PRELIMS
Braxton County at Grafton
What to Know: After some close losses, both of these teams are on the outside looking in for the playoffs. Braxton County possesses a very high powered passing attack while Grafton relies on a more balanced offense and stout defense. This should be a good game inside the NC region.
Clay County at Lincoln County
What to Know: The Double A playoffs will difficult to get in, this will be make or break for both. Both of Clay’s losses came to AA opponents. Lincoln County has dropped some important games. With the amount of points riding in this game, the winner could be sitting well.
Tug Valley at Mount View
What to Know: Tug Valley has a lone loss and a credible win against #8 Sherman in week one. The rest after that is quite in the air. Mount View started the year great behind the two-way play of Elijah Barner. Two losses to top AA’s and an unusual loss last week to Tolsia have them at an iffy spot. You best bet this game matters.
Nicholas County at Westside
What to Know: Both Nicholas County and Westside began with great records only for James Monroe to come end the party. The Grizzlies encounter was much closer- that was in part due to the traditional good defense they play. The Renegades don’t have a quality win yet so this game means a lot.
UNDERCARD
#1 Martinsburg at Hedgesville
What to Know: Hedgesville was slightly exposed the week prior against Musselman. It is looking apparent that they could be the beneficiary of a light schedule. However, the standard is coming to town. The Bulldogs are coming off their closest game in awhile which truly tested their four quarter ability. They passed and are looking to continue their trail of destruction.
#9 Sissonville at Winfield
What to Know: Sissonville and QB Will Hackney have only been stopped by Mingo Central… a big loss. Winfield has dropped games to AAA Hurricane and the rising Wayne Pioneers. QB Andrew Huff is a dynamic passer and runner- a trait that has had the Generals boast 50+ points on a multiple occasions. This could turn into a shootout fast.
#9 Doddridge County at Ravenswood
What to Know: Doddridge and Ravenswood have switched roles throughout the year. Doddridge now sits at #9 and has won five straight. They have had strong QB and RB play while the Red Devils of Ravenswood have suffered two blowout losses- yet they still stand at 4-2. A clash of conferences will take place in a very tight Single A race.
#8 Wayne at Chapmanville
What to Know: Chapmanville struggled early on with the loss of QB Adam Vance. However, Dylan Smith has embraced the star player role being a one-man army on the field. They will need more than one to take down the resurgence of Wayne. This Wayne team has all the characteristics of the past dominates. A reliable QB, strong runner, and an attitude that has only fell to former champs Mingo Central. It can’t be emphasized the importance of every game in AA.
MAIN CARD
#8 Sherman at #3 South Harrison
Tale of the Tape: The first in perhaps the most exciting Main Card to date. South Harrison does not possess an incredibly impressive in-state win. They are beginning the toughest stretch of Single A. The Sherman Tide lost the season opener and nothing since. This will be their biggest test of the 2017 regular season. They are tasked with containing the fastest player in the state, Freddy Canary.
#10 Parkersburg at #8 Cabell Midland
Tale of the Tape: Cabell Midland’s .500 record can be misleading due to two out-of-state losses. Their only in-state loss was on a hail mary vs #3 Capital. This team still has a beastly line and loaded backfield. Parkersburg, on the other hand, has four wins and surprised a lot despite low expectations in the preseason. QB Kam Mace dominated Wheeling Park two weeks ago and this Big Red team is definitely on the rise.
#10 Clay-Battelle at #7 Cameron
Tale of the Tape: Both the Cee-Bees and Dragons have been under the radar in Single A. With the everlasting talk of the top teams, these two one lossers haven’t got much light. A lot of that is due to Clay-Battelle’s pud schedule. Their loss was to a questionable Valley (Wetzel) squad. Cameron has blown out similar schools and only lost to an out-of-state. They do have a great athlete throwing the pigskin, Colby Brown, and he could be the difference maker.
#2 Huntington at #9 Hurricane
Tale of the Tape: Huntington has made it six weeks in the devastating MSAC and still stand strong. Their offensive/defensive lines are superb which allows RB Jadon Hayes to be a favorite for the Kennedy. Hurricane’s offense has made great strides in matching their defense with solid QB play and two reliable receivers. Capital surprisingly beat them at their own game last week. The Redskins have the ability to win this game- it’s all a matter of who wants it more and executes.
MAIN EVENT
#6 Fayetteville at #4 Midland Trail
Tale of the Tape: THE. BATTLE. OF. THE. BRIDGE. One of the most anticipated games of the season is finally here. The amount of backstory is almost too much to grasp. Miles apart, two programs traditionally excellent had fallen on hard times. Now, in 2017, the two programs find themselves in a chase for the championship. Fayetteville’s one man show of Jordan Dempsey vs Midland Trail’s deep offense and defense. To add to it, both schools are facing possible consolidation. This could be very well the most epic finale of a very historic rivalry.