Monticello (0-0) at Albemarle (0-1), 7 p.m.
The basics: Monticello gets its season started with a rivalry battle as per usual while the Patriots look to bounce back from a nine-point loss to Western last week. Last season Monticello took it to Albemarle early and often, rolling 42-14 and leaving the Patriots searching for some answers. The Patriots have a long list of tasks they’ll need to complete to derail the Mustangs, but it all starts with containing Jhalil Mosley. Monticello returns a number of key players up front on the offensive line, but many of the skill players are new faces or in new positions. That’ll increase the pressure on Mosley, who has to play big-time football and carry some of the load as his new partners in crime adjust to game situations. If Albemarle can slow down or hold the Mustangs’ quarterback in check, that’ll give their own offense a lot more chances to get the job done, which they’ll need after mustering just 12 points against Western last week.
Key matchup: The battle between Monticello’s offensive line—Sam Marshall, Adam Hill and Austin Mays — and Albemarle’s defensive front has the potential to be a classic. While Albemarle lost to Western, the squad’s defensive line led by Ryan Londree managed to get pressure on Warriors quarterback Kent Henry all night and clamped down on Western tailback Trevor Harlow. Can Monticello’s big, experienced unit prevent them from doing the same Friday?
Who to watch: Albemarle’s A.J. Willy. The announcer at Western kept calling Willy by his given name, Aaron, all night as the Albemarle wideout piled up yards en route to a 182-yard outing. You can bet Monticello is going to know a lot more than the announcer did about the big, tall target who, at least for a night, looked like Monticello’s own Sam Patterson circa 2011. Willy hauled in two 50+ yard bombs and could give the Mustangs’ corners fits if they aren’t careful.
The line: Monticello by 6. Albemarle has home field advantage, but the Mustangs’ offense has looked electric in the preseason. If the defense contains Willy and running back Nico Troche, Monticello will have a chance to take control.
Fluvanna (1-0) at Goochland (0-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: You can’t help but be impressed with the way Fluvanna dismantled Prince Edward at home last week, setting aside the emotion of opening a new stadium and with an entirely new cast of playmakers and taking care of business. But this week comes a real test as they head across the county border and matchup with 2011 Group A, Division 2 finalist Goochland. The Bulldogs lost a lot of key pieces, including Group A defensive player of the year Jess McLaughlin, a tackling machine at linebacker, but after years of success, don’t expect Goochland to fall off significantly. A pair of first-year starters face off at quarterback and since both teams have potentially explosive running backs, whoever can bottle up the opposing offense’s ground game will likely pick up the win.
Key matchup: Fluvanna’s offensive line handling Goochland’s linebackers. While the Flucos’ front five will have their hands full with the Bulldogs’ revamped defensive line, getting to the next level and blocking Goochland’s tenacious linebacking corps will be the key to allowing Fluvanna running back Jovan Burton to get loose again after a three-touchdown night against Prince Edward and quarterback Dashon Tibbs time to operate. That’s easier said than done though with Nathan Adams and Scott Pearce leading the way at linebacker for Goochland.
Who to watch: Goochland’s running backs. There’s always a talented, hard-nosed back ready to step into any of three spots for the Bulldogs in the Wing-T, but with Mitchell Brice back and David Dyer’s emergence in the 2011 postseason, there seem to be more options than even usual. Whether the Bulldogs lean on one back or really spread it around will go a long way toward giving the team’s offense an identity with a first year starter at quarterback in Jordan Jefferson.
The line: Goochland by 10. While Fluvanna is much improved over 2011’s edition, Goochland is still one of the gold standards for public school football and brings back too much for the Bulldogs to not take control in this one.
Louisa County (0-1) at Orange County (0-0) 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: The Lions lost a tough one last week to Eastern View while the Hornets struggled in a benefit game with private school powerhouse Liberty Christian. The battle of the Gordonsville Tastee Freeze will be about which team can avoid falling into a 0-2 hole, something neither team can really afford. Louisa went into last week really dinged up after a brutal scrimmage the week before, so it will be interesting to see who’s healthy and who’s not but at the end of the day, the season opening loss came down to turnovers. The Hornets, on the other hand, need to find some balance defensively as LCA had its way when it wanted to.
