Monticello (3-0) at Louisa County (2-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: These tilts are always good. Usually a clash in styles between the balanced, pro-style Mustangs and the single wing approach from the Lions, both teams are coming in with a lot of balance built largely around two dynamic quarterbacks. Monticello’s Jhalil Mosley got it done with arm and legs last week against Goochland (highlighted by the 54-yard touchdown sprint) and he’ll face a similar dual threat option in Zack Jackson of the Lions. Jackson is currently second in the area in passing yardage and fifth in rushing. Mosley comes in with the most impressive team resume though, as the Mustangs have beaten two quality opponents already in Albemarle and Goochland. Louisa County is at something of a crossroads. The Lions have beaten who they’re supposed to beat, but they’ve gotten knocked around twice already by Eastern View and Courtland. Louisa needs to cut down on mistakes quickly and find the same offensive balance it had last week against Spotsylvania. Forcing Monticello to account for the pass will be critical to opening up the ground attack.
Key matchup: Monticello’s front seven takes on Markell Groomes. Groomes broke out last week and may be the feature back Louisa needs to take some of the attention off Jackson. Groomes rushed for 129 yards with the bulk of it coming on an 80-yard first half touchdown jaunt. Containing that big-play ability will be an important part of the job for the Mustangs’ defense that surrendered a pair of 100-yard rushing nights last week against Goochland.
Who to watch: Monticello’s Chase Phillips or Josh Malm. One of these two receivers is going to need to become a regular option for Mosley. While Sam Patterson grabbed headlines last year and put together highlight reel catches, Nathan DiGregorio did much of the dirty work, moving the chains with his reliable hands and route running. James Banks appears to have emerged as the big-play threat, but Mosley is going to need to get Phillips or Malm involved more often and keep freeing things up for T.J. Tillery on the ground.
The line: Monticello by 7. Louisa has home field advantage in the Jungle, but the Mustangs are coming in with a more proven track record with two quality victories already under their belt.
Albemarle (0-3) at Orange (1-2), 7 p.m.
The basics: Albemarle needed last week off as while their first two losses were winnable affairs, it’s matchup with Colonial Forge was awfully lopsided. Orange came remarkably close to picking up its first ever Commonwealth District win last week against Stafford, but ultimately fell 14-13. Given Wednesday’s big VHSL announcement, next year when these two schools meet up it will be in the Jefferson District, not the CD.
Key matchup: Orange’s offensive line versus the Albemarle pass rush. The Hornets need to be able to keep pace with the Patriots’ offense. That’s how they beat Culpeper and nearly topped Stafford. The easiest way to do that is to give quarterback Garrett Johnson the time he needs to make his reads downfield. That’s easier said than done when you have to keep the likes of Albemarle’s Ryan Londree from breaking through.
Who to watch: Patriots running back Niko Troche. With the way that Louisa County had success against Orange with its rushing attack, don’t be surprised if Albemarle gives the ball to Troche more than usual. It could be a big day for the versatile back.
The line: Albemarle by 10. The Patriots’ options on offense prove too much for the Hornets to both stop and match.
Christchurch (3-0) at Fork Union (3-1), 3:30 p.m.
The basics: Christchurch, given all that they lost from their highly impressive VISAA Division 2 title run last year, is somehow coming in with a flawless record. Last week the Seahorses drubbed North Cross, but they’ve got their hands full now. If there is a team that’s truly found a rhythm and is building something big, its Fork Union who handled Powhatan last week on the road.
Key matchup: Seahorse running back Jordan Wallace versus Fork Union’s linebacking corps. Coming off a 204-yard showing against North Cross, Wallace will have to be both shifty and powerful to get past this Blue Devils group that includes a group of sound tacklers, whether its Dondre Wright, TJ Dudley or Dale Richardson. This has all the makings of a great physical game and who comes out on top in this area will give their team a big advantage.
