Two weeks in a row we've seen a big off-the-field story have a significant effect on the High School Football scene in the Eastern Region. Last week, it was the incident at practice involving Phoebus, which led to a suspension and coaching change. This week following a shooting in Norfolk after a football game where a Lake Taylor student was killed, all games in Norfolk will be played on Saturday afternoons instead of under the lights on Friday.

As far as the games on the field, there are plenty of good ones, highlighted by Western Branch visiting Grassfield in a battle between two undefeated Southeastern District squads.

Before we start to assess this week's matchups, let's review the Eastern Region Prediction Standings with State Football Editor Rod Johnson, VHSL-Reference.com and Matthew Hatfield.

Through 9-30-12	Wins	Losses	Pct.
Matthew Hatfield	89	14	86.4%
Rod Johnson	85	18	82.5%
VHSL-Reference	81	22	78.6%

Both Johnson and Hatfield went 17-2 a week ago (these two guys are both 35-3 the last two weeks . . . not too shabby, eh?) with each missing on Salem/Ocean Lakes, while Rod missed on Indian River/Great Bridge and Hatfield missed on Princess Anne/Tallwood. VHSL-Reference went 14-5, now sitting eight games behind the leader.

Game of the Week:

#5 Western Branch (5-0) at #6 Grassfield (5-0) . . . We've got some terrific Southeastern District showdowns in October. Later on in the month, these two will tackle Oscar Smith, the league Champ over the past eight years and a two-time state title winner. The victor here has the best shot to challenge the Tigers in the district. Grassfield has won three straight in the series, including a touchdown in the final minute to win 31-26 two years ago. The Grizzlies have been to the playoffs every year since 2008, twice getting to the regional semifinals. Western Branch's last postseason trip came in 2008 when they finished 8-3 overall, bowing out to Bethel in the opening round.

Western Branch is one of the feel good stories in the Eastern Region. New Head Coach Greg Gibson came in from Norview, where he led the Pilots to a 6-4 record following a winless season in 2010. The Bruins haven't just been winning; they've been dominant, outscoring foes on an average of 44-8 and doing so with a powerful running game, often utilizing the triple-option. So far, the team is averaging 300.8 rushing yards per game, needing to only throw on average seven times per contest. On defense, they had given up only 28 yards rushing on 83 carries in their first four games before King's Fork gained 223 yards on them on 37 attempts, many of those coming in garbage time after Western Branch built a big lead. They can be thrown on some, allowing 70.2 pass yards per game.

Martin Asprey's Grizzlies come in averaging 37.6 points per game and giving up only 13.8 points a contest. They have topped the 300-yard barrier three times, but been held under 220 yards twice, including in a wild 22-21 comeback at Nansemond River when their vaunted rushing attack was held to 23 yards on 20 carries. Defensively, this is a unit that had to replace a bunch of seniors, yet they continue to perform well as they've yet to allow 300 total yards in a game. Grassfield's allowing 161.8 yards rushing per contest and 63.8 passing to go with 47.9% completions allowed.

For Western Branch, they have the leader in the clubhouse to win Southeastern District Player of the Year honors in Josh Marriner, who is second in the Eastern Region in rushing yards with 839 to go with 11 touchdowns on the ground. What makes Marriner special is he's putting up 11 yards per carry while also playing a substantial role on defense. There are other weapons for them on the ground with Terrence Ricks, who has three rushes of 40 yards or longer over the last two games, including two of them for touchdowns, Donte Shepard and Eugene Summerville. Quarterback C.J. Thomas has completed 18 of 35 passes for 293 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions. His main target through the air is T.J. Boothe.

Grassfield has a couple of really talented backs of their own in juniors Vincent Lowe and Isaiah Harper, two of speediest rushers in the region. Lowe has 30 carries for 169 yards and two touchdowns, plus a touchdown reception and two defensive scores. Harper has 36 attempts for 428 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 11.9 yards per carry. He also scored on a 91-yard kickoff return. What makes Grassfield even more dangerous offensively this year is the emergence of their passing game, going from adequate to where it's now a threat as QB Blake LaRussa has connected on 27 of 55 passes for 626 yards and a 9-4TD/Int. ratio. Receiver Paris Smith is enjoying a breakout year with 12 receptions for 379 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 31.6 yards per reception. Smith too has a kick return for a touchdown.