Key matchup: Orange’s linebacking corps against Zack Jackson. The Hornets linebackers have to read Jackson properly and not bite on the play-fake. If Louisa starts out with Jackson getting into a solid rhythm, both running and throwing, it’s going to be tough to slow down.
Who to watch: Louisa running back Trey Cherry. The Lions are always as good as the guys in the backfield carrying the load. For Jackson to have a big game, he needs a running back to sell the fake with and Cherry’s the guy. He had a 44-yard touchdown last week, but Louisa needs consistent chain moving ability in addition to the homerun threat.
The line: Louisa by 10. The Lions have had the Hornets’ number since Quintin Hunter graduated after the 2008 season. Orange is still working out both sides of the equation on offense and defense while the Lions seem to have their same identity, minus the turnovers of course.
Charlottesville (0-1) at Eastern View (1-0) 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: Charlottesville was able to run with E.C. Glass last week, something they couldn’t do a year ago, but a near double-digit turnover performance saw them fade in the second half last week. Eastern View turned four Louisa turnovers into 13 points last week to take down an always tough Lions group. No coach or player wants to think about moral victories, but realistically speaking, if the Black Knights hang with the Cyclones that’s another big step forward for the program. The Cylcones defense is tough, so this will be a true test for CHS’ much improved offense.
Key matchup: Charlottesville’s front seven against Eastern View running back Brandon Settle. The Cyclones rusher put up a nice 15-carry 102-yard showing against Louisa. The Black Knights need to keep him from chewing up the yardage and going to work on the time of possession battle, because Eastern View has no qualms playing behind its defense.
Who to watch: Charlottesville running back Rashard Brock. His first play from scrimmage last week was an 80-yard touchdown. He’s just a freshman, but the Black Knights coaching staff doesn’t look at him that way. Between Brock and fellow back Chris Thurston, CHS needs to offer a counter-punch to Settle on the other end of the field.
The line: Eastern View by 7. The Cyclones play opportunistic defense and the way CHS was careless with the ball last week is a problem. However, if Charlottesville’s offense can get on the scoreboard like they did during their first 24-minutes of their season, this could be a real interesting match up.
Grafton (1-0) at Powhatan (0-0) 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: The Clippers came out the winner in a defensive battle against Gloucester, 14-7 while the Indians enjoyed one last week of practice to gear up for their season opener. Powhatan already knows it’s going up against team that play defensive football. Grafton on the other hand only knows that the Indians will likely come out at home and do what its done for the last decade, play fundamentally sound football. Sure Powhatan graduated the farm last year, but coach Jim Woodson always has got the next group up ready to play when he’s done his training camp.
Key matchup: Powhatan’s offensive line against Grafton’s front four. The Indians have a couple of key pieces on the line back in both Robert and Spencer Cole. To pave the way for the Indians rushing attack though all five linemen will need to be on point. Powhatan has some size to throw around and that should factor in largely into who wins the battle in the trenches.
Who to watch: Indians running back L.J. Jackson. Woodson is entering with a committee of backs to try and make up for the loss of Ray Brown, but Jackson showed a lot of promise during scrimmages. Is he ready to be the showcase piece of this offense? If Jackson can run through Grafton, that should provide a pretty sound answer.
The line: Grafton by 6. The Clippers took down a veteran Indians team last year and look every bit the same of defense this year on defense already. This is a tough matchup for Powhatan out of the gate, but much in the way it did last year, should make this group sharper come Jefferson District play.
Luray (0-0) at Madison County (1-0), 7 p.m.
The Basics: It was tough slugging for the Mountaineers against East Rockingham on the road. Offensively things didn’t quite work on the ground or air. Playing without Dustin Farmer is a big hurdle, but Madison’s defense, a real sore spot last year managed to hold the Eagles to under 300-yards which is a challenge. Luray is making its debut coming off a 1-9 season in 2011.
