Fork Union (0-0) at Goochland (1-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: Goochland’s offense didn’t have a banner day last week against Thomas Jefferson in a 14-7 win, but as good as the Bulldogs’ defense led by Sam Brooks is, it might not matter this season as long as the offense gets something on the board. Goochland’s defenders held Thomas Jefferson scoreless with TJ’s lone touchdown coming on a pick six in the first quarter and Perry Snead-Johnson and Devin McCray provided the two rushing touchdowns that were the difference. Fork Union opens up with the Bulldogs as has become something of a tradition in the early going each year. FUMA has to replace a lot of players in key spots including R.C. Wallbrook, Sefa Pua’auli and Logan Justice, but Larry Elder and Will Stupalsky give them a pair of versatile athletes to build around. Stupalsky can impact a game in a ton of different ways, look for Goochland to know where he is at all times.
Key matchup: Fork Union’s linebackers try to mark McCray. The Bulldogs’ signal-caller is as tough on the ground as he is through the air and that makes this edition of Goochland particularly tough to gameplan for in Alex Furth’s first year as head coach. A new system and a dual threat quarterback means an unproven crop of linebackers for Fork Union will have their hands full.
Who to watch: Fork Union’s running backs. Getting the ground game rolling is always a critical part of the plan for the Blue Devils, and whoever emerges for FUMA here will be critical. It may be tough sledding against Goochland in that department anyway, but the Blue Devils will almost surely look to get a spark from the running backs in this one.
The line: Goochland by 7. Two talented defenses go toe-to-toe but Bulldogs get the edge here.
Covenant (0-0) at St. Anne’s-Belfield (0-1), 4:30 p.m.
The basics: A little history being made as for the first time two area varsity squads lock up in eight-man football. This is week one for the Virginia Independent School Football League, the seven-team, eight-man football league that includes Covenant, STAB, Greenbrier Christian, Kenston Forest, Brunswick Academy, Hampton Roads Academy and Virginia Episcopal. This is the first of two matchups between the Saints and Eagles as they lock up again later in the season. STAB has a little more experience with the eight-man game after splitting its year between eight and 11-man a year ago, but the Eagles had an advantage as far as a talented group of skill position players that are back in the fold like Jonas and Nic Sanker. Both Seth Wilson and John Blake are obsessive when it comes to scheming, so with the added element of eight-man formations, this one could be fun from a strategy perspective. Look for some wrinkles and inventiveness.
Key matchup: Covenant’s linebackers look to contain Thomas Harry. The Saints’ quarterback put together an impressive rushing performance in STAB’s opener at Faith Christian in North Carolina two weeks ago, rushing for 205 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Covenant likely counters with Weaver and a bunch of speed in the secondary and on the edge. If they can hem in Harry and keep a watchful eye on talented back Gabe Decker they’ll likely be in a good spot against the run, which is clearly the Saints’ strength early on.
Who to watch: Covenant’s Rick Weaver. He’s back after a year on the shelf with a knee injury and one of the area’s most intriguing backfield runners who also happens to be a heavyweight wrestling state champion should be at full strength. Weaver showed flashes of his old, nimble form in 7v7 action catching the ball out of the backfield but his true calling is running between the tackles with a kind of controlled fury. Look for the Eagles to feed him early and often.
The line: Covenant by 7. Eagles edged STAB last year and they bring back a seasoned set of skill players.
Charlottesville (0-1) at James Monroe (0-1), 7 p.m.
The basics: Charlottesville’s football program is used to this by now. Openers haven’t gone their way for awhile, a product of a challenging out-of-district schedule. E.C. Glass was no exception last week in a 42-3 loss and the city-versus-city tour continues as the program that’s the pride of Fredericksburg locks up with the Black Knights. Charlottesville beat the Jackets a year ago, but they’re going to need another strong bounce back effort a week after losing to Glass. James Monroe is also coming off a loss, a 30-13 defeat at the hands of Stafford thanks in part to a pick six in the third quarter. James Monroe struggled at times last season and they’ve got a lot of young players in key spots this year, much like the Black Knights. With both teams used to making the playoffs each year (Monroe forever, CHS in the past couple of seasons), a win here could serve as a critical springboard despite how early it is in the season.
