PLAYOFFS ROUND 2 PREVIEW 2024

Region 6B

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#6 Colonial Forge (8-3) at #2 North Stafford (9-2)

Tonight, #6 Colonial Forge (8-3) heads to #2 North Stafford (9-2) for a rematch just two weeks after North broke a 13-year drought against the Eagles with a 27-17 win. North has built a reputation for late-game heroics, pulling out thrilling wins over Riverbend, Mountain View, and most recently Woodbridge, where Alon Lester scored the game-winning touchdown with just four seconds left to cap a 35-28 comeback from a 21-0 deficit. Colonial Forge also comes into this regional semifinal on a high, dominating #3 Stafford 45-24 behind a stellar performance from RB Josiah Bryson and a defense that limited Stafford’s Zion Gray and Michael Creamer much better than in their regular season loss. Forge’s challenge will be proving they can adjust to North’s trio of offensive playmakers—QB Chase Sullivan, WR Naz Sullivan, and RB Micah Brown—who torched them for early scores in their last meeting. Forge’s offense, however, has regained its spark after being stifled by North in that matchup, and they’ll need Bryson to keep pounding the ball while QB Brock Brimhall keeps the defense honest through the air. North’s defense will aim for a repeat of their dominant start in the previous meeting, but they know better than to underestimate Forge’s ability to adapt. The Wolverines’ knack for thriving under pressure has made them a tough out, but Forge’s balance and recent improvements on both sides of the ball make them a dangerous foe in this win-or-go-home clash. Expect another tight battle in what has become one of the area’s most compelling rivalries.

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Region 5D

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#5 Stone Bridge (4-7) at #1 Riverbend (7-3)

This Friday, #5 Stone Bridge (4-7) heads to #1 Riverbend (7-3) in a Region 5D semifinal that brings contrasting storylines to the forefront. Riverbend enters as the top seed, riding a wave of momentum after dominating Colonial Forge and Stafford earlier this season and benefiting from a rare first-round bye. JoJo Thomas, with over 1,000 rushing yards on the season, leads a Bears squad that has found its stride at the perfect time. However, history is not on their side against Stone Bridge. Two years ago, Stone Bridge, under legendary coach Mickey Thompson, knocked Riverbend out of the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, winning 50-29 and 58-3. But this year’s Bulldogs are not the juggernaut of the past. Thompson retired last spring, and Stone Bridge limped through an uncharacteristic 4-7 season. Still, don’t let that record deceive you. Their first four losses came against powerhouse programs: undefeated Madison (VA), Dunbar (MD), and Quince Orchard (MD), as well as a national-caliber team in Our Lady of Good Counsel (MD). Aside from a lopsided loss to Good Counsel, Stone Bridge was competitive, losing 17-0, 14-8, and 10-0 in tightly contested games. The Bulldogs have also shown resilience, winning three straight, including a 14-12 comeback win over Briar Woods and a 35-0 statement win over Lightridge in the first round. This team has playoff experience, grit, and a renewed sense of purpose. For Riverbend, this is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative. Their physical rushing attack and balanced defense have worn down opponents all season. But to take the next step, they’ll need to shake off the ghosts of playoff past and prove they can stand toe-to-toe with a Stone Bridge program that’s long been the benchmark for success in Virginia high school football. With a trip to the Region 5B final on the line, expect an intense battle that tests both teams’ resolve.

#6 Massaponax (2-9) at #2 Briar Woods (7-3)

#6 Massaponax (2-9) travels to #2 Briar Woods (7-3) in an unlikely Region 5B semifinal matchup. Massaponax defied expectations last week by snapping a nine-game losing streak with a gritty 21-20 win over Independence, fueled by RB Gabe Newby-Morris and the two-way efforts of LB/RB Josiah Perry. Their reward? A road trip to face a well-rested Briar Woods team coming off a first-round bye. This is the first meeting between the two programs, but the history of Fredericksburg-area teams traveling to Briar Woods doesn’t inspire much confidence for the visitors. Briar Woods boasts a balanced offensive attack, led by QB Brady Carmical and dynamic RB Trey Dudley, a future JMU standout. Dudley's combination of power and speed will challenge a Ponax defense that has struggled throughout the season, allowing big plays in key moments. For Massaponax, the path to another upset lies in controlling the tempo through their ground game and avoiding costly mistakes. Newby-Morris has been effective all season, and Perry's ability to contribute on both sides of the ball gives the Panthers a chance to hang tough. Still, they’ll need their best defensive performance of the season to keep Briar Woods’ explosive offense in check. Briar Woods, meanwhile, will look to build on its strong regular season and assert itself early against an overmatched Ponax team. With Dudley and Carmical leading the way, the Falcons are primed to advance to the regional final. But if Ponax can recreate last week’s magic and turn this into a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair, they might just keep their improbable run alive.

