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There is no escape, don’t make me destroy you

Spotsylvania (2-0) at Orange County (1-1), 7:30  p.m.

The basics: The Hornets will look to bounce back from a tough matchup with Eastern View with a Spotsylvania squad that has won its first two games after going 1-9 in 2016. In years past the Hornets haven’t gotten many points for beating the Knights but that could be different this year.  The Hornets have to be careful here too and not let this be a trap game. Orange has all the weapons to make quick work of Spotsylvania, but Eastern View exposed some issues on defense last week. With Spotsylvania coming off a bye week after beating Fluvanna County in week two, the Knights should be healthy and prepped up for this one. This is a big tune up game for the Hornets before they open up Jefferson District play with a hard-nosed Charlottesville squad.

Key matchup: The Hornets’ front seven against Knights running back Malaki Terrell. The senior racked up 158 yards and two touchdowns against the Flucos. Orange gave up 137 yards on 14 carries to Trey Holmes last week. The Hornets have to bottle Terrell up and keep him from having a big game. He’s the engine that’s driving this Knight’s offense right now. If Orange gets the job done against the run, they’ll be well on their way to picking up the win.

Who to watch: Hornets running back Jaylen Alexander. The sophomore had some success against a very good Eastern View defense. When he puts Orange in second or third and short, it opens up the playbook for quarterback Kenyon Carter to spread things around in the air. Alexander had a huge first week with 164 yards on 23 carries. Look for him to put up similar numbers this week.

The line: Orange by 4. The Hornets take of business at home and head into JD play at 2-1.

 

Monticello (2-0) at  Spotswood (1-1), 7 p.m.

The basics: The Mustangs throttled Turner Ashby last week with 537 yards of offense.  The Trailblazers had the week off after beating William Monroe 56-19. Three weeks ago, the Mustangs beat the Dragons 49-6, so the transitive property is hard at work here — this should be a really good game. There are some really good offensive weapons on the field here for both squads. A road win against a quality team like Spotswood would be a strong statement.

Key matchup: The Monticello linebacking corps takes on Spotswood running back Michael Cekeda. The senior is a strong downhill runner working an offense that thrives off of misdirection. Making the proper reads and meeting Cekeda before he gets a head of steam has to be the priority defensively. If this linebacking corps can keep the Trailblazers run game in check, the Mustangs will be in great shape.

Who to watch: Monticello receiver Trenton Johnson. The Trailblazers don’t have a choice, they have to throw everything they have at stopping quarterback Kevin Jarrell and running back Jerrick Ayers on the ground. Those two combined for 383 yards rushing last week. The Mustangs are going to see a stacked box and that’s going to open things up for this Monticello receiving corps. Johnson came up with a pair of 50-yard plus catches to finish with 124 yards last week. With secondaries focused on trying to contain Austin Haverstrom, Johnson has stepped up in a big way early in the season. His big play ability could well be the difference in this one.

The line: Monticello by 1. The Mustangs pick up a big win thanks to a multi-faceted offense that poses a lot of problems.

 

Central-Lunenburg (0-3) at Buckingham County (0-3), 7 p.m.

The basics: These two come into this game with a lot in common. The Chargers played Goochland tough last week, but ultimately fell 28-6. The Knights played Amelia tough, but lost 28-14. Buckingham isn’t interested in moral victories, but the difference in the final scores is heading in the right direction. Both these teams have played a tough front-loaded schedule to open the year. This game is going to mean a lot to winning side.

Key matchup: The Knights linebacking corps against Chargers running back T’zion Wilkerson. The sophomore is shifty and with Central Lunenburg running its usual wishbone formation, figuring out when Wilkerson has the ball isn’t easy with all the play-fakes. Buckingham has to walk a fine line of playing safe stay-at-home defense and trying to make sure Wilkerson doesn’t get the ball with room to run. The Chargers had over 200 yards rushing against a very good Goochland defense but three fumbles marred that performance.

Who to watch: Buckingham’s Brycen Newby. The senior plays such a big role on the offensive and defensive lines. And in games like this one where the line of scrimmage matters so much, the Knights will lean on Newby to get a great push, particularly on defense as the Knights can’t let the Chargers string together long, punishing drives. On the other side of the ball, things are getting better. The Buckingham line helped pave the way for almost 300 yards on the ground. That’s a big difference since week one.

The line: Buckingham by 1. This will be a battle, no doubt but the Knights have good momentum going in spite of their record.

 

William Monroe (0-3) at  Broadway (0-3), 7:30 p.m.

The basics: The Dragons lost a heartbreaker last week to Fort Defiance, 35-28, ending the Indians’ 25-game losing streak. The Gobblers took one on the chin from Sherando in a 77-7 loss. This will be the second week in a row that Monroe is playing a winless squad, so they’re not going to want to squander this opportunity.

