WEEK 4 PREVIEW

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#3 Brooke Point (3-0) at #8 Eastern View (1-1):

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Tonight's showdown between #3 Brooke Point (3-0) and #8 Eastern View (1-1) is shaping up to be a key early-season test for both teams. Brooke Point is riding high after a dominant 54-7 win over Independence, continuing their offensive explosion this season, averaging nearly 44 points per game. Senior QB Gabe Dombek is in the midst of a breakout year, thriving in his third season running the Black-Hawks' offense. Eastern View, coming off a bye week, has had time to regroup after a tough 53-13 loss to a talented Huguenot squad. Though they led 13-12 at the half, the Cyclones couldn’t hold on as the Falcons surged in the second half. TE/MLB Brett Clatterbaugh remains their biggest playmaker, a versatile force on both sides of the ball, and he’s set to continue his football career at Virginia Tech next season. Last year’s game was an instant classic, with Eastern View edging out a 34-33 win after Clatterbaugh made a game-saving stop at the goal line as Brooke Point opted to go for the 2-point conversion and the win. This time around, Brooke Point’s potent offense will be looking to avenge that heartbreaking loss, while Eastern View aims to bounce back and prove they’re still a contender in the region. Expect fireworks in what could be another nail-biter between these two.

Prediction:

Brooke Point 31 Eastern View 28

Patriot (2-0) at #1 Colonial Forge (3-0)

This week's clash between Patriot (2-0) and #1 Colonial Forge (3-0) is shaping up to be one of the season's marquee matchups. Colonial Forge is coming off their most dominant performance yet, cruising to a 48-12 win over Potomac. Patriot, on the other hand, flexed their offensive firepower last week, dismantling Freedom (South Riding) 58-13 in a statement victory. Last season, Colonial Forge edged out a 21-13 win over Patriot, with their defense playing the hero, including a late-game pick-6 that sealed the deal. Forge’s defense was able to limit Patriot’s star RB Jackson McCarter, and they’ll be looking to do the same this time around. McCarter, who boasts a 4.4 speed, remains the focal point of the Pioneers’ offense, but Patriot has found more balance this season. Second-year QB Tyler Knutson has emerged as a key contributor, and the addition of Unity Reed transfer Diasian Noakes at WR gives the Pioneers a real threat in the passing game. Defensively, keep an eye on LB Mathieu Kanu (6'3", 220), who is not only a physical force but also attracting D1 interest. Colonial Forge has been steadily improving on offense, with QB Brock Brimhall settling in behind a strong offensive line anchored by senior Jake Mangano. RB Josiah Bryson has been tough to stop as well, running behind that line with authority. This matchup features two teams that have the talent to make a deep postseason run, and it could come down to which defense can make a stand late in the game—just like last year. Keep an eye on the battle in the trenches as both teams look to assert their physicality early and often.

Patriot 24 Colonial Forge 28

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OTHER GAMES

* Projected Winners in bold

#2 Kettle Run (2-0) at James Wood (3-0)

(Another good challenge for the Cougars as they go against undefeated James Wood)

#4 Stafford (3-0) at Independence (1-2)

(Stafford is looking to continue building there best start since 2017 against Independence)

Centreville (1-2) at #5 Mountain View (1-1)

(Second long road trip coming up for the Wildcats this time up to Fairfax to take on Centreville)

#7 North Stafford (1-1) at Briar Woods (2-1)

(Huge game for the Wolverines as they continue to try and prove they are once again one of this areas best teams)

Orange (1-1) at Liberty (0-3)

(Orange looked dominant in their last game, can Liberty end their early 3 game skid?)

Culpeper (1-1) at Meridian (1-1)

(A thrilling last second victory last week... The Blue Devils take a rare trip to Fairfax County tonight)

Spotsylvania (0-3) at Atlee (2-1)

(Knights will look to improve on the defense, they have allowed more than 35 in all 3 games)

King William (0-3) at Caroline (2-0)

(Caroline is looking to get off to an impressive 3-0 start, struggling King William comes to town)