Battlefield District Playoff Update

 The second round of the playoffs is here and with that the field has been cut in half. Only 16 teams remain in each classification, meaning there will be less mismatches and more tightly contested nail biters. In this article we recap those that did not make the playoffs and those that were eliminated in the First Round. Then we will preview this weeks playoff games.

Time For Basketball Season 

Courtland (4-6) 

For the Cougars it was a classic tale of too little too late.... The Cougars won 4 out of their last 5 games but their shot at a playoff bid unfortunately fell short, A lot of question for this program going forward as they will lose a lot of talent including Battlefield district offensive player of the year EJ Rogers to graduation. 

Eastern View (4-5) 

This season was very similar to the season the Cyclones had in the spring, they started the season well enough at 3-1, and then faltered heavily losing 4 of their next 5 finishing 4-5. Missing the playoffs is not the norm for the Cyclones, yet it has happened 2 seasons in a row now. The Cyclones will be losing some talent but they also return players like Brayden Walker, Brett Clatterbaugh and Jasian Spencer who will look to return the Cyclones to form.

Spotsylvania (6-4)

Spotsylvania was a good team this season. However they had the misfortune of being in one of the most competitive regions in the entire state. The Knights will lose a decent amount of talent to graduation. But Coach Jack has done a fair job at getting the most out of what he is given

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Culpeper (4-7) 

I'd consider it a good season for the Blue Devils. The school made it to the playoffs for the first time since their surprising run to the state championship in 2018. Their ought to be a lot of excitement heading into next season around the Blue Devils. The area's leading rusher Malachi Terrell is only a Junior. As a matter of fact most of the Blue Devils contributors will be returning next season including sophomore QB Bennett Sutherland, Junior WR A.J. Marshall and a flurry of other young names. With the right amount of progression 2022 could be a big season for the Blue Devils.

Chancellor (5-5)

I'm sure the Chargers felt they were better than a first round exit team.... However after having to forfeit their game against Massaponax and then suffering a painful last second set back to James Monroe the Chargers got a tough draw in Battlefield district foe King George. The Chargers gave the Foxes absolutely everything they could handle but but came up short 21-7. Drugatz knows how to field a hard nosed football team but losing players like Brycen Edwards won't make the climb back any easier.

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Playoff Match Ups 

#3 Varina (9-1) at #2 King George (10-0) 

This is in my opinion without a doubt the best game in the state tonight. The Foxes come into this one having only surrendered 7 touchdowns all season. Their offense has steadily worn teams down all season down and can strike either on the ground with Gabe Alley or Aydin Woolfolk or in the Air behind the arm of Ferguson to his D-1 quality WRs Mekai White or Chanz Wiggins. On the other side Varina enters this game at 9-1 with quality wins over Hermitage and Highland Springs on their resume. Each of the last 3 games for for the Blue Devils have been decided by one point and it would not surprise me to see that happen again tonight. If you can bare the cold make the trip up Kings Highway tonight, I guarantee you it will be worth it 

Prediction: Varina 14 King George 20 

#3 James Monroe (6-5) at #2 Brentsville District (9-2) 

Gotta love what the Yellow Jackets have done the last few weeks. George Coghill has turned the season around in a big way. From getting trounced by the best in the area back to back weeks and a 1-4 start. The Yellow Jackets finished the regular season 5-5 and entered the playoffs as the 3 seed they now see themselves in the doorstep of a regional championship appearance. To do it they must defeat a familiar playoff foe. As far as cultures go these to schools are similar but at the same time are very different. Both schools are tight knit and have a huge community following. Drive through Fredericksburg City or the town of Nokesville and you will see a large amount of support for the respective schools on cars buildings even police vehicles. There are differences however like I stated before, JM is a school in the city while BDHS is more of a rural community. The contrasts between the schools is fascinating and will hopefully lead to an event to see tonight

Prediction: James Monroe 19 Brentsville District 31