<b>The Skinny</b>: This first-round playoff match up is a repeat of Yorktown’s 23-7 win over Madison in week two of the regular season. In that game, the Patriots’ Kyle Toulouse was his usual-explosive self, scoring two touchdowns, while racking up more than 230 total offensive yards. The loss left Madison at 0-2, but the Warhawks have rebounded to win six of their final eight games. Yorktown has lost three of its final five games after a 4-1 start to the season, but is coming off an emotional 21-14 win over rival Washington-Lee.
<b>How Yorktown Can Win</b>: Multi-dimensional threat Kyle Toulouse has led Yorktown all year with his big play capabilities from just about any position on the field. The Warhawks are a run-first type of team that thrives when they have an early lead, so getting Toulouse off to a quick start will be vital.
<b>X-Factor</b>: Madison wasn’t ready for Toulouse the last time these two teams faced each other, but the bet here is the Warhawks’ defensive game plan will be solely focused on reining in Yorktown’s star player. That leaves chances for the Patriots other skill position players like quarterback Sam Nottingham, running back Jared Smith, and wide receiver Mike Veith to step to the forefront.