James Wood at Loudoun Valley

When: Tonight, 7

Where: Loudoun Valley High School, Purcellville

Records: James Wood (1-0); Loudoun Valley (0-1)

Last week: James Wood beat Heritage 30-27; Loudoun Valley lost to Fauquier 16-13 in overtime

Last year: James Wood won 19-6

Preview: A year ago James Wood followed up a thrilling win over Heritage to open the season with a dominant performance against Loudoun Valley at home.

After another down-to-the-wire win over the Pride last week to kick off their 2012 campaign, the Colonels are hoping for a repeat of history. Any resemblance to last year’s game against the Vikings — when James Wood rushed for 215 yards and did not allow a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter of a 19-6 win — will be a welcome sight, especially after a week spent working on what didn’t go right in their win over Heritage.

“We didn’t block and we didn’t tackle very well [last week],” said James Wood coach Mike Bolin. “We missed 20 tackles and a bunch of blocks in the first half, so we have to shore that up.”

Loudoun Valley may have struggled to get much going on offense in a 16-13 overtime loss to Fauquier in their opener, but Bolin knows that Vikings can be potent on offense.

“They have seven starters back on offense and their quarterback [Neil Frazier] is back,” Bolin said. “He’s pretty athletic and is a good passer and a good runner, so we have to be ready for him.”

The Colonel defense had its moments against Heritage, forcing five turnovers and recording three sacks, and it will need more of the same against Loudoun Valley.

On offense James Wood will look to establish the running game after wracking up 196 yards on the ground last week.

“We know they’re going to come out and try to run the ball,” said Loudoun Valley coach Daniel McGrath. “They’re a big team and we’re just hoping we’re a little more experienced and a little more prepared than we were last year.”