Published September 23, 2004 in issue 0338 of the Hook

BY KELLY WATT

Strongest soccer steamroller: UVA football may be off to a solid start, but the No. 3 Lady Cavaliers soccer team sits in a league by itself. The Hoos improve to 8-0-0 on the year as they travel to Williamsburg and knock off arch-rival William & Mary 1-0 Sunday, September 19, to capture the Nike Tribe Invitational. The 20th ranked men's team also made a national statement, upsetting No. 2 Wake Forest 2-1 in Winston Salem Friday, September 17.

Most bittersweet ending: The Richmond Braves complete their best season in 10 years, but come up just shy of claiming the coveted Governor's Cup Championship. After taking the first game of the best-of-five series, the Braves drop three straight to the Buffalo Bison. The final blow comes with a 6-1 Buffalo triumph at the Diamond Friday, September 17.

Best homecoming party: UVA manhandles the overwhelmed Akron Zips for a 51-0 Homecoming blowout on Saturday September 18. "They forced us into some things, longer protections, third and longs, that you don't want to be in," Akron head coach J.D. Brookhart tells the AP. "They made it very difficult to do anything well." The 16th-ranked Wahoos control nearly every aspect of the football game to highlight their best season start (3-0) in six years.

Worst turnovers: The Washington Redskins turn the ball over a whopping seven times (the most in the past 40 years) as they suffer a frustrating 20-14 road setback at the hands of the New York Giants. Starting quarterback Mark Brunnell injures his hamstring to further complicate matters as the Skins fall to 1-1. "We need to take a long, hard look at our offense," coach Joe Gibbs tells the AP.

Worst annual washout: Always consider mid-September weekends iffy propositions. Last year it was Hurricane Isabel, and this year Ivan rolls through Charlottesville to postpone Central Virginia's high school football rivalry weekend. Instead, local student athletes compete in their own version of Monday night football to begin a busy week of gridiron action.

The Week Ahead:

Orioles Season Finale Home stand

Friday-Sunday vs. Detroit Tigers (Fri-7:35pm, Sat-4:35pm, & Sun1:35pm

Monday-Thursday vs. Toronto Blue Jays (All games 7:05pm)

There's nothing quite like fall baseball. Well, it's not quite what O's fans hope for as they conclude yet another losing season, but the Birds hope to close on a positive note with their 11-day home stand. If Redskins tickets are out of the question, enjoy an afternoon or a cool evening at Camden Yards. Good tickets still available. $9-55.

Saturday, Sept. 25

UVA Football vs. Syracuse

No more cupcakes on the Cavalier plate. UVA now faces the very physical Syracuse Orangemen (2-1), who hope to spoil UVA's bid for another big victory at home. With UVA coach Al Groh's plea last year for more orange attire among Hoo fans, Scott Stadium might look like a citrus explosion.

Monday Night Football!

Monday, Sept. 27 @ 9pm

Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys

Always a classic game, the clash between Cowboys and Indians will be broadcast from Fed Ex Field in primetime. Two coaching legends take aim at one another as Bill Parcell's Dallas Cowboys (1-1) invade Washington to meet Joe Gibbs and the Redskins. Resort to your most creative tactics if you hope to haul in this ticket.

Friday, Sept. 24 @ 7pm

High School Football

Charlottesville vs. Albemarle

Bragging rights are always on the line when these bitter rivals square off. Count on AHS and CHS to leave everything on the field when they meet under the Friday night lights. Tickets: $5

Tuesday, Sept. 28 @ 7pm

UVA women's soccer vs. Richmond

The ladies look to extend their perfect season as they take on another in-state rival at Klockner Stadium. Tickets $6 Adult, $4 Youth.

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