Next up in King of the Hill, Northern Region-style: Herndon.

The Hornets (2-1), who host No. 1 Robinson (3-0) at 7:30 tonight, get their shot at dethroning the defending Group AAA, Division 6 champs.

Langley, Fairfax and South Lakes tried with little success the last three weeks. The Rams did not allow a point in the first, second or third quarter and outrushed their aforementioned competition, 837 yards to 146.

For a team supposedly well behind last season's torrid pace, Robinson has been nonetheless impressive.

The defense, anchored by All-Journal seniors Adam Fassnacht and Blake Shubert, is giving up just 1.8 yards per rush and has scored 14 points.

``We've been pretty stout against the run but Herndon presents a different problem because they're more balanced than the teams we've faced," Robinson coach Mark Bendorf said. ``We're going to have to tackle [Herndon running back] Brandon Guyer and make sure some of their other guys don't beat us."

Herndon, with an imposing and experienced offensive line, will present the biggest physical challenge for the Rams thus far. Guyer has rushed for a region-high 532 yards, including a 278-yard, four-touchdown effort last week in the Hornets' 35-0 win over Jefferson. It was Guyer's second 200-plus yard performance in three weeks. However, he rushed for just 46 yards on 18 carries in Herndon's 40-17 loss to No. 8 Annandale in Week 2.

Chase Anastasio returned to the Rams last week after missing the first two games with a high ankle sprain. He came off the bench to rush for 80 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries as the Rams beat South Lakes, 30-0.

Anastasio will start tonight, though Bendorf said he is two to three weeks away from being at full strength.

Junior running back Mike Anderson thrived in Anastasio's stead. Anderson's 315 yards and five touchdowns lead the Rams and his 13.1 yards per carry average leads the region.

``He's done better than expected," Bendorf said of Anderson.

Anderson and Anastasio are expected to share the rushing load tonight. Junior running back Aaron Richards, who missed last week with an ankle injury, is questionable.

In last season's matchup, Herndon led Robinson, 7-0, after the first quarter. But the Rams scored 31 unanswered points and rushed for 337 yards en route to a convincing victory.

T.C. WILLIAMS at (4) WESTFIELD

The Titans (2-1) head to Westfield (3-0) riding the crest of a two-game winning streak. Last week, T.C. Williams' 9-7 win over Lake Braddock ended an 11-year drought against the Bruins and a 16-game Patriot District winless streak.

``That game was a sign of our guys refusing to lose," Titans coach Riki Ellison said. ``It was neat to watch."

Kicker Salliar Conteh made a 36-yard field goal with 54 seconds left to secure the win despite never attempting a field goal prior to that in a game or in practice. All of Conteh's practice time was devoted to extra points, though Ellison said Conteh got in some field goal work this week.

T.C. Williams' newfound karma faces the ultimate test tonight against Westfield. The Bulldogs have scored at least 41 points in each game this season and may have the most balanced and explosive offense in the region.

``From what I've seen, I think [Westfield] is one of the two best teams in Northern Virginia," Ellison said. ``They remind me a lot of the old Washington Redskins with the formations they use. We haven't faced a team like this yet."

The Bulldogs defeated No. 8 Annandale, 42-21, last Friday as the hyped matchup turned out to be one-sided. But Westfield coach Tom Verbanic is not worried about a letdown against T.C. Williams despite the Titans' struggles before the last two weeks.

``Our kids are pretty focused right now and we haven't had to say a whole lot," Verbanic said. ``They've been doing a great job of getting prepared. They're very aggressive and enthusiastic and can't wait to get on the field on Friday nights, which as a coach is nice to see."

(8) ANNANDALE at HAYFIELD

Dire straits.

That's what the loser of this Patriot District tilt will be facing. Both Hayfield (1-2) and Annandale (2-1) harbored postseason hopes when this season began and tonight's winner keeps the dream alive.

``The loser is out of the playoff picture, pretty much," Hayfield coach Billy Pugh said. ``It's definitely playoff time for us and our kids now that."

Hayfield opened the season with losses to Herndon and Chantilly before earning a 24-21 win over Mount Vernon last week. The Hawks came from behind three times against the Majors and quarterback Kyle Morgan's fourth-quarter touchdown pass to wide receiver Adam Bush provided the finishing touch.

Hayfield has struggled stopping the run, allowing at least 260 yards in each of the first three games. Tonight, however, the Hawks' chief concern is slowing a passing offense led by Atoms quarterback Travis Johnson, who has passed for a region-high 629 yards.

``We know we can't let [Johnson] set his feet; if he sets his feet, we're done," Pugh said. ``He's a great quarterback. He can move and make plays. To stop a great playmaker, you've got to make him uncomfortable."

Annandale had trouble with Westfield running back Evan Royster last week and the Hawks are also blessed with a talented runner in Tyrone Simpson. The senior has rushed for 323 yards and three touchdowns and last week tallied a season-high 155 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown.

If the Atoms overcompensate to stop Simpson, it could open things up for Morgan and an improving passing game. Last week, Morgan passed for 127 yards and a touchdown after tallying just 71 yards in the first two weeks combined.