It's time for the 106th East-West game this week in Fairmont

FAIRMONT — Wins have been difficult to come by for both the Fairmont Senior Polar Bears and the East Fairmont Bees this season.

That will make victory that much sweeter for whoever emerges from the 106th edition of East-West Game this Friday night with bragging rights in West Virginia’s oldest continuously-played high school football rivalry.

For the Polar Bears, one of their more difficult seasons in recent memory has been bolstered by the fact that all seven of their losses have come from powerhouse programs that are guaranteed to make the playoffs this season, and both wins have come over teams that would currently make the Class AAAA playoffs as well.

That has left them in prime position to slip into the playoffs with a win this week despite a less-than-satisfying record on the year, as well as an opportunity to carry some much-needed momentum into the postseason after losing their last three games.

The Bees, who have lost 18 straight games in the rivalry series, have their best opportunity to get revenge for the past two decades of losses and get back on track in the series this year, despite entering on a five-game losing streak. After all, the Polar Bears have not found a ton of success this season.

But it will require a near-perfect performance from a team that’s managed just one win this season and is without their starting quarterback, who was lost for the season due to injury.

East Fairmont (1-8) at Class AAA No. 13 Fairmont Senior (2-7): Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.

The Huskies enter the final week of the season tied for sixth-place in the Class AAA Football Ratings, and in prime position to secure a home game in the first round of the postseason. But to get there, they’ll need to knock off one final opponent.

The challenger will be the Nitro Wildcats, who have won just two games and enter the long road trip to Rachel having lost their last five matchups. During that stretch, they have been outscored 230-59. Meanwhile, the Huskies enter having won their last three outings, outscoring their opponents 139-58 during that stretch.

Regardless of the outcome, the Huskies will advance to the postseason for the eighth straight season. But securing a home contest in the opening round would go a long way in helping them advance to the quarterfinals for the seventh straight season.

Nitro (2-7) at Class AAA No. 6 North Marion (8-1): Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.