Orange County (0-0) at Louisa County (0-0), 7:30 p.m. Radio: WINA 1070
The basics: For everyone in Louisa, it’s just going to be nice to feel somewhat normal after natural disaster week. Football on Friday in the Jungle against rival Orange is about as normal as it gets. The Hornets faced quite possibly the best opponent they’ll see all year in a scrimmage against Fork Union last week, so they should be ready for this contest. The Lions on the other hand, would have benefited from being able to play a strong Eastern View team as they were supposed to last week before heading into arguably Central Viriginia’s best rivalry game — the annual battle for the Gordonsville Tastee Freez. Playing in 9-team Commonwealth District now, Orange can now only play two out-of-district opponents. All football fans in Central Virginia should be happy these two close neighbors are keeping this yearly battle intact — there isn’t another public school game in the area that draws a bigger crowd.
Key matchup: Louisa’s back seven against Orange’s receiving corps. The Hornets like to spread the ball out and secondary is awfully green for the Lions. Keeping track of senior receiver Tyler Seal will be a tough task. Louisa’s going to want to make it as hard as possible for quarterback Eric Washington to get open looks at his targets.
Who to watch: Lions running back/linebacker Andre Mealy. After missing almost all of last year because of an arm injury, Mealy returns for his senior season. As a sophomore he tore up the Jefferson District. Last season he was on pace to due further damage until being shelved after week two. We’ll happily argue that no player is more anxious to get back on the field and play than Mealy this year. And when he plays, on either side of the ball, it’s violent.
The line: Louisa by 4. This is a team that rarely needs firing up to begin with, but between Mealy and his injury from last year and all the drama surrounding the earthquake and its aftermath, the Lions are going to be jacked up. Orange won’t make it easy though.
Albemarle (0-1) at Monticello (0-0) 7:30 p.m. Radio: WKAV 1400
The basics: Monticello opens its season and the Rodney-Redd-as-head-coach era with a cross-county rival in Albemarle, a squad that’s going to need a short memory after a heartbreaking overtime loss to the other county school, Western Albemarle. Monticello’s offense has looked efficient and effective in preseason appearances, but the defense has had its lapses. That won’t work against an Albemarle team that, despite losing, piled up nearly 300 yards of total offense against the Warriors. Expect T.J. Tillery to play a big role in slowing down Albemarle quarterback Lee Carneal and a rushing attack led by Micah Rivers and Niko Troche. Troche has more than 100 yards in just second half last week. The secondary that includes Denzel Terry should have the speed to match up with Albemarle wideouts like Timmy Aker and Kevin Gaines, but containing the Pats on the ground will be the key for the Mustangs.
Who to watch: Monticello’s Isaac Robinson. Robinson will power the Monticello rushing attack in 2011 and he’s just about the perfect back to do it. Robinson is big, tough and keeps his legs firing through every hit. Expect the Mustangs to lean on Robinson at least early on to help set up the pass.
Key matchup: This one is going to be settled in the trenches. Albemarle leans on an explosive group of defensive linemen, including DeMarco Dudley and Larkeem Jackson, but Monticello boasts a seasoned, productive offensive line led by senior Matt Hunt. Whoever can manage to gain the upperhand up front when the Mustangs have the ball is going to be in great shape.
The line: Monticello by 1. Albemarle is poised to bounce back — the Patriots still piled up nearly 300 yards of total offense against Western — but Monticello’s offense is too explosive.
Goochland (0-0) at Fluvanna (1-0) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Goochland is one of the area’s most football-mad counties and the Bulldogs open up this week against the Flucos, who are riding high after a dominant win over Prince Edward last week. Last year this was a Jefferson District matchup, but now the Bulldogs are back in Group A. They’re still the same Goochland though, with a loaded group of athletes on both sides of the ball. Players like Mitchell Brice, Patrick Clore, Zakell Johnson and a host of others will play major roles for the Bulldogs who replace 10 graduated starters on offense. But don’t expect Goochland to miss a beat. The Bulldogs have their sights set on a state title, and this is one of the first steps in that process. Expect Goochland to come out fired up on the road. Nathan Adams and Jess McLaughlin will have to set the tone defensively.
Key matchup: The Fluvanna defensive line and their own instincts. Football players are taught from a young age to attack the ball, but when you’re playing Goochland, instincts and over pursuit can be your worst enemy. The Flucos have to stay at home against the Bulldogs’ Wing-T. While you may run down a back on one play a couple of plays later a reverse or a jet sweep is going back the other way for six.
Who to watch: Fluvanna’s Logan Walls. Already a talented wrestler, Walls had a break out game last week at running back with a 127-yard performance against Prince Edward. Can Walls build on that outing against a stout Goochland defense that returns nine starters.
