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Blue Ridge (0-0) at Atlantic Shores (0-0), 7 p.m.

The Basics: Last year when these two teams matched up, Blue Ridge was the lower seeded squad in state semifinals and pulled technically an upset in a 34-15 win before going on to the state title. This year, the Barons come in as the reigning state champs with some talented returners and new additions. They’ll face an Atlantic Shores squad that’s young and inexperienced. It’ll be Xavier Kane’s debut as the top option at quarterback, and he appears poised for a big season with help from a seriously talented Samuel Fort at tailback as well as returning wideout Cameron Carr and some new pass-catching options that have the potential to make a big impact. The Barons won their opener but started 2016 1-2. Can they get off to a faster start this season? It starts with a long road trip against the Seahawks.   

Key matchup: Blue Ridge’s front seven takes on an experienced Atlantic Shores offensive line. Led by Christian Martin and Shane Moorman, Atlantic Shores’ lone pack of returners is concentrated in a seasoned offensive line. The Barons counter with Juan Mareco at linebacker, but a lot of newer faces also in the mix. This should be a good early test for Blue Ridge’s new-look defense up front.

Who to watch: Blue Ridge’s Samuel Fort. There’s a lot of buzz around the new ball-carrier for the Barons coming out of camp and Fort has the potential to be an impact player from the jump this year. We’ll see what the speedster brings to the table against the Seahawks.

The line: Blue Ridge by 14. The Barons are too talented to let this one slip away. If they can take care of the ball, they should take care of business on the road.

 

Hargrave (0-0) at STAB (0-0), 2 p.m.

The Basics: This game was originally supposed to be a night game on the road for the Saints but weather dictated a change and now the Saints get a chance to open up Friday afternoon at home. STAB will be breaking in a lot of new faces, but they’ve got a solid core back in the electric Myles Ward as a playmaker on offense and Chase Emmert behind center as Thomas Harry continues to get healthy. Throw in Will Edelson clearing the way and the Saints have some of the right pieces in place. Hargrave went 5-5 last season and should present a unique challenge and the Saints have their work cut out for them here.

Key matchup: STAB’s secondary takes on the Hargrave spread. The Saints have some key players back in the secondary, but putting together the new parts against a team that likes to whip it around and attack from different angles is going to require some solid open field tackling and heady coverage.

Who to watch: STAB’s running game. The Saints are going to be looking at someone new to carry the load on the ground and they’ve got a long history of producing some intriguing and outside-the-box options at that spot over the years. Who gets the nod here could help set the tone for STAB this year.

The line: STAB by 1. Saints edge out the Tigers here as a team of new pieces comes together.

 

Fork Union (0-0) at Goochland (1-0), 6 p.m.

The Basics: This has become one of the area’s top early season matchups, with the two squads splitting the six games they’ve played since 2011. This year, shouldn’t be an exception either, with Goochland building some serious momentum last week with a win over Thomas Jefferson-Richmond while the Blue Devils enter their season opener feeling good about the squad they’ve put together, building on last year’s first season under Mike Hooper and adding some key linemen and other pieces while returners like Logan Justice and Hayden Miles are a year stronger, faster and more experienced. This should be a top notch matchup, with Goochland looking to capitalize on its depth and wear down Fork Union. The Blue Devils will have to play some serious ironman football and stay locked in to counteract the Bulldogs’ fresh legs, and their core players clearly have motors that don’t stop. If Fork Union can get on the board early and cut down on turnovers that hurt them last year, it’ll go a long way toward putting the pressure on Goochland. Goochland also passed an early offensive test against Thomas Jefferson, proving they can throw the ball a little with quarterback Devin McCray going 5-for-8 for 79 yards and a touchdown. That complicates the plan a little for FUMA defensively.

Key matchup: Fork Union’s front seven takes on Goochland running back Jasper Carter. The Blue Devils have played Goochland pretty consistently over the last few years, so they’re familiar with the Wing-T. Still, Carter is a versatile back who presents some unique challenges, and rushed for 156 yards and three touchdowns last week in a blowout win. Can the Blue Devils stay sound against the variety of ways that Goochland attacks while also paying enough attention to Carter? That’ll determine whether or not they can contain the Bulldogs’ offense.

