Private Predictions Week 2

Here are my predictions for Week 2 Private Schools. Also included are the Massey Predictions. I went 5-0 during week zero and 5-4 last week. I lead the computer by one game.

I chose this as the Game of the Week because both teams won State titles in 2022, and both teams played for State titles last year.

North Cross defeated Nansemond-Suffolk, but they lost to Trinity Episcopal last week. Ineffective quarterback play led to running back Tristan Lange taking over, and he led the team to three 4th quarter touchdowns.

St. Michael lost to Benedictine, and they also had quarterback issues when their starter left the game due to injury. The Warriors intercepted three passes but were limited to under 125 yards on offense.

With questions at quarterback for both teams, this could come down to which team is able to limit their mistakes. I’m expecting a competitive matchup.

Prediction: North Cross 28 St. Michael 26
Massey St. Michael 28 North Cross 20

Top Games

St Christopher’s (1-0) at Episcopal (0-0)

I plan on attending this game. St. Christopher’s is off an upset win over the top-rated Huguenot, who had not lost a home game under Coach Charles Scott. MJ Crocker and Darius Gray were dominant on defense with nine tackles each and a combined three sacks. Gray, a Rivals 4-star recruit who committed to South Carolina, also reached the end zone with a rushing touchdown.

Episcopal lost their season opener to St Christopher’s last season 34-14 on their way to a 1-8 record. Four of their losses came by less than eight points, and they appear on paper to be much improved. Episcopal has a good offensive line and a quarterback committed to VMI. I believe this will be closer than last year’s result, but I still favor St. Christopher’s.

Prediction: St. Christopher’s 21 Episcopal 7
Massey St. Christopher’s 24 Episcopal 7

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Collegiate (1-0) at Potomac School (1-0)

Both teams started their seasons with wins on the road. Potomac defeated St John’s Catholic behind three touchdowns from Akim Iscandari. Collegiate has started the past two seasons with a hot start, going 3-1 both times. I see them continuing that trend with a second road win.

Prediction: Collegiate 30 Potomac School 15
Massey Collegiate 34 Potomac School 14

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Flint Hill (0-1) at Woodberry Forest (0-0)

Woodberry Forest will be seeking revenge in their season opener for a blowout loss in 2023. The last time Flint Hill visited Woodberry Forest, they came away with a 53-13 win. The Tigers featured current Rivals 5-star and #1 rated running back Savion Hiter and top receiver Dyzier Carter, a Rutgers commit. 

Flint Hill lost its season opener in a back-and-forth affair with Blue Ridge. Richmond commit Ty Harris returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and scored four total, including a fumble return.

Prediction: Woodberry Forest 31 Flint Hill 18
Massey Woodberry Forest 42 Flint Hill 14

Friday Other Games

Benedictine (1-0) at Matoaca (0-1)

This would have been a great matchup a couple of years ago; not so much this year. Benedictine wins.

Prediction: Benedictine 38 Matoaca 6
Massey Benedictine 36 Matoaca 12

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St John Paul Great (1-0) at St. Anne ‘s-Belfield (1-0)

Two undefeated teams. This one features two outstanding running backs: Jonah Brent for STAB and Ar’mand Stevens for St John Paul the Great. Stevens had 213 yards on 23 carries, while Brent had 16 carries for 245 yards and four touchdowns.  

Prediction: St. Anne ‘s-Belfield 22 St John Paul Great 20
Massey St. Anne ‘s-Belfield 28 St John Paul Great 21

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Nansemond Suffolk Academy (1-1) at Atlantic Shores (1-1)

Both teams are 1-1 and are looking to win their 2nd straight game. Atlantic Shores won 27-0 last year. I expect a lot of points in this one.

Prediction: Atlantic Shores 42 Nansemond-Suffolk 21
Massey Atlantic Shores 35 Nansemond-Suffolk 20

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Christchurch School (0-0) at Isle of Wight (0-2)

Christchurch should win their season opener in their return to 11-man football.

Prediction: Christchurch 45 Isle of Wight 0
Massey Christchurch 41 Isle of Wight 7

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Norfolk Academy (1-0) at Hampton Roads Academy (0-0)

HRA is also returning to 11-man football, and their 1st game is against TCIS opponent Norfolk Academy. Bulldogs should roll.

Prediction: Norfolk Academy 29 Hampton Roads Academy 6
Massey Norfolk Academy 28 Hampton Roads Academy 21

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Western Branch (1-0) at Catholic (0-1)

This one shouldn’t be close.

Prediction: Western Branch 49 Catholic 0
Massey Western Branch 46 Catholic 6

Saturday Other Games

Fork Union (1-0) at Trinity Episcopal (1-0)

Trinity Episcopal has scored exactly 42 points in their last two meetings against Fork Union.

Prediction: Trinity Episcopal 42 Fork Union 13
Massey Trinity Episcopal 45 Fork Union 21

Blue Ridge (1-0) at Virginia Episcopal (0-0)

VES is another team returning to 11-man football. Their first game is against the defending State champions, Blue Ridge.

Prediction: Blue Ridge 48 VES 0
Massey Blue Ridge 47 VES 6