Louisa (3-0) at Monticello (2-1) 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: While the Lions come in with a pristine record and quite possibly one of the hottest quarterbacks in Central Virginia, the Mustangs enter this matchup battle tested. There’s no question that Monticello found out a lot about itself after playing the world-beater that is Goochland last week. So from that stand point, the Mustangs should be more than ready for this contest. For the Lions, this is their first district hurdle, but they have shown nothing so far that says this year’s team is any different than last year’s bunch which does not bode well for the rest of the JD. By all accounts, this should be a great game featuring two of the favorites to finish at the top of the district standings.
Key matchup: The defensive lines for both teams against the quarterbacks for both teams. The Mustangs have to keep contain on Lions signal caller Zack Jackson. Ditto for Louisa when it comes to Monticello’s Jhalil Mosley. This game should be a fantastic battle of offenses and these two have the skills to put up big numbers in the air and on the ground and make something happen seemingly out of nowhere. So the rule for both defensive lines is make sure that neither quarterbacks get time to pass and that neither breaks to the edge and rounds the corner.
Who to watch: Louisa running back Andre Mealy. The senior’s played almost exclusively on offense thus far this season, and he’s been a handful for opposing defenses. Can Monticello find an answer for his bruising running style with a still-developing linebacking corps?
Line: Louisa by 1. Can we say push on this one? Because we’d like to. Instead we’ll honor a rule that you can’t pick against the defending champs until they’ve lost.
Blue Ridge (1-1) at North Cross (2-2) 2 p.m.
The basics: The Barons played without a sizable portion of its roster last week because of injury, illness or school related trips and they lineup up against a team you don’t want to be shorthanded against in Liberty Christian. To avoid a two-game skid, Blue Ridge is going to have to regroup, and this team knows it because North Cross caught them by surprise last year to start the 2010 season. The Raiders come in with an even record after a hard fought quality win over Bishop Sullivan.
Key Matchup: Blue Ridge’s linebackers against North Cross running back Evan Anderson. Guess who’s over half way to a 1,000 yard season (remember, it’s only September)? Anderson has 598 yards on only 77 carries. The Barons had better find a way to bottle the big junior up but they can’t stack nine in the box with a legitimate receiver like Josh Murray on the outside. His 11 receptions and 245 yards so far will force Blue Ridge to play honest and that requires sure tackling from the middle of the defense.
Who to watch: If he suits up, Blue Ridge’s Mayn Francisco will immediately make his team more competitive. His power running style was missed the first two weeks and his skills as a linebacker make him even more of an asset. But beyond that, Francisco is a clear leader on the team. That’s invaluable.
The line: North Cross by 3. Blue Ridge still has a lot to work out identity wise, especially since Francisco has yet to play, quarterback Andre Roberts has played only once and the offensive line is not only green, but had key members out with a school trip.
Massanutten Military (4-0) at Covenant (0-4) 4 p.m.
The Basics: Covenant fought hard on the road with Hargrave last week all the way into the fourth quarter until the home team finally pulled away in the fourth for an 18-point win. The Eagles struggled against the run, giving up 262 yards on the ground on 35 rushing attempts. Covenant is still trying to work out things on offense as well as they mustered up 233 yards of offense between the pass, run and kickoff games.
Key matchup: The Eagles’ quarterbacks against the Colonels’ secondary. It’s been a bit of a carousel under center this year, but Covenant can’t afford to throw interceptions like they did against Hargrave.
Who to watch: Massanutten’s Bo Maduakor. The senior running back has that blend of speed and size that makes him a tough matchup. The ground game has really hurt Covenant’s defense, and with a solid line in front of him, the Colonel’s back could be in line for a big performance.
Line: Massanutten by 10. This is not a favorable matchup for a young, developing team like Covenant.
STAB (1-2) at Trinity Episcopal (Richmond) (1-2), 4 p.m.
