Preps Plus

By Bart Isley and Liz Keller
No matter the outcome, one thing is for sure—tonight’s game between Monticello and Orange County has major implications.

The Mustangs handed the Hornets their only Jefferson District loss last year in a 61-42 shootout, a win that eventually decided the Jefferson District title race. Orange hopes to get the upper hand this year and take the first step to a district title.

“Monticello’s had our number the past few seasons and it’s cost us a trip to the playoffs. So for us to even think about getting into the playoffs, we first have to go through Monticello, and then worry about Louisa next,” said Orange coach John Kayajanian. “If we can’t get by Monticello, we’re in trouble here. It’s a big step for us, but our kids are working hard, and hopefully we’ll be up for the challenge.”

Last year, the Mustangs ran all over Orange, as Takeem Hedgeman rushed for 290 yards and six touchdowns. This year, the Hornets will need to find a way to contain quarterback Michael Graham.

Graham has thrown for 613 yards and completed more than 50 percent of his passes in three games for the Mustangs. He’s also done it without a go-to guy in the rushing attack. No Mustang has rushed for more than 80 yards on the year. Graham himself has run for 73 yards this season on 21 attempts.

Despite the lack of an established rushing attack from one player, Monticello has shown a distinct ability to move the ball with a running back by committee approach. That’s been possible because Graham can help open it up for the ground attack by stretching the defense. Expect a big game from the senior too--he clearly knows the stakes.

“This is probably the biggest game of the season to this point and it might be the biggest game of the year,” Graham said.

Graham is also positive that Monticello has some momentum going into this game despite a 19-18 loss to Powhatan last week in a close game where the Mustangs came up short on a two-point conversion.

“I think the loss helped us—It will help us,” Graham said.

Tonight’s game is the district opener for both teams, and there’s no question the Hornets are ready for the task.

“Every year when Orange and Monticello play, expect a big game—a war,” said Orange quarterback Quintin Hunter. “I’d rather see them early because it tells us two things. It will determine who will be the No. 1 team in the district and it will determine where our team is right now—are we going to be a playoff team?”

Hunter, who racked up 514 total yards in last year’s loss, will need the support of his teammates, especially on defense, in order to be successful.

“This year our defense is a lot better and it’s going to be a big key,” said Hunter, a UVa commit. “Both teams have got strong offensive players, and it’s going to depend on the defense [as to] who’s going to win the game.”

For the Hornets, a win over the defending state champions would be especially sweet.

“We haven’t beaten them in seven years,” said Orange senior linebacker David Britten. “It’d definitely be nice to beat them for once, that’s our main goal.”