South County Stallions

Northern Region Classic Preview

It's football season again! Well, for one day it is. Tonight is the premier showcase event for Northern Region seniors as they will do battle one last time in the Northern Region Classic. The game will be brought to you live and worldwide on the Gameday Radio Network, with pregame coverage starting at 7:15.

With all-star games, you can expect the fireworks to go off, but here we breakdown who exactly to keep your eye on. Last year it was Virginia Tech commit Ervin Garner from Oakton who stole the show and took home MVP awards, but who's it going to be this go-round. Ben Barber? Josh Wells? Or how about our sleeper Billy Samson? Find out here in our exclusive report.

WEST TEAM

First things first

The West team isn't technically western, as they are comprised of Concorde and National District schools, but they will be designated as the West for this occasion. The player for this team, though, who just really sticks out on their roster is Ben Barber. The only Division I-A scholarship player for the West, the future Hokie looked on another level at practice. We don't care who the East matches up on him, but we'd be shocked to not see Barber get at least 100 yards receiving on the night.

Who Else to Watch

David Kruchko, Wide Receiver, Westfield

If it wasn't for Barber, this is who we'd highlight. He's playing in an offense very similar to one that is run at Westfield, so everything is coming more natural to him. In practice, he and Barber were most impressive and we believe he could very well have quite a big game. We know West coach Brian Day will be throwing the ball around, so we can expect Kruchko to have a big day.

Peter Ferrara, Running back, Robinson

When looking at Ferrara at practice, he must have gained at least 10 solid pounds of muscle during the offseason. Of the three backs the West team features, Ferrara looks to be the most capable of having a huge game. We've always liked his speed, but with what looks to be a bigger frame, we can't wait to see how he does tonight.

Billy Samson, Quarterback, Westfield

How great of a story would this be if Samson had a breakout game? Stuck behind all-everything quarterback Mike Glennon, who has been touted as one of the best quarterbacks in the entire nation, this is Samson's time to shine. He'll have great receivers to throw to and don't forget that head coach Day is the quarterbacks coach at Westfield. All the pieces are in place for Samson to have a storybook ending to his high school career, and we think it could happen.

Jacob Barron, Tight End, Chantilly

Barron was a player who really came on strong this past year, but we think he could explode in a game like this because he'll be in an offense which will spread things around. In the past at Chantilly, he was used more as a blocking tight end in their powerful rushing attack. He moves real well for a tight end and player for his size, so he could in fact turn a few heads tonight.

Tim Reynolds, Defensive back/ Kick Returner, Yorktown

With the speed that the East team has, you can bet that they'll be slinging the ball around much like Day's ballclub. That means opportunities will open up for defensive backs, and for a player like Reynolds, he has to be licking his lips at this opportunity. When watching him in practice, he was in fact capable of keeping up with Barber and Kruchko, so we like our chances with Reynolds. Not to mention he will be returning kicks which will surely help.

EAST TEAM

First things first

Watching the East team play will be like watching a track meet. They're absolutely loaded with speed and that could give them the primary advantage in this primetime matchup. Highlighting all that speed is West Potomac's Josh Wells who last summer was timed in the 4.3's. The running back was injured during the season, but now that he's fully healed, he could put on a clinic in this type of event.

Who Else to Watch

Keon Robinson, Wide receiver/Defensive back, Lake Braddock

Robinson is one of those players who had a monster senior year and with his versatility, he's tailor-made for these types of games. Not only is he just an all-around great athlete, but he's got big-play potential. Any discussion of top players has to include Robinson.

Josh Vallejos, Wide receiver, West Springfield

As the only all-Gameday receiver on the field for either team, Vallejos is one of the best there is in this area. With a wide-open offense built around speed, this should greatly open things up Vallejos. Putting him in an open area or single-coverage is deadly for this Spartan because he makes a living off those situations. Like Robinson, he should be favored to have a big game.

Richard During, Defensive end, South County

Defensive players normally aren't highlighted in these types of games, but During is built around speed. So if the West wants to sling the ball all around the field, that would be a huge advantage for During to take over. Remember, receivers and quarterbacks aren't the only ones who enjoy pass-happy offenses.

Robert Byrd, Wide receiver, West Potomac

Byrd is another Division I-A talent gracing the field for tonight's big game, and he's one of the many East receivers who could explode for a monster game. His athleticism is superb, and is an outstanding downfield threat. You know either quarterback won't play it conservatively and look for Byrd down the sidelines. If they're able to connect, then Byrd will be lighting up the score sheet.

Chris Mitchell, Quarterback, South County

Mitchell is one of those dual-threat quarterbacks who is just as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm. Quarterbacks of his mold already put up huge numbers, but with three very high-octane receivers to throw to, Mitchell could put on a clinic.

PREDICTION

East 41 - West 31

When breaking each team down, the one thing that stands the most is how the East team has more big-play threats, especially at the wide receiver position. With Vallejos, Robinson, Byrd and Wells, they have the potential to really light up the scoreboard. We saw last year what Garner did, and we wouldn't be shocked if an East representative does the same.

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