The fourth-seeded Wolverines (7-3) host the fifth-seeded Chantilly Chargers (6-4) tonight in the first round of the Virginia AAA Northern Region playoffs.
While both teams share similar records, their roads to the playoffs could not be farther apart. Chantilly surged in the month of September, compiling a 5-0 record and peaking at fifth in the Washington Post’s All-Met rankings. However, the rest of the regular season did not yield such positive results. After defeating Edison 70-29 on Sept. 30, Chantilly suffered three consecutive losses before going 1-1 in its last two contests.
West Potomac’s seven-win regular season has been more consistent. Two of the Wolverines’ three losses (Centreville and Westfield) have come at the hands of teams ranked in the Washington Post’s Top 6. The third was a 28-21 road loss to Lake Braddock.
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The Wolverines enter Friday averaging 33.6 points per game and have scored over 30 points in each of the team’s seven wins. Henderson leads the Patriot District in passing yards (1,826) and touchdowns (21). He also poses a dual threat to defenses as he’s rushed for 458 yards and three touchdowns. West Potomac’s young signal caller has thrown for over 250 yards in three consecutive games and should have success through the air against a venerable Chantilly
Chantilly’s offense is averaging 26 points per game. Head coach Michael Lalli's team will attempt to move the ball against a Wolverine defense that is allowing 22.6 points per game and has held four opposing offenses to 14 points or less. Will Hill-Pensamiento leads the Chargers in rushing with 875 yards and 13 touchdowns and has rushed for 100 yards or more five times this sesaon. At 200 lbs., Hill-Pensamiento is a durable back who can withstand lot of carries between the tackles. He’ll run behind a big and light-footed offensive line.
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Charger quarterback Sonnie Romine has passed for 1,156 yards and eight touchdowns and will look to Caleb Reinhardt or Nico Alcalde as his main targets at receiver. The two have combined for 882 yards and eight touchdowns.
West Potomac will get an embattled Chantilly squad’s best effort Friday night. Charger players are looking to shake their regular season woes and make a deep November playoff run. The Wolverines have one of the region’s most explosive offenses and the luxury of playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. The game shouldn't disappoint.
