William Monroe at Monticello, 7 p.m.
The basics: If you’re William Monroe, the game tape from this game last year is self-reflection, you’re trying to figure out how much progress you’ve made with just about everyone coming back. If you’re Monticello, the game tape from this game last year was played at graduation this past spring because the Mustangs are in the midst of trying to replace just about everyone. Monticello rolled Monroe last year on the road to set up the first of six straight regular season wins last year, but the tone this year will be different than the 49-6 result in 2017. You have one team basically getting a 2.0 type of season in Monroe while Monticello is just getting out of beta testing. That’s a flip of the script last year. But that doesn’t mean the Dragons are going to just roll past the Mustangs or that the Mustangs will simply lay down. If Monroe has made big strides since last year with this core group of talent and if Monticello continues to be one of the Jefferson District’s most reliably competitive squads, what we have here is a really good football game. Week one is always about the “if’s” so projecting an overtime thriller out of the gate between a pair of locals is itself iffy. But one can dream, right?
Key matchup: Monticello’s pass rush takes on Monroe’s offensive line. The Dragons want to allow quarterback Alex Kinsey to get the ball into the hands of Jaekwon Wayne and Sal Coyle. Monroe wants to spread the ball around the field. And while the Mustangs have assets in the secondary to stop that from happening between Ben Drake, Malachi Fields, Chase Emmert, and Cole Ramsey, it’d be a lot easier if defensive linemen Tayshaun Minor and Kamiko Turner simply crashed the pocket instead. That might prove to be a tough task considering the physical and mental growth that Monroe’s offensive line has been through in the last year. Garret Shifflett, Sam Hess, John Edwards and Bobby Beirlair are all a lot, lot better this year. A lot. This game gets decided by just how much that offensive line can keep Kinsey protected, and of course, what they can do for running backs Zach Miller and Kaiden Pritchett.
Who to watch: Monticello’s Malachi Fields. What does the sophomore look like at quarterback. Does he stay at quarterback. What effect does he have in the defensive backfield. Production from Fields — who was the starting JV quarterback last year — is going to dictate a lot for just how successful Monticello can be. This school has a history of sophomore quarterbacks really coming through. Kevin Jarrell before Fields, Jhalil Mosley before Jarrell. If Fields can operate this offense efficiently, the Mustangs can fine tune instead of having to shuffle things around and start back at square one. Those two scenarios put the Mustangs on two very different paths.
The line: Monticello by 1. The Mustangs have never lost to Monroe and they’re playing at home. But the brand name alone isn’t going to win this game. Monticello has to take Monroe very seriously.
Luray at Madison County, 7 p.m.
The basics: Madison County opens up a season where it hopes to see a lot of improvement with maybe the toughest opponent they’ll see all year — with Clarke County being the other. Luray is coming off an 11-2 season. The Mountaineers were 2-8 last year. With the physical nature that the Bulldogs bring to the table, this will be a great litmus test for the Mountaineers as they return the bulk of last year’s roster and will find out just how much improvement they’ve made in the offseason. That’s going to matter because this game was not close last year at 56-6 in favor of Luray.
Key matchup: Madison County defensive lineman William Graves vs. Luray offensive lineman Justin Fletcher. The Mountaineers have to somebody in the backfield and getting there is tough because Fletcher his buddies up front bring talent and experience. Madison has newcomers Jacob Sacre and Matthew Peterson as new defensive lineman that they’re expecting a lot from, but the elder Graves will be the that this team needs the most from, both in terms of production and leadership. If Luray is able to out-muscle Madison up front, this game might be too similar to last year because the Bulldogs have a lot back in the mix offensively. Nothings cures that like Graves slipping past Fletcher here and there.
Who to watch: Madison quarterback Elijah Lewis. First off, he’s a senior. Second, he’s in year two at quarterback. Things should be more natural for Lewis as the Mountaineers’ signal caller. He has a good chunk of his linemen back. He’s got Dalton Dodson and Matt Lewis as backfield teammates. While he’s most dangerous as a runner, Madison needs him to find a way to develop a good relationship with a new group of receivers. The Mountaineers are a run first team, and understandably so, but they can’t be one dimensional and keep pace with Luray.
The line: Luray by 10. The Bulldogs have far too much back from last year and have given the Mountaineers plenty of trouble in years past.