Who to watch: Fork Union’s Iosefa Pua’auli. Last year’s matchup with Goochland was, despite FUMA’s loss, a breakout performance for Pua’auli on defense. He was everywhere, ranging from sideline to sideline and making seemingly every tackle. Expect Goochland to be more prepared, more ready for the Blue Devils’ standout this time around, but counteracting him is no easy task.

The line: Goochland by 7. Bulldogs’ defense is the difference-maker here, one of the few squads capable of clamping down against FUMA’s ground attack.

 

Page County (1-0) at Nelson County (1-0), 7 p.m.

The Basics: Nelson County ended an 18-game program losing streak last week with a win over Bath County, finding an offensive rhythm while the defense emerged as a group capable of making stops and giving it back to that offense that can suddenly produce some points. Look for Nelson to continue to focus on what got them to that win against Page, a squad that has its own less-than-productive recent history, having not been above .500 since at least 1999. Page opened with a win last week too against Rapphannock, so both squads are riding some momentum coming into this one. The Governors struck an excellent balance last week on offense with more than 200 yards rushing and a solid performance through the air. Can they do it for a second-straight week?  

Key matchup: Page’s secondary takes on the suddenly surging Nelson County passing attack. With new starter Brice Wilson now under center, the Governors have flexed Devante Rose out as a pass catcher and it paid dividends with Wilson hitting Rose twice for touchdowns. Wilson engineered scoring drives on three of the first five possessions including two that ended in passing touchdowns to Rose. Wilson completed passes to six different receivers in a strong performance. If the Governors can maintain that rhythm it could be huge.

Who to watch: Nelson County’s David Sheridan. Sheridan made the game-sealing interception in last week’s win over Bath County with 22 seconds left to play. If he can keep coming up with big plays for the Governors, that’ll be a huge spark for Nelson.

The line: Nelson by 1. Governors get a rare chance to win two-in-a-row against Page.

 

Albemarle (1-0) at Colonial Forge (1-0), 7 p.m.

The Basics: Albemarle football spent last year proving they could win in the clutch and they could win in a variety of different ways. They picked up where they left off last week, beating Mountain View with a unique gameplan of playing ball control football, made possible by a defense that created a slew of turnovers and held Mountain View in check for all all but a drive in the closing seconds of the first half. Winning that way gives Albemarle one more arrow in the Patriots’ quiver, one more approach they can go to against opponents. They take a step up in competition this week against the Eagles, but Albemarle gets J’Quan Anderson back in the fold, an X-factor who could give Colonial Forge some problems. Colonial Forge beat a solid Patriot High program last week 40-3 — the Eagles aren’t messing around and Albemarle has a tall task ahead of them.   

Key matchup: Albemarle’s experienced offensive line takes on a stacked Colonial Forge unit led by Mitchell Shinskie, a 6-foot-4 defensive end. Shinskie is extremely tough to move or work around, but he’s just the tip of the iceberg as the Eagles boast some serious depth up front. Albemarle will counter with Ja’kell Johnson and company, the Patriots’ seasoned, talented front five. If Albemarle can move the ball on the ground like they did against Mountain View, when they rushed about 40 times, the Patriots will be in solid shape.

Who to watch: Albemarle’s Marquan Jones. Jones brings it. If he can maintain the way he played against Mountain View all season, Jones has the potential to be one of the area’s finest defenders. He’s a physical, tone-setting presence who also does a smart job of playing within the system, taking care of his responsibilities. He’s capable of doing a lot within the framework of the Pats’ defense and that makes him a particularly dangerous weapon.

The line: Colonial Forge by 7. Colonial Forge is one of the state’s best, but Albemarle will put up a fight here.

 

Fluvanna County (1-0) at Spotsylvania (1-0), 7:30 p.m.