Key matchup: James Monroe sophomore linebacker Aidan Ryan and the Jackets’ front seven takes on CHS running back Sabias Folley. Ryan is a Swiss Army knife for the Jackets, handling returns, catching passes and playing a key role on defense. Working with his teammates to try and contain Charlottesville’s big back is likely to be his top focus this week. Folley is best neutralized if you can get to him early, because if he gets a head of steam, you’re in some serious trouble. The graduation of Larry Henderson, Trejon Bryant and company loomed large last week as injuries piled up and the Black Knights’ offense struggled to move the ball. This group is going to be a key part of opening up lanes for Folley who was swarmed at the line of scrimmage much of the night against Glass.
Who to watch: Charlottesville’s Quincy Edwards. Edwards’ explosive return on the opening kick against Glass was one of the few bright spots last week. He’ll get opportunities against James Monroe to make a difference too, if he can provide a spark on offense or defense, it’ll take some attention off Folley and give the Black Knights a better shot at a win.
The line: Push. If Charlottesville got healthy over the week, the sky could be the limit for this squad. If they’re still banged up, it could be different. Hard to call this one.
Nelson County (0-1) at Page County (1-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: Nelson fell into a hole in the second quarter last week but scrapped their way back out to keep it close with Bath County. A better start this week will be critical as Page rolled 52-18 in last season’s matchup. Getting the offense going at a little more rhythmic clip is key. George Brown had some solid yardage numbers against Bath last week but the tall, talented sophomore went just 5-for-16, in part due to pressure. Can the Governors protect a little better and give him time to make reads that lead to a hire completion percentage and more chances to move the sticks? That would be huge for Nelson as they keep looking for improvement each week.
Key matchup: Nelson’s front seven takes on Page’s two-headed ground attack. Mickey Cash and Daniel Cubbage each rushed for 150 yards a week ago against Rappahannock. Finding a way to contain those runners is job one for the entire Governors’ front seven.
Who to watch: Nelson’s Devon Cousins. Cousins scored on a 72-yard touchdown pass from Brown last week, and if he can emerge as a reliable threat in the passing game it’ll help replace Devante Ellis-Rose’s production from a year ago.
The line: Page by 7. The Governors have a shot here but Page is playing some pretty good football.
Spotsylvania (0-1) at Fluvanna County (1-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: Fluvanna couldn’t have asked for a better start to the Michael Morris era than a 21-0 shutout win over Bluestone last week, and they’ve got another winnable game on the schedule this week. The Flucos’ shutout was the first by the program since 2010 and they’ll be hunting for the first win streak since 2005 in this one. A win here would be huge here momentum wise as Fluvanna looks to get things on track for the first time in years. Spotsylvania also has a new coach and suffered a heartbreaking loss last week in a 14-7 defeat at the hands of Colonial Beach. One of those two touchdowns came on special teams with an opening kick return for a touchdown and that might be something the Flucos, who have some explosive potential returners in the fold, can take advantage of.
Key matchup: The resurgent Fluvanna defense takes on Spotsy’s ground game. The Knights are going to run the ball and run it often. With Fluvanna planning on doing the same, this one could be over in under two hours. The Fluvanna defense was stout a week ago, posting that shutout to end that streak. Can that group bring it again and stuff the run?
Who to watch: Fluvanna’s Dahris Tinsley. Tinsley is part of a multi-faceted ground attack but if the lead back in the Wing-T is rolling it’s going to open up things for everyone else like Prophett Harris who scored twice for the Flucos a week ago. Tinsley experienced that a week ago with 12 touches for 86 yards and a score. Can he provide a spark again this week?
The line: Fluvanna by 7. The Flucos’ defense should be able to lock up a Knights offense that wasn’t productive a week ago.
