Fork Union (0-0) at Georgetown Prep (0-0), 4:30 p.m.
The basics: Fork Union’s schedule is always stout and lately it has started with a slugfest against powerhouse Georgetown Prep. The Little Hoyas are always athletic, tough and aggressive. Last year they poured on 57 points against the Blue Devils, the beginning of a run of three-straight games to open the season where FUMA surrendered more than 50 points as the defense searched for an identity. Getting off on a different foot right now against Georgetown Prep would be a huge lift for the Fork Union defense as Georgetown is one of the toughest opponents they’ll face all year.
Key matchup: FUMA’s defense takes on Dage Davis. Davis is an electric athlete who rushed for 1,434 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. Fork Union, on the flip side, struggled against the run in 2013. An improved crop of athletes and a group of returning starters with a year at FUMA under their belt should make for a stepped up defense against the run. Davis is an excellent first test.
Who to watch: FUMA’s Rashon Torrence. Torrence was the bell-cow running back for the Blue Devils last year, and he’ll be given the opportunity early to try and jumpstart the FUMA offense again this year. If Torrence can start pounding away, it’ll open things up for FUMA’s dangerous quarterback Sam Allen to move around and make things happen with his feet and his arm.
The line: Georgetown Prep by 7. Playing on the road against Georgetown is a stout task, but FUMA has the firepower to keep it close and potentially steal a win in Maryland.
Norfolk Academy (0-0) at St. Anne’s-Belfield (0-0), 5:30 p.m.
The basics: St. Anne’s-Belfield completed last year’s turnaround that ended a long losing streak and led to a state playoff berth largely with a host of sophomores and juniors leading the way. Now the Saints are in position to fully enjoy the fruits of the growing pains that helped contribute to that long losing streak. That starts with a tilt against VISAA Division I’s Norfolk Academy, another team looking to make a leap forward. The Bulldogs went 7-3 last year and finished just outside the playoff picture in the sixth spot in the Division I poll. Allan Parrott, a 5-foot-11 quarterback leads the Bulldogs and threw for 1,405 yards and 16 touchdowns as part of a high powered offense that averaged 31.4 points per game according to the Virginian Pilot. Norfolk will face a seasoned STAB squad that should lean heavily on a core of two-play players that came on strong in the second half of 2014.
Key matchup: STAB’s secondary takes on Norfolk Academy’s deep receiver group. With Parrott spreading the ball around, the Saints’ defensive backs have their work cut out for them as senior Brian Shivers leads the way. The Saints also have to match up with three other wideouts all checking in around 6-feet tall. A big dose of Brodie Phillips at safety and Jalen Harrison all over the secondary should allow the Saints to counter the Bulldogs wealth of options through the air.
Who to watch: STAB’s Lee Parkhill. In a battle of experienced senior quarterbacks with NA’s Parrott, Parkhill will need to be steady. He’s got tremendous options in the receiving corps, and if he and the combo of Harrison and Kareem Johnson can get in a rhythm, that’ll go a long way toward opening things up for the ground game.
The line: STAB by 3. Saints have enough firepower to pick up a huge win at home against the Bulldogs.
Essex (0-0) at Goochland (0-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: This wasn’t much of a rivalry too long ago. But since the two met in the state finals in 2012, things have changed. Goochland won a state title in Salem that year. Last year, Essex handed the Bulldogs a rare lop-sided regular season loss in the season opener for both. Goochland has the attention of teams across the state right now based on what they have back and how well they’ve played in exhibition. Essex is enduring a bit of a roster turnover, but still has dangerous playmakers scattered across the field. Call it the rubber match that dates back to Decemeber of 2012.
Key matchup: Essex’s front seven versus Goochland’s offensive line. The Bulldogs are scary because they are big, mean and very experienced up front on the line. The Trojans not only have to play assignment defense against this run-heavy offense, but they have to do so against an offensive line that was highly efficient last year and looks only to be that much better and stronger this year. If the defensive line doesn’t get penetration and the linebacking corps doesn’t make the right reads, the Bulldogs are going to put up some serious numbers.
Who to watch: Goochland quarterback Reid Chenault. He missed so much of last year because of injury after being a game changer as a true pocket passer for the Bulldogs in 2012. How much advantage he takes of what will be undoubtedly an aggressive Trojan attack will dictate this game. With the way Goochland runs its offense, you have to be ready to stop both the run and pass. Chenault is going to get a chance to showcase his arm in all likelihood. How often and for how much remains to be seen, but it will be huge here in one way or another.
The line: Goochland by 3. Bulldogs offense is too much at home.
Buckingham County (0-0) at Appomattox (0-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Battle of the Axe is on. These two schools share a foresting history. Much in the way college football has its rivalry games with unique trophies, these two now play for the right to a double sided axe with both school logos and colors. Buckingham’s season last year was largely defined by the season opening loss to Appomattox and the way it responded. The Knights had edged the Raiders five seasons in a row and fell flat in the first half only to see a comback come short. Buckingham rallied from that point forward in the year. That said, the Knights are what the Raiders were last year, experienced on the offensive line. The Raiders are what the Knights were last year, new on the offensive line. These are two physical teams, it will be interesting to see what this game is like with the shoe on the other foot.
