Stone Bridge, Phoebus Set For Rematch
The Entire State Of Virginia Will Be Paying Close Attention To How Saturday's Contest Between Stone Bridge And Phoebus Turns Out. Our Live Radio Coverage Begins Online At 12:30pm Right Here At GamedayMagazine.com.....
Photo By: Gameday Magazine
The biggest question mark on Saturday is how the Phoebus offensive line will hold up against one of the best defensive lines in the state. Stone Bridge's front four features three future ACC football players in Zach Thompson (Wake Forest), Brian Slay (N.C State), and David Wang (Virginia Tech).
Photo By: Gameday Magazine
Last week, Stone Bridge's Zach Thompson caused havoc in the Edison backfield. As shown here, Phoebus would be wise to not put a tailback on Thompson with the hopes of preventing him from getting to the quarterback. It doesn't get any easier with Slay on the other side.....
Photo By: Marc Gold / Gameday Magazine
STONE BRIDGE vs PHOEBUS
Division 5 - State Semifinals
Kickoff: 1:30pm Saturday
Where: Darling Stadium, Norfolk, VA
Capacity: 8,000
MEDIA COVERAGE:
The Gameday Radio Network:
Live Coverage Begins at 12:30pm
Online At GamedayMagazine.com
BROADCAST TEAM:
Andy Hayes - Play By Play
Justin Waddle - Color Commentary
Glenn Wooten - Sideline Commentary
NORFOLK, VA - Last December, those in attendance at Stone Bridge High School for the state semifinals saw one of the great games in recent history. The defending state champion Phantoms brought a 20 game winning streak to Ashburn, and for the first two quarters, it looked like they would make it 21 and a return trip to the title game.
However, Stone Bridge found a way to capitalize on a few Phoebus mistakes in the second half, and then started to impose their will in the trenches, finishing with a 38-24 win. The Bulldogs used that game as the stepping stone for their first state championship in school history the following week, and now one year later, here we are again.
Most high school football seasons are filled with suspense and unpredictable outcomes, but for Stone Bridge and Phoebus, this season has been all business, and all about Saturday's rematch. Both teams knew that their paths would cross again, and that a return trip to the championship game for the Bulldogs would run through Darling Stadium in Norfolk.
Phoebus enters this year's game again undefeated at 13-0, and they have blown out nearly every opponent this year. Their 14-0 win over Lake Taylor in the regional championship was the closest game they played all year. Back is quarterback Tajh Boyd, who recently changed his mind about playing for West Virginia and decided he would become a Volunteer next fall at the University of Tennessee. Seniors Dominik Davenport and Shawn Alston are also back, as are the majority of talented players from last year's team that fell short in Ashburn to the Bulldogs.
While many of the pundits will talk about Boyd and the Phantom offense this week, the biggest difference from the 2007 and 2008 Phoebus teams is the defense. Phoebus is allowing a staggering 2.5 points per game through 13 contests, while their offense is averaging 49.6 points per game.
Those two stats collide with a Stone Bridge team on Saturday that is averaging 49.2 points per game, and allowing just 7.8 points per game in 13 lopsided wins this fall.
So should we expect an 8 to 3 Phoebus win on Saturday? I highly doubt it! The fact is, neither team has seen the quality of opponent they will line up against on Saturday, which will make for some interesting moments in this one.
Last year's 38-24 win for Stone Bridge could have very easily been a defeat if it weren't for 5 Phoebus turnovers. The Phantoms had their chances in the first half to make the score so one-sided, that Stone Bridge would not have had the luxury to run the football much in the second half. That proved to be the difference, as in the second half, the Bulldogs started to take over in the trenches, and Phoebus could never recover.
Stone Bridge fans could say that their 4 turnovers in the game made it closer than it should have been, and both sides would probably agree that the 2007 contest was sloppy at best, even though it was a great football game.
So how do we break down this game with two teams that look just like each other, can both say they were state champions in the last two seasons, and boast a dozen or so future, major college football players between the two of them? We flip a coin, that's how!
All kidding aside, this game should prove to be about two things. Who controls the football, and who makes the least mistakes. It is that simple. How we get to those two factors though can use some diagnosing. Let's break it down.