Defensively, these two teams are somewhat similar in production, though a little different schematically. Western Branch, operating out of a 3-5-3 and 3-3-5 on a good chunk of their snaps, wants to move around guys like Ricks and Marriner to go with DE Dominique Prayer (2 sacks vs. Lakeland) and LB's T.J. Boothe, William Thompson and Ray Scott. At corner, DaiQuan Lawrence has really stepped up for them and will cover other teams' primary receiver. Grassfield relied on its linebacking core last year, and this season their corners in Lowe and Harper are true takeaway threats. Beltran Skinner (3 sacks) and Marcus Mitchell (35 tackles) make things happen at linebacker, even though they aren't as big as Avery Thompson or Drew Burns were last year. Demond Dowson causes havoc off the edge with 35 tackles and 3.5 sacks on the year; he's really underrated for them.

Western Branch Keys to Victory:

#1 - - Time of Possession: Pound the rock and keep the clock moving.

#2 - - Contain WR Smith: He's Grassfield's main receiving weapon.

#3 - - Kick Coverage: Grizzlies have dangerous, speedy return men.

Grassfield Keys to Victory:

#1 - - Bottle Up Marriner: Make the Bruins throw and abandon the run.

#2 - - Establish Harper & Lowe Early: Those two are a dynamite tandem.

#3 - - Win Field Position Battle: Gives the Grizz play-calling flexibility.

One of the matchups I think is going to tell the story here is the Western Branch offensive line against the Grassfield defensive line, which from what I've seen thus far, isn't quite as large or deep as it has been in years past. The Bruins are getting excellent push from Chris Hancock, Thomas Cannady, Chris Myers, Malcolm Cannady and Cody Stuehm. If that continues, they're going to continue to do what they've against their previous opponents because guys like Ricks, Marriner and Shepard give them different dimensions on the ground, whether it's breakaway, yards after contact or just the solid power run for a few yards to milk the clock.

The difference here will be whichever team can be more physical pounding the rock, loosen up the defense with the pass when they need to on third down with play-action, and tackle the other team's star backs at the point of contact to prevent a long run. The Bruins have been more consistent and statistically impressive to this point, but I wouldn't count Grassfield out because they've proven over the years to get gritty wins, and are tough to beat when it's close. Grassfield has thrived on big plays lately, scoring touchdowns measuring 40 yards or longer last week. Lowe, Harper and Smith could make the Bruins pay if they have a letdown on special teams or miss a tackle/assignment on a screen pass.

Prediction:
Matt Says: Western Branch 34-17
Rod Says: Western Branch 28-21
VHSL-Reference Says: Western Branch 23-17

Hickory (2-3) at #1 Oscar Smith (4-1) . . . Right now, the Oscar Smith offense is hitting a groove behind QB Dashawn Blow, who has not been picked off once since the season opening loss to Byrnes, and has thrown 13 touchdowns over that stretch. Mix in a strong 1-2 punch on the ground with DeShawn McClease and Marcus Smith, who combined for 174 yards and three touchdowns in last week's win over Lakeland, and defenses have to pick their poison. Last week, sophomore receiver Richard Burney caught a pair of touchdown passes for the Hawks in their loss to Grassfield, but from two different quarterbacks in Ryan Hernandez and Brandon Fontain. Hickory has to settle on a quarterback in this game, and I don't see Burney burning the Tigers' improved secondary that features Monty Fenner (key INT last week vs. Lakeland), Jaylen Bradshaw and UVA commit Zack Jones, who's expected to play despite a sprained ankle.

Matt Says: Oscar Smith 45-3
Rod Says: Oscar Smith 48-6
VHSL-Reference Says: Oscar Smith 49-0

Maury (3-2) at #2 Lake Taylor (5-0) . . . What's not to like about Lake Taylor at this point in the season? Quarterback Delmon Williams has thrown eight touchdowns, four of them to WR Harry Freeman, and yet to get picked off in 58 pass attempts. Backfield combo Brandon 'Pork Chop' Moore and Daquan Davis have together rushed for 1133 yards and 16 touchdowns, each averaging over eight yards per carry. On defense, they've got 22 sacks and 12 takeaways. Brandon Lynch, Jalyn Holmes and Marquise Poole have combined for 20 sacks so far. Lake Taylor has allowed as many points as rushing yards - - 13. In comes a Maury team though that has put up 108 points over the last two games, looking much improved in year two under Coach Chris Fraser.

