Friday’s Big Game Breakdowns: Week 4

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   Friday night brings another loaded slate of games across West Virginia, with big matchups in every class and plenty of teams looking to make a statement. We're breaking down some of the best games on the schedule, taking a closer look at the key matchups, players to watch, and what each result could mean moving forward. These are the games that have our attention heading into another big Friday night.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">GEORGE WASHINGTON AT SOUTH CHARLESTON</h2>   The Game: This is a matchup of undefeated teams with major playoff points on the line, and both programs feel like they have title-contending teams this year. The two schools are in different classifications, but neither has been seriously tested through the first three weeks, and that changes Friday night. George Washington won this matchup 55-7 last season, but this is a completely different South Charleston team that has added a lot of talent since then. This should be a much different game between two teams looking to prove they belong in the conversation among the state's best.   Keys to the Game: Both teams have relied heavily on their running games through the first three weeks, but they may need to open things up more in this matchup. Each team has strong line play and will provide a major test up front, which could force both offenses to find more success through the air if they can't consistently win the battle in the trenches. Whoever controls the line of scrimmage will put themselves in a much better position to win this game. Mistake-free football will also be crucial in what should be a closely contested game with two ground-and-pound offenses capable of chewing up the clock. There may not be a ton of possessions, making every drive important and putting a premium on getting points out of each opportunity.   Matchup to Watch: The trenches are what I'll be watching most in this one, with D1 talent on both sides of the ball getting tested by each other. Both teams have controlled the line of scrimmage to this point, but something has to change Friday night if either wants to come away with the win. GW's [player_tooltip player_id='1826125' first='Jaden' last='Black'] and South Charleston's [player_tooltip player_id='1309691' first='Malakhi' last='Hope'] will also be dueling it out on the ground, with both explosive backs capable of changing the game on any given carry. The more under-the-radar matchup could be George Washington QB [player_tooltip player_id='1716398' first='De'Sean' last='Isabell'] against South Charleston QB [player_tooltip player_id='1624345' first='Ceno' last='Riley'], as both quarterbacks will need to manage the game, make good decisions, and come through with some timely throws when the running game isn't there.   Score Prediction: South Charleston 28 George Washington 24     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">FAIRMONT SENIOR AT NORTH MARION</h2>   The Game: If not now, then when for the Huskies? Fairmont Senior has won 23 straight games in this rivalry series, but the Polar Bears are working through some early-season kinks with a 1-2 record and several new faces in key roles. North Marion is 3-0, although the Huskies haven't exactly been dominant through the first three weeks either. We've seen some great battles between these Marion County rivals over the years, and with both teams still trying to find their identity, expect another competitive matchup tonight.   Keys to the Game: Keeping emotions in check will be critical in a rivalry game like this. It's easy to get caught up in the flow of the game once the pads start popping and tensions begin to rise, but staying composed and disciplined could play a major role in determining who comes out on top. Both teams know what's at stake, and the team that can maintain its focus when things get heated will give itself a better chance to make the plays needed late.   Matchup to Watch: For North Marion, getting the ground game going will be crucial with a young quarterback still getting comfortable. The Huskies have a big offensive line that is getting healthier and one of the top backs in AAA in RB [player_tooltip player_id='1311022' first='Brian' last='Poindexter Jr'] to lean on. Fairmont Senior will look to slow that down and force North Marion to throw, which the Huskies are capable of doing but hasn't been a strength of this year's team yet. On the other side, the Polar Bears need their offense to start gelling with new faces across the skill positions surrounding a veteran offensive line and quarterback. Fairmont Senior has also given up too many big plays through the first three games, and cleaning that up will be a major priority against a North Marion team that can take advantage of mistakes.   Score Prediction: North Marion 29 Fairmont Senior 28     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">INDEPENDENCE AT MINGO CENTRAL</h2>   The Game: These two programs have surprisingly never met since the consolidation in Mingo County, but that changes with a matchup that should give us a much better idea of where both teams stand. Independence had last week off after opening the season with two out-of-state opponents, including a tough matchup against Ambassador Christian (NC) the week before. Mingo Central has been dominant through its first three games, but the Miners are about to face by far their stiffest test of the season. This should be a great measuring stick for both programs early in the year.   Keys to the Game: Independence likely came out of Week 2 with some bumps and bruises that had a chance to heal during the open week, which could pay off in this matchup. The question with an early bye is always whether a team comes out sharp after having extra time to prepare or a little flat after going a week without playing, especially this early in the season. The good news for the Patriots is that a lot of their players had important roles last season and have plenty of experience. On the other side, Mingo Central has to elevate its focus after three lopsided wins and be ready for a much different challenge against an Independence team that has already faced some quality competition and has a lot of talent.   Matchup to Watch: Mingo Central will need to protect QB [player_tooltip player_id='1687819' first='Jamere' last='Knuckles'] against a nasty Independence front led by DL [player_tooltip player_id='862720' first='Isaiah' last='Conley'], who returns as one of the state's top sack artists, and a strong group around him. Knuckles hasn't faced much pressure through the first three games, but his legs and scrambling ability could be tested in this matchup. Independence will have its own challenge on the other side, needing to get the offense going against a Mingo defense that has allowed just 12 points through three games. The Patriots have explosive playmakers who can test that defense, but they'll need to execute at a high level and consistently capitalize on their opportunities to come away with the win.   Score Prediction: Independence 28 Mingo Central 20     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">CALHOUN COUNTY AT SHERMAN</h2>   The Game: This is an interesting matchup that came together late after Van ended its season early, opening a spot for Calhoun County this week and Sherman later in the year. The two programs quickly got together to make this game happen, and it should tell us a lot about the Class A landscape early in the season. Calhoun County is off to an impressive 3-0 start, its best start since opening 4-0 in 2015, and the Red Devils have looked good through the first three weeks. However, Sherman presents a much bigger challenge and will give us a great look at how Calhoun County matches up against a more talented team.   Keys to the Game: These are two very different offenses, with Sherman spreading the field and relying on dual-threat QB [player_tooltip player_id='1272608' first='Eli' last='Pauley'] to make plays with both his arm and legs. Calhoun County has found a revelation at quarterback in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2371422' first='Trevor' last='Mayle'], who has rushed for more than 500 yards and 12 touchdowns on QB power runs. Mayle has also been nearly perfect when asked to throw, completing 20/21 attempts with just one incompletion. Both defenses will be focused on taking away what the opposing offense does best and forcing the other team to operate outside its comfort zone.   Matchup to Watch: For Calhoun County, the biggest challenge will be competing up front and continuing to open running lanes for Mayle and the Red Devils' backs. Mayle is a capable passer, but this isn't an offense built to throw it more than 10 times a game, and Sherman will likely load the box while using its size to challenge Calhoun County's offensive line. On the other side, Sherman will need to stay in control of the game and maintain its lead if it gets one, because Calhoun County can milk the clock and limit the Tide's possessions. The fewer opportunities Sherman gives the Red Devils to control the tempo, the more important each possession becomes for both teams.   Score Prediction: Sherman 34 Calhoun County 13

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Friday’s Big Game Breakdowns: Week 4

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