The Basics: Fluvanna County is 1-0. That doesn’t happen very often. They haven’t been 1-0 since 2012, in fact. That’s something to celebrate in and of itself. But part of the fun of being 1-0 is trying to push it to 2-0. The last time Fluvanna won two games in a row within a season was 2005. The Flucos need to knock off a Spotsylvania squad that is riding a little momentum of its own after beating Colonial Beach. The Flucos get two more shots at picking up wins before entering Jefferson District play, and they’re going to have to tatke a step forward in order to beat the Knights, but then again, that’s how they beat the Barons last week, taking a step forward. Spotsylvania employs a multi-faceted ground attack, keeping track of those multiple back is going to require some discipline on defense for Fluvanna.

Key matchup: Fluvanna County’s defense takes on Spotsylvania running back Malakai Terrell. Terrell is a home-run threat, breaking off runs of 50 and 34 yards last week against Colonial Beach. In the past, the Flucos have struggled against the run, but the defense looked vastly improved last week, holding Bluestone to just 12 points. Can they make it two weeks in a row against a more explosive offense?

Who to watch: Fluvanna’s Prophett Harris. Harris had a breakout game at defensive back last week, coming up with several deflections and an interception. He also hauled in a huge catch and run shortly after that pick to set up the Flucos’ go-ahead touchdown by Joey Vandyke. If the Flucos are going to turn the program around, it’s going to take players like Harris rising to the occasion in big moments.

The line: Fluvanna by 1. Flucos get a rare chance to build on a season opening win and they’ve got the tools to get the job done.

 

James Monroe (0-1) at Charlottesville (0-1), 7 p.m.

The Basics: You definitely go for two on the road in overtime, and while it didn’t work out for Charlottesville against E.C. Glass, that’s a decision anyone can live with. Now it’s about bouncing back for the Black Knights in a city-on-city clash that has the potential to be a classic and a fun one. There are a ton of similarities between the two programs, though James Monroe has a lot more recent success in the form of playoff wins and runs including a state title in 2008. Both Charlottesville and James Monroe play with a lot of pride and a chip on their shoulder. They both play hard-nosed, physical football and they both like to keep it on the ground. Friday, they’re both coming in off of losses, so you can bet that the Black Knights and Jackets are going to be fired up for this one. This is a big measuring stick game for Charlottesville, because if the Black Knights want to keep pushing the program forward, they’ve got to find ways to compete in and win games like this one. This is a huge opportunity for a senior-laden squad.  

Key matchup: Charlottesville’s front seven takes on James Monroe’s ground attack led by A.J. Johnson. Johnson picked up 61 yards and a touchdown on 17 touches last week so it’s clear the Jackets are going to feed him the ball. Locking in on Johnson is no easy task, but the Black Knights’ defense played well last week with five turnovers including two fumble recoveries by Trevon Johnson. Linebacker Jahsaan Bradford was in on seven tackles, including two for a loss. The Black Knights’ defense will have to play similarly stout football against the Jackets.

Who to watch: Charlottesville’s Rakeem Davis. Last week James Monroe surrendered a kick return for a touchdown on the opening kickoff. Odds aren’t good that happens again, but Davis is a homerun threat whether he’s getting the ball on a return or within the framework of the offense. The senior averaged 5.7 yards per touch last week against Glass. Look for the Black Knights to continue getting Davis in the mix.  

The line: Push. The Black Knights should come out motivated after last week’s narrow road loss, but James Monroe is going to give them a tough fight. This one could go either way.

 

Christchurch (0-0) at Covenant (1-0), 4:00

The basics: The Seashorses are coming off a 5-3 season that saw them just miss the VISAA Division 2 playoffs. The Eagles are coming off their dominant season debut against Greenbrier. A 2-0 start for Covenant would signify that this program is taking a big step forward in Seth Wilson’s first year running the show. Christchurch coach Ed Homer always puts together a tough squad, regardless of roster turnover, so this will not be an easy game for the Eagles. With unknown weather conditions for tomorrow, fundamental football will be even more important in this one.

