Preview: James Monroe vs. Brookville
#2 James Monroe (12-1) vs. #1Brookville (13-0)
Kickoff: Noon, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008
Where: Liberty University Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, Va.
LYNCHBURG, VA - This is what we have been waiting for since practice started back in August. Every teams goal is to play for the state title and come Saturday, the dream will come true for the Brookville Bees and the James Monroe Yellow Jackets, as they play for the Group AA, Division 3 state title at high noon.
Both of these teams know what its like to play for all the marbles. In 1996, Brookville and James Monroe played each other in the Group AA, Division 3 championship game. In that game, which was played in swamp-like conditions at Courtland High School in Spotsylvania, the Yellow Jackets claimed a 7-0 victory over the Bees.
In last week's state semifinals, James Monroe scored on a last minute touchdown run by DeVontae Atkins to beat Monticello, the defending state champions, 44-41. Meanwhile, Brookville easily disposed of Richlands 47-0.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Brookville's Defense vs. James Monroe Offense
The Bees defense must be able to stop the Yellow Jackets spread offense, which includes running back Jamal Smith (217 carries, 1,484 yards, 20 TDs). In addition, they must be able to shut down the passing game of quarterback John Jackson (125-213, 1,989 yards, 27 TDs) and his favorite receiver, DeVontae Atkins (45 catches, 763 yards, 13 TDs).
The Yellow Jackets enter Saturday's game averaging 38 points per game. Brookville's stingy defensive unit is allowing just nine points per game and in their postseason contests, the Bees have just allowed 14 points total.
James Monroe Defense vs. Brookville's Offense
The Yellow Jackets must stop or at least contain Stacey Houston, the Bees' leading rusher, with 1,465 yards and 21 touchdowns. In addition, they must stop quarterback Logan Thomas, who has committed to Virginia Tech, as well as, receivers Lorenzo Smith, Alec Thompson and Chad Mason. Thomas was recently chosen for the US Army All-American Football Bowl game, where the country's top 90 players go head to head.
James Monroe's defensive unit has allowed just 15 points per game, while Brookville's offensive squad is averaging 32 points per game. In the postseason, the Bees have scored 125 points.
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KEYS TO VICTORY:
FOR JAMES MONROE:
- Must play mistake-free ball
- Must be able to stop the Bees offensive attack
- Jamal Smith must have a break-out game
FOR BROOKVILLE:
- Stop Jamel Smith and John Jackson
- Control the offensive and defensive line of play
- Avoid costly turnovers and penalties
EXPERT PROGNOSITICATION:
Both of the teams have playoff experience and both know what it takes to be state champions, as both squads have state titles in their trophy case.The Bees come into Saturday's game sporting a perfect 13-0 record, while James Monroe's only blemish was a 21-17 loss to Chancellor in the ninth week of the season.Both teams have an explosive offense and a stingy defense. It will all come down to who makes the least mistakes and who can stop the other team's offense.
I have to give the edge to Brookville, as this is basically a home game for them, since they are only 15 minutes from Liberty University.
Brookville 17
James Monroe 14
