WEEK 5 PREVIEW

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#1 Colonial Forge (4-0) at #5 Stafford (4-0):

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This Friday’s showdown between #5 Stafford (4-0) and #1 Colonial Forge (4-0) is a battle between two of the hottest teams in the district. Colonial Forge comes in fresh off a 35-27 win over Patriot, where big plays in crunch time from TaySean Jones and freshman standout WR Darion Majeed proved to be the difference. Meanwhile, Stafford continues its impressive start, holding off Independence 45-36 thanks to standout performances from QB Zion Gray and RB Michael Creamer. Last year’s matchup wasn’t much of a contest, with Colonial Forge steamrolling the Indians 41-7 behind a suffocating defensive effort. But this season, Stafford looks like an improved team, off to their best start since 2017 and hungry to prove themselves against top-tier competition. This game features two of the district’s top running backs: Josiah Bryson of Colonial Forge, who has been the driving force behind the Eagles' ground game, and Stafford’s Michael Creamer, who continues to light up the stat sheet. Both backs are capable of taking over a game, so expect a heavy dose of ground-and-pound from both sides. Stafford will need to stay sharp defensively and contain Forge's evolving offense, while Colonial Forge will look to build off last week’s success and add another key regional win to their resume. The power points at stake are huge, and with two undefeated records on the line, this matchup has all the ingredients of a classic. Keep an eye on how Stafford handles the pressure of their biggest test yet.

Prediction:

Stafford 20 Colonial Forge 48

James Monroe (2-1) at #10 King George (1-2):

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This week’s matchup between James Monroe (2-1) and #10 King George (1-2) is a tale of two teams trending in different directions. King George struggled to contain JoJo Thomas and the Riverbend rushing attack 2 weeks ago , resulting in a 35-20 defeat. Meanwhile, James Monroe pulled off a dramatic comeback at home, using some "Maury Magic" to edge Liberty 35-34. Down 34-22 with less than four minutes left, freshman QB Jude Hardy connected with Jayden Bumbrey for a game-winning 35-yard touchdown, sealing the win in the final minutes. Last season, this game was anything but competitive, as King George was in full control, dismantling the Yellow Jackets 63-0 during their Class 4 state title run. But things are different this year. The Foxes are still capable of putting up points, averaging 31 per game behind QB Dylan Koch, with weapons like Kymani Carpenter, Charles Johnson, and Gunnar Regar contributing heavily. The big question heading into this week: can freshman QB Jude Hardy, fresh off his game-winning heroics, guide James Monroe into a tough environment and upset King George on their home turf? If the Yellow Jackets can keep things close and Hardy stays poised, this could turn into a much tighter contest than last season's blowout. Keep an eye on both offenses to light up the scoreboard.

Prediction:

James Monroe 14 King George 38

#4 North Stafford (2-1) at #7 Brooke Point (3-1)

This week’s matchup between #4 North Stafford (2-1) and #7 Brooke Point (3-1) promises to be an exciting clash as district play kicks off. North Stafford continues to ride high after a 26-14 win over Briar Woods, powered by senior RB Micah Brown’s monstrous performance—14 carries, 235 yards, and 4 TDs. Brown has quickly become the centerpiece of the Wolverines' offense, and he’ll look to carry that momentum into this key district contest. On the other side, Brooke Point is coming off its first loss of the season, falling 34-27 to Eastern View. QB Gabe Dombek has been solid all year, but the Black-Hawks will need a stronger defensive showing if they want to bounce back from last week’s disappointment. Last year’s meeting was a wild one, with Brooke Point falling behind 21-0 before now-graduated RB Daniel Coles took over, racking up 312 rushing yards and six total touchdowns in a 40-27 comeback win. While Coles has moved on, the Black-Hawks will still look to impose their will in the air. Both teams are looking for a strong start to district play, and with playoff implications already coming into focus, this game carries significant weight for power points. North Stafford’s explosive ground attack will meet a Brooke Point squad eager to get back in the win column, setting the stage for what should be a gritty, hard-fought contest.

North Stafford 38 Brooke Point 21

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OTHER GAMES

* Projected Winners in bold

#2 Kettle Run (3-0) at Skyline (1-2)

(Cougars travel south to take on Skyline as they look to continue to dominate their district)

#3 Mountain View (2-1) at Massaponax (1-3)

(The Wildcats will look to hold off an upset minded Panthers squad looking for a huge win)

#6 Eastern View (3-1) at Caroline (3-1)

(Eastern View doubled up a tough and growing Caroline team last night winning 42-21)

Highland Springs (2-2) at #8 Riverbend (2-1)

(The Bears come into this one feeling confident after their big win over KG, and a bye... However the challenge of perennial state power Highland Springs is a big one)

#9 Courtland (2-1) at Culpeper (2-1)

(Courtland got a much needed bye after taking a huge loss to North Stafford, Culpeper looks to continue their fast start)

Orange (2-1) at Albemarle (0-3)

(Orange has won their last 2 games by 50 points while Albemarle has struggled against tough competition)

Spotsylvania (1-3) at Chancellor (0-3)

(Knights come off an emotional week to take on district rival Chancellor)

Louisa (2-2) at Western Albemarle (0-4)

(Louisa and the Lions domintated last night rolling over Western Albemarle 40-0)

Liberty (0-4) at Sherando (4-0)

(Eagles have had a tough start and the going gets tougher taking a trip to Stephens City to play undefeated Sherando)

Warren County (0-3) at Fauquier (1-2)

(Fauquier looking for a good win to get them back to .500)