Fork Union (1-7) at No 1. Woodberry Forest (7-1), 3 p.m.
The basics: The Prep League championship trophy is on the line at Woodberry. The Blue Devils are the defending champs after they topped the Tigers for the first time since 2008 in 2012 en route to a VISAA Division 1 final showing. But Fork Union is coming off a tough loss to Benedictine, the team it faced in the semifinals to get to the state championship game last year, and isn’t in contention for the title this year. The Tigers manhandled a very good St. Christopher’s team last week to at least secure a share of the Prep title they held from 2008 until 2011. They’ll be anxious to both avenge the loss to FUMA last year and to make sure they win the regular season championship that means more to them than arguably any Prep League team as Woodberry doesn’t participate in the playoffs and instead plays what amounts to a bowl game with rival Episcopal every year. The last four years this was a big meeting both for Prep and VISAA D1 implications, and while it doesn’t have the same luster as it did just a short time ago, there’s nothing more that FUMA would like to do to throw a wrench in their rival’s impressive season. So as in all rivalries, pride will be the primary motivating factor, something of which neither school will have trouble mustering up for this contest.
Key matchup: Fork Union’s secondary takes on Woodberry’s rotation at quarterback and deep receiving corps. Not to get things twisted, as the Tigers are going to give a heavy dose of running backs James Hewell and HT Minor to the Blue Devils defense, but signal callers Hunter Etheridge and Lindell Stone have been delivering death blows to teams these last six weeks in the form of big plays to receivers Christian Asher, Zach Roderick, Trent Ragland and occasionally Greer Martini. FUMA has to play the balanced as both Etheridge and Stone are great runners too, but they’ll be looking to capitalize on any stacked box that the Blue Devils throw they’re way and this receiving corps has made hay with one-on-one coverage. How FUMA deals with that will determine how close this game is.
Who to watch: Martini and FUMA running back Rashon Torrence. This is the flip side of the coin. Martini is the senior leader of this defense and he’ll be leading the attack on the Blue Devils ground game. The Tigers are confident enough with their secondary at this point that they are selling out against the run, even against a well staffed passing attack like St. Christopher’s. It will be interesting to see if Martini plays almost more as an extra lineman than a linebacker to slow down Fork Union’s biggest threat. And of course, Torrence’s success on the ground this year despite the lack of a prominent passing game should pit him against Martini on more occasion than one. Torrence has a large task in trying to get through the Tigers’ blue chip Notre Dame bound defender.
The line: Woodberry by 17. The Tigers, in their home finale, should be firing on all cylinders to try and turn this into a victory lap for their Prep League title. The balanced offense and a simply stingy defense that is arguably the best in the state periord is too much for the Blue Devils on the road.
Cumberland (2-6) at No. 7 Buckingham, 7 p.m.
The basics: Buckingham tested itself two weeks ago with a battle against Liberty Bedford and despite the loss it was smart move. A significant challenge like that can help prepare a team for a playoff run because the Knights continue to learn what they’ve got to fix, and the Knights continue to move into excellent playoff position because the loss didn’t crush them in the standings by any stretch. They showed it didn’t impact their rhythm either as they bounced back with a victory over Nottoway. Cumberland, on the other hand, is in the midst of a dismal campaign that includes six straight losses in the last six weeks. This is a major rivalry in the James River District, but this one should be all Buckingham Friday as the Knights are headed on an upward trajectory while Cumberland is stumbling along..
Key matchup: Buckingham’s defense battles T.J. Ford. Ford provided Cumberland’s only offense against Goochland last week, breaking off a 63-yard run. The Knights would be wise to keep track of Ford to prevent any kind of upset bid.
Who to watch: Buckingham’s Kenneth Johnson. The area’s leading rusher is the man to watch for the Knights every week. But since this one has the potential to get out of hand, we could see some big-time numbers from Johnson.
The line: Buckingham by 21. The Knights should roll through this one.
