Bulldogs and Cougars Set For Collision on Friday
Oakton vs. Westfield Preview
Friday, October 13th, 2006 - Friday, 7:30 kickoff
Homecoming for Westfield
Broadcast Media:
TCC Sports Game of the Week
Streamed Live Online at www.GamedayMagazine.com
(Click Here To Listen)
Replay Sunday 10am on WTRI 1520AM Vegas Radio
Commentary: Bruce Bornarth, Andy Hayes, and Grant Paulsen
(Chantilly, VA) - The Westfield Bulldogs enter Friday's game against Oakton as the top dog in the Concorde District. The Bulldogs have been dominant so far this season posting a 6-0 record. Oakton on the other hand, needed some heroics last week against Centreville to get their record to 4-2. However, don't be fooled, this game is huge for both teams and despite the record difference, it should be very close. Oakton brings speed at the skill positions but the big question mark will be whether or not they can stop the Bulldogs on offense.
Key Match-Ups:
The Bulldogs have been able to pull off wins against Hayfield, Annandale, Woodson, Langley, Centreville, and Herndon. Westfield has outscored their opponents by 118 points this season with their potent offensive attack. Junior quarterback Mike Glennon, who is quickly becoming one of the better quarterbacks in the state of Virginia, leads the Bulldog offense behind center. Glennon has thrown for 701 yards in the air and has 11 TD's. Running back Steve Tabot has also put up big numbers with 512 yards and 6 TD's. Look for Glennon and go-to wide receiver Josh Witmer to test the Cougars early down the field in this one.
Senior quarterback Stephen Pournaras leads the Cougar offense completing 46% of his passes and has 326 yards in the air. The problem is, he won't play because of a broken finger. With Pournaras out, look for Oakton to rely on their running game a little more. However, it Oakton can get the ball down the field to wideouts Jared Green and Ervin Garner, this game could turn into a shootout. Running backs Orlando Brown and Nyema Wolo will have to help carry the load. Both Brown and Wolo have gained 355 yards on the ground and 5 TD's.
Nuggets of the Game:
Presented by Chick- Fil- A
For Westfield:
Give Mike Glennon time to throw
Get Steve Tabot and Brian Kennedy at least 30 carries total
Force Oakton Into Turnovers
For Oakton:
Shutdown Steve Tabot
Take the Homecoming Crowd Out Of It Early
Throw The Ball Down The Field At Least 10 times.
Extra Point:
This meeting marks the second time in the last 4 years that one of the teams playing enters the game as the defending state champion. Moral of the story, these two programs win football games and both know how to win championships. Expect the winner to once again be a force in the post-season.
Key Injuries:
Presented By: Advanced Orthopedics and Pain Management
Oakton - QB Steve Pournarnas - Sr (Broken Finger)
Westfield - TE David Kruchko - Jr. (Foot/Leg Injury)
Quotable:"We've been at Westfield High School for seven years and there has never been a Oakton team that wasn't ready to play. They are a very good football team and extremely well coached." - Tom Verbanic - Westfield Head Coach
Our Prediction:
Oakton is coming into this game against Westfield needing a win if they want any chance at a playoff spot. After last week's thrilling end to their game against Centreville, the Cougars are riding high and have a ton of confidence. Westfield has a young team comprised of sophomores and juniors, but they are very talented and athletic. This game is close but Westfield pulls it out in the 2nd half with the play of quarterback Mike Glennon and that stingy Bulldog defense.
Predicted Final Score:
Westfield - 28
Oakton - 20
Predicted Weather:
Highs of 34 degrees are expected. So dress warmly if you plan to come. No rain is expected though.
