This Week’s Playoff Game Previews (Nov. 16-17)

SEE MORE: Playoff Week 2 Information

• Tonight’s playoff games

(All games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted)

Northwest Region, Division 6

COLONIAL FORGE (9–2)

at STONEWALL JACKSON (9–1)

Last meeting: First-ever meeting between the schools.

Common opponents in 2012: Forest Park (Colonial Forge won 19–0, Stonewall Jackson won 29–14)

Tonight’s matchup: The third-seeded Eagles continue their quest for their first regional title with a visit to the Cedar Run District champion Raiders. They earned the trip with another strong night by their defense and another stellar performance by QB Damen Daniel in last week’s quarterfinals. Daniel rushed for a game-high 120 yards and three touchdowns to help spark a 27–20 win over Patrick Henry–Roanoke. The No. 2 Raiders are back in the playoffs after an eight-year absence. QB Greg Stroman leads a potent attack that averages 34.7 points per contest.

Northwest Region, Division 5

BROOKE POINT (6–5)

at NORTH STAFFORD (9–1)

Last meeting: The Wolverines rebounded from their only loss of the season and posted a 30–7 victory this year.

Tonight’s matchup: The Wolverines controlled play on both sides of the ball in the first meeting six weeks ago. But Brooke Point is playing like a different team now, having rattled off five straight wins since that game. In last week’s 28–20 victory over GW–Danville, QB Alex Cox completed 20 of 27 passes for 282 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The top-seeded Wolverines have also won five in a row, averaging 32.9 points per game and allowing just 12.5. Tonight’s contest is a rematch of last year’s regional final won by North Stafford, 43–35.

MOUNTAIN VIEW (7–4) at POTOMAC (7–3)

Last meeting: First-ever meeting between the schools.

Common opponents in 2012: Stafford (Potomac won 28–10, M. View won 63–21); North Stafford (Potomac lost 13–8, M. View lost 35–13); Freedom (Potomac won 32–0, M. View won 52–0); Osbourn (Potomac lost 32–0, M. View won 39–7).

Tonight’s matchup: The Wildcats tangle with the second-seeded Panthers for a berth in next week’s Northwest Region final. Last week, they captured their second playoff win in school history with a 45–21 victory at Massaponax. QB Elijah Burress ignited the fireworks with four scoring strikes. Potomac has won five straight and is making its first trip to the playoffs since losing in the state title game five years ago. RB Torrey Dixon leads the Panthers in rushing (1,169 yards) and scoring (15 TDs).

Region I, Division 4

COURTLAND (7–4) at CHANCELLOR (8–2)

Last meeting: The Cougars earned their first Battlefield District victory this year by pulling out an 8–7 win in overtime.

Tonight’s matchup: Hard-hitting defense punctuated the first game between these district rivals and tonight’s clash figures to be no different. The Cougars have given up just one touchdown in each of their last four games, while the Chargers and James Monroe allowed the fewest points in the district. Courtland has won six of seven, including last week’s 21–7 win over Warhill, when TB Anton Jenkins ran for 150 yards. The Chargers’ pistol offense has found its groove behind RB Dominic Kaopua and QB Darrin Jackson, who was injured in the teams’ first meeting.

Region I, Division 3

YORK (9–2) at JAMES MONROE (9–1)

Last meeting: The Jackets scored 31 points in the second quarter and cruised to a 45–7 win in last year’s Region I final.

Common opponents in 2012: Tabb (York won 14–7, JM won 44–6)

Tonight’s matchup: The second-seeded Jackets face a familiar opponent in their bid for another playoff victory. To get it, they’ll need to contain a balanced Falcons offense that boasts four rushers with 300 or more yards. HB Marcus Wakelyn and QB Austin Norman are the most dangerous with a combined 17 touchdowns. JM’s only loss came at Chancellor, but the Jackets have shown the ability to bounce back. All-district LB Tony Scott leads a swarming defense that has given up just 9.4 points a game. On offense, QB Jay Scroggins (nine TD passes) and RB Sean Bates (nine TD runs) help set the pace.

Eastern Section, Division 1

COLONIAL BEACH (7–4)

at CENTRAL–LUNENBURG (10–1), 7 p.m.

Last meeting: The Chargers won 63–24 in last year’s Eastern Section, Division I first round.

Common opponents in 2012: None

Tonight’s matchup: The Drifters earned their first playoff win under coach Scott Foster last week, pounding Lancaster, 40–14. They’ll need that same kind of effort against the Chargers, who are averaging 40.9 points per outing and scored 61 in last week’s win over Middlesex. QB Graham Smith and RB Jaron Webb are key cogs. The Drifters’ victory over the Red Devils was their fourth straight and featured nearly 500 yards of offense. QB Nick Graves (159 yards rushing, two TDs) played a key role in the big night. Colonial Beach’s last playoff win came in 2007.

Saturday’s games

VISAA Division III championship

FREDERICKSBURG CHRISTIAN (9–1)

at VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL (8–2), 1 p.m.

Last meeting: First-ever meeting between the two schools.

Common opponents in 2012: Atlantic Shores (FCS won

35–6, Episcopal won 27–26); Hargrave Military (FCS won

42–6, Episcopal won 30–0)

Today’s matchup: The Eagles make their first appearance in the D-III state title game in just their fourth year. Last week’s 35–0 victory over Norfolk Christian featured another big showing by their defense, which limited the Ambassadors to 47 yards rushing. Season rushing leader Hunter Griffis (102 yards, three TDs) led a relentless running attack that got contributions from eight players. Top-seeded Virginia Episcopal is also making its first appearance in the title game. Bishops TB Ronnie Stringfield has rushed for almost 1,500 yards and scored 19 TDs.

Region I, Division 4

KING GEORGE (9–2) at SMITHFIELD (9–1) 1:30 p.m.

Last meeting: First-ever meeting between the two schools.

Common opponents in 2012: Grafton (K. George won 34–28, Grafton beat Smithfield 20–7).

Today’s matchup: The Foxes aim for their second playoff win under coach Jeff Smith with an athletic offense that has averaged 34 points in four straight wins. They’ll need that production against a formidable Smithfield defense that has allowed just 9.8 points per game. In last week’s 34–28 victory over Grafton, the Foxes built a 34–14 lead and then survived a big rally. QB Corey Henderson (257 yards, three TD passes) and RB Jordi Estes were both standouts in the school’s first playoff win since 2001. The Packers are led by RB Kyon Croker and QB Jamaal Wells.

—Steve Franzello

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