Louisa County (5-1) at Western Albemarle (6-0), 7 p.m. Friday
The Basics: Here comes the big one. It wasn’t totally clear early in the year that this was going to be a monster of a game, but Western Albemarle’s strong start including critical wins over Goochland and Albemarle have set the stage for a special mid-year clash with region tournament and Jefferson District title implications. The Lions hung a big number on Orange County Saturday while the Warriors had to fight, scratch, claw and survive against the Patriots to pull out a 21-20 victory. Both have been tested, the Warriors against the Patriots and Bulldogs and Louisa against King George. The Warriors want to run the ball and grind the clock while playing top-notch, responsibility-centric defense. Louisa is pretty balanced but if they can exploit the run they’re going to stick with it. Louisa’s electric running back Jordan Smith running behind Eli Brooks and Austin Libby leading the offensive line is a scary proposition. Western’s slippery Kaden Morrow or Dakota Howell running behind a group led by Ross Bassett and Spencer Franklin isn’t much more palatable. Which ever defensive front can lock off the run, get stops on third down and get off the field? That’s almost surely who ends up the winner. Louisa put some serious gadget stuff on tape last week like a double pass and a throw to 290-pound monster Qwenton Spellman hauling in a touchdown more than 20 yards downfield. The Warriors will have to be wary of the Lions’ creativity on offense and their tackling machine Stephen Dean at middle linebacker. At wideout, Jaylen Beach and Chase Smith can get moving for the Lions while Joey Burch is almost always a factor. Has Carson Tujague bounced back from his injury that kept him out of the Albemarle game? There are a lot of questions. This game will answer a ton of them.
Key Matchup: Western’s defensive line and linebackers take on the Louisa ground game. This is probably the most obvious strength on strength matchup. The Warriors have locked up opposing offenses for the most part on the ground thanks to some savvy, tough play. But this is a big offensive line that can move and the Warriors are definitely going to have to sort some things out quickly depending on what wrinkles the Lions work in. Western had a big-time game plan for Goochland’s C.J. Towles, they’ll have to account for a lot more dynamic playmakers this week between Austin Mills, Jordan Smith and Landon Wilson, who are all capable of running the ball. Joshua Williams, Ross Bassett and potentially Tujague will lock things up at linebacker.
Who to Watch: The quarterbacks. Louisa County’s Landon Wilson is one of the area’s best and he’s come up big in some big games during his career already. Last week he threw for 82 and rushed for 74, tossing a couple of touchdown passes. He’s as dangerous on the run as he is with his arm and he’s changed a lot of what the Lions’ offense is capable of with his skillset. Western quarterback Nathan Simon’s task is different. He doesn’t have to take over games for the Warriors to win. But he has to play sound football and make plays when he has to make them. Oh and both have to do all that while also playing a healthy dose of defensive back. There’s a stylistic clash here but there are also some similarities between the two well-rounded athletes.
The Line: Louisa County by 1. This one is essentially close to call but the Lions get the edge here because of the 33-22 win back in the spring.
Albemarle (4-2) at Charlottesville (1-5), 7 p.m. Friday
The Basics: Now Albemarle has to pick itself up off the floor and get back to work. There’s a lot of football left to play and the Patriots have pretty good shot at getting in the playoff field, though they’re going to have to get on a roll over the next four games. Charlottesville, meanwhile, has struggled to find a rhythm since that impressive win over James Monroe earlier this year. Now they host a wounded Albemarle team that Charlottesville hasn’t beaten since 2009. The Black Knights are going to need to play their best game of the year in order to have a chance to pull off the win here, but that may just involve putting it all together. The Black Knights have shown flashes of talent on offense and the ability to play sound defense. Can they find the right mix against the Patriots.
Key Matchup: Charlottesville’s linebackers track Amaje Parker. Parker put up huge offensive numbers in the loss to Western last week and keeping up with the dual threat monster is going to be critical for the Black Knights’ linebackers. Can they deliver and hem him in?
Who to Watch: Albemarle’s Christian Humes. The Patriots are really spreading the ball around in the passing game, and with Noah Grevious, Tra’veon Wilson and Jake King it’s easy to forget about Christian Humes, but that would be unwise for Charlottesville’s defense to do that.
The Line: Albemarle by 14. The Patriots get a chance to take out their frustration from last week here. Look for Albemarle to step up and get back on track.