The line: Goochland by 7. The Bulldogs’ ground attack will make life tough on the Flucos’ defense.
Christchurch (0-0) at Covenant (0-1), 4 p.m.
The basics: After falling on the road in its debut under new coach Dave Rocco to Fredericksburg Christian, Covenant has a tough task at hand as they welcome Christchurch for its home opener. The Seahorses are one of the top VISAA Division 2 programs, losing just three games last year, and the last one coming at the hands of St. Anne’s-Belfield in the state semifinals. Christchurch graduated just five players from last year’s squad.
Key matchup: Covenant’s ground game against Christchurch’s front seven. The Eagles are going to need more than the 78 yards on the ground they got last week. Asking Tony Massie to do the heavy lifting with the passing attack is asking too much of a freshman. The Eagles’ offensive line and running back Dominique Tally need to be more effective on the ground.
Who to watch: Christchurch senior linemen Will Smith and Win Homer. The senior tandem both earned first team All-VISAA honors on offense and second team honors on defense. How Covenant handles their disruptive nature in the middle of the field will explain a lot as to how this game plays out.
The line: Christchurch by 10. Tough matchup for Covenant. This is quite possibly the best opponent the Eagles will see this season outside of rival STAB.
Madison (0-1) at Luray (0-1), 7 p.m.
The basics: What a tough loss for the Mountaineers last week, falling late to East Rockingham 36-35 — but one thing Stuart Dean coached teams have done remarkably well during the regular season is move on quickly. Luray’s been a punching bag for Madison with the Mountaineers outscoring the Bulldogs by 95 points in the last four meetings including last year’s 55-14 drubbing.
Key matchup: Luray’s secondary versus Madison receiver Travis Warren. For the rest of the year, this will likely have to be priority one for all Mountaineer opponents. Warren faced double, triple and at times, quadruple coverage last week but still had seven catches for 103 yards and a pair of TDs. He and quarterback Dustin Farmer won’t be denied. The question is, just how much can you throw their way without completely leaving the door open for the Madison ground game.
Who to watch: Madison running back Logan Carpenter. The junior has a real opportunity to have a breakout season with the way this team can throw downfield. His first game showed he’s up for the task, 116 yards on 16 carries and two catches for 25 yards. Don’t be surprised if Carpenter puts up a big number on the ground this week.
The line: Madison by 14. The mean difference in the last four meetings is just under 24 points, but the median is 13, so consider this a compromise.
Powhatan (0-0) at Grafton (0-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: Two very good football teams clash in this, the opener for both. The Jefferson District’s newest member opens up the year with a visit to a Region I Division 4 qualifier in Grafton that just fell short to Courtland in the playoffs by one point. Powhatan comes back after a 10-1 season with a boat load of skill position players ready to make their mark including Alex Higuchi and Ray Brown.
Key matchup: Powhatan’s offensive line versus Grafton defensive end Dylan Stallings. The Clippers have a JMU bound pass rusher that at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds is going to create problems up front and on the edge. If the Indians hope to drop back and pass they had better keep a watch on the senior lineman.
Who to watch: Indians H-back Ray Brown. It’s going to interesting to see how Woodson decides to use Brown between running the ball and hustling down field as a receiver. Brown brings a great physical skill set to the field and a good game against a quality team like Grafton should open the eyes of the rest of Powhatan’s opponents.
The line: Powhatan by 3. Tough call here between a pair of Regional qualifiers.
William Monroe (1-0) at Spotswood (1-0) 7 p.m.
The basics: Everyone knew that with Doug Sizemore and Zach Duprey back, William Monroe had a chance to have a solid, balanced offense. But if those two regularly produce explosive defensive plays like they did last Friday against Nelson County, the Dragons’ potential could go through the roof. Both had touchdown returns on fumbles that helped spark Monroe to a blowout win over Nelson. Now they head over the mountain to take on Spotswood. Spotswood went 2-1 to start the season in 2010 but then dropped its next seven contests in the Group AA Southern Valley District. Spotswood moves into the reunited Valley District this season.
Key matchup: Spotswood quarterback Austin Nicely faces the Monroe pass rush. Nicely, a UVa commitment in baseball, is a lefty who, when given a chance, can pick apart a defense. With Monroe linemen like White bringing the heat, will Nicely get enough time?
Who to watch: Monroe’s Stacy White along the defensive line. White will have to create pressure and havoc up the middle against Spotswood if the Dragons want to knock off the Trailblazers. He was a wrecking ball against Nelson and looks poised to be that way game in and game out.
The line: William Monroe by 7. Dragons’ second half against Nelson proved they’re going to be tough to reckon with.
