Fork Union (1-1) at Goochland (1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Last year’s Goochland victory over the Blue Devils was one of the season’s biggest surprises. Not because the Bulldogs won. Goochland was expected to compete for a state title from the time players first started throwing around weights in the offseason. The way they won though was shocking, rolling 40-14 and essentially dismantling the Blue Devils before the break. But Fork Union woke up last week after absorbing a tough loss to Hermitage, knocking off powerful Georgetown Prep despite a less-than-productive day from quarterback Christian Hackenberg who continues to be the focal point of opposing game plans. Instead, Jeremy Bell unleashed a 200+ yard day and Malcolm Cook returned two interceptions to the house for the Blue Devils. This appears to be a more complete squad than last year’s edition at FUMA, and that could give the Bulldogs fits. But the Goochland Wing-T is a challenge for any defense and the Fork Union linebackers are going to have to play big-time football.
Key matchup: Fork Union’s Bell versus Goochland linebackers Nathan Adams and Scotty Pearce. Based on the blowout against Fluvanna last week and the pressure Goochland was able to get to disrupt the Flucos’ offense, Pearce and Adams are in midseason form. Bell, however, presents a unique challenge behind a talent-rich offensive line and just ripped off a big day against a stout Georgetown Prep defense.
Who to watch: Goochland quarterback Jordan Jefferson. This will be the sophomore’s biggest test as the Bulldogs’ signal-caller. He was solid last week, using Mitchell Brice well as a receiver out of the backfield. If Jefferson can stay steady against Fork Union, the Bulldogs will be able to execute well offensively, and keeping Bell and Hackenberg off the field will play to their advantage in a huge way.
The line: Goochland by 1. The Bulldogs are at home and they took it to Fork Union last year.
Benedictine (1-0) at Woodberry (0-0), 4 p.m.
The basics: Benedictine shook off Avalon to start its year while Woodberry kicks off its 2012 campaign Friday afternoon. Last year this game was played under heavy circumstances with Jacob Rainey suffering a life-altering knee injury. This year, the Tigers will also be down a playmaker with Doug Randolph sidelined with a broken foot. But if there was a truly resilient team last year it was Woodberry. The Tigers fought through one injury after another to put together another incredible year. Benedictine is no easy out, again, just like last year, so Woodberry will need to uncover that same fortitude against the Cadets.
Key matchup: Woodberry’s linebackers against Cadets running back Corey Downey. Year-after-year, the Tigers have been a defensive minded team under coach Clint Alexander. Even without Randolph leading the way up front, that won’t change. Benedictine likes to operate by spreading the field out, but almost always gets the job done by running up the middle and setting up quick passes outside. Downey had a quality outing last week, and Woodberry needs to focus on him first before worrying about the Cadets’ passing attack.
Who to watch: No question, Woodberry quarterback Jacob Rainey. Whether he takes one snap and simply hands the ball off to Christian Asher or whether he drops back and whips the ball around the field, no matter what Rainey does on Friday will be of major significance. National media outlets will be there watching Rainey, now playing with a prosthetic leg, and it will be an emotional moment for his team and the Tiger faithful. On top of it all, it will be arguably the most amazing comeback story of any prep athlete ever in Virginia.
The line: Woodberry by 4. The Tigers are a hardnosed bunch that has lost a total of four games the previous three seasons. A big part of that is that they know how to shake off the rust and get to what they do best, play defense and grind away on the other side of the field.
Fishburne (0-0) at Covenant (0-1), 4:30 p.m.
The basics: The Caissons are just getting started this week while Covenant fell against the 2011 VISAA Division 2 champs, Christchurch, 21-6 last week. The effort against the Seahorses shows that the Eagles are already light years ahead of where they finished last year, despite the loss. In its first home game of the season, Covenant could get a real confidence boast by finding a way to stay out in front of Fishburne.
Key matchup: Covenant’s defensive line against the Caissons ground game. One hundred and seventy-six yards isn’t a huge number to overcome, but the Eagles gave that up against Christchurch last week. The Eagles’ lone touchdown came while they were on defense thanks to Ray Rushton. Covenant’s John Meade and company need to lead the way this week as the offense looks to catch up.
