PREVIEW: POTOMAC FALLS @ LOUDOUN CO.
Chad McMichael (right) and Michael Baker (left) are main pieces in the offensive puzzle that has been so successful for the Potomac Falls Panthers this season. McMichael is the top reciever in the Dulles going into Friday's game...
Photo By Marc Gold \ Gameday Magazine Chief Photographer
Joe Bushrod is guiding his Loudoun County Raiders team towards big things in 2008, and gives Raider Nation a reason to be excited about a possible play-off visit tis year...
Photo By Jeff Schryver \ Gameday Magazine
POTOMAC FALLS (4-0 \ 1-0) @ LOUDOUN COUNTY (3-1 \ 1-0)
When: Friday October 3, 2008
Kickoff: 7:30pm
Media Coverage:
Gameday Radio Network
Live Coverage Begins at 7:15pm
Online at GamedayMagazine.com
Broadcast Team:
Tom Whipple & Bruce Bornarth
STERLING, VA - In an unlikely battle for a share of the top spot in the Dulles District, the Potomac Falls Panthers travel to Loudoun County High School Friday night, to take on the surprising Raiders, and will put their undefeated record to the test inside the hostile environment of Raider Nation. The Raiders are flying high so far this season, sporting only 1 non-district loss, and are coming off a signature win last week over Park View. The Panthers continued their dominant ways last Friday, dispatching the Heritage Pride in dominant fashion. The winner will go on as a front runner in the District, while the other will have to regroup, and win out for another chance at the title...
Potomac Falls proved to everyone last week that their season to date has been no fluke. Prior to their contest against Heritage, the Panthers outscored their opponents 138-44. This against arguably, lesser, younger competition. But the 48 they put up last week...28 in the 1st quarter alone...against a good Heritage defense, made all doubters start to think that this year's Potomac Falls team may very well have a shot at the Dulles title. After last week's pasting, the Panthers have rightly earned recognition from the VHSL, as the Power Rankings came out this week, and they now sit on top of the Division 4 rankings, but share that spot with Pulaski. An outstanding fete, as traditional powers Sherando, Broad Run, Amherst, and Salem all now trail the Sterling team at the half-way mark.
Loudoun County? Who'da thunk it??? Well Raider Nation sure did, and look at the Raiders now! Tied for the Dulles lead, and sporting a 3-1 record. Their lone loss was to a powerful Handley team that upended Division 4 power Sherando last week. Noteworthy in the respect that if Handley continues on their streak, and takes the Northwestern District title, Loudoun County keeps racking up Power Points, should they too continue to keep winning. This is important as the Raiders are also in Division 4, and it will be tough making the playoffs in this Division if you are not a District winner. So a win against the Panthers is crucial on several levels. But win or lose, the excitement is back at Loudoun County High School, and football is fun again for this community. Senior QB Joe Bushrod is the offensive leader of the resurgent Raiders, and also in the District, throwing for 640 yards so far on the season on 41 of 65 passing. But the weakness for the Raider offense is their ability to score.
KEY MATCH-UPS:
Presented By: Moe's Southwest Grille
QB Joe Bushrod vs. Potomac Falls Secondary
Bushrod has proven to be a prolific quarterback, and he is very mobile. He utilizes many different receivers, including juniors Chase Williams, Adam Yesuf, and Michael Ayoub,. The issue is that he has only found the endzone 4 times. The Panthers sport a solid secondary that flies to the football, and can steal it from you quickly, and are led by senior Chris Pelto and junior Tarrell Owens, who had a pick for touchdown in last weeks game. Advantage...Potomac Falls
Potomac Falls' Running Game
vs. Loudoun County's Front 7
Don't be fooled by the "Pass-To-Set-Up-The-Run" offense of the Panthers. This is a solid running attack, led by Sr. Michael Baker. QB Greg Woodlief also likes to run, when in the shot-gun. Loudoun County has given up many yards on the ground in previous games, so the Raider's need to win the trench war...the "Big Uglies" need to own the box, wrap up and gang tackle, and force the Panthers into that passing game, where the Raider's speed will equal things out. Advantage...Potomac Falls
Loudoun County's Offense vs. Potomac Falls' Defense
Herein lays a glaring disparity. The Panthers have only given up an average of 16.3 points per game. The Raiders are averaging 21.2 points scored per contest. Loudoun County will need to find a way to put more points on the board than they are used to, in order to keep this game close...against a defense that is as stingy as it comes. Advantage...Potomac Falls
KEYS TO VICTORY:
Presented By: The Fractured Prune
FOR LOUDOUN COUNTY
- Contain Greg Woodlief...Keep Him In Pocket
- Sustain Time Consuming Offensive Drives...And Score Once Inside The Red Zone
- Dominate The Box On Defense...Wrap and Gang Tackle
FOR POTOMAC FALLS
- Grind Out A Well Balanced Running Game To Wear Down The Defense
- Hit Your Receivers And Take What The Defense Gives You
- Fly To The Football On Defense; Force The Turnover
GAME OUTLOOK:
The importance of this game is, possibly, a bit different from both sides. The Panthers will be looking for this win to thin the heard at the top of the standings, and keep them with a spotless record, looking towards their October 24 showdown in Ashburn, against Broad Run, should they be able to dispatch Park View and Freedom along the way. A fete that doesn't look that daunting at this point. The Raiders on the other hand really have nothing to lose in this game, and everything to gain. A win validates their season, to date, and the hard work the team has put in to get back to respectability, in such a short time (since coach Todd Hill took over the program). A loss won't shock anyone, and no finger pointing will occur. But the future will still look promising, as it won't, necessarily, knock them out of a play-off berth...yet.
WEATHER FORECAST:
Mostly sunny late afternoon, becoming mostly cloudy by evening. High near 69, with a low around 46.
