Monticello (2-0) at Goochland (1-1), 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: This one should be a classic. Last year’s 25-20 battle that Goochland pulled out certainly was and it came with a lot of emotion. Bulldogs’ coach Joe Fowler said after the Mustangs didn’t score on their final drive that if the Mustangs had “it would’ve stuck a dagger in our kids’ hearts.” This has become one of the premier out-of-district rivalry games in the area. Monticello will be out to avenge last year’s defeat and the Mustangs will be looking to keep the scoring momentum going that they built against George Wythe last week. That will be far from easy against a Goochland defense that only surrendered 21 points to a talented Fork Union offense last week in a 28-10 loss to the Blue Devils. Avoiding mistakes that hamstrung them against Albemarle will be key for the Mustangs while Goochland needs to run it’s usual run-heavy system efficiently.
Key matchup: Monticello running back T.J. Tillery takes on Goochland linebackers Scotty Pearce and Nathan Adams. Love old school football? You’ll get it in this matchup. Adams and Pearce are rugged, tough backers and Tillery has emerged as a hard-charging, one-cut-and-go tailback that’s ideal in the Mustangs’ offensive system. Tillery’s production could go a long way toward determining how Monticello’s offense functions against the Bulldogs.
Who to watch: Monticello’s Jhalil Mosley. Mosley may have learned the most against Albemarle High and the Patriots’ defensive approach, and he showed it against George Wythe, cutting down on mistakes and running explosively for 9.4 yards per carry in just a half of action. This week though, he’ll likely be called upon to do quite a bit more against the Bulldogs.
The line: Monticello by 1. The Mustangs have got a little too much offensive firepower for the Bulldogs, who will have to control possession and limit Monticello’s chances.
Fluvanna County (1-2) at Buckingham County (2-0), 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: For at least a little while, this is probably the last Battle for the James River Bridge. Fluvanna moves up to Division 4 as part of the new six-classification system the VHSL is proposing and needs to beef up its schedule accordingly. Division 2 Buckingham likely won’t be a part of that new schedule. Buckingham took it to the Flucos back in 2011 in Palmyra, and with the way the Knights have played so far (allowing just seven points while rolling up more than 80 in two games) this won’t be an easy task for Fluvanna again this year. The Knights’ ground game is a force to be reckoned with and the Flucos haven’t found their stride on offense yet. Heading down to Dillwyn to try and get in gear is a tough ask.
Key matchup: Fluvanna’s Devin Goode and the other Fluvanna linebackers take on Buckingham’s two-headed monster at running back, Kyree Koonce and Kenneth Johnson. Koonce and Johnson each crossed the century mark last week. Goode, on the other hand, played fantastic against Spotsylvania in Fluvanna’s loss. It should be an intriguing clash — strength on strength.
Who to watch: Fluvanna’s Jalen Harrison. Harrison was the Flucos biggest threat and produced the squad’s lone touchdown against Spotsylvania. If the tall wideout can get loose — no easy task against a stingy Buckingham defense — Fluvanna might be able to open up the run game.
The line: Buckingham by 17. The Knights are rolling right now and Fluvanna is reeling. Expect a heavy dose of the Buckingham rushing attack.
Fork Union (2-1) at Powhatan (1-1), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Blue Devils’ defense paved the way for a second straight quality win last week, this time against a Group A public power in Goochland. While most private school teams just kicked off their season last week, FUMA already has three games under its belt and if this team stays healthy, should payoff big come October in terms of chemistry. After a huge win over Grafton to start the year, the Indians faced another out-of-district giant in Midlothian but could not muster up the offense to improve to 2-0 after scoring the games first touchdown, but giving up 29 unanswered after that. Last year Fork Union got the best of Powhatan, but a few players aside, these are two completely different rosters from 2011.
Key matchup: Fork Union’s run game versus the Indians’ Jake Salisbury and Chris DeLeon. The two Powhatan defenders combined for 12 tackles and are solid against the run, even in defeat against Midlothian. Fork Union is averaging 6.2 yards per carry as a team. Something has to give here because these are two teams that have picked up their wins through defense.
Who to watch: Fork Union linebacker Dondre Wright. The senior has 21 tackles and a trio of sacks in his last two games. Since he’s started owning the middle of the field, FUMA’s been a different looking team. With a team that likes to pack it in offensively in Powhatan, the Blue Devils will need him to stay hot.
