High school football preview audio
Louisa County (5-1) at Powhatan (5-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Much like Louisa did the week before, Powhatan got off to a slow start against Fluvanna County. In the end, both teams won against the Flucos comfortably, but the Lions had two weeks to prepare for this crucial Jefferson District matchup. A Powhatan win sets up what would essentially be a JD championship game next week against Monticello. A Louisa win here could give the Lions a share of the title if the Mustangs fall to Powhatan.
Key matchup: Powhatan’s secondary against Louisa quarterback Zack Jackson. The Louisa quarterback knows how to get to the edge and the second level of the defense with his legs, but has also done a great job of capitalizing on passing plays by hitting his wide receivers down field. Getting a read on the dual-threat is arguably the easiest way to approach Louisa’s offense. Guess wrong and it’ll be costly.
Who to watch: Louisa running back Andre Mealy and Powhatan h-back Ray Brown. In what amounts to a prize fight between rushers, this is about as good as it gets. Mealy’s physical style is unmatched in Central Virginia while Brown’s no slouch himself and maybe the most versatile offensive weapon in the area with his speed and agility.
The line: Louisa by 1. Just a great matchup between two of the top three JD teams here. The Lions bye week helps them edge one out on the road here.
Collegiate (1-6) at Fork Union (2-5), 3 p.m.
The Basics: The two representatives of the VISAA Division 1 championship probably didn’t expect to be in this situation — on the outside looking in when it comes to playoff scenarios. This is must win for the Blue Devils who took a tough 38-0 loss to Liberty Christian last week.
Key matchup: Collegiate’s secondary versus Fork Union’s passing attack. The Cougars have struggled against both the run and pass, but the Blue Devils have the weapons in the passing game to make this defense pay dearly. Locking down receiver D.J. Randle El is no easy task but Collegiate also as to pay close attention to Jay Gafford where ever he lines up on the field too.
Who to watch: FUMA quarterback Christian Hackenberg. The junior is poised for a big game. He has the arm and options to pile up points for this offense this week. Look for him to put up big numbers.
The line: Fork Union by 6. The Blue Devils pick up a much needed win to keep the playoff hopes alive.
Nelson (0-7) at Gretna (6-1) 7 p.m.
The Basics: Nelson is still looking for its first win of the year and the task at hand is daunting. The Hawks have a lot of different personnel this year, but their one loss came to top-ranked Group A’s Amelia.
Key matchup: Nelson’s front seven versus Gretna running back Tony Miller. The versatile Miller is as big a threat rushing the ball as he is catching the ball. With more that 1,000 yards from scrimmage, despite a 3-week lull before playing Chatham last week. Playing contain on Miller will be the tough task.
Who to watch: Govenors running back Rodrell Smith. The one thing teams (particularly Amelia) have had some success against Gretna is running right at them. If Smith can be efficient that will open the door for Tyler Vest to pile up some yards to. Nelson needs to keep Gretna’s offense off the field.
The line: Gretna by 10. Tough team for Nelson to have to play on the road. The Hawks continue their Dogwood dominance.
Buckingham (6-1) at Cumberland (2-5) 7 p.m.
The basics: Buckingham makes the short trip down the road to face Cumberland. These two didn’t get the chance to truly finish the game last year with extracurricular activity ending the game prematurely in the Knights’ favor. Here’s hoping all 48 minutes get played. Saturday’s win over Central Lunenburg cemented a playoff berth for Buckingham, a win here inches them closer to a home playoff game.
Key matchup: Cumberland’s linebacking corps versus Tarian Ayers, Peanut Johnson and Kyree Koonce. The way that those three ran the ball against Central, expect Buckingham to let its quarterback and two running backs get behind its experienced offensive line and do things the old fashioned way. With all three hitting the century mark last week, it’s going to be up to the linebackers to make the proper read on Ayers to whether he’s going to hand off to Johnson or Koonce or run it himself.
Who to watch: Buckingham receiver L.A. Briley. His speed makes him a home run threat. His team’s ability to run gives him one-on-one matchups. If the Knights roll on the ground, look for Ayers and the Knights to go for the jugular downfield to Briley.
The line: Buckingham by 9. The Knights handle business on the road as they have all year.
Covenant (2-6) at St. Anne’s-Belfield (3-4), 7 p.m.
The basics: While STAB has owned the win-loss column in this cross-town rivalry, this matchup always seems to bring out the best in both squads and their respective fan bases. Covenant has been improving every week, but STAB’s victory over Collegiate last week was a huge step in the right direction for the Saints. If STAB can build on that win with some consistency, they can keep inching up the VISAA Division II standings and get into the postseason.
Key matchup: Covenant’s young front seven led by defensive end John Meade takes on STAB’s ground attack. Expect the Saints to challenge Covenant to stop them on the ground because the Saints have a tough, rugged line and a tough, rugged fullback in Shane Palmateer and, well, frankly, that is what coach John Blake and STAB do when the weather gets cool.
