Led by DB David Scott's two interceptions, the Cougars' defense was its usual dominating self in last week's 50-13 win over Culpeper. They'll need that same kind of effort tonight to contain the Chargers' potent ground game. Offensively, Courtland continues to get production from QB Ryan McBroom and FB Kirk Wilson. Both scored three times against the Blue Devils.
The Chargers' 10-7 victory over James Monroe last week--their fifth straight--showcased QB Micah Cunningham's athleticism (28 carries, 113 yards, TD) as well as their defense, which allowed the Jackets just one touchdown on a slippery field at Maury Stadium. Franklin Kokoneshi's 22-yard field goal in the third quarter proved to be the winning margin in the defensive battle.
Riverbend at North Stafford, 7:30
After a school-record seven straight wins, the Bears have dropped two hard-fought district contests to Massaponax and Colonial Forge. Against the Eagles, they tied the score on a 35-yard pass from QB Zac Naccarato to Nick Lacik in the second quarter, but failed to reach the end zone the rest of the game. Naccarato finished with 133 yards through the air, but the Riverbend ground game produced only 70 yards.
The Wolverines have shown their resilience with three straight victories after losing to Colonial Forge. Last week, they surprised host Massaponax with a gutsy comeback after trailing 13-6 at the half. Led by QB Marcus Morrast and RB Torry Hart, they scored 17 unanswered points in the final two quarters while holding the Panthers' high-scoring offense in check.
Eastern View at Culpeper, 7:30
The Cyclones' first year in the Battlefield District has been a roller coaster ride. Coach Greg Hatfield's squad has taken its lumps against the district's upper-echelon teams, but fared well against the rest of the competition. Last week, they used four touchdowns from QB Simon Pendleton to beat Caroline 42-0. Pendleton also scored four times in their earlier win over Culpeper.
Coach Mike Williams' Blue Devils should be motivated tonight, despite having their modest two-game winning streak halted last week at Courtland. In their first meeting with the Cyclones, RB Duane Wilkins returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and also hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass from QB Cortez Rollins.
OTHER GAMES TO WATCH
The Black-Hawks' final road trip of the regular season is an important one. With a win over the Patriots, they clinch a berth and possibly a home game in the Division 5 playoffs. Last week, they turned back a pesky Stafford squad by overcoming four fumbles and a slew of penalties to end a three-game losing skid.
Caroline at Spotsylvania, 7:30
The long road to victory will end for one of these teams tonight. The Cavaliers dug themselves a 34-0 hole at the half against Easter View last week and lost 42-0. Meanwhile, the Knights had their best performance of the year in a 14-8 loss to King George. Spotsylvania built its first lead of the season on Kyle Girone's 9-yard pass reception from QB Cody Jenkins in that game.
Colonial Beach at Lancaster, 7The Drifters aim for their third Northern Neck District win and try to keep their slim Region A Division I playoff hopes alive. After absorbing a pounding from district pacesetter Essex two weeks ago, they rebounded nicely and outscored Northumberland 26-6. All-purpose back Travis Cundiff led the way with 128 yards rushing, a touchdown and two pass interceptions.
Fluvanna at Louisa, 7:30Coach Mark Fischer's Lions can lock up a Region II Division 4 playoff berth with a win over the Flying Flucos. A loss puts them in a points battle with Liberty or Fauquier. Last week, they bounced back from a tough loss at Goochland and pounded Monticello 40-14 for their sixth victory. RB Anthony Hunter ran for three touchdowns as Louisa amassed 263 yards of offense.
James Monroe at King George, 7:30The Yellow Jackets and Foxes renew acquaintances after posting "firsts" last week. JM absorbed its first district defeat in a hard-fought 10-7 defensive struggle with Chancellor. Despite the loss, the Jackets still sit atop the Region I Division 3 power rankings. Junior RB D.J. Lewis powered King George to its first district victory last week with 175 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
Massaponax at Mountain View, 7:30Despite a bump in the road against North Stafford last week, the Panthers continue to look good in the Division 5 power rankings. Their 13 points against the Wolverines was their lowest output of the year, but tonight they'll get a a chance to restart their offense against the Wildcats, who routed Albemarle 45-12 last week.
Stafford at Colonial Forge, 7:30Now that the Eagles have clinched their first Commonwealth District title under coach Bill Brown, they're ready to make some noise in the Division 6 playoffs. Tonight's regular-season finale against the Indians figures to be a good tune-up. FB Tyler Wilson's three touchdown runs and a strong effort by their defense paved the way for last week's 28-7 title-clinching win over Riverbend.
Charlottesville at Orange, 7:30With their Jefferson District and Region II playoff hopes extinguished, the Hornets will be playing for pride against the visiting Black Knights, a team they routed 62-6 last season. Last week's 35-14 loss at unbeaten Western Albemarle dropped their record to 3-3 in the district and 4-5 overall.
TOMORROW'S GAME Washington & Lee at Essex, 2The wait is over for Northern Neck District fans. The Trojans and Eagles are the two top-ranked teams in Region A Division 2 and tomorrow they battle for control of the district race. Last week, they both had to step up in the fourth quarter to stay unbeaten in district play. The Eagles pulled away from upset-minded Rappahannock 32-13 behind RBs Bryan Burrell and Jamar Tate. Meanwhile, the Trojans used four scoring passes from QB Lyn Garner to rally past Lancaster 48-30.
--Compiled by Steve Franzello