We have a full slate of high school football games Friday night, including a big cross-town rivalry game between Monticello and Albemarle.
We'll be at Albemarle High School Friday at 6 o'clock for our weekly Kroger Tailgate Party.
The Patriots are coming off a 21-12 loss last Friday to their other big rival: Western Albemarle.
Friday will be the season opener for Monticello.
The Mustangs appear to be one of the top teams in Central Virginia, on paper, with a veteran quarterback in Jhalil Mosley, and a big offensive line, with every player weighing at least 275 pounds.
The Mustangs want to get the season off to a good start.
Monticello senior offensive lineman Austin Mays says, "It feels great. I've been waiting for this game since last year. Just ready to get back on the field and do what we do."
Mustangs head coach Rodney Redd adds, "Our two schools, and really any of the city/county schools, whenever they play its always a big rivalry, and there's going to be a lot of emotion, and a lot of folks in the stands."
No one on the Albemarle roster has ever beaten the Mustangs, as the last Patriot victory in the series came in 2006.
Albemarle senior running back Niko Troche says, "This is going to be my last time here, so I kind of want to go out positive this year. Set the team focus, like we've been doing all week, and hopefully come out with a win."
"We're ready for Albemarle," says Monticello senior corner back Denzel Terry. "We've been locking down our defense, making sure we contain their running back, because they have a nice running back. I know a lot of people will be out there. If we go out there and play Mustang football, we should come out on top."
The Patriots and Mustangs will kick off Friday at 7pm at Albemarle High School.