Who to watch: STAB’s defensive front, specifically Rivers Upchurch, Morgan Wilson and Charles Sipe. The trio of linemen has 16 tackles for a loss between them. If they wreak havoc on the Covenant run game, that should only make things easier for STAB’s linebackers.
The line: St. Anne’s-Belfield by 10. The Saints’ victory over Collegiate could be the beginning of a big postseason push.
Randolph-Henry (3-4) at Goochland (7-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: The only danger here for the Bulldogs, who dispatched Cumberland easily last week, is looking past the Statesmen, who are coming off a thrilling 35-34 homecoming win over Nottoway, and on to back-to-back battles with Buckingham and Amelia that close out the season. Odds are slim that head coach Joe Fowler or his senior leaders allow that to happen. Randolph Henry has shown the ability to score — but in turn has struggled to stop teams, giving up more than 47 points per game in their last three outings.
Key matchup: Goochland’s stingy front takes on Quincy Thompson, Randolph-Henry’s leading rusher. Thompson is averaging 8.7 yards per carry, but two weeks ago Buckingham managed to hold the senior to 45 yards. He had 92 against Nottoway last week, but the Bulldogs’ front including Nathan Adams and Matthew Heller should be able to contain the Statesmen’s back.
Who to watch: Goochland’s Cody Johnson. When the Bulldogs have opened up the attack, Johnson has proven to be an efficient passer, completing 53 percent of his passes and throwing for 729 yards on the year. Even in games where
The line: Goochland by 20. The Bulldogs continue to build on their early season rhythm.
Waynesboro (1-5) at Western Albemarle (3-4), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The battle for Afton Mountain is back and this time it’s homecoming for the Warriors. Confidence has been key for the Warriors this year — when they’ve come in confident they’ve been tough to stop. Against a Waynesboro squad they routinely beat, Western will likely be confident. Last week’s 42-7 blowout over Charlottesville won’t hurt either.
Key matchup: Western linebackers Austin Ellis and Tommy Mullin goes toe-to-toe with Waynesboro running back Devin Jones. Jones showed big play ability against Spotswood last week with a 68-yard touchdown run. Ellis continues to set the tone for the Warriors defense with 44 solo stops while that linebacking tandem has combined to force six fumbles.
Who to watch: Western’s Isaiah Cowan. The Warriors’ four tall, fast wide receivers provide Western with a balanced aerial attack. Cowan is averaging 12.7 yards per catch.
The line: Western Albemarle by 13. The Warriors are picking up some steam right now and they’ll keep it going against the Little Giants.
Fluvanna (2-6) at Monticello (6-1) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Monticello’s offense is balanced and explosive, which makes the Mustangs dangerous. But some new defensive wrinkles and personnel adjustments put in place against Turner Ashby last week should shore up a unit that has put Monticello in some shootouts. The secondary in particular showed a different look that may continue for the duration of the season. Fluvanna has found a way to hang around against tough opponents like Powhatan and Louisa for a half, but containing Monticello is another matter. Isaac Robinson’s work on the ground — he’s already gained more than 1,000 yards — and Jhalil Mosley’s work through the air — he’s also thrown for 1,000 — make the Mustangs tough to beat.
Key matchup: Monticello’s front seven takes on Fluvanna running back Logan Walls. Fluvanna’s coaching combination of Jason Barnett and offensive coordinator Mitchell Pace have kept opposing defenses on their toes. The Flucos drastically shifted a couple of weeks ago from a single-wing oriented approach to an I-formation oriented look that put Louisa on its heels. But it’s Walls’ consistent approach on the ground that makes that possible. Walls runs hard no matter where he lines up and he could give Monticello trouble.
Who to watch: Monticello’s Nathan DiGregorio. Defenses are starting to give Monticello’s jumpball wizard Sam Patterson the old Randy Moss treatment — bracket coverage with a safety over the top of the tall wide receiver. It didn’t matter much during the senior’s eye-popping performance against Turner Ashby, but focusing on Patterson can open things up for the Mustangs’ smaller but effective wideout, DiGregorio.
The line: Monticello by 14. The Mustangs are too explosive on offense for the Flucos.
Albemarle (1-5) at Brooke Point (5-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: There are no easy weeks in the Commonwealth District — especially not when you’re a little banged up and certainly outsized. Albemarle has been living a frustrating week in and week out existence in the Commonwealth. They’ll gameplan around stopping one aspect of an opposing offense and get burned by another standout athlete. That’s the nature of playing deep, talented teams in the District centered in Stafford County and Fredericksburg. It won’t change this week against a Brooke Point squad wounded by a narrow loss to Massaponax last week.
Key matchup: Brooke Point quarterback Zach Deutel takes on the Albemarle secondary. Albemarle surrendered a big night through the air to North Stafford last week and Deutel, who threw for 264 yards against Massaponax, has the ability to toss the ball all over the field.
Who to watch: Albemarle’s Drake Bryant. The young running back can grind out yards, and controlling the clock and possession will be critical for the Patriots against an explosive Brooke Point team that’s been held under 30 points just twice this season.
The line: Brooke Point by 14. A brutal Commonwealth slate continues for the Patriots.