The basics: Sure, it was a loss, but falling 3-0 in a defensive struggle on the road to St. Christopher’s, ranked No.2 in VISAA Division I, can’t be a negative for St. Anne’s-Belfield. Now the Saints face a team that took its lumps with back-to-back losses to crosstown rivals Richmond and St. Chris before bouncing back against Norfolk Academy
Key matchup: STAB’s defensive front takes on Trinity’s two-headed running attack of Bryan Black and Torey Burston. Black has rushed for 322 yards on the year while Burston has piled up 233 yards at a clip of 9.3 yards per carry. But the Saints’ defense has been stout, holding St. Christopher’s
Who to watch: St. Anne’s-Belfield linebackers Antoine Currie and Shane Palmateer. In an incredible defensive effort against St. Chris, Currie and Palmateer exploded for double digit solo tackles each. Palmateer had 10 solo stops while Currie had 11. Those numbers are a clear indicator that trying to move the ball on STAB is a Herculean task.
The line: STAB by 14. The Saints should take care of business on the road.
Orange (1-2) at Albemarle (0-3), 7 p.m. WINA
The basics: Albemarle had a chance during its bye week to get healthy and reset the season’s priorities after a frustrating start to the 2011 season. Orange County? After edging Culpeper two weeks ago, the Hornets absorbed a 46-6 loss to Stafford in their Commonwealth District opener. If the Patriots took advantage of the bye, and the group of senior leaders seemed determined to do just that, Albemarle should find the rhythm and flow it has been searching for since the heartbreaking loss to Western Albemarle in week one.
Key matchup: Orange quarterback Eric Washington takes on the Albemarle pass rush. The Patriots have shown flashes of a dynamic pass rush, but they’ll need to get after first-year starter Washington in order to disrupt the Orange offense. Can they turn up the heat?
Who to watch: Albemarle’s quarterbacks. Both Lee Carneal and Dashon Tibbs are getting time behind center for the Patriots. If AHS is going to get on track, it’s going to take consistent play at quarterback and both players have the skill set to contribute. Someone has to help the offense find a rhythm though.
The line: Albemarle by 10. The Patriots’ bye week came at an excellent time. Expect Albemarle to get on track.
Spotswood (1-2) at Western (1-2), 7 p.m.
The basics: Western has dropped a pair of games since topping Albemarle in overtime to open the season, including last week’s overtime loss to Fort Defiance. But Western should get a chance to bounce back against a Spotswood team that narrowly lost to William Monroe a few weeks ago. If the Warriors can contain Spotswood quarterback Austin Nicely, who’s a UVa baseball commitment, the Warriors should be able to get into gear.
Key matchup: The Blazers’ linebackers take on Western quarterback Kent Henry. Henry’s game continues to grow in the sophomore’s first year as a starter. He completed 19 of 34 throws last week against Fort Defiance. Spotswood needs to keep track of him in the run game too though, he rushed for 72 yards last week.
Who to watch: Western’s Daniel Kuzjak. The Warriors’ safety had seven tackles last week and is proving to be a valuable member of a solid secondary. Against a quarterback like Nicely, he’ll have to be on top of his game.
The line: Western Albemarle by 7. The Warriors have had a pair of losses since winning the thriller over Albemarle, but this week the tide starts to change.
Central (Lunenburg) (2-0) at Goochland (3-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: Goochland’s victory over Monticello last week put to rest some demons from 2010 and gave the Bulldogs a huge boost going into James River District play. The ground game is, as usual in Goochland, firing on all cylinders, with Patrick Clore (273 yards, 6.1 yards per carry) providing the human sledgehammer on the dive and Mitchell Brice (194 yards, 7.2 yards per carry) bringing the electricity on the edge. And there’s a stable of other backs like Zakell Johnson and Jake Martin lining up behind those guys.
Key matchup: Lunenburg’s front seven takes on the Goochland ground game. The Bulldogs’ backs are tough, but the line clearing the way led by Roger Stone, Josh Driver and Matthew Haller are a force unto themselves. If that group keeps working together, the Bulldogs are going to be in great shape.