St. Anne’s-Belfield (0-0) at Bishop Sullivan Catholic (0-0)
The basics: The defending VISAA Division II champions are geared up to get the season started, and with a solid group of newcomers blending well with returning stars like 2010 leading rusher Branford Rogers, why wouldn’t they be. STAB seems poised for a spirited title defense. That march begins with the school with the lowest enrollment in D-II, Virginia Beach’s Bishop Sullivan. The Saints got a big boost in this ballgame last year on the road when Rogers leveled a Bishop Sullivan player to set the tone for the entire season. Can the Saints strike a similar chord at home Friday?
Who to watch: St. Anne’s-Belfield’s Charles Sipe. Sipe was nearly unblockable as a junior defensive lineman, and the game plan now is to move him a step backward to his natural linebacker slot. The combination of Sipe and Shane Palmateer at linebacker should make things very tough on Sullivan, and Sipe will almost surely adjust quickly.
Key matchup: STAB’s new defensive backs take on Sullivan pass catcher Steven Swoope. The Saints graduated all-state cornerbacks Fernando Gaston and Pierce Woodsmall as well as another all-state member of the secondary Sheldon Shifflett. Containing Swoope will be a tall task — he had 13 catches for 165 yards against Isle of Wright Monday. One of those 13 catches was a 35-yard game-winning touchdown. STAB’s new group on the boundaries will have to be prepared.
The line: STAB by 10. Saints begin title defense with home victory over Crusaders if they can contain Swoope.
Central (Lunenburg) (0-0) at Nelson County (0-1), 7 p.m.
The basics: Nelson didn’t find a rhythm against Monroe last week, unraveling in the second half in particular to the tune of a 34-6 loss. Rodrell Smith showed his explosive ability in the return game with a long touchdown sprint, but the Governors need to move the ball consistently. They won’t get a break this week against a Central High team that went 6-4 last season and barely lost to Region B finalist Buckingham in the season finale 24-20. If Smith, Vest and the rest of the offense get on the same page, Lunenburg could have its hands full.
Key matchup: Lunenburg’s front seven against the Nelson triple option. Monroe disrupted the Governors’ attack last week. Nelson needs a better performance in the trenches and improved execution in the backfield.
Who to watch: Nelson’s Tyler Vest. Vest will have to churn out a little more per carry on the ground going forward for the Governors than he did last week.
The line: Lunenburg by 3. The Governors have a lot of work to do this week and Lunenburg will be another test, but Nelson should be within striking distance.
Eastern View (0-0) vs. Charlottesville (0-1) (at Western Albemarle) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Charlottesville has had some brutal out-of-district schedules the past few years and 2011 is no different. After getting beat by E.C. Glass on the road last week, the Black Knights host a “home” game over at Western Albemarle High Friday against Eastern View as the new artificial turf is installed over at CHS. This is a talented Eastern View squad and the Black Knights will need to find an offensive rhythm early after two weeks of struggling to move the ball.
Key matchup: Pendleton and the Black Knights’ pass rush. Charlottesville will need to force the issue against the dynamic signal-caller Pendleton. If he has time to pick his spots, Charlottesville will be in trouble early.
Who to watch: The QB/WR combination of Simon Pendleton and V.J. Ivory. Just ask Madison County about how explosive this duo can be. Pendleton and Ivory connected on a 75-yard touchdown in the benefit game with the Mountaineers. The Black Knights’ secondary will have to be on its toes. Oh, and by the way, this story from last year on Ivory is worth a look. The speedy wideout overcame a bout with cancer already.
The line: Eastern View by 10. Charlottesville is still searching for consistency on both sides of the ball, and facing off with Eastern View is a tall task.
Georgetown Prep (0-0) at Fork Union (0-0), Saturday, 2 p.m.
The basics: Fork Union looked sharp in its scrimmage at Orange County last week, but there’s not much that can prepare you for Georgetown Prep. After all, the Blue Devils won the VISAA Division 1 title last year, but had its hands full in a 35-7 loss agains the Little Hoyas.
Key matchup: Fork Union’s linebackers versus Prep running back Dominic Bryan. Bryan, who has offers from Boston College, Vanderbilt, Maryland and Temple, is the kind of big back (6’1”, 225 lbs) that can wear a defense down all on his own. The Blue Devils’ linebacking corps needs to be a sure tackling unit or else Bryan will make it a long afternoon.
Who to watch: Blue Devils quarterback Christian Hackenberg. The junior’s ability had coach Micky Sullivan thinking about letting him just whip the ball all over the field during the preseason, a change in approach from FUMA’s usual ground and pound style. The Little Hoyas core defense returns from last year. If Hackenburg can handle this defense, his offers from Virginia and Tennessee will likely get company.
The line: Georgetown by 3. Given all the fresh faces at the skill positions, it’s going to take a bit for FUMA to gel. But the Little Hoyas have questions on both sides of the line, so this could well be a dogfight.
