Albemarle (0-4) at Orange County (0-4), Friday 7 p.m.
The basics: Albemarle and Orange have both endured a series of brutal matchups to start the year. They both lost big to Eastern View, they both lost to former Commonwealth District foes. They also both played much closer contests with their other two opponents but still ended up with losses. Both teams are hungry for a win, some positive reinforcement for the weeks of work they’ve put in preparing and practicing. After this game, both teams will officially be at the halfway mark, and at that point you’re most often who you are. Being 1-4 is significantly better than being 0-5, so this is a critical matchup, a potential turning point and building block for each team. For the Hornets, it comes down to figuring out how to finish games while for Albemarle it’s about a young roster continuing to take steps forward and improve. A win this week could do wonders for either program.
Key matchup: Albemarle’s run defense takes on Orange’s Jaylen Alexander. The Hornets’ running back is a big reason why the Hornets could bounce back from this start and compete in the Jefferson District. Containing him will be job one for the Albemarle defense and forcing Orange to move the ball through the air is a huge part of getting a win against the Hornets. Albemarle will likely need back-end defenders like Nolan Pitsenberger and Kyshon Howard to step and make an impact against the run in addition to marking up through the air.
Who to watch: Orange’s Noah Carey. Carey came up with a huge game last week in the narrow loss to Courtland, making 10 total tackles, eight of them solo. With Albemarle’s offense still trying to find its footing, it’ll be up to Orange’s defense to prevent them from finding a rhythm this week. Carey is a big reason why the Hornets have the personnel to get that done.
The line: Orange by 1. The Hornets’ results against King George and Courtland are key here — Orange is closer to turning the corner.
Louisa County (3-0) at Charlottesville (0-4), Friday 7 p.m.
The basics: It might not be possible for two teams to feel more different about their seasons at this point than the Lions and Black Knights, but Charlottesville is far from done. An upset here would change the entire complexion of the area, but it might be most important for the Black Knights to stay healthy and find some offensive rhythm ahead of the second half of the Jefferson District slate. For the Lions, their attempt to put together a third-straight unbeaten run through the district starts against the Black Knights, the last team that beat them in the regular season finale back in 2016. Can the Lions’ once again dominate the district slate? All signs point to yes so far, but the Lions got to this point by taking things one week at a time, preparing properly and focusing on the task at hand. Don’t expect that process to change.
Key matchup: Louisa’s run defense takes on the Black Knights’ option attack. The Lions have had two weeks to prepare in addition to healing up. They’ve also proven over time that they rarely come out flat. They’re almost always well prepared and that’s key in the option attack. It helps to have two of the area’s most athletic and reliable defenders in the front seven in Aaron Aponte and Austin Sims. Those two will play responsibility football and try to hem in the Black Knights’ Isaiah Washington and Jaleon Adams-Mallory.
Who to watch: Louisa’s Robbie Morgan. Though Jarett Hunter is the area’s leading rusher and definitely the area’s most versatile player, Morgan is what happens to opponents when they try and lock in on Hunter. Morgan can explode in the return game, on the ground or through the air as a receiver. Look for Charlottesville to account for Morgan and Hunter by extension by keeping the ball out of his hands as much as possible through clock control.
The line: Louisa County by 17. The Lions are rested and ready for Jefferson District play.
Waynesboro (0-4) at Fluvanna County (2-1), Friday 7 p.m.
The basics: Fluvanna County got a week off after a productive three-game stretch to start the season. The Flucos appear to be in pretty good shape with a ground game that’s clicking and a defense that’s bent but not broken most nights through a three-game stretch. Now they’ll turn their attention to a winless Waynesboro squad that got shelled by Western Albemarle last week. Can Fluvanna keep building momentum out of the bye week and challenge for a Jefferson District title over the upcoming weeks? We’re about to find out.
