By Phil Murphy
Senior Multimedia/Content Manager, Washington D.C. Metro Area

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McLean (3-2, 1-1) at Jefferson (0-5, 0-2)
Last Week: McLean lost at South Lakes, 28-21; Jefferson lost vs. Washington-Lee, 7-0
Playoff Position (SOS): McLean (Div 5) 6th; Jefferson (Div 5) 13th

McLean entered its game with South Lakes last week hoping to move to 4-1 for the first time since 1998.

However, the Highlanders fell in a deep hole, trailing 21-0 midway through the second quarter, and never recovered. They lost to the Seahawks, 28-21.

The Colonials, meanwhile, are still searching for an effective offensive formula. They have not scored in four weeks and are the lowest-scoring team of 304 public schools in Virginia at 1.2 points per game.

Last week, the defense kept athletic Washington-Lee in check, allowing just seven points. Jefferson had three possessions start in opponent territory and had one goal-to-go situation late, but was unable to force overtime.

Since the Colonials joined the Liberty District, though, this has been an even series. Each team has won twice and only once game was decided by more than two scores.

To have a chance at its first win, Jefferson has to find a way to slow soon-to-be-all-region McLean tailback and returner Riley Beiro.

The senior has 795 rushing yards in four games and nine total touchdowns, including 32 rushes for 193 yards and two touchdowns -- one rushing, one receiving -- last week.

If the Highlanders can get some breathing room, expect Beiro to give way to his more-than-capable back-up, senior James Ludwick.

Ludwick carried 43 times for 201 yards and three scores in his only start this season, a 28-8 McLean win over Wakefield in Week 3.

Since Jefferson joined the Liberty District in 2005, the series is even, 2-2.

Email: pmurphy@digitalsports.com