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Early Risers

Football gets started this week with five games that involve local squads. Here’s all the crucial information from those matchups.

Western Albemarle at Waynesboro 7 p.m.

The Basics: The Battle for Afton Mountain will heat up once again Friday night, and for two teams without a conference affiliation, these two have a pretty serious history. Waynesboro coach Steve Isaacs — a single wing practitioner — used to be Western’s head man, but he took on a pretty serious rebuilding project several years ago across the mountain. Last year, Western got the best of the Little Giants in a 49-0 win that kicked off a spectacular season for the Warriors. Could this be the year that Waynesboro turns the corner after years of frustration? They’ll certainly get a vulnerable Western squad that’s revamping most of their lineup.

Key matchup: Waynesboro’s offense against Western’s Mitchell Parks. Parks was unblockable last year as the Scrimmage Play defensive player of the year. If the Little Giants can’t get a body on Parks, they could be looking at another long night.

Who to watch: Western Albemarle quarterback Abbott Wallenborn and running back Adam Diehl. The new-look backfield for the Warriors will need to settle in quickly against a Waynesboro team that got a solid performance from its linebacking corps in its first scrimmage against Fluvanna. 

SP line: Western by 3. The Warriors should be able to pick up a win if the new pieces fit together quickly against the Little Giants.

Prince Edward at Fluvanna County 7:30 p.m.

The Basics: Last year these two teams locked up in the pouring rain and the Flucos took care of business with T.J. Dudley leading the way on the ground at tailback, the opening chapter in a nearly-1,000-yard season for the then sophomore. Dudley now moves under center for Fluvanna and they’ll face a hungry Prince Edward team that went 1-9 last season. Dudley won’t be the only Fluco debuting in a new role — it’ll be Jason Barnett’s first game as head coach.

Key matchup: Prince Edward’s secondary takes on YaYa Anderson. If Anderson can get open early and often, he’s got a chance to make Dudley’s first real game under center a more enjoyable experience.

Who to watch: Fluvanna tight end Sam Turner. Sure, we’re a little heavy on the Flucos’ passing attack, but offense is where the Flucos struggled against Waynesboro in a mid-August scrimmage. If Turner gives Dudley another option through the air, the Flucos should be much improved. 

SP line: Fluvanna County by 7. Prince Edward will need to have taken major steps in the offseason in order to knock off the Flucos. Fluvanna’s defense should be enough to get the job done.

Benedictine at Goochland 7:30 p.m.

The Basics: The Bulldogs are back in the Jefferson for another run, and after sharing the title this season, Goochland appears to have the talent to compete again. Benedictine is a solid private school performer, but had trouble contending with Goochland’s power attack last season, and with David McKenna leading the way, Goochland will, as always lean on that straight ahead rushing game. The Cadets will have a little more in the way of passing offense with David Geary stepping in at quarterback.

Key matchup: Goochland’s Trevor Jones and the Bulldogs line takes on Benedictine’s defensive front. Jones should be a roadpaver for Goochland this season, and if he gets off to a good start, the Bulldogs should get the train moving early.

Who to watch: Goochland quarterbacks Ryan Crouch and Cody Johnson. Which signal-caller will be the triggerman for the Wing-T this season.

SP line: Goochland by 7. The Bulldogs knocked off Benedictine last year and the Cadets should struggle again with Goochland’s power-oriented offense that can wear teams down.

Covenant at Norfolk Christian 7 p.m.

The Basics: For the second straight season Covenant opens up its year with Norfolk Christian. Last year, the Eagles cruised past the Ambassadors 40-28. Now they hit the road and will do so with nearly every player from last year’s roster.  

Key Matchup: Norfolk’s front four versus Covenant’s offensive line. Last year, running back Chris Shifflett ran wild with Eagle linemen like Mitchell Birkhead and Clark Crutchfield paving the way. The Ambassadors will need to be successful in the trenches or this game will look like last year’s.

Who to Watch: Covenant’s Fred O’Connor. The senior fullback is the unsung hero of the Eagles’ rushing attack and will soak up linebackers for Shifflett.   

SP Line: Covenant by 10. The Eagles have too much back in the fold for the Ambassadors.

Appomattox at Buckingham County 7 p.m.

The Basics: Both teams lost in the Region B playoffs to Gretna last season. In their meeting last year, the Knights went to a trick play to pick up the win on a wide receiver pass, the completion of which the Raiders protested. Neither team will need much to get amped up for this one.  

Key Matchup: Buckingham’s front seven versus Appomattox’s running attack. The Raiders lost their star quarterback Kenny Scott last year. This year they’ll be sticking to the ground with the triple option. Defensively that means staying at home and not biting on the constant misdirection.

Who to Watch: Knights linebacker Mike Layton. Buckingham coach Craig Gill is looking for the senior to lead this team. Leading the charge against the Appomattox offense would be a great way to start the year.

SP Line: Buckingham by 3. The Knights have the majority of their key playmakers back. The Raiders don’t, but are experienced on both sides of the line and will be tough.

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