In 2001, the offense grabbed headlines during Robinson's run to a second state title in five seasons. This season, the defense appears primed for notoriety and keyed the top-ranked Rams' 38-14 win over host Herndon Friday.

On a wet and muddy field, Robinson controlled the line of scrimmage for the fourth straight game, this time against its most physical and experienced opponent yet. Senior defensive tackle Adam Fassnacht, the 2001 Journal Defensive Player of the Year, set the tone by stuffing Herndon fullback Shawn Proctor for a 2-yard loss on the Hornets' first offensive play.

``I was real curious how things would go [Friday]," Rams coach Mark Bendorf said. ``I felt Herndon was a team that had linemen and a legitimate back that could pound it at us and I wanted to see how we would do. And I thought we responded pretty well."

When Robinson (4-0) running back Chase Anastasio's 20-yard touchdown run gave the Rams a 14-0 lead with 11 minutes, 49 seconds left in the second quarter, Herndon (2-2) had just one first down.

Herndon coach Tommy Meier was particularly impressed with Fassnacht, sophomore defensive lineman Franklyn Herrera and senior All-Journal linebacker Blake Shubert.

``Those three kids are going to give everyone fits, as well as Herndon," Meier said. ``We're lucky to get a stalemate. We don't want to win those battles, we just want to keep them out of our backfield so we can operate."

Hornets junior running back Brandon Guyer entered as the Northern Region's leading rusher with 532 yards and drew the focus of Robinson's defense. Though Guyer rushed six times for 40 first-half yards, 27 came on one play.

``That was a main goal, we were keying on [Guyer]," Fassnacht said. ``He's only a junior, so he's got a lot of potential. He's one of the better backs we've gone against this year. We did pretty well against him in the beginning of the game so I guess we're pleased with that."

Fassnacht had plenty of help. Sophomore defensive lineman Brent Jones, Herrera and Robinson's senior trio of linebackers - Shubert, Danny Adams and Brian Turner - helped hold Guyer in check. Guyer finished with 122 yards on 15 carries, but 78 yards came after Robinson built a 31-7 lead.

``Coming in, we knew Guyer was what made them go," Bendorf said. ``Against the first unit, we got a lot of people to the football, we got off blocks pretty well and we got a lot of people to the point of attack and didn't let [Guyer] get started."

Herndon quarterback Jimmy Kimball's 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Blake Zavala with 4:52 left in the second quarter was the first score allowed by the Rams before the fourth quarter this season.

In the second half, Herndon marched 47 yards on 12 plays, setting up 1st-and-goal at the Rams 5-yard line. But Robinson's defense stiffened, thanks to Fassnacht and Turner, and Kimball's fourth-down pass from the 4 fell incomplete.

``We always think that we can do better," Fassnacht said. ``But we'll take an ugly win over a good loss, any day."

To dethrone the Rams, early success against their defense will be imperative. Through four games, Robinson has outscored the opposition, 89-7, in the first half.

WESTFIELD

A win's a win, and few would complain over the type of performance the Bulldogs put up in their 42-6 victory over visiting T.C. Williams Saturday afternoon - one that featured well-executed scoring plays, a goal-line stand and overall dominance on the scoreboard.

But the victory may have proven costly for 4-0 and third-ranked Westfield.

All-Journal wide receiver Paris Jackson left the game in the first quarter with a right knee injury. Jackson had the knee bandaged and was on crutches the rest of the afternoon.

Jackson could put some weight on the knee while using the crutches, but was not moving around well after the game. And if Jackson's injury were the only one, it would have been bad enough. But things got worse.

A short time after Jackson went out, offensive lineman Curtis Knight needed crutches to get around on his own right knee injury. Still before halftime, tight end Alex Litz left the contest with a left ankle injury that was bandaged. Litz could not put any pressure on the ankle and also required crutches.

Early in the third quarter, freshman tailback Evan Royster was carried off following a 3-yard gain, suffering from what appeared to be a left ankle injury. Royster, who had rushed for Westfield's opening touchdown, did not return.

