Charlottesville at E.C. Glass, 7:30 p.m.
The basics: These two got a look at each other in a 7-on-7 back in July, but strapping on the pads is a completely different game. The Black Knights are coming off a 7-5 run that included a playoff win and the Hilltoppers improved immensely in former Monticello coach Jeff Woody’s second year with the team, going 6-4 after a 1-9 run in 2015. Both teams sit in similar position, looking to keep the wheels rolling and progress further into a November run. They have different styles, but both offenses are potent so don’t be surprised if this is a high scoring affair.
Key matchup: Charlottesville’s linebacking corps against Glass quarterback Dresean Kendrick. It’s going to be up to Saveyon Anderson and Ben Caesarez to make sure they get the right reads on the athletic sophomore. Woody’s teams always do a nice job of mixing up the runs, spreading the ball around the field and making big things out of small things. Limiting that comes down to the linebackers getting a good look at what Kendrick is up to and making sure that they don’t over commit but also don’t let him pick up simple gains on the ground. Easier said than done, but a good early test for this defense.
Who to watch: The Black Knights’ offensive line. Larry Henderson and the boys have the horses behind them, between Sabias Folley, Sam Neale, Tre Durrett and Rakeem Davis. But in this triple option you’re only as good as the guys up front and with guys like JD Bucholz graduating, it will be important to have the new guys step in and pave the way. If Charlottesville can dominate the clock and pile up the first downs, Glass’ best weapons will be on the sidelines. It’s hard to lose if you always have the ball and should the Black Knights offensive line do what it did in 2016 or even take it to another level, this team has an opportunity to pick up a solid win on the road.
The line: The Black Knights by 1. This is a battle of the offenses but we’ll side with the one with the most seniors, at least this early in the season.
Monticello at William Monroe, 7 p.m.
The basics: These two haven’t played since 2010 outside of scrimmages, so this is a reunion so to speak of former Jefferson District foes. The Mustangs enter the season ready to take a big step forward and get back to the form they’re used to, while the Dragons are looking forward to what a wave of young talent can show in their home opener. Every week one game is a measuring stick game, but this one in particular should give fans a decent glimpse into both programs as they’re both Group 3A opponents.
Key matchup: The Monroe pass rush against Monticello quarterback Kevin Jarrell. The Dragons graduated a lot of talent on the line, and so just how well this unit does against an improved Mustangs offensive line will help a lot going forward. Regardless of the defensive line, the linebacking corps has to be able to pressure the Mustangs’ signal caller because he has a cannon for an arm, is impressively accurate and knows how to buy time with his feet.
Who to watch: William Monroe’s Jaekwon Wayne. Whether he’s at receiver or defensive back, Wayne’s number is going to be called all night. It’ll be up to him to try and slow the Mustangs receiving corps led by Austin Haverstrom and on the other side of the ball, to stretch the field and give first year starter Max Kensey a big play target. This could be one of those high scoring games, so whether its an interception, a return, or a big catch, Wayne should play a large role in just how high scoring this game is, one way or the other.
The line: Monticello by 4. The Mustangs return so much from last year and the Dragons have a good deal of talent, but its pretty fresh right now.
Madison County at Luray, 7:30 p.m.
The basics: The Mountaineers begin the Chandler Rhoads era with a road trip to Luray. These games the last few years have been absolutely crazy. The last five have been one possession games, but unfortunately for Madison, you have to go back to 2012 for the last win. A win here would be huge for a young Mountaineers squad, but given the last five years, it’s not something that will come easy.
Key matchup: Madison’s front seven versus Luray running back Drew Comer. At 6-foot and 210 pounds, Comer packs a pretty solid punch as a running back. Luray runs a run-heavy offense based on misdirection and when Comer gets the ball, he’s heading downhill. The Bulldogs use him like you would a hammer, slowly wearing down a defense to where 2-3 yard carries slowly but surely become 4-5 yard carries as the game goes along. The Mountaineers will have to meet Comer early at the line of scrimmage and make sure he isn’t able to get to the second level of the defense where his size and speed combination becomes a real problem.
