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Week Four Lookback

Western coach Ed Pierce had a simple message for his team after they knocked off Fluvanna County – their level of play against the Flucos on Friday won’t be enough to win the Jefferson District.

It’s clear that Pierce and the Warriors can read the writing on the wall. With so many talented seniors on the team, Western is one of the frontrunners to walk away with the district championship this year. In the first four weeks one thing has been made clear – no team is way out front as the clear-cut favorite. There isn’t a 2008 or 2007 version of the Monticello Mustangs this year, so any team that plays consistently from week to week will have a chance at the title.

Offensively, the Warriors could not run the ball unless quarterback Stephen Schuler did it himself. Against Orange or Louisa, that’s not going to fly. Special teams also looked a bit out of sync as Fluvanna blocked a pair of punts. And For the first time this year, the Warriors gave up more than seven points on defense.

But with that said, they still won by 13 points. It’s been a while since the Western football team has played with a target on their back. For the last couple of years they’ve been a middle-of-the-pack squad. But now with the 4-0 start and the level of experience they have on their roster, teams are going to go out of their way to prepare for the Warriors.

Pierce’s reaction after the game seemed more than justified. Ugly wins and pretty wins all count the same, but that never means that winning ugly is satisfactory, especially when the margin for error in the Jefferson is razor thin.

Orange’s Hughes settles in

Cameron Hughes had big shoes to fill this year. Nearly everyone in Central Virginia knows the junior replaced now-Virginia wideout Quintin Hunter who replaced now-West Virginia wideout Bradley Starks.

So it comes as little surprise that Hughes can get a little anxious prior to kickoff.

“He’s always a little nervous before the game, but once he gets in there he’s alright,” Seal said.

He’s certainly growing in to the role. While his 12-for-22 passing performance in a critical district opener victory over Monticello was strong, it was the fact that he provided a threat with his feet that helped the Hornets click. Hughes had six carries for 12 yards, but one jaunt went for 15 yards.

“We told him, ‘he’s not Quintin and he’s not Bradley, but he’s got a strong arm he just doesn’t have the quick feet,’” Kayajanian said. “But (against Monticello) he tucked it and got four or five yards. That’s all we need.”

His ability to pick up key first downs helped Orange control the clock too. The Hornets held a five minute advantage in time of posession.

Hughes may have felt more comfortable with Amir Waller, his former neighbor, back on the field. Waller’s return after a wrist injury sparked the Hornets in a big way, and it may have factored into Hughes’ improved play.

Woodberry’s Abutu ignites Tigers’ defense

While Carlson Milikin and JT Hornyak hauled in critical interceptions during Woodberry Forest’s impressive shutout second half that opened the door for a 23-21 victory over McDonogh, it was John Abutu that was doing a big chunk of the dirty work.

Abutu, a 6-foot-2 defensive back from Connecticut, had six total tackles, consistently making plays whenever McDonogh managed to neutralize Aramide Olaniyan and Duke Mosby up front. Abutu had five solo stops and a quarterback hurry.

“I’m really happy for John, he worked so hard during the offseason,” said Woodberry’s Clint Alexander. “We moved him from mike linebacker to safety and cornerback. He’s probably our best tackler — he’s a physical, athletic kid.”

Abutu is getting looks from Towson and Appalachian State among other schools.

Olaniyan finished with three tackles for a loss. Mosby had another sack to push his season total to 2.5. Tyler Houston also played well with five tackles and a sack.

Blue Ridge flips the script

What a difference a week makes. Against Flint Hill, Blue Ridge was not the same team when the suited up against Liberty Christian the week before. The Barons were playing fundamental football, and while it was a perfect (there were a handful of dropped passes) it was the difference between losing big and winning big.

Nobody denies the talent on the Blue Ridge roster. In fact, at the skill positions, few teams bring more to the table. However, none of those big play threats matter if the Barons can’t tackle. Against the Huskies, the Blue Ridge defense didn’t just wrap up in the open field, it flew to the ball and put constant pressure on Flint Hill.

Leading the Baron defense is linebacker Mike Casey. Against LCA Casey was one of the few players to put in a quality game, and when asked about the grit that the senior brings to the team, even in a lopsided game, Barons coach Del Smith didn’t mince words.

“Pound for pound, he’s the best football player on this team,” Smith said.

Smith wasn’t lying. Casey was an animal on the field, piling up 13 tackles. And what makes him so valuable to this team is that he’s willing to do some of the gritty and less sexy work. If that attitude becomes contagious among the rest of the team, the Barons will look even better than they do on paper.

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