4. Colonial Forge Eagles

 A season ago the Eagles had one of their roughest seasons in recent memory a 4-7 finish (1 win came by forfeit) and a team that could not seem to gather footing on the defensive or offensive side of the ball. It was puzzling seeing a program as proud as Forge giving up, 43, 54 and 47 points in games. That is simply not what we are accustomed too. 

    Coming into this season the Eagles will look to right what they see as wrongs from a season ago. A lot of those players from a season ago return with a bitter taste in their mouths and have been working hard to put Forge were they think it belongs. Among those players are future D-1 studs like Nolan McConnell (OL/DL), Hiro Carr (S/WR) and of course Massaponax transfer Donte Hawthorne (RB/LB). That's before mentioning dynamic athletes like Colby Kynard and Emmanuel Patterson. The big question similar to the number 5 team on our list is how well the QB play will be. Last year it was up and down with many different players getting looks. If they can find a way to improve their, the Eagles will be an extremely tough out. 

    Though we think the Eagles could be as talented as any team in the area, by the end of the year their schedule may not reflect it. The Eagles have probably the most difficult schedule in the area, and that's not by mistake. They get a week off to start the year, and then the gauntlet begins. Starting with a long trip to Leesburg to take on Class 4 power Tuscarora after that the get a date with a surging West Potomac program... On the Road. Then the Eagles get to come back home... to play the defending 2x State Champion Stone Bridge Bulldogs, a couple of weeks later they will host another Class 5 State contender in Highland Springs. Did we mention that Forge also competes in the Commonwealth District and will see teams like Mountain View and Riverbend by default? The road will certainly be difficult for the Eagles but there is enough on this roster that the payoff may be worth it.

Record Projection: 6-4