Woodberry (6-2) at Fork Union (8-2), 3 p.m.
The basics: The Tigers held off St. Christopher’s in a defensive battle to set up a finish to its year with its two biggest rivals, Fork Union followed by Episcopal. The Blue Devils took down Benedictine last week and while they have clinched a playoff spot, a win over the Tigers could possibly push them into first place if Liberty Christian slips up. Woodberry has taken the last three meetings between these two and the Prep League title is back on the line. This looks to be the closest these two teams have been to each other talent wise, and so if we’re lucky, we’ll an overtime game similar to the ones in 2007 and 2008 with the home teams taking both of those.
Key matchup: Woodberry’s offensive line takes on Fork Union’s defensive front. The Tigers have to account for big defensive tackle Richland Freeman up the middle, an excellent pass rusher on the edge in Brett Seigel and a versatile middle linebacker in Dondre Wright. That combination on defense has been the key into forcing 28 turnovers so far this year, many of them into the waiting hands of UVa-bound Malcolm Cook. The Tigers need to get the run game going with H.T. Minor and Christian Asher, but also give Hunter Etheridge time to drop back and throw.
Who to watch: The big names. This is almost a college showcase when these two get together, and the team who gets the most production out of its big guns always seems to win. So for FUMA, Penn State-bound quarterback Christian Hackenberg and Cook will be trying to outshine Woodberry’s Notre-Dame commitments Doug Randolph and Greer Martini, and vice versa. There’s an awful lot of elite talent on that field. Don’t be surprised if they all push their level of play up a notch given the circumstances.
The line: Push. Two evenly balanced teams loaded with playmakers. Flip a coin on this one, or just enjoy the show.
Covenant (4-5) at Trinity Episcopal (6-3), 2:45 p.m.
The basics: Unfortunately, a string of key injuries and an incredible rushing performance from North Cross’ Evan Anderson derailed Covenant’s playoff hopes last week. Now the Eagles are left trying to spoil one of the finest seasons in recent memory for Trinity Episcopal, a team that only brought back football in 2007 and went 3-17 in the last two years before getting on track this year. The Titans fell last week to Nansemond-Suffolk, which knocked them out of the number one spot in Division II. One thing is for sure. Blue Ridge is going to be cheering on the Eagles as the Barons could potentially leapfrog Trinity for a home playoff game with a win over STAB and a Titans loss.
Key matchup: The Eagles’ defense takes on Trinity’s multi-faceted rushing attack. Whether it’s Abraham Ferrel-Logan or Bryan Black, the Titans can put the ball on the ground and control the clock. Covenant struggled last week with an athletic running back in Anderson, and finding an answer to bottling up the oppositon’s ground game will be crucial to ending the season on a high note.
Who to watch: Covenant’s Austin Llera. After the week he had last week, it’s hard not to point to the sophomore running back/linebacker. With Jaime Gaston knocked out of the game, Llera took over at tailback and rushed for 93 yards on 11 carries and scored three touchdowns — two on the ground and another on a short toss by backup quarterback Gus Rose. The performance nearly sparked a miraculous comeback by Covenant, cutting a huge North Cross advantage to just 13 points in the second half.
The line: Trinity by 7. If the Eagles have healed up, this will be a battle for the Titans.
Blue Ridge (6-2) at St. Anne’s-Belfield (0-9), 6 p.m.
The basics: Blue Ridge has a lot on the line here. For starters, they need to win to ensure they make what’s become an increasingly tight Division 2 playoff field. They’ve got a healthy lead on Nansemond Suffolk, but a loss would be a disaster for the Barons. With Potomac battling Flint Hill, Trinity Episcopal facing Covenant and Christchurch taking on Virginia Episcopal, there’s also a chance to move up the Division 2 ladder at stake. The Barons need to be aware of what’s on the line and play like it against a St. Anne’s squad that has had its number of late. STAB gets as chance to play the ultimate spoiler here. While the Saints are out of the playoff picture and have been for a few weeks, a shot at potentially ruining a strong season by an archrival should have John Blake’s squad fired up.
Key matchup: STAB’s secondary goes toe-to-toe with a potentially explosive set of receivers for the Barons. STAB’s secondary will have its hands full as Blue Ridge can now run three wideout sets with P.J. White, Leon Straus and new/old addition Darryl Smith, who arrived at Blue Ridge a little later than usual this season. Smith, the star point guard for the Barons during winter, puts a pure speed athlete next to fast, tall targets in White and Straus. It’s up to quarterback Tristan Allen to take advantage and STAB’s Miles Davis, Rob Schotta and Kareem Johnson to not let him.
