Stories

All Men Betray, All Men Lose Heart: Weekly Briefing Week 8

Albemarle (5-2) at Goochland (5-2), 7 p.m. Friday

The Basics: Every game is big right now as teams fight for playoff positioning, but this one is critical for both squads. Goochland could get a huge boost in the VHSL power points from this one, and it would vault the Bulldogs more into the territory they’re used to being in in Region 3B as one of the top two squads. Let’s not mince words about Albemarle’s playoff situation either — as well as they’ve played, they’re in eighth place in a loaded Region 5D and there just isn’t much margin for error. In a way, the playoffs start now for the Patriots and 2-for-3 over the next three games is an absolute must. The Patriots’ offense is clicking right now and the return of Eb McCarthy at running back opens things up in a big way. Goochland has been sound defensively this year, but the offense has struggled to control the ball against more challenging opponents like Collegiate and Western Albemarle and that’s led to the defense giving up just enough to turn the tide. If Albemarle’s offense stays as explosive as it has been in games like the Orange County clash and last week against Charlottesville, Goochland could find itself in trouble. But it’s also a tough place to win on the road, and the Patriots are going to need Amaje Parker to pick and choose his spots to take chances because the secondary for the Bulldogs has some serious ballhawks roaming the back end. Can the Patriots take advantage of what they learned in spring against Goochland in a game that was closer than the final score indicated because of some self-inflicted wounds? Can they find a way to get this crucial win and solidify their playoff hopes. 

Key Matchup: Albemarle’s front seven locks up with Goochland quarterback C.J. Towles. Towles is the straw that stirs the drink for the Bulldogs and Western’s efforts to hem him in made a huge difference for the Warriors in their road win. Look for the Patriots to employ a similar game plan with their own stout defense. The Patriots are fast all over that side of the field and they’ll need every bit of that speed to mark Towles and make sure they keep Omarion Quarles and whoever else carries the ball for Goochland under control. 

Who to Watch: Albemarle’s Noah Grevious. We talked about it on the podcast this week, but Grevious is just a football player. He’s gotten it done this year as a lead back like he did in the win over Orange County and he’s gotten it done as a wideout like he did against Charlottesville last week where he hauled in four touchdowns from quarterback Amaje Parker. Wherever the Patriots put him, Goochland is going to have to account for him. 

The Line: Albemarle by 1. Goochland is never going to be an easy out, but if the Patriots put together four quarters on both sides of the ball, they’ve got the potential to pull off a critical road win here.

 

Orange County (4-3) at Monticello (0-7), 7 p.m. Friday

The Basics: The challenging thing for Orange County is that as good as they’ve played this year, they’re still fighting for a playoff spot in Region 4D, holding on to the No.8 slot currently. That makes beating the Mustangs critical, because the Hornets can’t afford many slip ups as they close out the year. Monticello continues to try and sort out positives in what has become a rebuilding season for a program with young players all over the board. Can they stay the course and make incremental improvements? They’ve got to find a way to keep Orange quarterback Paul Poirier from hurting them and few teams have had that answer all year. Look for another heavy dose of Poirier from the Hornets, especially with is receiving corps starting to get healthy again. Will Lewis has been back in the lineup the last two weeks and freshman Sheldon Robinson (five catches for 50 yards last week) is dangerous.

Key Matchup: Monticello’s offensive line takes on Orange linebacker Taylor Gibson and the rest of the Hornets’ front seven. A week after Fluvanna rolled up big yardage against Monticello, the Flucos managed just 166 yards against the Hornets on the ground. Gibson is part of the reason why, stacking up 9.5 tackles against the Flucos. If Monticello wants to get the ball moving, they’ve got to find a way to block Gibson and keep him out of the play. 

Who to Watch: Orange County’s Bryant Chiles. Chiles is turning into Big Play Bryant the last couple of weeks as the junior continues posted huge plays with a 31-yard touchdown run and a 56-yard catch last week. If he can keep striking when he gets his chances it could take some of the attention off of Poirier who has been putting the Hornets’ offense on his back all year.

