Another exciting week is upon us as many squads will start digging their paths for the playoffs. Yes, key games this week will have huge impacts for many. We will see if some teams are ready to rebound, others ready to show they are for real, and many looking to prove previous games were flukes. Let's get this exciting week on!
ESSEX (2-1) at FRANKLIN (0-2)
Last season Franklin went into Tappahannock and handled the Trojans. They appeared to be making a statement to capture the Region A title in their last season in it before going to Region B. The playoffs started and the Broncos had the prestige of the number one seed but was knocked out in the first round. Essex would eventually win the region and prove they are still in control.
Now both teams have the doubters raising questions after Franklin blew a large lead in Colonial Beach and Essex got handled by King William in their house. Both will be looking to prove their worth as more challenges await.
Essex has been strong with their passing game and it will be interesting to see if they will test Franklin like no one else will. Ashton Ashlock is expected to get the honors to challenge the Bronco secondary. Takeyo Day and Tahraun Hammond will need to get the rushing attack going in order to draw the defenders in. If they can do that they expect a big game from Avante Banks.
Myroen Barrett has to be a dual threat Friday night, making the rushing attack pay for not protecting their lanes, and taking advantage when the opportunity arises. Franklin's Lasean Nicholas-Porter must be able to showcase his track speed on the football field this season this is the perfect stage to do so. Tyvon Carr will be a great change of pace carrier to pound the rock for the short yardage battles the Broncos must have.
KEYS TO VICTORY: Essex must jump on the Broncos early forcing them from strong rushing attack, taking the crowd out of the game, and creating more opportunities to force turnovers. The Trojans will have to deal with a quick blitzing attack consistently and decision making will be key. The more time in the pocket will lead to bigger plays down field for Coach Todd Jones attacking offense.
Franklin must win the time of possession battle. The only way that will have happen is to be successful running the football. The Trojans are not perfect in the secondary either so connecting on chances that their district foe Sussex Central failed to do when they met Essex and how King William took full advantage. Coach Karl Robertson's biggest obstacle will be converting short yardage downs.
BOTTOMLINE: Franklin will have their home opener on a perfect night with the ideal weather conditions as well. It will take them playing their best game this young season in order to knock off Essex who has been craving this rematch. Expect a breakout game from Hammond with the Trojans holding off a late surge.
PREDICTION: Essex 34 Franklin 20
SUSSEX CENTRAL (1-1) at COLONIAL BEACH (2-0)
Colonial Beach will be looking to move to 3-0 but the Tigers will have other plays. Sussex Central will be able to move the ball but can they stop the Drifters rushing attack will be key. Seth Jewell will be big off playaction but the Tigers backfield flexes their muscles in this one.
PREDICTION: Sussex Central 22 COLONIAL BEACH 13
PARK VIEW(1-0) at HALIFAX COUNTY (2-0)
The Dragons are the talent rich team they were last year but they won't be laying down early. Halifax is going to be able to pound the rock and control the line of scrimmage with their massive offensive line. A reason to cheer earlier will fade.
PREDICTION: Halfax County 40 Park View 14
RAPPAHANNOCK (3-0) at WASHINGTON & LEE (1-1)
Rappahannock has been strong coming out proving to be the team many expect them to be. KJ Gaines and company will get a chance to prove they can roll with the big boys. It will be their defense that will have a tough go defending the option. Expect a scare for the Raiders.
PREDICTION: Rappahannock 22 Washington & Lee 14
COASTAL PLAIN PLUS PREDICTIONS:
Bennett (MD) 27 Nandua 8
Buckingham 42 Central Lunenburg 24
Colonial Heights 13 Southampton 12
Greensville Co. 32 Thomas Jefferson 14
Goochland 46 Cumberland 13
I.C. Norcom 44 John Marshall 18
King & Queen 56 Chincoteague 12
King William 36 Caroline 12
Lord Botetourt 28 William Campbell 20
Middlesex 35 Lancaster 12
Northumberland 44 Mathews 6
Snow Hill (MD) 21 Arcadia 6
West Point 20 Bruton 6
Windsor 48 Northampton 24
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK (Week 3)
Desmond Claiborne (KING WILLIAM)
12 carries for 129 yards, 1 rushing touchdown
4 catches for 115 yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
Malik Holmes (KING & QUEEN)
Passed 24 of 36, 358 yards, 2 touchdowns including game winner, 1 int
ESSEX (2-1) at FRANKLIN (0-2)
Last season Franklin went into Tappahannock and handled the Trojans. They appeared to be making a statement to capture the Region A title in their last season in it before going to Region B. The playoffs started and the Broncos had the prestige of the number one seed but was knocked out in the first round. Essex would eventually win the region and prove they are still in control.