``They're excellent players, they're very good football players," said Verbanic of his injured quartet. ``We've just got to use what we've got. We're fortunate that we're fairly deep and we've got some other kids that can step in and play."

One thing the Bulldogs (4-0) still have, however, is quarterback Sean Glennon, and the losses of Jackson and Royster - at least on Saturday - didn't slow down the Westfield attack.

Royal was a big factor early, throwing a key block on a quick screen to allow Royster to jaunt 67 yards for a score that made it 14-0 less than 10 minutes into the game. Less than a minute into the second quarter, Royal took a punt 91 yards for another score, starting toward the middle, then cutting left and reaching the end zone untouched.

Royal has returned a punt or kickoff for a touchdown in every Bulldogs game this season.

Born made his contributions later, catching a 30-yard touchdown just before halftime from Glennon, then an 18-yarder in the third quarter that Glennon placed perfectly between two Titans defenders - in a spot where only the leaping Born could come down with it.

``We've got a lot of guys working hard and we keep preaching to them, football season is a long season and if you're not getting your chance right this minute, that doesn't mean you're not going to next week," Verbanic said. ``Our kids have really practiced well so we've got a lot of kids ready and dying to get on the field and play."

Glennon finished the day 10-of-13 for 226 yards, four scores and one interception. His other touchdown came on a 15-yard pass to Greg Lannes.

``I thought we threw the ball really well," Verbanic said. ``I thought in the first half, we did some things pretty good. We did some very good things offensively, and defensively, we hung in."

Westfield visits Washington-Lee Friday.

HERNDON

Herndon's spirit was down Friday after falling to Robinson, the Hornets' second loss in three weeks. But the game was not without bright spots for the home team.

Herndon linebacker Kevin Grant was brilliant from the outset and delivered several bone-jarring hits on Rams ball carriers. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound junior stopped Anastasio for no gain on Robinson's first play. Three snaps later, Grant's hit on Rams quarterback Andy Hartigan forced an incompletion.

Midway through the third quarter, Grant emphatically stopped Anastasio short of a first down on 3rd-and-3. Anastasio remained on the ground temporarily before limping to the sideline with leg cramps.

``[Grant] smashed [Anastasio] a few times," Fassnacht said. ``He's a heck of a player."

As has become tradition at Herndon, the linebackers are the defense's strongest unit. Grant complements Guyer and seniors Michael McDonald and Brandon Daye. But Grant's style - and impact - is unique among the quartet.

``The other [linebackers] are more chasers. Kevin's a plugger," Meier said. ``When Kevin hits you, he stops you in your tracks."

Grant, who said he patterns himself after former Herndon linebackers Brad DeHaven and Brandon Esse, is blessed with the size and speed needed for highlight-reel tackles. However, Grant said their occurrence comes by coincidence, not design.

``It's always nice to make a big hit, but it's part of the game," Grant said. ``There's always going to be big hits and, yeah, some people hit harder than others."

Early last season, multiple shoulder injuries predicated Grant's move from linebacker to defensive end, where he endured fewer high-speed collisions. Now healthy, Grant is back where he wants to be.

``I love playing linebacker, it's a fun position to play," Grant said.

ANNANDALE

Annandale coach Dick Adams wanted to do the right thing with his offense on Friday night.

He did, and it led to No. 8 Annandale's 21-6 victory at Hayfield - the Atoms' (3-1) first win over the Hawks (1-3) since 1997.

Hayfield's turf was a mix of soggy grass and slick mud on Friday after Thursday's storms ripped through the area.

After scanning the field conditions, Adams knew that he'd have to ground Annandale's often-used air attack - senior quarterback Travis Johnson came into the game with the Northern Region's second-most pass attempts (84) - and give his rushing corps time to shine.

``The biggest mistake I've made is to try to throw it when we should run it," the coach said on the field after the game. ``Johnson, it was his night to hand it off [because] it was kind of slippery out here."