Key matchup: Waynesboro’s run defense tries to hem in Fluvanna’s Kobe Edmonds. Edmonds has been electric when he’s kept the ball so far, averaging 9.2 yards per carry. He’s been masterful at picking his spots on reads and executing when called upon by coaches. If Edmonds can continue to make that kind of impact it’ll make a huge difference.
Who to watch: Fluvanna’s Gabe Stoy. Stoy has only had eight touches this year, but they’ve been productive carries. The Flucos will need to keep spreading the ball around and Stoy may be the answer in the middle with Edmonds and Malachi Hill attacking the edge.
The line: Fluvanna by 21. The Flucos should roll here.
Western Albemarle (1-2) at Monticello (0-4), Friday 7 p.m.
The basics: Western Albemarle’s win over Waynesboro last week may not have been the cathartic moment that it appeared to be in other years for the program, but with essentially an entirely new defense and a lot of new faces in the trenches it was a huge confidence builder. Monticello, on the other hand, is searching for exactly that kind of win still, a chance to get on track and find a rhythm that has been missing during the four-game out-of-district slate. But that kind of win doesn’t come easily in a rivalry clash like this one, a game that’s had major playoff implications in the past and has a lot of pride and momentum riding on it this time around. Can the Mustangs find a way to contain Western’s offense that’s now in a rhythm? That’s a tough task with Carter Shifflett, Austin Shifflett and John Buetow running downhill. It’s made even more complicated because you’ve got to watch Breaker Mendenhall and Will Mitchell on the boundary. There just aren’t any easy answers. On the flip side, Western has to contain Malachi Fields while the Mustangs search for some unlikely heroes to step up alongside their quarterback.
Key matchup: Monticello’s front seven takes on the Warriors’ Carter Shifflett. The Mustangs are struggling to stop opposing offenses, surrendering more than 330 yards per game. Shiflett has developed into a dangerous signal caller, capable of beating you with hard-nosed running (ask the defensive back he steamrolled last week at Waynesboro) or with his arm. If the Mustangs can’t create pressure on Shifflett, he’ll pick the Mustangs apart.
Who to watch: Western Albemarle’s Will Mitchell. Mitchell hauled in a long touchdown pass from Carter Shifflett against Waynesboro last week and his emergence means that the Warriors have another threat in the passing game opposite Breaker Mendenhall. That could be a huge new wrinkle for a team that already had quality weapons at the skill positions.
The line: Western Albemarle by 14. The Warriors appear to have turned the corner after stumbling early.
Brunswick (0-3) at Covenant (2-0), Friday 4:30 p.m.
The basics: Covenant’s biggest challenge is just getting on the field. They should have two games under their belt already, but Hampton Roads Academy couldn’t field a team and Covenant picked up a forfeit. But instead of getting a chance to play on the field, Covenant has been stuck with what amounts to an extra long preseason. Now the Eagles, at last, get a home game on September 27. Can they get things clicking from the jump after two weeks off?
Key matchup: Brunswick tries to contend with explosive Covenant athlete Jonas Sanker. Sanker can do a little bit of everything and is capable of beating teams with his arm, legs and hands. If Brunswick can’t slow down Sanker, they hold little hope of doing much else against the Eagles.
Who to watch: Covenant’s Jake Hoadley. Hoadley is one of those glue players that seems like he’s been in the lineup for the Eagles for years because he has. Hoadley is a capable defensive back and gives Covenant a building block in the secondary.
The line: Covenant by 28. The Eagles will roll here.
Madison County (0-3) at Luray (3-0), Friday 7 p.m.
The basics: This season is truly about progress and process at Madison County. The squad’s win/loss record is much less important than the foundation the coaching staff and players are building. If this is a step in the right direction culture-wise, that will change things, but Luray is a tough task for a team building its culture from the ground up. Luray hasn’t had a losing season since 2013 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs last year.
Key matchup: Madison’s ground game tries to get going against Luray. If the Mountaineers’ offense is going to take a step forward, it’s likely to come on the ground, but that won’t be easy sledding against Luray. Progress is the most critical thing for Madison. Can they find one more element this week in the rushing attack, one more positive to build on?
