Turner Ashby (1-1) at Monticello (1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Knights bounced back from a routing at the hands of Staunton River to hammer Riverside. The Mustangs are coming off a bye week after it put a hurting on a Cesar Chavez squad. Considering how strong Monticello looked after a little bit of a slow start, it should be interesting to see what this team looks like after two weeks of practice in between. That’s usually never a bad thing.
Key matchup: Monticello’s linebacking corps against TA running back Cody Warner. If the Mustangs can bottle up Warner, they should be in great shape. The Knights aren’t as versatile on offense and don’t quite have the same compliment of skill position players. That said, you don’t need that if the offensive line plays well and the opposing defense doesn’t wrap up. Monticello’s defense posted a shutout in week one, but this is going to be a different challenge.If the linebackers hold Warner under 100 yards, they’ve more than done their job and given their team an excellent chance to win.
Who to watch: Monticello’s Ben Riley. The receiver and linebacker had a big game on both sides of the ball in week one. It’s clear that quarterback Kevin Jarrell trusts him as the two connected for big plays in week one and just missed on some chances for a couple more. Whether it’s Sam Patterson or T.J. Tillery, whenever this team has played somebody on both sides of the ball, it’s been because they’ve earned it. Jarrell and running back Jerrick Ayres are going to get the job done on the ground, that’s apparent. If Riley continues to play solid defense and is a big down-field threat, well this Monticello offense is going to awfully difficult to game plan for.
The line: Monticello by 4. Both teams have hammered teams that are well below their playing level. But the Mustangs are at home and coming off a bye.
East Rockingham (2-0) at Madison County (1-1), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Eagles come in hot after a 35-20 win over rival Spotswood and a drubbing of Strasburg, 35-8. The Mountaineers fell in a heartbreaker to Luray as a sixth turnover late in the fourth proved to be the difference in a 35-33 game. Madison’s offense has been outstanding, and minus those turnovers, the team might have cruised to a win instead of falling just short of one. With an East Rock squad that’s big upfront and has plenty of playmakers, few mistakes can be afforded here.
Key matchup: The Madison front seven take on running backs Chandler Breeden and Trenton Morris. The respective sophomore and freshman sure don’t play like it. The offensive line has always been a strength for an Eagles program that got started in 2009 and quickly rose to be a power player in the Shenandoah Valley. Madison has given up 30 points or more in their first two games. The Mountaineers can ill-afford to let the Eagles control the clock, and grind away the yards behind these two RBs. Yes Madison has a some serious pop too, but with so many of their standouts playing both ways, the Mountaineers definitely need those guys taking more snaps on offense than on defense. That means honing in on Breeden and Morris.
Who to watch: Madison’s Isiah Smith. Listen, he’s a huge part of the secondary on defense, but 476 yards in two games at running back? It doesn’t matter who you’re playing against, that kind of production is a testament to the improvements on the offensive line and Smith’s elusive talents getting a spotlight to shine. The Mountaineers are going to need a 150-yard plus game from him to try and keep pace with East Rock, especially given the way the results in weeks one and two. Don’t be surprised when Smith is prepared to rise above and beyond the call.
The line: The Eagles by 6. A big physical team that’s had Madison’s number, this is one of the best teams the Mountaineers will play in the regular season.
Covington (0-2) at Nelson County (0-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Two teams with one that’s going to be feeling pretty, pretty good afterwards. The Cougars have fallen to Alleghany and Riverheads, the Governors to Luray and Page. While Covington’s offense has been able to get on the board a little bit here and there, Nelson hasn’t been as fortunate. Nobody said building this Governor’s program up would be easy, especially when you have so many players working on both sides of the ball. This is one of the best opportunities that Nelson has to pick up a win, but it’s not going to come without a fight because Covington is in the same boat.
Key matchup: The Governors defensive line against the the Cougars offensive line. Nelson has to be able to get a bit of penetration, apply some pressure in the back field. It’s the hardest part for any team that’s struggling with depth. Senior Tyler Dresser is a load at running back at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds. So it’s going to have to be the defensive line that meets him because if he gets a head of steam, the linebacking unit and secondary will be on a losing battle of basic physics.