Blue Ridge (0-0) at Nansemond-Suffolk (1-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: Blue Ridge gets started with a challenging road game against a perennial VISAA Division II state title contender Nansemond Suffolk Academy. This one will test the Barons’ defense in particular as they face a squad that’s apt at beating opponents through the air and on the ground, as they showed a week ago in a 34-7 win over North Cross. That means a defense that lost a lot of key players from last year is going to have to get locked in fast. If they can’t, Blue Ridge could find itself in a shootout with their potent crop of skill position players led by quarterback Xavier Kane. He’ll have Iceysis Lewis and Prophecy Kissamore in the backfield with him and Myles Ham clearing the way up front.
Key matchup: Blue Ridge’s rebuilt offensive line takes on a stingy NSA front seven. After giving up an early touchdown to North Cross a week ago, the Saints held the Raiders scoreless the rest of the way. Ham and company in the trenches have to be quick and aggressive to open up creases for Kissamore and Lewis, both capable runners, to make some noise.
Who to watch: Blue Ridge’s Michael Asher. Asher didn’t catch that many balls a year ago but just about every single one he did went for big yards. This may be the season the junior emerges as more than an awfully good deep threat. He’s got all the tools to be a problem for the opposition in the passing game. Look for Kane to get him involved early to stretch the defense out.
The line: Blue Ridge by 7. Having a quarterback who can create like Kane gives the Barons an edge here.
Colonial Forge (0-0) at Albemarle (0-1), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Patriots had a tough go of it at Mountian View last week and it doesn’t get any easier as they get Colonial Forge for their home opener. The Eagles are coming off a 12-1 campaign where they won a pair of playoff games before falling in the third round. Forge took down Patriot High 51-35 in its season debut and as such, looks like their just picking up where they left off. Albemarle knows what’s coming to town and how well it has to play to compete with Forge.
Key matchup: Albemarle’s linebacking corps takes on Ernesto Bowen. The Eagles running back is big, strong and fast. At 6-foot-1 and more than 180 pounds, Bowen packs a punch and his 16 carries for 173 yards last week show that he’s not exactly a short yardage specialist. Albemarle’s Eric Taylor and John Barber will be key in trying to slow down Bowen’s progress. Keeping him under 200 yards is tough. Keeping him under 100 would put the Patriots in great position and that only happens with sound execution in the middle of the field.
Who to watch: Albemarle’s Daquandre Taylor. While the Patriots have to get the ground game going with Makhi Washinton to keep Colonial Forge’s offense on the sideline, a spark from the quarterback, either in the passing game or on the ground with his legs would do wonders too. If Taylor can establish a nice rapport with receiver Myles Ward and pick up a first down here or there with his legs, the Patriots should be able to keep the Eagles from just zeroing in Washington and stacking the box.
The line: Colonial Forge by 17. The Eagles are Class 6A state title contenders for a reason. Tough pair of opponents to start the season if you’re Albemarle.
Culpeper (0-1) at Orange County (0-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: This is more than just a home opener for Orange County. This is about a community coming together to both honor and mourn one of its own after the tragic death of Darius Minor at the University of Maine just over a month ago. The Hornets get a familiar opponent in this home opener that will be packed. Culpeper will be looking to shake off a 37-0 loss last week to cross-town rival Eastern View.
Key matchup: The Orange secondary takes on Culpeper receiver Daron Colbert. The Blue Devils receiver had five catches for 47 yards last week and was one of the few bright spots for Culpeper in a game that offered very few of them. The Hornets have a strong secondary led by Chris Washington. While obviously Culpeper will look to get the rushing attack going, Orange would do well to keep tabs on the one thing the Blue Devils were able to do against the Cyclones, getting the ball in Colbert’s hands.
Who to watch: Hornets running back Jaylen Alexander. The Orange senior was nothing if not amazingly productive last year with over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s a only a year stronger now and so Culpeper has its hands full in trying to keep Alexander down to his standard 150-yard per game performance. A big day from Alexander would help new quarterback Walker Johnson a good deal and avoid putting too much on his shoulders in his first start for Orange. The Hornets had no trouble getting consistent showings from Alexander last year. He might have something big in store for the first game of the year at Porterfield Park for a football community that will be eager for something to cheer about.