Who to watch: Madison’s Jack Bourdon. Bourdon had a 96-yard kick return for a touchdown last week in the loss to William Monroe. If he could step up with a spark each week, that would be a huge lift for the Mountaineers.
The line: Luray by 10. Bulldogs have a couple of solid wins already on their resume.
Goochland (2-1) at Randolph Henry (4-0), Friday 7 p.m.
The basics: Goochland’s annual march through most of the James River District is officially underway after a blowout win against Cumberland last week. Now the Bulldogs face a Randolph-Henry team that has given up 50 or more points in all four weeks including a loss to Nelson County in the season opener. This time of year is important for the Bulldogs to keep things rolling, but look for them to also work on wrinkles and expand the playbook while pulling away early against some of these opponents, including the Statesmen this week.
Key matchup: Randolph Henry tries to slow down Goochland’s ground game. The Bulldogs bring a fleet of potential ball carriers to the table from Devin McCray on down. If Randolph Henry can’t find ways to disrupt the Bulldogs’ rhythm on the ground, they’ll be in for a long night.
Who to watch: Goochland’s Will Stratton. Stratton had a sack in week one against Lafayette and a fumble recovery for a touchdown last week against Cumberland. He’s a sure tackler at linebacker who could potentially be a gamechanger as an interior pass rusher. Can he disrupt Randolph Henry’s backfield Friday?
The line: Goochland by 28. The Bulldogs should cruise again this week.
Buckingham (2-1) at Bluestone (0-2), Friday 7 p.m.
The basics: The transitive property doesn’t always work, but it applies here. Buckingham blew out Central Lunenburg last week. The week before that, Central romped past Bluestone. It seems pretty likely Buckingham rolls in this James River District matchup as they showed no signs of a hangover from the narrow, frustrating loss to Goochland two weeks back. That’s another positive sign of a maturing team, not letting a loss beat you twice.
Key matchup: Bluestone’s ground attack locks up with Buckingham’s power-run offense. If Bluestone can’t figure out how to disrupt the Knights’ offensive line that has had the ball moving even in the clash with Goochland that had very few points, Buckingham will just assert itself in the ground game and Bluestone will be in for a long outing.
Who to watch: Buckingham’s Tae Toney. Toney is an explosive threat on the ground at quarterback, and he gives the Knights an edge of dynamism that won’t allow teams to simply load up against Walter Edwards. Look for Toney to have an impact in this one.
The line: Buckingham by 28. The Knights shouldn’t have many issues this week on the road.
Nelson County (2-2) at Altavista (2-1), Friday 7 p.m.
The basics: Nelson County returns to the Dogwood District Friday after a two year absence, and they jump right into the fray against Altavista, who has a couple of solid wins on their schedule already. The Governors needed a break from the Dogwood to get the program back on the right footing. Now it’s time to test where the Governors have gotten in that time. Altavista will be hungry for a win after a blowout loss to Rustburg. This won’t be an easy task for Nelson as they have to slow down Jayllen Jones, Marquel Johnson and JaQuallen Jones, all capable runners.
Key matchup: Altavista takes on Nelson’s secondary. The Governors piled up picks last week with Brice Wilson, Cole Kashera and Jamel Rose taking it to the house. If Altavista tests Nelson, they’ve got the ballhawks to make them pay.
Who to watch: Nelson’s Brandon Jamerson. Jamerson had a sack a week ago against Rappahannock. He can also have an impact in the passing game, which makes him a valuable two-way player for the Governors.
The line: Altavista by 7. The Colonels are good enough to pull this one off.
Fork Union (2-1) at Norfolk Academy (1-2), Friday 6:30 p.m.