Who to watch: Covenant running back Jamie Gaston. The senior did a nice job of running for 86 yards on 16 carries last week and has solid speed on the edge. As this offense works out the kinks in its passing attack, Gaston is the keystone piece here and his team needs him to be able to break off a few big runs here and there.
The line: Covenant by 3. The Eagles’ defense stands strong, the offense finds a bit more rhythm this week and the home crowd is happy.
Charlottesville (0-2) at R.E. Lee (1-0) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Black Knights fought hard against a talented Eastern View team, again taking a step forward against a team they struggled against one year ago. The Leemen look back to their usual form after dispatching a gritty Wilson Memorial team that saw its 2011 season end at the hands of Goochland in the Group A Division 2 semifinals. Last year this was a tight contest between two young squads. While making progress against E.C. Glass and Eastern are signs of good things to come for CHS, it’s a win over Lee that could really positively propel this group into district play that looms ahead.
Key matchup: Charlottesville’s running back tandem of Chris Thurston and Rashard Brock against the Leemen front seven. Lee was able to hone in on Wilson’s old school rushing attack. The Black Knights pistol look will be a change of pace and if Thurston and Brock can run behind tackle and up the gut, that will allow it’s playmakers on the outside the opportunity to make big plays.
Who to watch: Defensive tackle Troy Hughes. Charlottesville needs to send a message on defense and Hughes, just a sophomore, can give the Black Knights the physicality it needs. His unusual agility for a big man is hard to offset, but he needs to be playing at his high motor capability on each play so that the CHS pass rush can upset the various looks that Lee brings to the table.
The line: Lee by 1. The Black Knights have the potential to officially get going in the direction they want, but they’ll have to avoid the mistakes that have plagued them in week one and two.
Orange County (0-1) at Culpeper County (0-1) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Both the Hornets and Blue Devils would enjoy forgetting the first week of play as Orange fell hard to rival Louisa County and Culpeper did the same against Faquier. The Hornets picked up their lone win last year against the Blue Devils and as such, this team will be thrilled about trying to get back in the win column after 10 straight regular season losses dating back to last year.
Key matchup: Orange’s offensive line against the Culpeper blitz. The Blue Devils were aggressive last week and got burned in the process on draw plays up the middle. With the Hornets’ spread look, don’t expect a different approach here, and as such, Orange’s front five need to play assignment football up front so that they can run through the blitz and create big plays on the ground.
Who to watch: Once again it’s up to running back Isaiah Fergurson to put the team on his back for Orange. The Hornets’ running back needs to churn up the yardage so that the young and inexperienced players at the other skill positions can develop some confidence. If Fergurson can draw the ire of Culpeper’s defense, and he most certainly will, and still find success, that opens up so many chances for Orange to work the edge of the field. But with the way the draw worked against the Blue Devils last week, it might not be a bad idea to just let the running back put in a solid night’s work.
The line: Orange by 3. The Hornets still have to iron out the details defensively, but they have some tools to outscore Culpeper here and end their losing streak.
Spotsylvania (0-1) at Fluvanna (1-1), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: It’s hard to know much about Fluvanna County just yet. The Flucos thrashed Prince Edward, a team they’re supposed to beat and then took it on the chin a week later from a Goochland squad they weren’t supposed to beat. This week we might learn a little more. Spotsylvania has been a perennial doormat the last few years, but the Knights took Washington and Lee, a squad that was seeded second in Division 2 last year. If Fluvanna can hold serve at home against Spotsylvania, it’ll go a long way toward igniting a solid year for the Flucos.
Key matchup: Fluvanna’s front seven goes toe-to-toe with Spotsylvania’s Nate Haynes, who rushed for 80 yards on just seven touches against Washington and Lee. Containing Haynes will be crucial for Devin Goode and the rest of the Fluvanna defense. If Goode can keep track of Haynes, Fluvanna could seize control.
Who to watch: The Flucos’ Jovan Burton. Burton needs to be engine that drives the Fluvanna offense — when he was on track against Prince Edward Fluvanna rolled, when he averaged three yards a carry against Goochland, Fluvanna faltered. Expect the Flucos to feed Burton early and often.
