Patriots, Panthers To Renew Rivalry Friday
When the Panthers and Patriots buckle the chinstraps on Friday, it will be one of the most intense games of the season. These two teams don't like one another, and they will make sure everyone knows it Friday night with how hard they play to win the game....
Photos By: Jeff Schryver / Gameday Magazine
One key player for Park View on Friday night will be Brandon Absher. Absher is a tremendous defensive player, but he will be counted on to carry the ball and the Patriots on offense some too.
Photo By: Dave Bernhardt / Gameday Magazine
Panther Mike Baker is off to a great start in 2008. He has been the district's best running back. Baker will need to come up big again on Friday night...
Photo By: Jeff Schryver / Gameday Magazine
#8 POTOMAC FALLS VS PARK VIEW
WHERE: Park View High School
WHEN: Friday October 10th, 2008
KICKOFF: 7:30pm
PREGAME: 6:45pm
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Gameday Radio Game of the Week
Broadcast Live Worldwide Online At GamedayMagazine.com
Also Simulcast On AM 1200 WAGE
BROADCAST TEAM:
Tom Whipple (Play By Play)
Bruce Bornarth (Color Commentary)
Andy Hayes (Color Commentary & Sideline)
STERLING, VA - The only game that matters this week in the Sterling area is the one being played at Park View High School on Friday night. The undefeated #8 ranked Potomac Falls Panthers roll into Sterling Park with the intention of leaving with some retribution for some hard fought losses in previous years.
For those who have watched both teams this fall, the odds are in the favor of the Panthers, but we've seen it a million times before. When it is a rivalry game, you can toss the records out, because the hatred and bitterness outweighs any relevant stat you can produce.
The fact is, these two schools are just miles apart, and since Andy Hill and Scott Woodlief took over at Park View and Potomac Falls respectively, this one has become even more intense for various reasons.
Potomac Falls has rattled off 5 straight wins this season over quality opponents including the likes of Martinsburg, WV, Loudoun County, and Heritage. They have been dominant from the get go, and many believe they are the only legit contender beside Broad Run in the Dulles District this year.
That may be a hard pill to swallow for the Park View Patriots, who have won two of the last three district championships under Andy Hill. Last year's Park View team advanced to the regional championship game, but things have been slow going for this year's squad.
Park View opened with a blowout loss to Herndon, then followed that with a tough overtime loss to Jefferson, WV, a team that Potomac Falls beat handily 31-14. The Patriots then pulled out an impressive come from behind win over the Handley Judges, who have become the favorite to win the Northwestern District. While the rollercoaster known as Park View's season has been a little rocky, optimism is still high in Sterling Park. A big win over Freedom last week gave the Patriots some confidence heading into this rivalry game with Potomac Falls Friday. Ok, enough of the fluff, let's break it down.
KEY MATCH-UPS:
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Park View Front Seven vs Potomac Falls Running Attack
The Panthers have won the battle in the trenches in every game this year, but that may be more difficult on Friday because of the loss of their starting center......Park View has some beef on the line too, which will give them a chance to slow down tailback Michael Baker and the Panther running game. Baker has been impressive to say the least, averaging well over 100 yards per game on the ground. Fans in attendance will know quickly on Friday who will win this battle, and all they will have to do is watch how many yards Baker picks up before he is hit. If it is more than 3 or 4, that would equate to bad news for Patriot fans. Look for Park View to put plenty of guys near the line of scrimmage to force the Panthers to throw the football. That could open up some big plays for quarterback Greg Woodlief and receivers Chad McMichael, Tarrell Owens, and tight end Chris Pelto......Advantage Potomac Falls
Park View Running Game vs Panther Defensive Pressure
Last week against Freedom, Park View ran the football 49 times. That is a far cry from the aerial show we have witnessed in previous years from the Patriots. However, the last time Park View had a young quarterback and they played at home against Potomac Falls, the Patriots ran it up and down the field for a 42-14 win. Park View has simplified the playbook for its young quarterbacks, and that means more running plays. The Potomac Falls defense likes to bring pressure from its linebackers and safeties. They will blitz on running downs, and in passing situations. The key for Park View on Friday night will hinge on their ability to run the ball. If they can move the chains on the ground, it will keep the Panthers from rattling their young quarterback Brandon Lee. The Patriots have speed in the backfield, and size on the line. They will run it better than people think in this one......Advantage Park View
KEYS TO VICTORY:
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FOR PARK VIEW:
- Establish The Run Early
- Pressure & Hit Woodlief At Every Opportunity
- Don't Get In A Shootout
FOR POTOMAC FALLS:
- Score Early & Make Park View Play From Behind
- Win The Turnover Battle
- Maintain Composure & Poise
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
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PARK VIEW RECORDS SINCE 2000
2000 12-2
2001 9-1
2002 9-2
2003 5-5
2004 8-2
2005 5-6
2006 9-2
2007 10-2
2008 2-3 (YTD)
POTOMAC FALLS RECORDS SINCE 2000
2000 5-5
2001 4-5
2002 4-5
2003 7-3
2004 4-6
2005 4-6
2006 7-3
2007 3-7
2008 5-0 (YTD)
HEAD TO HEAD:
In the last 8 meetings between Potomac Falls and Park View, the Patriots have won 7 of the contests. In fact, Potomac Falls has only beaten Park View once in school history, and that win came in 2003 behind the performances of former All Gameday quarterback Joe Reilly, and All Gameday tight end Adrian Tracy. In that game, a late touchdown toss to Tracy from Reilly secured the 19-6 win over the Patriots, and led the Panthers to their best record in school history at 7-3.
