CHANTILLY vs ROBINSON PREVIEW
# 2 Chantilly (5-1) vs Robinson (4-2)
Where: Chantilly High School
Kickoff: Friday 7:30pm
Media Coverage:
TCC Sports Game of the Week
Broadcast Live On The Gameday Radio Network
At www.GamedayMagazine.com
Pregame: Live Coverage Begins at 6:45pm
Broadcast Team:
Grant Paulsen - Play by Play
Andy Hayes - Color Commentary/Sideline
Ken Kincade - Color Commentary
CHANTILLY, VA - Every week in the Concorde District is tough, just ask Mike Lalli, the head coach of the Chantilly Chargers. For that matter, ask any coach in the Concorde District. The Concorde is arguably the state's toughest football district. When Chantilly faces Robinson on Friday night, as expected, the game will have playoff implications. The winner positions themselves as a legit favorite for the #2 seed in the Northern Region, the loser finds themselves looking potentially at a #5 or #6 seed. The difference could be huge, considering that the expanded playoff format in the Northern Region will most likely allow a lesser opponent to sneak in the second season, giving the #2 seed an easier path to the next round. The #5 and #6 seed will most likely have to battle a much tougher opponent, and that is definitely something Lalli is aware of.
"This game is a big one for us, if we win or lose, it will be a big decider on where we are seeded potentially down the road," Lalli said.
Chantilly enters Friday's contest with a record of 5-1, the only Charger loss coming to the top ranked Westfield Bulldogs. Robinson is 4-2, but that record is a little deceiving due to several players being suspended prior to the West Springfield game a few weeks back. Will Chantilly see the team that thumped Stone Bridge 41-14, or the team that lost to West Springfield? Lalli didn't hesitate with his answer.
"We are going to see the team that thumped Stone Bridge, no question about it. The kids that were suspended are coming back to play against us," Lalli said.
Robinson hasn't been fully loaded so to speak since that Stone Bridge win, so the contest against the Chargers could be a big indication of where this Rams football team will finish in the Concorde District. Without question, this game will feature two of the best running games in the region. Chantilly will spread the football between seniors Bugsy Urrutia and Antonio Cross, and junior Torrian Pace (558 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns). Pace should see the most of the carries with his big play ability. Robinson's running game features Peter Ferrara, one of the best outside runners in the region. Ferrara has rushed for 710 yards and 6 touchdowns this season, good for eleventh best in the region. While the experts have this game being a pound it out, low scoring affair, it could be something entirely different.
Robinson's Tim Meier and Chantilly's Austin Decker have shown they can throw the football when needed, and if both defenses try to load the line of scrimmage with an extra player, look for the Rams and Chargers to go to the air.
If this game is decided with the passing game taking front and center, look for Chantilly to have a slight edge. Decker has completed 23 of 54 passes this year for 348 yards and 4 touchdowns. In addition, he has some outstanding weapons to throw to in receivers Chris Gentile, Justin Carwile, and tight end Jacob Barron. Ferrara figures to be Robinson's best big play threat as well in the passing game, and Chantilly will have to keep an eye on him down the field.
Game Outlook:
This game will come down to two things, controlling the line of scrimmage and avoiding mistakes. The team that does these two things better should be victorious. While that probably is the most obvious football breakdown in the book, it will really be the key to this game. Both teams are poor at coming from behind, so the team that can put pressure on the other by taking them out of their offensive game plan, should be victorious.
Key Match-ups:
Chantilly Offensive Line vs Robinson Defensive Line:
This is the big question mark for me as I've seen both Chantilly dominate on the offensive line, and Robinson dominate a good football team on the defensive line. Something has to give here, and if Chantilly is going to win the game, they have to win this battle.
Robinson's Running Game vs Chantilly's Front Seven:
When Robinson is putting points on the scoreboard, they are usually establishing the outside running attack with Ferrara. The Chantilly defense runs to the football extremely well, but that could play into the hands of the Rams, who utilize several misdirection plays in the backfield to counter a defense that is over aggressive. If Robinson can slow the Charger defensive pursuit down, look for the Rams to have a good night on the ground, but more importantly, be the team with the most points when this game ends.
Keys To Victory:
Presented by: Ourisman Chantilly Toyota
For Chantilly:
- Keep Ferrara Under 100 yards rushing
- Force Robinson to Throw To Win
- Win The Line of Scrimmage Battle
For Robinson:
- Find Balance On Offense
- Limit Yards After Contact with Pace, Cross, Urrutia
- Score First and Score Often, Apply Pressure To Chantilly
Changing of the Guard:
Chantilly head coach Mike Lalli is 19-11 since taking over the Charger program three years ago. The Chargers have won 15 of their last 20 games and are building a reputation for being one of the most physical teams in the state.
Setting the Bar:
Robinson has been one of the most consistent state title contenders in the last decade. The Rams won the Division 6 state title in 1997 and 2001, and played in the title game in 2004. The Rams have won the Northern Region championship 6 times total in school history.
Did You Know?
Robinson's Mark Bendorf was the head coach at Chantilly before he joined the Robinson staff in the 90's as defensive coordinator. Bendorf's 1997 team was the first to win the state championship for the Rams, going 14-0. Bendorf has a regular season career mark of (90-15) and is (14-6) in the postseason.
Chantilly played in the 2006 state championship game against Osbourn, falling 42-20 to finish their magical season. Osbourn was led by Brandon Hogan, who scored 6 touchdowns in the game. One year before Bendorf won his first state title, the Chargers won the 1996 division 6 state championship.
Projected Weather:
Low of 42 degrees with 10-15 mph winds......Clear Skies......
