This Week’s Game Previews (Sept. 7)

ALSO: Standings, results and schedules

NORTH STAFFORD AT MOUNTAIN VIEW, 7:30

Last meeting: The Wolverines rallied from an early deficit behind QB Austin Grebe and posted a 36–33 win last year.

Tonight’s matchup: The two top-ranked teams in the Free Lance–Star’s power poll collide in this Commonwealth District opener. A victory gives the winner the early lead in the district race, as well as a boost of confidence.

The defending district champion Wolverines hung on against a tough Potomac squad last week and came away with a hard-earned 13–8 victory. WR/RB Anthony Shegog was a force on both sides of the ball, scoring on a 97-yard sprint and then halting a Panthers’ late scoring threat with a forced fumble. They’ll need that same kind of aggressive defense against the Wildcats, who have put up 91 points in their first two victories.

After exploding for 52 points against Freedom in their opener, the Wildcats’ offense wasted no time in taking charge at Osbourn. First-quarter touchdown runs by Gordon Collins, Kirron Sleydin and Brandon Watts ignited a 27–0 lead and Mountain View never looked back in a 39–7 win. QB Elijah Burress threw for 220 yards and WR DaeSean Hamilton added eight catches to help fuel the nondistrict victory.

RIVERBEND AT BROOKE POINT, 7:30

Last meeting: The Black–Hawks’ potent offense was clicking on all cylinders in last season’s 49–7 victory at Riverbend.

Tonight’s matchup: In a bit of role reversal, the upstart Bears enter this Commonwealth District clash on a high note, having stunned Courtland last week, while the Black–Hawks are looking for answers after dropping their first two contests, including last week’s 38–27 defeat at Patriot. Brooke Point leads the all-time series between the two schools, 4–1.

After opening their season with a loss to Chancellor, coach Tony DeMarco’s Bears got healthy against the Cougars and controlled the line of scrimmage in a 25–9 win. The return of tight end Jamie Deason and tackle Tyler Marion helped the offense take control early. Deason scored Riverbend’s first points on a 7-yard pass from QB Eric Byrd and the Bears never trailed.

The Black–Hawks have been outscored 78–27 in their first two games. After being shut out by Osbourn in their opener, their offense showed flashes of its big-play capability against Patriot. QB Alex Cox had a big night through the air, passing for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Two of the scoring strikes went to WR Tyus White, who had 10 receptions for 252 yards. TB John Horsley contributed 118 yards rushing and a touchdown.

LOUISA AT COURTLAND, 7:30

Last meeting: RB Andre Mealy and the Lions’ dominating rushing game powered Louisa to a 32–13 victory last season.

Tonight’s matchup: The Lions hit the road for the second straight week and try to spoil the Cougars’ home opener. Last week, they overwhelmed Orange, 48–0, to improve to 1–1, while Courtland fell to 0–2 after being ambushed at Riverbend.

QB Zac Jackson led the charge against the Hornets, completing all five of his passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns. The senior also rushed for 107 yards on 16 carries and scored twice on short runs. The Lions finished the night with 385 total yards of offense. Louisa’s swarming defense did its part in the shutout as well, holding Orange to just 6 yards on the ground.

The Cougars look to rebound after running into a physical Riverbend team last week. After hanging tough with Massaponax a week earlier, Courtland was unable to match the Bears’ play up front and gave up 19 second-half points in the 25–9 loss. New QB Eric Washington was intercepted three times and the Cougars’ revamped offense produced just seven first downs.

ALBEMARLE AT COLONIAL FORGE, 7:30

The Eagles hope to open their district slate with a victory against the rebuilding Patriots. Last week, their defense limited Forest Park to 38 rushing yards in a 19–0 win. RB Mike Campbell scored on a 51-yard scamper and an interception return to lead the way. Albemarle lost to Monticello, 24–21, on the same night.

CAROLINE AT HENRICO, 7

After fading late in last week’s loss to Essex, the Cavaliers and new coach Jeremiah Ross aim for their first win against the Group AAA Warriors. QB Curtis Leacock threw for 232 yards and WR Daquan Pollard had seven receptions against the Trojans.

JAMES MONROE AT FREEDOM, 7:30

The Jackets look for another big night against the Division 5 Eagles, a team they defeated 62–18 last year. QB Julian Bumbrey ran for 108 yards and scored three times to set the pace in last week’s 24–12 win at Stafford. Elusive TB Adrian Boone added 115 yards rushing as JM improved to 2–0.

KETTLE RUN AT EASTERN VIEW, 7:30

The fast-starting Cyclones aim for win No. 3 against the defending Region II champion Cougars and their powerful offense. Last week, RB Donte Christian rambled for 111 yards on the ground as Eastern View built an early lead and then made it stand up in a 24–20 win over Charlottesville.

KING GEORGE AT COLONIAL BEACH, 7

The unbeaten Foxes make a visit to Monroe Park after pounding Washington & Lee, 41–0, in their final game at The Pit. Led by the strong play of QB Corey Henderson, six players scored in the shutout win. Meanwhile, the Drifters had an impressive start at Charles City, winning 37–12 with 530 total yards of offense.

ORANGE AT CULPEPER, 7:30

Two rivals renew acquaintances in this rematch of last year’s 34–31 win by Orange. Last week, both absorbed one-sided defeats. The Hornets recorded just four first downs and bowed to Louisa, 48–0. The Blue Devils dropped a 30–8 decision to Fauquier.

QUANTICO AT FREDERICKSBURG CHRISTIAN, 4

The Eagles play host to the Warriors in a prelude to next week’s visit to Group AAA Glenn Allen—FCS’ first-ever meeting with

a public school in football. Last week, they started on a roll,

cruising past Roanoke Catholic, 35–0, thanks to dominating performances by their offense, defense and special teams.

SPOTSYLVANIA AT FLUVANNA, 7:30

After a week off from competition, the Knights take on the Flying Flucos in their second of three straight road games. Two weeks ago, they let an eight-point lead slip away and lost to Washington & Lee, 21–17. Fluvanna is 1–1 after losing to Goochland, 42–7. The Knights won last year’s meeting, 26–10.

STAFFORD AT MASSAPONAX, 7:30

The Panthers return home after outlasting a tough Chancellor team . Bruising FB Javonte Latney (25 carries, 150 yards) led the way in the 21–14 victory. Meanwhile, the Indians shoot for their first win after falling to James Monroe. QB Billy Bolinsky passed for 188 yards and a touchdown, but the running game produced just 64 yards in the loss.

—Steve Franzello

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