The top-ranked Robinson Rams (1-0) play their first home game as defending Group AAA champs when the Fairfax Rebels (0-1) come calling at 7:30 tonight.

Fairfax held a 21-7 halftime lead over Annandale in last week's season opener but ultimately fell in overtime, 24-21. The game was not without positives, however. Senior running back Owen Schmitt rushed for a Northern Region-best 216 yards on 25 carries and the Rebels defense was solid against the run, limiting the Atoms to 84 yards.

Fairfax running back Andre Archer added 50 yards on seven carries but is doubtful for tonight because of a lower back problem, according to Rebels coach Bill Rechin.

But Fairfax is aware that focusing on injuries or last week's loss will only take away from its chance at upsetting the Rams.

``Any time you get a chance to play against the best it's a great opportunity," Rechin said. ``This is a great benchmark for us. We want to come out and do things well and let the chips fall where they may."

Robinson trailed Langley, 7-6, in the fourth quarter last week before eventually pulling away in a 28-14 victory. The Rams offense, which was without senior running back Chase Anastasio and reliant on youth at nearly every offensive skill position, moved the ball effectively. In their first extensive varsity action, junior running backs Aaron Richards and Mike Anderson combined to rush for 241 yards on 25 carries. However, Robinson was called for 11 penalties that negated three touchdowns and 253 yards of offense.

The defense, led by All-Journal defensive tackle Adam Fassnacht's six sacks, was sterling. Langley managed just 22 rushing yards and the Rams intercepted Saxons quarterback Josh Carr four times, including one that All-Journal linebacker Blake Shubert returned 36 yards for a touchdown to give the Robinson a 21-7 fourth quarter lead.

So the Rams followed the expected script. Their group of senior holdovers performed up to expectations and the new starters are still a work in progress.

``Our younger players have to continue to get better," Rams coach Mark Bendorf said. ``Getting more game experience is the only way that's going to happen."

Anastasio's status for tonight is still in question. What was originally believed to be a severe ankle sprain has been diagnosed as a high ankle sprain, which requires a longer recovery period. Bendorf said Anastasio has been able to do more each day and will be a game-time decision.

``If Chase is not in position to be effective or is in jeopardy of getting re-injured then we're not going to take that chance," Bendorf said.

One key matchup to watch tonight will feature Fassnacht and Rebels senior guard John Lumsden.

``If we had to pick someone to go against [Fassnacht], he's the one we'd want," Rechin said.

LANGLEY AT (4) WESTFIELD

Much was made of No. 4 Westfield's offense heading into the season and if the first week was any indication, the hype was justified. The Bulldogs trampled Wakefield, 46-0, and their starting skill players played less than two quarters.

Junior Sean Glennon led the way by completing 5-of-6 passes for 208 yards and four touchdowns and enters tonight with a perfect quarterback rating (158.3).

But the test Westfield faces in Langley will be much tougher than last week. And the Saxons' performance in Week 1 against the defending state champs certainly got the Bulldogs' attention.

``After our guys saw that Langley had a lead on Robinson in the fourth quarter, they realized that everything we had been telling them was not coach talk," Westfield coach Tom Verbanic said. ``Langley's offense is big up front and we haven't played against a team with their size yet."

For Langley, tonight is the second step in a brutal first-month schedule that also features Fairfax and Centreville.

``Westfield has a lot of athletic ability on offense," Saxons coach J.J. Hetman said. ``Their offensive line gave [Glennon] time to pass and he looked real comfortable back there."

Langley's passing offense also impressed in Week 1. While quarterback Josh Carr did throw four interceptions, he passed for 180 yards and two touchdowns, as well. Matt D'Agata also emerged as the Saxons' top receiving threat. The 6-foot, 200-pound senior had six catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns against Robinson.

``We want [D'Agata] to be someone we can go to," Hetman said. ``He's capable of producing big numbers and we're going to look to him in the big games. Obviously after last week he's going to be a marked man."

Working in Westfield's favor could be the return of senior safety Justin Mosser, the anchor of the Bulldogs secondary. He missed the opener while recovering from mid-August knee surgery, but Verbanic said he expects Mosser to return to action tonight.

ANNANDALE AT (8) HERNDON

The Hornets (1-0) debut in The Journal Top 10 poll at No. 8 this week after opening with a win last Thursday at Hayfield, 14-7. A strong start was imperative for Herndon, which has the second-most difficult schedule in all of Northern Virginia.

Annandale (1-0) prevailed in overtime, 24-21, against Fairfax thanks in large part to the versatile play of quarterback Travis Johnson. The senior passed for 235 yards and kicked a game-winning 27-yard field goal.

But the Atoms also received a breakout performance from wide receiver Davis Murrillo (nine catches for 146 yards) and senior Monte Moyer scored two touchdowns.

The key to tonight's matchup could be Annandale's ability to stop the Hornets' rushing attack. Behind a big and experienced offensive line, Herndon's Brandon Guyer rushed for 208 yards last week. Annandale struggled with Fairfax running back Owen Schmitt, who rushed for 216 yards. A similar showing by their defense tonight could spell doom for the Atoms.