Prince Edward (1-7) at No 5. Goochland (6-2), 7 p.m.
The basics: Last week the Bulldogs crushed the only squad Prince Edward has gotten a win against when Cumberland absorbed a 51-6 blowout loss last week. This one doesn’t bode well for Prince Edward either. Goochland is beyond getting in midseason form, the Bulldogs are preparing to enter postseason mode with an eye pointed toward Salem once again. If the recipe that’s worked the last few weeks continues getting into gear, a deep playoff run is certainly a possibility.
Key matchup: Prince Edward’s defense goes toe-to-toe with Jordan Jefferson. A week after Jefferson took back over the quarterback role as the Bulldogs prepare for the stretch run, He went 3 for 3 for 117 yards against Cumberland. Jefferson is dangerous as a thrower and a runner,
Who to watch: Goochland’s David Dyer. Dyer is a big part of the puzzle for the Bulldogs. As they move down the stretch, the clock-eating power back should reprise his role during the 2012 playoffs as an impact, tempo-setting player.
The line: Goochland by 28. The Bulldogs shouldn’t miss a beat against Prince Edward.
No. 10 Louisa County (3-5) at No. 2 Albemarle (5-3), 7 p.m.
The basics: Louisa had to beat Orange last week to keep its playoff hopes alive and quarterback Trey Cherry did everything he could to lead the way to an important win. The Lions need at least one more win to claw their way into a playoff spot and beating a Division 5A opponent like Albemarle would do it. Of course, Albemarle needed one win in its last three games of the year and chose to shock the Jefferson District by edging Monticello in a huge 21-20 on the road to create a three-way tie atop the standings along with the Mustangs and Western Albemarle. The Patriots don’t want to lose that momentum, and a win could potentially give them a home game in the playoffs. So this should be another physical battle with both teams having a lot on the line.
Key matchup: Albemarle’s linebacking corps takes on the Louisa rushing attack. There’s so secret to Louisa’s approach offensively this year. Between personnel and then injuries, the Lions have gone retro and have an offense that’s designed to control the clock and move the chains one first down at a time to try and wear down defenses. The only problem is that Albemarle’s been down this road before with Powhatan, a game it won 7-6, and then there’s the win over Monticello, a battle every bit or more physical. The Jordan Sheltons and Drake Bryants of this linebacking unit are playing so well against the run right now. The Patriots need another big effort from this unit in the gaps. The Lions’ playmakers, whether its Cherry or Deion Johnson or anyone else, they need to find a way to make Albemarle linebacking corps miss those tackles or drag them along for extra yardage.
Who to watch: Albemarle defensive back and wide receiver Kevin Bernardino. He couldn’t have had a bigger game than he did last week on both sides of the ball against Monticello. If he makes big plays in the passing attack with D.G. Archer at quarterback, the Patriots are in good shape as they can counter Louisa’s strong run game with it’s own pairing of Dominique Talley and Bryant. Bernardino and this secondary’s been great against the run. That would only help Albemarle’s cause further if they put together another strong showing in the open field or in help.
The line: Albemarle by 10. The Patriots have learned how to win. Now we’ll see if they can keep it going at home and keep turning 2013 into a season to remember.
Nelson County (0-8) at Appomattox (4-4), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Governors best chance to win a game came last week against winless William Campbell, but Nelson gave up 24 points in the first half and couldn’t play catch up, despite playing really well defensively in the second half. Were it not for a turnover in the at the goalline last week, the Governors could well be coming in with a win, but those kind of miscues and a highly competitive Dogwood District have made that the story for Nelson all year long so far. Appomattox started off the year hot, but is coming off a second straight loss, albeit to Dan River and then Gretna the week before. Both losses were one-possesion games which should tell the Governors all they need to know as they hit the road. Appomattox runs the ball well and isn’t afraid to make big plays in short yardage situations, something Buckingham County learned in week one of the season when the Raiders took them down.