Few players in the region are as dynamic as Maury junior Davion Taylor, who has scored 11 total touchdowns and recorded five interceptions. He affects the game in all there phases and last week had 4TD's in a rout of Norview, including a pair of pick sixes. Knowing Taylor is Maury's prime playmaker, look for the Titans to double him and concentrate their attention on him so that he doesn't beat them. Up front, they are too aggressive, tenacious and quick for Maury to block effectively I believe, and that'll be the difference right from the start as the Titans have their sights set on an undefeated season and #1 seed in Division 5 for the playoffs.

Matt Says: Lake Taylor 38-14
Rod Says: Lake Taylor 39-17
VHSL-Reference Says: Lake Taylor 31-10

#3 Ocean Lakes (6-0) at Green Run (2-3) . . . Having a bye week will help Green Run. So too will running back Anthony Scott, one of the area's best juniors with 519 yards rushing on the season. But those two pluses will only do so much versus an Ocean Lakes team that is clicking on all cylinders. Corwin Cutler (1204 yards, 15TD's) has yet to throw an interception, and Green Run's secondary, albeit talented, will have trouble stopping him from slinging the ball around to his cast of receivers with Delaware commit Andre Dessenberg, Mike Alston, SeSe Wolters and emerging sophomore Jaason Lewis. Then when you focus in on the pass, the Dolphins beat you with the run and their combo of Brandon Simmons and Jordan Bobo behind a massive line keyed by dependable seniors Alex Skidmore and J.D. Dunaway. Green Run's only hope is to force Ocean Lakes into early, uncharacteristic turnovers. If they do that, then this game can be close, otherwise, it's likely another Dolphins blowout.

Matt Says: Ocean Lakes 42-8
Rod Says: Ocean Lakes 40-13
VHSL-Reference Says: Ocean Lakes 49-13

#4 Phoebus (5-0) at Menchville (2-3) . . . Despite all of the distractions that were swirling around last week, the Phoebus Phantoms managed to turn a brief fourth quarter deficit against Bethel on a Saturday afternoon at Darling Stadium into a 19-17 victory, thanks to the superb blocking up front by its offensive line, led by Walter Brantley and ODU commit Mark Wilson, as well as the running of Da'Quan Lane, who rushed for over 200 yards in place of the absent Tony Pittman. Previously the defensive coordinator, Jeremy Blunt is now the Head Coach in place of the departed Stan Sexton, and the Phantoms, even without LB Atavius Matthews, are sure to pose plenty of problems for a Menchville offense that is short on depth and hasn't put up more than 260 yards in any of their five games thus far. The Monarchs have a dependable kicking weapon in Dillon Christopher and one of the more unheralded senior standouts around in DE/RB Joron Foster, but he like many of their key players goes both ways and it's tough to hold up and be effective for an entire four quarters vs. Phoebus. Look for freshman QB Terrell Toliver to have a big game and for the Phantoms them to roll.

Matt Says: Phoebus 41-10
Rod Says: Phoebus 44-7
VHSL-Reference Says: Phoebus 56-3

Kempsville (1-5) at #5 Salem (4-1) . . . Life hasn't been too good for Kempsville when they've taken on the Salem SunDevils. Salem has won five of the past six meetings, including 59-7 last year. They're angry off a 21-15 loss to Ocean Lakes in which their offense failed to capitalize on three red zone opportunities, and the defense couldn't contain the Ocean Lakes run game in the third quarter. While Kempsville has severan different rushing options, their passing game may be in enormous trouble versus DE Rainney Thompson, LB's Andrew Motu'apuaka and Steven Smith, and DB Torrance Brown. The even bigger challenge for Kempsville is getting its defense to slow down dual-threat Salem QB Bucky Hodges (1085 pass yards, 8-5TD/Int. ratio) and his group of playmakers. Look for Salem to bounce back in a big way and put up a huge number on the board, something in the neighborhood of 50-plus as they try to get that bad taste out of their mouths from losing to Ocean Lakes last week. Having said that, the SunDevils won't be able to truly get that taste out of their mouths until the postseason arrives.

Matt Says: Salem 52-7
Rod Says: Salem 47-6
VHSL-Reference Says: Salem 55-0

#8 Hampton (4-1) at Gloucester (0-5) . . . Last week, Gloucester scored its first offensive touchdown on a 2-yard run by Jarrell Bennett in the second quarter of last week's 28-14 loss to Kecoughtan. James Scott added their second touchdown later on in the game. Hampton doesn't have two touchdowns on the season; they've got multiple quarters with 2TD's, led by the duo of future Virginia Tech Hokies in QB Deon Newsome and RB Marshawn Williams. Together, those two have combined for 947 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. This one could be ugly and be ugly pretty fast. Hampton has every edge imaginable, most notably with history and overall talent on their side.