The line: Fork Union by 3. The Blue Devils ride their recent momentum and thrive by being the more versatile team on offense. That said, if you like defensive football, this is your game right here.
Hargrave (0-1) at Covenant (1-1), 4:30 p.m.
The Basics: Covenant took a big step forward last week with a high-octane offensive performance and a stingy defensive outing against Fishburne in an easy win over the Caissons. Hargrave, on the other hand, absorbed a blowout loss to Blue Ridge, falling 53-13 to the Barons. Can the Eagles maintain that momentum they built last week?
Key matchup: Hargrave’s front seven tries to contain Covenant running Jamie Gaston. Gaston looked much improved from 2011 last week, rushing for 107 yards and a touchdown on 20 touches against Fishburne. Gaston and backup Austin Llera’s hard-nosed running early on opened things up for the passing game as the Caissons tried to stack the box and left one-on-one coverage on the edges that Covenant exploited.
Who to watch: Covenant quarterback Brady Doyle. Doyle flashed a mastery of the Eagles’ offense he hadn’t show yet against Fishburne. Doyle looked comfortable with most of his wideouts including Daniel Crawford, who exploded for 135 yards. If that combination can keep clicking, Covenant can get rolling.
The line: Covenant by 3. The Eagles face a more opponent this week, and Hargrave will be looking to bounce back in a big way and get their season on track. But Covenant’s balanced offense should allow them to pull this one out.
Spotsylvania (1-1) at Louisa County (1-2), 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: Louisa is still trying to find its identity, and a rhythm after replacing a slew of defensive starters including everyone in the linebacking corps. That has shown early as Louisa put together a near flawless performance against archrival Orange County but played uneven against Courtland and Eastern View. Against a Spotsylvania team that has traditionally struggled but seems to be finding its footing after a win over Fluvanna County last week, Louisa will learn a little more about who they are.
Key matchup: Spotsylvania’s linebackers tracking Louisa dual threat quarterback Zack Jackson, through three games, Jackson leads the area in passing and is fourth in rushing. Containing him is the key to stopping the Lions. The Knights’ linebackers played well and created a lot of havoc against Fluvanna last week.
Who to watch: Spotsylvania’s Ashten Dixon. While Anderson piled up the yards against Fluvanna County, Dixon is the cornerstone of the offense. His savvy running the option and ability to improvise in the passing game allowed Spotsylvania to put together a 16-play drive against the Flucos and hold a huge advantage in time of possession.
The line: Louisa County by 14. The Lions stumbled against Courtland, but Spotsylvania wasn’t overwhelming against Fluvanna. Look for Louisa to get back on track this week.
Blue Ridge (1-0) at Blessed Sacrament- Huguenot (2-1), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Barons trounced visiting Hargrave last week, but in a sloppy game. The Knights saw their comeback hopes against North Cross fall short as they picked up their first loss of the year. This is a nice matchup of a quality VISAA Division 2 program in Blue Ridge and a strong Division 3 squad in BSH.
Key matchup: The Knights’ linebacking corps against the short pass. North Cross really hurt Sacrament, particularly early on. With a shifty running back in Shawn Steen and a receiver that has 4.4 speed in Leon Strauss, the Barons are all about giving their athletes space to work with. Speed is a yearly strength for Blue Ridge, and as such, when the Knights defense gets to the edge, they can’t miss or they’ll pay dearly.
Who to watch: Steen. He has a rare combination of speed and tenacity for a running back of his size. But he’s a rock solid defensive back and also happens to be the team’s kicker. His all-around game against Hargrave was absolutely fascinating to watch. Can he replicate it against a quality opponent now?
The line: Blue Ridge by 1. The Barons playmakers give them the edge here as they have more than just one athlete with that home run threat.
Culpeper (0-2) at Charlottesville (0-3) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Blue Devils saw Orange come-from-behind to swipe a victory last week while the Black Knights had a rough go of it against R.E. Lee. Culpeper’s offense was much improved last week after an ugly week one showing against Faquier. Charlottesville’s offense remains its biggest strength with Chris Thruston and Rashard Brock more than doing their part in the backfield or on special teams. But sooner or later, the defensive unit is going to have to step up and play a larger role. This would be the week to do it for Charlottesville as the team’s first three opponents are all playoff caliber teams. There won’t be any moral victories in this matchup for the Black Knights. It’ll just be about the scoreboard at the end of the night.
