Albemarle at Western Albemarle, 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Last year this one ended in dramatic fashion, with Western quarterback Kent Henry plunging in for a two-point conversion in overtime to win it 22-21 in his debut as a starter. Western’s offense got rolling from there last year, with Henry putting up nearly 3,000 yards of total offense in 2011. The Patriots are out to avenge the loss, riding a wave of momentum from last year’s season-ending win over Massaponax and a benefit game victory over Charlottesville in convincing fashion. Albemarle will debut its own new starter at quarterback in Peyton Alley this season, but brings back a number of key athletes like Ryan Londree in the trenches and Eli Mackay at linebacker. Look for Nico Troche and Drake Bryant to carry the load at tailback. Troche has the ability to be a productive all-purpose back if he can stay healthy. For the Warriors, Tommy Mullin returns to anchor the defense at linebacker and a slew of offensive weapons are back as well. This one has all the makings of another classic.
Key matchup: Albemarle’s defensive backs against Western’s veteran receiving corps. The Warriors lost leading receiver Austin Ellis to graduation (Hampden-Sydney) but they return a trio of seasoned pass catchers in Daniel Kuzjak, Isaiah Cowan and Nic Drapanas. Kuzjak has looked particularly unguardable early in camp and should give Henry a viable option on nearly every play. With Steven Hearn emerging as the fourth wideout, Drapanas bringing an electric mix of quickness and reliable hands and Cowan coming off a solid 2011, the Albemarle secondary will have its hands full. Dominique Talley, Drake Bryant and the rest of the defensive backs will need to be on top of things.
Who to watch: Albemarle’s A.J. Willy. The standout baseball player will likely need a strong outing at wide receiver if the Patriots are going to win with a first-time starter at quarterback in Alley. Willy has the hands and athleticism to make a big impact and along with Talley, a talented multi-purpose athlete, Alley should have options.
The line: Western by 1. Warriors have home field advantage and the more seasoned of two talented quarterbacks. That should be enough to give Western the edge in a barnburner.
Prince Edward at Fluvanna County, 7:30 p.m.
The basics: There’s a lot of excitement in Fluvanna County. The Flucos have looked capable in scrimmages and they’re taking the field under the lights in a game that counts for the first time at a new school on a sparkling new turf field and stadium. A win over Prince Edward would go a long way toward keeping those good vibes going. Look for Austin Foster, Jalen Harrison, Dashon Tibbs and Javon Burton to spark the offense for the Flucos, an offense that should be much improved over last year’s product that was beset by injuries and inconsistency.
Key matchup: Prince Edward’s running backs trying to escape Devin Goode. Goode looked rock solid against Spotswood, and if he brings that same level of intensity against Prince Edward, it could be a long night for the Eagles’ ground game.
Who to watch: Fluvanna’s offensive line. If the Flucos’ front five can give the offensive time to operate, Fluvanna has some potentially electric skill players that could get going in a big way. Look for the guys in the trenches to step up Friday.
The line: Fluvanna County by 7. The Flucos should be able to ride a strong stint of scrimmages and the wave of support from their first actual game at a new stadium that should be the pride of Palmyra.
Nelson County at William Monroe, 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Last year was as good as its been in years for Monroe football. On the strength of a loaded senior class, the Dragons pounded their way to a playoff berth, playing smashmouth football with a dose of Jack Morris on play action. Now while Morris is back, a year after putting up solid, efficient numbers, he’ll play behind an entirely new line and he’ll be looking at a lot of new weapons. Dakwan Morris, however, could provide a bit of a safety blanket, as he’s the most experienced pass catcher and could also be a threat on end arounds. Nelson is riding two strong victories that closed out 2011, but hitting the road to take on William Monroe while looking to replace 900-yard rusher Rodrell Smith isn’t an easy way to start. If the Governors can get the ground game going though against an inexperienced Monroe defense, they’ll have a shot at a win.
