Round 1 of the playoffs is now in the rear view mirror!! Now things get serious, there are some absolutely great games taking place this week that involves 540 teams! Lets dive in!
Region 6B
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#3 Battlefield (11-0) at #2 Mountain View (11-0)
This game between Battlefield and Mountain View promises to be an extremely interesting showdown as both teams, come into this one boasting pristine 11-0 records. It's a first-ever encounter between these powerhouses. Battlefield Head Coach Greg Hatfield is no stranger to the 540 but the former Eastern View Head Coach is playing his friend Lou Sorrentino for the very first time. Battlefield, fresh off a resounding victory over Patriot, enters this contest with an air of confidence. Their recent wins, especially their last against Patriot in a hard-fought 26-6 win, showcased the prowess of their aggressive defensive line and the stellar performance of their wide receiving corps. However, the Bobcats haven't faced formidable challenges until their recent games. While their wins over Patriot and Gainesville were commendable, their ability to stand tall against tougher opposition remains in question. Outside of Gainesville and Patriot the combined record of Battlefield’s other 8 wins is 23-58 In evaluating this game Battlefield's explosive receivers and aggressive defensive line pose the biggest threat. Cole Woodson and Brandon Binkowski both hold D1 offers as Receivers and on Defense Cam Binkowski and Hayden Loveless has made life difficult on Olines all season. Mountain View, on the other hand, emerges as a team molded in resilience. Despite a less explosive offense, their defense, characterized by a formidable front seven and opportunistic defensive backs, has been the cornerstone of their victories. Their wins against Colonial Forge and a nail-biting win over Patriot underscore their capacity to prevail in tight contests. The Wildcats, guided by QB Aaron Barber, RB Torie Martin, and defensive stalwarts like Eric Mensah and Jackson Hamil, present a cohesive unit ready to tackle Battlefield's challenges. Their victories over tough rivals like Colonial Forge and Riverbend have shown they know how to win tough ugly games. Mountain View's defensive prowess is undeniable, but their less explosive offense might pose challenges in keeping pace with Battlefield's potentially high-scoring plays. Tonight's showdown promises thrills, showcasing the resilience and determination of two formidable football programs.
#4 Colonial Forge (10-1) at #1 Freedom (10-0)
Tonight's game Colonial Forge Freedom is one to watch. Darryl Overton who was on Forge's staff until becoming Freedoms coach in 2015 is 2-1 all time against Colonial Forge While Colonial Forge has showcased resilience and dominance in recent matchups, the reigning Class 6 champions, Freedom, are looking to extend their streak of 25 consecutive wins. Key players for Colonial Forge include the dynamic trio of (QB) Brock Brimhall, (RB) Josiah Bryson, and (OL) Jake Mangano, along with the versatile (WR/DB) Ethen Horne. They've propelled Forge to remarkable victories against tough opponents like Patriot, Riverbend, and last week's win over Gainesville. On the other hand, Freedom of course boasts an incredibly talented lineup, notably with four D1-caliber wide receivers and a D1 running back. The quartet of (WR/DB) JuJu Preston, (WR/DB) Kam Courtney, (WR/DB) EJ Reid, and (WR/OLB) Aaron Duncan, alongside (RB) Jeff Overton Jr., has been instrumental in their victories against Varina, St. Michaels, and their great performance against Dematha. The depth and quality in their offensive make them a force to be reckoned with. Colonial Forge's physical offensive line and excellent coaching have paved the way for a strong running game, while Freedom's remarkable speed on defense and a multitude of offensive options have made them impossible to stop. In the face of Freedom's impressive streak and diverse offensive capabilities, Colonial Forge faces a monumental challenge. However, Forge's track record of overcoming odds could offer them a glimmer of hope in this one.
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Region 5D
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#3 Riverbend (7-4) at #2 Briar Woods (7-3)
Riverbend enters this game as one of the hotter teams in the area, winning five of their last six games, including a convincing 41-16 victory over Independence last week. Led by key players like (QB) Tanner Triplett, (WR) Amir Mateo, (LB) Jonas Taylor, and (DL) Jacob Pressinger, the Bears have showcased an aggressive defense, and explosive offensive plays. Their momentum, coupled with their coaching puts them in position to challenge for an upset in this one. Meanwhile, Briar Woods began the season strong with a 7-1 record but faced setbacks in their last two games, notably a surprising 9-7 loss to the same Independence team that Riverbend convincingly defeated. Despite these recent challenges, the Falcons, anchored by (QB) Brady Carmical and (WR) Colin Copistrant, excel in their passing game, leaning on their quarterback's abilities. Both teams have shown strengths this season which is why they're here. Riverbend, looking to continue to find ways to get points on the board faces a Briar Woods squad looking to reclaim their earlier-season dominance. Although Briar Woods has stumbled late in the season, their formidable passing game and key players provide an opportunity for redemption in this playoff showdown.