Who to watch: Nelson lineman Bryce Adkins. The Governors are going to need a big push up front on both sides of the ball and at 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds, Adkins might be the best fit to do just that. Covington has some experience and size as well on both sides of the line, so if Nelson could match that with Adkins, it would go a long way.
The line: Covington by 3. Unfortunately, the Cougars come into this one fairly well prepared as they put up 14 points against an always good Riverheads squad.
Courtland (0-2) at Louisa County, (1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Cougars have been outscored 52-3 in their first two games, something that a lot of folks would not have guessed. Of course, those opponents were a pair of Group 5A teams, a beast in Massaponax and a solid team in Riverbend. The Lions got a week off to celebrate their big come-from-behind win over Sherando and it looks like the word is out, even if only after one week, that this team has some real grit to it. If Louisa shows well against Courtland, it appears they’re one of if not the team to beat in the Jefferson District. The bottom line here is that the Jungle will be packed for the Lions in their home debut.
Key matchup: Courtland’s offensive line against the Louisa front. The Lions are going to take note of just how young this team is and what heavy pressure tends to do. It worked for Massaponax and Riverbend. Until Courtland can show they can get their running backs to the second level of defenses, opposing teams are going to stack the box and bring plenty of run-blitz packages. It’s up to the offensive line to identify as much as they can and then adjust. The Lions’ defense showed well against a Sherando offense that looks pretty good after two weeks. If the defense for Louisa remains as physical as the offense, this team is going to be trouble.
Who to watch: Louisa quarterback Malik Bell. When you run for 177 yards and 6.8 yards per carry with a pair of touchdowns, well, you’ve created some buzz. With a proven workhorse in Job Whalen at running back, Bell’s physicality in a system designed around misdirection proves problematic. If Louisa can present a ‘pick your poison’ game this early as its offensive line develops with some younger talent, it’s going to be fascinating to see what this team looks like come week five, six, seven.
The line: Louisa by 9. The Lions had time to rest and prepare and will be fired up by the circus that always is playing in the jungle.
Charlottesville (0-1) at Harrisonburg (1-1), 7 p.m.
The basics: Much in the same way that playing Dominion is a great way for the Black Knights to get ready for Jefferson District play, a meeting with the Blue Streaks on the road is just the same. Harrisonburg lost a close game with E.C. Glass and bounced back to win a tight game with Handley, both really good teams. Charlottesville had its struggles in week one, but a bye week should help this team greatly as it was little fixable things that plagued the Black Knights in week one.
Key matchup: Harrisonburg linebacker Stedman Clark against the Charlottesville triple option. Can the Black Knights find a way to run towards someone else and neutralize this defense’s most potent weapon? The junior linebacker is tough at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds. Getting Rakeem Davis, Lorenzo Louderback and Sabias Folley touches where Clark isn’t is going to be a big part of the chess game here.
Who to watch: The Charlottesville offensive line. With leaders like J.D. Bucholz on a unit that’s pretty much in its third year starting, the Black Knights will need this group to be more in sync because they’re going to have to put up a reasonable amount on the board with Harrisonburg averaging 28 points per game in just two weeks against good opponents. If this line gives that trio in the backfield a hole, a crease to work with, those three are all trouble heading downhill. Folley is a hammer and Louderback and Davis have that gear that you need to get around the edge and turn up some big plays. Charlottesville’s offense needs to look better coming off a bye, but it’s still early in the year, so it’s no time to panic.
The line: Harrisonburg by 1. With homefield advantage and a solid showing in the first two weeks, the Blue Streaks are a tough matchup here, even for a Black Knights team loaded with a lot of potential.
Buckingham County (0-2) at William Campbell (0-1), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Knights continue their tour of the Dogwood District before jumping into their own James River slate. After falling to state champions Appomattox hard, Buckingham looked much better against Chatham but just couldn’t pull through, losing 28-24 late. The Generals opened up their season last week with a 42-22 loss to Central Lunenburg.
Key matchup: Buckingham’s linebacking corps against the backfield trio of Jahmal Ashley, Daniel Dawson and Josh Rosser. With two senior running backs and a junior quarterback respectively, the Generals are strongest in this department. Both Ashley and Dawson are shifty backs. Rosser is a threat to run too and packs the biggest punch. The Knights were better on both sides of the ball and if they can continue to improve and slow down this rushing threat, coach Josh Wallace’s offense should start to find a grove and get this team headed back in a familiar direction.