Key matchup: Charlottesville’s secondary versus Culpeper’s wide receivers. The Blue Devils had a trio of fumbles and an interception last week. After Lee wide out Joe Moore had a field day, this unit for the Black Knights needs to find some confidence and this the game for them to discover that. If the secondary wraps up and can avoid giving up the big play, the entire defensive unit could find some rhythm to build on.
Who to watch: Thurston. It’s a case of dueling banjos here between the junior and Brock. Thurston is a violent runner though and has the chance to put up a big game against this Culpeper defense, especially if his offensive line lets him get a head of steam.
The line: Charlottesville by 4. The Black Knights get that elusive first win thanks to its offense, which through three games, has been pretty dynamic. But on paper, this should be its big breakout performance.
Fort Defiance (2-1) at Western Albemarle (2-0), 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: Western Albemarle put together a statement game last Friday night—there’s no other way to say it. Even this early in the season, the Warriors’ 21-0 victory over Liberty Bealeton established that the Warriors, if they stay healthy and keep executing, is going to be a force to be reckoned with. Western shut down Liberty on defense and put together a dominant offensive outing with quarterback Kent Henry rushing for 150 yards and throwing for another 234 and two touchdowns in the win. Western is looking to avenge a loss from 2011 they felt was unjust too, so look for this year’s edition of the Indians to feel the Warriors’ wrath.
Key matchup: Fort Defiance’s defensive backs against Western’s latest edition of the Four Horsemen. Back in 2009, we dubbed Western’s quartet of wideouts (Dom Losco, Tyler Ward, Christophe Drapanas and Nick Kuzjak) the four horsemen. Last season, Austin Ellis led a similarly balanced contingent, but with quarterback Kent Henry settling in, the 2012 group, built around younger brothers of two pass-catchers in the 2009 group has a chance to be Western’s most prolific yet. Last week, Daniel Kuzjak had two touchdowns and 51 yards, Nic Drapanas had 102 yards on five receptions, Isaiah Cowan had 44 yards on five catches and the new addition, Steven Hearn, had 43 yards on three catches. That
Who to watch: Western’s Donte Henry. The big tackle dominated last week when facing Liberty’s Wyatt Teller and he’s a big reason quarterback Kent Henry was sacked just once against the Eagles. If the lineman can put together another big week, Western could be in position to run away with this one.
The line: Western Albemarle by 17. Payback time for the Warriors, expect Western to bring it against the Indians.
St. Christopher’s (1-1) at St. Anne’s-Belfield (0-2), 7 p.m.
The Basics: STAB took a step backward last week after looking solid against Bishop Sullivan in August, falling to Virginia Episcopal 29-0. The Saints, who are admittedly inexperienced at linebacker struggled to contain Ronnie Stringfield to the tune of 132 yards and three touchdowns on 12 touches. St. Christopher’s was thought to be a threat to win the VISAA Division I title by a number of area coaches, but haven’t been overwhelming out of the gate, winning 21-6 against Trinity Episcopal before falling to St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes last week.
Key matchup: STAB’s front seven takes on St. Christopher’s Ganon Hingst. A week after taking on Stringfield, STAB faces Hingst who gained 114 yards in week one. Coming up with some stops in the run game would go a long way toward solving STAB’s defensive issues.
Who to watch: St. Christopher’s Giles Thompson. The Saints’ tall quarterback hasn’t gotten into a groove yet, but Thompson has a ton of potential and has shown flashes of big-time ability. STAB would be wise to keep an eye on Thompson, especially after surrendering a big touchdown pass early by VES’s Tom Creasy.
The line: St. Christopher’s by 3. The Saints are one of the favorites in the Prep League and STAB’s young squad is still trying to find its footing.
Stafford (0-3) at Orange County (1-1), 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: Orange County ended a lengthy losing streak Friday against a Culpeper squad that’s been struggling of late as well. The Hornets almost let that game slip away after the Blue Devils made a huge rally in the fourth quarter.