Who to watch: Goochland’s Jess McLaughlin leads the Bulldogs in tackles with more than six per game. He flows to the ball well and is capable of making all kinds of plays in the middle of the field.
The line: Goochland by 14. The Bulldogs proved they’re the real deal against a solid out-of-district slate. Central shouldn’t pose a huge threat.
Fork Union (1-2) at Paul VI (0-3) 7 p.m.
The basics: It just takes a little while. Putting together a team that’s still learning each other’s names a couple of weeks into the season isn’t an easy task, but it happens every year at Fork Union. By week three or four, the Blue Devils find their stride and Paul VI, who just lost to Bishop McNamara with a fourth quarter meltdown and snapped McNamara’s 13-game losing streak, is running into FUMA at exactly the wrong time. Fork Union made short work of Powhatan last week and shouldn’t struggle on the road this week either.
Key matchup: Paul VI’s secondary tries to contain Fork Union quarterback Christian Hackenberg. Hackenberg found a rhythm last week and threw for five touchdowns last week against Powhatan. Trying to slow him down or force him to make mistakes isn’t going to be easy for Paul VI.
Who to watch: Paul VI’s Jamon Cofield. While the Blue Devils should be able to contain the Paul VI run game, Cofield appears to be a future star. The sophomore running back was selected to the Youth All-America Bowl back in 2009, an offshoot of the U.S. Army All-America bowl that showcases highly-recruited high school seniors.
The line: Fork Union by 21. The Blue Devils’ appear to be picking up a head of steam now.
Amelia (3-0) at Buckingham (3-0) 7 p.m.
The Basics: The James River District is looking awfully tough right now. The Knights have slaughtered their three opponents including a 68-0 beating of Fluvanna County last week, but things will tighten up this week as Amelia comes to town. The Raiders come in riding high after a huge victory at home against Gretna, 13-7. The winner here gets a solid foot up in the JR.
Key matchup: Amelia’s offensive line against the Buckingham pass rush. The Raiders were able to keep quarterback A.J. Royal relatively safe from Gretna. The Knights’ experienced defense is going to be as big or bigger of a challenge here. Whether it was Appomattox to start the year or the handful of nailbiters in the previous two seasons, when the game is close, coach Craig Gill’s defense seems to shine its brightest.
Who to watch: Buckingham quarterback Tarian Ayers. When three of your 13 passes result in touchdowns you’re doing something right. Ayers added two rushing scores to that though, and as a result, any team looking to stop the Knights has to start with the Buckingham signal caller. It will be interesting to see if the senior can post the kind of numbers he has early in the season against tough competition.
Line: Buckingham by 3. Senior experience and a knack for winning close games gives the Knights the nod here.
Charlottesville (1-3) at Liberty (Bealeton) (3-0) 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: So it turns out that the progress Charlottesville made against R.E. Lee lit a fire underneath the Black Knights offense. Thanks to a big day from quarterback Mason Sherry, his coach/father gets win number one in black and orange, and it came on the road against Culpeper County. Now let’s see if this translates into something greater these next two weeks. Facing Liberty is going to be a true test. If the Black Knights can keep pace, that will be impressive.
Key matchup: The Black Knights’ defensive front seven against Eagles running back Aristotle Howard. Against XXXXXXX to start the season, Howard took nine carries and churned out 216 yards. With his 18 attempts against Park View, he gathered 128 touchdowns. Charlottesville has to wrap up Howard on first contact or it’s going to be a rough outing.
Who to watch: Charlottesville quarterback Mason Sherry. Can the senior put together another inspiring performance? If he can, the youth on this team will start to find the kind of confidence that could make this team substantially better.
Line: Liberty by 13. Tough team to follow up with after beating Culpeper for Charlottesville.
Powhatan (1-2) at Greensville (0-3) 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: The Indians squared off against a Fork Union team last week that was licking its wounds. By the end of the night, the roles were reversed as Blue Devils quarterback Christian Hackenberg took Powhatan apart in a lopsided win. The defensive performance was a stark contrast to the week before against Midlothian when the Indians had three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Against a winless Greensville team, look for Powhatan to try and recoup some of its swagger.
