WEEK 1 PREVIEW

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#5 King George at Brooke Point

Last season, King George dominated Brooke Point with a 48-14 win, continuing their reign as the region's gold standard. But this year's matchup brings new challenges for both teams. King George has been a powerhouse, with deep playoff runs and district dominance since 2020. However, 2024 could be a transitional year as they face key losses, including WRs Mekai White (Maryland) and Chanz Wiggins (Virginia Tech), MLB Jamari Cox, and QB Jack Pearson. Despite these departures, Coach Vern Lundsford, in his 9th season, is no stranger to reloading. The Foxes will rely on (Junior) TE Daniel Grigsby as a primary target in the passing game, while (Senior) RB/LB Charles Johnson will be a key figure on both sides of the ball. (Senior) D/DT David Smith anchors the defensive line, and transfer (Senior) DB Ky'mani Carpenter adds depth to the secondary. Even with the turnover, King George’s winning culture keeps them a formidable force. Brooke Point, on the other hand, is hungry for respect. Despite a 4-6 finish last season, the Black-Hawks feel overlooked. Head Coach Dwight Haselwood, now in his 7th season, is determined to change that narrative. (Senior) QB Gabe Dombek, with an offer from Memphis, has the potential to ignite this offense. The addition of (Senior) T/DT Jonah Fuga, a transfer from Class 6 powerhouse Freedom, adds championship pedigree to both lines. (Senior) TE/DE Jacob Dalton and (Sophomore) T/DT Allie Bangura round out a promising core. With a confident coaching staff and a chip on their shoulders, Brooke Point sees this as an opportunity to make a statement. For Brooke Point, this game is a chance to prove they belong in the conversation with the region's elite. For King George, it's about defending their reputation. Expect a competitive battle with both teams eager to set the tone for their seasons.

Prediction:

King George 28 Brooke Point 20

Forest Park at #3 Mountain View

Mountain View has dominated Forest Park over the past three years, including last season's decisive 38-0 opener and 48-6 playoff victory. The Wildcats have been a perennial powerhouse, but this year’s game has the potential to be much closer, as Mountain View enters a rebuilding phase while Forest Park returns many key starters. Forest Park’s strength lies in the trenches. Anchoring their offensive line are (Senior) OL Brandon Edozie, a 6'6", 275-pound Liberty commit, and (Senior) OL Nathaniel Wright, a 6'5", 275-pound Virginia Tech commit. Behind them, (Senior) RB Landon Hunt, a 5'10", 208-pound bruiser, will look to power the offense. With Forest Park also breaking in a new quarterback in Carson Fossum, Hunt will likely be a focal point in both the ground game and pass protection. Mountain View, on the other hand, is replacing much of the talent that fueled their success in recent years. (Junior) RB Torie Martin, who runs a 4.46 40-yard dash, will be expected to lead the rushing attack, while (Senior) WR Tyler Tanks, a towering 6'5" target, should provide a reliable option in the passing game for new starting QB Bryce Lampert (6'0", 160 pounds). Defensively, (Senior) LB Nick English will be key in leading the Wildcats' effort to stifle Forest Park’s offense. While Forest Park returns experience, Mountain View has the advantage of playing at home, where they haven’t lost an out-of-district home opener since 2017. The Wildcats’ ability to adjust quickly with new faces in key positions will be crucial, as Forest Park looks to capitalize on their continuity and break a multi-year losing streak against Mountain View. This matchup will be a test of how quickly Mountain View can reload and whether Forest Park can finally reverse the trend and pull off an upset.

Projection:

Forest Park 13 Mountain View 28

James Monroe at #10 Stafford

The "Battle of the Bridge" is back! James Monroe still leads the all-time series 38-23, but Stafford has claimed three of the last five matchups. With both teams eager to start 2024 on the right foot, this rivalry clash feels bigger than ever. For Stafford It’s not just hype this time—the Indians look poised to turn the corner. With (Senior) RB Michael Creamer, who’s committed to Richmond, and (Senior) QB/S Zion Gray leading the offense, Stafford boasts one of the most dynamic duos in the area. On top of that, (Senior) OL Zavion Harris and (Senior) OL Antonio Seals return to strengthen the line, giving their skill players room to operate. On defense, (Senior) DL Jaheim Bunns and (Junior) DB Nate Leslie add toughness and experience. Coach Jeff Drugatz has been working tirelessly to build a program that can compete, and this season, they could be ready to break through. Winning this game could set the tone for a potential playoff run. The Yellow Jackets are hungry to prove they can still be a force and what better way to do that than secure a top 10 win? After back-to-back tough seasons, Coach George Coghill is focused on rebuilding the program. (Senior) WR/DB Jayden Bumbrey is a playmaker to watch, capable of impacting the game on both sides of the ball, while (Senior) SS/OLB David Boateng anchors the defense. They may not be the powerhouse of old, but JM is determined to surprise some teams this year and recapture some of that past success. A win in this rivalry could give them the confidence they need to get back in the district race. For Stafford, it’s about continuing their rise and proving they belong in the top 10. For James Monroe, it’s about restoring pride and taking the first step in their comeback. Expect an intense battle from two teams with something to prove.

Projection:

James Monroe 10 Stafford 31

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OTHER GAMES

* Projected Winners in bold

#1 Colonial Forge (0-0) at Woodbridge (0-0)

(The Eagles are loaded but Denari Hill will look to surprise)

Culpeper County (0-0) at #2 Eastern View (0-0)

(Cyclones have never lost to their cross-town rival since opening in 2009)

#4 Louisa (0-0) at Patrick Henry (Ashland) (0-0)

(Louisa looks to pick up where they left off and get back to winning games in the regular season)

Liberty at #6 Kettle Run

(The Cougars will look to continue their recent success in the Northwestern district right away with a matchup against rival Liberty

Orange County (0-0) at #7 Courtland (0-0)

(Courtland's season starts against an OC team they made a statement against a season ago on the road)

Chancellor (0-0) at #8 Riverbend (0-0)

(Bears will look to build momentum this season and start with one of their biggest rivals in the county)

Independence (0-0) at #9 Massaponax (0-0)

(The [Shane] Ludden era begins tonight!)

Lafayette (0-0) at Spotsylvania (0-0)

(The Knights have one of the hardest openers of any team in the 540 as they host Williamsburg area powerhouse Lafayette.)