Key matchup: Orange’s defense goes toe-to-toe with Stafford quarterback Billy Bolinsky. Bolinsky ran for his life at times against Massaponax last week with UVa-bound Vinny Mihota terrorizing the backfield, but when he got time, he completed seven of 20 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown. Orange is going to have to get a lot of pressure on the signal-caller to slow down Stafford.
Who to watch: Orange’s Mikael Wallace. Wallace scored the game-winning touchdown against Culpeper on a 12-yard run. Can he put together another strong performance against Stafford?
The line: Stafford by 7. The Indians nearly knocked off a tough Massaponax squad last week and Orange might be running into a team that’s an awful lot better than its 0-3 record indicates.
Page County (0-2) at Madison County (1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Panthers look a licking from a strong Strasburg team last week. On the other hand, the Mountaineers got to enjoy the week off after edging Luray the previous week. Madison would have liked to put a bigger number on Luray, but it was for a lack of ability to run the ball with three runners having at least 42 yards. The passing attack has to develop though. But after two games into the year, it’s hard not to like how much better this Mountaineers defense is.
Key matchup: Page County’s rush defense against Maurice Gentry and Logan Carpenter. This one is pretty straight forward. Madison is going to get behind its horses on offense and unless the Panthers force them in throwing situations, Mountaineers coach Stuart Dean has no problem going back to the well over and over again.
Who to watch: Madison lineman J.P. Utz. He’s coming off a five-tackle, two-sack showing against Luray. He’s a disruption up front whether against the run or with a bull rush on the pass. When he’s on his game, he’s hard to stop and Page has already had trouble at the line scrimmage against Spotswood and Strasburg.
The line: Madison by 4. The Mountaineers get it done the old fashioned way, playing defense up front and running the ball hard up the middle. The bye week should only help the Mountaineers here too.
East Rockingham (2-0) at William Monroe (0-3), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Eagles picked up a quality win over Manassas Park two weeks ago before taking last week off. The Dragons continue to struggle in a full-fledged rebuild, last week watching Broadway impose its will. A lot happens in three years. East Rockingham had to literally start from scratch in 2010. Monroe, minus a few players, is basically doing the same. For the youth on this Dragons team, it’ll be important to see how much progress can be made in a short time and the Eagles are a fine example of that.
Key matchup: Monroe’s defensive line versus East Rockingham’s offensive line. Against an old school offense (wing-t), there’s no getting around the fact that the Dragons have to get some kind of penetration up front to make this a competitive game. It won’t be easy against the experience group the Eagles have up front, but it’s a must.
Who to watch: Dragons quarterback Jack Morris and receiver Dakwan Morris. To stay in this one, Monroe needs some really big plays. Can the junior quarterback hit his fastest receiver on some go routes to make this one interesting? If not it could be another long night.
The line: East Rockingham by 17. The Eagles experience and depth up front are too much for this young group for Monroe.
Blair Academy (N.J.) (1-0) at Woodberry Forest (0-1), 1:30 p.m. Saturday
The basics: The Bucs make the hike down from New Jersey after a bye week. Two weeks ago they man-handled St. Mary Assumption. The Tigers comeback efforts against Benedictine fell short after a Cadets special teams touchdown put the score out of reach late. To start the game though, Woodberry and its fans witnessed a highly unlikely but uplifting event as amputee Jacob Rainey played through the Tigers first series at quarterback.
Key matchup: Woodberry’s interior defense against the Blair rushing attack. Temple-bound Jihaad Petlow packs a massive punch at running back and has break away speed to go along with it. At 5-foot-11 and 179 pounds be plays bigger than his frame and has the kind of balance that makes him awfully hard to bring down. In the second half the Woodberry defense was solid against the Cadets rushers. They’ll need to be as good or better against Petlow.
Who to watch: Tigers quarterback Hunter Etheridge. The junior from North Carolina still has to work things out in the passing game, but he showed a lot of tenacity as a runner, the kind of compliment that running backs Christian Asher, HT Minor and James Hewell can thrive off of and exploit for easier running lanes.
The line: Blair by 4. Talk about lining up against a tough opponent, the Bucs were responsible for one of the Tigers two losses last year. Woodberry will be more fluid this week than last, but this a really rough matchup in just its second week of play.
