorite in each of its last three contests, but needs to avoid a letdown to finish 9-1 and stay at home through at least the first two rounds in the playoffs.
Who to watch for Capital: Quarterback Kerry Martin Jr. is a dynamic dual threat and Kalai Clark is strong on the defensive line in addition to his power running at the goal line.
Who to watch for Woodrow Wilson: Although the Eagles were shutout last week, quarterback Peyton Shehan helped led a late rally that fell just short two weeks back in a 28-23 loss to South Charleston.
South Charleston (2-5) at Hurricane (3-5)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: The Black Eagles won their second straight game, edging Riverside 24-21. Hurricane’s bid for a playoff berth took a hit with a 38-14 loss to Parkersburg.
Why it’s important: The loser is almost certainly out of the playoff picture, but the winner keeps plenty of hope alive to play beyond the next few weeks.
Who to watch for South Charleston: Quarterback Shyliek Kinney joins Shaun Agard and Samhji Simon to form an explosive trio on offense.
Who to watch for Hurricane: Turnovers hurt the Redskins in the loss to the Big Reds, but Hurricane can usually simplify its offense by relying on a steady dose of tailback Christian Hill. Kicker Timothy McCutchen is a key special teams weapon.
CLASS AA
Sissonville (4-3) at No. 15 Wayne (5-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Sissonville suffered a 28-14 loss to Winfield, while Wayne got past Chapmanville, 20-14, for its fifth consecutive win.
Why it’s important: The winning team is in great shape to make the playoffs, but the loser will have work to do down the stretch.
Who to watch for Sissonville: The Indians were held to a season-low point total in last week’s loss and have scored only 34 points over their last two games, both of which have been losses. QB Will Hackney is tasked with getting Sissonville back to scoring like the team that had 208 points in its first five games.
Who to watch for Wayne: The Pioneers have three players with four rushing touchdowns and two more with three TDs on the ground. Michael Bartram leads the group with 477 yards on 81 carries, while Ethan Bowens has 278 yards and averages 8.2 yards per carry.
Other games: No. 6 Ripley (6-1) at St. Albans (1-6); Riverside (1-6) at No. 15 George Washington (3-4); Winfield (3-4) at Nitro (1-6); No. 12 Mingo Central (5-2) at Herbert Hoover (1-6); Scott (1-6) at No. 2 Poca (7-0)