Five to watch in 2008
Don't look now but the 2008 varsity football season is right around the corner.
Fall practices start in less than a month and the season kicks off in 40 days -- but who's counting. Here are five games that initially caught my eye after looking over the schedule.
Millbrook at Briar Woods - Aug. 29
A great way to start the season. This will be the third meeting between these two teams in less than a year, a rarity for squads from different districts. Briar Woods rolled Millbrook 40-14 in the 2007 regular season before the Pioneers turned the tables in the Region II playoffs, scoring the decisive touchdown with less than five minutes left for a 27-24 victory. Despite the narrow loss, it was a huge accomplishment for the Falcons to make the playoffs in their second varsity season. Briar Woods can take a big first step towards another playoff appearance with a victory in this game.
Robinson at Stone Bridge - Sept. 5
The Bulldogs lone loss during their march to the 2007 Virginia Division 5 championship came courtesy of the Rams. Robinson handled Stone Bridge 41-14 in week two. The Bulldogs responded by rattling off 13 straight wins to secure its first state championship. This game not only provides Stone Bridge a chance to avenge last year's loss, but also to measure their 2008 roster against a Division 6 power.
Broad Run at Heritage - Oct. 3
The Spartans' 17-10 win over the Pride last year was super intense with both defenses putting on a clinic. It was one of those games were both teams deserved to win. I fully expect the 2008 version to be well worth the price of admission.
Stone Bridge at Madison - Oct. 17
The Bulldogs have not lost a district game since 2002, including 21 straight wins in three Liberty District seasons. Madison is coming off a 9-3 campaign and normally sit near the top of the Liberty standings. With a grind it out running game that kept the Bulldog offense on the sidelines for much of last year's tilt, the Warhawks were one of three teams to hold Stone Bridge below 30 points in 2007. The problem was they only scored once in a 27-7 loss.
Broad Run at Park View - Nov. 7
A top rivalry for many, many years in Loudoun grew more intense last fall as the two teams were playing for much more than just school pride. Broad Run won the first meeting 21-14 in the regular season finale to capture the Dulles District championship. Park View returned the favor a week later, 16-12, in the first round of the Region II playoffs. Could we see another showdown with as much significance in 2008?