Who to watch: Blue Ridge’s Shawn Steen. While he’s best known as Blue Ridge’s leading rusher with 560 yards on the year, opposing quarterbacks keep making the mistake of picking on Steen, which is why he has six interceptions as a cornerback. Then again, with Leon Straus on the other side, they might not have much choice.
The line: Blue Ridge by 14. The Barons have too much for a banged-up, young STAB squad.
R.E. Lee (7-2) at Monticello (7-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Leeman are coming off a 13-0 showing against Spotswood while the Mustangs put together arguably their best performance of the year in a 42-13 dismantling of Powhatan. Monticello can still move up the Region II standings, and R.E. Lee can do the same in Region III. This is a perfect time to meet for both squads as they gear up for the playoffs next week. Last year it took a last second touchdown from Jhalil Mosley to Nathan DiGregorio for Monticello to pull out the win. This game looks custom built for a regular season finale.
Key matchup: The battle of the backs between Lee’s Javon Chisley and Monticello’s TJ Tillery. Both can run, both can deliver punishing blows. It seems unlikely that either defense can slow either back, so whichever of these two can move the chains and help their team win the time of possession battle should be in good shape.
Who to watch: Monticello’s Denzel Terry. It was his interception for a touchdown that sparked the Mustangs runaway against the Indians. He’s almost always the fastest player on the field. As a returner on special teams he’s explosive to the point that the opposition often just concedes field position to keep the ball away from him. Terry is Monticello’s x-factor and he’ll be needed on defense and special teams to push his team over the edge.
The line: Monticello by 1. The Mustangs get the edge here for being at home. Great tuneup game for both schools.
Madison County (4-5) at John Champe (0-9) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: For the second week in a row, the Mountaineers competed with a playoff team in the first half, but saw things get away in the second. Just like the Strasburg loss the week before, Madison saw it could run with Central Woodstock. The Mountaineers need a win here to shore up playoff positioning, but they’ll be on the road playing a quality team regardless. So facing a winless Knights team that’s fallen by at least 16 points each week, the Mountaineers will have to use this game as a spring board to the playoffs and find a way to play four full quarters, because their season is going to depend on that real soon.
Key matchup: The Knights’ offensive line against the Madison rushing defense. Champe has to keep J.P Utz, Josh Lillard and William Lamb from blowing up the line of scrimmage in order to churn out some yardage. The Knights are going have their hands full defensively and so any time they can move the chains and keep their offense on the field, it’ll be a huge help. Madison is going to get its points, so Champe has no choice but to figure out how to get something similar rolling.
Who to watch: Madison’s Logan Carpenter. Just like with William Monroe a few weeks ago, the senior running back has a chance to put up another big day on the ground. He’s already over the 1K mark and should be able to try and see if he can make a go at 1,500 between this game and the playoffs if the Mountaineers can put together an upset or two. With the way the Mountaineers offense has performed the last two weeks, albeit in defeat, look out here.
The line: Madison by 14. Mountaineers head into postseason on a bright note and with a renewed feeling of confidence.
Clarke County (5-4) at William Monroe (1-8), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Eagles had an odd outing against George Mason last week, but bounced back from back-to-back losses from Manassas Park and Central Woodstock. Monroe suffered its most lopsided loss of the year last week, also against Manassas. If Clarke plays the kind of defense it did against Woodstock and Madison, this will be a tough test. The Eagles are in the playoffs, but are a mercurial team right now. Monroe, with a good showing here win or lose, could have something build on if they get Clarke on its A-game and give them a challenge. The Dragons have the weapons on offense to do that.
Key matchup: Technically every week its Monroe’s defensive line against every offensive line, but in the interest of the future, it’s quarterback Jack Morris against this Eagles secondary. Morris has put together a solid second season under center and is developing into one of those classic dependable workhorses that coach Mark Sanford has thrived behind, though this time in the passing attack. Should Morris and his receivers have a big game, that will bode quite well for this team in the offseason.
Who to watch: Monroe’s Dakwan Morris. The receiver is playing his last game and will be eager to close it out with some big plays. He’s got the speed to win any one-on-one matchup he faces. It’s not likely he’ll get too much of that, but if he does or if he finds the soft spot in the defense to get the ball in space, he’s going to make into something big.
The line: Clarke by 4. Unfortunately for Monroe, this is another physical team that runs the ball, the Achilles’ heal for this bunch. Nonetheless, this is the Dragons’ playoff game here and they’ll do all they can to get something positive to build on.
