Monticello (5-2) at Albemarle (2-6), 7 p.m.
The basics: Monticello couldn’t find any kind of rhythm against Western Albemarle on offense, and part of that is what the Warriors brought to the table defensively, but the Mustangs were also their own worst enemy. Monticello looked uncharacteristically frustrated and lacking in confidence. Now they jump right into another cross-county rivalry game as they head to Albemarle and face a Patriots squad that finally broke through the door and just a couple of weeks ago gave Powhatan (the team that dismantled Monticello a few weeks ago) all it could handle. This is a critical game for both squads as the Mustangs need to get back on track fast if they’re going to build any kind of momentum going into the playoffs and Albemarle could definitely use this win and the ensuing power points boost as the Patriots look to get into the Group 5A North mix. This one should be all about the ground game
Key matchup: Albemarle’s stingy defense takes on the Mustangs sputtering offense. Make no mistake, when Kyree Koonce is in the open field or Syreal Breckenridge catches the ball in space, the Mustangs can be electric. But making that happen or having enough other options to keep defenses honest has proven to be a problem. Now they’ll face an Albemarle defense that has been locking teams down lately, holding an explosive Powhatan team to just 21 points and speedy Charlottesville to just 10 points last week.
Who to watch: Albemarle quarterback D.G. Archer. Western’s Sam Hearn hurt the Mustangs last week with a combination of timely, efficient running and enough of a threat through the air. Archer has a similar skill set, and if he’ll let the ball fly a little bit against the Mustangs, it’d be a huge boost for the Patriots. Albemarle has at times been able to connect on seam patterns way downfield and those were a big problem for Monticello against Powhatan.
The line: Monticello by 1. Mustangs bounce back after perplexing performance in Crozet, but it won’t be easy.
Charlottesville (3-4) at Western Albemarle (6-1), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: A banged up, thin Western Albemarle squad pulled off an impressive win at home last week against Monticello. The Warriors, in a moment that made little sense considering the potential depth issues they were facing with eight players playing both ways in some capacity, seemed to get stronger as the game went on. Oliver Herndon in particular exploded after the break with 142 yards in the final two quarters. Charlottesville hung with Albemarle throughout a 13-10 loss last week, and got a big lift from the return of their top back, Rashad Brock, who scored the Black Knights’ lone touchdown. But again CHS came up short, and the pressure continues to mount on CHS down the stretch as they try and hold onto a spot in the Region 4A North playoff picture. Every game is critical now for the Black Knights to extend their season.
Key matchup: Charlottesville’s front seven takes on an assertive Western ground attack. Herndon wasn’t the only player who got going on the ground last week for Western. Sam Hearn rushed for three touchdowns against the Mustangs, and that combination could prove problematic for the Black Knights, though they managed against Albemarle last week to hold the Patriots’ ground game largely in check (while Rooney Turay had 101 yards, he needed 28 carries to do it). Whoever manages to win this battle will likely turn the tide.
Who to watch: Western’s Travis Daly. Daly broke out as an electric presence in the kick return game for Western last week with two long returns, though one ended in a fumble. The late 89-yarder, however was a backbreaker, and if Daly can find a way to get loose against CHS he could again be a game changing factor for the Warriors.
The line: Western by 10. Warriors are one of the area’s most improved teams over the course of the first seven games, they keep it rolling here.
Nelson County (2-5) at William Campbell (4-3), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Governors could move within striking distance of a playoff berth here, an incredible accomplishment considering lack of experience, depth, but they’ve got to upend a resilient Campbell squad frustrated after a blowout loss to Dan River last week. The Governors absorbed a third-straight blowout loss at the hands of Altavista last week and they’ll need to get back on track early against the Generals.
Key matchup: Nelson’s front seven takes on the Generals’ rushing attack including Tyrell Staten, a key playmaker for William Campbell. Staten threw for 101 yards and rushed for two touchdowns last year against Nelson. He piled up 281 yards on the ground earlier this season against Brunswick. The Governors have their work cut out for them.
Who to watch: Nelson’s young players in key spots. The Governors’ sophomores are now more like juniors, the juniors like seniors. If those groups have improved, then perhaps the Governors are on the right track. Coach Mark Poston has certainly made patience a major point of emphasis, and hopefully that’s going to start paying off soon.
The line: Campbell by 7. Campbell is too tough on the ground for the Governors.
Louisa County (5-2) at Orange County (1-6), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Some of the luster has come off the rivalry known as the Battle for the Gordonsville Tastee-Freeze over the last few years as both programs underwent a swoon of sorts. But the Lions are now on the rise and in position to keep moving up the Region 4A North playoff ratings if they can keep taking care of business. Orange, on the other hand, is running out of chances to wedge its way into the Group 5A North’s round of 16, but a win over the Lions would go a long way toward making that possible. That’ll start with slowing down the Lions’ ground game, which has blossomed in the last few weeks beyond standout ball-carrier Trey Cherry. There’s a lot to account for now when the Lions have the ball.