The line: Orange by 7. The Hornets have had the Blue Devils’ number winning the last three meetings.
Chancellor (0-1) at Louisa County (1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Lions are coming off an impressive 35-0 road win at Courtland looking to build some serious early season momentum in the Jungle with the Chargers reeling from a 47-8 home loss to Massaponax. Louisa looked stout on defense which is a shock to nobody given what they returned, but with quarterback Rob Allinder and running back Kalup Shelton each having big games offensively, the Lions showed off they’ve got more toys to play with than people might have thought.
Key matchup: Chancellor’s defensive line against Allinder. The Chargers know that Louisa’s single wing offense will lean heavily on the ground, but when Allinder drops back to pass, it’s not for dink and dunk yardage. Mark Carter provides an enormous target as a 6-foot-7 receiver and Allinder doesn’t appear shy about reaching back and heaving it up for Carter. We’ve seen it before when Louisa’s been really good, the big passing plays are back breaking when you’re so focused on trying to get a proper read with the running game. Chancellor has to get in the backfield and disrupt Allinder.
Who to watch: Louisa’s Jarett Hunter. With Shelton having a huge game with his 10 touches, don’t expect the Lions to shy away from calling his number. But also keep an eye on Hunter, who might be the offense’s x-factor this year. The junior showed last year how explosive he can be in the backfield. If Hunter and Shelton can balance the carry load and both be productive this offense will churn out the points.
The line: Louisa by 14. The Lions rolled in this one last year, and could well be set up to do the same on both sides of the ball this week.
Spotswood (0-1) at William Monroe (0-1), 7 p.m.
The basics: Both teams are looking to avoid an 0-2 start that can be hard for teams to dig out of. It certainly makes the goal of hosting a playoff game a lot harder to do. The Trailblazers are looking to rebound from a 34-7 loss to their cross county rival in East Rockingham. The Dragons had some struggles defensively in their 30-12 loss to Monticello, but showed progress offensively, particularly in the second half. For a week two game, there’s a decent amount riding on this one because 1-1 feels a lot different than 0-2. Monticello will be particularly interested in this game as they host Spotswood next week.
Key matchup: The Dragons’ defensive line takes on Blazers quarterback Ryan High. The Blazers started the game last week with a 22-yard touchdown from High to Connell Ischinger where High sold a play fake and hit his wide open receiver. Last year Monroe saw just how diverse the Spotswood offense could be and while the Blazers didn’t show too well with East Rockingham, that might be an anomaly. Monroe saw a pretty good dual threat quarterback last week in Monticello’s Malachi Fields. The Dragons need linemen Sam Hess and Bobby Beirlair to be disruptive in the backfield and keep High contained and uncomfortable.
Who to watch: Monroe’s Sal Coyle. The senior safety delivered more than a handful of heavy hits to Monticello’s backfield last week. HIs athleticism at that position allows him to be a factor in both against the run and pass. But also look to see more from him at receiver. He had five catches for 70 yards including a 46-yarder. With Jaekwon Wayne on the other side at receiver and quarterback Alex Kinsey looking decidedly more comfortable throwing the ball downfield, Coyle is going to get plenty of chances to be impactful on offense too.
The line: Monroe by 1. This is going to be a tough one but Monroe showed in the second half last week that this offense has some teeth, it’s just a matter of getting off to a strong start.
Buckingham (0-1) at Chatham (0-1), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Knights got the pleasure of finding out last week that Appomattox is well equipped to win what would be a VHSL record fourth straight state title. The 44-7 loss gives way to another long road trip to Chatham. The Cavaliers fell last week 49-19 to James River. This will be a different challenge for Buckingham, but a lot more manageable. That said, the Knights can’t sleep on this one. A 20-7 loss last year is one the program can point to that if the result had been just a little different, Buckingham would have made the playoffs.