Led by senior running back Monte Moyer's 24 carries for 121 yards and a 14-yard rushing touchdown, the Atoms totaled 44 carries for 201 yards. It was Annandale's highest number of carries and second-highest total of rushing yards in a game this season.

``We did what we had to do just to win," Adams said.

Junior running back Ben Clark did an excellent job playing opposite Moyer, running it 13 times for 58 yards. Sophomore running back Larry Asante, who Adams said injured his calf in Week 2, was used sparingly, taking five carries for 13 yards.

The field conditions weren't the only thing that convinced Adams to keep his offense on the ground. Hayfield's defense paid a lot of attention to Annandale's receivers, trying to keep Johnson's lethal arm at bay as best it could.

``One of the things going into this ballgame was you've got to keep the ball out of [Johnson's] hands," Hayfield coach Billy Pugh said. ``He's going to make some plays - you can't hold him down for four quarters."

The deep coverage, though, opened up the middle of the field, almost inviting the Atoms to run it.

``They made a commitment to cover people up, which allowed us to run the ball," Adams said.

Excellent field position also inclined the Atoms to gain yardage by rushing instead of passing.

In the first half, Annandale started two drives at Hayfield's 35 that ended with field goals. And with 6:53 to go in the third quarter, the Atoms scored a touchdown to increase their lead, 15-6, on a three-play drive that began on the Hawks' 43.

That score was made on Johnson's first completion of the night - a 44-yard strike to Moyer - en route to a 3-of-9 passing performance for 62 yards.

``We didn't punt the whole first half, we turned the ball over twice, we were inside the 10 three times," Adams said. ``It was a really good effort, and a really good way to win a game another way, instead of just throwing."

ON THE HUNT

Despite their loss to Westfield Saturday, there was no denying the all-around performance of T.C. Williams tailback Tony Hunt.

Hunt never gave in, even with the game out of reach, continuing to pile up yards, with only bad luck keeping him out of the end zone.

When the game was still close in the first quarter, the Titans were trying to rally from 14-0 down as Hunt got loose around the left side. A 64-yard touchdown sprint was in sight for the 6-foot-3, 222-pound back, but Hunt slipped and had to settle for a gain of 25.

Hunt later carried for 45 yards up the right sideline, denied a touchdown by Matt Rector's tackle with Westfield ahead, 42-0. In the fourth quarter, Hunt got around the left side again and once more appeared headed for the Titans' first score of the day, only to be barely tripped up after 61 yards by Bulldogs junior defensive back David Radke.

Hunt left the field late, finally slowed by leg cramps and with mud and grass stains significantly clouding what started as a sheer white game jersey. But Hunt's teammates rewarded his effort in the end, getting their first and only points of the day off Hunt's 61-yard run, when backup quarterback Manuel McElroy found junior tight end Dean Mutbtadi for a 15-yard touchdown.

Despite a fumble, Hunt finished with 176 yards on 21 carries, to go with 53 yards on three catches, good for 229 yards of offense from 24 touches. Hunt outrushed Westfield, 176-114, on nine less attempts.

Hunt didn't disappoint on defense, either, intercepting a pass to end one Westfield drive.

``I think he's a big, strong kid. He's a very good running back," Verbanic said. ``He's a talented kid. I just think he's awesome."

CHANTILLY

Considering how many people want a piece of Chantilly running backs Marcus Bartley and Anthony Cordero nowadays, the backfield mates have become awfully generous.

But as quick to lower a shoulder and give would-be tacklers a lift as Bartley and Cordero are, they didn't have to on Friday night against Jefferson.

That's because Chantilly's dominant offensive line became a bodyguard service, allowing nary a Colonial defender to place a fingerprint on either one en route to 340 yards rushing and a 45-7 Homecoming victory.

``It makes our job easy when the defensive line is already five or 10 yards off the ball every time we take the handoff," said Bartley, who had all of his 184 yards and three touchdowns before halftime.