#5 Massaponax (6-5) at #1 Stone Bridge (6-4)
Tonight’s match-up between Massaponax (6-5) and Stone Bridge reignites a short but contested series that has favored Stone Bridge historically, leading 5-1, with their last meeting resulting in a close 27-21 victory for Stone Bridge back in 2016. Massaponax enters this pivotal playoff match riding on the momentum of a recent 35-14 victory over Lightridge. Key players such as (RB) William Wiggins, (LB) Josiah Perry, and (DB) Donovan Phillips anchor a team that specializes in ball control and clock management within their triple-option scheme. However, Ponax's defense has shown vulnerabilities against stronger offenses, conceding significant points to formidable opponents like Mountain View, Matoaca, and Riverbend. On the other side, Stone Bridge, who many forgot about after their 0-4 start to the season is a program steeped in championship and playoff experience, and boasts a formidable lineup led by (WR) Na’eem Gladding, (DB) Myles Turpin, and (RB) Troy Marquez. Despite starting the season 0-4 against fierce competition, they rallied impressively in district play, winning all six games by an astounding average margin of 41 points. Their strength lies in a bruising running game and a wealth of experience in critical playoff moments. Both teams showcase distinct strengths, Massaponax is coming off a strong victory and with recent wins bolstering their confidence, and face the daunting task of overcoming a Stone Bridge squad that has found its stride after a challenging start. Stone Bridge's resilience and depth, coupled with their playoff expertise, present a formidable challenge for any opponent.
Region 4B
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#4 Dinwiddie (8-3) at #1 King George (11-0)
This highly anticipated showdown between Dinwiddie (8-3) and King George (11-0) could be the first of 3 straight stellar match-ups on the 4A/4B side of the playoff bracket. The stage for a thrilling rematch from last season's Regional Finals, where Dinwiddie emerged victorious in a gripping 47-41 overtime clash before eventually winning the State Championship over Kettle Run. King George enters this regional semifinal contest fueled by an impressive undefeated record, led by a formidable lineup featuring standout players such as (WR) Chanz Wiggins, (WR) Mekhai White, (RB) Charles Johnson, (QB) Jack Person, and (WR/DB) Dylan Truxon. Their strengths lie in a balanced offensive approach, supported by their explosive two D1 wide receivers, the Foxes still make sure to they are efficient in both the run and pass game. However, their reliance on key athletes playing critical roles on both sides of the ball could pose challenges as the season grows longer. On the opposing side, Dinwiddie, the defending VHSL Class 4 champions, showcases their own set of key players in (QB) Harry Dalton, (RB) Raphael Tucker, and (MLB) Se’Von McDowell. Dinwiddie, despite three losses, has faced elite competition in their defeats against powerhouse teams like Ohio's Glenville (10-3), the undefeated Maury (11-0), and Thomas Dale (11-0), demonstrating their mettle against top-tier opponents. Their championship experience and Dalton's athleticism add depth to their offense. However, Dinwiddie's defense, though full of athletes, has shown a vulnerability this season, allowing an average of around 23 points per game, a notable increase from the prior year's defensive performance of conceding just 10 points per game. This game promises to be an intense showdown, pitting the defending champs Dinwiddie against a Foxes squad hungry for redemption. Dinwiddie, despite three losses, has faced elite competition in their defeats against powerhouse teams like Ohio's Glenville (10-3), the undefeated Maury (11-0), and Thomas Dale (11-0), demonstrating their mettle against top-tier opponents.
Region 3B
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#3 Kettle Run (10-1) at #2 Brentsville District (10-1)
The upcoming clash between #3 Kettle Run and #2 Brentsville District in the regional semifinals sets the stage for a rematch from two weeks ago, where Brentsville District secured a decisive 31-13 victory, ending Kettle Run's remarkable 28-game regular season winning streak. Kettle Run, led by key players such as (QB) Jake Mulhern, (WR) Sam Rodgers, (RB) Colton Quaker, (OL) Ronnie Astudillo, and (DE) Mason Hodges, showcases a creative spread attack under the guidance of Coach Porterfield. Despite their recent loss to Brentsville, Kettle Run's strengths remain prominent without specific weaknesses mentioned. On the opposing side, Brentsville District, boasting standout athletes like (QB) Caleb Alexander, (OLB) Langston White, notably the coach's son, and (RB) Nico Orlando, embodies discipline and a multi-talented roster. This rematch holds significant weight as both schools, only eight miles apart in Nokesville, collide once again in a pivotal playoff moment. Notably, both teams hail from neighboring counties, with Brentsville in Prince William County and Kettle Run in Fauquier County. Both Kettle Run and Brentsville District possess deep playoff experience, with Kettle Run reaching the State Championship last season and Brentsville District making a formidable run to the State Semifinals, showcasing their prowess on the postseason stage. As the Cougars and Tigers prepare to renew their rivalry, this rematch carries echoes of their previous encounter, promising an intense battle between two powerhouse programs from neighboring communities.
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