Charlottesville (4-5) at Powhatan (4-5), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: It’s probably safe to say that the state’s best 4-5 team sits in second place in the Jefferson District. Charlottesville has been absolutely electric of late, even in the 50-49 loss to Western Albemarle. The Black Knights have already secured a playoff berth but can potentially improve their standing with a win over the Indians and if the chips fall right with the other squads in Region II, Division 3. If Powhatan can find an answer for the Rashard Davis/Chris Thurston combination, they’ll be the first in the Jefferson District to do so. Thurston exploded for 206 yards and four touchdowns against Louisa last week and Davis went for 300 just a short couple of weeks ago against Western Albemarle.
Key matchup: Powhatan’s defense takes on Thurston. The Indians struggled to contain Monticello’s T.J. Tillery last week (he averaged 8.3 yards per carry) and now they face another bruising, speedy running back in Thurston. If the Black Knights can get the same effort from their offensive line they got last week, they could make Powhatan pay in a big way.
Who to watch: Charlottesville’s Troy Hughes. Slowly but surely, this sophomore with big-time potential is coming around. The huge defensive tackle had a monster game against Louisa County, including a critical sack that helped halt an early Louisa drive. If Hughes is on his game, he’ll give Powhatan — and any other opponent — fits.
The line: Charlottesville by 10. The Black Knights’ offense is red-hot right now and that’ll prove to be too much for the Indians, even at home.
Louisa County (3-6) at Western Albemarle (9-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: This one is pretty simple. Louisa is looking to play spoiler while Western is hoping it can finish off an incredible unbeaten run through the regular season and set its sights on the Region II playoffs. While Louisa isn’t mathematically out of the playoff race, it’d take an incredible set of circumstances to get them in. And none of them can happen without a victory, so first things first. They Lions struggled last season to contain Western Albemarle quarterback Kent Henry, and the Warriors have taken a huge step forward, with Henry nearing nearly 3,000 yards passing and rushing combined. He’s at 2,992 right now, leading the area in passing and passing touchdowns. Louisa has its work cut out for them.
Key matchup: Western’s stingy defense takes on Louisa quarterback Zack Jackson. The Lions’ dual threat standout hasn’t slowed down all year, even as the losses piled up for Louisa. Now he runs into a stiff test, with defensive standouts like Tommy Mullin (eight tackles for a loss on the year) and Patrick Maupin (four TFLs) If Western gets the versatile Daniel Kuzjak back in the lineup after he sat out against Fluvanna, that’ll go a long way toward helping contain Jackson.
Who to watch: Louisa’s Deion Johnson. Johnson is the Lions’ top playmaking threat outside Jackson. He had three catches for 52 yards last week and can also give opposing teams problems in the ground game. If Louisa is going to upset Western, Johnson needs to come up big.
The line: Western Albemarle by 14. The Warriors should keep their momentum going into the postseason.
Bluestone (3-6) at Buckingham County (7-2), 7 p.m.
The basics: Buckingham lost out on a shot at the James River title with last week’s overtime loss to Goochland. But the battle proved that the Knights have the potential to be a contender for the East Section title if they play up to their potential. The Knights need a win here to have a shot at moving up the ladder in the East Section playoff picture, but right now the Knights would likely have to be road warriors after the first round to make a deep run. Bluestone is sitting on the edge of the playoff picture. Currently 16th, a win would guarantee a playoff spot for Bluestone.
Key matchup: Bluestone takes on the two-headed monster. It seems like a broken record, but the Knights’ backfield, with a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Kenneth Johnson and Kyree Koonce, presents one of the state’s most unique challenges. Last week, it was Koonce who torched Goochland, but no matter who gets the carries, Buckingham finds a way to put up points in bunches on most any night.
Who to watch: Buckingham’s Justin Miles. The big offensive lineman for the Knights is a huge reason that Koonce and Johnson are both in the top 10 in the area in rushing. Miles leads the Knights with 18 pancake blocks on the year and if the big road-paver can keep it going, Buckingam can make a big run.
The line: Buckingham by 21. The Knights bounce back and build momentum going into the postseason.
Goochland (7-2) at Amelia (4-6), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Last season this one was a knockdown, drag out clash for the James River District title, but Goochland already has that wrapped up. The Bulldogs’ incredible overtime victory over Buckingham last week gave Goochland the championship. Amelia is trying to make sure it holds onto a playoff spot, as the Raiders currently sit at 13th in a 16-team field. Goochland is the East Section’s No. 2 team and can shore up that spot with a win over the Raiders on the road and hope 6-3 Rappahannock can upset unbeaten Essex, the current No. 1. Amelia could jump up several spots with an upset.