Key matchup: The Dragons’ offensive line against the Gobblers pass rush. Last week Alex Kinsey showed that if he has time to drop and look down field, he can find receivers Jordan Gray and Jaekwon Wayne. With over 200 yards passing last week, the young quarterback is making progress. A passing game should the running game. When Monroe can run effectively again, it will win ball games. That’s always been the MO under coach Jon Rocha. So look for them to find a way to get back to that. Oddly enough, that means protecting the pocket for Kinsey right now so he can find Gray and Wayne.

Who to watch: Monroe’s Josue Bonilla. The senior defensive end is 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. Having him making plays in the backfield is huge. Against Broadway, he has the chance to really be a mismatch. The Gobblers have yet to score more than 22 points. They’ve lost by 29, 10 and 70 so far. Look for Bonilla to feast on this Broadway offensive line and take away one side of the field.

The line: William Monroe by 1. The Dragons get in the win column this week.

 

Greenbrier (1-2) at STAB (2-0), 7 p.m.

The basics: This will be St. Anne’s-Belfield’s first 8-man game and  what is believed to be the first varsity 8-man game in Central Virginia history. They take on the Gators, who beat Brunswick Academy and lost to Covenant in their opener. This one should be interesting as both schools adjust to the new format and look to pick up another win. The Saints are coming off a blowout win against Randolph Macon after getting their footing in a defensive struggle of a season opener against Hargrave. Can the Saints keep things rolling this week?

Key matchup: Greenbrier’s front seven takes on STAB’s ground attack. The Saints got a solid performance on the ground last week from Amani Woods with 135 yards and Gabe Decker is a big back option back there as well. While the 8-man game will force the Saints to adjust their offense some, expect them to still find ways to establish the run, which should be productive and could open things up for the Saints’ receivers and quarterback Chase Emmert.

Who to watch: STAB’s Myles Ward. Four touchdowns, including two kick returns for scores in the second half helped prove that Ward is every bit the kind of big play threat the Saints need. Look for them to get the ball in his hands often to take advantage of his ability to get to the house from anywhere on the field.

The line: STAB by 21. There’s usually a lot more scoring in reduced-man football, and the Saints already piled up 66 points last week.

 

Albemarle (1-1) at Patrick Henry-Roanoke (2-1), 7 p.m.

The basics: Albemarle knew its first four games were going to be tough, and through the first two, they’ve had a mixed bag. An emotional win in a defensive battle against Mountain View and a blowout loss to Colonial Forge, a powerhouse that should compete for a Group 6A state title this year. This week they hit the road to take on Patrick Henry, another stout test. Look for Albemarle to come out of the bye week strong, but they’re facing a battle-tested Patrick Henry squad that beat Hidden Valley and William Fleming while losing to Brookville. Albemarle will look to establish more of an offensive identity after graduating a ton of key skill position players, and that might start with the offensive line. If that group can help Albemarle get the ball moving on the ground, the Patriots could control the clock and put together a repeat of that early win over Mountain View. Patrick Henry counters with an array of potential gamebreakers, but Albemarle’s secondary is stout enough to keep them under control.

Key matchup: The Patrick Henry defense tries to contain Albemarle’s J’Quan Anderson. Anderson is due, after sitting out week one and trying to scratch things out against Colonial Forge, and Patrick Henry gave up some big plays last week to Malik Traynham of William Fleming. Perhaps Anderson can stitch together a similar performance.

Who to watch: Albemarle’s Austin Hawk. If Albemarle’s aerial assault is going to get going, Hawk is likely going to be a big part of making that happen. With Anderson moving all over the formation, teams are going to be focused on trying to contain him. That should open up opportunities for Hawk and others, and they’ll need to capitalize to help make sure teams play them straight up and don’t turn all their attention toward Anderson.

The line: Albemarle by 1. Both squads have played a tough schedule out of the gate, but this is a big opportunity for Albemarle on the road. Look for them to capitalize.

 

Madison County (0-2) at  Fluvanna County (1-1), 7 p.m.

The basics: Madison and Fluvanna lock up for the first time since 2010. Both squads are looking to build some momentum and get an excellent chance at a win here before they jump into district play. Both teams got a bye week leading into this one and should be well prepared and hungry for a win. Look for Madison to try and get the ground game going while Fluvanna tries to get its defense to return to its form in the opener, when the Flucos forced a rash of turnovers. Fluvanna has the advantage of already having one win under their belt, can that experience be a difference maker for two young rosters going at it?

Key matchup: Madison’s defense takes on Fluvanna’s Ethan Graves. Graves had a solid performance against Bluestone in the opener, tossing a couple of touchdowns to Joey Vandyke in the win. The Mountaineers have struggled against the run but they’ve show vulnerabilites against the pass too, can Graves and the Flucos take advantage via Vandyke or Prophett Harris?