Goochland (4-2) at Monticello (0-6), 7 p.m. Friday
The Basics: Goochland has won two games in a row after dropping its district opener to Western Albemarle. Now they have to turn their attention to beating the Mustangs on the road. Goochland’s defense continues to hold up and is a formidable unit, but the offense has yet to show consistent explosiveness despite the occasional flash of brilliance like Jason Woodson’s one-handed catch last week against Charlottesville. The Mustangs improved against Fluvanna County, but are still searching for a win. The Mustangs’ opponents get increasingly challenging as the year goes on and this will be a challenging one this week. Monticello’s struggles moving the ball will likely be compounded by Goochland’s stout defense.
Key Matchup: Monticello’s passing game takes on Goochland’s opportunistic secondary. Matt Dixon’s long touchdown pass last week gave an indication that the Mustangs’ aerial attack is starting to come to life, but they have to be wary of a secondary patrolled by big-time players like Eyan Pace and C.J. Towles.
Who to Watch: Goochland’s Deontae Quarles. The Bulldogs were already strong up front with De’Andre Robinson and Kai Burton, and now Quarles, a junior, has emerged as a major factor too, with two TFLs and a team-high four total tackles. If he keeps playing well, it’ll make the Bulldogs that much tougher to move the ball against.
The Line: Goochland by 21. The Bulldogs should be able to take care of business here.
Fluvanna County (2-4) at Orange (3-3), 7 p.m. Friday
The Basics: Orange County was playing big-time football until two weeks ago when Albemarle shut out the Hornets 44-0, but the Hornets rediscovered some of their momentum in the second half of their Saturday evening clash with Louisa. Can the Hornets build on that at home against the Flucos? That’ll likely come down to another monster effort from Paul Poirier who accounted for more than 300 yards of total offense against that stout Louisa County defense. Fluvanna picked up its second win of the season by taking apart Monticello in Palmyra, and they got it done with a return to their core identity as a ground and pound offensive squad. If the Flucos can maintain that approach we could be looking at an entirely different team the second half of the regular season. If either of these teams are going to make the playoffs, this essentially amounts to a must-win contest because the road is largely going to get tougher in the closing weeks.
Key Matchup: Orange’s front seven takes on Fluvanna’s rushing attack. With quarterback Owen Leydig leading the way behind a strong offensive line effort, the Flucos rushed for 314 yards last week. The Hornets gave up 284 yards on the ground Saturday against Louisa. The run defense definitely needs to bounce back this week. Look for Bryant Chiles to have a big game as the Flucos try and attack the Hornets with their run-heavy Wing-T package.
Who to Watch: Orange’s Christian Simpson. With Will Lewis back for the first time last week at wideout, the Hornets have been searching for another offensive threat to pair with Sheldon Robinson and Christian Simpson might have had the kind of breakout performance Orange needed, amassing 78 total yards of offense between rushing attempts and five receptions.
The Line: Orange County by 14. The Hornets are just too explosive.
Brentsville (4-2) at William Monroe (2-3), 7 p.m. Friday
The Basics: William Monroe is riding a little bit of a roller coaster right now, and now they get a chance to get right on track and make a playoff push if they can come up with a huge win over Brentsville at home. The Tigers are playing good football right now, having beaten Meridian and then blowing out Warren County. Huge chance for William Monroe to get the kind of win that can define a season, but this will not be an easy task.
Key Matchup: William Monroe’s front seven takes on Brentsville’s ground game. Bryce Jackson rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns against Warren County two weeks ago, and the Dragons simply can’t allow him to achieve that kind of production. Monroe, who’s a little banged up on defense, will have to be ready to play from the opening kick.
Who to Watch: William Monroe’s Shea Jeffers. At some point it just looks like Shea Jeffers is fearless. Seemingly every week, Jeffers comes up with some ridiculously acrobatic catch. Last week it was a full extension dive on a go route that he pulled in. Jeffers does so many important things for the Dragons but bringing that reckless abandon, that fearlessness? That’s one of his biggest contributions.
The Line: William Monroe by 1. The Dragons have a chance to pick up a huge win here at home.
Strasburg (4-1) at Madison County (1-5), 7 p.m. Friday
The Basics: The Mountaineers weren’t able to build any immediate momentum off their win over William Monroe, but part of the issue there has to do with the caliber of opponent ratcheting up. Facing Clarke County is never easy and Madison absorbed a 42-6 loss against the Eagles last week. Now Madison has to tackle the other squad battling it out for the Bull Run District title, a clash with Strasburg, who is coming off a blowout win over Manassas Park and before that a close loss to Clarke.