Region 5C

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#5 Louisa (9-2) at #1 William Fleming (10-1)

#5 Louisa (9-2) hits the road for a lengthy 2-hour, 20-minute trip to Roanoke to take on top-seeded William Fleming (10-1) in a Region 4D semifinal. These two programs are meeting for the first time, and both bring explosive offenses into what promises to be a high-scoring affair. Louisa has been red-hot since the return of RB Savion Hiter and WR Dyzier Carter, boasting a 9-1 record and averaging a jaw-dropping 47 points per game. Hiter has been the engine of the Lions’ offense, gashing defenses with his speed and vision, while Carter provides a dangerous downfield option. QB Caleb Brady has been steady under center, spreading the ball effectively and keeping defenses on their heels. Last week’s 34-23 win over Midlothian showcased the team’s resilience, as they controlled the game on the ground and made key plays in the second half. William Fleming, on the other hand, is in the midst of its best season in decades. The Colonials are averaging 42 points per game and come off a dominant 30-7 victory last week. They’ll look to feed off the energy of their home crowd as they continue their push for a regional title. For Louisa, the key will be establishing Hiter early and winning the battle in the trenches. If the Lions can control the clock and keep Fleming’s offense off the field, they’ll have a good chance to wear down the Colonials’ defense. Defensively, Louisa will need to be disciplined, as Fleming’s ability to spread the field can create mismatches. William Fleming’s task is equally clear: slow down Hiter. The Colonials’ front seven will need to be stout against the run while also accounting for Carter in the passing game. On offense, Fleming will aim to strike early to put the Lions in a position where they have to play catch-up. Both teams have shown they can score in bunches, so this could come down to who makes the key defensive stops late in the game. Will Louisa’s firepower travel well enough to upset the top seed, or will William Fleming continue its dream season with another statement win?

Region 4B

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#4 King George (9-2) at #1 Dinwiddie (10-1)

#4 King George (9-2) heads south to face top-seeded Dinwiddie (10-1) in a highly anticipated Region 4B semifinal matchup. These two programs are no strangers to postseason showdowns, with King George taking last year’s meeting 46-29 en route to a deep playoff run. Dinwiddie, however, holds the bragging rights from their 2022 clash, where they edged the Foxes in a thrilling regional final before claiming the Class 4 state title. King George enters this game riding the momentum of an impressive defensive resurgence. After starting the season 1-2, including tough losses to Brooke Point and Riverbend, the Foxes have tightened up, allowing just 16 points per game over their last eight contests. QB Dylan Koch has efficiently guided the offense, while RB/LB Charles Johnson continues to be a force on both sides of the ball. The supporting cast, including playmakers like Ky’Mani Carpenter and Gunnar Regar, will need to step up for the Foxes to pull off another upset. Dinwiddie is led by the electrifying Harry Dalton, a USC commit who is listed as a running back but is equally dangerous as a dual-threat quarterback. Dalton’s ability to extend plays and deliver in clutch moments has been the hallmark of the Generals’ offense all season. They’ve been efficient and balanced, as evidenced by last week’s 28-7 win over Powhatan. Dinwiddie’s defense has also been stout, giving up fewer than 17 points per game this season. For King George, the key will be containing Dalton. Defensive discipline and tackling will be paramount, as the Foxes can’t afford to let him turn broken plays into big gains. On offense, Koch and Johnson will need to control the tempo and capitalize on scoring opportunities, especially in the red zone. Dinwiddie, meanwhile, will aim to force King George into obvious passing situations and lean on their home-field advantage to set the tone early. With a balanced attack and the playmaking ability of Dalton, the Generals are well-equipped to handle the challenge. Expect a hard-fought game with both teams having plenty of motivation—and recent history—to fuel their fire. Can King George continue its defensive resurgence and knock off the top seed again, or will Dalton and the Generals prove too much to handle?

Region 3B

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#3 Armstrong (10-1) at #2 Kettle Run (11-0)

#3 Armstrong (10-1) travels to take on unbeaten #2 Kettle Run (11-0) in what promises to be a fascinating Region 4C semifinal clash. This is the first-ever meeting between the two programs, with the stakes as high as they get. Kettle Run enters the matchup as a juggernaut, having rolled through its regular season and opened the playoffs with a dominant 56-3 win over Warren County. The Cougars have ruled their district for four years running, and their formula for success has been clear: balanced offensive firepower paired with a disciplined, hard-nosed defense. QB Jake Mulhern leads the offense with poise and precision, while RB Colton Quaker has been a workhorse, racking up yardage and keeping the chains moving. WR Zach Roth adds a reliable target for Mulhern, giving Kettle Run a dynamic passing attack to complement their bruising run game. Armstrong, representing Richmond, boasts a 10-1 record and brings a level of athleticism that may present challenges Kettle Run hasn’t faced yet this season. Armstrong advanced with a solid 35-18 victory over James Monroe, showcasing their ability to make big plays when it matters most. While details about their roster remain under wraps, it’s no secret that Armstrong thrives on speed and playmaking ability, and they’ll aim to put that to good use against a battle-tested Cougars squad. For Kettle Run, the key to success lies in sticking to their game plan. The Cougars thrive on controlling the tempo with their ground game and limiting mistakes. If their defense can neutralize Armstrong’s athleticism and force them into long, sustained drives, the Cougars will be in great shape to advance. Armstrong, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on their athleticism, aiming to create mismatches and hit big plays. Keeping Kettle Run’s offense off the field will be critical, as will staying disciplined in the trenches against a team known for its physicality. This game pits two very different styles against each other, and the winner will likely be the team that best imposes its will. Can Kettle Run’s dominance within its district translate against a high-energy Armstrong team, or will Armstrong’s athletes take over and hand the Cougars their first loss of the season?