The second-ranked Wildcats (2-0) got a scare last week from West Springfield before prevailing in overtime, 38-31. Senior quarterback Dan Mellies, who led a crucial game-tying drive in the fourth quarter, had the best game of his career, passing for 193 yards and a touchdown.

The Wildcats defense, however, struggled to contain the Spartans offense. West Springfield junior Derrick Braziel rushed for 200 yards, the best performance against Centreville in six years.

Expect an inspired performance tonight from the Wildcats, and that does not bode well for Woodson (1-1). Last week, the Cavaliers defense limited Lake Braddock's offense to 52 total yards. But four Cavaliers turnovers, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns, doomed their effort in a 31-21 loss.

Centreville beat Woodson, 55-7, last season. Richard Taylor, then a Wildcats reserve running back, scored two touchdowns. Now a starter, the junior has thrived, rushing for 275 yards in the first two weeks, the fourth-highest total in the region.

No. 7 Madison at Stuart

The No. 7 Warhawks won last year's meeting 42-0. Stuart is nursing a 14-game losing streak dating back to Week 5 of the 2000 season. Madison has notched wins over Oakton and Falls Church so far this year. The defense has allowed just 333 yards total offense in its first two games.

Chantilly at Falls Church

Last year's contest, the first meeting between the two schools in well over a decade, went to Chantilly, 7-6, courtesy of a late touchdown run by Anthony Cordero. The No. 9 Chargers (2-0) pummelled Herndon last week, 28-0. The Jaguars look to rebound from a 48-9 loss to No. 7 Madison. Quarterback Matt Jenkins was 13-for-29 passing in that game, but was intercepted three times.

Edison at Marshall

The Eagles present some matchup problems for Marshall, which doesn't have much overall team speed.

``Defensively, [Edison is] probably the quickest team we'll face," said Marshall head coach Pete Salvano. ``They come off the ball really fast, get right into the blocker and get leverage to shed him."

The Statesmen rely on a solid running game with backs Darryl Smith, Zack Leasure and Colton Turner. Edison (1-1) is coming off a close loss to West Potomac, 25-21. Marshall (1-1) knocked off Washington-Lee for its first win of the year, 40-26.

Wakefield at Washington-Lee

One of these teams will earn its first win of the season tonight. Generals quarterback Sean Somlar topped the rushing charts last week with a ?-yard performance in Washington-Lee's (0-2) loss to Marshall. Wakefield (0-2), which dropped a 35-7 decision to McLean last week, has won five in a row against its Arlington County rival and six of the last seven in the series.

Hayfield at Mount Vernon

Both teams are coming off disappointing losses. Hayfield (0-2) fell to Chantilly, 28-0, while Mount Vernon (1-1) lost to T.C. Williams, 20-13, ending the Titans' 12-game losing streak.

Surprisingly, the Hawks offense has struggled this season and hasn't scored since the season's opening drive against Herndon. If Hayfield has any intention of securing a third-straight playoff berth, a win this week is imperative.

Mount Vernon rushed for 311 yards against T.C. Williams but turned the ball over seven times.

The Hawks and Majors have split their last two meetings. In 2000, Mount Vernon won in overtime, 21-20. Last season, the Hawks prevailed, 34-13, on the strength of a balanced offense that tallied 231 yards rushing and 243 passing.

Herndon at Jefferson

A battle between former Concorde District rivals. Herndon (1-1) struggled last week in a 40-17 loss to Annandale. Jefferson (1-1), now a member of the National District, allowed three Yorktown running backs to rush for more than 85 yards in a 27-7 loss to the Patriots.

Colonials quarterback Ivan Hall, who has a region-high 67 pass attempts thus far, is sidelined with the flu. His favorite target, Shane Warren (10 receptions, 154 yards, TD), will take over behind center and attempt to do what no Jefferson quarterback has since 1998: lead the Colonials to a win over the Hornets. Herndon has won three straight in the series.