Key matchup: Nelson’s defensive line takes on quarterback Kendall Blackenship. The Governors need senior Homer Barnett, a big body who’s been one of the highlights for this team the last two years, to rally his fellow linemen and make sure they don’t over pursue Blackenship. The Appomattox quarterback can run and he’s not afraid to tuck it on passing plays where the coverage plays well. On top of that, he’s also adept at turning simply bootlegs into big plays with his legs and his arm. Appomattox is well balanced offensively, and Blackenship has broken some backs with a strong ground game behind him and a senior offensive line that’s good in both pass and run protection. The Governors have to get penetration and make the plays when they are there to stay in this one.
Who to watch: Nelson wide receiver Trey Kirby. While freshman running back Jerry Paige shows a lot of potential for the future, Kirby is the big play threat for the Governors and they need to find him when he’s open. Unfortunately, most teams have him blanketed with safety help and Nelson sometimes has to force the issue. But that said, the best way for the Governors to try and keep pace with the Raiders will be to find a way to get the ball in Kirby’s hands.
The line: The Raiders by 21. Three of Appomattox’s losses are to really, really good teams. They’ve got balance and they’ve also beaten some quality teams. This is tough sledding for Nelson on the road.
No. 10 Charlottesville (3-5) at Fluvanna County (1-7), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Charlottesville may have struggled to a 3-5 record so far, but the Black Knights still have a lot to play for right now, holding onto a playoff spot that would be the school’s second straight and just the second in a decade. But to get there, the Black Knights are likely going to have to figure out how to come up with stops defensively. If they come up with one or two stops last week against Western, they’re in that game with the Warriors. If you’re offense scores more than 40, that probably has to be enough, but CHS just couldn’t halt the Warriors and lost the shootout. Fluvanna fell to Powhatan a week after beating Louisa County as the Flucos continue to struggle to string together big wins. Their defense faces a tough task in trying to slow down Charlottesville and Marcus Jackson will need to help power the Fluco offense so they can keep pace.
Key matchup: Charlottesville’s Wade Kammauff and Will White take on Fluvanna’s Diondre Key. Key wreaked havoc on Louisa’s offense two weeks ago, but with the Black Knights’ offensive line strength that starts with Kammauff and White, he’ll have a tall task this week.
Who to watch: Charlottesville’s Malik Bartee. Bartee answered Western’s opening kick return for a touchdown with one of his own on the ensuing kickoff after a brief blackout. If he can get loose early on special teams, it would be a big lift for the Knights.
The line: Charlottesville by 7. Black Knights have too much firepower for the Flucos.
No. 6 Powhatan at No. 4 Western Albemarle (7-1), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Last year, Western ended Powhatan’s incredible run of district victories with a win in Crozet over the Indians. A win this year would go a long way toward shoring up a favorable playoff path for Western, while Powhatan could potentially still snag a home playoff game to open the postseason. That means there’s a lot on the line in this clash of styles, with Western’s up-tempo, pass-heavy offense going toe-to-toe with the ball-control, power-oriented Indians. Look for both squads to try and establish the tempo early on and control things.
Key matchup: Western’s developing linebacking corps takes on Powhatan’s Logan Allen. The Warriors can’t seem to stop the run, with Albemarle, Monticello and CHS all finding success on the ground over the last month against Western, and now Allen and the Indians come to Crozet. If the Warriors want to win in the 3A West once the playoffs start, they’re going to need some kind of answer against the run. Look for them to change things up a bit this week in an effort to find a consistent answer.
Who to watch: Western’s wideouts. Dylan Curry is the latest Western wideout to put together a big game, hauling in a pair of touchdown passes from Henry Friday against Charlottesville. It seems that whoever steps on the field in that spot can make plays. So far this year, Tre Banks, Chase Stokes, Steven Hearn, Burks Summers and Nic Drapanas have all had solid performances. Guarding the majority of those guys is a tall task as Henry always seems to find the open man.