Key matchup: Orange’s defense takes on the multi-faceted Louisa ground game. The Lions have an identity now and it’s a familiar one. Essentially, Louisa is saying ‘we’re running. you stop it.’ Now the Hornets have struggled against the run, so this is a monumental task for the Hornets defenders.
Who to watch: Louisa’s Trey Cherry is tough as nails, and he makes the offense go. If he’s on point, he’ll force Orange to load up against him and open things up for some other players to get in the mix for the Lions.
The line: Louisa by 21. Lions shouldn’t have any trouble in this edition of the border rivalry.
Nottoway (6-1) at Buckingham (5-2), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Cougars pulled off a bit of a shocker last week, taking down Goochland 20-7. The Knights fell, but to Group 3A quality opponent, 17-15. This is a big one here. The winner here more than likely goes home with the James River District title… and a ton of playoff points to help bolster playoff positioning. These are two physical football teams squaring off right now. This is also Buckingham’s last test before it closes with Cumberland and Prince Edward, neither of which will get them ready for the postseason. So far the Knights have been solid at home with the loss to Liberty being their first since September 27th of last year.
Key matchup: Buckingham’s defensive front versus the Nottoway offensive line. The Knights have played some really good teams with some solid offensive lines. If this unit plays like it did against Central Lunenburg and even in the loss last week to Liberty, they’ll be in good shape. When the Knights play defense up front they are more than a handful to stop, because as we’ve beaten into the ground over the weeks, everyone knows what’s coming on the other side of the ball — and few have been able to stop it.
Who to watch: Buckingham’s Matrice Foster. The receiving game is going to become more and more interesting for the Knights as the stakes increase. Foster is the best deep threat that quarterback Leon Ragland has. Foster’s shown well against Amelia and Central. Can he be a game breaker here against the Cougars. There’s little question that Nottoway is going to put eight, if not nine men in the box to slow down the ground game between Ragland and running back Tariq Gough.
The line: Buckingham by 1. The Knights don’t lose too many back-to-back games and definitely not at home.
Powhatan (6-1) at Fluvanna County (1-6), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Indians set all kind of school records in a romp over Orange County last week. The Flucos had their hands full in a 48-16 loss to Louisa County. Long story short here, the Flucos are facing the third straight elite Jefferson District foe, and the Indians are the class of the JD right now with big wins over both Monticello and Louisa in their pockets. If Fluvanna doesn’t play perfect, it’s going to be a long night with the way Powhatan’s playing right now.
Key matchup: The Flucos front eight takes on Logan Allen. He was simply a beast against Orange County, running for 253 yards and four touchdowns to help set the tone for a night where the Indians broke their school record for most yards in a game, finishing with 643. Fluvanna has to find a way to get past this talented line and get its hands on Allen and bring him down. Unfortunately for the Flucos, nobody has really figured out how to do that consistently.
Who to watch: Powhatan’s Jonathan Caporale. He spelled out Allen last week and carried the ball for 158 on 10 carries. The Indians will definitely want Allen fresh for a big meeting with Western Albemarle next week. But this is also a chance for Caporale to show his value as he brings a pure burst of speed to where Allen is a complex blend of physicality and athleticism.
The line: Powhatan by 21. The Indians are simply on a roll right now, circa 2011.
Strasburg (4-3) at Madison County (2-5), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Rams picked up their third straight win with a route of Manassas Park last week. The Mountaineers fell hard late in the first half and that extended into the second half against William Monroe. The Mountaineers need a couple of wins to avoid a trip to face the current top-dog of Region 2A East, Riverheads. Strasburg, while on a roll, has shown vulnerability. The Rams trailed Monroe up until the final minutes of play three weeks ago, and the following week nearly fell to George Mason. That said, Madison has to better against the run this week than it was last week against Monroe.
Key matchup: Madison’s defensive front against the Rams rushing attack. With Dylan Berry, a senior captain and leader out with a broken jaw, the Mountaineers have to find a way to rise up and slow down the Strasburg running game. Monroe was able to run both inside and outside and so Madison simply has to get better pressure up front and avoid the Rams breaking off the big runs that the Dragons were able to put together a week ago.
Who to watch: Madison’s Keyon Smith. With Berry out, Smith, a senior is the best cog in the line the Mountaineers have upfront. Madison needs Smith to rally the troops so to speak and allow this defense to give the offense a chance. If he can, it’ll go a long way as quarterback James Graves and receivers Isaiah Smith and Dre Twyman have really developed something on offense. Madison can score, it just needs to avoid falling into big holes.
