Albemarle (2-1) at Louisa County (3-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Two of the biggest schools in the Jefferson square off in week one of district play? Ok, we’ll take it. Albemarle’s speed will be up against Louisa’s physicality. The Patriots have won two road games in a row and last week’s come-from-behind victory over Patrick Henry-Roanoke was huge. Equally as big was the Lions win over then unbeaten King George. Perhaps no game will set the early tone of the JD like this one. A win for Louisa firmly entrenches it as the team with the target on its back. A win for Albemarle shows that the Patriots have taken that next step and are as good or better than the 2013 squad that made waves. The Jungle will be amped. This has all the makings of a prize fight.
Key matchup: Louisa’s secondary takes on the Albemarle receiving corps. Malik Minor is a fantastic cornerback. Tyquan Rose is a dynamic wide out. These two lead a pair of gifted units, and something has to give. Throw in Louisa safety Jordan Cherry, Albemarle receiver Lorenz Brown and things get more complex. The Lions got a bit of test last week through the air, and while it wasn’t flawless, they did come up with a pair of huge interceptions. The Patriots are in the same boat as the passing game hasn’t been perfect, but when it’s been there, it’s been huge for them, the difference these last two games. It’s going to take Albemarle’s wideouts and quarterback J’quan Anderson to beat a very good secondary from Louisa, because on the other side of the ball, quarterback Malik Bell, running back Job Whalen and this offensive line are going to do their part to win the time of possession battle.
Who to watch: Louisa’s offensive line. If this unit wins up front, and especially early, this team wins. And that’s not saying in this game, that’s saying in the previous games and the rest of the regular season. Bell, Whalen and this unit are platooned and they aren’t just big and mean, they’re fresher than most other ground games where so many players have to split time on both sides of the ball. The Lions offensive line features a lot of yeomen that don’t get the glory, the attention that Bell and Whalen do when those two explode, but believe us when we say that those two know, appreciate and point out what this group up front means. So if the Lions have another pair of 100-yard rushers this weeks, it’s going to be largely because senior guard Mathew Kersey and the gang get it done up front.
The line: Louisa by 1. Both teams are hot, but the Lions have the ability to control the tempo of this game and try and wear Albemarle down like they did with King George. Don’t be surprised if this is a high scoring affair that comes down to the last seconds.
Monticello (2-1) at Western Albemarle (1-2), 7 p.m.
The basics: This is a big-time rivalry game, so what’s happened the last couple of weeks may not matter much once these two teams hit the field, but there are some key elements that make for easy comparison. For starters, both squads are coming in off losses to Spotswood. The Warriors fell to the Blazers two weeks ago while a goal line stand by the Blazers prevent the Mustangs from picking up a win last week. Both teams rolled to blowout wins in their openers and Monticello beat Turner Ashby in their second game before running into Spotswood while Western fell to Brookville and then Spotswood. The Mustangs haven’t gotten into an offensive rhythm just yet, but they’ve got weapons that quarterback Kevin Jarrell can orchestrate. This could be the week they finally find that rhythm, though Western Albemarle’s defense isn’t going to make it easy. The Warriors had a week off to get things figured out, a week off to prepare for this. That could be a difference-maker for Western on defense, but they also had a lot of work to do on offense during these two weeks as Derek Domecq continues to settle in during his first year as a starting quarterback. The Mustangs’ defense hasn’t been taken apart so far, and they could give the Warriors some problems if they bring a similar level of intensity that they’ve brought the last couple of weeks.
Key Matchup: Monticello’s offensive line takes on Western’s defensive front. If the offense for the Mustangs is going to get in gear, the offensive line is going to have to be the unit that steps up and gives Jarrell and company time to operate. That’s likely where this one will be decided, with Danny Talbert and Trevor Haislip needing to step up as Luke Tenuta and Noah Crutchfield look to wreak havoc in the Mustangs’ backfield. If Monticello’s offensive line can rise to the occasion against the Warriors, it would go a long way toward setting up a potential win for the Mustangs.
Who to watch: Monticello’s Austin Haverstrom. The Monticello offense needs a jolt right now and Haverstrom has the potential to give it to them. Haverstrom had three catches for 50 yards last week, that’s 60 percent of the completions Jarrell had against Spotswood. If Haverstrom can stretch the Warriors’ defense a little, it’ll open things up for running back Jerrick Ayres to operate on the ground. Monticello looks pretty close to working things out offensively and a spark could suddenly snap things into place.
The line: Monticello by 3. The Mustangs’ defense should be enough to get the job done here, but in a rivalry game, you have to throw out the usual rules, making this one pretty unpredictable.
Fork Union (0-3) Trinity Episcopal (2-2), 4 p.m.
