James Monroe Set to Host Lafayette in Regional Playoffs

Coaches in the NFL routinely refer to the postseason as “the tournament,” essentially a whole new season in which every game is do-or-die. VHSL regional and state football playoffs are cut from this mold; it’s a win-or-go home proposition once November comes around.

Following the same logic, James Monroe won its first season, and it did so flawlessly. The “tournament” starts Friday night at Maury Stadium.

Enter the Lafayette High School Rams, owners of a 9-2 record. Both of the Rams’ losses this season came at the hands of very talented opponents York and Poquoson.

The Yellow Jackets had a bye in the first round of the Region 1 playoffs last week, allowing time for the standard cuts and bruises of a grueling season to heal up. Lafayette, in contrast, bludgeoned Park View in its first round matchup by the score of 57-21.

Defense will be the key for JM; Lafayette has scored 50+ points in three games this season, and put up 35 points against undefeated York. Gap discipline will be key for JM’s speedy defensive front.

Offensively, the Jackets may hedge their bets on the hands of wideouts Kasine Conway and A’Darius Brown. This pair of speedsters will find their way behind any secondary, but will need to be on the same page as quarterback Demontaz Brown. With the Rams likely game-planning on heavy doses of Ethan Preston (27 TDs), the chance for a big play in the passing game will present itself.

The big games start now. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

FXBG Patch Prediction

James Monroe 38, Lafayette 28