Welcome back to the Game of the Week Breakdown. Today Brooks and I will dive into the match-up between the Panthers and Raiders, which last year featured two 0-4 teams and this season is a battle for a piece of the District lead. Check out my preview on the game here and then read on to see the match-ups, keys to the game and players to watch out in Leesburg tonight.

Breaking it Down

Potomac Falls Rushing Offense vs. Loudoun County Front Seven
Michael Baker has been an absolute beast this season, rushing for 563 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Loudoun County gave up huge numbers to Handley's Jeremiah Wilson in its only loss, so this looks like an area Potomac Falls could really exploit. Then again, the Raiders do have a stud in linebacker Chase Williams who has the ability to take over a game. The Raiders line must understand that stopping Baker is integral in making the Panthers one-dimensional and that will go a long way in giving Raiders the upper hand. Of course, it's easier said than done. Edge: Panthers

Potomac Falls Passing Attack vs. Loudoun County Secondary
The ground game has become the Panthers' bread and butter but this is where they can really hurt you. Chad McMichael, Tarrell Owens and Chris Pelto were all in on the action against Heritage and QB Gregory Woodlief has shown his ability to really spread the ball around. The Raiders corners and safeties need to be physical with the Panthers' big receivers - Owens and Pelto - and not let them carve out space downfield. If they can step in front of a pass and get a pick early on, it might rattle Woodlief a bit, but to this point, the Potomac Falls passing game has been everything we expected it to be. Edge: Panthers

Loudoun County Rushing Offense vs. Loudoun County Front Seven
The Raiders beat Park View on the ground last week, with dual-threat QB Joe Bushrod scoring his fourth and fifth rushing touchdowns of the season. County will have to do better than 39 yards passing against the Panthers, but it all starts on the ground where Bushrod and RBs Adam Yesuf, Mike Howard and Spencer Green will all be called on to find running lanes and gain yardage. Potomac Falls bottled up Heritage's Ross Madison, limiting the senior to 60 yards on 17 carries. The key here will be Bushrod's ability to get outside the pocket for runs and throws downfield. Like Woodlief, he can beat you both ways, so the Panthers will have to pressure him. Edge: Raiders

Loudoun County Passing Attack vs. Potomac Falls Secondary
Bushrod has plenty of options in his passing attack, including WR Michael Ayoub and Chase Williams at tight end, and he has shown an ability to find them. But the Raiders have also thrown nine interceptions this season to only five touchdowns. They'll have to limit the turnovers this week against Potomac Falls, because unlike in non-district contests, you can't make mistakes and hang around in the Dulles. Especially not against the Potomac Falls offense. Heritage had success through the air last week against the Panthers secondary -- scoring on three passes over 20 yards -- but Potomac Falls also nabbed four interceptions. It will likely be Boom or Bust for County against this secondary. Edge: Panthers

Keys to the Game

Potomac Falls

1. Establish the run with Michael Baker: He's the district's leading rusher for a reason and his ability to run the ball inside and outside really opens things up for the passing game.
2. Dictate the pace of the game: The Raiders are going to want to slow things down and keep it on the ground to keep your offense off the field. Force them into a few early three-and-outs and then let your offense do what it does best - make big plays and score touchdowns.
3. Force the Raiders into turnovers: Four Pride turnovers doomed your opponents last week and the Raiders have had trouble holding onto the ball as well. Through four games, they've coughed it up 11 times, including nine interceptions. Stop the run early and pressure Bushrod into quick decisions in the pocket and you could be on the receiving end of a few more INTs.

1. Make Potomac Falls one-dimensional: If you allow the Panthers offense to stay balanced, you're going to get burned. Take either the run or pass away, and now you're looking at a more manageable game.
2. Play Big Early On: It's absolutely vital that the Raiders don't fall behind early at home against this team (just ask Heritage). Come out big, get an early lead, and stay in control.
3. Protect the Football: Those nine interceptions are worrisome, and the Raiders can't afford to turn the ball over and give Potomac Falls extra possessions or a short field.

Players to Watch

Potomac Falls: Tarrell Owens, Junior, WR/DB
Owens was everywhere for the Panthers last week, intercepting Heritage's first pass and returning it for a touchdown (the first of three picks on the night for him) and catching four passes for 56 yards including a 38-yard score. He's too big to contain with simple man coverage in the secondary and his speed and strength make him tough to beat in coverage. Expect Woodlief to look Owens' way early and often and don't be surprised if Bushrod focuses his throws on the opposite side of the field from wherever Owens is.

Loudoun County: Chase Williams, Junior, LB/TE
Against such a dangerous and balanced Potomac Falls offense, Williams play in the middle of the defense will be absolutely vital for the Raiders. He must be the run-stopper and game-changer he has proved to be and his role will likely be two-fold on defense: 1. Stop Michael Baker. 2. Spy Woodlief on Pass Plays. If he has a standout game on defense, this game could be well within reach for the Raiders. On offense, Williams is the one Loudoun County player that causes mismatch problems. He's strong, fast and sure-handed and he has good chemistry with best friend Joe Bushrod. He likely will be a big target for the senior quarterback. In the end, this could be the statement game for Williams, one of the top young prospects in the region.