The basics: Fork Union picked up a win in a thriller last week against St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes and now they head to the Tidewater to lock up with Norfolk Academy in a Prep League clash. This has been a pretty strong start for the Blue Devils, with a couple of strong wins and a hard fought loss against a top notch Benedictine squad. Can Fork Union keep things rolling with a long road trip to face the Bulldogs.
Key matchup: Fork Union’s defensive backs lock up with Norfolk Academy quarterback Drew Duffy. Duffy threw for 1,600 yards a year ago and he’ll most likely test an athletic Fork Union secondary early and often. Nasir Edmond had a pick last week so it’s clear the Blue Devils have some ballhawking defenders ready to answer the bell against Duffy.
Who to watch: Fork Union’s V’Jon Hampton. Hampton’s work as a running back is becoming the beating heart of the Blue Devils’ offense. He got 25 touches for 125 yards and a touchdown last week in the win over St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes. He’s the area’s fourth-leading rusher thanks to that total, and if he keeps it going he’ll be well-established as one of the area’s best by the end of the year.
The line: Fork Union by 10. The Blue Devils have too much firepower for the Bulldogs.
Blue Ridge (4-0) at North Cross (5-0), Friday 4 p.m.
The basics: This one is, quite suddenly, a big one. The Barons head to Roanoke to take on North Cross with a VIC title on the line and possibly a preview of a VISAA Division II playoff or state title matchup if the chips keep falling that way. This matchup has produced some wild results, highlighted by a state championship game a few years back played in an unrelenting wind where the Barons came out on top. Blue Ridge will lean on quarterback Kenyon Carter in the passing game after he’s proven adept at getting all his various weapons in the mix including Lance Gaskins and Maliq Brown. North Cross counters with quarterback Gabe Zappia, who has already thrown for 792 yards and 12 touchdowns. This one has the potential to be a shootout, but Blue Ridge’s defense has been smothering to start the season and that may be the difference maker.
Key matchup: Blue Ridge’s loaded secondary takes on Ian Cann and James Jackson, North Cross’ top two receivers. Cann has hauled in 18 catches for 245 yards and Jackson has 11 for 221 while Zae Baines has 185 yards himself. There are a lot of options in the passing attack for the Raiders’ spread, but Blue Ridge is one of the few teams with enough athletes to matchup and a pass rush from Andy Nwaoko to disrupt the rhythm. Iceysis Lewis, Maliq Brown and Lance Gaskins are just the tip of the iceberg — Blue Ridge is going to throw an array of defensive backs at Cann, Jackson and Baines.
Who to watch: Blue Ridge’s Isaiah McNeal. While Nwaoko was a force last week as he continues his breakout campaign, McNeal proved capable of causing all kinds of problems for offenses too. McNeal may be the Barons answer if teams try to double or triple Nwaoko.
The line: Blue Ridge by 7. The Barons are just too deep for North Cross.
Woodberry Forest (0-3) at Landon (1-1), Friday 4 p.m.
The basics: Woodberry Forest’s schedule is really difficult but the loss to St. Christopher’s is tougher to swallow. The Tigers are used to being essentially in control of the Prep League race, but that’s not the case right now, they’ll likely need some help to get back to the Prep League title. But winning the next game is the priority now as the Tigers search for their first win in the midst of their slowest start since 2005’s 1-9 campaign.
Key matchup: Woodberry Forest’s secondary takes on Landon quarterback Kino Lilly. This won’t be an easy task for the Tigers, who gave up 200 yards in their clash with St. Christopher’s through the air even with the Saints splitting quarterbacks. Landon and Lilly can take advantage of that too, and Woodberry will likely be tested all over the field by an array of top tier athletes for Landon with Lilly pulling the trigger.
Who to watch: Woodberry’s Rhys Logan-Bommarito. The Tigers’ lead back is averaging 6.1 yards per carry while picking up 258 yards on the year and if he can keep that pace up, odds are good that Woodberry will find its way back in the win column soon.
The line: Woodberry by 1. The Tigers get another good shot at their first win of the year.
