Friday’s Big Game Breakdowns: Week 9

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>The Stock Up Showcase is Returning to West Virginia on January 3rd in Bridgeport! Use Code SUWV25OFF for a 25% off discount at checkout! Register <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2594/register/stock-up-showcase-west-virginia">HERE</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PRINCETON AT HERBERT HOOVER</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Game:</strong> This is the biggest matchup in Class AAA this week, with major playoff points on the line as the postseason picture starts to take shape. Princeton and Herbert Hoover have split their playoff meetings over the last two seasons, with the Tigers taking last year's matchup 41-35 on their way to the program's first state championship. Hoover has its own championship ambitions as the Huskies chase their first title in school history, and this regular-season showdown offers a chance to gain ground against a team they could see again in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keys to the Game:</strong> Princeton's biggest challenge is finding a way to slow down Hoover RB David Robinson Jr, a leading contender for the Kennedy Award who has been impossible to contain this season. The D1 prospect has run wild against every opponent on the Huskies' schedule so far, but Princeton may present his toughest test yet. The Tigers have the athletes to challenge Hoover for four quarters, but they'll need to limit Robinson's impact and keep the Huskies from controlling the game on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup to Watch:</strong> If Princeton commits extra defenders to the box to slow Robinson, Hoover is comfortable turning to junior QB Peyton Grigsby and a talented group of receivers. On the other side, Princeton's offensive line, led by Marshall commit Landyn Moore and junior Colby Justus, needs to establish control up front and create room for sophomore RB Aaron Hood Jr to work. Keeping Hoover's offense on the sideline with sustained drives would be a major advantage for the Tigers. There's enough firepower on both sides for this to turn into a track meet, but each team would rather dictate the pace than get pulled into a shootout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score Prediction:</strong> Herbert Hoover 35 Princeton 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WESTSIDE AT JAMES MONROE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Game:</strong> This is a massive Southern West Virginia matchup with playoff hopes hanging in the balance for both programs. Westside has reached the postseason only once in the past decade and needs a win at James Monroe to improve its chances of returning. The Mavericks have been a regular postseason team under John Mustain, but they also need to take care of business down the stretch. Both teams face tough matchups ahead, so neither can afford to let this one slip away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keys to the Game:</strong> Both teams have offensive firepower to make a run if they can find consistency through the air. James Monroe senior QB Jayden Miller leads the Mavericks, while Westside's Bradyn Waldron brings a different element as a run-first quarterback with more than 700 rushing yards this season. Waldron can still hurt defenses with his arm, and both quarterbacks have playmakers around them who can score at any moment. Limiting explosive plays will be critical for both defenses, especially in a game where one or two breakdowns could decide the outcome.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup to Watch:</strong> James Monroe WR Bryce Gardinier has been a difficult matchup for opposing defensive backs all year, and Westside needs to find a way to keep him from taking over the game. The Renegades have a dangerous target of their own in WR Cameron Perry, giving the Mavericks a similar challenge on the other side. Whichever defense does a better job containing the opposing team's top playmaker could swing the balance in its favor. With both teams fighting for postseason position, expect a competitive game that could stay tight into the 4th quarter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score Prediction:</strong> James Monroe 34 Westside 26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WILLIAMSTOWN AT DODDRIDGE COUNTY</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Game:</strong> This is a big rivalry game in Class AA, with two Top 10 teams meeting in a series that dates back to the 1950s. Williamstown has largely controlled the series over the past five years, but Doddridge County snapped that run with a win last season, taking advantage of a down year for the Yellowjackets. Williamstown enters undefeated and looking to prove it has moved past last year's struggles, but keeping that record intact won't be easy in a hostile environment at Doddridge. With both teams fighting for position in a crowded AA playoff picture, this one carries plenty of weight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keys to the Game:</strong> Williamstown's priority has to be slowing down Doddridge County's power running game, led by senior Brandon Davis and freshman Corben Hall. The Bulldogs prefer to control the game on the ground, so an early lead for the Yellowjackets could force them away from their comfort zone and put more pressure on the passing game. Williamstown is more balanced behind QB Breck Allen and emerging RB Daniel Cunningham. The Yellowjackets also have a strong group of receivers and an offensive line capable of wearing down a defense, giving Doddridge plenty to account for on every drive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup to Watch:</strong> The battle up front could decide this one, as both teams have linemen capable of taking over a game. Williamstown OL/DL Christian Hoosier is a difficult matchup on either side of the ball, and if Doddridge can't account for him, he can disrupt the Bulldogs' plans quickly. Doddridge counters with junior Jacob Britton, one of the top junior linemen in the state, who can create similar problems for the Yellowjackets. Both teams have talent beside them, but how well they handle those individual matchups and account for them could determine who controls the trenches and leaves with the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score Prediction:</strong> Williamstown 28 Doddridge County 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FRANKFORT AT WAHAMA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Game:</strong> Call it the Falcon Bowl. The top-ranked teams in Class AA and Class A meet for the first time, with Frankfort bringing a 35-game winning streak into a matchup against a Wahama program capable of making that run uncomfortable. Both teams have won state championships over the last three seasons and have their sights set on another deep postseason run in 2026. Frankfort has been the standard in AA, but Wahama gets a chance to measure itself against one of the state's most dominant programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keys to the Game:</strong> Frankfort's Wing-T presents a major challenge for a Wahama team that has less size and depth to rotate up front. The Falcons can keep defenses guessing with senior backs Braydn Tyler, Peyton Brittingham, Cole Shanholtz and Gunnar Bradshaw, and the constant downhill pressure will test Wahama's discipline for four quarters. The White Falcons have plenty of firepower of their own, led by senior QB Trace Simpkins, RB Reezin Stitt and ATH Treyvon Bearhs, with junior WR Cooper Roush giving them another weapon on the outside. Wahama has the speed to make big plays, but they'll need to get stops tonight if they want a chance to win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matchup to Watch:</strong> Wahama's ability to compete in the trenches will go a long way toward determining whether it can threaten Frankfort's winning streak. The Falcons have relied on experienced linemen throughout their championship run, plugging in new starters without a major drop-off in production. Replacing most of its starting offensive and defensive line was one of Wahama's biggest questions entering the season, and this will be their toughest test up front to date. If the White Falcons can hold their ground and keep Frankfort from controlling the line of scrimmage, their playmakers have a chance to make this a compelling matchup. If the Falcons establish their usual physical running game, Wahama could have a long night trying to keep up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score Prediction:</strong> Frankfort 56 Wahama 27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->