Key matchup: William Monroe’s inexperienced linebackers tracking Tyler Vest. Like most positions, the Dragons need to find new faces to fill roles, and the linebackers will get a baptism by fire trying to keep an eye on Vest. The Nelson senior is one of the most electric athletes in Central Virginia, and bottling him up is the first step in stopping Nelson County.
Who to watch: Monroe’s Cody Perkins. While the Dragons seemed poised to use a platoon of backs, Mark Sanford’s teams regularly settle on one guy (think current Washington and Lee back Luke Heinsohn during his time at Covenant). Perkins is the early leader to be that guy as just a sophomore. If he can carry the load against the Governors, the Dragons have a good chance at starting the season 1-0.
The line: William Monroe by 6. Both teams have struggled at times with execution during preseason, but the Dragons will be at home and should find a way to contain Vest.
Eastern View at Louisa County, 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Louisa County is used to re-tooling, but replacing Andre Mealy and his 1700+ rushing yards isn’t even a simple task for the Lions. Still, the Lions have a lot of solid parts in place and Eastern View will be walking into the area’s most challenging environment and that’s never a good situation for a season opener. Louisa’s smart, heady offensive line should also make things easier on the backs that are stepping in to fill Mealy’s spot in the lineup.
Key matchup: Louisa’s fresh linebackers try to contain the Eastern View rushing attack. The Cyclones put together a 187-yard performance on the ground in a benefit game victory over Madison County and Louisa is breaking in an entirely new set of linebackers again this season. As usual in Mineral though, there are options at linebacker, and the group that gets the nod will almost surely be ready to get the job done.
Who to watch: Louisa quarterback Zack Jackson. Sure, he’s the easy guy to point to, but the Lions will be as good as their signal-caller, who rushed for 900 yards last year, is this season. He seems to have more confidence this season and is ready to lead the way for Louisa in 2012. He’s also healthy, which is a change from about midseason last year on. Look for Jackson to set the tone early in this one.
The line: Louisa County by 10. The Jungle will be rocking and rolling for this one, Eastern View might be in trouble, particularly if Jackson is hitting on all cylinders.
E.C. Glass at Charlottesville, 7 p.m.
The basics: White helmets gone. Orange jerseys gone. Flat matte black helmets and black jerseys with “The Ville” across the chest in. While a large portion of this team returns from last year, the Black Knights got their first offseason with second-year coach Eric Sherry and by all means, should be a new look team playing at a much more competitive level. Against Albemarle in their scrimmage last week, CHS showed great promise offensively, but a little something was missing on the other side of the ball. In E.C. Glass, Charlottesville faces a team welcoming a first year coach, former Appomattox coach Ben Martin looking to help his squad improve upon a 4-6 record in 2011 which left the Hilltoppers just out of the playoff picture.
Key matchup: Charlottesville’s defensive line against the Glass offensive front. The Hilltoppers strength this year is in the trenches and Albemarle was able to help its running backs move the chains before setting up the big passing plays behind solid offensive line play. The Black Knights need to plug the holes up front against this group and let their athletic secondary be just that.
Who to watch: Black Knights quarterback Rashard Davis. Consider this a breakout year for Davis. He’s going to rush for a lot of yards, and if he can connect to receivers like Darius Watson downfield, this offensive unit should be able to put some points on the board.
The line: CHS by 1. The Black Knights get the edge with their new found confidence, experience and the fact that Glass is going through some changes. But Charlottesville doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room here.
Buckingham at Appomattox, 7 p.m.
The basics: Over the last three years, the Knights have loved the drama. It’s been there in the last three playoffs and at the start of the season against the Raiders. What was a true defensive battle in ’09 and ’10 turned into a barn burner last year with 79 totals points and Buckingham prevailing. With what the Knights have in their backfield, it looks pretty good to bet on the over again in this one. Appomattox only lost one regular season game last year and just like Buckingham, saw its season end in the second round of the playoffs. Both these teams lost their celebrated quarterbacks, so it will be interesting to see who thrives with their new signal caller, the Knights with Cam Johnson or the Raiders with Deion Edwards. Buckingham looked solid in a narrow benefit game loss to Group AAA Halifax, so the Knights shouldn’t be susceptible to nerves in this one.