Colonial Forge (4-3) at Orange County (1-6) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Orange looked like it was ready to pick up its first Commonwealth District win last week against Riverbend but things got away late. Forge has lost three of four games, but all to quality opponents and the Eagles nearly upset a very good Mountain View team two weeks ago and have only one loss by more than 10 points.
Key matchup: Orange’s offensive line versus Forge’s front four. The Eagles have gotten the job done this year with an aggressive defense and when the Hornet’s have faltered on offense, it’s been for a lengthy and uncomfortable Friday night. With a strong secondary led by Trey Reed, it’s not enough to rely on playmaking receivers like Tyler Seal. Orange needs to give quarterback Eric Washington time to make good reads.
Who to watch: Forge’s Reed. Not only does he star in the secondary, he’s also his team’s leading rusher. The seniors drawn interest from both Virginia and Virginia Tech with his speed and ability to churn out big plays.
The line: Colonial Forge by 14. Eagles defense rolls and paves the way for its pro-style offense.
Madison (3-5) at Strasburg (6-2) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: How often do two teams play each other twice in the regular season? Strasburg got the best of Madison in round one back in September. The Mountaineers looked like they were going to make a game of it against William Monroe last week before an ugly second half and game marred completely by turnovers.
Key matchup: Madison’s front eight versus Strasburg running back Rakwon White. The Mountaineers know what’s coming at them and it’s the Rams bruising back. White is a force and has the speed to make that a physics dilemma. Madison is going to need exceptional play from its secondary and outside line backers to keep White from moving the chains. Inside linebacker J.P. Utz is more than capable of handling the work up the middle.
Who to watch: Madison receiver Travis Warren. With a broken hand he still managed to put up solid numbers against Monroe and was a terror for the Dragons in the first half of that game. To open things up for running back Maurice Genry, Warren will have to come up with big plays like he did last week.
The line: Strasburg by 4. Too much White and wear and tear for Madison here.
William Monroe (5-2) at George Mason (1-5) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Last weeks win over Madison and a Central Woodstock loss has Monroe locked up with Clarke County and Manassas Park for the lead in the Bull Run. The Dragons face both those two to finish up the regular season after this game against Mason. The Mustangs have struggled this year, but Monroe can’t afford a slip up this week as they close in on a home playoff game.
Key matchup: Mason’s front seven versus Monroe’s offensive line. With the way that Dragons running back Doug Sizemore grinds out his yards and quarterback Jack Morris has been successful in play action, the Mustangs have to be aggressive but not too aggressive. That means excellent positioning on the edges and not over committing to Sizemore while also finding a way to wrap up the physical runner. A tough job by all accounts.
Who to watch: Morris. The quarterback seems wiser with each game under center. As a sophomore he’s already beyond his years and his knack for finding receivers Jordan Gentry and Adam Weisenborn is the x-factor that keeps teams from selling out against the run. Mobile and equipped with an arm, Morris is looking more and more like an elite level quarterback.
The line: Monroe by 10. The Dragons keep pace in a great BR district race and set up a furious finish with Manassas Park and Clarke County.
Kiski Prep (PA) (1-5) at Woodberry Forest (4-2), 2 p.m. Saturday
The basics: It’s tough to judge interstate battles like this game, but Woodberry and Kiski both played Blair Academy and while the Tigers, who beat Landon last week, fell in a close one to Blair, Kiski absorbed a 40-6 loss. Woodberry should expect to be in control if the Tigers can find a rhythm.
Key matchup: Kiski quarterback Darrik Martin takes on Woodberry’s secondary. Martin, out of California, threw for 2,446 yards and 21 touchdowns at his high school out west last season, but tricking Woodberry’s secondary hasn’t been easy. The Tigers have allowed just 93.8 yards per game through the air and picked off seven passes.
Who to watch: Woodberry quarterback Heys McMath. McMath has been a much improved quarterback of late, throwing for 215 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Landon. He’s also spreading the ball around well — seven different Tigers had catches against Landon last week.
The line: Woodberry by 10. The Tigers seem to have gotten on track with three straight wins and it doesn’t look like it’ll stop here.
Blue Ridge (3-3) at Virginia Episcopal (1-5), 2 p.m. Saturday
The basics: Blue Ridge is on a roller coaster ride right now. After a critical victory over St. Stephen’s & St Agnes two weeks ago, Christchurch, ranked No. 1 in the state, dispatched the Barons 36-0. Virginia Episcopal, who’s struggling to find an identity, provides an opportunity for the Barons to bounce back and get on track for the postseason push.
Key matchup: Blue Ridge’s ground game takes on VES’s porous defense. VES struggled to stop the run against Covenant last week. Expect the Barons to try and grind it out on the ground at least in the early going.
Who to watch: Blue Ridge’s Lance Gray. If the Barons are going to get in gear offensively, the versatile Gray who’s played at quarterback, is going to have to make some plays. He’s also going to have to continue his impact play on the other side of the ball.
The line: Blue Ridge by 10. The Barons have to go on the road, but their athleticism should outpace VES.