KEY MATCH-UPS:
Presented By: Fuddruckers of Ashburn
The Stone Bridge Offensive Line vs The Phoebus Defensive Line
The Bulldogs won this battle most of last year's game, and Phoebus grew tired as the game wore on. This year though, Phoebus has less two way players, and more depth, which should help. Stone Bridge is so deep on the offensive line however, that future Hokie David Wang, who played a key role last year against the Phantoms on the line, played mostly defense this season. With that being said, the Bulldog offensive line will have to win this game for Stone Bridge. It really comes down to Stone Bridge's ability to run the football in this game. In a hostile environment, and against some outstanding Phoebus talent in the secondary, the Bulldogs must get control of the line of scrimmage early. It is my opinion that we could see the first quarter be even, but if the Bulldogs start to move the ball on the ground in the second quarter, that should be a sign to Stone Bridge fans that the battle is beginning to be won. With Davenport lining up in many different positions, Phoebus will cause some problems for the Bulldogs, but I believe Stone Bridge still holds the overall advantage in this match-up......Advantage Stone Bridge..........
Phoebus Running Game vs The Stone Bridge Defensive Front Seven:
The Phantoms didn't run the ball well against Stone Bridge last year, and much of that was due to some dominating play by Zach Thompson, Brian Slay, Jimmy Bradford, and linebacker Mike Olson. Phoebus tailback Shawn Alston wasn't full speed though, so it is hard to tell how much his injuries entering that game affected the Phantom running attack. Phoebus, like most teams that line up against 3 future ACC defensive lineman, will have trouble moving the ball on the ground again on Saturday. Stone Bridge has changed their scheme defensively from last year to feature a 4th down lineman, and that position is occupied by Wang. The one thing Phoebus did do well last year was catch Stone Bridge with some screen passes that gained big yardage. The Bulldog defense may win the battle up front with their power, but the Phantom speed could cause a big problem if those names mentioned above don't get to the guy with the ball. I'm still a believer that if you win the battle up front on either side of the ball, you should win the game......Advantage Stone Bridge
Phoebus Skill Position Players vs Stone Bridge Skill Position Players:
The Bulldogs have some solid talent on offense in quarterback Patrick Thompson, and tailback Daniel Allen. But both of those guys are highly doubtful with ankle injuries sustained in last week's regional championship game. Phoebus on the other hand is nearly 100% healthy with the exception of a nagging knee injury for Tajh Boyd. Stone Bridge will be at a disadvantage on Saturday with regard to speed. Sophomore Marcus Harris is going to be their best threat along with receiver Michael Prince. The Phantoms will key on the run game up front, and they will play aggressive man coverage in the secondary in my opinion simply because they have the athletes to do it. This will be a key thing to watch as Stone Bridge has recently seen a fast defense in Edison's, but saying that Edison and Phoebus are that similar isn't very accurate.......Advantage Phoebus
Mickey Thompson (Stone Bridge Head Coach) vs Bill Dee (Phoebus Head Coach)
In their only meeting, which was last year's contest, Thompson made a few calls that were instrumental in the game swaying in Stone Bridge's favor. On 4th and 3 late in the 4th quarter, trailing by 3 points, Thompson sent out his offense and drew the Phantom defense offside. It was by far, the call of the game, and it tilted the outcome to the Bulldogs. Dee has been the state's most successful coach since 2000, winning an astonishing 103 games. There is no question in my mind that Dee will have his team ready for this game, as will Thompson. Look for a few key play calls, and key defensive adjustments to again be an important factor in the outcome. In most games, it comes down to the guys on the field, but in this one, I believe these two, outstanding coaches could be the difference for their teams........Advantage - Draw
Home Field Advantage vs Traveling 4 Hours:
I really felt like this was an issue in the game last year. Coaches won't say it is, but I think it is a clear advantage that one team gets to do their normal routine, and one team has to get up before 7am and head down the road to the game. Phoebus wore out in this game a year ago, and while people can point to play of the Bulldogs in the trenches, I think the travel had a minor influence on the outcome. Stone Bridge will have to overcome this too as the roles are reversed this season. As for the fans at the stadium, I think they will play a very little role in the outcome, because once the ball is kicked off, players never pay attention to the crowd until the game ends. This match-up is however an advantage for the Phantoms......Advantage Phoebus
KEYS TO VICTORY:
Presented By: Integrated Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy
FOR STONE BRIDGE:
- Play Turnover Free Football
- Win The Battle In The Trenches
- Don't Give Up The Big Play
FOR PHOEBUS:
- Establish The Run Game
- Take Chances Down The Field
- Get Ahead Early
EXPERT PROGNOSTICATION:
Presented By: Williams Martial Arts & Fitness
This game will be one of the best of the 2008 season, and for that matter, quite possibly in the last 5 years. It truly is the game of all games, and the talent on the field will be incredible. Both teams have 6 or more Division-1A football players starting this game, and there are several more underclassmen prospects on both rosters. The coaches in this game are tremendous, and if there was ever a game where you would predict it would end in a tie, this would be it. However, someone has to win this game, and I think the one aspect that most are not talking about is special teams. Last year, Phoebus was trailing late in the 4th quarter 28-24, but there was still time left to mount a comeback. However, a bad snap on a punt attempt sailed over the head of the punter for a safety, the game was decided right then. Stone Bridge got the ball back and scored, and they ran away to the title game.