Who to watch: Madison quarterback Elijah Lewis. The Mountaineers know what they have athletically in Lewis. He was a solid receiver last year and he’s been a key figure for the basketball team the previous two years. But what does he look like at quarterback? Rhoads wants Madison to be a run-first team, and how Lewis factors into that will be of interest to both the Madison faithful and obviously all of the Mountaineers’ future opponents. Lewis has really quick first steps and a long stride that make him a real problem in open space. But as a quarterback, how does he look making reads, throwing the occasional pass, etc? Odds are good he’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.
The line: Luray by by 3. Madison is rebuilding in so many different areas and Luray’s running the same offense they have for the 23rd straight year. This is a tough road trip, but one with a lot of lessons.
Appomattox at Buckingham County, 7 p.m.
The basics: The battle for the Ax has always been a great regional rivalry but since the Raiders are the back-to-back Group 2A champions, this game has taken on a different interest the last few seasons. The Knights have dropped the last two meetings after owning this rivalry for six straight years. And while Buckingham appears poised to improve by great leaps and bounds from last year, Appomattox has all the weapons they need back from last year to mount a third straight title run. The Raiders are more than likely one of the best teams that the Knights will see all year. Buckingham can learn an awful lot about itself in this one.
Key matchup: The Buckingham secondary takes on De’von Graves. Whether he lines up at receiver or plays more of an H-back role, Graves is a problem. A 6-foot-2 athlete with a 4.4 second 40-yard dash headed to N.C. State kind of problem. The Knights have to track him, double team him, keep him in check whenever possible. And at the same time, they have to worry about Javon Scruggs on the other side and he’s pretty good too. But if you’re picking your poison, you do everything you can make sure that Graves doesn’t beat you. But if he does, it’s because he’s that good of an athlete, not because he was wide open.
Who to watch: Buckingham’s Gary Toney. So he can play quarterback, running back, wide receiver and corner back. The Knights have an athlete, but a young one. So just how much can they put on his Toney’s shoulders and how much can he handle? We’ve seen Leon Ragland, Maurice Taylor, Kyree Koonce, Kenneth Johnson and Tarian Ayres all perform at a high level as sophomores for the Knights. But Toney is a freshman. So he’s going to be fascinating to watch, particularly early on in the season as second year coach Josh Wallace and his staff decide how best to make him most effective.
The line: The Raiders by 10. Appomattox has not lost since November 15, 2014. That’s 30 straight wins and they’ve got the big threats back again this year.
Courtland at Louisa County, 7:30 p.m.
The basics: This was a solid game last year, one that saw the Lions let the Cougars linger around a little bit longer than Louisa coach Mark Fischer liked. The Cougars are coming off a 5-6 campaign and return all the right things to make 2017 a better season. The same can be said of Louisa coming off a 8-3 run last year. This should be a physical and competitive game that will be good for both teams regardless of the outcome. The key in all of it though will be coming out on the other end healthy. Or at least just bruised and not battered.
Key matchup: The Louisa defensive line takes on the Courtland offensive line. The Cougars have five seniors on the line this year, four of whom who started last year and then a 3-headed running back corps that returns as well. The Lions have senior Tony Thurston to lead the way and he’s got some help in fellow senior Devin Jackson-McGhee. If the line gets the right penetration up front, they’ll be able to count on the linebacking corps led by Brandon Smith to clean up any mess left behind. This is the kind of matchup that the Lions always relish, a war in the trenches, so look for them to come into this one frothing at the bit.
Who to watch: Louisa’s backfield. Malik Bell packed a serious punch last year at quarterback but is slimmer and quicker this year. Job Whalen looks like Job Whalen. Raquan Jones looks poised to put up some solid rushing yards. The Lions backfield has matured and these three seniors appear ready to share the ball in a way that will not only make them highly effective, but in theory, should also keep them healthy. Having this trio of seniors is key for the Lions, and particularly for November should Louisa put itself in good playoff position. Just how even will the distribution be between the law firm that is Bell, Whalen and Jones?
