Westfield vs Chantilly: Analytical Breakdown
CHANTILLY, VA - So who gets the advantage for this Thursday's huge game between #2 Chantilly and #1 Westfield? Well, at Gameday Magazine, we'll break it all down for you. From offense to special teams to the intangibles we'll take you through every aspect on what could be the most highly anticipated game of all time in the Concorde District.
OFFENSE: ADVANTAGE CHANTILLY
The Chargers come into this game scoring an average of 42 points a game, which is good enough for best in the region (although Westfield averages 41.3 ppg.). Each week, their offense continues to get better and they've put up those big numbers against the likes Langley and Annandale, both contenders in their respective districts. The Chargers also feature a three-headed monster in the form of running backs Torrian Pace, Antonio Cross, and Bugsy Urrutia. Factor in the stellar play of quarterback Austin Decker, and you have a ground game that is lethal. Stop the run, and you have to deal with the arm of Decker, who is plenty of capable of tearing a secondary apart.
DEFENSE: ADVANTAGE WESTFIELD
Statistically speaking, this was the best defense in all of the Northern Region last year. So far they've managed to again have the most stifling defense in the region as they've only allowed 13 points in three games. Led by linebacker Brian Kennedy, this team is solid all the way around, especially at the linebacker position. The secondary hasn't been tested much, so that might be a weak point, but expect safety Tucker Carl to hold down the fort. Gaining yards on this unit is no easy task, so the Chargers certainly have their hands full on Thursday night.
SPECIAL TEAMS: ADVANTAGE WESTFIELD
While we know Chantilly has big play threats on kickoffs and punt returns with Chris Gentile, we still give the edge to Westfield here mainly because of kicker David Skahn. Skahn has excellent range and has the potential to nail a 50-yard field goal. If this game comes down to the wire, Skahn will be a great weapon to have.
COACHING: ADVANTAGE CHANTILLY
Yes, we know head coach Mike Lalli has only been around for a short time, but what he's done in that short time frame is nothing short of spectacular. He has a Northern Region title, state championship appearance, and the label of hero after resurrecting what looked to be a dead program. Lalli has also proven that he can win the big game and knows how to adjust his gameplan when need be. Make no doubt about, Lalli is truly one of the best coaches this region has to offer.
INTANGIBLES: ADVANTAGE WESTFIELD
When you factor in that Westfield has home-field advantage and that there will be a full on 'black out' in effect, you can't help but think that Bulldogs will get an extra dose of adrenaline. Yet what really gives Westfield the edge in this department is that no one from Westfield has forgotten last year's loss to Chantilly in the region championship, making the revenge factor a huge one. From coaches to players, there is nothing Westfield would like more than to stick it to the Chargers on Thursday.