Who to watch: Fork Union’s Christian Hackenberg. Speaking of finding a rhythm, the senior quarterback for the Blue Devils turned in his best performance of the year and has looked progressively better each game. Hackenberg only had to complete 9 of 14 passes to rack up 188 yards last week and a pair of TDs. Receivers Roma Michael and Chrystian Brown are reliable targets getting open for their strong-armed quarterback. With the way this defense has played the last three games, if Hackenberg goes off, this could be a really long day for the Seahorses.
The line: Fork Union by 6. On its own turf against a team that likes to play physical? The Blue Devils have been doing that dance on the road and winning so far this year. Now they get to show how in front of the corps of cadets.
Covenant (2-1) at Massanutten Military (1-2), 4 p.m.
The basics: Covenant is picking up some steam after back-to-back wins the last two weeks over Hargrave and Fishburne, and quarterback Brady Doyle has cemented himself as the area’s most pleasant early season surprise. The converted wideout got it done largely with his legs last week, ripping off a 147-yard game on just nine carries last week. He also tossed a pair of touchdowns and he’s current sitting at third in the area in passing yardage and touchdowns through the air. If Doyle can keep the offense clicking, the Eagles may find themselves at 3-1 though four games as they face off with an MMA team that went 3-7 last year and has mustered just 12 points the last two weeks.
Key matchup: Covenant’s front seven takes on Massanutten quarterback Kenya Ray-Abrams. Ray-Abrams is averaging more than 200 yards of total offense per game for the Colonels. The dynamic second-year starter is a dual-threat who’s put together a 6.3 yard per carry clip on the ground. The Eagles need to contain him and play disciplined defense to neutralize Ray-Abrams’ game breaking ability.
Who to watch: Covenant’s John Meade. Meade is emerging as a formidable red zone threat, hauling in a pair of touchdowns at tight end last week against Hargrave. Doyle would be wise to keep finding the big target, who’s a matchup nightmare for secondaries and linebackers that the Eagles are facing.
The line: Covenant by 7. The Eagles move to 3-1, get set for a cross-county matchup with Blue Ridge next week.
Liberty Bealeton (2-2) at Charlottesville (1-3), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Eagles dropped their second straight contest, this time falling to a tough Chancellor team after getting blanked by Western Albemarle the week before that. The Black Knights picked up their first win of the year by taking it to Culpeper behind a monster game from Rashard Davis and his 6-TD evening.
Key matchup: After last week, it’s clear it’s Liberty’s secondary against Davis. With the way the Charlottesville quarterback hits that next gear and gets off to the races, the Eagles have to be fundamentally-sound tacklers, especially when it’s the last line of defense.
Who to watch: Charlottesville’s trio of Davis, Chris Thurston and Rashard Brock. Each week, this trio finds a way to put together highlight tape stuff, whether on slip screens, runs to the outside or on special teams. This group of playmakers are as athletic and electric as you’ll find.
The line: Charlottesville by 1. If the Black Knights can keep from the turnovers it committed in its first three weeks, the margin could inflate. But given the way Western’s offense took care of Liberty, Charlottesville’s explosiveness on offense should provide the difference here.
Greensville (0-3) at Powhatan (1-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: They’re coming off a bye, but Greensville gave up at least 36 points their first three weeks of play. For the second week in a row, Powhatan was overwhelmed, falling hard to Fork Union to follow a rough go against Midlothian. The Indians straightened out to go on a deep playoff run last year exactly as this time. This could be a spring board for Powhatan heading into Jefferson District play again.
Key matchup: The Eagles defensive front versus Norris Goode and LJ Jackson. Greensville’s previous three opponents have put up big numbers on the ground, and with Powhatan eager to succeed in the fashion it’s used to, the Eagles will have to get some penetration in the backfield to avoid a long night.
Who to watch: Whoever goes under center for Powhatan, Wes Garrett, Joe Lewis or Peyton Mawyer. The Indians had a tough camp battle at quarterback and still are looking for a permanent answer. This team doesn’t need to be able to spread the field and become pass happy to win agmes, but it does need a little something here and there to compliment Goode and Jackson, even if it’s just the occasional bubble screen or quick slant. Against Greensville, some answers could emerge about who will be the guy going forward.
