The Biggest Games and Upset Alerts In 2008
STERLING, VA - We are less than a month away from the start of the 2008 football season, and the anticipation is building all across Northern Virginia. Last year, we witnessed two state champions and a state runner up within the Gameday coverage area. Whether this area can repeat its dominance this fall or not remains to be seen, but many of us here at Gameday believe the hardware could once again be headed back to our region.
Last July, I predicted the biggest games and possible upsets and hit about 75% of them on the money. This year, I'm shooting for a minimum of 80%, as we all know B's are better than C's. Here is a look at the biggest games and possible upset alerts heading into the 2008 season.
Week 1: August 29th, 2008
West Springfield @ Stone Bridge
Last year's meeting between Stone Bridge and West Springfield saw both teams score plenty of points. The Spartans led most of the first half, but 42 points in the final 3 quarters led Stone Bridge to an impressive season-opening win. Both teams put together great seasons as West Springfield advanced all the way to the regional finals in Division 6, and Stone Bridge took home their first state championship in school history. The storyline in this year's contest will most certainly be the quarterbacks as West Springfield's Bryn Renner and Stone Bridge's Patrick Thompson are two of the state's most impressive. The difference between these two teams is defense. Stone Bridge has one of the state's scariest units returning with All-Gameday players Zach Thompson and Brian Slay anchoring the defensive line. Wake Forest-commit Mike Olson is back at linebacker, and the Bulldogs have several more dominant athletes playing defense. West Springfield can score with anyone, but they will have to stop Stone Bridge, something they haven't done in the previous three years. Safe Pick = Stone Bridge
Upset Alert: Westfield @ South County
If South County's improvement at the end of the season continued in the offseason, the Stallions could shock the entire region with a season opening win over Westfield. The Bulldogs are replacing over 40 seniors from last year's state title squad, which finished 15-0, a VHSL best. South County, led by head coach Pete Bendorf, is looking to turn the corner in 2008 and be a legit title contender. A win over Westfield would put them on the map, and this game is a scary one for the Bulldogs...
Week 2: September 5th, 2008
Robinson @ Stone Bridge
The Rams toasted the Bulldogs 41-14 in last year's contest, and it threw everyone for a loop. The two teams went in different directions after that game, with Robinson finishing a disappointing 6-6, and Stone Bridge winning 13 straight. This year's game will be played in Ashburn, and Stone Bridge fans are looking forward to some redemption. The Rams are looking to rebound from a tough 2007 season, so the outcome could be interesting yet again. Robinson's front line on both sides of the ball controlled the line of scrimmage in 2007, but they will have their hands full with the 2008 version of the Bulldogs. Robinson's Peter Ferrara graduated, and the Bulldogs couldn't be happier after he scored 4 times in last year's game between the two schools. Stone Bridge has too much coming back, and they are determined to show everyone in the Northern Region that last year's blowout was a fluke. Safe Pick = Stone Bridge
Upset Alert: Handley @ Loudoun County
I would bet 99% of the people looking at this game on the schedule will assume the Judges will win in a blowout. I think they may be wrong as Loudoun County's Todd Hill will have a much improved team in 2008. What's better for the Raiders is J.J Dorsey is no longer wearing a Handley uniform, which will give them a chance at a major upset. The game means a ton to Hill as he used to coach and work at Handley, and this is the year for the Raiders to make a move. Look out Judges!
Week 3: September 12th, 2008
West Springfield @ Robinson
This game ends a brutal opening to the 2008 season for both teams, but the difference is, West Springfield doesn't have to play in the Concorde, and Robinson does. This game will be key for both teams. The Spartans play Edison in week 2, and if they start 0-2, this game will be a must-win. Robinson plays Lake Braddock, then Stone Bridge, and then hosts the Spartans. The winner will leave the game with hope, the loser will feel really bad about their chances. Robinson likes to smash it out on the ground, and the Spartans like to air it out. Two different styles and two well coached teams. Bryn Renner should be too much to handle for the Rams secondary, but the game will be closer than expected. Safe Pick = West Springfield
Upset Alert: Oakton @ T.C Williams
Last year's game featuring these two programs was closer than expected. The Cougars snagged the win, but the Titans played them tough. Expect the 2008 contest between these teams to be another close game. Oakton has more experience coming back, and the Titans do as well. The Cougars should win, but we all remember what happens when you doubt the Titans, (i.e Remember The Titans the movie). Thankfully for Oakton, Ronnie Bass isn't playing quarterback for T.C Williams.
