Opening Drive: Week 3
By Carl Lukat
The third week of the 2008 football season features eight games involving Loudoun schools. Potomac Falls hosts Jefferson County (W.Va.) in our Game of the Week.
Here's a look at each of the other matchups.
Loudoun County (1-1) at James Wood (2-0)
When: Sept. 12, 7 p.m.
Last season: James Wood, 41-8
Last week: Handley 49, Loudoun County 21; James Wood 31, Washington (W.Va.) 0
Quick glance: The Raiders will need to find a way to slow down James Wood's rushing attack. The Colonels feature one of the region's top kickers in Andrew Lloyd. He connected on a 47-yard field goal in the win against Washington.
Dominion (0-1) at Millbrook (1-1)
When: Sept. 12, 7 p.m.
Last season: Millbrook, 34-22
Last week: Dominion did not play; Millbrook 35, Spotswood 21
Quick glance: The Titans have an extra week to prepare for this game after dropping their opener to Washington-Lee, 41-7. Millbrook rallied from 21 points down against Spotswood last week to even its record.
Briar Woods (1-0) at Manassas Park (0-2)
When: Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Last season: Briar Woods, 26-6
Last week: Briar Woods did not play; Spotsylvania 28, Manassas Park 14
Quick glance: Briar Woods will return to action two weeks after defeating Millbrook, 27-13, in a battle of 2007 playoff teams to open this season. Manassas Park needs to muster up a big offensive effort to avoid slipping to 0-3.
Brentsville (0-1) at Heritage (2-0)
When: Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Last season: Heritage, 29-26
Last week: Heritage 56, North Hagerstown (Md.) 28; Freedom 22, Brentsville 14
Quick glance: Two schools off to opposite starts. Heritage has racked up 84 points in two wins to begin the season. Brentsville lost its opener to Freedom, which was winless in its previous 11 games.
Stone Bridge (2-0) at Marshall (1-1)
When: Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Last season: Stone Bridge, 35-0
Last week: Stone Bridge 49, Robinson 7; Fairfax 26, Marshall 7
Quick glance: The Bulldogs begin Liberty District play following a pair of impressive wins against nondistrict foes. Stone Bridge has not lost a district game since joining the Liberty prior to the 2005 season.
Loudoun Valley (0-1) at Woodbridge (2-0)
When: Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Last season: Loudoun Valley, 24-7
Last week: Forest Park 16, Loudoun Valley 0; Woodbridge 13, Highland Springs 0
Quick glance: Valley was shut out last week, while Woodbridge recorded a shutout against Highland Springs. The key to this game is how many points the Viking offense will produce.
Park View (0-2) at Handley (2-0)
When: Sept. 13, 1 p.m.
Last season: Park View, 34-20
Last week: Jefferson (W.Va.) 42, Park View 36 (OT); Handley 49, Loudoun County 21
Quick glance: Park View will have its hands full as it tries to snap an early two-game losing streak. Handley junior Jeremiah Wilson ran loose against Loudoun County, netting 282 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.