The line: Fluvanna by 7. Flucos get the job done at home and move to 2-0 in their new house and head into the next big test against Buckingham County on the road.
Louisa County (1-1) at Courtland (0-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Louisa looked shaky in its season opener but the Lions looked anything but shaky in an explosive, blowout performance against archrival Orange County last week. Zack Jackson exploded on the ground and through the air with 107 rushing yards and a 5-for-5, 137-yard passing performance. If Jackson, who is also the Lions’ leading tackler, can maintain that balance and efficiency, Courtland could be in trouble early. The Cougars, with Orange transfer Eric Washington at quarterback, managed just nine points in a 25-9 loss to Riverbend last week.
Key matchup: Louisa’s inexperienced linebacking corps looks to clamp down on Courtland’s varied rushing attack. Four backs for the Cougars had six or more carries last week, with Brandon Mason’s 85 yards leading the way. This will be a solid test for the Lions’ revamped crew at linebacker.
Who to watch: Louisa’s Deion Johnson. Johnson continues to emerge as a threat to cause damage as a receiver or as a ball-carrier out of the backfield, scoring two touchdowns, one on a catch, the other a run against Orange County. Johnson’s versatility should give Courtland fits Friday.
The line: Louisa by 10. The Lions righted the ship against Orange, now they can start building momentum as they head toward district play.
Nelson County (1-1) at Riverheads (1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The first two weeks of 2012 couldn’t be more different for the Governors. Nelson went from an explosive offense performance against William Monroe in a barnburner of a victory to a blowout loss to Central Lunenberg where Nelson couldn’t get anything going offensively. As usual, a brutal schedule greets the Governors, and a stout Riverheads team with a 290-pound lineman named Mike Herndon who has a Virginia Tech offer clearing the way for the Gladiators’ rushing attack. Nelson is going to have its hands full again this week.
Key matchup: Riverheads’ defense tries to hem in Nelson’s Tyler Vest. Vest took a step back in the ground game against Central, but he had to, nobody can sustain his 446-yard performance from week one. But despite struggling to pile up rushing yards, Vest unleashed a 90-yard kick return for a touchdown in the second half. Vest is dangerous and Riverheads will make stopping him a focal point.
Who to watch: Riverheads’ Logan Moore. Nelson struggled to slow down Monroe sophomore Cody Perkins two weeks ago in their shootout with the Dragons and now they’ll have to try and slow down Moore. Moore rushed for just a hair under 2,000 yards in 2011. Trying to shutdown Moore won’t be an easy task for the Governors.
The line: Riverheads by 14. The Governors are reeling and despite having seen Riverheads’ unique attack up close the last couple of years, that’s not a good situation coming into a battle with the Gladiators.
George Wythe (0-0) at Monticello (1-0), 7:30 p.m., Radio: WINA
The basics: It wasn’t the dominant performance they were looking for against archrival Albemarle, but Monticello got the job done last week with an explosive second half from T.J. Tillery in the ground game. Wythe comes over from Richmond for their season opener, and brings back a lot of talent from a young squad that gave the Mustangs problems in 2011, with Monticello pulling out a 40-32 victory.
Key matchup: Wythe’s front seven takes on Monticello quarterback Jhalil Mosley. Mosley saw something in Albemarle’s defense last week he didn’t see much last year — a scheme geared at stopping the senior signal-caller. While he threw a couple of interceptions, Mosley kept the Mustangs on course and learned a great deal. Expect Wythe to try something similar, but Mosley, with last week under his belt, could make them pay this time around.
Who to watch: Monticello’s Denzel Terry. Terry’s huge first half interception return for a touchdown against Albemarle was a monster play for the Mustangs. As the defense continues to settle in, Monticello may lean on Terry to come up with game-changing moments.
The line: Monticello by 10. The Mustangs got a chance to work out some kinks against Albemarle. They should be closer to midseason form against Wythe.