Key matchup: Greensville’s defensive front seven against Powhatan’s Ray Brown and Alex Higuchi. The Eagles have struggled mightily against the run in their three defeats. If they don’t wrap up Brown or Higuchi it’s going to be a long night. Conversely, the Indians’ tandem has a chance here to put up some big numbers.
Who to watch: Powhatan defensive lineman Bobby Oglesby. Two weeks ago he racked up double-digit tackles. Against a struggling Eagles offensive line, he has the chance to do the same.
Line: Powhatan by 14. The Indians right the ship here and get ready to jump into Jefferson District play with a big win.
Manassas Park (1-2) at Madison (2-2) 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: The Mountaineers rebounded from a loss to Strasburg with a win over Page last week while Manassas Park was idle. These were two of the three big players in the Bull Run last year with Clarke County being the other. Madison gutted out the win in 2010. A victory here would give the Mountaineers a giant swing of momentum.
Key matchup: Manassas Park’s secondary versus Travis Warren. For a team that’s had trouble with the run, how the Cougars defend the Madison senior who has 22 catches and 351 yards to his name in four games will have a major impact on the game. Manassas Park has to a pick a poison here, big plays from Warren or a long night chasing down Mountaineers running back L.J. Ward.
Who to watch: Madison linebacker Logan Carpenter. The junior had an impressive game against Page defensively with four solo tackles and nine assisted tackles, a sack and an interception. The Mountaineers need that kind of play in the middle of their defense this week.
Line: Madison by 3. The Cougars aren’t what they were last year, but still dangerous if the Mountaineers take them lightly.
Fluvanna (1-3) at Kettle Run (2-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Fluvanna just absorbed a 68-0 thrashing by Buckingham County last week and it doesn’t get any easier with a trip to face a Kettle Run squad that hung 59 on Brentsville and then beat a very good Eastern View team. The Flucos, who have been beaten up by injuries, need something to break their way and playing the Cougars isn’t it.
Key matchup: Fluvanna’s defense goes toe-to-toe with Kettle Run’s balanced offense keyed by Joshua Tapscott at running back and quarterback Mac Graham. Tapscott can break loose — he went for a 68-yard TD against Eastern View. Fluvanna will have to play tough in the interior to hand with that Kettle Run attack.
Who to watch: Kettle Run’s Michael Parker. The wide receiver is being recruited by Virginia Tech and Tennessee. Fluvanna will have to contain him on the edge.
The line: Kettle Run by 14. This isn’t going to be easy for Fluvanna, a road trip north to face the Cougars is a tall task just a week after getting worked over by the Knights.
Liberty Christian (3-0) at Woodberry Forest (1-1), Saturday 2 p.m.
The basics: Much like St. Anne’s-Belfield, Woodberry Forest is coming off a loss that just flat out isn’t a bad loss. The Tigers headed north to clash with Northeast power Blair Academy and fell by just a touchdown. Now they’ll continue a brutal schedule when they lock up with one of the few programs in the state that has maintained a similar level of success over the last three years that Woodberry has, Liberty Christian out of Lynchburg. The Tigers are 24-3 over the last three years while the Bulldogs have gone 28-5. This should be a big-time clash of private school powerhouses.
Key matchup: Woodberry’s defense tries to contain the LCA run game led by junior tailback Carrington Mosley. The Tigers have one of the state’s best defenses, and last week Rogers Clark, Edwin Borden and Nate Ripper laid most of the initial hits against Blair. If that trio brings the heat again against Mosley, who rushed for 234 yards a couple of weeks ago and for 51 in limited work last week against Blue Ridge, Woodberry could have its second victory of the year.
Who to watch: Woodberry’s Greer Martini. One, he has a great name, but more importantly he has a knack for making big plays. Martini had a fumble return for a touchdown last week. Can he come up with another big play against LCA?
The line: Woodberry by 7. The Tigers should be able to piece things together for a huge clash of private school powers.
