Welcome to The Breakdown, where we'll take a look at tonight's Liberty District match-up between No. 2 Stone Bridge and Woodson (7-2, 6-0), which is enjoying its best season since 2004. Matt Brooks will take a look at the BUlldogs offense, I'll talk defense and we both breakdown the Keys to the Game...

What to expect from Stone Bridge offensively

One of the most dynamic, dominant offenses in the state will be without its leader in senior QB Patrick Thompson who is sidelined with a sprained ankle. Does that mean Stone Bridge will abandon it's aerial attack for a possession ground game? Not entirely. Senior John Bladel only started taking snaps under center a few weeks ago in practice but his time in left field with the baseball team is evidence of his arm strength. He won't be asked to do too much, likely focusing on short crossing routes with tight ends and hitting Michael Prince and Nick Sheehan on slants and hitches that allow the receivers to make plays after the catch. Although they probably won't need to throw the ball downfield much, Coach Mickey Thompson could catch the defense off guard by letting Bladel try a couple deep balls to Prince down the sideline. For the most part, look for Bladel to manage the game and collect first downs with short routes over the middle to give a change of pace from the running game.

Marcus Harris will have a bigger role tonight for the Bulldogs. (Photo by Joel Richardson, The Washington Post)

The running game has been Stone Bridge's bread-and-butter all season so fortunately they don't have to mix things up too much even with Thompson on the sideline. The Bulldogs have rushed for more than 200 yards in five of their last six games and have scored at least two touchdowns on the ground in every game this season. Senior Daniel Allen is the key here and will be asked to shoulder a heavier load than normal with a less mobile (and experienced) QB beside him. That shouldn't be a problem for a back who has 740 yards and 16 touchdowns in his last six games and is averaging 9.4 yards per carry during that stretch. Spelling Allen will be sophomore Marcus Harris whose yardage has mostly come in mop up duty. In last week's rout of Jefferson, Harris carries seven times for 116 yards and a score, so he should be ready to go when his number is called tonight. And don't forget about Prince's versatility. The receiver has turned 18 carries in 387 yards (that's 21.5 yards per carry!) and scored nine of his 16 TDs on the ground. He's simply a big-play maker and the Bulldogs will look to Prince to break a few big ones in this game.

What to expect from Stone Bridge defensively

The Bulldogs will be up against the most balanced offense they have faced in the Liberty District, and perhaps since the West Springfield game -- though I don't even know how much you could compare those two teams because they have different approaches to moving the ball. What Woodson will look to do is use an option offense to set up the occasional big play downfield to Max Waizenegger, who has 19 touchdowns this season, and there are two key factors for the Bulldogs defense. First, the discipline of the guys up front in stopping the run. And two, the defensive backs maintaining their man coverage until they absolutely recognize run.

I imagine Stone Bridge will look to stack the box and stop the run first, forcing Woodson to beat them with the passing game. Both James Johnson and QB Connor Reilly have shown an ability to make plays on the ground and defending the option requires great discipline from every member of the defense in sticking to their role, as they likely will be playing more assignment 'D' with certain players targeting the pitch man, the running back, the fullback, etc. I'll be keeping an eye on the defensive ends as well as the linebackers in their discipline in following assignments. To me, this part of the game should not be an issue for Stone Bridge. They have perhaps the most dominant defensive line in the area and an incredibly athletic linebacker in Mike Olson behind them. It'll be tough for Woodson to get much going on the ground if the Bulldogs decide to stack the box.

Senior linebacker Mike Olson will be key defensively tonight for Stone Bridge. (Photo by Michael Temchine, For The Washington Post)

That leaves the passing game, and Woodson has yet to face cornerbacks as athletic as those in the Stone Bridge secondary. It will be tough for Waizenegger to beat his man one-on-one, and even tougher if Stone Bridge puts a man over top to stop the one real receiving threat. They key will be the defensive backs maintaining coverage and not getting sucked up as they see the option pitch possibilities on the outside. If they do so, Woodson could find a big play. If not, you're likely looking at another dominant defensive performance from the Bulldogs and a fourth consecutive Liberty District crown.

Keys to the Game

Stone Bridge:
Stick to the Script: Pounding the football on the ground has been the first step to your success so far this season. Keep it up by handing off to Allen, Harris and Prince and put the pressure on Woodson's front seven to stop you rather than on your quarterback.
Don't Press: You know the Cavs will be excited for the game - it's their chance to unseat the defending champs and they think they've got a pretty good shot with your QB out. Just remember that you are the champs. You've been here before and you'll still be playing next week regardless. If you struggle early on, remember that you have the most talented team in the district and continue to play to your strengths.
Stay Disciplined on 'D': The only way Woodson has a chance at beating the Bulldogs defense is if players get sucked out of their assignments, rushing forward to make a tackle and getting beat in coverage, rushing the QB and getting beat on an option pitch outside or a quick inside handoff, etc. If Stone Bridge is disciplined, Woodson should have no chance.

W.T. Woodson:
Go All Out: You see it at the NFL level time and again, desperate teams trying trickeration to get the offense going. While Woodson will look to establish its normal offense early on, I think this is the type of game you pull out all the stops and see if there's anything you can do to break a big play and put Stone Bridge on its heels.
Brick Wall: Without QB Patrick Thompson, you know Stone Bridge will look to run the ball more often than not. Stack the box and force Bladel to make throws he hasn't had to make all season long. You might get burned, you might not. But I think the Cavaliers have a better chance if they commit to the run.
Keep it Close: This is the theme with all opponents facing Stone Bridge. The closer you keep this game, the more the pressure builds on Stone Bridge. Really, Woodson is in a can't lose situation. The Bulldogs are the heavy favorites, and if this is close late Woodson will have all the momentum.

Players to Watch:

John Bladel will step in for injured QB Patrick Thompson. (Photo by Michael Temchine, For The Washington Post)

John Bladel, Senior, Stone Bridge: Bladel will be in the spotlight as he takes over for star QB Patrick Thompson in the final game of the regular season. If he plays mistake-free football and hits all of his reads, Stone Bridge should be okay. The senior knows as much. When I spoke to him at practice there was one thing he said that stood out: I hope I make completions and don't throw interceptions. Easy to understand why he's the guy Mickey Thompson entrusted with the job.

Connor Reilly, Junior, Woodson: Reilly, the junior transfer, has ignited the Woodson offense by opening up the pass possibilities. His arm is the key factor in this game, because if he can find his favorite target Max Waizenegger early and often, Stone Bridge will be forced to respect the pass and that could open things up in the run game.