The line: Louisa by 3. The Lions will have to work here, but this should be a fantastic season opener in the jungle.
Mountain View (0-0) at Albemarle (0-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: Albemarle is excited about this season’s edition of the Patriots and rightfully so. Throw in some new faces with a lot of athleticism and there’s reason to think this is going to be a strong season. We’ll learn a lot about the Patriots early as they play a trio of Group 5A squads right out of the gate. Getting tested during the out-of-conference slate is important for Albemarle if they want to continue to build on their playoff performance and the Wildcats are a proud program that had a less-than-stellar, injury-plagued season last year, going 4-7 while losing in the first round of the playoffs. Still, they’ve got a lot of young players with potential including junior running back Ronald Robinson. It’ll also be our first look at a post-Jamal Thompson/Tyquan Rose/Lorenz Brown Albemarle offense. A lot to anticipate in this one. And especially when the Patriots are without J’Quan Anderson for a night.
Key matchup: Albemarle’s big, seasoned offensive takes on Mountain View’s Nii Abraham and company. The Patriots return nearly everyone up front including Ja’kell Johnson and Jorvin Maupin and they have a distinct advantage in the trenches because of that group. Look for the Patriots to lean on that offensive line early to find a rhythm and put the Wildcats on their heels.
Who to watch: Albemarle’s Kris Anderson and Na’il Arnold. Anderson and Arnold are two of the area’s best defensive backs, and the Patriots will need him to step up in a big way to prevent an unproven Mountain View passing attack from getting on track. The Wildcats will turn to junior Tyler Haskins at quarterback and he’s an athletic dual threat, but testing Anderson could prove dangerous.
The line: Albemarle by 1. The Patriots have a dog fight and will only be stronger in week two.
Bluestone (0-0) at Fluvanna County (0-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: Fluvanna is looking for consistency and execution this season, and that starts with finding a rhythm on offense and tackling soundly on defense. The Flucos get a good chance to do just that with their out of conference slate, starting with Bluestone this week before playing Spotsylvania and Madison County. Bluestone went 5-6 last year with a first round playoff loss to Central Woodstock, so the Flucos get an excellent shot at a win here at home in the season opener.
Key matchup: Fluvanna’s offensive line takes on Bluestone’s front seven. The Flucos have a lot of new starters up front, but they’re athletic and have been in the program for awhile. Plus, James Easter is back and ready to roll after an ankle injury last year. Can the Flucos get the ball moving with a strong push up front?
Who to watch: Fluvanna’s Joey Van Dyke. He’s one of the Flucos’ starters with experience, and he’s a rock solid tight end and a standout on the edge. If the Flucos can find him in the passing game early a couple of times it’ll allow their new quarterback to settle in and open things up on the ground.
The line: Bluestone by 7. The Flucos are running out a lineup packed with inexperienced players, and there’s going to be some adjustment, but they should compete and hang in with Bluestone.
Thomas Jefferson-Richmond (0-0) at Goochland (0-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: Every season it’s critical for Goochland to take on some serious challenges prior to James River District play because the Bulldogs can go through stretches where they largely outclass their district foes. To be ready for the postseason, the 2016 state semifinalists have to schedule up in out-of-district play. Thomas Jefferson presents a unique challenge with a group of talented skill position players, though they play behind an offensive line light on experience. Can Goochland come out of the gate swinging and pick up a big win to start the year?
Key matchup: Goochland’s front seven takes on TJ’s Jalen Jefferson. Goochland has wealth of defenders back in the fold, and they’ll be tested out of the gate by Jefferson, a Villanova commit. He had more than 1,300 yards of total offense last year in a hybrid role, but look for him to do his damage at running back this year. The Bulldogs counter with sound tacklers John King and Sam Brooks at linebacker as well as Ricky Mayfield and Jamal Carter up front.