Such has been the trend all season for the Chargers, who have ridden the blocking of fiery tackles Justin Murtha and Steven Durst, pancaking guards John George and Thomas Schoenauer and scrappy center Ryan Good to more than 1,000 rushing yards and an auspicious 4-0 beginning.

``I can honestly say, without a doubt, that this is the best offensive line I've ever coached," Chantilly coach Ken Kincaid said. ``They are all seniors, from tight end [Kyle Hanson] on in, and they've lit it up from Day 1."

No wonder the Chargers have attempted just 10 passes in four games.

``The play calling is great," George said. ``We've been a lot bigger and more physical than our opponents so far, and have been able to adjust to things they've thrown at us."

There wasn't much Jefferson could throw at them on Friday. Bartley started the Charger parade with a 4-yard score six minutes in, which he followed up a minute later with a 61-yard jaunt that put Chantilly up, 14-0, early.

That score became 31-0 by the half, making last year's narrow defeat at the hands of Jefferson a distant memory for the Chargers.

In all, Chantilly's ball-hawking defense forced seven Colonial turnovers, including five interceptions.

HAYFIELD

The numbers may not reflect it, but Hayfield senior quarterback Kyle Morgan showed signs of bucking his early season passing slump during the Hawks' 21-6 loss to visiting No. 8 Annandale Friday night.

Morgan, the Northern Region's second-highest rated passer (102.8) last year, went 6-of-22 for 56 yards and one interception on Friday to drop his quarterback rating to a mere 26.93 on the season.

But many of his incompletions against Annandale were due to the ball dropping out of his receivers' hands in the wet, muddy conditions after Thursday's storms, not to poor throwing.

``He's struggled a little bit early, he was dinged up for a couple of games," Hayfield coach Billy Pugh said after the Hayfield (1-3) loss, referring to a knee injury Morgan has been battling. ``He played pretty well tonight, truthfully. He threw the ball pretty well."

It's a tribute to both the quarterback's healing knee, and the progress he made early last week in practice.

``Monday we came out for about an hour and did nothing but working on drops and my footwork and just trying to feel more comfortable in the pocket, because I was trying to rush things on the field," Morgan said. ``It helped me slow things down a lot, which I think helped a lot tonight."

Annandale (3-1) senior quarterback Travis Johnson suffered a similar fate on his throws, completing only three of his nine passing attempts.

But it was more than just a slick ball that caused the Atoms' incompletions. Hayfield's secondary was stuck on Annandale's receivers closer than the mud on their cleats, causing Johnson to overthrow many of his passes or - if the quarterback was on target - batting it down before the completion could be made.

This was crucial late in the second quarter with Hayfield holding a 6-5 lead and Annandale on the Hawks' 16. On a long 3rd-and-goal, Hayfield senior cornerback Adam Bush slapped away Johnson's pass at the 1 to force an Atoms field goal that put Annandale up only two points with 3:55 before halftime.

``They did a real nice job of covering people up, and really made an effort to take that away," Annandale coach Dick Adams said of Hayfield's secondary.

But despite the efforts of Hawks senior running back Tyrone Simpson, who gained 189 yards on 26 carries and scored Hayfield's only touchdown on a 44-yard run, the home team's offense couldn't match the effectiveness of its defense.

The loss, according to Pugh, sends the Hawks out of the playoff picture. Ranked among the area's top teams in the preseason, Hayfield will now play with the goal of a winning season in the Patriot District.

``We plan on keeping things going," Morgan said. ``Everyone is still driven to win. We came out and worked really hard this summer, and we're not giving up."

RANKED AND READY

None of the Patriot and Concorde District's seven ranked teams were Week 4 upset victims. In fact, each team strengthened its case for continued residence in The Journal's Top 10 poll.

Top-ranked Robinson, No. 3 Centreville (4-0), No. 4 Westfield (4-0), No. 7 Chantilly (4-0), No. 8 Annandale (3-1), No. 9 Oakton (3-1) and No. 10 West Potomac (3-1) won by an average score of 40-10.

The Atoms' 21-6 win over Hayfield produced the slimmest margin of victory.