WEEK 7 PREVIEW

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#2 Colonial Forge (5-1) at #6 Mountain View (3-2):

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This Friday, #2 Colonial Forge (5-1) will visit #6 Mountain View (3-2) in a matchup that’s shaping up to be a battle between Colonial Forge’s high-octane offense and Mountain View’s tenacious defense. Last week, Forge’s QB Brock Brimhall was in peak form, tossing five touchdowns in a commanding 49-16 win over Massaponax. Mountain View, on the other hand, took a tough 13-12 loss to Riverbend. After missing an extra point and failing a late two-point attempt, the Wildcats had one last shot after a pass interference call in the end zone, but Riverbend’s Kristopher Pruitt sealed it with a clutch interception. In last season’s meeting, Mountain View came out on top 31-13 in a clash of undefeated teams, solidifying their place as a defensive powerhouse. This year, that defense remains one of the area’s best, but Mountain View has yet to find a consistent rhythm on offense — a vulnerability Forge will undoubtedly look to exploit with Brimhall leading the charge. The Wildcats will need to contain Brimhall’s aerial attack and create scoring opportunities if they hope to keep Forge from pulling away. For Forge, this game is a chance to make a statement after last season’s defeat, and they’ll be eager to test Mountain View’s defense. Expect a hard-fought game that may come down to which side can outlast the other in a potential offensive-defensive standoff.

#3 North Stafford (4-1) at #5 Riverbend (3-2):

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This Friday, #3 North Stafford (4-1) heads to #5 Riverbend (3-2) in a pivotal clash as both teams aim to assert themselves in the rankings. North Stafford continued their impressive turnaround last week, taking down #6 Eastern View 38-21. Meanwhile, Riverbend’s ground game and clock control proved effective in a gritty 13-12 win over Mountain View. Last season, Riverbend secured a decisive 41-20 victory over the Wolverines, but North Stafford has dramatically transformed since then. From a 0-10 record last season, they’ve surged to 4-1, largely due to playmakers like RB Micah Brown, QB Chase Sullivan, and WR Naz Sullivan. Riverbend, true to form, relies on a steady ground game to wear down opponents, with RBs JoJo Thomas and Luke Marlow leading the charge. For North Stafford, keeping Riverbend’s offense off the field and maintaining their offensive rhythm will be key. Meanwhile, Riverbend will look to grind down the Wolverines' defense and control the pace of the game. It’s a matchup of two contrasting styles — North Stafford’s explosiveness versus Riverbend’s disciplined, run-heavy approach — and the team that imposes their style will likely come out on top.

Louisa (3-2) at Orange (4-1)

This Friday, two red-hot offenses face off as Louisa (3-2) travels to take on Orange (4-1) in a Jefferson District showdown. Louisa is riding high after a dominant 45-6 win over Monticello, while Orange put on a scoring clinic of their own, trouncing Western Albemarle 42-8. Last season, Louisa came out on top, 35-22, and they’ve held the upper hand in this rivalry, with Orange still seeking their first win over the Lions since 2008. Both teams bring plenty of offensive firepower to this game. Since their season-opening losses, Orange has averaged a staggering 49.25 points per game, while Louisa isn’t far behind, putting up 44.6 points on average since starting 0-2. The Lions’ key playmakers — WR Dyzier Carter, RBs Savion Hiter and Jayden Seaberry, and QB Caleb Brady — have found their groove, and they'll be looking to keep the momentum rolling. For Orange, the strategy has been simple yet effective: control the box and pound the ball. Their ground-and-pound approach has been tough to stop, helping them rattle off four straight wins. This matchup could be a game of big plays for Louisa versus clock control for Orange, and whichever team can impose its style will likely take control in the district race.

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OTHER GAMES

* Projected Winners in bold

Meridian (1-4) at #4 Kettle Run (5-0)

(Cougars will look to maintain their dominance over their district)

#7 Eastern View (3-2) at James Monroe (2-3)

(Eastern View will look to recover as even bigger district showdowns are on the horizon)

Culpeper (2-3) at #8 King George (3-2)

(The Foxes improved defense will look to aid in getting the Foes back up the rankings)

#10 Brooke Point (3-3) at Massaponax (1-5)

(Both teams are on a bit of a skid and in need of a district win this week)

Courtland (3-2) at Spotsylvania (2-3)

(The Cougars have struggled against the areas best, but can they score some big wins and get good playoff positioning?)

Caroline (4-1) at Chancellor (1-4)

(If Caroline can get to 5-1 it will be another sign of growth and could get the Cavaliers in next weeks top 10)

Liberty (0-6) at Millbrook (2-3)

(The Eagles have had a rough go of things this season)

Handley (4-1) at Fauquier (1-4)

(Falcons have an extremely hard test when the Judges roll in)