Key Matchup: Strasburg’s linebackers mark Madison’s Wade Fox. The Mountaineers’ big dual threat quarterback is tough on every set of linebackers he faces, but he seems to get better every week so if Strasburg can’t get home with pressure, they could have some serious issues.
Who to Watch: Madison County’s Jordan Lewis. Lewis can knife through opposing offensive lines and he’s capable of stuffing opposing running backs when he gets there. If the Mountaineers’ senior defensive lineman can put together a big outing, it could be a gamechanger.
The Line: Strasburg by 10. Madison County is in a challenging stretch right now.
Catholic (2-4) at STAB (1-3), 7 p.m. Friday
The Basics: STAB has had nearly a month off due to a variety of cancellations during the program’s first year back in 11-man football. The Saints will now lock up with a Catholic squad that has had its own up-and-down campaign and will be looking for a road win. This appears set to be the last home game in John Blake’s 25-year tenure as the Saints’ head coach. Can the Saints wrap that span up with a win at home?
Key Matchup: STAB’s front seven takes on Catholic’s ground game. The Saints surrendered 4.9 yards per rush in their last time out which isn’t catastrophic by any means, but they’ll likely need to improve if they want to get back in the win column.
Who to Watch: STAB’s Elijah Wells. Wells had seven tackles against Collegiate, helping bolster a defense that’s looking for an identity. If Wells can keep stepping up, it’ll help boost that defense and potentially vault the Saints to a big-time victory.
The Line: Catholic by 1. The Saints have had a couple of weeks to regroup and should find a way to be in this one.
Nottoway (5-0) at Buckingham (3-1), 7 p.m. Friday
The Basics: Buckingham is finding its groove since dropping the season opener against Fluvanna County. Now they’ll square off with an unbeaten Nottoway squad that is 5-0 on the year. This is a critical test for the Knights and a huge opportunity to move up in the region power rankings where Buckingham is getting into playoff position.
Key Matchup: Nottoway’s front seven takes on the Knights’ ground game. Buckingham’s intent and identity is clear. They’re going to try to move the ball on the ground on essentially every down. If the Cougars can’t stop the run they’ll have a hard time getting off the field against a Knights squad that’s content with controlling possession and the clock.
Who to Watch: Buckingham’s Kenneth Williams. Williams rushed for 162 yards and four touchdowns. If the Knights are going to hand Nottoway its first loss of the year, they’ll need a big dose of Williams on the ground.
The Line: Buckingham by 1. The Knights are at home and they’ve found a rhythm in their last two outings.
Appomattox (5-1) at Nelson (1-5), 7 p.m. Friday
The Basics: Nelson has struggled the last two weeks in particular and will need to get back on track, but that’s challenging in the Dogwood District. Appomattox is the defending Class 2 state champions and they’ve been rolling of late with their lone loss coming to Class 3 power Heritage-Lynchburg.
Key Matchup: Nelson’s defense tries to contain dynamic quarterback Tre Lawling. The reigning offensive player of the year in the Lynchburg area is super fast and can do damage with his arm too. This is the most challenging squad the Governors have faced this year. If he and Jonathan Pennix both get going, the Governors will really have their hands full.
Who to Watch: Nelson’s offense. The Governors are struggling to score, having been shut out in two straight weeks and they’ve got to solve that issue. Doing that against Appomattox is extremely tough.
The Line: Appomattox by 21. The Governors’ Dogwood slate is just extremely challenging.
Blue Ridge (4-2) at Atlantic Shores (7-0), 7 p.m. Friday
The Basics: Blue Ridge bounced back from a loss to North Cross with a 20-13 win over Norfolk Christian and now they get another shot at shaking up the VISAA Division II standings with a battle against familiar foe Atlantic Shores on the road. The Seahawks are the No. 1-ranked squad in VISAA’s Division II. They’ve got a balanced offense that includes a ground game led by running back Kai Hodges who has stacked up 864 yards and 15 touchdowns in just seven games. The Barons’ defense is going to have to take a leap forward to contain this dynamic group of playmakers.