GAME RESULTS SINCE 2000
2000: Park View 21 - Potomac Falls 7
2001: Park View 38 - Potomac Falls 0
2002: Park View 17 - Potomac Falls 6
2003: Potomac Falls 19 - Park View 6*
2004: Park View 32 - Potomac Falls 7
2005: Park View 33 - Potomac Falls 27
2006: Park View 42 - Potomac Falls 14
2007: Park View 21 - Potomac Falls 14
*Only win for Potomac Falls In Rivalry's History
AGAINST THE COMPETITION:
Potomac Falls has outscored the opposition this season 233 to 79. They are averaging 46.6 points per game on offense, and giving up just 15.8 points per game on defense. Park View is averaging 20.8 points per game on offense, and has given up 24.8 points on defense per game this season. The Patriots have been outscored 124 to 104 thus far in 2008.
Park View's opponents have an overall record of 13-13, while Potomac Falls' opponents have an overall record of 11-16 as of week 5 of the 2008 season.....
X'S AND O'S:
Since taking over the Park View program, Andy Hill is 26-13. He is 3-0 against Potomac Falls, and his Patriots have outscored the Panthers 95-35 in those three contests. Potomac Falls head coach Scott Woodlief is 15-10 since taking over the Panther program in 2006. His Panthers have won their last 6 games and are currently ranked #1 in the state with regard to the Power Points in Division 4.
THE ANDY HILL FILE:
- Has Led Park View To 3 Straight Playoff Appearances Since 2005.....
- His Teams Have Won An Average of 8 games per year in his time as coach
- Hill's Patriots have won the Dulles District Title two of the last three years...
- Was named All Gameday Group AA Coach of the Year In 2006
- Since 2006, Hill's Patriots Have Lost Only Two Dulles District Games....
THE SCOTT WOODLIEF FILE:
- Led The Panthers To A School Best 7-3 Record In His First Year (06')
- Has The Top Ranked Group AA Team In The State In Power Points
- His Panthers Have Won 6 Straight Games Dating Back To Last Season
- Was A Nominee For The 2006 All Gameday Group AA Coach of the Year
HAIL TO THE CHAMPIONS:
Park View will honor the 1988 state championship team Friday night during the game. The Patriots were led by coaching great Ed Scott in 1988, and beat Brookville 51-7 to capture the school's only state championship. They finished the season a perfect 14-0, and still remain the only Dulles District program to win a state title. The Patriots were led by tailback Tony Conway in the title game, who rushed for 204 yards on 18 carries. Conway scored 4 touchdowns in the blowout win. Fullback Brett Stone carried the ball eight times for 44 yards in the contest.
*Gameday will have video and photos of those in attendance who were members of the 1988 championship team. Check out our Photo Gallery on Saturday after the game......
EXPERT PROGNOSTICATION:
After a 9-1 week on my picks, I'm feeling confident over here. I admit, I'm a little surprised at how dominant Potomac Falls has been this season. I knew they had a chance to be solid with more than a few 3-year starters returning, but this good? They are playing with a chip on their shoulder, and more importantly, they have a score to settle with Park View. The Patriots have run away with 2 of the last 3 games, but last year's narrow win left the Panthers with a bad taste. They have been waiting for 365 days to play this game, and the only way Potomac Falls will walk off the field on Friday with a smile is if they crush Park View on the scoreboard. With that being said, Park View has a ton of pride, and a ton of tradition. If the Panthers think they will walk into Sterling Park and win easily, they are mistaken. This Park View team has already shown they can beat a quality opponent, just ask Handley.
The Patriots knew the start of this season was going to be rough, but this game may have been circled on the schedule as the swing game. A win over Potomac Falls gets everything back on track, and it is highly realistic that Park View could win out until they see Broad Run at the end of the year, if they can get the upset win over the Panthers. First things first, emotions will be high, the intensity will be felt by those in attendance, and there will be some serious trash talking. These two teams don't care for one another, and much of that stems from the 2006 game, when some things were said and done toward the end of the game.
You can throw out the 2-3 record for Park View, and you can throw out the 5-0 record for Potomac Falls. I'm looking at this game like each team is 0-0, and you should too. The Panthers have won only once against their rival across town, and don't think for a minute that Park View won't do everything in their power to keep that streak alive. If Potomac Falls can run the ball, they will have the advantage in this one. Park View must show they can play four full quarters of Patriot football, and avoid mistakes late in the game. If they do that, then this one could fall in the favor of the Park View Patriots.....How about that for tap dancing on the fence. Listen to my pick on Gameday All Access if you want to know who I chose in this one!
WEATHER FORECAST:
Presented By: LightningWear.com
Friday October 10th, 2008
Sunny. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the low 50s.