The basics: Fork Union is still searching for its first win after a 19-6 loss to Bishop O’Connell at home, but considering the fact that the Blue Devils are taking on an extremely tough schedule while in the midst of a rebuild, 0-3 doesn’t mean it’s time to panic by any means. Things don’t get any easier this week as the Blue Devils take on the two-time defending VISAA Division II champions in Trinity, but the Titans have shown some holes early barely eeking out a 10-9 win over a St. Christopher’s team that Fork Union beat last season. This is an opening for a win if the Blue Devils can get clicking early and avoid mistakes down the stretch. Look for FUMA to try and play sound football against the Titans as the Blue Devils’ squad continues to gel together.
Key Matchup: Fork Union looks to contain Trinity’s talented offense. While the Titans haven’t totally gotten in sync yet, they’ve got some playmakers like Tink Boyd at the skill positions and they’ve got a big offensive line that includes Luke Freudenthal. Life without stars Trevion Armstrong and Blake Bowen hasn’t proven particularly easy so far for Trinity, but they’re starting to find a rhythm while Fork Union’s defense has started stepping up too, forcing Bishop O’Connell to settle for field goals much of the time last week. The Titans also aren’t afraid of a little trickery, they broke a tie with Norfolk Academy late last week with a halfback pass. Fork Union will have to stay frosty.
Who to watch: Fork Union’s Iosefa Pua’auli. Pua’auli is an emerging star. The sophomore has impacted games in any number of ways and last week he had a pick and a rushing touchdown against Bishop O’Connell. Against Goochland he was a defensive stopper on the edge. If Fork Union keeps putting him in position to make big plays, that can only be a positive for the Blue Devils.
The line: Fork Union by 3. The Blue Devils can pick up the first win of the Mike Hooper era here against a rebuilding Trinity squad.
Charlottesville (2-1) at Fluvanna County (1-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Charlottesville’s bye week obviously came at the right time as the Black Knights have since dropped Harrisonburg before blowing out William Monroe. Now they’ll face a Fluvanna team that suffered a shutout loss to Culpeper a week ago, unable to build on the momentum they gained from ending a 19-game losing streak against Spotsylvania. The Black Knights’ physical ground game led by Sabias Folley will likely create some major problems for Fluvanna County,
Key Matchup: Fluvanna’s offense takes on the Black Knights’ hard-hitting defense. With quarterback Mark Grooms on the shelf after an injury last week against Culpeper, the Flucos are going to be looking for new answers to old questions, like who to get the ball to on offense. This is far from the best week to be opening those questions back up with Rakeem Davis emerging as a big-time defender and the rest of the Black Knights’ defense also elevating their game.
Who to watch: Charlottesville’s Lorenzo Louderback. Louderback is all over the field defensively for the Black Knights. Louderback is a big-time stopper, capable of flying into the backfield and disrupting or making a sound tackle out on the edge to hem in an opposing runner. On a team with a physical, hard-nosed offense, Louderback and Sadarius Folley are the defensive counterweights, giving the Black Knights a team-wide toughness and physicality that is a difference maker.
The line: Charlottesville by 17. The Black Knights’ ground game should prove too much for the Flucos to handle.
George Mason (2-1) at WIlliam Monroe (1-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: William Monroe struggled last week against Charlottesville. The defense couldn’t get off the field and the offense couldn’t hold on to the ball. The Dragons have to shake that off and move on, because Bull Run district play is here. That means it’s time to get on track and get on track fast as the Dragons essentially hit reset. An offense that looked particularly promising in the preseason has shown flashes of success but they’re going to need more than that now. George Mason’s wins aren’t particularly impressive and they fell to a Luray team that edged out Madison last week, so this is a winnable game for Monroe. The only issue is how short is the Dragons’ memory after getting blown out last week.
Key Matchup: Mason’s linebackers try to contain Malique Shackelford. The Dragons have to figure out which Shackelford they’re getting. When the senior quarterback is locked in, he’s a dual threat capable of wreaking havoc on opposing defenses. Last week’s version though, the one who’s completely under siege, can be prone to mistakes. So it starts with protecting the big signal-caller and giving him some time to operate. If George Mason sits back or the offensive line, a team strength heading into the year, can reverse course and give the Dragons time to execute, Monroe can rediscover some of that cohesion it had against Broadway in the squad’s win.
Who to watch: William Monroe’s linebackers. With Rayquone Wayne out, the Dragons struggled to stop Charlottesville’s power run game. They’re going to need the linebackers and players like Ben Sizemore at defensive end to step and become defensive stoppers with the challenging rushing attacks they’re going to face in district play. There has to be a sense of urgency for Monroe this week, because must-win games are already starting to become a part of the picture.
The line: William Monroe by 7. The Dragons get a chance to reverse course here and find a rhythm offensively.