The line: Indians by 14. Powhatan gets behind its horses and keeps the home crowd happy.
Goochland (1-2) at Central Lunenburg (3-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: There aren’t too many off weeks in the James River District and this isn’t one of them for the Bulldogs. They face an unbeaten Chargers squad fresh off a 2011 trip to state final four. But Goochland could see a similar effect that Fork Union experienced against the Bulldogs just a few weeks ago where after playing stiff competition in Hermitage and Georgetown, FUMA had an easy time against the Bulldogs. Look for the Bulldogs to bounce back this week after getting battle-hardened against Monticello and Fork Union.
Key matchup: Goochland’s linebackers take on Lunenburg’s multi-faceted run game. With a fleet of potential offensive weapons, the Bulldogs’ defense will have its hands full. Dajour Smith is particularly tough to contain. The Lunenberg standout had a touchdown catch, a 37-yard run and an interception return for a touchdown last week. Still, the Bulldogs have one advantage — Lunenberg leans heavily on a double wing, grind it out style that Goochland is pretty familiar with.
Who to watch: Goochland’s Jordan Jefferson. Jefferson broke through as a tremendous running threat against Monticello last week. If the dynamic athlete can keep that going, he provides a tremendous counterpunch when teams try and load up against speedster Mitchell Brice.
The line: Goochland by 7. Lunenburg may be a rising star in the JRD, but the path to the title still goes through the Bulldogs.
Buckingham (3-0) at Amelia (1-2), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Knights rolled past Fluvanna County behind a 28-point fourth quarter. The Raiders fell to last year’s Group A Division 2 champs, Gretna, but only by one touchdown. This was a coming out party for Amelia last year as they really made a statement against a quality Buckingham team. A healthy portion of the Knights will remember the 2011 results and be eager make up for them. One thing is certain for Buckingham so far, the offense is going to grind away behind Kenneth Johnson, Kyree Koonce and Cam Johnson’s rushing abilities.
Key matchup: Buckingham’s secondary versus Amelia’s passing attack. The Knights had a fight on their hands in the first half against Fluvanna because of big plays through the air. The word will be out and don’t be surprised if the Raiders look to go over the top. Now Buckingham straightened their issues out in the secondary after halftime. Have they fixed them for good, or at least improved?
Who to watch: Buckingham linebacker Austin Seay. The senior showed up in critical moments last week to make plays for a loss. This defense is experienced enough and talented enough to be a force, it just needs some consistency. Seay provided that last week and the Knights would be more than happy to have it on a regular basis, especially in their James River District opener.
The line: The Knights by 4. This is not last year’s Amelia, but the Raiders also haven’t lost to anyone but a pair of final four playoff teams. Buckingham needs to avoid what might be a trap game.
Woodberry Forest at Paul VI, 7 p.m.
The basics: We dubbed it the Miracle at Woodberry, but however you slice it, the Tigers proved a lot last week in a come-from-behind 43-33 victory over Blair Academy. They proved they’re going to refuse to go away easily and that the offense is capable of throwing together a 29-point second half with a stout performance by the defense. The Tigers worked out a lot of kinks in practice between the Benedictine game and the clash with Blair and it showed. The new wrinkle of putting linebacker Greer Martini out wide on offense worked flawlessly on four big catches (two for TDs including the go-ahead score and a two-point conversion). Martini also showed his versatility as a defender, moving to outside linebacker for the first time to take away Blair’s edge running game.
Key matchup: Woodberry’s deep front seven takes on Paul VI’s grind-it-out rushing offense. Last week against Potomac, Paul VI rolled up 378 yards with 299 of it coming on the ground out of their two-wing, dive-based attack. Getting that kind of rushing success against Woodberry’s front seven won’t be easy. The Tigers shuttled players in and out of the lineup last week and had fresher legs than Blair down the stretch. Blocking against that kind of depth can wear down even the stoutest offensive line.
