WEEK 9 PREVIEW

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#1 Stafford (7-0) at #4 Riverbend (4-3):

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Tonight, #1 Stafford (7-0) faces off against #4 Riverbend (4-3), setting up a marquee showdown between two of the area’s hottest teams. Stafford is coming off a nail-biting 26-22 victory over North Stafford, their third straight dramatic win, as RB Michael Creamer punched in a game-winning score with just 48 seconds left to keep their perfect season alive and clinch the Battle of the Bell for the second consecutive year. QB Zion Gray and Creamer have been an unstoppable duo, keeping defenses on their heels and spearheading Stafford’s high-powered offense. Riverbend, meanwhile, is riding high after an impressive 34-17 upset of Colonial Forge, where their bruising ground game took center stage. RBs JoJo Thomas, WR Cam Simmons, and WR Mekhi Davis have been the backbone of the Bears’ offense, wearing down opponents with their relentless running. Riverbend will be looking to replicate last season’s success when they defeated Stafford 34-8, adding extra motivation to defend their home turf and shake up the district standings. For Stafford, containing Riverbend’s physical rushing attack will be a top priority. However, the Bears’ defense will have their hands full trying to slow down Gray and Creamer, who have proven they can perform under pressure. This game promises to be a clash of contrasting styles: Riverbend’s grinding ground game versus Stafford’s explosive offense. With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, this matchup has all the makings of a classic.

#7 Brooke Point (5-3) at #5 Colonial Forge (6-2) :

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This Friday, #7 Brooke Point (5-3) travels to face #5 Colonial Forge (6-2) in a pivotal clash with playoff implications on the line. Brooke Point has been on an offensive tear, putting up big numbers in recent games, including 56 against top-ranked Stafford, 52 against Massaponax, and 30 in last week’s victory over Mountain View. QB Gabe Dombek has been at the helm of this surge, making clutch plays and leading his team to a solid playoff position—at least for now. Colonial Forge, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back after a surprising 34-17 loss to Riverbend. This defeat dropped them out of contention for a higher playoff seed, and with a #5 ranking, they’d currently be on the road in the first round. QB Brock Brimhall will need to elevate his game against a Brooke Point defense that has been vulnerable this season, giving up significant points in recent weeks. With Brooke Point’s offense firing on all cylinders and Colonial Forge eager to tighten up and protect their home turf, this game has high stakes for both sides. For Brooke Point, it’s an opportunity to solidify a playoff berth and climb in the standings. For Forge, it’s a must-win to keep hopes of a first-round home game alive. Expect an intense showdown as both teams battle to shape their postseason paths.

#6 Eastern View (5-2) at #8 King George (5-2)

Tonight , #6 Eastern View (5-2) heads to #8 King George (5-2) for a Battlefield District showdown with major playoff implications. Both teams are locked in a tight race for postseason seeding, with the winner likely securing a stronger shot at hosting a first-round playoff game. King George has found their stride after a rough 1-2 start, improving their defense significantly. In last week’s 47-2 rout of Caroline, the Foxes showed they’ve cleaned up defensive lapses from earlier in the season, a trend they’ll look to continue. King George’s offensive stars are QB Dylan Koch, WR Ky’Mani Carpenter, and RB/LB Charles Johnson, all of whom have been integral to their recent success. On the other side, Eastern View’s x-factors include QB AP Hull, TE William Butler, and the ever-reliable LB/TE Brett Clatterbaugh. Hull and Clatterbaugh will be pivotal in sustaining drives and applying pressure on defense to keep Koch and his targets at bay. Eastern View took care of Spotsylvania last week, 27-7, but they’ll need a stronger showing against a King George squad hungry to avenge last season’s 28-16 defeat. With playoff seeding and district bragging rights on the line, this matchup has all the makings of a gritty, hard-fought battle.

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OTHER GAMES

* Projected Winners in bold

Warren County (1-6) at #2 Kettle Run (7-0)

(Cougars dominated what will likely be their hardest regular season opponent... now they will look to avoid any letdowns)

Massaponax (1-6) at #3 North Stafford (5-2)

(An angry North Stafford team will look to bounce back in district play)

Fluvanna County (3-4) at #9 Louisa (5-2)

(Louisa will look to continue their dominance since recovering from their 0-2 start)

Patriot (6-1) at #10 Mounatain View (3-4)

(The Wildcats back will be against the wall in this game and if they win any other game they have from here on out)

Courtland (5-2) at Chancellor (2-5)

(Classic Spotsy rivalry tonight as Courtland will look to strengthen their playoff odds)

Liberty (0-8) at Handley (6-1)

(The Eagles will look to pull a huge upset similar to what we saw from Kennesaw State pull off on Wednesday night)

Brentsville District (4-3) at Fauquier (1-6)

(Falcons will look to end their 6 game losing strak)

Goochland (1-6) at Orange (6-2)

(Hornets will look to get to 7 over a struggling Goochland )