Key Matchup: Blue Ridge’s defensive backs take on Atlantic Shores’ explosive passing attack. The Seahawks’ quarterback Damien Mazil has thrown for 1,275 yards and 22 touchdowns while throwing just two interceptions. It’s an incredibly prolific passing attack. The Barons’ defensive backs like Tanner Rocha will have to bring their best on the road if Blue Ridge is going to slow down this electric group.
Who to Watch: Blue Ridge’s Diarmid Stewart. Stewart had five catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns against Norfolk Christian last week. The Barons’ tall, talented target is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. And Camden Brewer knows how to find him if he’s open.
The Line: Atlantic Shores by 1. The Barons face a tall task on the road, but if the offense is clicking, they can pull off the upset.
Fork Union (2-3) at Trinity Episcopal (3-2), Saturday 2 p.m.
The Basics: After nearly knocking off Norfolk Academy, Fork Union struggled against the state’s No. 1-ranked squad St. Christopher’s, falling 48-7. Now they have to bounce back with the continuing challenge of head-to-head Prep League matchups with perhaps the league’s most talented squad, Trinity. This one is a big ask, Fork Union is going to need its best effort so far this season to hang with the Titans.
Key Matchup: Fork Union’s secondary goes toe-to-toe with an explosive Trinity receiving corps. The Titans have a lot of options in the passing game, including Cameren Felming, an emerging deep threat who’s also a terror on defense as a cornerback. The Blue Devils, quite simply, have their work cut out for them.
Who to Watch: Fork Union’s Cameron Wallace. To disrupt Trinity, the Blue Devils are going to need pressure. Wallace is a good bet to generate some from his spot at defensive end.
The Line: Trinity Episcopal by 14. The Titans are deep and talented.
VES (4-1) at Covenant (1-5), Saturday 2 p.m.
The Basics: Covenant comes into this one after dropping three straight and an upset win would be huge for getting the Eagles back on track. That’s not an easy task though, especially with the Bishops coming to town. VES has pitched a couple of shutouts and held a loaded Blessed Sacrament squad to just 20 points. The Eagles are going to need to get creative to get the offense going.
Key Matchup: Covenant’s offensive line takes on the VES defensive front. The Eagles’ offensive linemen getting the run game going would do wonders for Covenant’s offense. With the Bishops surrendering just 12 points per game and pitching a pair of shutouts already though, that could be a tough ask.
Who to Watch: Covenant’s injury situation. The Eagles have been duct-taping things together of late with a rash of injuries forcing a lot of lineup shuffling. Can they find a new mix that helps kickstart an offense that has sputtered a little bit this year.
The Line: Virginia Episcopal by 10. Earlier this month, the Bishops nearly knocked off a Blessed Sacrament squad that made short work of the Eagles.
Woodberry Forest (1-3) at St. Christopher’s, Saturday 2 p.m.
The Basics: The Tigers seem to have found the right mix at the right time as Prep League play started last week and Woodberry got things going with a win over the Cougars. The Tigers got a big spark from Landon Ellis’ return from a collarbone injury at wideout and they’re hoping to get star defensive lineman Rodney Loran back at some point soon. Those injuries contributed to the 0-3 start, but with Donovan Baker and Ellis healthy, the Tigers have some serious offensive weapons. Now they face the No. 1-ranked team in VISAA’s Division I, St. Christopher’s that includes a red-hot Nikkos Kovanes. He’s had a monster season so far. And don’t think that even though the Tigers don’t participate in the VISAA playoffs, they aren’t aware of the Saints’ top dog status. If Woodberry wants to win the Prep League, they have to have this one.
Key Matchup: Woodberry’s secondary takes on St. Christopher’s Andre Green. Green is an unbelievable talent at wideout with offers from Georgia, UNC and other big-time programs. The Tigers counter with a secondary led by Navy commitment Conner Lessane at safety. Can the Tigers work together to keep Green in check? That’s not an easy ask by any means, but if Armel Mukam is applying pressure, that can speed things up and make things a little easier on the Tigers’ defensive backs.
Who to Watch: Woodberry quarterback Harley Shuford. Shuford has started to emerge as the lead quarterback for the Tigers. He plays largely mistake-free football, he knows to lean on Donovan Baker and he has some serious chemistry with top wideout Landon Ellis, who he roomed with a year ago. Those pluses and a productive win against Collegiate are reason to believe Shuford is the right quarterback to lead the Tigers right now.
The Line: Woodberry by 1. If last week was any indication, the Tigers are back on track and getting healthy at the right time.