The line: Western by 7. The Warriors may struggle against Powhatan’s power run game, but the Indians almost certainly won’t be able to solve the Western offense.
No. 3 Monticello (7-1) at Orange County (1-7), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: If ever a there was a bear that has been poked, it’s Monticello right now. Coming off the narrow loss to Albemarle, the Mustangs now have extra motivation to finish the season strong as they hope to climb the Division 3A standings and make up some ground on Western Albemarle and the rest of the 3A West. There’s no question that the Mustangs were eager to put together their first ever undefeated regular season, but at the same time, a loss at this time of the year has a funny way of getting everyone’s attention. On the other side, Orange hung tough with Louisa until the fourth quarter and gave the Lions all they could handle as the offense broke out after a slump the few weeks prior. The Hornets would love nothing more than to spoil Monticello’s position in the standings, and if they can find a way to bend and not break against this Mustangs offense and put up the points they did against Louisa, they’ve got a fighting chance. If not though, it might be a long night.
Key matchup: Orange’s front seven against the Monticello offensive line. Dinged up or not, this running back corps of Monticello’s is going to come right at the Hornets behind an offensive line that’s played beyond its years and previous experience. If Orange can’t get its offense on the field for prolonged periods of time, it’s in deep trouble as so many Monticello opponents have learned. This Mustangs team likes to punch teams in the mouth and go for the big plays in the passing game when the proper matchups present themselves. It’ll be no different here. The Hornets have to stop this running game or limit it to under 200 yards to have a chance to compete.
Who to watch: Monticello’s Josh Malm and Alex McNair. After last week, it will be interesting to see how this receiving corps bounces back from the loss. Don’t be surprised if Mustangs coach Jeff Woody tries to get these two involved early to grasp a lead and then squat on it with the vaunted running game led by TJ Tillery.
The line: Monticello by 17. The Mustangs spring back into form and set up a strong finish to their season, albeit with a bit more of a chip on their shoulder than before. That never hurts.
Manassas Park (2-6) at William Monroe (2-6), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Cougars are in the midst of a six-game slide as they fell hard last week to a very good Clarke County team, but also lost the week before to a not so good Strasburg team. The Dragons seniors will be jacked up for their last home game in Stanardsville. Monroe is coming off a 42-26 loss to an surging George Mason team after coming up with a big pride win over Madison the week before. The Dragons would love to finish the year at home with back-to-back wins as a road trip to Clarke looms next week. This is a winnable game for both squads, and as such, expect both teams to scrap for it.
Key matchup: Monroe’s front four takes on a struggling Manassas offensive line. The only battles that the Cougars have been in so far were mostly defensive struggles, ala a 7-6 loss to Madison last month. Points have been truly hard to come by for this old school rushing attack. If the Dragons front four rise to the occasion, with the production they’ve had the last month offensively, they could put the heels to Manassas here. It’s assignment football and that’s often the story in the Bull Run District. A nice showing up here wouldn’t just give Monroe a massive edge, it would bode well as they continue to build behind an impressively young roster.
Who to watch: Dragons running backs Cody Perkins and Tylek Burley. These two could be in for a busy night. With the way the Cougars have struggled against the run, should these two run well, the Dragons could put up a big number as they’ve run well against some really strong Bull Run defenses so far. It’s just been turnovers and costly mistakes that’s held back this Monroe offense. A strong game from the running attack takes care of a lot of that.
The line: Dragons by 4. Monroe’s offense is too much for Massaponax and the few seniors the Dragons have get a nice swan song in front of their friends and family.
Central Woodstock (6-2) at Madison County (3-5), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Falcons bounced back from their 1-point loss to Clarke County to cruise against a quality Warren County team last week. Madison picked up a victory in a must win scenario against Strasburg to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Mountaineers need to either top Woodstock or Warren to cement a playoff spot, but they could also get in with a little help depending on how Amelia and Bluestone play. The bottom line is that Madison would much rather get in the old fashioned way and that means either pulling the upset this week against the Falcons this week or next week against Warren.