Who to watch: Buckingham running back Rajheem Holman. The Generals showed poorly against the run with Lunenburg. That has to excite this Knight’s offense as they look for Holman to take another step after a good week against Chatham. These first three games are great for Wallace and the offense to get its feet wet, work things out before jumping into JRD play with Nottoway next week. If Holman proves to be yet another quality back for a program that seems to produce them with relative ease, it will go a long way and the offense can work on ironing out the other wrinkles.
The line: Buckingham by 3. Yes it’s on the road, but the Knights have the tools to win this game and the experience from the first two weeks is going to start to add up quick here.
Fork Union (0-1) at Georgetown Prep (1-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: Fork Union absorbed a frustrating loss to Goochland last week in the Blue Devils’ season opener and the road won’t get any easier from here. Georgetown Prep is a traditional power who dropped Bishop O’Connell 30-7 last week and is ranked No. 20 in the All-Met area covered by the Washington Post. That could spell trouble for a team still trying to get its footing while traveling up north. The Blue Devils should get better all year, and the coaching staff and defense showed a knack for making adjustments last week when Iosefa Pua’ali shifted outside and took away the edge from Goochland. That bodes well for the future as the program undergoes a transition in Mike Hooper’s first year. This will be a bold test and with Fork Union’s schedule they can’t shirk from bold tests. One major positive is that they will be seasoned and tested by the time they start their Prep League slate.
Key matchup: Fork Union’s front seven contends with Georgetown Prep’s Owen Wright. Wright, a William and Mary commit, rushed for 170 yards last week and the Blue Devils’ surrendered more than 100 yards to Goochland’s Marcus Burton last week, almost exclusively between the guards. With another week of practice under their belt and an influx of new linemen enrolling just before the Goochland clash, can Fork Union bolster the middle of the defense.
Who to watch: Fork Union quarterback Luke Wilson. When FUMA power back Donavan Benoit went down, the Blue Devils let Wilson take to the air, especially in the second half. Wilson performed well for it being his first start, tossing a pair of touchdowns to offset one interception early in the third quarter. As Wilson continues to settle in, it should give the Blue Devils’ offense more of a rhythm.
The line: Georgetown Prep by 10. Blue Devils with a tough assignment this week.
Hargrave Military (0-1) at Blue Ridge (0-0), 4:30 p.m. Saturday
The basics: Only one team hasn’t gotten the season started, and that’s Blue Ridge who will remedy that situation Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in a game that was pushed back because of the projected heat index for the original 2 p.m. start time. The Barons are bringing a lot back to the table this year, including Jahlil Puryear, Justin Armwood and Nazir Hopson at the skill spots and a host of linemen as well led by Oscar Palin. Throw in new additions like Xavier Kane and Tariq Gough and the Barons have a ton of firepower plus the road graders to clear the way. Hargrave showed some scoring pop against STAB with the Darrell Smith to Connor Rogers connection going for two touchdowns.
Key matchup: Hargrave’s secondary tries to matchup with the Barons’ myriad options in the air. Sure Jemeil King and Malik Johnson graduated, but Juan Mareco is back at tight end, Hopson is a deep threat and a matchup nightmare, Aaron Aldridge has big-play potential and Josh Colon could be another slick option just based on his athleticism. As a high school secondary, guarding one or two threats isn’t easy. Guarding three or four is a really tall task and Hargrave has a tall task ahead of them.
Who to watch: Jahlil Puryear’s move to running back. Puryear has ground it out up front for years now for the Barons, but the plan is to let him step back a few feet and carry the rock this year. That’s a big, rugged running back that won’t be an easy stop for anyone, so there’s strategy in the move in addition to doing right by a player who has been dedicated to the Barons’ program and a team-first guy.
The line: Blue Ridge by 14. Barons have built toward this season for two years and after a state playoff berth last year, there’s no reason to think they won’t take care of business.