The Line: Orange by 17. The Hornets struggled a little against Fluvanna County early last week before pulling away, but they should be able to take care of business here.

 

Central Woodstock (5-1) at Charlottesville (1-6), 7 p.m. Friday

The Basics: The Black Knights haven’t taken flight exactly since beating James Monroe earlier this year, but there have been signs of progress and potential. Now they need to find a way to put it all together for four quarters at home. Central Woodstock has some quality wins over Broadway and Page but the rest of their wins are over teams with sub .500 records. Are they ripe for an upset on the road? Charlottesville definitely has the playmaking potential to get it done, can the defense hold up against the run and give the Black Knights’ speed at the offensive skill spots a shot to turn the tide?

Key Matchup: Charlottesville’s defense locks up with Central dual threat quarterback Ashton Baker. Baker can get it done with his arm or his legs, and the Black Knights can’t be undisciplined on defense if they want to pull off a win at home. 

Who to Watch: Charlottesville’s Polo Hill. He broke a couple of touchdowns last week including a 67-yarder. When the Black Knights manage to get him in space, he’s very dangerous, and if he can outrun Albemarle’s speedy defense, he could definitely make Central Woodstock pay.

The Line: Central by 1. Don’t be surprised if the Black Knights pull off a stunner here. 

 

Western Albemarle (6-1) at Fluvanna County (2-5), 7 p.m. Friday

The Basics: This week is all about a bounce back for Western Albemarle, a squad that has a ton to play for still this year and can’t let a 27-0 shutout at the hands of Louisa County define or change the course of their year. The Warriors are still the top seed in Region 4D, though the gap has narrowed considerably. They’re definitely still playing for a home playoff game in the first round the next three weeks and possibly a couple of potential home games if the math shakes out right. But that all means taking care of business against Fluvanna, Monticello and Orange. The Flucos, meanwhile, could vault themselves right back into the Region 3C playoff picture with an upset, and they played Orange tight on the road for awhile last week. Can the Flucos put it all together and pull off a shocker? That’s an extremely tall order for a Western team that’s likely to come to Palmyra fired up and looking to get the taste of last week’s frustration out of their mouths.   

Key Matchup: Western’s linebackers take on Fluvanna’s rushing attack. While certainly not on Louisa’s level, the Flucos have flashed an ability to move the ball on the ground at times this year, including an explosive effort against Charlottesville two weeks ago. Can the Warriors bounce back from surrendering nearly 400 yards on the ground last week and lock up the Flucos?

Who to Watch: Western’s ground game. Coming into the clash with Louisa County, Western’s run game had a rhythm and was the squad’s offensive identity. After getting held to less than 100 yards of total offense, can the Warriors re-discover that rushing attack with Kaden Morrow, Dakota Howell and an experienced offensive line?

The Line: Western Albemarle by 14. The Warriors aren’t necessarily built to blow teams off the map and they’re a little banged up, but the Flucos are likely to find tough sledding against the Western defense.

 

Covenant (1-6) at Kenston Forest (7-1), 7 p.m.

The Basics: Covenant is banged up right now and it showed in a 48-8 loss to Virginia Episcopal last week on the road. The Eagles finish the season with three straight away games and some of the rest of this campaign is about building for the future. It’s underrated (frankly because it’s mostly unprecedented) how challenging it is to miss an entire season of football with the smaller rosters the Eagles usually field. Kenston Forest, an original 8-man adopter, is rolling this year, but the discrepancy in record may be more indicative of a discrepancy in the schedule. Both teams had tight matchups with Southampton Academy, so the door is open for the Eagles to play spoiler. 

Key Matchup: Covenant’s defense takes on Kenston Forest’s ground game. Kenston Forest runs the ball effectively and they attack from all angles. Covenant will have its hands full. 

Who to Watch: Covenant’s Zach Pirtle. Injuries have forced Pirtle to play some quarterback and he’s made some plays at that spot. But to knock off Kenston Forest, the Eagles are going to need some explosive plays from the offense. 

