For the second week in a row, West Potomac looks to continue a long winning streak against an opponent.
But this time the Wolverines hope that they can keep their streak going.
A 16-game run of success against Mount Vernon came to a halt for West Potomac in a season-opening 27-20 loss. The Wolverines are 13-0 against Edison all time, winning every game between 1985 and 1995 and again in the Division 5 playoffs in 2000. The two teams were rivals in the old Gunston District and for two years in the National District before the Wolverines moved to the Patriot in 1996.
Edison's confidence may be at an all-time high coming into this contest, however, having thumped Lee in Week 1, 27-6. The Eagles controlled the ball with tailback Mark Beach going for 146 yards.
``I'm not sure we've ever played that well in the first game of the season," Eagle head coach Vaughn Lewis said.
The size of Edison's offensive line was a concern before the season, with three players weighing 200 pounds or less. But the group comprised of Dan Griffith, Jason White, Zach Vanderlecq, Ryan Lindenbaum and Pat Albert played well against Lee and enabled the Eagles' backs to rush for more than 300 yards total.
West Potomac, which got several big plays from running back Marcus Harrington and quarterback Darren Baker last week, can't afford to start 0-2 considering the always-difficult Patriot District schedule looms.
``The secret of this game is going to be keeping them from the big play," Lewis said. ``If we do that we've got a shot at winning the ballgame and we can do that by holding the ball on offense."
WOODSON
at LAKE BRADDOCK
The Bruins have won four straight in this series and six of the last seven, with Woodson's lone win during that stretch coming in 1992 on an overtime touchdown catch by Ryan Cox.
Lake Braddock is slowly making the adjustment away from the wide-open passing attack employed with quarterback B.J. Quigley last year. In the meantime, the team's defense is being counted on to carry the load.
``[Lake Braddock's] defense is really tough and they've done really well so far," said Cavalier head coach Mark Cox. ``Giving up only 14 points against Centreville, that's pretty good."
Mark Cox was pleased with how his own defensive backs handled a Jefferson team that employed the shotgun and threw the ball 30 times. Woodson gave up 161 yards in the air, but just one touchdown and that came in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand.
While the Cavaliers' offense struggled early against Jefferson, it eventually came on. After an early punt return for a touchdown, running back Stephen Niez scored twice on runs in the second and third quarters and Joe Martin had one in the third as well.
With both team's offenses still a work in progress, defense will be the key.
``I see it being a defensive game," Mark Cox said.
W-L at MARSHALL
Neither the Generals nor the Statesmen fared particularly well in their season-opener and each looks to rebound this week.
Washington-Lee had its hands full with No. 6 West Springfield, scoring a late touchdown to avert a shutout, but losing, 34-6. Meanwhile, the Statesmen struggled to deal with Falls Church's passing attack in a 51-18 loss, giving up more than 300 yards in the air.
But while the big play hurt Marshall in that game, a ray of hope was offered up in the team's ability to run the ball. Tailback Darryl Smith rushed for 216 yards on 23 carries and had two touchdowns.
``We were moving the ball well at one point and I thought we were on the way back," said Marshall head coach Pete Salvano, ``We were marching down the field on our third possession and looking to go in for a score. But then we fumbled and it got real ugly from there."
Marshall's defense has to get ready for a different test this week. Instead of the Jaguars' passing attack, Washington-Lee is ground based and will run loads of option with Sean Somlar at quarterback, Aldwin Jones at tailback and and Roland Ferecho at fullback.
Generals head coach Chad Lewis is pleased with the transition quarterback Somlar is making after playing running back last season. Somlar had the team's only touchdown last week, a 29-yard run. Lewis was also impressed with his team's composure, even after West Springfield broke the game open.
``We're viewing this as a very big game for us," Lewis said. ``A win and we're 1-1 and obviously it's a different way to approach the next game and the following game. Both programs want this game, I'm sure."
