2. Running game. GC tailbacks gained only 57 yards on 25 carries last week. Can the Falcons generate a ground attack against a stingy Robinson defense?

3. Heat. Which team is in better shape? