Williamstown’s Jackson Kerr (8) runs with the ball during last week’s game against Wheeling Central. (Photo by Nikki Allen)

WILLIAMSTOWN at ROANE

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Did not play

Williamstown (0-2): lost to James Monroe 26-25; lost to Wheeling Central 47-19

Roane County (2-0): def. Greenbrier West 67-14; def. Clay County 49-14

Key Williamstown players: Breck Allen (QB/DB); Jackson Fulton (RB/WR/DB); Christian Hoosier (OL/DL); Carson Haines (WR/DB); Jackson Kerr (RB/LB)

Key Roane County players: Jacob Greathouse (QB/DB); Garrett Brabham (FB/DE); Koltyn Starcher (RB/LB); Brodey Proctor RB/DB); Javon Letourneau (RB/DB)

Game notes: Two heavyweights from Class AA clash for the first time in 10 years when then-Williamstown coach Terry Smith led the Yellowjackets to four wins four straight years from 2012-2015. Those are the only head-to-head battles between the two schools. While Williamstown is hoping to snap a two-game skid, Roane County is on a tear lately. Under coach Paul Burdette, the Raiders are 39-3 during the regular season since the COVID season of 2020. Despite losing in the state championship game a year ago, the Raiders own a 12-game regular season winning streak.

DODDRIDGE at RAVENSWOOD

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Doddridge County 41, Ravenswood 6

Doddridge County (3-0): def. Liberty Raleigh 41-6; def. Ritchie County 48-0; def. Tyler Consolidated 47-6

Ravenswood (0-3): lost to St. Marys 13-0; lost to Ripley 49-0; lost to Poca 35-18

Key Doddridge County players: Brycen Dixon (QB), Landon Thomas (WR/DE), Lyric Blake (RB/DB)

Key Ravenswood players: Jakob Simmons (RB/OLB), Owen Curtis QB/OLB)

Game notes: Ravenswood has its work cut out hoping to snap a losing streak which spans 19 straight games. The Red Devils seek their first win under second-year coach Matt Peery. Doddridge has won the last seven meetings against the Red Devils, including the last four by 40 points or more. The Bulldogs can’t be caught looking ahead to next week when it meets a Petersburg program which advanced to the state quarterfinals a year ago.

PETERSBURG at TYLER

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Tyler Consolidated 27, Petersburg 20

Petersburg (3-0): def. Berkeley Springs 55-13; def. Wyoming East 66-6; def. Pendleton County 26-21

Tyler Consolidated (1-2): def. Ritchie County 38-14; lost to Wahama 28-13; lost to Doddridge County 47-6.

Key Petersburg players: Kaleb Kuhn (WR/CB), Evan Tawney (WR), Matthew McDonald (RB/MLB); Lukas Wolford (RB/OLB)

Key Tyler Consolidated players: Reese Davis (QB/MLB); Gideon Winfrey (RB/OLB), Brayden Neff (RB); Caden Hall (RB)

Game notes: Last year’s game between the two schools marked the first-ever meeting. Tyler is in the midst of a gauntlet – playing four playoff teams from a year ago in four games, including Class A state champion Wahama two weeks ago and state runner-up Cameron next week. Petersburg’s Kaleb Kuhn stepped in for an injured Payrton Matheny at quarterback as the Vikings held on to defeat Pendleton County. Wolford leads Petersburg in rushing with 159 yards and has caught eight passes for 136 yards. Defensively, Petersburg posted a first-half shutout against a Pendleton County team which scored 109 points in their first two games.

WIRT AT GILMER

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s score: Wirt County 63, Gilmer County 20

WCHS (2-1) results: lost to Eastern, 47-13; d. Magnolia, 47-12; d. Calhoun County, 42-12

GCHS (2-1) results: d. Calhoun County, 46-20; lost to Braxton County, 49-14; d. Richwood, 51-18

Key WCHS players: QB Tyler Smith, TE Jake Moore, RB Adryon Hartford, DL Dillon Workman

Key GCHS players: QB Remi Huffman, RB Tyler Ratliff, WR Lex Grogg, WR Cody Smith

Game notes: Wirt County makes the relatively short trek to Morris Stadium this week to take on Gilmer County and the host Titans in a single-A showdown.

The Titans of second-year head coach Tommy Hamric already have matched last year’s win total.

Gilmer County, which has had a big start to the year on the ground thanks to the O-line and Tyler Ratliff, checked in at No. 11 in the initial WVSSAC ratings.

The Tigers, winners of two straight following a week one loss to Eastern, will try and make it four consecutive victories in the series for head man Jason Hickman.

The orange and black own a 42-11 edge in the series and enter the fray ranked ninth.

BRIDGEPORT (OHIO) AT MAGNOLIA

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s score: Did not meet.

BHS (1-3) results: lost to Frontier, 36-13; d. Shenandoah, 22-20; lost to East Palestine, 28-21; lost to Steubenville Catholic Central, 22-13

MHS (0-2) results: lost to Wirt County, 47-12; lost to River, 42-0

Key BHS players: QB Jaki Threet, RB AJ Bishop

Key MHS players: QB Kingston Christen, RB Hunter Cooley, WR Finn Loy

Game notes: Opportunity is knocking for the Blue Eagles of third-year boss Craig Mason as the Bulldogs are set to invade Alumni Field following back-to-back setbacks.

Magnolia is also sitting on a two-game skid after opening the season with a bye.

The Bridgeport duo of Jaki Threet and AJ Bishop will be the focal point for an MHS defense that must keep the Bulldogs’ dynamic duo in check.

BHS head man Andrew Yahn’s squad, which is on the road for the fourth time in five weeks, allowed 245 yards rushing on 46 carries during last Friday’s defeat. The ‘Dogs attempted three passes a week ago, completed none and had one picked off.

The series resumes for the first time in decades as the initial three meetings were all in New Martinsville with the hosts winning in 1912 (27-0), 1913 (44-6) and 1914 (71-0). They had a three-year stretch where Magnolia won the first but lost the final two dating back to 1977 (13-6), 1976 (16-0) and 1979 (34-14).

RIPLEY AT POINT PLEASANT

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s score: Ripley 28, Point Pleasant 21

RHS (2-1) results: lost to South Charleston, 27-23; d. Ravenswood, 49-0; d. Lincoln County, 45-8

PPHS (0-2) results: lost to Fairland, 40-15; lost to Gallia Academy, 28-21

Key RHS players: QB Jackson Moore, RB Cody Lawrence, WR Parker Keller

Key PPHS players: QB Caden Hill, RB Anthony Marrero, RB Andrew Whittington

Game notes: If the regular season had ended last week the Vikings of second-year head coach Ryan Simon would’ve been on the outside looking in when it came to the playoffs.

Ripley, which lost on a Hail Mary in its opener, has bounced back with triumphs the last two weeks and checked in at No. 17 in the opening Class AAA ratings.

The Big Blacks have had a week off following a touchdown defeat at the hands of Gallia Academy, but first-year PPHS head coach James Higginbotham will have to figure out a way to contain tailback Cody Lawrence and wideout Parker Keller.

Ripley’s 28-21 victory a year ago snapped an eight-game losing skid, but the Big Blacks are 56-24-1 going into the 82nd meeting.

RITCHIE AT BRAXTON

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s score: Did not meet.

RCHS (0-3) results: lost to Tyler Consolidated, 38-14; lost to Doddridge County, 48-0; lost to South Harrison, 60-34

BCHS (1-2) results: lost to South Harrison, 23-15; d. Gilmer County, 49-14; lost to Midland Trail, 35-0

Key RCHS players: QB Turner Shriver, RB Isaiah Poole, WR Jenner Keen, WR Kellen Cress

Key BCHS players: QB Landon Mays, RB Logan Payne, WR Brodi Smarr, WR Jamie Nettles

Game notes: Second-year Braxton County head coach David Lewis and the Eagles will have a chance to surpass their win total from a year ago when Ritchie County comes rolling into town.

The Rebels of third-year head coach Jared Shipe have one common opponent thus far with RCHS losing 60-34 a week ago to South Harrison, which clipped the Eagles in the season opener, 23-15.

The two Little Kanawha Conference squads have not met in a decade, which resulted in a 65-14 blowout win by the Rebels.

However, Braxton County will be looking to extend the series advantage to 12-7.

CALHOUN AT WAHAMA

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Wahama 61, Calhoun 13

Calhoun (1-2): lost to Gilmer, 46-20; d. Richwood, 34-14; lost to Wirt, 42-12

Wahama (3-0): d. East Hardy, 79-40; d. Tyler Consolidated, 28-13; d. South Gallia, 43-13

Key Calhoun players: QB Brennen Carpenter; WR Chase Schoolcraft; WR Gavin Hicks

Key Wahama players: RB Reezin Stitt; RB Treyvon Bearhs; QB Cooper Roush

Game notes: Calhoun County visits a Wahama team Friday that is averaging 50 points per game and has allowed just 13 points in each of its last two games.

The reigning Class A state champions are led by all-purpose running back Reezin Stitt, who has 623 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 64 carries.

The Red Devils allowed a pair of 100-yard rushers in last week’s loss to Wirt County, and will face an even tougher task against a Wahama rushing attack that is averaging 8.1 yards per carry as a team.

Look for Calhoun to continue to lean on quarterback Brennen Carpenter, who has developed solid chemistry with receivers Chase Schoolcraft and Gavin Hicks.

GREEN AT BELPRE

Game time: 7 p.m., Friday

Last year’s result: Did not play.

Green: (0-3): lost to Federal Hocking 58-26, Manchester 46-12, lost to Southern 53-0

Belpre (1-3): lost to Fisher Catholic 47-12, def. Federal Hocking 34-6; lost to Alexander 49-6; lost to Oak Glen 43-0

Key Green players: Kaleb Mutters; Luke Kimbler; Mason Neal (WR/CB)

Key Belpre players: Ty McFee (OL/LB); Karter Greathouse (OL/DL); Nathan Tippie (OL/DL); Jaden Francis (OL/DL)

Game notes: In the first of three straight games scheduled at home, Belpre hosts a Franklin Furnace Green outfit which allowed 58 points to Federal Hocking in its season opener – the most points scored by a Lancers team since 2013. The following week, Belpre defeated Federal Hocking for its only win of the season. This week marks the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Mutters and Kimbler are just freshmen for Green, but played a major role in keeping the Bobcats in the game against Federal Hocking.

FRONTIER AT VALLEY

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Valley 47, Frontier 26

Frontier (1-3): d. Bridgeport (Ohio), 36-13; lost to Miller, 20-14; lost to Clay-Battelle, 42-20; lost to Shadyside, 13-6

Valley (0-2): lost to Tygarts Valley, 54-13; lost to Clay-Battelle, 48-6

Key Frontier players: RB Caleb Kirkpatrick; QB Avery Powell; WR Austyn Kephart

Key Valley players: QB Koleton Kinkade; WR Wyatt Rogers; WR Gage Wichterman

Game notes: Valley handed Frontier a 21-point loss a season ago, but the Lumberjacks no longer have do-it-all quarterback Gavin Derby, who graduated as the program’s all-time leading rusher and passer.

Without Derby, Valley has struggled offensively this season, putting up just 19 total points across two games.The Lumberjacks likely will try to turn this week’s game into a low-scoring affair, but the Cougars have some firepower to counter with.

Quarterback Avery Powell and running back Caleb Kirkpatrick have been solid despite Frontier’s three-game losing streak.

After scoring just six points in last week’s loss to Shadyside, look for the Cougars to bounce back offensively against a Valley defense that is surrendering 51 points per game.

WHITEHALL-YEARLING AT MARIETTA

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Marietta 33, Whitehall-Yearling 20

Whitehall-Yearling (2-2): lost to Hamilton Township, 27-25; d. East, 14-6; d. Pleasant, 36-7; lost to Northland, 26-7

Marietta (0-4): lost to Morgan, 31-16; lost to John Marshall, 23-21; lost to Athens, 33-21; lost to Claymont, 12-0

Key Whitehall-Yearling players: QB Malachi Jackson; RB Jayson Stafford; WR Christian Miller

Key Marietta players: OL/DL Tim Simons; CB Yusef Algarhy; LB Daymeon Gulley

Game notes: Marietta remains in search of its first win this season.

The Tigers were blanked in last week’s loss to Claymont despite putting together several drives that went deep into Mustang territory.

The biggest key to turning things around for Marietta will be finishing drives. The Tigers go up against a Rams defense that is allowing 16.5 points per game.

WARREN AT UNION LOCAL

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: did not meet

Warren (1-3): lost to Circleville, 16-15; lost to Morgan, 28-13; d. Logan, 27-21 (OT); lost to Independence, 35-0

Union Local (2-2): d. John F. Kennedy, 42-12; lost to Wheeling Central, 25-19; lost to Indian Creek, 23-15; d. Harrison Central, 28-3

Key Warren players: RB Eric Carr; LB Nehemiah Reeder; LB Tyler Plummer

Key Union Local players: QB Colby Carpenter; RB Brody Perzanowski; WR Karson Grigatis

Game notes: Warren’s run defense will need to be on top of its game Friday as Union Local is expected to continue to ride Brody Perzanowski, who put up 221 yards and two touchdowns last week in the Jets’ 28-3 win over Harrison Central.

Union Local has a plethora of options out of the backfield, including Kolten Snyder, Ayden Graham and quarterback Colby Carpenter.

The Warriors have a pretty good running back in their own right in Eric Carr, who has carried 79 times for 465 yards this season.

Give the edge to whichever team can best establish the run game.

WATERFORD AT NELSONVILLE-YORK

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last year’s result: Waterford 12, Nelsonville-York 6

Waterford (3-1): d. Vinton County, 50-12; d. Caldwell, 21-6; d. Shenandoah, 49-0; lost to Fort Frye, 28-0

Nelsonville-York (4-0): d. Trimble, 34-8; d. Logan, 46-7; d. Coal Grove, 34-6; d. River Valley, 51-0

Key Waterford players: TE Weston Fairchild; QB Hayden Jones; RB Trevin Zimmer

Key Nelsonville-York players: QB Cameron Sullivan; RB Austin Gautier; WR Alex Thompson

Game notes: While Waterford will look to bounce back from its first loss of the season, Nelsonville-York will try to stay unbeaten in Friday’s showdown.

The Buckeyes have yet to play a close game, having won by an average of 36 points per game.

They’re led by running back Austin Gautier, who has 636 yards and seven touchdowns on 62 rushes.

Waterford has been playing well but ran into a buzzsaw in last week’s 28-0 loss to rival Fort Frye. The Cadets averaged 4.5 yards per carry against the Wildcats. If Waterford can hold Nelsonville-York to around that, the game should be up for grabs.