PRELIMS

Parkersburg South at Brooke

What to Know: Both of these teams have struggled in the 2017 season.  We think there are some really talented players on both sides.  An important player to watch would be Brooke’s wide receiver Ethan Secrist.

 

 

Ravenswood at Wirt County

What to Know: Ravenswood and Wirt County have had rollercoaster years with big wins… and some big losses.  Both are trying to rebound after humiliating defeats because the playoffs are still very much possible for them.

 

 

Independence at Summers County

What to Know: Summers County stock has risen significantly after Tucker Lilly rose to prominence.  They’ve defeated AA Shady Spring and a top ranked (at the time) Webster County team.  Independence’s playoff dream is most likely vanquished due to the mass of AA; pride still exists and a winning season is obtainable.

 

 

Robert C. Byrd at Elkins

What to Know: This Robert C. Byrd team should be on everyone’s radar- their only losses are to Fairmont Senior, Bridgeport, and a AAA opponent.  Elkins has dropped two after beginning undefeated.  If both want a chance after ten games- this is where many quality points lie.

 

 

 

UNDERCARD

#5 Bridgeport at North Marion

What to Know: Bridgeport has not skipped a beat this season.  North Marion has also started the year off superbly.  Both have only lost to Fairmont Senior- though Bridgeport’s was much closer.  The Huskies have proven to have a high powered offense but the question remains if their front can handle the Indians.

 

 

St. Albans at George Washington 

What to Know: St. Albans is riding high with a close OT to #3 University.  RT Alexander seems less and less like a freshman every game.  The ultimate difference in this could be experience which is what Grant Wells has.  Sitting at .500 with four weeks left, there is no slip up games.

 

 

Grafton at Lincoln

What to Know: The drama of AA is going to really vamp up these next few weeks.  Grafton’s losses have come to substantial AA opponents- the same goes for the Cougars.  Grafton hasn’t had a standout talent so far, but Lincoln possesses QB Kobie Carpenter- the all-time yardage leader in Harrison County history.  It will be interesting seeing the points unfold.

 

 

#6 James Monroe at Westside

What to Know: Westside might be the quietest one loss team in the state.  That is, honestly, because they haven’t played anyone.  Their one loss, however, was lost on the final play of the game in one of the crazier games of 2017.  We are all very familiar with James Monroe by now.  An undisputed top AA with a solid front and a slew of skill players.  Could we see an upset?

 

 

 

MAIN CARD

#3 Fairmont Senior at Weir

Tale of the Tape: Weir has dropped two in the last few weeks, hurting their stock.  Don’t doubt them too much, Sebastian Spencer is a two-way playmaker that could disrupt Connor Neal’s passing game.  A big question is if the Red Rider line can handle Dante Stills.  Either way, you cannot say Fairmont Senior has dodged anybody with their scheduling.

 

Wheeling Park at #9 Morgantown

Tale of the Tape: The difference three weeks can make.  In that time, Morgantown has basically flipped positions after beginning 1-2.  Wheeling Park’s Cross Wilkinson has had a fine senior year- the defense is a big liability though.  Parkersburg diced them up in the second half.  Morgantown rides the return of Logan Holgorsen and a big win against Musselman.  This is a must win.

 

 

#10 Musselman at #8 Hedgesville

Tale of the Tape: Hedgesville has proven worthy of a top ten spot by their W-L record though many critique the quality of their wins.  The great thing about football: that’s why they play the game.  Musselman has a chance at redemption and ton of quality points.  Jacob Northcraft did his job last week, now it’s time for his defense to do the same.

 

 

#4 Capital at #6 Hurricane

Tale of the Tape: Insert MSAC Team 1 and MSAC Team 2 in our weekly Main Card MSAC matchup.  This week, we have the fiery Cougar offense against Hurricane’s stout defense.  Huntington is the only team to remotely slow down Kerry Martin Jr. and Co., Hurricane could do the same.  The difference might be in the Redskins ever improving offense behind the arm of Nathan Roy.  Capital is a scary opponent, but if their offense doesn’t get going- Hurricane could blow this whole thing wide open.

 

 

 

MAIN EVENT

#4 Point Pleasant at #2 Bluefield

Tale of the Tape: Our week one Main Events have come back for round two.  If not for the miraculous play by Jeremy Dillon, both would be undefeated.  Point Pleasant might have the advantage up front but Mookie Collier is not easy to catch nor is Truck Edwards easy to tackle.  Cason Payne will hope to counteract with continuing his own great dual-threat ability for the Black Knights.  This game could be won and lost in Bluefield’s secondary- they’re young but talented, and if they do their job at Mitchell Stadium, the odds will be in their favor.