SPORTS WRAP
SPORTS WRAP
Worst Shocker: The No. 2-ranked UVA men's soccer team suffers a heartbreaking 2-1 upset to arch-rival Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The loss not only snaps the Wahoos' (14-3, 4-2 in the ACC) current eight-game win streak, it also concludes their string of 23 consecutive victories over Tech (9-8, 2-4 in the ACC). "We just hung it there," Hokie coach Oliver Weiss told the Daily Progress. [Some crucial mid-game errors] aided us more in terms of the fact that their progress was stopped."
Most Fearsome Lions: The explosive Louisa County Lions' rushing offense plasters a scrappy Monticello Mustang squad Friday, October 29. "We read that no one had rushed 100 yards against them, so we posted it," Louisa coach Mark Fischer tells the Progress. "The offensive line and running backs took it personally, so we made that our goal." The 38-28 homecoming victory for LCHS, No. 1 in central Virginia (7-1, 5-0 in Jefferson District) extends the Lions' win streak to five games as they complete a perfect 5-0 run in their home "Jungle." The loss eliminates the playoff-contending Mustangs (6-2, 2-2) from a district title, while Louisa clinches at least a share of the title with two games remaining in the regular season.
Worst sign for G.W: Since 1940, a Redskins victory the weekend before an election has led to a victory for the incumbent party, while a loss has heralded the challenger's ticket to the White House. For a moment as Washington hosted the Green Bay Packers on Halloween, the outlook appeared bright for Republicans as the Skins seemingly rallied from a 17 point deficit to score a late-go ahead touchdown. A controversial illegal-procedure penalty called the play back, however, and Democrats were heard roaring from coast to coast as quarterback Mark Brunnell tossed the game-sealing interception the following play. In the sports world, the last place Skins fell to 2-5 while the red-hot Packers won their third straight to reach .500 (4-4) at the NFL season's half-way point.
The Week Ahead:
Friday, November 5 @ 7pm
UVA Soccer vs. Maryland
Klöckner Stadium
This time the Terps, hoping to avenge a frustrating loss in Blacksburg, sweep into Klöckner to meet a Wahoo team unbeatable at home this fall. Maryland always presents a stiff challenge, and fans should expect an exciting ACC season finale. Tickets: Adults $6 Children $4.
UVA FOOTBALL VS. MARYLAND
Saturday, November 6 @ 3:30pm
Scott Stadium
The Terps' measly 4-4 record is wildly misleading as they come off an emotional 20-17 upset last weekend over the fifth-ranked Florida State Seminoles. Yes, that's the same FSU team that throttled UVA 36-3 two weeks ago. The 'Hoos (6-1, 3-1) must bring their A game if they hope to make a run for the suddenly wide-open ACC title as the season enters its final month. Expect a full house at Scott Stadium for this regionally televised game, with a red tide of rowdy Terrapin fans traveling south.
WIZARDS HOME OPENER VS. MIAMI HEAT
Saturday, November 6 @ 7pm
MCI Center
Washington opens another fresh season with road games in Memphis and Charlotte before returning home to host the biggest story of the NBA off-season. Everyone is anxious to see Shaquille O'Neal, whose departure from the re-tooled Los Angeles Lakers dynasty caused an outcry throughout the NBA during the past summer. The Wizards hope to greet Shaq and company with at least a formidable challenge. Tickets still available, but prices vary from $10 in the nose-bleed section to court-side prices worthy of an international vacation.
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