Local Teams Set For Showdown Weekend
Playoff atmospheres are hard to come by in the regular season, but this weekend, local sports fans should get a glimpse of several potential playoff contenders in what Gameday Magazine is labeling "Showdown Weekend".
This weekend brings the Gameday audience three huge games that should provide a reality check for some, and a confidence booster for those that go home victorious. Records will be thrown aside, emotion will take over, and whoever wants it more will take precendence. This is Showdown Weekend in High School Football!
Game 1
Martinsburg Bulldogs at Park View Patriots
Friday 7:30pm
Matchup
The 4-1 Bulldogs and the 4-0 Patriots will do battle Friday night in Sterling, VA. If it weren't for different colored jersey's on the field, you might get confused about which team is which on Friday Night in Sterling Park. Martinsburg and Park View mirror each other in terms of talent level as well as coaching philosophy, and Friday's game should be one of the best of the year. The Bulldogs enter the game riding a big win last week over Potomac Falls and motivated to show that their loss to Urbana was a fluke. Park View is out to show the Bulldogs that this Patriot team is for real, and that this year's game will end differently than last year's Bulldog victory. This game will be very close with all kinds of potential game-changing momentum swings.
Keys to the Game
Martinsburg
1. Must contain Park View RB Deric Dudinski
2. Establish momentum early to take away home field advantage
3. Stay balanced on offense with run/pass ratio
Park View
1. Establish the Running Game
2. Win the battle at the line of scrimmage
3. Stop Bulldog RB Josh Twyman
Key Players to Watch
Martinsburg Running Back Josh Twyman is a very talented player who gets better as the game goes on. Twyman is averaging 2 touchdowns a game and over 150 rushing yards a contest.
Park View Running Back Deric Dudinski has proven that he is virtually unstoppable. 'D-Rock' as he is called has rushed for close to 1000 yards in 4 games. The talented senior broke the Patriot single game rushing record with his 406 yard 6 TD performance last week.
Outlook
These teams are very similiar. Both Park View and Martinsburg have outstanding running backs and both teams have quarterbacks capable of winning the game with their arms. With such an even matchup, expect field position to be critical in terms of the outcome of this game.
Extra Point:
Park View will retire the jersey of former NFL player Jeff Lageman. Lageman starred for the Patriots before having a great career at UVA and then in the NFL. Expect a great turnout in Sterling Park, and expect the home team to have some motivation to play well. This game should be oustanding.
Andy Hayes' Prediction:
Park View - 28
Martinsburg - 27
Kip Shallis' Prediction
Martinsburg - 31
Park View - 28
Game 2
James Wood Colonels at Liberty Eagles
Friday 7:30pm
Friday's game between James Wood and Liberty will be a game with plenty of things riding on the line for both teams. James Wood (4-0) has proven that this 2006 Colonel football team is for real, and that they plan on contending for the Northwestern District Title. The Liberty Eagles (4-0) have been a dominant football program for years, and this season is no different. Expect both teams to play inspired football and be prepared for a hard hitting low scoring game.
Keys to the Game
James Wood
1. Continue dominance on defense (14points allowed)
2. Win the battle at the line of scrimmage
3. Continue to play mistake free football
Liberty
1. Force James Wood To Play Catch Up By Scoring Early
2. Create and Capitalize On Turnovers
3. Get Myles Reid The Football at least 20 times
Key Players to Watch
James Wood
Lineman Cary Shannon. At 6'5" 305 Shannon is a stud. From his tackle position he has been impossible to stop so far. Shannon and the rest of the Colonel D-line have been in the opponents backfield all season, and could decide the outcome of this game with their play.
Liberty
Myles Reid is the difference maker for the Eagles. Reid is an explosive back with the ability to score from anywhere on the football field. Look for his impact to be felt early in this contest.
Outlook
Expect this to be a low scoring contest with two very deep and stingy defenses. Both teams have a run first mentality, so the quarterback play will be a major factor when the opposing defenses stack the line of scrimmage. The Eagles and the Colonels will begin the game with a ton of emotion and the team that experiences success early should have a great chance at winning this important district battle.
Andy Hayes' Prediction
Liberty - 21
James Wood - 17
Kip Shallis' Prediction
James Wood - 17
Liberty - 14
Game 3
Sherando Warriors at Handley Judges
Saturday 1pm
Saturday's game between cross town rivals Sherando and Handley will be played in front of a packed house at Handley High School. Sherando enters this game at 4-0 with a ton of confidence behind quarterback Ross Metheny. Metheny and the Warriors are a legit state title contender, and this game will go a long way at either proving or dispelling the hype surrounding them.
The Warriors are a very balanced team that has been road tested with wins over Jefferson and Musselman. The 3-1 Handley Judges have reeled off three straight wins and are definitely prepared to protect their house. Each time these football powerhouses play one another, the district title is usually up for grabs, and this season is no exception. Judges quarterback J.J. Dorsey is a legit dual threat quarterback with the potential to break open every game. With every possession being extremely important, expect this game to be decided late in the 4th quarter.
Keys To The Game
Sherando1. Contain J.J. Dorsey and Make someone else beat you
2. Win the Battle In The Trenches
3. Test The Judges Down The Field In The Passing Game
Handley
1. Be physical (Sherando's line is very aggressive)
2. Spread the field and the ball around and Keep Dorsey Off His Back.
3. Win the special teams battle
Players to Watch
Sherando QB Ross Metheny is the leader of this offense. The talented sophomore is a precision passer who has displayed that he can make plays on the ground as well. Metheny is averaging 200 total yards a game and has a 3 touchdown game already on his resume this season.
Handley quarterback JJ Dorsey is the most explosive player in the Gameday Magazine coverage area. Dorsey is to Handley what Vince Young was to Texas. The junior quarterback can carve up a defense with his passing ability or on the ground with his speed. Containing him will be key for Sherando if they are going to win this game.
Outlook
This game may be the best all season long in the Northwestern District. Expect an amazing atmosphere at Handley High School on Saturday, and expect this one to be close. The winner clearly takes the driver seat to a District championship.
Kip Shallis' Prediction
Sherando - 34
Handley - 31
Andy Hayes' Prediction
Handley - 38
Sherando - 37