Buckingham County at Appomattox, 7 p.m.
The basics: The Battle for the Axe. The two forestry-centric communities share a border and while the rivalry has been all Appomattox since 2015… in large part because the Raiders have gone 44-1 since 2015 en route to three straight state titles. But, before then it was all Buckingham with five straight wins. The two are 9-9 all-time against each other. There have been some classics between these two in the last 10 years. It would be nice to see this game get back to those kind of games. Buckingham is better this year, and Appomattox has a lot of retooling to do. But it’s hard to bet against recent results, you know, that 44-1 stuff.
Key matchup: Buckingham’s secondary takes on Appomattox’s Tevin Hurt. The 6-foot-3 senior is a matchup problem. The Knights have Gerry Toney and Xavier Copeland in the secondary and their athleticism will be key in trying to keep Hurt underwraps. The good news for Buckingham (and really every opponent) is that Appomattox quarterback Javon Scruggs has finally graduated. Freshman quarterback Tre Lawing is athletic too, but Scruggs was a monster and he and Hurt were amazing together. Hurt is still a problem, but an easier own for defensive backs to deal with when a freshman quarterback has to get the ball to him.
Who to watch: Buckingham’s Walter Edwards. The running back and linebacker returns as a junior simply gets the job done. He’s a gritty runner and sticks his nose in it defensively. The Knights should be stronger up front than years past which should allow Edwards to do a little more athletically on both sides of the ball. He’s been a workhorse for them since he started as a freshman in 16. And, for those unaware, there’s a pretty cool deal that Buckingham has when it comes to Edwards’. Related and unrelated, over the years if you have the last name, you wear No. 20. It’s not x’s and o’s stuff, but just a cool tradition that the school and everyone with that last name has carried on.
The line: Appomattox by 4. Buckingham is much improved and yes Appomattox turned over its roster in way it hasn’t the previous three years, but Raiders coach Doug Smith has built an unbelievable culture and one looking to be the first VHSL team to win four straight state titles. Appomattox is a top notch program, not a team.
Thomas Jefferson at Goochland, 7 p.m.
The basics: The Bulldogs get a team at home that they throttled last year 45-14. The Vikings rebounded though to finish 7-3 in the regular season, pick up a number one seed in their region and won a playoff game in the Class 3A playoffs against Armstrong before falling to Culpeper in the second round. What? Yea, week one stuff is weird. At Goochland, Alex Fruth takes over at coach for Joe Fowler but if you’re expecting big change for a program that’s been one of the best in the state since Fowler took over you’re in for a disappointment. The talent is on the roster, Fruth is a Fowler disciple and in a wise move that we’ve seen work for teams in similar positions over the years, isn’t throwing the baby out with the bath water. The changes Fruth are making on personal ones, not the kind that turn a program on its head or catch people off guard. Case in point, the Wing-T is still alive and well.
Key matchup: Thomas Jefferson senior defensive end Christopher Joseph vs. Goochland quarterback Devin McCray. The Vikings are young after losing a lot from last year’s roster but Joseph might be the best athlete back. In related news, McCray might be the best athlete back for Goochland after a great sophomore season and he has a bunch of big nasty linemen back too. If Joseph can’t get to McCray, the Bulldogs should be in business. While they aren’t as physical in the running game without Jasper Carter they might be more athletic now between McCray and Quincy Snead at running back. The bottom line is that Joseph and his line have to find a way to get to Goochland’s back field early, because if it’s after the line of scrimmage, the Bulldogs have the speed to do real damage.
Who to watch: Goochland’s Sam Brooks. The senior linebacker has been a true yeoman. He stepped out of the shadow of his older brother Clay last year to become arguably the best defender on the roster, one that included a stud in Ricky Mayfield. He’s battled some offseason injuries and so the Bulldogs will be anxious to see what he can bring in week one. If he’s made no growth or change what so ever, is simply the same as he was last year, he’s still arguably the best defender this team has. If he’s better, watch out. He’s long, he’s got a motor and he’s heady. At linebacker those combinations mean everything to a defense that’s already very good around him.
The line: Goochland by 9. The Bulldogs handle business at home. You don’t pick against a program that’s last regular season loss was against Buckingham County, October 9 of 2015.
Albemarle at Mountain View, 7 p.m.