Who to watch: Woodberry’s Christian Asher. While Martini put together many of the highlights, Asher played a tremendous game on both sides of the field too, rushing for more than 100 yards and two touchdowns while also coming up with several big defensive plays, including a stuff on a key second half fourth down. Asher is clearly developing into a big-time player for the Tigers.
The line: Woodberry by 7. After last week, it’s clear that even a night-time road game against a very good program can’t shake the Tigers.
Trinity Episcopal (1-2) at St. Anne’s-Belfield (0-3), 7 p.m.
The basics: STAB struggled the last two weeks against Virginia Episcopal and St. Christopher’s, getting outscored 64-10 in the two clashes. But VES may have been an aberration while St. Christopher’s is considered one of the top contenders in Division I. A win over Trinity would get the Saints back on track, by TES has played solid teams too and knocked off Norfolk Academy last week.
Key matchup: STAB’s Conor Healy. Healy as emerged as Saints quarterback Jake Allen’s top target with 11 catches for 200 yards on the year. If Healy can get loose against Trinity, it should open things up for a ground game that hasn’t gotten going yet. STAB is averaging just 1.6 yards per carry as a team.
Who to watch: Trinity tailback Abraham Ferrell-Logan. Ferrell-Logan picked up 106 yards and a touchdown in the narrow win over Norfolk Academy. At more than eight yards per carry, Ferrell-Logan is a huge threat in the ground game and slowing him down will be crucial for the Saints. The Saints would be wise to get their licks in too when Ferrell-Logan is toting the rock—he had 11 tackles last week on defense.
The line: STAB by 1. The Saints are notoriously slow starters over the years. Expect them to find a way to end their slide this week and get moving into the second half of the season.
Western Albemarle (3-0) at Spotswood (2-1), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Western didn’t put together it’s most efficient effort last week as the Warriors had to hold off a scrappy Fort Defiance squad for a narrow win just a week after trouncing Liberty Bealeton, a Region II power. But the Warriors put up huge offensive numbers and actually got started well before struggling during the middle of the game. If Western can find the same offensive groove that allowed Kent Henry to produce nearly 500 yards of total offense at quarterback last week, they should be able to move to 4-0.
Key matchup: Spotswood’s passing game takes on a ball-hawking Western Albemarle secondary. Just three games into the year, Western has picked off 10 passes as a team, with Daniel Kuzjak, Steven Hearn, Trevor Harlow and Kent Henry picking off two each. Throw in 15 pass breakups, led by Nic Drapanas’ eight deflections and it’s clear the Warriors’ secondary is on top of its game. Spotswood will have to pick its spots when they take to the air.
Who to watch: Western’s Tommy Mullin. Mullin has 12 solo stops on the year so far. Can the linebacker keep up the pace as the Warriors wrap up the early stages of their out-of-district slate.
The line: Western Albemarle by 17. Spotswood hasn’t seen a passing attack like the Warriors bring to the table and that’s going to cause big problems for the Trailblazers.
Kettle Run (3-0) at Fluvanna (1-3), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: This is a tough matchup for the Flucos, who take on a squad that’s building up a head of steam right now. The Cougars rolled up 314 yards on the ground alone in a shutout victory over an Eastern View team that beat Louisa County back in August. Fluvanna will need to strike quick and get Kettle Run on its heels to have a shot, because once the Cougars get going, stopping the multi-faceted ground game isn’t easy.
Key matchup: Fluvanna’s secondary led by cornerback Joey Shaheen takes on Kettle Run wideout Michael Parker. Parker is being tabbed as a safety at the next level, where he’s got offers from a laundry list of schools including West Virginia, UVa, Virginia Tech, Tennessee and Ohio State. But he’s a big-time threat as a wide receiver right now. Expect the Flucos to game plan around the big target who took one of Kettle Run’s three pass attempts last week for an 87-yard touchdown.
Who to watch: Kettle Run’s Josh Tapscott. The Cougars beat Eastern View 27-0 last week and Tapscott carried the load with 127 yards and a touchdown at running back. Throw in De Jackson as the Cougars other option on the ground and things get challenging quick.