This year's game could again come down to special teams, and of course turnovers. Both teams are sound in the special teams area, but in a game of this magnitude, one big play in the kicking game or return game could sway the outcome. There are two other factors that come into play in this rematch from a year ago. The first is the revenge factor. Phoebus has had this game circled on their calendar for 365 days, and they are going to play with more energy in this one than we saw in the last meeting. Whether that means the Phantoms will play better remains to be seen, but motivation is always a factor, and Phoebus has plenty.
The other factor is confidence. Stone Bridge truly believes they are supposed to win this game, and they are one of the greatest teams to play in this state in a long time. They won't be intimidated by the surroundings, and they will play like they are the team to beat.
The way I pick this game is simple. Until you beat the champs, you don't pick against the champs. Stone Bridge has depth at every position, and they have the advantage in the trenches. Phoebus has more speed, but the Bulldogs hung with that speed pretty well last December, and I think they will do it again on Saturday......Stone Bridge 28 - Phoebus 21
STONE BRIDGE 2008 SCHEDULE
08/29/2008 vs. West Springfield 42-28
09/05/2008 vs. James Robinson 49-7
09/12/2008 vs. George Marshall 63-0
09/19/2008 vs. Loudoun Valley 64-13
09/26/2008 vs. McLean 51-13
10/03/2008 vs. South Lakes 51-6
10/10/2008 vs. Langley 38-0
10/17/2008 vs. James Madison 35-0
10/24/2008 vs. T. Jefferson 70-7
10/31/2008 vs. WT Woodson 42-14
11/07/2008 vs. T. Jefferson* 58-7
11/14/2008 vs. Mount Vernon* 42-0
11/21/2008 vs. Thomas Edison* 35-6
*Playoff game
PHOEBUS 2008 SCHEDULE
08/29/2008 vs. Maury 47-7
09/05/2008 vs. Bethel 52-0
09/12/2008 vs. Woodside 44-0
09/19/2008 vs. Warwick 48-0
09/26/2008 vs. Heritage(NN) 35-0
10/03/2008 vs. Gloucester 65-13
10/10/2008 vs. Hampton 42-6
10/17/2008 vs. Menchville 63-0
10/24/2008 vs. Kecoughton 48-0
10/31/2008 vs. Denbigh 77-0
11/07/2008 vs. Churchland* 63-6
11/14/2008 vs. Green Run* 47-0
11/21/2008 vs. Lake Taylor* 14-0
*Playoff game
AVERAGE POINTS SCORED PER GAME
STONE BRIDGE: 49.2 (13 games)
PHOEBUS: 49.6 (13 games)
AVERAGE POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME
STONE BRIDGE: 7.8 (13 games)
PHOEBUS: 2.5 (13 games)
MOST SHUT-OUTS (2000-2008)
Phoebus: 49
Stone Bridge: 21
TEAM STREAKS (2000-2008)
STONE BRIDGE current win streak is 26 and their longest team winning streak is 26...
PHOEBUS current win streak is 13 and their longest team winning streak is 31...
HEAD TO HEAD
*These have all been playoff games...
Stone Bridge and Phoebus have met one prior time, with Stone Bridge winning that one and only meeting thus far...