Key matchup: The Raiders’ linebacking corps against Kenneth Johnson and Kyree Koonce. The odds are pretty good for Buckingham that most teams won’t be able to stop both of their running backs. But you’ve got to come close. These two have the potential to absolutely grind down defenses. Appomattox’s linebackers have to wrap up with these two and keep them from the yards after contact they have the power to pile up.
Who to watch: Buckingham receiver Justin Ayres. Quarterback Cam Johnson is going to run for some significant yardage. But with him going from receiver to QB, someone has to be the big play threat for the Knights. They’ve had that the last three years, but Johnson’s switch and L.A. Briley’s graduation leaves it up to Ayres to be the next in line.
The line: Buckingham by 4. These contests are always close, but the Knights have developed a real healthy habit of starting strong.
Madison at East Rockingham, 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Mountaineers bring just about everything back minus standout receiver Travis Warren but had a disappointing 2011. East Rockingham is in its third year of football, made the playoffs for the first time last year and also returns a solid block of talent. Last year, this was a 1-point game with the Eagles gaining the edge. Madison had its struggles against a talented Eastern View team in last week’s scrimmage. Can they shake that off and get ready for looks to be an ever improving program in East Rock under coach Donnie Coleman.
Key matchup: Madison’s front seven against the Eagles shifty offensive line. The Mountaineers have the weapons offensively to get the job done, but they can’t fall behind by much against a possession minded wing-t offense and hope to win. When it comes to the wing-t, it’s all about responsibility and not over thinking. With the way the offensive line traps and pulls and the number of play-fakes, you just have to play it honest. Mountaineer seniors J.P Utz and Josh Lillard should lead the charge here, but they’ll need help.
Who to watch: Madison running back Maurice Gentry. The Mountaineers have the kind of back who can break off long runs. If Gentry can help his team pile up the first downs in addition to his big play ability, that will go a long way. Time of possession is critical against teams like East Rock.
The line: Eagles by 4. This is a group of seniors for East Rockingham that really had to take their lumps in 2010 and showed a lot of improvement last year. Everything points to the Eagles continuing to build with this core group of talent.
Fork Union vs. Hermitage, 3 p.m. Saturday in Chesapeake, Va. at Oscar Smith High
The basics: High school football is a game that has to been seen in person. There’s no highlight reel that can recreate the game. Of course, when the game is televised, in this case, by ESPN, everyone in Central Virginia can get a glimpse of several athletes that will be on TV on Saturdays in the near future. Blue Devils senior quarterback Christian Hackenberg is the most talked about quarterback recruit in the country. Hermitage senior running back Derrick Green has an offer list that includes just about every single SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big 12 and Pac 12 team and is one the most sought after players in the country as well. Yes, this isn’t just a 2-man game but at the end of the day, this a showcase for a big name quarterback for a storied private school and a monster back from a massive public school powerhouse. Minus the athletes and coaches, the focus on this game won’t be as much about the final scores as much as how the two stars of this game play and which athletes outside of those two rise to the occasion of the attention this game is getting by college coaches and scouts across the country.
Key matchup: Fork Union’s front four against Derrick Green. Somebody’s got to stop him and it’s not easy for one person to do. The Panthers run a spread offense that forces the secondary and linebacking corps further to the edge of the field. The Blue Devils defensive linemen need to get into the backfield and not let Green get a good head of steam, because if you watch his highlight tape, stopping the 6-foot, 220-pound back is a problem.
Who to watch: Fork Union’s defensive back/running back Malcolm Cook. While Hackenberg and Green will dominate the talk before, during and after this game, Cook, who is committed to Virginia, has a chance to be a breakout star of this game.
The line: Hermitage by 3. The real problem for Fork Union here isn’t talent up front, it’s overall depth. The Blue Devils are used to being the private school giant, but Hermitage is classified in the highest possible public school classification, Group AAA Division 6 and coming off a final four showing. FUMA’s outstanding athletes will do their jobs, but they need the yeomen to have an outstanding night to hang tough with the Panthers.