Key matchup: Woodstock’s cornerback play against Ashton Weakley. There’s no secret here, and we’re not trying to beat a dead horse. When quarterback James Graves finds the best playmaker he has the Mountaineers put up points on the board. While Madison’s defense paved the way in its other two wins on the year, beating Strasburg once again required the two to come up with big plays. That’s just the nature of this Madison team and it’s going to have to be Graves and Weakley on multiple occasions as the Falcons have no trouble of their own piling up the points. If the Woodstock CB’s can cover Weakley one-on-one or with just a little bit of safety help, they’ll be in good shape. If not, the door could be open for Madison to get the upset bid it covets.
Who to watch: Madison’s Andrew Alley and Bray Lamb. This defense needs to find the form it had late in September in back-to-back wins over East Rockingham and Manassas Park and this duo up front is the most important part. The Falcons run the ball well behind an experience offensive line. Alley and Lamb will need to be disrupters and find a way to make tackles (something do quite well) and in addition, come up with a few turnovers to allow the Madison passing attack to make big plays.
The line: Woodstock by 7. There’s no reason the Mountaineers can’t keep this close with their big play ability but the Falcons are very much just a different version of Clarke County, which is tough.
Trinity Episcopal (2-7) at Covenant (3-6), Saturday 1 p.m.
The basics: Covenant has suffered through a relentless slew of injuries the last few weeks and in turn they’ve absorbed a string of five straight losses. Now the Eagles get one chance to put a positive spin on a frustrating second half of 2013. That chance comes Saturday against the Titans who’ve taken a step backward a year after a strong run into the state playoffs.
Key matchup: Covenant’s linebackers against Trinity’s Abraham Ferrell-Logan. Ferrell-Logan is a multi-dimensional threat, with a combination of power and speed that’s made him a Division I recruit. The Eagles have to keep a close eye on him if they want to keep pace with Trinity.
Who to watch: Covenant’s offensive line. This is one the area’s most injury-riddled units in recent memory. Can they come together and help lift the Eagles to a victory in the semifinals.
The line: Trinity by 7. The Eagles are just too beat up at this point to slow down Ferrell-Logan and the Titans.
No 8. St. Anne’s-Belfield (4-4) at No 9. Blue Ridge (3-5), Saturday 2 p.m.
The basics: The playoffs start now for STAB and Blue Ridge, it’s that simple. Both teams are in a play-in situation in VISAA’s Division II. The archrivals can vault themselves into the playoffs and end the opposition’s season in a delightful bit of added punch to a rivalry that hardly needs it. Expect to see both playbooks cracked absolutely wide open in this one. There’s no reason to hold back now because without a win, there’s no tomorrow for either squad, and neither of these coaches shy away from risky play-calling, so this one should be exciting. STAB’s defense is going to have to stand tall against the power run approach when the Barons try and pound it out and Blue Ridge’s defense is going to have to play assignment football against a STAB squad that can get anyone involved at any time.
Key matchup: Blue Ridge’s P.J. White takes on STAB’s Jalen Harrison. This game will likely come down to who can get the ball in their chief playmaker’s hands more often in more productive situations. White is the x-factor for the Barons, making big plays at wideout and as a running back in Blue Ridge’s high-motion package. Harrison has done everything but drive the bus for STAB’s offense, playing quarterback, leading them in rushing at times and making big catches as a wideout. The more that he touches the ball, the better things seem to go for the Saints. Even if these two end up offsetting each other, they’re likely to have a huge impact on the game.
Who to watch: STAB’s Brodie Phillips. Phillips gave the Saints some life in the run game last week and keeping the ball away from Blue Ridge’s offensive weapons like White, Torian Pegram and Eric Davis would be good for business for the Saints.
The line: STAB by 1. The Saints are red-hot right now, winning four straight, and the edge has to go to the hot hand. But this one is really a toss-up.