Albemarle (0-2) at Colonial Forge (1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Albemarle, truly, hasn’t played poorly despite opening the season with an 0-2 record. The Patriots’ defense, in particular, has been rock solid, allowing just 45 points despite spending long stretches on the field as the Patriots’ offensive passing game sputtered (Monticello) or got by on big, quick strikes (Western). If the Patriots can sustain the effort and focus they’ve showed on defense, this year’s gauntlet in the Commonwealth might be another turning point for the team. It starts with colonial Forge, who pushed past Forest Park 19-0 last week.
Key matchup: Albemarle’s defense tries to contain Colonial Forge’s explosive Mike Campbell. Campbell made big plays against Forest Park last week, including a 51-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Keeping track of Campbell and the rest of the Eagle’s explosive runners will be a top priority for Albemarle defenders like Eli Mackay.
Who to watch: Albemarle’s Nico Troche. Troche was consistent, reliable and at times explosive against Monticello, rushing for 149 yards and two touchdowns in the narrow loss. If Troche can keep pounding the rock, things should open up for a passing game that had a rough go against Monticello with just six yards through the air.
The line: Albemarle by 1. While the Patriots have dropped two straight, the defense has played terrific and coach Mike Alley has had a week to find answers in the passing game. AHS may be primed for a shocker.
William Monroe (0-2) at Broadway (0-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: William Monroe knew it was coming in with a lot of young, inexperienced players, but through two games, they’ve given up more than 120 points, which is worrisome. If the defense can stop the bleeding though, the offense has shown signs of promise with Jack Morris at quarterback and Cody Perkins at tailback. They’ll get a chance to do that against Broadway this week.
Key matchup: William Monroe’s front seven takes on Broadway’s rushing attack. Monroe hasn’t put the clamps down on either opposing ground game they’ve faced so far and until they do, they’re going to have a tough time scratching out a win. There’s a good chance that Mark Sanford spent a lot of time this week on defensive fundamentals and that Monroe will take a step forward this week.
Who to watch: William Monroe’s Dakwan Morris. It’s imperative that Morris and the rest of the receiving corps put together some production this week to keep defenses from loading up against Perkins. Morris’ electric speed is a significant weapon and the Dragons need to keep looking for ways to utilize it.
The line: Broadway by 10. The Gobblers are a little too powerful for the Dragons to handle on the road.
Powhatan (1-0) at Midlothian (1-0) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: While Midlothian is enjoying having just about everyone back from a 2011 year that saw them narrowly miss the playoffs, Powhatan is coming off an incredible showing against one of the best teams in the state in Grafton. The Indians’ defense came up huge at the end to secure the victory, and as such, the win is a shot across the bow for the rest of the Jefferson District as Powhatan is still Powhatan, and maybe better than anyone could imagine in lieu of the their mass graduation last year. Still, Midlothian is a big-time matchup that should serve as another measuring stick game.
Key matchup: Powhatan’s opportunistic defensive front against Midlothian running back Taylor Scout. Norris Goode’s fumble return last week was the difference against Grafton. Can the Indians lock up Scout and force a turnover here and there and turn it into something similar? Nothing sparks the offense like a turnover, much less one that turns into an easy six.
Who to watch: For the second week in a row, Powhatan running back L.J. Jackson. He had a 38-yard dash for a score against Grafton. It’s clear he’s got that breakaway ability now between his play during scrimmage and after week one. As this offense finds it’s other playmakers, it’ll still be up to Jackson to come up with those home run sprints to be the primary threat.
The line: Powhatan by 1. This is going to be a another dandy — it was last year. But with the way the Indians came up big against Grafton, the odds are in their favor if this one is close. One week in, Powhatan has already proven they can hang on in the tight ones, a staple of their 2011 season.
Western Albemarle (1-0) at Liberty-Bealeton (2-0) 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Warriors got a week off after a close win over Albemarle. Liberty is out to a strong start with easy wins over Park View and Potomac Falls. The week off should be big for Western, especially given Ed Redmond’s defensive background as the Warriors took it on the chin last year from Liberty. Once again the Eagles defense, led by Virginia Tech-bound Wyatt Teller, looks imposing and so Western will have to be on point on both sides of the field to improve upon their start against the Patriots two weeks ago.
