Re: 2011 Northern Region HS Football
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Date: October 05, 2011 07:08PM
CHANTILLY, VA - Back in 2006, Chantilly was on the way back to respectability after some tough seasons under then new head coach Mike Lalli. The Chargers looked like a team that had potential to get into the playoffs, but few expected them to start their season 7-1.
Across town, a young junior gunslinger by the name of Mike Glennon was off to a great start, leading his Bulldogs to an 8-0 record heading into their meeting with Chantilly.
The rivalry was far from a rivalry. Westfield had never lost to Chantilly, and in fact, the Chargers were never close to beating the Bulldogs in their previous 4 meetings. But on that chilly night in November of 2006, Chantilly arrived, and they gave Westfield all they could handle.
Eventually, the Bulldogs prevailed 34-28, but the Chargers had sent a message that they were ready to compete at the highest level. Later that season, Chantilly pulled off one of the greatest upsets in the Northern Region, beating Westfield's 11-0 team on their home turf in the regional championship game.
It was Chantilly's first win over the Bulldogs, and one that still to this day, doesn't sit well with Westfield football fans.
In 2007, the anticipation for the game between Westfield and Chantilly reached an all time high. Over 8,000 fans packed Westfield's stadium, and created one of the best atmospheres we've ever seen in this area.
Mike Glennon and the Bulldogs got revenge with a 28-16 win, but the rivalry was officially alive.
Chantilly received a 5 touchdown performance from tailback Torrian Pace and returned the favor with a crushing 35-28 win in the regional playoffs the following year, and Westfield defeated the Chargers in 2009 17-14 on a late touchdown by Aaron Scoville after Chantilly had fumbled with the lead inside their own 10 yard line.
In 2010, the Chargers got the better of the Bulldogs twice, rallying to beat them 17-14 at home in the regular season, and ending Westfield's season with a 7-0 victory once again in the regional playoffs.
So as we enter Thursday's game between the two, it is easy to understand why this game has become so important to the community of Chantilly. Both Westfield and Chantilly have won their share of the bouts, both have delivered knockout punches that have resulted in bitter defeats for the other.
The 2011 match-up once again could reach new heights. Westfield comes into the game tabbed as our #1 team in the Gameday Power Poll. Chantilly is ranked 3rd, and both are 5-0.
Westfield hasn't been tested in their five wins, outscoring their opposition 201-26. Chantilly has played tougher competition, with a signature win over Stone Bridge, and has outscored their first five opponents 188-63.
With the anticipation building, there's no question that this rivalry is as healthy as ever. As of Tuesday, both student bodies have been wearing out the social media platforms on facebook and twitter.
For Westfield students, they are tweeting #beatchantilly. For Chantilly students, it's been #beatwestfield. The interest in this game is at an all time high, and rightly so. Many believe that Westfield and Chantilly are the two best teams in the Northern Region this fall, and their impressive starts this season have given few a reason to doubt that.
Could this be just round one of an even bigger game between these two? It's possible, but before we get to that, we have to settle this one on the field Thursday night....Here's the breakdown.
KEY MATCH-UPS:
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CHANTILLY OFFENSE VS WESTFIELD DEFENSE:
This game may hinge on Chantilly's ability to move the football on the ground. Westfield's strength on defense is centered around how quickly they swarm to the football. Chantilly's strength on offense is how they leverage defenses with their option game, and power running attack. It's going to be crucial for Chantilly to find success running the ball, because if they do, the pass will open up as well.
The Chargers have the size advantage on the edge with their big receivers. Caleb Reinhardt and Nico Alcalde can create match-up problems for any team, and these two may become a focal point if the Chargers struggle to move the ball on the ground.
Chantilly learned last year that if could run the option on Westfield in their two victories over the Bulldogs in 2010. Quarterback Sonny Romine will need to take care of the football on Thursday, and Chantilly will have to capitalize on the few opportunities Westfield gives you to score with their outstanding defense.
Overall, the advantage goes to Westfield in this match-up. Their defense is the real deal, and they should make it hard for Chantilly to score...
WESTFIELD OFFENSE VS CHANTILLY DEFENSE:
So far in 2011, the Bulldogs have scored quickly and often in each of their 5 games. Matt Pisarcik has managed the offense well, and he's got a ton of weapons to give the ball to. Kendell Anderson has been unstoppable, and Quintin Basil has been a nightmare for opposing defenses as well.
But here's the big question for me. Westfield hasn't been tested much against a high quality defense, and Chantilly is certainly better on that side of the ball than any of the previous 5 opponents the Bulldogs have faced.
The Chargers have been extremely opportunistic, forcing turnovers in each of their five wins that resulted in defensive touchdowns, or a short field for their offense. If they can put Westfield in long yardage situations on 2nd and 3rd downs, the Chargers could find similar opportunities on Thursday night.