Goochland (4-0) at Randolph-Henry (0-4), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: It’s time to get on board with Goochland because despite facing an extremely challenging start to the season, the Bulldogs are still unbeaten and entering a more friendly part of the schedule. Goochland has won several different ways with a 35-0 victory over R.E. Lee just the latest example of what they’re capable of. The defense is locked in and the offense is having one of those typical Goochland season’s where a different offensive player steps up each week. That kind of complete team effort usually indicates that things are going to go well for any team, but it’s exactly the formula that Goochland in particular strives for. They’ll look to keep it going against winless Randolph-Henry this week.
Key Matchup: Goochland’s front four takes on Randolph-Henry’s ground attack. The Statesmen have struggled to get going early offensively, managing just 14.5 points per contest. Trying to get started against a stifling Goochland defense is no easy task. The Bulldogs have already pitched three shutouts, against Essex, Amelia and R.E. Lee. They’re just flat out not giving up points, with sophomore Sam Brooks’ emergence at linebacker boosting a defense that had a lot of experience back. Brooks had five tackles and a sack last week in the win over Lee.
Who to watch: Goochland’s Jasper Carter. The Bulldogs’ running back has been a pleasant surprise this year and his success is a testament to some elevated play up front for Goochland. Carter came in off the bench to spell Marcus Burton against Fork Union, and last week he rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns against R.E. Lee. Another weapon in the backfield isn’t good news for Randolph-Henry.
The line: Goochland by 28. This should be smooth sailing here for the Bulldogs.
Nelson County (0-3) at Dan River (3-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Each year, business picks up for Nelson County when the Governors have to take a run through the challenging Dogwood District, and this year is no different as they take on a 3-0 Dan River squad on the road. Not an easy matchup by any stretch as Nelson must take on Jaquon Durant who is averaging more than 120 yards per game at running back while also contending with quarterback Zemar Anderson, who has thrown for more than 300 yards and is completing more than 70 percent of his passes.
Key Matchup: Nelson’s Cam Vaughn takes on Dan River’s defensive backs. The Wildcats have already picked off six passes this year, but the Governors have to test them with Vaughn starting to emerge as a viable offensive weapon, piling up 186 yards in three games through the air. Can the tall receiver help take the top off the defense and allow Nelson’s zone rushing attack to get going?
Who to watch: Nelson County’s Devante Rose. The Governors’ quarterback is putting together a strong season on the other side of the ball with 30 tackles and two interceptions to his name as a defensive back.
The line: Dan River by 24. Nelson starts running the Dogwood gauntlet, not an easy matchup here for the Governors.
Buckingham County (1-3) at Central Lunenburg (3-1), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Knights got it done last week. Their win over Nottoway wasn’t just needed, it was overdue for a program that deserved something good after a long bout of adversity. The Chargers are riding a three-game winning streak after their routing of Prince Edward. Central has beaten William Campbell, Randolph-Henry and now Prince Edward by double digits after a double digit loss to Altavista to start the year. So Buckingham has its hands full, but they’ve seen some solid competition so far and will be hyped to prove that last week was not an accident. The Knights are young, and under first year coach Josh Wallace, they are in the midst of discovering what they have. A good showing against this talented Chargers team will go a long way to helping this team continue to build.
Key matchup: The Buckingham defensive front against the Central offensive line. The Chargers racked up 415 yards on the ground last week thanks to the push upfront. The Knights defense once again has a tall task of trying to get a solid penetration in the A and B gaps and hoping their linebacking corps can clean up the rest. That will mean trying to slow down running back Malik Foster. We’ve seen in the last three weeks that the Knights can put up points on the board. If the Buckingham defense can slow down the Chargers’ ground game it’ll give the Knights a shot at picking up what would be a huge win on the road.
Who to watch: Rajheem Holman. The Buckingham back had five big touchdowns, including a 78-yard kickoff return and touchdown scampers of 36 yards, 37, 50 and 56 yards. This offense is putting up 32 points a game and that includes a 57-6 loss in the season opener against Appomattox. So after a 52-point showing in a loss to William Campbell and a 46-33 win over Nottoway, it’s clear this offense has found it’s mojo with Holman carrying the load. The Knights need everything that Holman can give them to counter this Chargers successful rushing attack.
The line: Central by 3. The Chargers might be getting more horses back, but they’re already very strong as it is. This is a tough game on the road, but if the Knights continue to light up the scoreboard, they’ve got a shot in this one.
Orange County (2-1) at Powhatan (3-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: This was the game that put Orange County back on the map in 2015. The Hornets took down the Indians late to get off to a 3-1 start last year, and since then, expectations have soared for coach Jessie Lohr and this team that’s worked so hard to get back into being a playoff team, a winning team. What makes this game so interesting is that both teams are better than they were last year. Coming off a bye week, Orange handled Culpeper on the road last week with ease. Powhatan dismantled George Wythe and will host this big showdown with a pristine record. So while last year’s victory was huge for Orange, winning this one would be even bigger.