Randolph-Macon Academy (0-1) at St. Anne’s-Belfield (1-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: Now St. Anne’s-Belfield has answers to a lot of questions. Sure there are more issues to figure out, but few teams came in with as many question marks as the Saints, with one being where is the offense going to come from. The Saints answered that one with several playmakers like Myles Ward coming to the forefront. Ward made big plays three different ways, with a pick, a touchdown run and a touchdown catch early on. The run game was particularly potent behind an offensive line that is deeper and more experienced than in recent years. In fact, if last week is any indication, STAB is laying the foundation for another solid run with a lot of young playmakers long on potential.
Key matchup: STAB’s linebackers look to stand up against the run. Randolph Macon has traditionally tried to control the clock by keeping the ball on the ground. Now the Saints’ linebackers will have to stand the test in this one after facing a Hargrave squad that liked to put the ball in the air.
Who to watch: STAB’s Jaylen Alexander. Alexander was a breakout star in the game against Hargrave as the freshman scored twice and rushed for 128 yards on just 10 touches. With powerful Juwan Woodson also in the backfield, things could open up for Alexander and he’s clearly got the potential to handle part of the load.
The line: St. Anne’s-Belfield by 10. STAB rumbles past the Yellow Jackets in this one.
Western Albemarle (1-1) at Spotswood (0-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: This matchup has become a regular part of the out-of-district slate, and this could be another fairly even-handed clash as the Warriors head across the mountain. Western has not lost two games in a row since 2011, and odds are good they won’t start here, as they square off with a rebuilding program. That starts with Western rediscovering the rhythm they had on offense in the season opener against Broadway. Last week was anything but a step forward, though Brookville is awfully good, particularly in the secondary. One bright spot was the fact that it wasn’t turnovers that did in Western against the Bees but just four first downs won’t get the job done. The Warriors have to figure out how to get the ball moving and put some points on the board, and the earlier that happens against the Blazers the better.
Key matchup: Western defense takes on Spotswood’s new multi-formation offensive attack. New Spotswood head coach Dale Shifflett wants to run the system that has been successful at East Rockingham where he was the offensive coordinator. The Trailblazers have stumbled in two straight games, but they’ve still managed to score 20 or more points in each matchup against East Rock and Lord Botetourt. Western had a lot of trouble in the passing game against Brookville last week, showing for at least a week how much they missed some of their key 2015 defensive backs who graduated. Can that group take a step forward this week against the Blazers?
Who to watch: Western’s Robert Sims. Sims was one of the few bright spots last week for the Warriors with 7.5 tackles. But the way the Bees took Western a part through the air can’t sit well with one of the Warrior defense’s elder statesmen. Can Sims help get the defense back in gear against the Blazers.
The line: Western by 7. The Warriors are probably somewhere right in between how they looked in week one and how they looked in week two. Look for them to pick up a hard fought victory here.
Broadway (0-2) at William Monroe (0-1), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: While William Monroe fell to Brentsville last week, there were a lot of bright spots, including great balance with 194 yards through the air and 134 yards on the ground offensively. Now the Dragons welcome Broadway, a team they’ve faced regularly since 2011, for their annual DragonFest game. All the Dragons need to do is transform that offensive spark into a consistent attack against a Broadway team that struggled with Western Albemarle back in week one. Can Monroe put together a similar effort coming off the loss to Brentsville.
Key matchup: Broadway’s defense takes on the Dragons’ multi-faceted offense. The Gobblers have surrendered 40 points or more in each of their first two games and now they face a deep Monroe offense that has multiple options on the ground and through the air. If Broadway can’t mark Jordan Gray and Kyle Kruszweski, Monroe could get going in the passing game. But locking up the passing attack doesn’t do much either, as Monroe can turn to Jalen McKinnie or quarterback Malique Shackleford to run the ball. With Monroe you’ve got to pick your own poison a bit.
Who to watch: Monroe’s Rayquone Wayne. If the Dragons’ offense can keep the ball moving, the defense will need to do its best to create some turnovers and give that offense the ball back. Wayne is a good place to start as the linebacker can make plays anywhere.
The line: William Monroe by 7. With DragonFest going on and an offense that showed some good things last week, the Dragons get it done here.
