Rams Host Cougars in Crucial District Showdown

Friday’s matchup between Strasburg (3-1) and Manassas Park (5-0) will be the Rams’ homecoming game, and it could also determine the Bull Run District championship.

The district champion automatically advances to the regional playoffs. The early Region B playoff race is fiercely competitive, with William Campbell (5-0), Riverheads (4-0), and Stonewall Jackson (3-1), along with the Cougars and Rams, all vying for the four available spots. Strasburg is currently tied with Stonewall for the fourth seed, making this game crucial for their playoff hopes.

The fourth-ranked Cougars (according to the Associated Press poll) boast a potent offense. Manassas Park averages over 36 points per game, led by the impressive play of first-year quarterback Zack Terrell. The sophomore has demonstrated both speed and agility outside the pocket but has been particularly effective as a passer.

In five games, Terrell has completed 36 of 68 passes for 792 yards (158.4 yards per game). His favorite target is fellow 10th-grader A.C. Fitchett, who has caught seven of Terrell’s eleven touchdown passes. The duo connected twice last weekend, leading the Cougars to a 14-13 victory over previously unbeaten Washington & Lee (2001 Group A, Division 2 champions).

Joining Terrell in the backfield is senior tailback Price Ward (5-8, 150). While Ward had limited success rushing against the Rams in two games last season (14 yards on 11 carries), he did catch seven passes for 70 yards.

Despite having to replace a majority of their starters, the Manassas Park defense has been successful. The 2002 Cougars have held opponents to just 47 total points (9.4 points per game) in their first five games. This young defense, featuring four new starting linebackers, will face a challenge against Strasburg’s experienced offensive line.

This line paved the way for 289 rushing yards against Page County two weeks ago. The Rams average 190.4 rushing yards per game, led by senior Sam Robinson (5-11, 159).