Key matchup: Appomattox’s defensive line takes on the Buckingham offensive line. The Knights have four very good returning starters up front. They might not have Kenneth Johnson in the backfield, but Buckingham has produced in every way regardless of whether it was Maurice Taylor four years ago, or Johnson most recently. The Raiders need to stop a Buckingham offense that looks as potent as ever with Leon Ragland at quarterback. They’ll be playing contain on the edges to try and keep Ragland’s legs from getting the better of them. That might open up things for running game elsewhere. More on that in a second.
Who to watch: Buckingham sophomore running back Tariq Gough. It’s his turn to try and continue the succession of great Knights backs. He has the offensive line to do so and a quarterback that draws a ton of defensive attention. Gough’s decision making and what kind of running back he wants to be gets its first test here. There’s already a lot of buzz among the coaching staff at Buckingham that he could be something special. He doesn’t have to be special out of the gate, but if he is in week one against this opponent, look out.
The line: Buckingham by 4. The Raiders were a senior laden squad last year. The Knights have to iron things out on defense, but they have way too much offensively not to get the job done here, even on the road in this rivalry game.
Eastern View (0-0) at Charlottesville (0-0), 7:30 p.m. RADIO: WINA 1070
The basics: This is a great test for a Charlottesville team going through a significant roster turnover. Eastern View is coming off a 10-2 season. The Black Knights fell last year to the Cylcones in this opener, albeit on the road. Getting off to a solid start has been Charlottesville’s problem the last two years, but it has not prevented them from making the playoffs. In fact, what it has done is allow the coaching staff to re-evaluate its skill position players and put this team in better position to win. Now if Charlottesville was to put up a great showing against this opponent, a perennial playoff team, the rest of the Jefferson District will have concerns, because in the last two years, this has been a program that’s played especially well as the season goes on.
Key matchup: Charlottesville’s defensive line versus Eastern View running back Kendrick Kube. The Black Knights have eight starters back on defense, and their strength is up front and in the secondary. If Charlottesville wants slow down the Cyclones star running back, it will need senior Troy Hughes to be disruptive despite the fact he’ll likely face double teams at defensive tackle. That will mean the rest of this defensive line has to step up on the edges to seal and contain. If the Black Knights do that, they’ll be in great position to make this a great battle.
Who to watch: Black Knights running back Rashad Brock. He and Kube are going to be going head to head. Brock has been nothing short of explosive this training camp. He was especially good last year and only seems to be truly coming into his own as a multi-tool back. If he can move the chains despite playing with a revamped offensive line early on, it’ll only be a matter of time before he breaks off a couple of big runs.
The line: Eastern View by 1. The Cyclones get the edge thanks to their reputation and the previous meetings between these two. But if the CHS defense can keep the Black Knights in the game early on, Brock and the offense could pull off a big win here.
Spotsylvania (0-0) at Louisa County (0-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: It’s not homecoming, but it’s going to feel that way with former head coach Mark Fishcher, the man who led the Lions to three of their four playoff appearances and a state final showing in 2006. Fischer turned around this program when he inherited it more than a decade ago. Yet it’s in much better shape than when he first took over. Spotsylvania is coming off a 3-8 season where they made the playoffs, but lost its last three games of the year by 33 or more points. The Lions delivered the Knights a 35-14 loss to open the year last year. Now Louisa gets Spotsylvania at home in the Jungle with the hype that follows Fischer. While Fischer doesn’t believe his hype makes this team better, and rightfully and understandibly so, there is something to be said about a community that is itching to get behind him. The atmosphere in the Jungle is going to be reminiscent of the glory years not long ago, and Fischer’s players are going to feed off of that considering the way things went the last two years.
Key matchup: Louisa’s Trey Cherry vs. the Spotsylvania front seven. The Louisa offensive line was young last year, but is stronger and wiser and Cherry is the most accomplished ball carrier. Look for Louisa to try and get the ball in Cherry’s hands early and often.
Who to watch: Louisa running back Deion Jackson. This is former Louisa County standout Andre Mealy’s brother. Mealy was nothing short of a moose as a back. His brother, despite being just a sophomore, is no different. For a team that wants to be physical and methodical, Jackson couldn’t be a more perfect fit at running back. Don’t be surprised if his style gets the Louisa crowd riled up.
The line: Louisa by 7. The Lions’ firepower up front leads the way for a successful Fischer homecoming, puts that story to rest, and gets on with the business of football.
Fluvanna County (0-0) at William Fleming (0-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: A solid performance in Fluvanna’s scrimmage with Spotswood has opened a lot of people’s eyes to the fact that the Flucos may have a shot at turning things around in 2014 after a frustrating 2013 campaign. This is a tall test against William Fleming on the road however, as Fleming got things headed in the right direction last year with a three-win season after a three-year stretch starting in 2010 where the Colonels went just 2-28. William Fleming brings nearly everyone back from that group including quarterback Tyrell Adams and running back J.J. Hill, who rushed for 1,245 yards last year. The Flucos will counter with their own group of returning playmakers led by Macen Dahl and Mark Grooms, who both can help the Flucos score points. Look for Jake Mooney to also get in on the mix as Gavin Patrick settles in at quarterback.
