Looking Ahead: April 25-April 30

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Welcome to Looking Ahead. In this weekly story, we will highlight the top games on the schedule each night.

GAMES OF THE WEEK

#12 Riverside at #8 Independence, Thursday, April 28
This will be the first meeting this spring of the top two teams in the Potomac District and two of the top teams in VHSL Class 5. This game is one that we could potentially see again deep in the Region or State tournament this spring and will feature plenty of talent on both sides of the field. Look for either senior Bradley Gagen (Tennessee) or junior lefty Chad Yates to start for Independence and either senior Mac Yarbrough (Norfolk State) or junior Kyle Johnson (Duke) to start for Riverside. Indy senior infielder Aidan McDonald (James Madison) has been hot at the plate lately, and could be a key factor in the game. Also keep an eye out in the late innings for Riverside senior submariner, Steven Trone (Old Dominion), who has been dominant out of the pen this spring for the Rams.

#21 Bishop O'Connell at #4 St. John's College, Friday, April 29
A matchup of the top two teams in the WCAC standings entering this week will be a potential preview of the WCAC championship series in a few weeks. Look for Jack O’Connor (Virginia) to be lined up on the mound for O’Connell as they look to remain unbeaten in conference play. St. John's has won the last six WCAC Championships, and O'Connell's pitching staff is leading the Knights this spring as they push to stop the Cadets from winning a seventh.

Chantilly at #17 South Lakes, Friday, April 29
This is a matchup of the current top two teams in the incredibly deep Concorde District and will be a preview of a game we will likely see again late in the Class 6 Region D tournament. South Lakes has just one loss on the season, their first game against Chantilly. The Chargers won last week over Westfield and James Madison before losing on a walk-off to Oakton. Seniors Owen Pierce (William & Mary) and Scott Hodinko have been carrying the Chargers one the mound and at the plate. South Lakes has seen seniors Jamie Quinn-Irons and Colin Casey (Randolph-Macon) carry the offense of late, with Casey and Ryan Ertlschweiger (James Madison) anchoring the rotation.

Broadway at #20 Spotswood, Friday, April 29
Two of the top teams in the Valley District meet as the Gobblers will look to spoil the Trailblazers' perfect record and close ground on first place in the District. A Spotswood win here would just about lock up the District for them as the Trailblazers won the first meeting this spring in a back and forth game that saw them take the lead in the top of the seventh and hang on to escape a bases-loaded one-out jam in the bottom of the seventh with the win. Seniors Noah Burtner (Bluefield) and Luke Keister (Shenandoah) have been important pieces for Spotswood. Broadway isn't hurting for talent with super freshman Sy Crider in the lineup and either junior Drew Spiggle or senior Noah Hertzler (William & Mary) likely to start on the mound.