Virginia Game of the Week: AAA Division 6 semifinal
Oscar Smith at No. 2 Oakton
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How they got here: Oscar Smith, ranked 11th nationally by USA Today, held off previously unbeaten Ocean Lakes, 28-21, in the Eastern Region final. Oakton blew out Chantilly, 52-14, in the Northern Region final.
Playoff history: Oscar Smith is in the state playoffs for the second consecutive year; the Tigers lost to Westfield in the state semifinals last season. Oakton, 11-10 the previous two seasons, is aiming for its third state final berth in seven years. The Cougars were the runners-up in 2002 and won the title in 2005. For the past eight years, a team currently in the Concorde District has reached the Division 6 final. Oakton would be the ninth in a row.
What to watch from Oscar Smith: RB-LB Perry Jones, who has committed to the University of Virginia, has rushed for 1,647 yards -- 765 in three playoff games -- and 28 touchdowns. He also was the Southeastern District defensive player of the year. Junior QB Phillip Sims, ascending the state record book in various categories, has thrown for 2,590 yards and 31 touchdowns. Senior WR Tim Smith, another Virginia recruit, has caught 59 passes for 1,317 yards and 19 touchdowns. Smith also has five returns for touchdowns. LB Jerod Askew has committed to Tennessee.
What to watch from Oakton: Senior QB Chris Coyer has thrown for 1,306 yards and 15 touchdowns, and he also is the Cougars' leading rusher, with 1,155 yards and 15 scores. Oakton boasts two strong senior running backs with Jonathan Meadows (916 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Trey Watts (654 yards, 14 touchdowns). Watts also is the team's leading receiver, with 39 catches for 732 yards and 10 scores, and is an all-Northern Region kick returner. Senior LB Jack Tyler is the region defensive player of the year.
It could come down to: A bend-but-don't-break defensive performance from Oakton, similar to what Westfield managed in 2007. Sims threw for 480 yards in this game last season, but managed only 21 points.
-- Preston Williams
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Records: Oscar Smith 13-0, Oakton 13-0