The line: Strasburg by 4. The Rams have momentum on their side and shown they can win close games, with two of their last three victories being just that.
George Mason (1-6) at William Monroe (4-3), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Mustangs are coming off a narrow 20-14 loss to Warren County. The Dragons on the other hand are winners of two straight and rolled last week against Madison on the road. Monroe doesn’t want to get caught looking here as its meeting with Clarke next week looms large. Mason played Strasburg tough two weeks ago and is a good bit better than its record. That said, if the Dragons run the ball up to their potential, they should be on good position to set up a great showdown next week.
Key matchup: The Mason offensive line takes on Monroe’s linebacking corps. This unit for the Dragons has been stellar all year long. They find the gaps, fill holes and make tackles. The Mustangs will be hard pressed to run inside or outside with much success, so they’ll have to be creative in trying to misdirect this group of backers to find the endzone.
Who to watch: Monroe’s Malique Shackleford. Dylan Knight is the starting quarterback when healthy and has played very well, but Shackleford brings a different element to the position. Even if the Dragons have to move Shackleford to running back or wideout, they should find a way to give the sophomore some touches because he’s a big kid with some moves when he finds space. He’s also the future of this offense when this massive senior class moves on.
The line: Monroe by 14. The Dragons are clicking, especially on offense and its defense has been stout most of the year. They hold serve at home here.
Cumberland (2-5) at Goochland (5-2), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Dukes snapped a four game skid with a 44-20 win over Bluestone. The Bulldogs saw their four game winning streak end last week with a road loss to Nottoway. This is a tough week to be Cumberland as Goochland will look to bounce back and do it with authority, regardless of the injuries its dealing with. Under Joe Fowler, the Bulldogs are never in the business of back-to-back losses.
Key matchup: The Dukes front four versus Goochland’s offensive line. The only way Cumberland puts up a good fight here is if it finally fingures out the Bulldogs plan upfront. Goochland is going to run the ball and do it with as much misdirection as it can, especially if quarterback Reid Chenault is out. The Dukes have to deal with an experienced Goochland line that is both quick and physical. That’s no easy challenge.
Who to watch: Goochland’s Chenault and Isaiah Minor. Having the junior quarterback in the lineup changes this offense dramatically. Having Minor in the backfield changes things as well as he’s a downhill runner. Injuries are a part of football, but with the most meaningful games of the season behind them, how many snaps either take will be interesting with the playoffs looming ahead.
The line: Goochland by 14. Healthy or unhealthy, the Bulldogs have more than enough depth here to win big at home.
Benedictine (6-2) at FUMA (2-6), 1:30 p.m. Saturday
The basics: The Cadets are scratching their heads trying to figure out how they were shutout despite being given five turnovers on the road at Woodberry Forest. The Blue Devils had their first lopsided loss of the year on the road against Collegiate. Fork Union’s playoff hopes were dashed in that loss, but a win over either Benedictine here and against Woodberry Forest would certainly shake things up, if not at least provide incredible fuel going into next year. FUMA’s been awfully close in so many games, but that difference in the loss column is truly starting to take it’s toll.
Key matchup: Fork Union’s secondary versus Benedictine’s Donoven Tennyson and Scott Bracey. Woodberry drew up the perfect gameplan last week, but had the personnel to do it, stacking the run and playing a lot of man-to-man in the secondary. FUMA has to do the same the way Benedictine’s run the ball this season. But Tennyson and Bracey can break your back in the passing game with one faulty step by the secondary. FUMA needs to be perfect on the deep ball because the Cadets are going to drop back or roll out to try and find it every once in a while as they did last week.
Who to watch: Bracey. Whether at receiver or at quarterback, he’s the big playmaking threat that Benedictine has. He’s big, he’s fast. The bottom line is he’s trouble. FUMA has to account for him wherever he lines up. The Blue Devils secondary can’t let him get the ball in space and the defensive line can’t let him have time to roll out at quarterback or he and Tennyson will have a big day.
The line: Benedictine by 13. The Cadets are big upfront and have too many toys on offense.
Woodberry Forest (6-0) at St. Christopher’s (4-3), 1 p.m. Saturday
The basics: The Tigers, somehow, despite a big injury early on and a slew of turnovers, shutout the top-ranked team in VISAA Division 1 in Benedictine. The Saints won their second straight to put themselves in position to make the playoffs if they can beat either Woodberry or Collegiate next week. The former presents a serious challenge as the Tigers are currently the fourth ranked team in the state, both public or private, according to Maxpreps.