The basics: A year ago, Albemarle pulled out a critical close win over Mountain View at home in the opener. This time, they’ll try and find a way to pull it off on the road, which won’t be an easy task. Albemarle has a lot of key parts back in the mix including Daquandre Taylor who managed to do enough for Albemarle to win last year when he started at quarterback in this game with J’Quan Anderson out. If Taylor can get some help from an offensive line that started camp as a work in progress, that’ll go a long way toward helping the Patriots get going in the right direction.
Key matchup: Albemarle’s linebacking corps tries to contain quarterback Tyler Haskins. Haskis is a dual threat and his entire supporting cast is back from last year, giving him a comfort level that could make the offense tough to contain. Eric Taylor and John Barber, however, are as capable as any middle linebacking tandem of keeping Haskins in check. Look for Albemarle to try and hem in the Wildcats’ signal-caller and force him to win with his arm. With Marquan Jones and Shemar Powell in the secondary, that’s a risk Albemarle might be willing to take.
Who to watch: Albemarle’s Mahki Washington. Washington has the potential to be the kind of impact running back the Patriots were missing last season after Jamal Thompson’s graduation. If Washington can capitalize on his own impressive athletic gifts, the Patriots should get rolling in a big way on the ground.
The line: Albemarle by 1. Tough to win on the road against Commonwealth squads, but the Patriots’ ground game can get it done here.
E.C. Glass at Charlottesville, 7 p.m.
The basics: Charlottesville’s now annual City-versus-City out-of-district tour begins with a clash against Lynchburg’s E.C. Glass and former Monticello head coach Jeff Woody, now in his fourth year with the Hilltoppers. Glass is going to lean on its stout, experienced offensive line to move the ball, and with Charlottesville replacing several key players in the trenches, that’s certainly a point of concern for the Black Knights. Charlottesville’s defense has to take a step forward this year after surrendering 46.2 points per game over the last five contests of 2017, and holding Glass in check would be a big step in that direction.
Key matchup: Charlottesville running back Sabias Folley versus an inexperienced Glass linebacking crew. While the Hilltoppers are squared away along the defensive line, they graduated star middle linebacker Thomas Patterson and they’ll have a lot of new faces in that unit. That’s trouble for any team facing Folley, as holding Folley to 5-7 yards instead of 20-30 yards is often a matter of how well your linebackers tackle. Folley has the potential to have an explosive start to his senior campaign.
Who to watch: Charlottesville’s Daimon Washington. Charlottesville has developed a string of productive option signal-callers in the last few years from Mason Sherry to Rashard Davis to Sam Neale, the line of is largely unbroken. Washington has the athleticism and savvy to be the next reliable one, and he has a some serious breakaway speed that could make him a major threat as teams load up against Folley.
The line: CHS by 1. These are usually close and Charlottesville will be hungry to find a way to win after a narrow road loss a year ago at the hands of the Hilltoppers.
Louisa County at Courtland, 7 p.m.
The basics: This has become an excellent, emotional and respectful out-of-district rivalry thanks in part to the shared respect between the two schools coaching staffs. They played twice last year, with Louisa winning both including a 35-13 victory in the opening round of the playoffs. As usual, it’ll be Wing-T versus single wing in this one, with Courtland leaning on running back Zin White who went for more than 1,600 yards a season ago. Louisa has a lot more question marks at the offensive skills spots than Courtland,
Key matchup: Louisa’s Brandon Smith takes on Courtland quarterback Shyheem Lewis. Lewis is incredibly fast, but with Smith and Sims, the Lions are countering with a lightning fast linebacking corps and frankly, an entire defense that could be faster than they were a year ago. Lewis may make opposing defenses pay all year with his legs, but pulling that off against the Lions isn’t going to be easy.
Who to watch: Louisa’s defensive front. Robbie Guinn returns at nose, but the Lions have to replace Tony Thurston and Devin McGhee-Jackson. Courtland is rebuilding its offensive line so whoever steps up here needs to help the Lions take advantage of that re-tooling effort up front.
The line: Louisa County by 1. The Lions are replacing a lot but they’ve still got a lot of key pieces back and should be able to pull this one off.
Fluvanna County at Bluestone, 7 p.m.
