James Wood (6-3, 3-3 Northwestern District) at Fauquier (1-8, 1-7)
After giving up 55 points to Sherando last week, things definitely won’t get easier for the Falcons on defense on Friday. Fauquier has given up more than 30 points six times in an eight-game losing streak.
James Wood is averaging an area-best 423.7 yards per game, with an almost even split of passing (1,921) and rushing yards (1,893). The Colonels’ 40.2 points per game is also an area-best mark.
James Wood will look to rebound from last week’s 35-23 loss to Handley behind quarterback Owen Neal (91 of 148, area-best 1,921 yards and 20 TDs, four interceptions passing; 126 carries for 832 yards, 13 TDs), receivers Aidric Yurish (30 catches, six TDs, area-best 766 yards) and Xavier Price (28 catches, 624 yards, area-best 12 receiving TDs), and running back Jeremiah Hodel (67 carries, 462 yards, five TDs).
The Falcons have not scored more than 22 points in a game since Week 1. They’ll face a James Wood defense that’s allowing 285.3 yards and 21.8 points per game. The Colonels feature linebackers Xavier Ledford (85 tackles, six for a loss) and Logan Lafollette (70 tackles, five sacks), defensive lineman Heston LaRue (55 tackles, six TFL) and defensive back Kaden McCullough (74 tackles, 7 TFL).
Against Sherando last week, Fauquier was led at quarterback by Thomas Sanford III, who threw a 15-yard TD pass in the third quarter. The Falcons could get back one of their injured quarterbacks, Justin Clarke, on Friday.
— Contact Robert Niedzwiecki at rniedzwiecki@winchesterstar.com
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