Rivalry Renewed: Madison and Centreville Meet Again
The 5-1 James Madison Warhawks host the 5-1 Centreville Wildcats in this week’s MSP Game of the Week. The Wildcats, defending Concorde District champions, shut out Chantilly last week to extend their district regular-season winning streak to eight games. Madison, meanwhile, avenged last year’s regular-season loss to Centreville in the playoffs, stopping a two-point conversion in overtime to win a 35-34 thriller on the road.
Centreville has thrived under new head coach Joshua Culver, who was promoted from defensive coordinator in March and has made the transition look seamless. Junior dual-threat QB Dhillon Ball has been the catalyst on offense, racking up 635 passing yards and 384 rushing yards. Look for Ball to get the ball to his top weapons, RB Kenny Johnson and WR Nick Solomon, who have each scored four touchdowns this season.
Madison has won five straight since dropping its season opener, with head coach Justin Counts leaning heavily on a defense that has allowed fewer than seven points per game during that stretch. Ground-and-pound football is the Warhawks’ identity, and Andrew Mau, William Helvey and Will Smoot will handle the bulk of the carries. Senior QB Lucas Vacaflor has also contributed multiple rushing touchdowns this season and will look for his favorite target, Kellan Counts, when the Warhawks take to the air.
The last two meetings between these rivals have come down to the final play, so get the popcorn ready in Vienna. This one has all the makings of another classic.