Key matchup: Madison running backs Maurice Gentry and Logan Carpenter against the Bulldogs 3-3-5 defense. Luray is an undersized team. If the Mountaineers can run through the gut they’ll have a chance to pile up some pretty big numbers because this defense is relying on its athletes on the edge more so than the ones in the middle. Coach Stuart Dean’s offense is at its best when his split back system has two runners that pile up the yards on deception. Gentry and Carpenter have been those guys at times last year, and have a chance to find their form in this game.
Who to watch: Madison linebacker Will Lamb. The senior had a nice performance in the middle of the Mountaineers defense against a fundamentally sound East Rock offense. If Lamb can wrap up running backs on a regular basis, that will allow athletes like J.P. Utz and Josh Lillard to create some havoc upfront and create turnovers.
The line: Madison by 13. The Mountaineers, despite missing their starting quarterback, bring a lot more to the table here and if the offense can get into a groove, it looks the defense will be there to do its job.
Spotswood (1-0) at William Monroe (0-1) 7:30 p.m.
The Basics: While the Trailblazers had their way with Page County, the Dragons took it on the chin from Nelson County’s duo of Devonte Turner and Tyler Vest. Offensively, Monroe has the ability to put up some points with versatile back Cody Perkins and the passing attack behind starter Jack Morris and even backup Derek Knight. But having to score on every single drive is a real problem. The Dragons defense has to shore things up against the run.
Key matchup: William Monroe’s front four versus Spotswood running back Costas Melendez. Last year the Trailblazers ran the triple option, but because of some personnel changes, they’re a spread team now. With the Dragons having to play honest out in space, it’ll be up to the group up front to try and keep Melendez from having a big day. Last week Nelson saw Turner have a lot of success up the middle and Monroe was packed in a lot more. The Dragons don’t have that luxury this week. Yards after contact have to be limited or Melendez will have a field day.
Who to watch: Monroe running back Cody Perkins. Because of what Nelson did last week, Perkins gutsy 200-yard performance got lost in the mix. Perkins not only showed a lot of grit running through tackles, but his shifty footwork proved problematic for the Governors. Until the defense gets up to speed, the Dragons will be counting on their versatile back to be the engine of this offense.
The line: Spotswood by 10. Second year coach Chris Dodson has a senior-laden troop. This was a one possession game last year, but offensively, the Trailblazers will present Monroe new problems.
Covenant (0-0) at Christchurch (0-0) 4 p.m.
The basics: It’s a new year for the Eagles and with so many pieces returning, all signs point to 2012 being a big step forward for this program under Dave Rocco. Granted, Christchurch lost seven starters on offense and eight on defense from its VISAA Division 2 championship team, the Seahorses have dangerous skill position players that make an awful lot out of a little space.
Key matchup: Covenant’s wide receivers against Christchurch’s secondary. This arguably the biggest strength of both teams, and as such, the unit that comes out on top gives their team a big edge. The Eagles are small but quick so they need to have their athletes do their thing when in space.
Who to watch: Covenant defensive lineman/offensive lineman/tight end John Meade. How could it be anyone else. Meade had one of the true breakout years in 2011 and he was a rock for the Eagles on both sides of the ball. He’s going to get his on defense no matter what, and with athletes like 6-foot-1 190-pound Jordan Wallace on the field for Christchurch, there’s no such thing as Meade doing too much up front. But where the senior lines up offensively, whether at tackle or at tight end will be of much interest. If the Eagles have depth on the line, allowing Meade to break off the block and get down field will provide a major security blanket for the passing attack.
The line: Christchurch by 10. It’s hard to pick against a defending state champion, especially since coach Ed Homer still has toys to play with. The Seahorses are no longer a rising power at the Division 2 level, they are an established power. Covenant, a Division 3 school, is just finally finding some stability after a tumultuous last three years.
Fork Union (0-1) at Georgetown Prep (0-0), 6:30 p.m.