The line: Kettle Run by 17. Fluvanna made strides last week, but Kettle Run is considered one of the toughest squads in Region II.
Madison County (2-1) at Manassas Park (1-2), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Mountaineers had some issues late against Page County last week, but finished the job and looked strong the first three quarters. The Cougars had a week off after pounding Arcadia 63-0, a big change from giving up 36 points and 50 points in the two previous weeks. Last year Manassas Park ran all over Madison, but this defense, as we said last week, is vastly improved. A lot of people expected the Mountaineers to be better this year, but getting off to a 3-1 start and a win in its Bull Run District would still be impressive.
Key matchup: Manassas Park’s defensive line versus Madison County’s offensive line. It’s a heavy rotation of runners for the Mountaineers right now between Logan Carpenter, Maurice Gentry and Randall Byers with all of them toting the ball for more than four yards per carry. That means the crew up front led is carrying the load and making the holes. The Cougars have to be on top of their game at the line of scrimmage or Madison will gladly grind the game away.
Who to watch: Carpenter. He had a great showing defensively for Madison against Page including five tackles and sack. If Carpenter can keep putting up the numbers with J.P. Utz and Will Lamb this will continue to be a balanced defense, and traditionally, few teams pack things in tighter than Manassas Park. Against a team like that, you can never have enough quality tacklers.
The line: Madison 3. When two teams love to run the ball, the team that’s given up 35 points in three weeks as opposed to 86 points has the edge. This should be a classic old school football game nonetheless.
Nelson County (1-2) at Hargrave Military (0-3), 7 p.m.
The basics: The Governors had a week off to recover from an ugly loss to a really good Riverheads team. The Tigers struggled again last week, this time getting knocked off 35-0 by Covenant. Nelson’s Tyler Vest had such a big first week that he still leads Central Virginia in rushing, but the last few weeks have allowed the field to catch up. However, with Hargrave giving up 110 points in three games, the senior quarterback could have flashes of his monster game against William Monroe in week one. If he does, he just might eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in just his fourth game.
Key matchup: Hargrave’s outstide linebackers against Vest and Devonte Turner. When this duo rounds the corners they’re impossible to bring down. The Tigers will be overmatched if they can’t meet these two and slow them down. But with the power both these runners have, it’s not just about arm tackles.
Who to watch: Vest. He’s at 631 yards on just 53 attempts. Granted Riverheads and Central Lunenberg slowed him down, those are two of the top Group A schools right now. Given Hargrave’s troubles of defense so far, the idea of running back having two games of 300-plus yards seems silly, but it’s a real possibility here.
The line: Nelson by 14. Two big runners lead to a big number on the scoreboard for Governors.
North Cross (1-3) at Blue Ridge (2-0), Saturday 2 p.m.
The basics: Going on the road and taking down Blessed-Sacrament was a big deal for the Barons, especially the way they played defensively. The Raiders have been a quality program the last few years, but are off to a shaky start including a lop-sided loss to Christchurch last week. Blue Ridge has a chance to get off to a great start to its season here if they can ride the momentum over from last week.
Key matchup: The Barons’ secondary against North Cross quarterback Max Revercomb and receiver Jordan Lowery. Revercomb has thrown for more than 500 yards already, but he has five touchdowns to seven interceptions. He’s hit Lowery for 188 yards. That’s the big play connection for the Raiders and the Barons, behind Shawn Steen and Leon Strauss, need to keep a watch on it, and if possible capitalize on some turnovers here.
Who to watch: Blue Ridge running back Cody Pegram. He’s a nice compliment to Steen and had a big game against Blessed-Sacrament last week. With the number of jobs that Steen has, spelling him out and keeping him from picking up too much wear and tear to start the year is crucial for the Barons. If Pegram is able to keep above the 5-yard per carry mark as he has now, this offense stays problematic for opposing defenses.
The line: The Barons by 3. Blue Ridge steps up again and does so with its playmakers on defense on the edge of the field to improve to 3-0.