Key matchup: Goochland tries to bottle up standout Amelia’s running back A.J. Coleman. The Bulldogs struggled to keep Buckingham’s Kyree Koonce in check, and now they take on Coleman. Coleman rushed for 174 yards and three touchdowns last week in a win over Cumberland.
Who to watch: Goochland’s Jordan Jefferson. Jefferson does it all, making an impact as a passer, runner or pass-catcher for the Bulldogs. Look for Goochland to keep moving Jefferson around in different formations to give them a little more unpredictability.
The line: Goochland by 20. The Bulldogs keep things going with a win that’ll springboard them into the postseason.
Albemarle (1-8) at Massaponax (6-3), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: This isn’t a kind way to finish what’s been a frustrating season for Albemarle. Last year in this clash on senior night, the Patriots knocked off a playoff-bound Panthers squad in a 33-28 thriller and appeared headed for bigger things. But a tough pair of closes losses against cross-county rivals Albemarle and Western to open the year seemed to derail Albemarle and the Patriots never got the momentum back in their favor. Now they close out the year with a Massaponax team that’s picking up steam, having dismantled a Colonial Forge squad that was 7-1 going into their clash.
Key matchup: Albemarle takes on Massaponax’s ground and pound offense. Whether they turn to 220-pound grinder Javante Latney or speedster Joey Foster, the Massaponax triple option is a unique challenge. They tandem combined for 345 yards and five touchdowns last week alone, and Albemarle’s defenders will have their hands full.
Who to watch: Albemarle’s Peyton Alley. While Alley has struggled at times in his first campaign as the Patriots’ starter, he’s thrown for 807 yards on the year and his completion percentage isn’t too far south of 50 percent. He threw for 174 yards last week as he got into a groove with Matt Crist and A.J. Willy. Another strong performance would be an important springboard for Albemarle going into the offseason, and cutting down on turnovers will be a key part of that effort.
The line: Massaponax by 14. Panthers are playing too well and should be ready to avenge last year’s loss to the Patriots.
Orange County (1-8) at North Stafford (8-1), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Getting 16 points on Mountain View was a moral victory for the Hornets last week, despite the fact that they gave up 60. The Wolverines are one of the best teams in the Commonwealth District, and perhaps in the Northwest Region and clawed through an overtime win against a talented Battlefield squad. This is the end of the road for Orange in the CD and unfortunately for them, they’ll be up against a group that has them outmatched period. If the Hornets can put up some points on the board like they did against the Wildcats, this group of sophomores and juniors will have something to grow on as they re-enter the Jefferson District next year.
Key matchup: Orange’s secondary against North Stafford wide receiver Brandon Ravenel. There’s no shortage of collegiate skill position players in the CD and Ravenel is yet another the Hornets have to find a way to stop. Ravenel is JMU bound but also had offers from West Virginia and Boston College before deciding on Harrisonburg as his next home. He’s coming off a 117-yard 10-catch game against a truly stingy defense. Orange has to throw everything they’ve got to keep him from burning downfield.
The line: The Wolverines by 21. A tough swan song for the Hornets here in their CD finale, but this group of young players will be truly battle-tested after this slate when they head back home to the JD.
Chatham (2-7) at Nelson County (2-7), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Cavaliers dropped their seventh-straight game, this one in an out of district game with Tunstall. The Governors lost their fifth in a row to William Campbell. Both teams want this game, and Nelson especially as it looks to pick up its first win in front of its home crowd. This matchup bodes well for the Governors if the defense can step up and make a few stands. Nelson’s offense is going up a defense that’s surrendering just over 29 points a game. But Chatham found a way to put up 35 on Gretna in a loss, so there’s not a lot of wiggle room here.
Key matchup: The Cavaliers’ defensive ends against Governors quarterback Tyler Vest. The Nelson senior has endured a pounding and done so valiantly. If he has to drop back to pass, the ends can’t over pursue and give him room to escape the pocket. The ends have to make sure they bring him down because if he does hit the sidelines, he’s too fast and too physical to bring down for most at the second level of defense.
Who to watch: The Nelson offensive line. Running back Devonte Turner, who got knocked out of last week’s game but will play this week, sits less than 100 yards away from getting to 1,000 on the season. With this being the Governors last game of the year, you can bet the big fellas up front want to make sure that by the end of the night, Turner joins Vest in the 1,000-yard club. Against this Chatham defense, this unit could have a dominant performance and Turner’s combination of speed and strength should show well in this one.
The line: Nelson by 1. The Governors find a way to end the season on a good note, a nice finale for this group of seniors in front of the Lovingston crowd.