The Line: Kenston Forest by 1. Eagles are young and banged up right now and this is a tough road trip, but they’ve got a shot at changing the direction of their season here.

 

Park View (2-4) at Madison County (1-6), 7 p.m. Friday

The Basics: The Strasburg coaches may have felt like they slept walk through the game or that it was a funk they were in last week and that that’s why the score was so tight with the Mountaineers but we all know what’s really going on — the Mountaineers are starting to find their footing. Larry Helmick has been slowly rebuilding the program and Madison is starting to gain confidence, fueled in part by that huge rivalry win over Monroe. If Madison can figure out a way to knock off Park View, it’ll indicate they’ve taken another step in the right direction. 

Key Matchup: Park View’s linebackers take on Madison quarterback Wade Fox. Fox is starting to find playmakers around him, whether it’s Taylor Fincham or Jordan Morris or the next person who steps up. That makes Fox that much more dangerous when he doesn’t have to get it done by sheer force of will. 

Who to Watch: Madison County’s defense. Holding a solid Strasburg team to just 27 points is a major step in the right direction for the Mountaineers, and the game was 7-7 in the third quarter. If the Mountaineers can maintain playing team defense in this one and get sound tackling from linebacker Morgan Tompkins who has been solid of late, they’ve got a shot at their second win of the season.

The Line: Madison by 1. The Mountaineers are getting closer to figuring things out and getting going in the win column, this is a great opportunity. 

 

William Monroe (2-4) at Warren County (1-6), 7 p.m. Friday

The Basics: William Monroe took a blowout loss to Brentsville a week ago, and if they’re going to get going again this is a great opportunity to get back on track. With a playoff spot in the Region 3B playoffs in the balance, this one becomes a must win essentially if Monroe wants to prolong its season. The bottom line? The Dragons have to have a short memory.

Key Matchup: Warren County’s defensive backs try and contain Shea Jeffers. Jeffers is an electric wideout and Warren County will have to figure out a way to handle the star pass catcher. 

Who to Watch: William Monroe defensive back Josh Adderly. Adderly had a solid outing despite the blowout loss to Brentsville, with four tackles, two pass breakups and a couple of catches. The Dragons are going to need players like Adderly to step up to close strong down the stretch.

The Line: William Monroe by 14. The Dragons are ready to bounce back.

 

Fork Union (2-4) at Collegiate (3-4), 3:30 p.m. Friday

The Basics: Fork Union just can’t seem to quite get over the hump right now, The Blue Devils’ last loss to Trinity Episcopal isn’t really cause for concern, the Titans are a different animal this year. But the narrow loss to Norfolk Academy means the Blue Devils are going to have take their game up a major notch in order to finish on a strong note and knock off the Cougars to build momentum ahead of clashes with Palloti and Woodberry. 

Key Matchup: Fork Union’s front seven takes on Donovan Williams. The Blue Devils have struggled at times to stop the run, but Cameron Wallace in particular has the ability to create pass rush and stuff the run. Can he bring the intensity that led to several highlight reel plays against St. Christopher’s to this clash? He’ll need it against Williams, a talented, quick and powerful running back. 

Who to Watch: Fork Union’s ground game. The Blue Devils’ rushing attack was non-existent against Trinity Episcopal. They’re going to have to establish the run in this one in order to beat the Cougars. 

The Line: Fork Union by 1. The Blue Devils are due for a stunner and this is a huge opportunity. 

 

Buckingham (3-2) at Amelia (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday

The Basics: Buckingham dropped a clash with Nottoway last week and now they’ll have to bounce back on the road against a confident Amelia squad that also lost to Nottoway. This one might be more evenly matched than the records would indicate, look for Buckingham to try and make a statement on the road, it would be a huge boost to their playoff hopes. 

Key Matchup: Buckingham’s front seven takes on the Amelia rushing attack. If the Knights can clamp down against the run they’re usually in great shape in the James River District. Look for that to be the focus for the Knights. 