Matt Says: Hampton 44-0
Rod Says: Hampton 49-6
VHSL-Reference Says: Hampton 48-7

Churchland (0-5) at #9 Granby (5-0) . . . For Curt Brown's Granby Comets, they continue to enjoy their best start since 2001 as they get different playmakers to step up every week, such as Lawrence Harris, Sidney Fulford, Caleb Wilson and William Smith on offense, and Tashad Charity, Sherrod Ryland and Evan Stephens among others on defense. The Truckers have lost eight in a row dating back to last year. They've been able to move the ball fairly well at times and even held their own defensively, but turnovers have plagued them quite a bit as seen in their 19-6 loss to Norcom with an interception in the end zone that ended any hope of an upset bid. Churchland will have to do the little things better moving forward to start getting winning results. Granby is probably going to give a much stronger performance as they prepare for a tough stretch coming up with Norcom and Lake Taylor, the other two undefeated teams in the district standings, in the following weeks.

Matt Says: Granby 26-9
Rod Says: Granby 14-7
VHSL-Reference Says: Granby 41-3

Bethel (3-2) at #10 Heritage (3-2) . . . Until last week, Bethel was tied atop the Peninsula District standings with Phoebus, and even led the reigning four-time State Champion Phantoms in the fourth quarter before falling 19-17. The team has grown each week since an early season setback by a count of 51-0 at the hands of Lake Taylor. Heritage has also played some top dogs tough, losing to Phoebus by only a point and losing 16-0 to Hampton in a game that was a one possession contest into the fourth quarter. Bethel's road to the playoffs is tougher, being that they are in Division 6. These are two teams that love to run the football. Heritage is going to turn to Khalid Abdullah, who has 736 yards and 9TD's on the ground, but is also getting help from others in the offensive backfield like Cameron Siler and Richard Outlaw. Jihad Hudson (478 yards, 3TD's) makes the Bethel offense go. The better defense will probably win this game, and that slight nod goes to the Hurricanes, allowing 16PPG to Bethel's 19.2PPG they're giving up.

Matt Says: Heritage 24-14
Rod Says: Heritage 27-20
VHSL-Reference Says: Bethel 32-20

#11 Cox (4-2) at Tallwood (1-4) . . . The Cox Falcons have won three in a row, including a 28-27 overtime victory over Kellam last week. Quarterback Tommy McKee, a junior, has done it through the air with 400 yards passing and 4TD's as well as with his feet, rushing for 382 yards and scoring 6TD's. Bryan Campbell has been a jack-of-all-trades type with 13 grabs for 241 yards and a pair of scores, plus two touchdown passes. Tallwood is coming off its only win of the year, where they beat Princess Anne 34-12 and racked up 346 total yards of offense. They've had a few different guys make some noise offensively, whether it's Rafael Moore, Christian Byrum, Will Howard or others. To compete and beat Cox, they need more than one guy to be on the same page and making plays. The Falcons are more consistent as far as execution and fundamentals go, and knowing they can't slip up or it can cost them a playoff bid, they should be in control here, even on the road.

Matt Says: Cox 34-13
Rod Says: Cox 29-7
VHSL-Reference Says: Cox 35-10

Woodside (2-3) at #13 Kecoughtan (4-1) . . . These are two middle-of-the-pack type of Peninsula District teams trying to take a step up and separate themselves as one of the main contenders. Kecoughtan will ride their workhorse in the backfield in Trenton Cannon, who leads the Eastern Region in rushing with 825 yards and 13 touchdowns on 102 attempts. Not too far behind is Woodside's Tyris Walker with 606 yards and 8TD's, carrying the Wolverines' productive ground attack. Both QB's in this one, junior Darius Howell for Woodside and sophomore Nick Carrera of Kecoughtan, have made strides throughout the season. In a game where both teams figure to be evenly matched across the board, whether it's running the ball, line play, tackling, defending the pass, whichever signal caller rises to the occasion in crunch time should lead his team to victory. I'd give the slight experience edge of these kind of tight, big games to Howell and the Wolverines. However, a win here by Kecoughtan would go a long way towards getting them to the playoffs in what will be a close, down to the wire Division 6 race. Kecoughtan last beat Woodside in 2005.