Key matchup: Powhatan’s linebackers against Orange County fullback Breeze Fretwell. The Hornets senior is an unsung hero of this rushing attack, an extension of the offensive line in a lot of ways. When he seals an edge or gets up field to takeout a middle linebacker, that opposing defense gets exposed to either Trevon Smith or DeAngelo Hunt, a pair of runners who so difficult to stop when they get a head of steam. But Orange has also incorporated its FB’s into the passing game so Fretwell isn’t just a blocker — he can be a weapon himself. If the Indians can keep Fretwell from having a good showing that’ll be a great first effort on trying to slow down Smith and/or Hunt.
Who to watch: Powhatan running back Ross Lewis. To say that the Indians dealt with injuries last year is putting it mildly, and when Lewis went down, it was a substantial blow. Back healthy, Lewis has been huge and his late touchdown against Hopewell helped Powhatan snatch a win from the jaws of defeat. When the Indians have a healthy workhorse they’ve wreaked havoc on the JD — see Ray Brown and Powhatan’s 2011 season. The Orange defense has to get after him an avoid the showing it had against Eastern View a few weeks ago.
The line: Powhatan by 1. The Indians’ strength of schedule helps here and so does their health. Playing at home, Powhatan will be looking for revenge and has the pieces to do so.
Warren County (1-2) at Madison County (2-1), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Wildcats fell last week to Brentsville and for the third straight week, they failed to breach the 20-point milestone. We bring that up because the Mountaineers had two weeks to enjoy their huge win over East Rockingham after a bye and because Madison has scored 62, 33 and 34 points in their three games. The idea of Madison opening up Bull Run District play with plenty of time to prepare makes us wonder what kind of game we’ll see here. The Mountaineers have played some pretty dramatic football, and at 2-1, could be on the brink of a creating a special season given their opponents to start who are a combined 6-3.
Key matchup: The Warren County defensive line against the Madison offensive line. This is basic, but if the Wildcats don’t have a great rush defense against Mountaineers running back Isiah Smith they’re in trouble. If they don’t get pressure on Madison quarterback Chris Smith, again, more trouble. And lastly, if they can’t guess right as to whether Chris Smith will be tucking and running, handing off to Isiah Smith or getting ready to heave it downfield to Dre Twyman or Dylan Shifflett, it’s going to be a long night.
Who to watch: Madison’s Eric Cashman. Jack Price and Isaiah Breckenridge have been tackling machines. Having Cashman emerge as one of them is huge for a defensive unit that’s getting better each week. The Mountaineers have explosiveness on offense and this defense has been tested the first three weeks. They might be under-rated, but they’ve got some opportunities coming up to steal the spotlight these next few weeks.
The line: Madison by 7. The Mountaineers have the tools on both sides of the ball. They’ve had two weeks to get ready and they’ll have an eager home crowd to egg them on.
North Cross (4-0) at Blue Ridge (1-1), Saturday 2 p.m.
The basics: The Raiders have nearly half a season under their belt, rare for a private school at this point, and they are coming in hot after a 65-42 win over Norfolk Academy last week. The Barons had a strange experience last week with a solid Flint Hill team. While Blue Ridge was shutout 14-0 and could not stop turning the ball over, whether it was on the ground or in the air, the defense stood tall after some trouble in the first quarter and the beginning of the second. The Barons were shorthanded thanks to injury, but they could not get out of their own way after looking very good in week one. Blue Ridge can ill-afford the turnovers and penalties they had in week two against a team that’s playing very well and is in mid-season form.
Key matchup: The Blue Ridge pass rush against North Cross quarterback Miles Lowman. The Raiders signal caller has 925 yards passing with 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions. More than that, he’s completing nearly 75% of his passes. So it will be up to Jahlil Puryear and the defensive front to put the pressure on and make Lowman uncomfortable. Blue Ridge has playmakers in the secondary to offer solid coverage. Cameron Carr had a huge game on defense last week. Pair that with a pass rush and Blue Ridge has the ability to slow down an offense that’s been on a four-week tear.
Who to watch: Blue Ridge’s Jamison Harrison. The Barons missed Harrison last week and they’ll find out just how valuable he is as he returns. Of course, what the Barons do at quarterback with Justin Armwood and Carr remains to be seen, but Harrison makes this offense a lot better. More than anything though, Blue Ridge needs this playmaker and it’s others to maintain possession and aid what looks like a solid defense after just two weeks.
The line: North Cross by 3. The Raiders have scored 34 or more each week, and improved their score in each of those weeks with a 65-point showing against Norfolk Academy to improve upon a 53-point effort against Blessed Sacrament the week before.