The key to stopping Westfield's offense lies in stopping the run game. They can throw the ball, but they want to establish the line of scrimmage first and foremost. If Chantilly can limit, and frustrate Anderson, and most importantly keep him from breaking the big run, their chance of winning this key match-up increases immensely.
The Chantilly secondary will have to play well in this game, and they cannot give up the easy touchdown. I think Westfield will have success at times on Thursday night, but I think Chantilly will show they are more than capable of slowing down one of the most potent offenses in the Northern Region.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:
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FOR WESTFIELD:
Matt Pisarcik (Quarterback) - Pisarcik is the key cog in the proverbial wheel for Westfield for this reason. If he manages the game well, the Bulldogs have a better than 50% chance to win this one. But if Chantilly gets to him, and forces some bad throws, the game could change on a dime in the favor of the Chargers.
Mo Katz (Linebacker) - Katz, along with fellow linebackers Matt Craft and Mark Gibson will have a tough job on Thursday night. They will have to stop some talented ball carries for the Chargers in Will Hill, Jimmy Hicks, and Cory Donovan. Chantilly will test the Bulldogs in several ways, and Katz and company will need to be where they are supposed to be on a regular basis.
Tyrone Walker (Cornerback) - At 5'9, Walker is the shorter of the two Westfield corners, but both of Chantilly's receivers are 6'2 plus. With the 6'3 Justin Little on the other side of the field for the Bulldogs, the pressure may turn to Walker, who has a distinct size disadvantage against the guys he'll be lining up against on Thursday night. I'd expect to see Chantilly test this match-up several times in this game, and Walker is going to have to be ready.
FOR CHANTILLY:
Sonny Romine (Quarterback) - The guy behind center for Chantilly is the most important guy on the field in Mike Lalli's offense. He throws the ball, runs the ball, and has to make solid decisions in both the run game and passing game. Romine is a great athlete, and he'll need to be on Thursday with the type of defenders he will be getting chased by. If he stays poised, the Chargers have a chance to find success offensively. If Westfield rattles him, the Bulldogs could roll in a big way.
Trent Pace (Tight End) - As they say, the tight end is always open. Trent Pace may just be the perfect guy to hurt Westfield's defense in this contest. He's quicker than most playing tight end, and has great athletic ability. The Chargers will have some opportunities to find Pace down the middle, and if he comes through with some big catches, Chantilly could keep Westfield on their heels defensively.
Caleb Reinhardt (Receiver) - When Chantilly needs a big play down the field, the often times look to Reinhardt. He's a sure handed guy that always seems to step up in key situations with a big catch. Those key moments may again be presented to Reinhardt on Thursday night, and if he delivers, the Chantilly fans may have plenty to cheer about when game ends.
KEYS TO VICTORY:
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For Chantilly:
- Win Turnover Battle
- Find Balance Offensively
- Don't Give Up Big Plays
For Westfield:
- Strike First, Play With The Lead
- Win The Battle Up Front
- Shut Down The Run
EXPERT PROGNOSTICATION:
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This game is tough to predict. There are so many variables that could allow either side to capture victory. While Westfield certainly enters the game as the favorite with their higher ranking, I'm not sure Chantilly views it that way. The Chargers won both meetings a year ago, and they did it by playing great defense, and neutralizing Westfield's defense with the option.
I think we may see another low scoring game on Thursday night, as both will do everything in their power to establish the run, and also limit the other from hitting the big plays down the field.
Schedule strength comes into play some here for me. Chantilly has already faced a top ten team in Stone Bridge, and they found a way to win the game. Westfield hasn't seen a top ten team yet, and that could hurt them some in this one. Easy wins are great, until you are down by 10 with two quarters left, and need to find a way to pull it out.
Chantilly learned how to do that once this season, and Westfield hasn't had to. Talent wise, I give the edge to Westfield slightly. Depth wise I give the advantage to Westfield, especially up front, where the Bulldogs can rotate numerous big bodies in on both sides of the ball.
The coaching battle will be a dead wash, as both coaching staffs are comprised of outstanding X's and O's guys, and they both know each other well.
So what does this game come down to you ask? How about Special Teams!
Chantilly has a great kicker in Billy Germain, and Westfield has an equally talented one as well in Matt Delaney. Both guys are automatic from about 35 in, and rarely miss extra points.
Chantilly's DeAndre Harris is a dangerous threat returning kickoffs and punts, as is Kendell Anderson and Mark Gibson for Westfield.
The one separator between these two may be Westfield's ability to block kicks. The Bulldogs have several blocks already this year on punts, and have returned a few for touchdowns.
The Chargers will have to be sound in the kicking game, as Westfield will most certainly make an effort to come after a kick or two early.
There's no easy way to soundly choose a winner in this one, because both are outstanding teams. With that said, typically these two alternate knockout punches from year to year, and it's Westfield's turn at a TKO....
My Prediction:
Westfield - 17
Chantilly - 10