Cougars, Bulldogs Set For Primetime Match-up
Oakton vs #1 Westfield
Kickoff: 8pm Saturday Night
At: Oakton High School
Broadcast Media:
TCC Sports Game of the Week
Live Coverage Starts at 6:45pm
Online at www.GamedayMagazine.com
Commentators: Bubba Purcell, Andy Hayes, Grant Paulsen
VIENNA, VA - When you put Oakton and Westfield on the same field, the result usually is a great game. Both teams have won a state title in the last four years, both teams have great coaches, and both teams are headed for the second season. When the two meet again on Friday night at 7:30pm, the Cougars have more at stake. Oakton is 5-3 and fighting for a berth in the playoffs, while Westfield has already clinched a playoff spot with a perfect 8-0 record. If the Cougars can pull off the win, Oakton will most likely grab a better seeding in the Northern Region playoffs.
Oakton is fresh off a big win over traditional power Robinson last Saturday. The Cougars dominated the Rams 40-14 and may be starting to peak at the right time. Westfield on the other hand, has dominated everyone this season. Last week the Bulldogs scorched the Herndon Hornets for 34 points and the game went only 3 quarters with lightning forcing an early ending. Both teams pride themselves on playing great defense, and both like to establish the run. Let's get to the breakdown on how these two teams match-up.
Key Match-ups:
Presented By Ourisman Chantilly Toyota
Westfield Wide Receivers vs Oakton Secondary
The Bulldogs have a potent passing attack led by All Gameday quarterback Mike Glennon. Glennon completes over 67% of his passes and his favorite targets include wideout Johnny Pickett (11 touchdowns) and David Kruchko (7 touchdowns). If Oakton is going to win this game, they have to keep Pickett and Kruchko from getting behind them in the secondary. The Bulldogs can beat you by running the ball and throwing short routes, but they will destroy you with the big play much quicker. The Cougars know this all too well after last year's 4th quarter comeback led by Glennon. The good news for Oakton, the weather should help limit the Bulldog passing attack.
Oakton Running Game vs Westfield Front Seven
Last year, the Oakton Cougars dominated the Westfield front seven at the point of attack by running the football effectively early and often in the 1st half. However, the Cougars struggled to keep the momentum in the 2nd half and their inability to control the line of scrimmage late opened the door for the Bulldogs to come from behind to win. If Oakton is going to be victorious this week, the Cougars must win the battle in the trenches all game long. Westfield is stronger on the defensive line, but Oakton should have success running the ball if they execute. Quarterback Chris Coyer could be the X-factor with his running ability. Watch this match-up closely as it will most likely determine the chances the Cougars have of pulling the upset.
Nuggets of the Game:
Presented By: Chick-fil-A
For Westfield:
- Get Brian Kennedy At Least 15 Carries
- Force Oakton To Throw To Win
- Get Glennon Off To A Good Start
For Oakton:
- Mix Coverages & Get A Pass Rush
- Win The Battle In Trenches
- Limit The Big Play
All Gameday Key Players To Watch:
For Westfield:
Mike Glennon - Quarterback (2006)
Glennon has thrown 19 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions this season. He's the most accurate passer in the region completing over 67% of his passes. If he can continue throwing touchdowns and maintain his accuracy in this game, Westfield should win the game. He will be the best football player on the field when this game is played.
Brian Kennedy - Linebacker/Running Back (2006)
Kennedy doesn't get a ton of carries on offense, but when he does, he makes the most of it. Westfield would be wise to give him the ball at least 15 times because his speed and play making ability to break this game open early. He's an even bigger force on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker and Oakton must get him blocked....Easier said than done.
All Gameday Watch:
For Oakton:
Trey Watts - Running Back
Watts was injured in the beginning of the season, but once he returned the Cougars started winning. Watts was the focal point in last year's Westfield game on the ground and if he has similar success running the football as he did in 2006, this game will be very close with Oakton having a great chance to win.
Jack Tyler - Linebacker
Tyler is a throwback player and his job against Westfield is a very important one. Tyler has to help stop the run, but he also may be called on to punish receivers who dare cross the middle of the field, and also pressure Glennon if called upon to blitz. He will be all over the field and very key to Oakton having a chance to win this game.
Game Notes:
Since 2002, Westfield is 62-6 with four of those losses coming from Oakton and three of those losses to the Cougars were in the playoffs. Oakton has accounted for 67% of Westfield's losses in the last five years......
Quotables:
"I don't sleep too often during the weeks, especially when we play someone like Oakton." - Westfield Head Coach Tom Verbanic on Oakton
"Not too many teams get a chance to play the number one team in the state, but we want to. Our kids are excited to play the best team in the state." - Oakton Head Coach Joe Thompson on playing Westfield.
Expert Prognostication:
Ok, here's how this game will play out. Oakton always plays Westfield tough, so it's not a far fetched assumption that this year will be very similar to prior meetings. However, Oakton is a young team that is just starting to get things together, while Westfield is one of the most experienced and talented teams in the state. On paper, Westfield should win this game by at least two scores, but that is why they play the games. If Oakton takes care of the football and more importantly, wins the battle in the trenches, they can win this game. Mother Nature might give Oakton an advantage by putting the brakes on the Westfield speed advantage, but then again, Westfield has in my eyes, the best player at the right position. Mike Glennon showed last year that even if Westfield is struggling, he can pull his team back from the jaws of defeat with his arm, and he in my opinion will be the difference in this game. It should be an outstanding and entertaining game to watch.
Weather Forecast:
62 Degrees and Clear with a 10% chance of light rain showers. Low of 49 Degrees.....How about that for football weather!