The basics: Fluvanna County is going to work in a new era with new head coach Michael Morris, but the Flucos also have perhaps the best collection of talent they’ve had in years lining up for them. Walt Stribling is a huge tackle, Prophett Harris is a talented running back/receiver/defensive back and Nate Smith is one of several players who could give the run game a physical presence. With a manageable schedule out of the gate, Fluvanna has a chance to start off on the right foot and potentially give the Morris era a serious shot in the arm. They beat Bluestone a year ago, so if the improvement and adjustments have taken place and have their desired impact, this could be the start of a turnaround.
Key matchup: Bluestone’s linebackers square off against Fluvanna’s Harris. Harris a threat to score whenever the ball is in his hands, and moving to the wing makes Harris a more regular ball carrier while preserving chances for him to get into routes and take advantage of his speed. The Bluestone linebackers will have a tall task trying to contain the Fluvanna playmaker.
Who to watch: Fluvanna’s quarterbacks. The Flucos were sorting through a four-way battle at quarterback early in camp, and whether it’s Justin Sullivan or Kobe Edmonds or another option, whoever emerges here could change the way the Flucos operate. The Wing-T hybrid that Fluvanna is running doesn’t require a quarterback with a huge arm, but it doesn’t hurt and it definitely requires precision and playbook knowledge from that spot. Whoever ends up taking the top spot will need to be sharp.
The line: Fluvanna by 1. The Flucos get a win in their season opener for the second straight year.
Broadway at Western Albemarle, 7 p.m.
The basics: Two teams that had similar records lock up here looking to get potential bounce back seasons on track right from the jump. Western was never the same last year after a narrow defeat at the hands of Lord Botetourt in week two derailed them, but a year ago they rolled 41-12 against Broadway. If the Warriors can stick to their gameplan — play stingy defense as they let a revamped offense settle in — they can take care of business against Broadway. Getting into a shootout just isn’t going to play in Western’s favor at least in the early going this year. Look for a heavy dose of Austin Shifflett at running back for the Warriors and expect Aidan Saunders to be around the ball a lot defensively.
Key matchup: Broadway’s offensive line takes on the Warriors’ defensive line. The Gobblers have a lot of experience back in the trenches and Western counters with its own pack of seniors. Joey Bowen, Jacob Rusina and Clay Nowlin lead a unit that has some depth and should be able to hem in Broadway’s ground game. If Western can create confusion for the seasoned Broadway line, it’ll go a long way toward pushing the Warriors to a win.
Who to watch: Western’s secondary. On a seasoned defense, Jack Weyher and Wyatt Hull are a great foundation at corner, but with All-Valley District wideout Bryar Wheeler back for Broadway, the Warriors’ corners will likely need some help from their safeties. Look for who steps up there as Western tries to lock down the Gobblers.
The line: Western by 1. Warriors face a team that also went 2-8 in 2017, but Western hammered the Gobblers last year. Look for another win here.
Bath County at Nelson County, 7 p.m.
The basics: Last year, Nelson County got on track and picked up three huge, momentum-building wins because they started the season with a 25-22 win over Bath County in the opener on the road. Friday they get a chance to try for a second straight win over the Chargers, who finished 2-8 last season but return eight starters on each side of the ball. Nelson is doing a lot of revamping and they’re searching for playmakers with the graduation of Devante Ellis-Rose. Brice Wilson, whether at quarterback or in another spot, may end up being the catalyst for the Governors as a junior. Bath will lean on running back Connor Call and option quarterback Trey Shaver, both returners who are a year stronger and wiser. Can Nelson overcome a more seasoned Bath squad to start the season with another victory?
Key matchup: Nelson’s defensive line takes on Bath’s offensive line. The Governors’ defensive line is plugging in a lot of new faces, and they’ll get a big test with Bath’s experienced line that includes five returning starters. The Governors are going to have to find ways to knock Bath out of rhythm and play assignment football against the option. That’ll start with the defensive line.
Who to watch: Nelson’s Alcindor Barnett. The Governors’ big guy is going to help determine if Nelson can run the ball with his work in the trenches and he’s going to have to play a big role in pass protection. If he makes a leap forward this year, it’ll give the Nelson offense a huge spark and perhaps some significant running lanes.
The line: Nelson by 1. Bath has the experience edge, but Nelson knows how critical opportunities to get wins are. Look for a strong effort at home here.