Key matchup: Fluvanna’s defensive backs take on Fleming’s Warren Craft. The Colonels’ Craft is a 6-foot-2 speedster who torched the Flucos for 240 yards and three touchdowns last year on just eight catches. Previously committed to play basketball at Virginia Tech before the Hokies’ coaching change, Craft is now gaining interest from VMI and other big-time schools. The Flucos will certainly have their hands full against Craft considering all the other weapons they have to face in Fleming’s potentially dynamic offense.
Who to watch: Fluvanna’s Brendan Goode. It’s up to the senior returning starter to help bring along the Flucos’ offensive line. Goode and the rest of the line have to be up to the task against the Colonels because Fleming has the potential to score points in bunches.
The line: Fleming by 7. Fluvanna County appears on course to improve in 2014, but the Flucos are facing a lot of returning firepower from the Colonels.
Spotswood (0-0) at Western Albemarle (0-0), 7:30 p.m. RADIO: WKAV 1400
The basics: Last year, this was a battle in Penn Laird as the two squads got locked into a hard-fought opener where the Warriors’ excellence on special teams, including a Holland Corbett field goal and some well-placed punts proved to be the difference. This is a largely new look Western squad on the offensive side of the ball, and it’ll be interesting to see who emerges as a playmaker for the Warriors early on. The most experienced candidate is Oliver Herndon, who could give Western a reliable threat in the ground game as they look to replace at least a portion of the productivity last year’s unit cobbled together. If Western, who’s been an aerial assault squad the last three years, leans more on a traditional ground game and a seasoned defense in the early going as the quarterback situation sorts itself out, don’t be surprised.
Key matchup: Western’s experienced linebacker corps tries to track Spotswood’s Khalil Davis. Davis takes over for departed standout Matt Slater, who piled up yards with a bruising style. Davis is more of a burner, and the Warriors’ linebackers, who were green last year, will have their hands full in the opener. Matthew Mullin, Stephen Kuzjak, Logan Sprouse and the rest of the Warriors’ lead tacklers will need to be on point.
Who to watch: Western’s quarterback. Whether it’s Sam Hearn or Henry Kreienbaum or a mixture of the two, the way this situation sorts itself out will go a long way toward determining the fate of the Warriors in 2014.
The line: Western Albemarle by 3. The Warriors will have to find new ways to get it done, but the defense should be up to the task in the opener.
Covenant (1-0) at Randolph-Macon Academy (0-0), 12 p.m. Saturday
The basics: Covenant got things started nearly exactly the way they wanted last week with a 20-7 victory over Portsmouth Christian, beating the Patriots at home to move to 1-0 on the year. They also did it largely according to script, using their mid-line option oriented offense to control the clock, stay close in the first half and then pull away after the break as Portsmouth Christian wore down. The Eagles were actually set to pull away earlier, but penalties erased a pair of long touchdown sprints by Quane Washington. If Covenant can iron out those details, Randolph-Macon should prove to be another winnable game.
Key matchup: Covenant’s front seven takes on the Randolph Macon run game. The Eagles proved adept last week at stepping up the run defense when it mattered, turning an advancing Portsmouth Christian team away several times in the Eagles’ own territory. They’ll need similar performances this week against a RMA squad that’s traditionally kept the ball on the ground.
Who to watch: Covenant’s Austin Llera. Llera emerged as the go-to ball carrier for the Eagles last week in the win over Portsmouth Christian, and he got nearly his entire 138-yard performance done right up the middle on dive plays. Look for the Eagles to keep putting the offense on Llera’s back.
The line: Covenant by 7. Huge advantage for the Eagles to already have a game under their belt, and a much-sought identity for the program may have finally been found last week.
Luray (0-0) at Nelson County (0-0), 7:30 p.m. Thursday
The basics: Nelson County is coming off a winless campaign in the first year of the Mark Poston era, but the early stages of the season give reasons the Governors should hopeful of what’s ahead. They play a trio of potentially winnable games starting with Luray Thursday, though they’ll play at least the first one as the home team on the road at Amherst as Nelson’s field is still being repaired after an overhaul this season.
Key matchup: Luray’s defensive line deals with Nelson’s size on the offensive line. While the Governors don’t have great depth, their front line does include a pair of big men in Tyler Baker and Bryce Adkins. If those two can get Luray’s defenders on their heels, it should bode well for Nelson’s ground attack.
Who to watch: Nelson’s Ray Chambers. The Governors need to get the offense going to have a chance in these early contests, and that means Chambers will have to be on point. Look for Poston to get the junior on the edge and give him the opportunity to make some plays in his first season behind center.
The line: Luray by 7. Nelson should manage to keep this close, but has a few too many wholes to knock off an improving Luray program.