Goochland (2-0) at Amelia County (1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Goochland’s schedule is usually frontloaded and 2016 is no exception. The Bulldogs clearly know how to win, slipping past Essex with two pick sixes before beating Fork Union with a power run game and another opportunistic defensive performance. Now the Bulldogs come into James River District play as well seasoned as a team can be in week three. That’s critical because Amelia is one of the district’s wild cards and always seems to have athletes at the skill spots. This is certainly a week where Goochland needs to be ready for anything and everything and over the last two weeks they’ve seen a little bit of everything. Can they keep it going in a third straight tough matchup for the Bulldogs?
Key matchup: Amelia’s defensive backs try to contain Cordell Mattox. There aren’t many teams in the James River District or really in Group 2A that can match Mattox’s athleticism. He’s a tall, dynamic athlete and against Fork Union last week he hauled in a pair of touchdowns through the air from Tanner Bradshaw. He makes Fork Union particularly tough because you know Goochland is going to run and you almost have to load up against them. That creates some one-on-one action in the secondary for Mattox and that can get sketchy fast for the opposition.
Who to watch: The Goochland offensive line. The Bulldogs had to do some shuffling last week and Jacob Davis was fantastic after moving outside to tackle to step in for the injured Tyler May. If the offensive line can get things opened up in the middle with some shuffling, that’s a particularly good sign for a unit that didn’t look particularly deep during the preseason. Clearly the Bulldogs’ players in the trenches have taken a big leap forward.
The line: Goochland by 7. The Bulldogs won with defense two weeks ago, power running last week. They’ve already found their stride.
Covenant (1-1) at Virginia Episcopal (0-1), 2 p.m. Saturday
The basics: Covenant picked up a solid win in week one and was quite close to going to 2-0 before a later fumble sealed the Eagles’ fate against Christchurch. This is a manageable game against Virginia Episcopal, but the Bishops will be coming in wounded and desperate for some positives themselves after a 50-0 loss to North Cross that opened the year. If Covenant can get the dive/option midline attack rolling early and them really put their foot down late, they’ll have a chance to pick up another road win.
Key matchup: Virginia Episcopal’s defense takes on Covenant’s power run attack. The Bishops surrendered 172 yards on the ground last week against North Cross including 141 to freshman Isaac Harris. This week VES has to take on another good young back in Covenant’s Donavan Jackson. Can Jackson keep hammering away at a reeling VES front seven?
Who to watch: Covenant freshman Brice Wilson. Wilson picked off a pass against Christchurch last week and turnovers are particularly costly for opposing teams as Covenant usually limits possessions with its ball control offense. If Wilson emerges as a ballhawking defensive back, that’d be a huge boost for the Eagles.
The line: Covenant by 7. Eagles have the right pieces to get this one done.
Pinecrest, NC (2-0) at Woodberry Forest (1-0), 2 p.m. Saturday
The basics: This was a great game last year and the then defending 4A champs from North Carolina edged the Tigers in the fourth quarter… except there was one problem, Pinecrest played with ineligible players. The Patriots technically went 9-2 but because of the roster, finished with a 1-10 record. But that seems to be in the rear view as Pinecrest has 35-0 and 35-31 victories already under its belt. The Tigers started off last week with a big road win over Bishop McNamara 37-35. So it looks like they’re back too. Hopefully this game is as good as last year. If Woodberry can match up with a deep physical 4A school like this, once again, their VISAA Divison 1 opponents are on notice.
Key matchup: Patriots safety Jaylin Dickerson against the Woodberry receiving corps. The South Carolina commit has to find a way to make his impact felt against a unit that features two UVa commits in receiver Terrell Jana and tight end John Kirven and then Khalid Thomas, who’s college decision is coming sometime no doubt. How the Tigers decide to use that corps to minimize Dickerson’s effect will be interesting. It’s no secret that Woodberry’s offense is pass happy right now, and why not. A 395-yard debut for quarterback Lindell Stone proves that this offense is picking up right where it left off last year and might be even better than in 2015.
Who to watch: Tigers linebacker Jake Cooper. The senior piled up 10.5 tackles to go along with fellow senior and Army commit Joe Stephenson’s 9.5. If Cooper can keep pace, match or out-tackle Stephenson, this defense is going to be in great shape. The Tigers need depth at linebacker as they go up against a team that’s deep and big up front.
The line: Woodberry by 1. The Tigers have more back than Pinecrest does (just four starters back on defense) and a year of tape they’ve been sitting on. Woodberry always looks different, and in a good way, the second time they play a program.
