September 24, 2009

The Orange football team has not gotten out to the start it had hoped for, but if you need an explanation, look no further than the Hornets' schedule. Each of their first four opponents reached the state playoffs last year, and that stretch will conclude with Monticello in their district opener on Friday.

Orange enters with a 1-2 record. The Hornets fell at Chancellor to open up their season, but came back to beat Culpeper. Orange held its home opener last Friday, falling to defending state champion James Monroe, 14-0. The 1-2 start is not something John Kayajanian and the Hornets had envisioned, but feel the competition will make them better in the long run, beginning this Friday.

Monticello has won the last seven games in this series, including last year's 44-14 win on the Mustangs' home field. Orange also does not fare very well against their district rivals on its own field. Monticello holds a 4-1 advantage all-time at Porterfield Park.

Friday's kickoff is set for 7:30, and is our Friday Night EndZone Game of the Week. Be sure to catch Friday Night EndZone at 11:35pm on ABC16, or log onto fnefootball.com immediately after the show and view it anytime.