12/01/2007 Stone Bridge 38 Phoebus 24
STONE BRIDGE PLAYOFF RECORDS (2000-2008)
11/23/2002 vs. Charlottesville 45-35 W
11/30/2002 vs. Fauquier 40-21 W
12/08/2002 vs. Lafayette 14-26 L
11/14/2003 vs. Loudoun Valley 21-13 W
11/22/2003 vs. Liberty (Bealton) 28-19 W
12/07/2003 vs. Powhatan 14-28 L
11/20/2004 vs. Louisa 42-7 W
11/27/2004 vs. Harrisonburg 3-14 L
11/18/2005 vs. James Madison 21-17 W
11/26/2005 vs. T. Edison 29-21 W
12/03/2005 vs. Matoaca 52-12 W
12/10/2005 vs. Hampton 8-15 L
11/17/2006 vs. James Madison 49-28 W
11/24/2006 vs. T. Edison 17-31 L
11/09/2007 vs. RE Lee 42-12 W
11/15/2007 vs. George Marsall 49-29 W
11/23/2007 vs. T. Edison 27-14 W
12/01/2007 vs. Phoebus 38-24 W
12/08/2007 vs. Potomac 38-0 W
11/07/2008 vs. T. Jefferson 58-7 W
11/14/2008 vs. Mount Vernon 42-0 W
11/21/2008 vs. Thomas Edison 35-6 W
*Playoff Record: 17-5
PHOEBUS PLAYOFF RECORDS (2000-2008)
11/07/2001 vs. Warwick 49-14 W
11/24/2001 vs. Hampton 46-15 W
12/01/2001 vs. Mount Vernon 42-6 W
12/08/2001 vs. Patrick Henry 26-7 W
11/15/2002 vs. Lake Taylor 27-21 W
11/22/2002 vs. Kecoughtan 10-7 W
12/07/2002 vs. South Lakes 55-0 W
12/14/2002 vs. Stafford 39-13 W
11/21/2003 vs. Hampton 24-20 W
11/28/2003 vs. Indian River 9-27 L
11/20/2004 vs. Woodside 70-34 W
11/27/2004 vs. Hampton 21-26 L
11/18/2005 vs. Maury 49-48 W
11/26/2005 vs. Hampton 7-29 L
11/17/2006 vs. Lake Taylor 24-0 W
11/24/2006 vs. Maury 25-8 W
12/02/2006 vs. Potomac 31-28 W
12/09/2006 vs. T. Edison 34-25 W
11/09/2007 vs. Warwick 28-9 W
11/15/2007 vs. Hampton 21-6 W
11/23/2007 vs. Indian River 26-0 W
12/01/2007 vs. Stone Bridge 24-38 L
11/07/2008 vs. Churchland 63-6 W
11/14/2008 vs. Greeen Run 47-0 W
11/21/2008 vs. Lake Taylor 14-0 W
*Playoff Record: 21-4
STONE BRIDGE: 1 State Championship
PHOEBUS: 3 State Championships
VHSL FOOTBALL BEST PROGRAMS (2000-2008)
STONE BRIDGE is ranked #7 overall with 89 wins and 14 losses. In this time period, they have averaged 35.4 points for and 14.5 points against...
PHOEBUS is ranked #1 overall with 103 wins and 12 losses. In this time period, they have averaged 38.6 points for and 9.6 points against...
STONE BRIDGE YEAR-TO-DATE STATISTICS
OFFENSE
- Patrick Thompson (QB): 109 of 179 for 1964 yards, 24 TDs, 8 INTs/ 61 rushes for 236 yards, 9 TDs
- John Bladel (QB): 15 of 29 for 263 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs/ 9 rushes for 53 yards, 1 TD
- Nick Sheehan: 33 receptions for 484 yards, 5 TDs
- Michael Prince: 26 receptions for 590 yards, 8 TDs/ 45 rushes for 524 yards, 10 TDs
- Zach Thompson: 18 receptions for 310 yards, 4 TDs
- Andrew Ansell: 17 receptions for 299 yards, 1 TD
- John Bladel: 17 receptions for 287 yards, 6 TDs
- Daniel Allen: 9 receptions for 158 yards, 2 TDs/ 164 rushes for 1334 yards, 22 TDs
- Nate Ingersoll: 5 receptions for 58 yards, 1 TD
- Marcus Harris: 1 reception for 48 yards, 1 TD/ 100 rushes for 667 yards, 9 TDs
- Kevin Libuit: 14 rushes for 45 yards, 1 TD
- Brian Slay: 8 rushes for 45 yards, 2 TDS
- Noland Moser: 8 rushes for 41 yards, 1 TD
- Abdul Shaban: 87 PAT Attempts, 85 PAT Made/ 1 FG Attempt, 0 Made
DEFENSE
- Mike Olson: 63 first hit, 25 assists, 5 sacks, 2 INTs
- Zach Thompson: 43 first hit, 11 assists, 7 sacks,
- Andre Glenn: 42 first hit, 10 assists
- John Bladel: 40 first hit, 13 assists, 4 INTs
- Brian Slay: 39 first hit, 24 assists, 4 sacks, 2 INTs
- Spenser Rositano: 34 first hit, 13 assists, 2 INTs
- Andrew Ansell: 30 first hit, 23 assists, 1 sack, 1 INT
- Ben Branower: 29 first hit, 5 assists, 1 sack
- Travis Hannam: 28 first hit, 10 assists, 1 sack, 1 INT
- David Wang: 24 first hit, 6 assists, 2 sacks
- Zack Miller: 21 first hit, 3 INTs
- Kevin Libuit: 20 first hit, 7 assists, 1 sack
- Jimmy Bradford: 19 first hit, 9 assists, 3 sacks
- Nick Sheehan: 19 first hit, 9 assists, 1 INT
- Tyler Webb: 17 first hit, 7 assists, 4 sacks
