Hylton defense faces test in Woodbridge

“We know Madison is a great defensive team, so it starts with taking care of the ball,” Scott said. “We feel like with the work we put in practice, we have what it takes to capitalize on our opportunities.”

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One of the nation’s top recruits at linebacker, Hylton’s E.J. Levenberry is committed to Florida State and will play in the 2013 Army All-American Bowl.

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For Woodbridge’s Da’Shawn Hand, the nation’s top football recruit in the class of 2014, watching film is as much about becoming a better player as it is about family. He watches with his dad, cousin and teammate Marcus Boone, and his uncle, Damone Boone, the 1995 All-Met Player of the Year.

Following his 138-yard, two-touchdown performance two weeks ago in a win against Chantilly, Westfield’s Dalaun Richardson was quick to give his offensive line credit. It sounds cliché, but the junior tailback knows his shifty speed isn’t totally responsible for his team-high 907 rushing yards this season. How else would you explain what happened last week, when the No. 7 Bulldogs totaled 378 yards and five touchdowns on the ground during a 49-0 shutout of West Potomac?

“The running backs do a good job of giving us shout outs, which we appreciate,” Bulldogs senior lineman Jason Beylor said. “For us, it’s all about fundamentals because that’s what helps put us in the right spot to make plays and open up holes.”

Trust has also played a vital role in the success among Westfield’s offensive line, which features only one returning starter in Joon Yeo.

“We tell the running backs to be patient and let the holes develop,” Yeo said. “A lot of times in the NFL, you will see guys bounce outside for a run, but we tell our guys to not bounce out and trust that we will give them the room that they need to run.”

It’s all made for a 7-0 start as the Bulldogs enter Friday’s pivotal Virginia AAA Concorde District game against Oakton (6-1, 1-1). ...

When Chantilly’s coaches told Sean Huelskamp during the preseason that he would not only be moving from outside to inside linebacker but also line up at tight end, the senior didn’t know what to expect. He simply accepted the challenge and figured he’d learn the details on the fly.

Now seven games into the season, it’s clear that Huelskamp is a quick study.

In the past two contests, Huelskamp has caught seven passes for 176 yards and four touchdowns while returning one interception for a score on defense.

“I find myself having to think more on offense, whereas on defense I moreso react to the plays,” said Huelskamp, who has attracted interest from Temple and Delaware. “On both sides of the ball, I just try to make the most of every opportunity.”

The Chargers (5-2, 1-1) are taking the same approach to their final three games with a playoff position on the line. A defense that forced five turnovers in last week’s win against previously undefeated Oakton will look to have another big night during Friday’s contest at Centreville (5-2, 1-1).

Huelskamp said the main focus will be stopping Wildcats tailback A.J. Turner, who has the ability to turn runs and receptions into big plays. Two weeks ago, Turner racked up 108 receiving yards while in last week’s win against McLean, he rushed for a season-high 195 yards. ...

After nearly every play during Herndon’s practice on Tuesday, Hornets Coach Brian Day relayed the same message to his defense: “Wrap him up.”

Day wants these three words ingrained in each of his defenders’ heads come Friday, when the Hornets (1-6, 0-2) travel to take on a Robinson team featuring the area’s rushing leader in Joe Wilson. Most of the junior’s 1,548 yards this season have come after first contact, making proper tackling a must for the Hornets.