Key matchup: Western quarterback Kent Henry against the Liberty pass rush. Henry is elusive and a clever playmaker who has that innate ability to tuck and run and also roll out and fire the ball down field. He needs to avoid the big sacks from the likes of Teller and create a lot of something out of nothing against this defense.
Who to watch: Western linebacker Tommy Mullin. He was huge in week one. The Warriors need him to be the same or better this week. In 2009, this team was a monster because of its vaunted offense and the play of Mitchell Parks at linebacker. Mullin needs to be that cog on defense for a Western team that still has that big play offense.
The line: Liberty by 3. The Warriors have a lot of great pieces in place, but Liberty has been a real nemesis. Maybe it’s a matchup issue where they just have Western’s number or maybe it’s that this team is coming off a 9-3 season where they still look the part two weeks into this year, but it’s hard to go against the Eagles in this one.
Buckingham (1-0) at Prince Edward (1-1) 7 p.m.
The basics: Buckingham had the week off after beating up on Appomattox and Prince Edward bounced back from its Fluvanna loss to top Cumberland. The Knights were advertised as a team that can run the ball anytime, any way they want and the trio of quarterback Cam Johnson and running backs Kenneth Johnson and Kyree Koonce had little trouble combining for more than 300 yards against the Raiders. With the running success Fluvanna had against Prince Edward, the clock should melt away here.
Key matchup: Prince Edward’s defensive line against Buckingham’s offensive line. The Eagles have to get in the backfield and slow down the Knights rushing attack, that’s a simple must. But Buckingham’s size and athleticism is problematic there. It takes more than one tackler to bring down either Koonce or Kenneth Johnson, so making contact before the line of scrimmage will be crucial.
Who to watch: Buckingham quarterback Cam Johnson. The Knights have a chance here to showcase Johnson’s arm as Prince Edward has no choice but to sell out to the run. Johnson needs to develop a rapport with his young receiving corps before this team heads into James River play, and this a opportunity for him to do just that.
The line: Buckingham by 17. Way too much power in the rushing game here for Prince Edward to deal with. Another quick win for the Knights.
Hargrave Military (0-1) at Blue Ridge (0-0), 2 p.m. Saturday
The basics: Hargrave got off to a rough start against Norfolk Academy to start its season. Meanwhile, the Barons kick off year two under Orlando Patterson. Blue Ridge has its usual crew of talented skill position players as its looks to get rolling on another playoff campaign.
Key matchup: The Tigers’ defensive backs against Blue Ridge wide receiver Leon Strauss. The Barons junior is 6-2, but has a basketball background that makes him an ideal threat downfield where he can go up and make big plays. Plus, he’s the state runner-up in the 200-meter dash and third in the 100-meters, so he can take off. Stopping the Blue Ridge passing attack will be key as this team sorts out its rushing game with the graduation of Mayn Francisco.
Who to watch: Blue Ridge running back/defensive back Shawn Steen. The senior made some really big plays last year on both sides of the game and has a way of just showing up at the right place at the right time. He’s opportunistic on defense but can he get the ball rolling on offense with the run? Don’t be surprised if he finds a way to do a little of both.
The line: Blue Ridge by 6. The Barons’ playmakers prove to be too much on the outside of the field for Hargrave.
St. Anne’s-Belfield (0-1) at VES (1-0), 4 p.m. Saturday
The basics: STAB knew it faced a tall task against Bishop Sullivan with the influx of talented transfers Sullivan had, but the Saints looked solid, falling finally in double overtime on the road. Still, the Saints showed a lot of promise as they continue to try and pull together a new look after an exodus of critical seniors.
Key matchup: VES’s linebackers, led by senior Brendan Short, try to keep tabs on STAB’s Jake Allen. Allen is a big threat on the ground — he had three rushing touchdowns last week in the narrow loss to Bishop Sullivan — and Short will have his hands full.
Who to watch: VES’ wideout/defensive back Caleb White. If STAB decides to test the Bishops’ secondary, they’ll have to be wary of White, a Buckingham transfer who committed to East Carolina to play basketball for the Pirates. He had six interceptions last season, leading the Old Dominion Football Conference.
The line: STAB by 7. The Saints showed a lot of promised against a talented Bishop Sullivan squad and should get on a winning track Saturday against VES.
