Handley at James Wood

When: Tonight, 7

Where: James Wood’s Jerry L. Kelican Stadium, Winchester

Records: Handley (2-7, 0-3 Northwestern District); James Wood (1-8, 0-3)

Last week: Handley lost to Millbrook 27-24; James Wood lost to Fauquier 48-8

Last year: Handley won 21-13

Preview: Given the recent history of these two squads, tonight’s rivalry matchup will indeed be played under unusual circumstances.

The Judges — winners of at least a share of four Northwestern District titles from 2008-11— are staring at their first non-playoff season since 2002. Handley (17.3) is ninth in the Region II, Division 3 ratings, more than a full point behind Loudoun Valley (18.6), which currently holds the eighth and final spot. Even if Handley does win, it would be their lowest win total since 1986, and its last two-win season was in 1983.

James Wood will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Regardless of tonight’s outcome, the Colonels will finish with their fewest wins since they went 1-9 in 2005.

But it’s still Handley and James Wood, a historic rivalry that the Judges lead 33-16-1 after winning 23 of the last 25 contests.

“You always look forward to playing one of your rivals,” James Wood coach Mike Bolin said. “It means a lot to the team, and we’re going to give everything we have.” “They’re having a rough season, just like we are,” Rayburn said. “It’s a rivalry, and it should be a good game. We’re looking forward to it.”

The Judges have a bit more reason to have some bounce in their step following Will Dearing’s second consecutive 300-yard passing day. Against Millbrook, Dearing completed 29 for 44 for 346 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions and kept his team in the game.

“Will threw really well,” said Rayburn, whose one issue was that the Judges had too many turnovers (five overall). “We don’t want that many turnovers, but those things can happen when you throw the ball 40-50 times a game.

“Will sensed the rush, and he made the right moves when he went to throw. The line protected him well, and the receivers ran good routes. It was big to see the development of the other receivers, because teams have been trying to take away Justin [Washington].”

Running and receiving threat Dontae Mauck had eight catches for 115 yards and one touchdown and wide receiver Stuart Carper had five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown.

Bolin said the game must be slowing down for Dearing given the quality of his opponents, and the Colonels will have to find a way to slow down Dearing some. James Wood is giving up 157 passing yards per game.

Benefiting the Colonels will be the return of their own signal caller. Bolin gave a lot of credit to sophomore Colin Benner for stepping in at quarterback last week against a talented Fauquier squad, but he said it will be good to have junior Cam Butler back. He was injured in the fourth quarter two weeks ago against Millbrook.

“I just want to see a good effort, and hopefully show some improvement on some of the things we’ve been working on the last two weeks,” Bolin said.

Rayburn said he feels James Wood is very much capable of breaking out in the running game because of its offensive line, and if the Judges start slow, the Colonels could get into a rhythm with it.

“We’ve been playng really well in the box, defending from tight end to tackle,” Rayburn said. “We’ve just got to limit the big play.”