Key matchup: Covenant’s Donovan Jackson versus Christchurch’s Jamar Darboe. The Eagles’ running back measures in at 6-foot and 205 pounds. The Seashorses middle linebacker clocks in at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds. The battle between Covenant’s power back and Christchurch’s lead defender will dictate the flow of the game. The Eagles have weapons on the edge that the Seahorses have to be mindful of, but there’s no question that Covenant would love to have Jackson’s inside running game set things up for the Sanker brothers, Jonas and Nic, on edge. Having Jackson pile up first downs will be big because the Eagles want to keep Seahorse quarterback Steven Stilianos on the sidelines for as long as possible.

Who to watch: Eagles quarterback John Huemme. He had a nice game running the ball and looked pretty poised in the pocket too, albeit Covenant did not do a lot of throwing against Greenbrier. They didn’t have to. But in this one it’ll be interesting to see how often the Eagles let Huemme and his receivers stretch things down field. Huemme’s legs should  allow him to buy some time, work out of the pocket if he so chooses. Having that versatility at quarterback is a big plus.

The line: Covenant by 1. This could be a bit of a barn burner with these two offenses, but the Eagles should benefit from having a game film to critique and a week of practice to improve any problems they found.

 

East Rockingham (1-0) at Madison County (0-1), 7:30 p.m.

The basics: The Eagles came up with a hard fought victory over Spotswood last week while the Mountaineers struggled against Luray on the road. Having a power running team with a strong defense  like East Rockingham makes for a tough home debut for Madison, but a hard schedule up front should help the Mountaineers going forward.

Key matchup: Madison’s offensive line takes on Eagles defensive end Nathaniel Mitchell. The Mountaineers need to keep quarterback Elijah Lewis’ jersey as clean as they can. That means trying to stop a defensive line that looked pretty good against a pretty good Spotswood team last week. Madison has a lot of new pieces its working with on offense and so it’s going to take some reps to iron things out. Strong line play up front should give Madison a chance to try and establish a stronger rushing presence than it had last week against Luray.

Who to watch: East Rockingham running back J’won Evans. The Eagles running back is slippery and when he hits the edge and gets into open space he becomes a real problem. The Mountaineers defense has to bottle him up and keep the gains to a minimum because Evans can find the end zone in a hurry.

The line: East Rockingham by 10. Tough home debut for Madison but a game that should make this team better down the road.

 

Orange County (0-0) at  Culpeper County (0-1), 7 p.m.

The basics: The Hornets make their season debut on the road against a Blue Devils squad that lost 56-7 to a perennially talented Eastern View team last week. This is Orange County version 2.0 in Jesse Lohr’s third season. The rest of the Jefferson District will be playing close attention to what the Hornets look like these first few weeks. Just how fast is this team? On paper, it looks like trouble.

Key matchup: The Culpeper secondary versus Orange wide receiver Darius Minor. The Hornets have lightning in a bottle in Minor. You can’t teach speed and Minor has it. But we’ve yet to see just how much that translates on the field as he was out last year because of injury. So the Blue Devils secondary is going to have to keep close tabs on him as there’s no real tell as to how and how often Orange will get the ball in Minor’s hands. So expect a game of chess from quarterback Kenyon Carter and also from Lohr’s play calling.

Who to watch: Orange running back Shavon Ellis. We’ve seen the Hornets develop into a run-first squad over the years. Now that this team has a veteran quarterback, weapons on the edge, Ellis becomes one of the most intriguing parts of this team because odds are good he’s not going to see too many eight and nine man boxes. So what he does with the carry load Orange gives him is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

The line: Orange by 10. The Hornets have a little too much for a Culpeper defense that’s struggled early already.

 

Louisa County (1-0) at Chancellor (0-1), 7 p.m.

The basics: The Lions came out and sent a message in week one with their drubbing of Courtland. The Chargers fell to Group 5A giant in Massaponax last week. So how do two teams that were on opposite ends of the spectrum look after a week of fine tuning. Chancellor was 9-3 last year and is always a tough out. The same gets said about Louisa as they finished 8-3. The Chargers can’t afford an 0-2 start, so they’re going to be tough, but the Lions looked really good last week and didn’t exactly have things go the way they thought it would or  should go offensively. So something will have to give between these two and someone is going to leave this matchup pretty miffed.

