Gameday Notebook - NWD (6th Ed.)
James Wood's offense got the job done against Skyline, keeping the Colonels chances at a district title alive.
Photo By: Jeff Schryver / Gameday
Sherando's Roger Smith, Jr. had to shoulder the load last week with Ross Metheny bring out due to injury. Smith, Jr. answered the call, carrying 33 times for 197 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Photo By: Jeff Schryver / Gameday
Jordan Dallman had a game to remember against Skyline. He caught two touchdown passes from Trae Tinsman, and his solid defense helped the Colonels force 5 turnovers, including 1 interception by Dallman.
Photo By: Jeff Schryver / Gameday
WINCHESTER, VA - As the regular season draws to a close, we take another look at the Northwestern District and how things could stack up in the postseason. It has been a season filled with highs and lows, close games, upsets, and the emergence of some new blood at the top of the district standings. This Friday we are set for a district championship showdown, as the Handley Judges and James Wood Colonels facing off with the winner almost guaranteed to take home the district title. So, sit back and enjoy another installment of the Gameday Notebook, Northwestern District style.
Judges Use Ground Game in Big Win
The Handley Judges used the old school "ground it and pound it" mentality last Saturday afternoon against Warren County. The Judges capitalized on 5 Wildcat turnovers to score the 40-7 victory and set up this week's game versus James Wood for the district title. Fullback Leonard Grant and halfback Timar McFarlane both went over the 100-yard mark on the ground for the second consecutive week in the win. Although McFarlane did not reach the end zone in the contest, he did contributed 123 yards on the ground. It was Leonard Grant who had the career game in this one. Grant gained 157 yards on just 14 carries and scored 5 touchdowns, one coming on a fumble return defensively. The Judges were again without Jeremiah Wilson, who sat out the contest with a hamstring injury.
Tigers Have No Answer For Smith, Jr.
The Sherando Warriors were without Ross Metheny for the first time in his career as they faced the Brentsville Tigers in district action. Despite missing their signal-caller, the Warriors did not miss a beat defeating the Tigers 46-7. Roger Smith, Jr. was asked to shoulder the load, and he stepped up to perform. Smith, Jr. carried the football 33 times for 197 yards and 5 scores. Junior backup quarterback Corey Rice played well managing the game for Coach Bill Hall, completing 3 straight passes on the final drive of the first half, leading to one of Smith, Jr.'s touchdowns.
22-Point 3rd Quarter Too Much For Falcons
The Central Falcons pushed the Millbrook Pioneers in the first half of the contest last Friday night, actually taking a 7-6 lead into the halftime break. The Pioneers came out re energized in the 2nd half, outscoring the Falcons by 16 points after the break, including scoring 22 points of their own in the 3rd quarter alone. Citing a coach's decision both Clayton and Calvin Rodney missed the ballgame against the Falcons. Leading the way for the Pioneers in the game were Andrew Oates who threw for 131 yards, Jordan Hartman who gained 80 yards on the ground, and Allen Silver who added 72 yards rushing.
Colonels Stay Perfect Against Hawks
James Wood took care of their business against the Skyline Hawks 27-6, staying perfect in district play last week. Coming off the emotional win over Sherando 2 weeks ago some wondered if the Colonels would be able to "get up" for this one and keep their title hopes alive; it did not take long for the team to answer those questions. James Wood forced 5 turnovers in the game, 2 coming from interceptions, including one by Jordan Dallman. Dallman also added two touchdown catches from Trae Tinsman in the game, and limited Skyline's Andrew Thorne to just 20 yards receiving. It was again Tinsman playing well for the Colonels in another must-win game. The junior finished the game with 2 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown.
This Week's Schedule
Central (1-8; 0-6)
At
Brentsville (1-7; 1-4)
Sherando (6-2; 4-2)
At
Millbrook (5-4; 3-3)
Handley (7-1; 5-0)
At
James Wood (8-1; 6-0)
Skyline (6-3; 3-3)
At
Warren Co. (3-6; 1-5)
Northwestern Game to Watch
Handley at James Wood
Friday October 31st, 2008, 7PM
There is nothing more to say about this game except it is for all the marbles. Both teams enter the contest with perfect district records and the winner will be the Northwestern District champion for the 2008 season. There is also playoff seeding on the line for both squads. A win for James Wood would give them an automatic #2 seed in the Region II Division 4 playoffs, while Handley could move to the number 1 overall spot in Division 3.
This game has gone the way of the Judges since 2000, with the Colonels winning only once in the 8 year span, however; that win did come last season with James Wood topping Handley 35-13 en route to their first playoff appearance in a long time. The Judges will be looking for redemption and the district title, which has resided in Stephens City with the Sherando Warriors over the past few years. Both squads have something in common this year; both defeated the Warriors earlier in the year and they both lost to Dulles district opponents in non-district play.
There are many match-ups in this one that I could talk about, but I have only the luxury of choosing one, so here it goes. This game will come down to the battle in the trenches with the big boys. Handley sports a very big defensive front that has been able to apply pressure to almost anyone all year long, while the James Wood offensive line is one of the most experienced in the district. Conversely, the Colonels defensive front has wreaked havoc as well all season long, while the Judges' offensive line has opened up holes for whoever is running the football in 2008. These match-ups will go a long way in determining who wins this game and takes home the 2008 Northwestern District title and an automatic birth into the Region II playoffs.
Gameday Prediction: James Wood 21 - Handley 20