Who to Watch: Buckingham’s ground game. Amelia will have its hands full with the Knights’ old school approach. Look for Buckingham to try and physically impose its will on Raiders from the opening kick. 

The Line: Buckingham by 1. Knights can get this one done on the road. 

 

Nelson County (1-6) at Dan River (1-6), 7 p.m. Friday

The Basics: Nelson County absorbed a blowout loss at the hands of powerhouse Appomattox last week, continuing Nelson’s slide. Can the Governors get back on track with a significantly more manageable opponent this week?

Key Matchup: Nelson’s defense takes on Dan River’s run game. The Governors have to bounce back after giving up more than 70 points to Appomattox and that starts with slowing down the run.

Who to Watch: Nelson’s Johnny Oneida. The Governors are still searching for game-breaking players at the skill spots, and Oneida has the potential to be that kind of running back if Nelson can connect him with some solid blocking.

The Line: Nelson County by 1. The Governors get a chance to pick up a win and build some momentum. 

 

St. Anne’s-Belfield (2-3) at Blue Ridge (4-3), Noon Saturday

The Basics: This one has the potential to be fun. Both squads have had up-and-down seasons, and the Saints are coming in on a high after beating Catholic while Blue Ridge absorbed a blowout loss to Atlantic Shores after a promising start. It’s also the renewal of a rivalry that went away with the Saints’ transition to 8-man football and hasn’t been played since 2016 when the Barons won 34-0. The Saints and Barons have had some classic matchups over the years and in STAB coach John Blake’s final game played at a local school, this one has the potential to be another fun installment. Blue Ridge likes to attack vertically, the Saints got it done last week with opportunistic special teams play. It’s hard to tell how this one will shake out, but it should be exciting.

Key Matchup: Blue Ridge’s front seven takes on the STAB ground game. After trying to switch to the spread earlier this year, STAB reversed course during a multi-week break and went back to their usual identity under John Blake, running some classic STAB off tackle action. It worked, with Pharaoh Harris carrying the rushing load. Blue Ridge’s run defense gave up 324 yards to Damien Mazil last week, so they need to bounce back in a big way. 

Who to Watch: Blue Ridge’s Camden Brewer. Brewer played well early against Atlantic Shores, including a 69-yard toss to Diarmid Stewart, but he’ll need four quarters of that kind of play for the Barons to knock off a STAB team that is clearly fresh and has some confidence after the win over Catholic last week. Brewer is a talented dual threat, look for the Barons to put things on his back offensively. 

The Line: Blue Ridge by 1. The Barons’ have enough firepower to get this one done, but both these squads are pretty evenly matched. 

 

Woodberry Forest (1-4) at Catholic (2-5), 2 p.m. Saturday

The Basics: The momentum that Woodberry built in a win over Collegiate got erased in large part by a St. Christopher’s squad that’s putting together a monster season and is ranked No. 1 in the state in VISAA’s Division I. Now the Tigers have to bounce back, and hope that the work they’ve put in against a brutal schedule pays off here as they face an opponent that struggled against St. Anne’s-Belfield last week. The Tigers still have several key matchups after this one against Trinity, Fork Union and Episcopal, so this is a great chance to build some momentum again.

Key Matchup: Catholic’s secondary takes on Woodberry’s Landon Ellis. Ellis’ touchdown catch on a bomb was one of the few bright spots in the road clash with St. Christopher’s. Catholic gave up a bomb to STAB’s Braden White on a go route down the sideline, so that could be an area the Tigers can exploit. 

Who to Watch: Woodberry’s secondary. The Tigers struggled against St. Christopher’s Andre Greene, but he’s made a lot of secondaries look bad over the last few years. Can they bounce back and contain a Catholic squad that doesn’t have nearly the kind of threats the Saints bring to the table?

The Line: Woodberry by 21. The Tigers are on a roller coaster right now, but they should roll. 

Comments

comments