SPORTS WRAP
Biggest "Must Win" Game: After facing adversity for the first time all season, the UVA football team shows some character with a convincing 37-16 road triumph over the Duke Blue Devils Saturday, October 23. The Cavs were embarrassed in a 36-3 trouncing to national powerhouse Florida State the previous weekend, and there were worries the aftershock might carry over to a possible disaster this week when Duke scored an early touchdown. But UVA Halfback Alvin Pearman took control, scampering through an overmatched Blue Devils defense for 223 yards and a touchdown. "We had the loss in the back of our minds all week," center Zac Yabrough told the AP. "We wanted to come back and run the ball and be as physical as we can."
Ugliest Victory: Now with arguably the best team in Central Virginia, Louisa County football coach Mark Fischer has raised the bar as the cold nights of autumn begin settling in. "If we play like this, we're going to be sitting at home at the end of the season, and Monticello's going to wear us out," Fischer told the Daily Progress after his Lions defeated William Monroe 45-20 Friday, October 22. "Maybe we've been reading our own press clippings and thought we were better than we are." Despite improving to 5-1 and a perfect 4-0 in Jefferson District, Louisa will face stiffer competition this week when they travel to Monticello (6-1, 2-1 in the District).
Best of Times at Klöckner: With the football team out of town, UVA fans enjoyed plenty of conference soccer drama at Klöckner Stadium. The No. 8 men (13-2-0) rallied for two goals in the final 3:30 to force overtime with the No. 13 Duke Blue Devils Saturday, October 23. Thrilling shifts of momentum continued into the extra period as Mark Littlefield knocked home the game winner in front of an ecstatic crowd of over 2,500. The 3-2 triumph extends UVA's win streak to eight, while keeping the Cavs a perfect 10-0-0 at home. The No. 4 women (13-2-0) followed suit the following afternoon, turning a scoreless first half into an important 2-0 victory over the No. 24 Clemson Tigers. The win assures the Lady Wahoos of a top-three finish in the extremely competitive ACC conference.
Earliest Signs of Success: With the NBA nearly ready to kick off another season, the rebuilding Washington Wizards show signs of life, posting a 97-85 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats Sunday, October 24. Washington opens the official season November 6 hosting the greatly anticipated Miami Heat and their recently acquired "big man," Shaquille O'Neal.
The Week Ahead:
LOUISA COUNTY @ MONTICELLO
Friday, October 29 @ 7pm
The road to the Jefferson District title must go through Monticello (6-1, 2-1 in the Jefferson District). Louisa will likely face their toughest test of the season when they meet a determined Mustangs squad looking to hand the Lions their first district loss. Expect another Fall classic with an exciting district championship on the line. Tickets $5.
UVA MEN'S SOCCER @ VIRGINIA TECH
Saturday, October 30 @ 7pm
The big one may still be a month away, but plenty of bragging rights are still on the line. Follow the red-hot 'Hoos as they take their eight-game winning streak to Blacksburg. Tickets $6 Adults, $4 Youth.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS VS. GREEN BAY PACKERS Sunday, October 31 @ 1pm
After a shaky 1-4 start left them reeling, both the Packers and the Redskins have rejuvenated hopes heading into this weekend's showdown at Fed Ex Field. Green Bay (3-4) has demolished its last two opponents, while Washington (2-4) is fresh off a bye week and a road victory in Chicago. Skins fans are not ready to quit on this season quite yet– this Halloween game is sold out as expected.
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