Week 4: September 19th, 2008
Westfield @ Chantilly
What else needs to be said? This game is the best the season has to offer for both teams. The crowd, the atmosphere, and plenty of talent will be present when the Bulldogs venture across town to square off against Chantilly. The Chargers return a dominating line with Andrew Crawford and Issac Sine opening holes for talented tailback Torrian Pace. Westfield will be tested in the trenches on defense, but they have some big boys of their own in Tyler Barfield and Tyler Delph. The real question in this game will be the quarterbacks. Both teams are starting fresh faces after the graduation of Austin Decker and Mike Glennon. That being said, this game is at Chantilly, and the Chargers are already hyped to regain the bragging rights. Safe Pick = Chantilly
Upset Alert: Centreville @ Herndon
In the last decade, this game hasn't been much of a must-see, but this year's contest between the Wildcats and Hornets could be entertaining. Herndon was one of the hottest teams in the Northern Region nearing the end of last season, as was Centreville. Both teams need this game to stay in the mix for a Concorde title, which will make the atmosphere intense. Centerville should have an athletic advantage with speed, but Herndon showed heart last year when they took down Oakton in the finale. The Wildcats better bring their A-Game this Friday night...
Week 5: September 26th, 2008
Briar Woods @ Broad Run
Last year, Broad Run snuck out of this contest with a close win, and they may have to do it again in 2008. The Spartans and the Falcons have the beginnings of a rivalry starting, and there was plenty of trash talk off the field to back that up. Broad Run has more talent returning, but according to many that know the Falcon program, Briar Woods should be a title contender again this fall. In order for them to claim their first Dulles District championship, they have to take down the champ on their home turf. That's easier said than done. Safe Pick = Broad Run
Upset Alert: Herndon @ Chantilly
The Chargers won't want a Hornet's nest buzzing on their turf if Herndon is able to upset Centreville the week before. The Chargers should have the size and speed advantage, but Herndon will play with them for four quarters. The outcome of this game depends on how both teams get to this contest. The more confidence Herndon gathers in the first four weeks, the more likely this game is closer than expected...
Week 6: October 3rd, 2008
Chantilly @ Oakton
Last year's game between Oakton and Chantilly was high scoring and fun to watch. Oakton fell to the Chargers, who were just too strong in the trenches to slow down. Defensively, Oakton should be much better in 2008, and the Cougar offense will be tougher to stop with several returning starters. This game could have major district title ramifications on the line as both teams figure to be running out front entering this week's action. While Oakton has the home field advantage, Chantilly has been the more productive team in big games over the past two years. Safe Pick = Chantilly
Upset Alert: Dominion @ Briar Woods
With Deandre Reeves returning for his sophomore campaign, the Dominion Titans will be much improved, especially with first-year head coach Karl Buckwalter. They get Briar Woods in the perfect week, right after a big contest with Broad Run. If the Falcons can prevail over the Spartans, this would be what most would call the perfect let down game. However, Reeves and the Titans could beat anyone on any given night with the way they run the ball, and seeing a team with a proven coach and philosophy is never easy. This could be the toughest game of the year for the Falcons to be ready for...
Week 7: October 10th, 2008
Liberty @ Battlefield
As we look ahead to week 7, the one game that stands out is the game featuring last year's top finisher in the Cedar Run (Battlefield), and its third place team Liberty. Had the Eagles not started 0-2 in 2007, they would have made the playoffs. Battlefield beat Liberty soundly on their field in Bealeton, but this year's game could be different. The Eagles are hungry to get to the playoffs in 2008, something they haven't done in three years. Battlefield has the next big star at quarterback in Bo Revell, and that could give them the advantage. Something tells me Tommy Buzzo's Liberty Eagles will be ready for this one, but they have to prove they can win the big one against the team most picked to win the district. Safe Pick = Battlefield
Upset Alert: Potomac @ Woodbridge
This game features last year's two runner-ups in Division 5 and 6, and it should be a dandy. "The Rocket" De'Antwan Williams returns for Woodbridge at tailback, and he should give the Vikings the advantage in this one. However, Potomac has several returning starters that received important experience in the post-season, and they only lost one game all year long. Because this game is at Woodbridge, the Vikings should be considered the favorite, but Potomac could sneak out with the upset, and nobody would be shocked...