Who to watch: Madison’s Jamar Turner. Turner was a bright spot in the loss to East Rockingham, rushing for 197 yards. If the Mountaineers can get him going again against a Fluvanna defense that struggled against the run in the Spotsylvania game, it’ll be a huge boost for the Mountaineers.

The line: Fluvanna County by 1. Both squads could get it done here, Flucos get the edge since it’s in Palmyra.

 

Collegiate (1-0) at Western Albemarle (1-1), 7 p.m.

The basics: This is a rare but intriguing private versus public matchup as the Warriors look to build off of the momentum they built last week by taking Lord Botetourt to the brink on the road. This is a very different kind of test as they’ll go from facing a team that rarely throws and leans on a power ground attack in Botetourt to a squad that employs a more balanced attack. The Warriors looked clearly improved against the run in the clash with the Cavaliers, and that was a big focus in the preseason. If Western can maintain that approach in the front seven, they have the kind of athletes in the secondary to contain Collegiate’s passing attack. They’ll also counter with an offense that has the potential to throw up some big numbers of its own. This one should be fun.

Key matchup: Western’s secondary takes on Collegiate quarterback T Brewer. Brewer threw for 162 yards in the opener against Trinity Episcopal but he’ll be testing a Western secondary that includes Darren Klein, Robert Sims and a host of other seasoned players who aren’t likely to make mistakes. Testing those defensive backs could be perilous, but it might be the Cougars only choice as Western has proven it can shut down the run as well.

Who to watch: Western’s Wyatt Hull. The Warriors operate in the passing game firmly in the don’t force it, just find whoever is open approach, and Hull was the open man last week. The problem for opposing teams is that with Jack Weyher and Robert Sims also floating around, it’s tough to guard everyone. Look for Hull to get loose again as Collegiate gave up a pair of long touchdown passes in their opener.

The line: Western by 1. What the Warriors did down at Lord Botetourt was a signal they’re headed in the right direction, it continues this week against the Cougars.

 

Nottoway (0-2) at Goochland (3-0), 7 p.m.

The basics: The Bulldogs have officially picked up steam and are barreling downhill at this point. Stopping Goochland is going to be a tall task the rest of the season as long as the Bulldogs stay healthy as they’re poised to run this thing out now wire-to-wire. The Cougars have suffered a pair of close losses to Greensville and Gretna this year and they haven’t seen anything quite like Goochland yet, so if the Bulldogs come out and execute they could take control of this one quickly.

Key matchup: Nottoway’s front seven takes on Goochland’s ground attack. The Bulldogs are starting to get multiple backs involved right out of the gate as per usual. Jasper Carter is one of the area’s leading rushers with 435 yards and three touchdowns and he’s had 100 or more yards in all three games, but Perry Snead-Johnson and John King are also major threats while Devin McCray is a major red zone threat at quarterback with four touchdowns already.

Who to watch: Goochland’s Cole Nuckols. Nuckols picked off a pass last week and he’s part of a secondary that while Cordell Mattox graduated is incredibly deep and talented. Nuckols is just one of several ballhawks who could come up with a big play on the back end.

The line: Goochland by 21. The Bulldogs are in a groove now and the Cougars don’t look to be the team that can knock them out of it.

 

Benedictine (2-0) at Fork Union (0-2),  Friday 3:30 p.m.

The basics: And so it continues. The Blue Devils front loaded schedule brings another beast to town. FUMA played Bullis tough last week but saw things fall apart in the fourth quarter to turn a 14-9 game into a 33-9 loss. The Cadets are rolling after beating John Paul the Great 31-7 and Bishop Ireton 34-0. Benedictine went through a bit of a rebuild last year but were still really tough. It appears this program is back to it’s 2015 status and that’s going to require FUMA to play perfect football. The Blue Devils were a lot better in week two than week one, but there’s still a lot a progress to be made. The good news for FUMA right now after two weeks is that none of the results are for a lack of effort.

Key matchup: Benedictine running back Caleb Grimes against Fork Union linebacker Iosefa Pua’auli. Strength meets strength here. Pua’auli is on a tear right now on defense. He had 12 tackles and three for a loss last week against Bullis. He was a bright spot against Goochland. Now it’ll be up to him to try and track down the Cadets strength, running the ball with Grimes. FUMA looked much better against the run with Bullis but gave up a pair of big runs that hurt. If Pua’auli and Grimes can cancel out, Fork Union is going to be very happy.

Who to watch: Blue Devils running back RC Walbrook. The carries are fairly even between Walbrook and Pua’auli right now, but we might see that change a bit.  Walbrook is a taller, more upright runner and with Pua’auli’s importance on defense, Walbrook’s success against Goochland and Bullis is of note. Walbrook had a touchdown called back because of a holding penalty last week. If Walbrook can spell Pua’auli, it would be a huge help on the other side of the ball.

