PLAYOFFS ROUND 3 PREVIEW 2024
We got 3 teams still fighting today! Let's bring home some hardware!
Region 6B
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#6 Colonial Forge (9-3) at #5 Patriot (10-2)
#6 Colonial Forge (9-3) travels to #5 Patriot (10-2) in a rematch that carries even higher stakes—the Region 6B Championship, with a spot in the state semifinals on the line. These two programs are no strangers, having faced off earlier this season in a tightly contested battle that saw Forge come away with a 35-27 victory. Colonial Forge comes into this game riding high after a statement win over rival North Stafford, holding the Wolverines to just six points in a 17-6 upset. The Eagles’ defense was relentless, shutting down a North Stafford offense that had been clutch in close games all season. Forge’s offense, led by the hard-running Josiah Bryson, has found its rhythm late in the season and will look to lean on that physicality once again. Patriot, meanwhile, pulled off a monumental upset of their own, knocking off previously unbeaten Battlefield 10-7 in the regional semifinals. Despite questions surrounding the availability of standout RB Jackson McCarter—who hasn’t played since late October—the Pioneers have proven they can win without him. Patriot’s resilience has been on full display in playoff victories over Gainesville and Battlefield, showcasing a defense that thrives under pressure and an offense that finds ways to make plays when it matters most. In their last meeting, Forge capitalized on explosive plays, including two highlight-reel catches from freshman WR Darion Majeed. The Eagles will need another big performance from him and the rest of their receiving corps to stretch the field against a stout Patriot defense. For Patriot, the key will be controlling the clock and limiting Forge’s big-play potential. The Pioneers have thrived in close, physical games, and they’ll look to grind out another win by playing mistake-free football and leaning on their physicality in the trenches. This game represents two teams with contrasting recent histories—Forge seeking their fifth regional title and Patriot chasing their first. Will the Eagles continue their playoff surge and punch their ticket to the state semifinals, or will Patriot’s dream season roll on with a trip to the final four?
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Region 5D
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#2 Briar Woods (8-3) at #1 Riverbend (8-3)
#2 Briar Woods (8-3) travels to #1 Riverbend (8-3) for the Region 5D Championship, a rematch of last year’s second-round playoff clash where Briar Woods rolled to a decisive 48-18 victory. But this is a different Riverbend team—a team determined to flip the script and claim its first-ever regional title. The Bears enter this matchup riding a wave of momentum after a 35-21 win over perennial power Stone Bridge. First-year head coach Ed Webb has instilled a new level of confidence in the program, and it’s paying dividends. RB JoJo Thomas continues to be the engine of the offense, but Riverbend’s success has been far from a one-man show. WR Mekhi Davis has emerged as a reliable target in the passing game, while the versatile Cam Simmons provides a spark on both sides of the ball. LB Tristan Greene anchors a defense that has matched up well against some of the region’s best, including Stone Bridge’s formidable D1 defensive linemen. On the other side, Briar Woods is no stranger to this stage. The Falcons have been a fixture in regional championship games and are coming off a 39-27 victory over Massaponax. QB Brady Carmical orchestrates the offense with precision, while RB Trey Dudley brings explosiveness to the ground game. Colin Capistrant is a name to watch on both sides of the ball, providing leadership and playmaking ability when it matters most. The battle in the trenches will be crucial. Riverbend’s offensive line has been a strength all season, standing tall even against elite competition. Can they open lanes for Thomas? Conversely, Briar Woods will look to disrupt Riverbend’s rhythm with a defense that knows how to capitalize on mistakes. This game represents two programs on different trajectories—Riverbend aiming for its first regional crown and Briar Woods looking to add another trophy to its collection. Will the Bears’ newfound swagger carry them to the state semifinals, or will the Falcons’ experience and playoff pedigree prevail once again? The winner advances to face either William Fleming (11-1) or L.C. Bird (9-3) with a shot at the Class 5 state title on the line.
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#2 Kettle Run (12-0) at Thomas Jefferson (12-0)
#2 Kettle Run (12-0) heads to Richmond to face unbeaten #1 Thomas Jefferson (12-0) in a Region 3B Championship that promises to be a battle between two high-powered, undefeated programs. This is the first-ever meeting between the Cougars and the Vikings, with both teams vying for a spot in the Class 3 state semifinals. Kettle Run comes in fresh off a gritty 36-34 victory over Armstrong, a game that tested their resilience and composure. The Cougars are no strangers to this stage, seeking their fourth regional title and a second trip to the state championship in three seasons. Their success starts with a potent offense averaging 47 points per game, led by QB Jake Mulhern, who has been a steady presence under center all season. RB Colton Quaker has been the workhorse, consistently moving the chains and setting the tone on the ground. On defense, LB/TE Carter Bernatsky has been a force, making key plays on both sides of the ball and providing veteran leadership. Standing in their way is a Thomas Jefferson squad that has been nothing short of dominant. The Vikings have outscored opponents by a staggering margin this season, averaging 41 points per game while allowing less than five. Their combination of athleticism and disciplined execution has overwhelmed every team they've faced. For Kettle Run, the keys to victory lie in staying balanced offensively and winning the battle in the trenches. Mulhern and Quaker must continue to lead long, sustained drives to keep Thomas Jefferson’s explosive playmakers off the field. Defensively, the Cougars will need to tackle well in space and prevent the Vikings from turning short gains into game-breaking plays. Thomas Jefferson, meanwhile, will look to maintain the formula that’s carried them to an unblemished record—playing fast, physical football and capitalizing on opponents' mistakes. Can their defense, which has been nearly impenetrable all season, hold up against Kettle Run’s multifaceted attack? The winner of this matchup will advance to face either Lafayette (12-0) or Norcom (8-4) in the state semifinals. Will Kettle Run’s playoff experience be the difference, or will Thomas Jefferson continue their dominant run and make a statement on their home field?