Matt Says: Woodside 27-21
Rod Says: Woodside 20-14
VHSL-Reference Says: Kecoughtan 35-17

Bayside (4-2) at Kellam (4-1) . . . You could make a good case these are two of the best teams not ranked in our Top Ten. Let's face it, neither is going to win the Beach District title, but both have playoff aspirations, especially the Marlins, who won a regional title just two years ago in 2010 and are coming off a 22-6 Monday night win over Landstown. That gave them short time to prepare for a Kellam team that isn't flashy, but fits the old adage of 'they do what they do well.' Quarterback Pat Kagel can hurt teams with his arm or legs if you take him for granted, and RB Cole Bava is coming off a pair of 100-yard performances on the ground, including in that tough to swallow 28-27 overtime loss to Cox. Bayside has no shortage of firepower with QB Deion Stitt, RB Taquan 'Smoke' Mizzell and WR Quin Blanding leading the way, each near the top of the stat leaderboard in their respective categories in the region. Kellam might be better up front with Nick Edwards and Mitch Gerdau, but accounting for Bayside's speed and playmakers will be hard to do.

Matt Says: Bayside 27-14
Rod Says: Bayside 28-20
VHSL-Reference Says: Bayside 30-10

First Colonial (2-3) at Landstown (2-3) . . . I'm calling this a playoff elimination game. Sure, the winner might not get in the postseason either, but the loser has almost an impossible path to navigate to get in Division 6, where you probably can do no worse than 7-3 to get in the playoffs. Landstown has won each of the last two meetings (26-21 in 2011 and 26-20 in 2010), doing so a year ago with a touchdown in the fourth quarter to swing things. That game was the difference between First Colonial missing the playoffs at 6-4 and possibly sneaking in at 7-3 last year. Dornell Collins and Raven Greene are going to touch the ball quite a bit for FC, while Landstown has three legit rushing threats in RB's Trevon Byron and Shyheim Swinson as well as QB Keanu Reuben. The short turnaround after playing on Monday night in a loss to Bayside could hurt the Eagles here. First Colonial got more time to rest and prepare following their 10-6 win over Kempsville, and QB Joey Brown should be better in his second game back from an injury.

Matt Says: First Colonial 17-13
Rod Says: Landstown 15-13
VHSL-Reference Says: First Colonial 29-18

Norview (0-5) at Booker T. Washington (2-3) . . . Believe it or not, these two squads are pretty closely matched on offense with Booker T. Washington averaging 12.4 points per game to Norview's 11.4. Where are they more different? Defensively, and that's even with the Bookers allowing 56 points in a loss to Lake Taylor last week. BTW is giving up 23.8PPG compared to Norview's 36.2PPG allowed, so the Pilots have to prove they can slow a team down and give their offense a chance to win a game. Norview has to like the fact they have won three of the past four meetings, meaning they have beaten them and their confidence is there. E.J. Fasion could be running around quite a bit though as that Bookers pass rush, headlined by Zain Upshur, is sure to be breathing down his neck. I'm not sure the Pilots can run the ball consistently enough to keep the Bookers' defense honest. Meanwhile, the Booker T. offense just needs one or two big plays from whoever, whether it's QB Marcus Carter, Steven Whitley, WR Rodney Johnson or someone else, that could demoralize Norview.

Matt Says: Booker T. Washington 27-7
Rod Says: Booker T. Washington 24-12
VHSL-Reference Says: Booker T. Washington 42-6

Northeastern, NC (6-1) at Wilson (0-5) . . . Northeastern comes in averaging 54.6 points per game on the season, so they have no problem finding the end zone. They have a boatload of weapons that the Presidents have to be ready for or else it'll be a long night in Portsmouth. Wilson competed well last week before falling to Granby, 21-20 in a game where they hit a few big plays, highlighted by a late touchdown from sophomore receiver Jaquan Irvin. Quarterback Derwounte Greene has completed 50 of 140 passes for 518 yards and 5TD's on the year. Wilson's defense will have to play every bit as good, if not better, than they did a week ago against Granby to have a shot at notching their first victory. Even then, they'll also have to get a relatively mistake-free effort from its offense to have a shot.