Week 8: October 17th, 2008
Stone Bridge @ Madison
This game is always highlighted by Gameday every year, and most of the time, Stone Bridge runs away with it. Last year's game was somewhat closer (27-7), but the Bulldogs were highly superior athletically. We expect more of the same this season from Stone Bridge, and even if Madison takes huge strides with their offense and quarterback Will Clarkson, you may not see it from the results of this game. Stone Bridge has way too much firepower to finally lose a game to the Warhawks, even with this game being played at Madison. Safe Pick = Stone Bridge
Upset Alert: James Wood @ Sherando
Last year's playoff meeting between Sherando and James Wood was a scary one for the Warriors. They trailed 14-0 late in the 3rd quarter before the heroics of quarterback Ross Metheny saved the day. James Wood has a new coach, but we expect the Colonials to still play smash mouth football and more importantly, study the film from their last game from 2007 against Sherando. If the Warriors slip at all in 2008, it could very well be against James Wood, which showed they could play a physical brand of football with the Northwestern District's best.
Week 9: October 24th, 2008
Oakton @ Westfield
Last year's meeting between the Bulldogs and Cougars wasn't close, but no team has beaten Westfield more than Oakton has over the past 6 years. The Cougars could very well enter this game leading the Concorde District standings, and Westfield could be as well. Quarterback Danny Fenyak will have more than half of a season under his belt as Westfield's starter, which will allow head coach Tom Verbanic to open up the playbook some in this one. Oakton will need to control the line of scrimmage against the Bulldogs, something they did two years ago, and didn't come close to doing last season. Expect this game to be a close one with a big play at the end deciding the outcome. It's hard to choose which team deserves the nod this early, but because Westfield is at home, I'm staying with the Bulldogs. Safe Pick = Westfield
Upset Alert: Potomac Falls @ Broad Run
Without question one of the most intense non-rivalry games we see every year is the annual clash between Potomac Falls and Broad Run. The two schools simply don't care for one another, and they hate to lose to each other in any sport. The Spartans should be undefeated at this point in the season, and the Panthers would love nothing more than to spoil Broad Run's championship hopes. The Panthers could very well pull off the Dulles District's biggest upset in 2008 with a win over Broad Run...
Week 10: October 31st, 2008
Sherando @ Millbrook
Northwestern District fans have this one circled on their calendar already after last season's finale between the two teams. The Warriors and Pioneers will have the two most experienced teams returning, and that should equate to a great game to watch for those in attendance. Millbrook's Clayton and Calvin Rodney should be dominating for the Pioneers this season, and they will give the Warriors fits on both offense and defense. The entire Winchester community will once again be on hand to watch this one, and that usually brings out the best in Sherando's Ross Metheny. As long as Metheny is healthy entering this game, the Warriors should escape with a win, but it will be closer than last year's contest. Safe Pick = Sherando
Upset Alert: Edison @ Chantilly
Last season, the Eagles and Chargers finished in a 21-14 game with Chantilly closing the door late on their way to the win. Edison has to find a replacement for Ben Barber, but the Eagles have several major college football prospects on their 2008 roster. Linebacker Stephon Robertson will be the most disruptive defensive player Chantilly's offense faces all year long, and that could impact the outcome of this game. If Edison can get a lead, they may get revenge on last year's tough loss...
Week 11: November 7th, 2008
Broad Run @ Park View
In what could be another game with the district title on the line, the Spartans travel across town to face Park View in the most storied of Dulles District rivalries. Broad Run is still flying high from their big regular season finale win over Park View last fall, but the Patriots knocked them out of the playoffs a week later. That hasn't sat well with Broad Run's returning players and coaches, so expect an even more intense game this season. The Patriots return several talented players including receiver Tommy Sedeski and defensive end Kenny Smith. They will be the most physical team Broad Run sees all year, as expected. The outcome of this game will come down to who makes more plays. The Spartans have the weapons in All-Gameday tailback Breon Earl and wideout Adrian Flemming, and that should be the difference. Safe Pick = Broad Run
Upset Alert: Loudoun County @ Heritage
In the past three years, Heritage has finished 7-3 twice and has never made the playoffs. Could this be their year? Well, it is possible that the Pride could roll into their annual battle of Leesburg with rival Loudoun County at 7-2, and a loss to the Raiders would be devastating. Loudoun County will be the sleeper team to watch in the Dulles District, and they will have plenty to play for at the end of the season if things go better for them this fall. Heritage will need to bring their best if they want to finally take that next step and get into the post-season...
