Cougars Need To Win To Get In The Playoffs
When the Oakton Cougars meet the Annandale Atoms on Friday night, it will be more than just the last game of the regular season, at least for the Cougars. After winning the 2005 Division 6 State Title, the Cougars haven't had quite the same type of success this year. Entering Friday's game, Oakton stands at (5-4) and needs a win and a Robinson loss to Westfield to secure a post-season berth. Annandale meanwhile can relax because they will win the Patriot District even if they take a loss against Oakton on Friday. They are guaranteed the 2nd seed in the Division 6 playoffs, and will most likely face a Chantilly Charger team that's only loss came against the top ranked Westfield Bulldogs.
Gameday Matchup:
Friday's match-up will feature two teams with similar styles on offense. Annandale will try to establish the running game with senior quarterback Nathan Cartagena, who has compiled 1,233 yards rushing this season while also throwing for 7 touchdowns. Cartagena is a duel threat at quarterback and has rushed for 9 touchdowns through 9 games. The Atoms also have two outstanding athletes in the backfield and on the perimeter with tailback R.J Pearson and wideout Antwaun Broxton, both have 3 touchdowns catches this season.
Oakton's style continues to be smash mouth football. The Cougars use a plethora of running backs that include speedster Orlando Bryant (6.88 yards per carry), and tough guy Jon Kedrock (6.72 yards per carry). The combination and effectiveness of Oakton's running backs make it difficult for defenses to catch their breath. Oakton will most likely feature sophomore Ryan Harris behind center. Harris has played well and is a big reason why the Cougars are still in the hunt for the playoffs.
Nuggets of the Game:
Presented by Chick-Fil-A
For Annandale:
- Must take away the Cougar running game
- Score Early and Force Oakton to Play From Behind
- Control The Time of Possession
For Oakton-
- Get A Big Play Or Two In Special Teams
- Get Kedrock Involved Early To Wear Down The Atom Defense
- Take At Least 6 or 7 Shots Deep In the Passing Game
Key Players To Watch:
Oakton Cougars:
Wide Receivers Ervin Garner and Jared Green are faster than anyone on the field. If Oakton can get them the ball down the field, the Cougars could score in the 40's in this game. Garner is also a star on special teams and can change a game in a hurry. Look for him to have a big return in the punt game that could sway this game toward the Cougar's direction.
For Annandale:
Running back R.J Pearson is Cartagena's favorite target in the backfield and in the passing game. Pearson has 5 rushing touchdowns this season to go along with his 223 yards receiving and 3 touchdown catches. If Annandale is going to be successful in this game, Pearson is going to have to run the ball well, and that means the Atom's offensive line must win the battle in the trenches. Annandale has rushed for nearly 2,000 yards this season as a team, and a solid running attack on Friday night could be the key to victory.
Extra Point:
Oakton's chances to make the playoffs require two things. 1) Oakton must win against Annandale. 2) Robinson must lose to Westfield. If both things happen, the Cougars will find themselves playing in the second season starting next week. The only other way for the Cougars to make it in if they lose is if Robinson also loses and the Cougars advance because their power points add up to be more than the Robinson's. Sounds more complicated than the BCS, but the Cougars aren't complaining.
Our Prediction:
Oakton wants this game more than Annandale and plays in a tougher district. Their close game against Westfield gave them confidence that they are capable of beating the best in the district. If the Cougars play like they did against Robinson and Westfield, this one is easy to predict. The Cougars take care of business and then keep their fingers crossed that Glennon and the Bulldogs finish undefeated with a win over Robinson.
Final Predicted Score:
Oakton Cougars - 24
Annandale Atoms - 17
Projected Weather Forecast:
Sunny. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the low 50s.