Now both teams have the doubters raising questions after Franklin blew a large lead in Colonial Beach and Essex got handled by King William in their house. Both will be looking to prove their worth as more challenges await.
Essex has been strong with their passing game and it will be interesting to see if they will test Franklin like no one else will. Ashton Ashlock is expected to get the honors to challenge the Bronco secondary. Takeyo Day and Tahraun Hammond will need to get the rushing attack going in order to draw the defenders in. If they can do that they expect a big game from Avante Banks.
Myroen Barrett has to be a dual threat Friday night, making the rushing attack pay for not protecting their lanes, and taking advantage when the opportunity arises. Franklin's Lasean Nicholas-Porter must be able to showcase his track speed on the football field this season this is the perfect stage to do so. Tyvon Carr will be a great change of pace carrier to pound the rock for the short yardage battles the Broncos must have.
KEYS TO VICTORY: Essex must jump on the Broncos early forcing them from strong rushing attack, taking the crowd out of the game, and creating more opportunities to force turnovers. The Trojans will have to deal with a quick blitzing attack consistently and decision making will be key. The more time in the pocket will lead to bigger plays down field for Coach Todd Jones attacking offense.
Franklin must win the time of possession battle. The only way that will have happen is to be successful running the football. The Trojans are not perfect in the secondary either so connecting on chances that their district foe Sussex Central failed to do when they met Essex and how King William took full advantage. Coach Karl Robertson's biggest obstacle will be converting short yardage downs.
BOTTOMLINE: Franklin will have their home opener on a perfect night with the ideal weather conditions as well. It will take them playing their best game this young season in order to knock off Essex who has been craving this rematch. Expect a breakout game from Hammond with the Trojans holding off a late surge.
PREDICTION: Essex 34 Franklin 20
SUSSEX CENTRAL (1-1) at COLONIAL BEACH (2-0)
Colonial Beach will be looking to move to 3-0 but the Tigers will have other plays. Sussex Central will be able to move the ball but can they stop the Drifters rushing attack will be key. Seth Jewell will be big off playaction but the Tigers backfield flexes their muscles in this one.
PREDICTION: Sussex Central 22 COLONIAL BEACH 13
PARK VIEW(1-0) at HALIFAX COUNTY (2-0)
The Dragons are the talent rich team they were last year but they won't be laying down early. Halifax is going to be able to pound the rock and control the line of scrimmage with their massive offensive line. A reason to cheer earlier will fade.
PREDICTION: Halfax County 40 Park View 14
RAPPAHANNOCK (3-0) at WASHINGTON & LEE (1-1)
Rappahannock has been strong coming out proving to be the team many expect them to be. KJ Gaines and company will get a chance to prove they can roll with the big boys. It will be their defense that will have a tough go defending the option. Expect a scare for the Raiders.
PREDICTION: Rappahannock 22 Washington & Lee 14
COASTAL PLAIN PLUS PREDICTIONS:
Bennett (MD) 27 Nandua 8
Buckingham 42 Central Lunenburg 24
Colonial Heights 13 Southampton 12
Greensville Co. 32 Thomas Jefferson 14
Goochland 46 Cumberland 13
I.C. Norcom 44 John Marshall 18
King & Queen 56 Chincoteague 12
King William 36 Caroline 12
Lord Botetourt 28 William Campbell 20
Middlesex 35 Lancaster 12
Northumberland 44 Mathews 6
Snow Hill (MD) 21 Arcadia 6
West Point 20 Bruton 6
Windsor 48 Northampton 24
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK (Week 3)
Desmond Claiborne (KING WILLIAM)
12 carries for 129 yards, 1 rushing touchdown
4 catches for 115 yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
Malik Holmes (KING & QUEEN)
Passed 24 of 36, 358 yards, 2 touchdowns including game winner, 1 int
