Published November 11, 2004 in issue 0345 of the Hook

BY KELLY WATT

Best border war: UVA football dominates the Maryland Terrapins 16-0 Saturday, November 6, to remain knotted for first-place in the ACC with in-state rival, No. 18 Virginia Tech (7-2, 4-1 in ACC). The twelfth-ranked Wahoos (7-1, 4-1 in ACC) overpower Maryland (4-5, 2-4 in ACC) with their relentless ground game, while the defense keeps the Terps at bay for their second shutout of the season. The Cavs' impeccable performance almost leaves opinionated Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen speechless. "I don't know what I can say," Friedgen tells the Daily Progress. "Virginia played very, very, well. They did a good job of coaching, and their players executed very well on both sides of the ball. They should be commended on that."

Biggest breakthrough: The No. 4 Virginia women's soccer team earns their first ACC championship by knocking off top-ranked and 15-year reigning ACC champs North Carolina with a penalty kick, Sunday, November 7. A 1-1 draw finally goes UVA's way in the classic duel that ended with UVA edging the Tar Heels 5-4 in penalty kicks.

Most heartbreaking finish: After suffering through a tough road defeat at Virginia Tech, the No. 8 Wahoos men's soccer team must overcome the frustration of a painful 1-0 loss to the twelfth-ranked Maryland Terrapins. The Terps spoil UVA's senior night (Friday, November 5) at Klockner Stadium in a scoreless tiebreaker with just five minutes remaining in regulation.

Most confusing playoff scenario: High school football used to be a simple matter, but as local Central Virginia teams head into the final weekend, the playoff picture remains incredibly cluttered. Louisa County (7-2, 5-0), Monticello (7-2, 3-2), Orange County (8-1, 4-1), and Nelson County (5-4, 3-2) all still have plenty to play as they conclude their regular seasons.

Best version of "Keeping the Faith": The Redskins (3-5) refuse to throw in the towel after an abysmal four-game losing streak as the team earns a 17-10 road victory against a solid Detroit Lions (4-4) squad on Sunday, November 7. It's the Skins' second victory in three games and helps keep their slim playoff hopes alive halfway through the NFL's regular season.

Best start to a season: The Washington Wizards open the NBA season with two road victories over the expansion Charlotte Bobcats Wednesday, November 3, and Memphis Grizzlies Thursday, November 4. The Wizards' home opener does not quite live up to expectations as the Miami Heat's injured Shaquille O'Neal struggles to make his expected contributions. Unfortunately for the Wiz, second year point Dwayne Wade picks up the slack, dropping in 37 points to hand the Wiz a 118-106 defeat.

UVA VS. JMU

NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament First Round

Friday, November 12 @ 7:30pm

Klockner Stadium

The Cavs destroyed the Dukes 5-0 earlier in the season, but expect JMU to present a formidable challenge when they come to town to meet the Wahoos in the NCAA tournament's first round. It's third-seeded UVA's (16-2-2) 11th consecutive appearance in the NCAAs and 17th overall.

UVA FOOTBALL VS. MIAMI

Saturday, November 13 @ 3:30pm

Scott Stadium

It's senior day for possibly one of the greatest teams in UVA football history. The Cavs, who have returned to the nation's top-10, are now ranked above the pre-season national title-contending Miami Hurricanes (6-2, 3-2 in ACC). After the Canes' undefeated season was halted by back-to-back losses, they come to town hungry for a victory and a return to the top of the conference standings. The game's sold out but expect to find plenty of scalpers roaming the streets of 'Hooville.

REDSKINS VS. CINCINNATI

Sunday, November 14 @ 4pm

Fed-Ex Field

The Skins must find a way to take care of business at home, where they've been winless since week one. Washington fans continue to pray for the offense to suddenly come to life as the team hosts a weaker Cincinnati Bengals squad as a stiffer schedule looms.

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