There will be no “Friday-night lights” for local Arlington public high-school football teams this weekend, owing to the observance of Yom Kippur.
Instead, contests will be played a night earlier (Thursday, Oct. 10) at the traditional 7 p.m. starting time.
In one of those games, first place in the Liberty District will be on the line. The defending champion and undefeated Washington-Liberty Generals (6-0, 2-0) host the Marshall Statesmen (5-1, 2-0). The winner will take over sole possession of first.
Washington-Liberty has won six straight district contests over two seasons, including a 52-26 road win over Marshall last fall. Marshall has won three straight league games over two seasons.
The high-scoring Generals are averaging 35.5 points per game this season, Marshall 43.5.
The Statesmen rely on more of a running offensive attack while Washington-Liberty throws as much as it runs the ball.
Both are coming off significant road wins over other district rivals on Oct. 4. Washington-Liberty rallied to defeat the Herndon Hornets (4-2, 1-2) by a 28-18 score and Marshall downed the previously undefeated Langley Saxons (5-1, 1-1) 28-21.
“Marshall is very good, especially up front on both lines,” Washington-Liberty coach Josh Shapiro said. “It will be a tough game.”
In two other Thursday games at 7 p.m. involving Arlington teams, the Yorktown Patriots (4-2, 1-1) host the McLean Highlanders (3-2, 0-1) and the Wakefield Warriors take on visiting Langley in Liberty District tilts.
Once this Thursday’s games are complete, there will be three weeks remaining in the regular season.