The line: Benedictine by 6. While the Cadets are one of VISAA D1 favorites, Fork Union is improving and playing hard.

 

George Mason (2-0) at Nelson County (2-1), 7 p.m.

The basics: The Governors are much more confident, much sharper and, frankly, on a little bit of a roll right now. With two wins sandwiching a blowout loss to Page that had its own set of positives including a counterpunch surge in the middle of the game, Nelson County has every reason to be excited about the football team they’re building right now. They get another shot at a win here and with Devante Rose in the lineup, they’ve got a multidimensional dynamic threat who has to give George Mason pause wherever he is on the field. Look for Nelson to spread things out and take some shots against a George Mason thing that went 2-8 a season ago.

Key matchup: George Mason’s defense contends with Nelson outside linebacker Damien Jacques. Go out and get yourself a disruptor at linebacker and you’ve got a foundational building block for a defense. That’s what Nelson has with Jacques, who had four sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery last week in the win over Craig County. George Mason has its work cut out for it trying to contain Jacques.

Who to watch: Nelson’s Felix Rodriguez. The Governors have a number of different backs who can get the job done on offense and Rodriguez is one of them, grinding out 69 yards and a touchdown last week against Craig. If he can keep pounding, it’ll help open things up for Brice Wilson at quarterback to attack through the air.

The line: Nelson County by 1. The Governors are riding some momentum and have the offense to take a second-straight home win for the first time in a decade.

 

Blue Ridge (2-0) at Flint Hill (1-0), 1:30 Saturday

The basics: Just think what the Blue Ridge offense could’ve done with two halves of football last week. Quarterback Xavier Kane unleashed 335 yards of total offense in a lighting malfunction-shortened game against the Hargrave last week as the Barons cruised 26-6 to the win. The Barons threw for three touchdowns including two long ones to Michael Asher while rushing for another. The Barons are going to need all that offense and a special defensive performance as they take on Flint Hill, a squad that has the potential to compete for a VISAA title just like the Barons do, though in Division I. This is an excellent early measuring stick game, as this may be one of the toughest opponents Blue Ridge faces all year.

Key matchup: The Barons’ defense takes on Jordan Houston, a junior tailback with a Penn State offer. Houston is an extremely productive running back who could potentially give the Barons’ defense that’s still fitting all the pieces together, fits. He piled up 163 yards and three touchdowns against Paul VI in the Huskies’ opener and Blue Ridge has its work cut out for it in trying to stop him.

Who to watch: Blue Ridge linebacker Spencer Glenn. Glenn went out and made a pair of tackles for a loss factored into six total tackles at middle linebacker. Along with Joey Szabo who had four solo stops, the Barons have shown the ability to tackle soundly, which helps the defense get off the field and let the offense get to work. Can they keep it up against a stiffer test?

The line: Flint Hill by 1. Barons have the potential to pass a big test and they’ve got enough talent to get the job done but Flint Hill gets the edge since it’s at home.

 

St. Christopher’s (2-0) at Woodberry Forest (1-1),  Saturday 2 p.m.

The basics: The Tigers got back to business on the road with Bishop O’Connell, dispatching the hosts 34-0. Playing in their first Prep League game of the year, Woodberry might be playing the team most likely to challenge them for a PL title. St. Christopher’s has crushed Trinity Episcopal, 26-0, and then the Saints picked up a big win over St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes in overtime, 21-20. With a bye week after this, the Tigers would be in great shape coming out of this one at 2-1.

Key matchup: The Woodberry secondary takes on Justin Jasper. This isn’t the first time the Tigers have had to worry about Jasper. The Richmond committ is a problem at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds. Woodberry was obviously much better in the secondary against Bishop O’Connell. If they can channel that performance against a team that appears to be on the rise after a few years of being in the middle of the Prep League pack, Woodberry should be able to go punch for punch with St. Christopher’s and come out on the winning side.

Who to watch: Tigers quarterback Will Wideman. The Woodberry signal caller found rhythm with receiver Dequece Carter as Wideman had nearly 200 yards passing just to him. Carter was a revelation last year and stepped up as a reliable big play receiver. With Khalid Thomas on the other side at receiver, teams are going to have to pick which pass catcher to favor safety coverage to because they also need to stack the box against running back Jameel Wilson. The Saints are going to put up some numbers on offense. Woodberry needs to counter with Carter and Thomas and that means Wideman having a big game throwing the ball around.

The line: St. Christopher’s by 1. The Saints have all the right pieces upfront on the offensive and defensive line. This is going to be a tough battle for the Tigers.

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