Gameday Power Poll: Week 12
1. WESTFIELD 12-0
Previous: 1
Up Next: vs. #6 West Springfield
It took Westfield awhile, but they finally got on track during their 41-7 win over West Potomac. Quarterback Mike Glennon, who has been near flawless the entire year, had two very uncharacteristic interceptions in the early going. Expect a more focused team on Saturday as the Bulldogs aim to capture their second region title in five years and move on to the state playoffs.
2. SHERANDO 11-0
Previous: 2
Up Next: vs. #7 Park View
In their semi-final game against the Colonels of James Wood, Sherando played to a classic finish. Despite being down for the majority of the game, they showed why they are one of the better teams in the area as the Sherando offense stormed their way back while the defense provided all the necessary stops. A win against Park View on Friday night would make Sherando the Region II champs while giving them a chance play for a state championship.
3. STONE BRIDGE 11-1
Previous: 3
Up Next: vs. #5 Edison
As they've done all year, Stone Bridge easily disposed of their Liberty District competition as they downed Marshall 49-29 in their semi-final match-up. The Bulldogs now have to face #5 Edison for the third straight year in the Division 5 Northern Region championship game. Last year Edison got the better of Stone Bridge, beating them 31-17, but you can guarantee the Bulldogs will be out to get a little bit of revenge.
4. POTOMAC 11-0
Previous: 4
Up Next: vs. George Washington- Danville
Potomac managed to stay perfect after they beat Fauquier 17-7 in the Northwest Region Division 5 semi-finals last Friday. Potomac now has a chance to successfully defend their region title if they can beat GW-Danville, a school situated right next to the North Carolina border.
5. EDISON 10-2
Previous: 7
Up Next: at #3 Stone Bridge
Edison's explosive playmakers got the job done again last Friday as they beat Madison 31-12 to advance to their respective region championship game. Now they have a date with (surprise, surprise) Stone Bridge where they can win their second straight region championship. They have arguably the area's best player in Ben Barber, but he must now contend with a Stone Bridge defense that doesn't surrender points--or yards--too easily.
6. WEST SPRINGFIELD 10-2
Previous: 8
Up Next: at #1 Westfield
The Spartans are giving new definition to the name Cardiac Kids. They again played to a close finish when star kicker Tyler Bitancourt nailed the go-ahead field goal in the waning seconds to punch the Spartans' ticket to the region championship game. Now up against superpower Westfield, the Spartans may need a bit more than a few last-second heroics.
7. PARK VIEW 10-1
Previous: 9
Up Next: at #2 Sherando
Despite losing to Broad Run and missing out on the Dulles District title, it was the Patriots getting the last laugh when they knocked Broad Run out of the playoffs last Friday. Fittingly enough, Park View got the lead on a gadget play that was used by Broad Run in their previous match-up. Now Park View must set their sights on Sherando and their high-octane offense in the Region II Division 4 championship game.
8. MILLBROOK 9-2
Previous: NR
Up Next: at Monticello
Making their first appearance in the Power Poll are the Millbrook Pioneers. They're fresh off a thrilling 27-24 win over Briar Woods which landed them in their respective region championship game. This team is still surging and they have all the right tools needed to capture a championship this weekend.
9. BROAD RUN 10-1
Previous: 6
Up Next: Season Over
Broad Run's season effectively came to a close last Friday after Park View knocked them out of the playoffs by the score of 16-12. The Spartans still walk away as Dulles District champions, not to mention their future looks incredibly bright under the direction of head coach Mike Burnett.
10. BATTLEFIELD 9-2
Previous: 5
Up Next: Season Over
Battlefield, the number one seed entering the playoffs, was upset last Friday by Woodbridge to end their season. Like Broad Run, the Bobcats had their best season in school history and there is plenty to build on for next year.
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
CHANTILLY 8-3: Chantilly, whose season ended two weeks ago after their stunning loss to Robinson, is still undoubtedly a top team in this area. Before all is said and done, they will more than likely be back in the Power Poll.
FAUQUIER 8-3: The Falcons' season ended after their semi-final loss to #4 Potomac 17-7. Despite the loss, it was the closest any team came to beating Potomac since August. This year marked the return of a Fauquier program that had fallen off quite a bit after years of making the playoffs.
GAR-FIELD 7-4: Gar-Field, as they did earlier in the year, is again flirting with the Power Poll after they defeated Massaponax in double-overtime. The Indians now set up an unlikely Northwest Region Division 6 match-up with 7-4 Woodbridge who was the four seed.
JAMES WOOD 8-3: James Wood might be out of the playoffs, but not before going out with a fight. They came within one yard of possibly beating #2 Sherando, but are now unfortunately out of the playoffs.
WOODBRIDGE 7-4: Woodbridge delivered the most shocking upset in the area after they toppled number one seed Battlefield in stunning fashion. Despite being down 17-0 in the second half, Woodbridge came all the way back to win 20-0. Now the Vikings are in the Northwest Region championship game for the second straight year where they will be pitted against rival Gar-Field.