Key matchup: Chatham’s linebacking corps against Buckingham quarterback Gerry Toney. The Cavaliers got slashed to pieces last week by James River quarterback Coulter Hodges as he ran for 128 yards and threw for another 233. That should perk up the Knights’ ears. Toney is a dynamic athlete and has all the ability to give this Cavaliers defense headaches again. With receiver Xavier Copeland and running back Walter Edwards, Toney has weapons to work with. Copeland had the lone touchdown run last week and Edwards is a yeoman like running back that grinds out first downs. Chatham’s linebacking corps needs to get the reads right because Toney can do things on his own, or pull some strings and get the ball to Copeland and Edwards.
Who to watch: Cole Edmondston and the Buckingham offensive and defensive line. Buckingham coach didn’t mince words last week stating that Appomattox simply worked harder in the weight room and outmuscled the Knights. The Raiders, as a program not just this team, are simply a well-oiled machine. Chatham’s offensive and defensive line doesn’t have the same monsters, so look for Edmonston and company to look awfully improved this week on both sides of the ball.
The line: Buckingham by 3. Hard to invest too much in the Appomattox loss. Losing to James River is a lot different and not a good sign. The Knights have every reason to bounce back.
Madison County (0-1) at East Rockingham (1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Mountaineers obviously would much rather be 1-0, but the comeback effort in a 30-28 loss definitely has to make Madison feel like it has improved. Unfortunately their reward for that effort is a road trip to face one of the best teams on their schedule. The Mountaineers square off against an Eagles team that throttled Spotswood 34-7 after giving up an early touchdown.
Key matchup: The Mountaineers front seven vs. Eagles running backs J’won Evans and Jamarcus Davis. Madison saw Luray’s put together 350 yards on the ground between three runners. Evans and Davis both had big games on the ground against Spotswood last week. The rushing duo has an experienced and large offensive line to work behind so this will be a legitimate challenge for Madison’s defensive front to tackle. The Mountaineers need senior William Graves and newcomers Jacob Sacre and Matthew Peterson to lead the charge up front.
Who to watch: Madison’s receiving corps. Chase Estes, Michael Carpenter and Khalid West all caught touchdowns last week and that’s a great sign for this offense. Quarterback Elijah Lewis had a really nice game and didn’t have to lean on just his athleticism as a runner to make things happen. Given East Rock’s potent offense, Madison is going to need to keep pace and so Estes, Carptenter and West need to get open and be ready to make big plays.
The line: East Rockingham by 9. The Eagles looked really good in week one. This is a tough matchup for Madison.
Woodberry Forest (0-0) at Georgetown Prep (0-0, 7 p.m.
The basics: The Tigers open up their season with a road trip to face a quality Maryland-area football program. The Hoyas are coming off an 8-2 season that saw them win a state title after a win over Bullis, a program that Woodberry’s quite familiar with. This is the first of three straight road trips to start the year as the Tigers will make their home debut on September 22 with Landon.
Key matchup: The Woodberry front seven against Georgetown Prep running back Jalen “Bam Bam” Hampton. The Hoyas graduated the bulk of their offense last year. Hampton was not one of them though. The 5-foot-10 and 190-pound back had a huge junior season and as a senior the Hoyas will obviously lean on the physical runner. The Tigers have Bill Clark and John Harris up front on the line along with Logan Bowers at linebacker to try and bottle Hampton up.
Who to watch: Woodberry’s Ben Locklear. The Tigers quarterback takes over for Will Wideman and he got plenty of reps last year when the Tigers ran away in a handful of games. That experience should bode well for Locklear. He has a truly explosive receiver in Dequece Carter and then a big reliable tight end in Kyle Bilodeau. That should be a solid recipe for success. Although, Locklear has his work cut out for him. The Hoyas held eight of their 10 opponents last year to 14 points or fewer.
The line: Georgetown Prep by 3. Playing the Hoyas is notoriously difficult, and all Woodberry has to do is ask Fork Union, an annual opponent for the Hoyas in recent years.