The basics: Last week, quite simply, didn’t go as planned for Fork Union down in Chesapeake. The Blue Devils were obviously outmatched against Hermitage, a perennial Group AAA power, but even considering that, 38-0 didn’t seem conceivable with FUMA’s offensive weapons led by highly-regarded quarterback Christian Hackenberg. The first step toward bouncing back from that will be shoring up the offensive line play in front of the signal-caller, but this schedule simply won’t let up. Georgetown Prep, out of the Interstate Athletic Conference are another stout foe. For two years now, Georgetown has taken it to Fork Union, including a 41-6 blowout last year. Fork Union will need to take a leap forward from last week’s frustrating performance to stay in it with the Little Hoyas.
Key matchup: Fork Union’s linebackers take on Georgetown Prep dual-threat quarterback Tre Johnson. The Blue Devils struggled to contain another multi-talented quarterback in Hermitage’s Niko Johnson last week. Can they find a way to shore things up?
Who to watch: Hackenberg. He’s responded well to adversity most of his career, showing a calm and cool that’s made him a desirable Division I recruit as a program leader. But anyone would be frustrated by Saturday’s outing, and Hackenberg has to bounce back and pull his team together on this week’s road trip. Even putting together a more respectable day against Georgetown Prep would be a step in the right direction. Odds are good Hackenberg will do just that.
The line: Georgetown Prep by 3.
Nelson County (1-0) at Central Lunenburg (0-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: To get an idea of how much of a leap forward for Nelson County’s offense last week’s 64-47 victory over William Monroe was, note this: it took Nelson half its season — five games — to tally 64 points last year. The question is, now that there is a little tape and information out there, can Nelson’s backfield tandem of Devonte Turner and Tyler Vest keep that good thing going? It won’t be easy against Central Lunenburg on the road. Central went 6-3 last year in the regular season and only lost to squads that made the playoffs (Goochland, Amelia, Buckingham). The Chargers then promptly ran off three straight playoff wins before eventually falling to Galax in the state semifinals.
Key matchup: While the Nelson offense broke out last week, the defense still surrendering more than 40 points. The Governors defense will have to shore things up against a Lunenburg squad riding high from last year’s state semifinalist showing.
Who to watch: Who else? Tyler Vest. Everyone is going to want to know if Vest can come anywhere close to repeating last week’s incredible 449-yard performance that earned him Timberlake Spotlight Athlete of the Week honors.
The line: Nelson County by 1. It’s hard to argue with the results of last week, but this one won’t be easy by any means, a lot of folks in the James River think that Central Lunenburg is going to be a tough out.
STAB (0-0) at Bishop Sullivan Catholic (1-0), 4 p.m.
The basics: STAB needs to fill some significant holes from a team that just missed the state playoffs in 2011, and there aren’t too many immediate answers for the Saints. Still, STAB does bring back Rob Schotta at wideout and quarterback Jake Allen. Their running makes like backfield tandem Branford Rogers may be gone, but some experience returns up front that should help the Saints compete against a Bishop Sullivan team that should be much improved with 13 starters back for the Crusaders. The good news for STAB is that two years ago, this road trip served as a spring board for an incredible 2010 season. It could do much of the same this year if the new faces can get involved and up to speed quickly.
Key matchup: STAB’s inexperienced linebackers take on Nick Ott, Bishop Sullivan’s 6-foot-5, 250-pound quarterback. Bishop Sullivan got an infusion of talent this season in the form of several key transfers including Ott. He’ll have options too with another transfer, Jamil Kamara out of Princess Anne at wideout. The Saints, meanwhile, lost last year’s standouts Shane Palmateer and ODU’s program and Antione Currie to Hampden-Sydney. Finding an answer here is key for the Saints.
Who to watch: STAB’s Justin Paton. Paton’s development will be key for the Saints as the South African first year player with no experience needs to play way beyond his limited expertise. He’s a big, rugged athlete who’s a pretty solid basketball player, and he could give STAB a big jolt on either side of the ball.
The line: Bishop Sullivan by 1. STAB is still working out a lot of kinks and should play Sullivan tight, but there are a lot of question marks for the Saints to expect a win after a long road trip.