Who to watch: Goochland’s Jasper Carter. Carter is quick and the Bulldogs’ most productive returning rusher. Look for them to try and get Carter going as that could open everything else up for Goochland, both on the edge on the ground and through the air.
The line: Goochland by 10. The Bulldogs should pass this first test, but expect a battle.
Western Albemarle (0-0) at Broadway (0-0), 7:30 p.m.
The basics: Western Albemarle’s last actual game has made for a long wait for the Warriors going into this season opener. Western surrendered 87 points to eventual state runner-up Staunton River in the playoffs a year ago, scoring 40 points of their own in what would usually be a winning offensive effort. With the bulk of the contributors back this season, they’ll square off against a one-win squad in Broadway to open 2017 and Western will be looking to get off on the right foot this year as far as execution goes. The Warriors have a lot of the pieces in the mix that have made them successful in the past like a deep group of wideouts and an efficient, quarterback-based ground game. Can they get on track with a win over a senior-laden Gobblers squad?
Key matchup: Broadway’s defense takes on Western quarterback Derek Domecq. Domecq is dynamic on the run and through the air, and he can give opposing defenses all kinds of fits when he gets into a groove. Expect the Warriors to lean on his decision making early as some new pieces on the offensive line get comfortable.
Who to watch: Western Albemarle’s Jack Weyher. Weyher is a crucial two-way player for the Warriors at wideout and defensive back and they’ll need Weyher to play big as the new faces in the lineup settle in. Expect Weyher to be up for the challenge, either drawing attention on defense as part of a deep wideout corps or locking down opposing wideouts on defense.
The line: Western Albemarle by 14. The Warriors’ offense should prove too much for the Gobblers to handle in this one.
Nelson County (0-0) at Bath County (0-0), 7 p.m.
The basics: These are the kind of matchups that Nelson was envisioning when the Governors switched to an independent slate going into this season. An even matchup that gives Nelson a chance to compete as they continue to rebuild the program under second-year head coach Matt Hicks. Bath County finished last year 2-8 and also has a second-year head coach in Larry Grubbs. Look for Nelson to try and find an offensive flow and tackle well on defense to set the tone for the season.
Key matchup: Nelson’s bulky offensive line takes on Bath’s front seven. The Governors are big up front, especially for a Group 2A school. If that unit can get a push, it’ll be a huge lift for the offense.
Who to watch: Nelson’s Sergio Rodriguez. Rodriguez emerged in the offseason as a serious target in the passing game and while the Governors will look to run first, Rodriguez can keep defenses honest if Nelson can get the ball to him.
The line: Bath by 1. Nelson is still building and Bath has a little more experience winning, but don’t be shocked if the Governors pull off a road victory here.
Greenbrier Christian (0-0) at Covenant (0-0), 4:30 p.m. Saturday
The basics: Covenant’s small but senior-heavy roster starts with a winnable home contest against Greenbrier Saturday. Look for the Eagles to try and get the option offense going with Donovan Jackson carrying the load. Playing ball control offense will limit opportunities for the Gators’ spread to get into a rhythm. Greenbrier went 0-10 last season, but return a senior quarterback and a pair of talented wideouts in the quick Gerald Thompson and the tall, rangier Quinton Wynn. Can Covenant lock down defensively against the spread in Seth Wilson’s head coaching debut?
Key matchup: Covenant’s secondary takes on prolific Greenbrier quarterback Luke Bussel. Covenant’s defensive backs, a talented group, will get a test right out of the gate against Bussel, who despite the Gators’ 0-10 record last year threw for more than 1,800 yards. Look for the Eagles to keep him off balance with a mix of coverages.
Who to watch: Covenant freshman Jonas Sanker. With the ability to stretch defenses and cause havoc at wideout through the air, Sanker is the prime candidate to give the Eagles’ option offense the added dimension it needs to prevent defenses from loading the box. If quarterback John Huemme can connect with Sanker it’ll change the entire equation for the Eagles.
The line: Covenant by 1. The Eagles get a good opportunity to start off on the right foot, expect them to take advantage.