Matt Says: Northeastern 42-21
Rod Says: Northeastern 21-7
VHSL-Reference Says: Northeastern

Great Bridge (0-5) at Deep Creek (0-5) . . . The nice thing is that somebody is going to begin the second half portion of their schedule with a win. Both Great Bridge and Deep Creek have struggled mightily to this point, the more surprising being the Wildcats considering they haven't lost five regular season games in any single year since 2006. The Hornets enter having dropped 15 in a row, although they came oh so close two weeks ago in a loss to Hickory where they led the Hawks in the fourth quarter. Great Bridge has to feel they let one get away as they were up 26-7 on Indian River in the third quarter before the Braves stormed back to score 20 unanswered points. A lot of points could be scored in this one since neither defense has been all that great. In the end, it'll be which sophomore QB, Ryan Bottoms for Great Bridge or Terrence Shambry for Deep Creek, can make more plays, and their receivers are going to figure into the equation a great deal in this matchup as well.

Matt Says: Great Bridge 30-24
Rod Says: Great Bridge 27-13
VHSL-Reference Says: Great Bridge 31-10

Nansemond River (2-3) at Indian River (1-4) . . . Indian River comes in feeling much better about itself as they rallied from 26-7 down to edge Great Bridge for their first victory after facing a tough schedule to open the year that included Oscar Smith, Lake Taylor and Grassfield - - three teams that haven't lost to anyone in Virginia this season. The 27 points Indian River scored last week was the most they've had in any game since blanking Lakeland 30-0 back in 2008. Meanwhile, at 2-3, Nansemond River is facing must-win pretty much every week from here on out to stay in the playoff mix. Tailback Latrell Sandifer (666 yards) is tiny, but electric with the football in his hands, and the Braves' defense has its work cut out for him as does a terrific job of staying low and is really shifty. Indian River counters with Jaque Sawyer, who's coming off a 206-yard performance, but the Warriors have the ability to slow down the run and make an offense one-dimension behind Marvin Branch, Demario Valentine, Nate Wyche and Tiron Smith leading their front seven.

Matt Says: Nansemond River 23-15
Rod Says: Nansemond River 26-24
VHSL-Reference Says: Nansemond River 21-17

Lakeland (3-2) at King's Fork (4-1) . . . These two Suffolk rivals will get together in a game where both really need a win as they jockey for playoff positioning in Division 5. Lakeland is trying to avoid its first three-game losing streak since their winless season of 2010. King's Fork, off to its best start in school history, got humbled with a 56-14 loss to Western Branch last week, but did have a positive in freshman RB Deshaun Wethington, who racked up 187 yards on 14 carries. Clearly, the matchup to watch in my opinion will be on the outside between Virginia Tech commit and King's Fork DB Charles Clark, who has two interception returns for touchdown this season, against Lakeland speedy WR Antonio Jefferson. Last week, Jefferson was not expected to play against Oscar Smith, but made an impressive juggling grab that he turned into a 77-yard touchdown. If Lakeland can't get Raekwon Johnson on track running the ball versus the King's Fork front, they have to be able to get QB Zach Super to find Jefferson and his WR's. King's fork has to play keep away and control Time of Possession so that Lakeland gets antsy when they do have the ball.

Matt Says: Lakeland 28-20
Rod Says: Lakeland 26-21
VHSL-Reference Says: King's Fork 27-20

Warwick (1-4) at Denbigh (1-4) . . . Even though these two teams have identical records, Warwick has been under .500 before at this stage of the season and gone to the playoffs. Warwick will be without the services of injured running back Cardon Johnson, who rushed for 441 yards and three touchdowns through the first four games. They'll turn to the senior trio of QB Josh Butler, TE/DE David Smith and WR/DB Demetree Harris to guide them. Butler is averaging 181 total yards per game, plus made two interceptions on defense in last week's win over Menchville. The Denbigh defense has had its moments, showing some promise at times, but Butler is electric and containing him will be awfully tough to do, especially if their offense is unable to sustain drives and allow the defense a chance to catch its breath. Denbigh's last win in the head-to-head series came in 2006.

Matt Says: Warwick 35-14
Rod Says: Warwick 30-13
VHSL-Reference Says: Denbigh 20-17

?

Matthew Hatfield has covered Eastern Region Football & Basketball since 2004 for VirginiaPreps.com, part of the Rivals.com Network. Check out Hatfield's Twitter page for more sports related updates, and you can also read his work in the Suffolk News Herald. To contact Matthew, please e-mail hatfieldsports2k4@yahoo.com, and don't forget to listen to him on the VirginiaPreps.com Hour every Saturday at 11AM on ESPN Radio 94.1 plus watch him on the Cox 11 Sports Report.