This Monday MORNING Quarterback is for all those doubters who thought we'd never get this blog up in the a.m. (EST). To you we say - "HAH!" It's 11:32!

Now that we've got that out of the way, onto the show...

Today we're going to take a quick look back (sorry, Sarah Palin) at the week that was. There were a few decisive victories (Potomac Falls, Stone Bridge, Park View) and a couple real grinders (Broad Run, Briar Woods) as the Dulles District race is really starting to take shape. We'll point out a few items of note in the box scores, mention a couple trends we're starting to notice and buckle down for another week of Loudoun football action.

And remember, if you've got talking points you'd like to bring up or have us discuss, please post your comments below or you can e-mail us at Matt.Brooks@wpni.com or tenoriop@washpost.com.

Now let's get on with it...

Potomac Falls 47, Loudoun County 14

PF: 5 Fumbles Caused/4 Fumbles Recovered

The stat above was the difference in the game. The Potomac Falls defense was swarming everywhere, laying down the thunder and looking to strip the ball and it paid off in a big way for the Panthers. First Michael Baker recovered a fumble and benefited from his own turnover by breaking off a 59-yard touchdown run four plays later. Then, it was Baker again scooping up a loose ball – this time returning it 38-yards for a touchdown to put the Panthers up 19-0. And after another fumble recovery, this time from Matthew Hoover, Potomac Falls scored again to take the 27-0 lead and officially turn a close game into a domination. Potomac Falls has now forced 13 turnovers this season and scored a defensive touchdown in three of its five games. - PT

Stone Bridge 51, South Lakes 6

Patrick Thompson 5 rushes, 40 yards, 3 touchdowns

I'm probably looking too much into things, but you have to believe that Patrick Thompson went into this weekend's game with a huge weight lifted off his shoulders after committing to play for Wake Forest. The senior quarterback came out and ran for three scores on runs of 25, 15 and 8 yards, and threw for another. But one thing Stone Bridge has to like is to see Thompson running for scores. This offense is at its best when there are many threats in the backfield, including the quarterback, and while the opponent may not have been the biggest challenge for the defending state champions, it's a positive sign for the Bulldogs to see Patrick Thompson getting in the end zone on the ground. - PT

Briar Woods 7, Dominion 0

BW: 52 passing yards

After last week's shutout loss to Broad Run, you had to figure Coach Charlie Pierce would have his guys fired up and ready to lay some wood (to use Potomac Falls' charm of choice) on the struggling Titans. Things didn't quite turnout that way in "Downtown Brambleton", however. Yes, the Falcons got the win, but 7-0 is hardly a convincing victory. For the second straight game, the Briar Woods offense struggled, turning the ball over three times. Quarterback Austin Frattali's numbers (12-for-18) were solid but with only 52 yards through the air, the Falcons are putting too much pressure on their running game to do all the work for their offense. Yes, the defense was outstanding, forcing three turnovers and allowing just 55 total yards, including only 40 to one of the most difficult backs to bring down in the district in Deandre Reaves. But if the Falcons want to have a shot against productive offenses like Potomac Falls and Heritage, they're going to have to find better balance in their attack. This Friday's matchup with Loudoun County should be very interesting... - MB

Park View 41, Freedom 13

Brandon Lee: 7-of-13, 193 yards, 4 TDs; 6 carries, 90 yards, 2 TDs

So this was what Park View Coach Andy Hill was talking about this summer when he said Brandon Lee's "athleticism kind of compliments the other players on the field." The junior QB threw for 193 yards and four touchdowns and ran for two more as the Patriots played their most complete game of the season. Looks like Tenorio should have picked him for Top Performers.

And how about senior receiver Josh Jones coming up with touchdown receptions of 52- and 49-yards. Jones only has nine catches this season, but his big-play ability has enabled him to cash those in for 217 yards and three scores. With an interception return and a 99-yard kickoff return to go along with his offensive output, Jones has established himself as Park View's play-maker on both sides of the ball. - MB

Broad Run 21, Heritage 13

H: 30 min., BR: 18 min.

This was such a tough loss for the Pride to take on homecoming and coming off that rough outing against Potomac Falls. Heritage came out with a lot more intensity and emotion than they had the week prior and really rattled the Spartans' sideline with that first touchdown drive. They dominated time of possession in this game - see the numbers above - and that's the way you compete against high-octane offenses, by keeping them off the field. Ross Madison was phenomenal working out of various offensive sets and the Heritage defense gave Broad Run more trouble than they've had all season. Coach Wes Driskill praised his team heavily after the loss, as well he should, and I really think the Pride build off this one and look to beat up on the softer part of their schedule coming up.

As for the Spartans, this game was a bit of a reality check. They didn't play their best football but they took the best shot from a good Heritage team and still came away victorious. Coach Mike Burnett was fully aware of that but said he thinks these types of games will help them in the long run. "That's what you build on," he said. "We've had two middle linebackers go down now and you have a sophomore in Joe Walter who steps in and makes the big play of the game. That's what we think makes great teams - we hope. It's not always about Kenny McAdow making a play or Chris (Jessop) making a play or Breon (Earl) making a play, it's about having a lot of kids step up when you need them. We were cramping, we haven't played four quarters, we had to face a lot of adversity tonight for the first time." - MB

Fauquier 28, Loudoun Valley 0

LV: 0 points scored

This is becoming a theme for the Vikings as they struggle to put things together in their first season under head coach Danny McGrath. In four of the five games this year, Loudoun Valley has not been able to get on the board. The only exception: 13 points against Stone Bridge. It's a troublesome stat, but looking at the schedule there may be some clues as to why. Woodbridge has allowed just 20 points all season long, Osbourn Park had given up just 17 points in four games before a 25-17 loss to Battlefield this week and Fauquier has held opponents to two scores or fewer in four of five games this year. The schedule eases up a bit now for Valley, and hopefully it allows the team to get some payoff for the work they have put in so far. - PT