Key matchup: Louisa’s secondary takes on Chancellor wide receiver Michael Bush. The Lions defense looked mean last week and so much of that was the play by the front seven. But as any fan of defense knows, when the defensive front is on their game, the secondary reaps the reward. Louisa has a talented secondary — Malik Bell roving back there is such a cool wrinkle and his big interception return last week showed that. With the way that Louisa does things offensively, you can bet that the Chargers will be looking for big plays from Bush. And as such, you can also bet that while the Lions will focus on Chancellor’s standard power rushing attack, it’s mindful of how that might open things up for Bush and keeping a close eye on him.

Who to watch: The Lions offensive line. With Bell at quarterback, Job Whalen and Raquan Jones at running back, you’d think their nearly 200 yards rushing would be satifactory. But… the feeling last week from the Lions and their coaches was that Louisa left some points on the field, that things weren’t as in sync as they’d like. That’s a scary thought. So Chancellor had better be prepared for a Lions offensive line that wants to come out and really set the tone this week.

The line: Louisa by 4. Not easy to win on the road, but the Lions have the advantages in all the right places and an opportunity to pick up some more crucial points for the playoffs, which is weird to think about in week two.

 

William Monroe (0-1) at Spotswood (0-1)

The basics: The Dragons might have played the best team they’ll see all year in Monticello in week one, at least that was the sentiment in training camp as the team prepared for the Mustangs. Monroe took a tough loss in week one, but learned a lot about what needs improving. The Trailblazers fell in a tight battle with rival East Rockingham where a missed PAT and late pick-6 was the difference. The Dragons have another tough opponent early and one eager to avoid an 0-2 start. This won’t be easy.

Key matchup: Monroe’s offensive line against a talented Spotswood defensive line. The Dragons have to get running back Zach Miller rolling. But it can’t be him trying to make guys miss in the back field. Miller is good in open space and if Monroe can piece together some good long drives against a strong defense like Spotswood, that’s going to bode well in the future.

Who to watch: Monroe quarterback Alex Kinsey. He had the kitchen sink thrown at him in week one. How does the sophomore react in week two. The Dragons need him to be able to buy some time in the pocket with his legs as they figure things out upfront. They also need to give him enough time to work the ball down field off of play-action and so on. There’s a lot of opportunity for Kinsey to learn in these first few weeks against some really good teams.

The line: Spotswood by 7. The Blazers are a little too experienced on both sides of the ball and aren’t likely to drop two in a row in their own house.

 

Charlotte Latin (1-0) at Woodberry (0-0), 2 p.m.

The basics: The Hawks, the defending NCIS state champs, come in after their week one win to meet a Tigers squad that’s taking the field for the first time under new head coach Scott Braswell. Woodberry has a lot of roster turnover to deal with, but there’s still a lot of talent left over from last year plus some new editions. The Prep League champs have a lot to play for early, a message to send to their old familiar rivals in these first few weeks. But they do have to come out and show what they still have.

Key matchup: Battle of the Harvard commits — Woodberry’s Khalid Thomas and Charlotte’s DeMarkes Stradford. Which of these two can have the bigger impact on the game. Thomas is a dirty fast receiver and defensive back while Stadford is the bell cow running back. Both teams need both players to be their go to guys. The Tigers will count on Thomas to make big plays for first year quarterback Will Wideman and then also in the secondary while the Hawks will lean on Stradford to make sure that Thomas is on the defensive side of the ball for as long as possible.

Who to watch: Wideman. Woodberry’s new quarterback has really tough shoes to fill, taking over for Lindell Stone who’s now at UVa. Comparisons are unfair in situations like this and Wideman isn’t trying to be Stone, nor is Braswell trying to make him be. Wideman played really well in the secondary last year, and so don’t be surprised if he winds up being a dual threat quarterback for the Tigers this year. But more than anything, what Woodberry will lean on Wideman for is leadership. The quarterback sets the tone for any team, and in this transition period, both personnel wise and coaching wise, it’s going to be huge.

The line: Charlotte by 3. The Hawks have a lot back, are pretty mean defensively and are a week ahead of Woodberry. But the Tigers won’t make this easy.

 

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