Key matchup: The Saints offense against Woodberry’s secondary. That rarely gets said where an entire offense has to figure out what a secondary is going to do, but the Tigers are so talented in that department it just happens to be the case. Woodberry can stack the box and leave this unit in man-to-man, it can rush them from the edge, but more than anything else, it can count on this unit to tackle and make sure the big plays aren’t so big. For a defense that’s considered undersized, it’s allowed the Tigers to really play around upfront and create a lot of schemes that teams simply aren’t ready for and don’t have the time to figure out and adjust for. This is what happens when coaching and talent come together.
Who to watch: Woodberry quarterback Christian Zaytoun. Starter Lindell Stone is likely done for the year. That’s a big blow to the Tiger’s deep passing game where the sophomore and receiver Zach Roderick were killing teams. But Zaytoun’s been getting reps all season and the senior is and can be more than just that “game manager” type. If he plays well, the Tigers will be tough to slow down.
The line: Woodberry by 7. This defense might be the best the Tigers have had under coach Clint Alexander and that’s crazy talk considering how good the units from 2009 to 2011 were.
Blue Ridge (1-7) at Randolph Macon Academy (3-4), 2 p.m. Saturday
The basics: Blue Ridge has put up tremendous numbers in the passing game, but it hasn’t translated into the win column, as the Barons’ defense continues to struggle. Last week that unit couldn’t get off the field against Virginia Episcopal in the second half which kept that often electric passing game tethered to the sidelines. If the Barons’ defense can get some stops and give the offense a chance to operate, Blue Ridge could pick up a win here and build some momentum going into a rivalry clash with STAB next week with a chance to play spoiler against the Saints.
Key matchup: Randolph Macon’s secondary takes on the Trevor Eaton to Scott Spencer connection. Spencer is No. 3 in the area in receiving with 570 yards while Eaton leads the area in passing yardage. Can RMA slow down that one-two punch? If they can’t, Blue Ridge will put points on the board.
Who to watch: Blue Ridge’s offensive line. The Barons’ front five have struggled throughout the year to open up holes, but they should find some traction against Randolph Macon. Malik Johnson is undoubtedly a talented tailback and if the Barons can pave the way, it’ll be a big boost coming down the final stretch.
The line: Blue Ridge by 14. Barons’ passing attack too much for hapless Randolph Macon squad.
Covenant (5-3) at North Cross (4-4), 2 p.m. Saturday
The basics: Covenant has stumbled mightily the last two weeks, but they get a huge opportunity this week to reverse the trend that’s plagued the Eagles the last couple of years — a second half swoon that ends with Covenant missing the playoffs after a promising start. A win against North Cross would all but assure the Eagles of a spot in the four-team VISAA Division III postseason. Can Covenant go get it done on the road against a Raiders squad looking to get in to the playoff mix themselves?
Key matchup: Covenant’s secondary takes on North Cross’ Max Revercomb. One issue with running an option based attack is that simulating an opponent’s spread attack’s rhythm and speed is a tall challenge. The Eagles will have to overcome that this week as they face a North Cross squad that loves to whip the ball around.
Who to watch: Covenant’s Austin Llera. There’s an individual milestone hanging out there for Llera with a 1,000-yard season in reach for the senior running back, but you can bet it’s the furthest thing from his mind. He’d love to cap his career with a playoff berth, and this is a make-or-break contest for the Eagles. Llera grinding it out allows the Eagles to control the clock and possession, a necessity against the spread.
The line: Covenant by 1. Eagles have to control the clock and come up big in a must-win contest.
STAB (7-1) at Virginia Episcopal (3-4), 2 p.m. Saturday
The basics: So much for the theory that a ball control offense is the best way to keep STAB in check. The Saints absolutely exploded past Covenant and the Eagles’ midline option attack last week with a huge third quarter. Now STAB controls its own destiny as the potential No. 1 seed in the VISAA Division II playoffs — win out and the top spot (and home field advantage) is theirs. Can STAB close out the season strong with a pair of wins against teams with losing records starting with VES, who knocked off Blue Ridge last week?
Key matchup: STAB’s front seven takes on VES’ Louis Williams and the rest of the Bishops’ rushing attack. If the Saints can continue to clamp down with their run defense, it’ll likely be a decisive victory. VES beat Blue Ridge last week by controlling the clock with Williams leading the way in the rushing attack.
Who to watch: STAB’s Brodie Phillips. Phillips has done a little bit of everything on offense and defense for the Saints, culminating in last week’s halfback pass for a touchdown against Covenant. VES will need to account for Phillips on every play or risk giving up a huge gain.
The line: STAB by 27. The Saints are just too explosive for VES.
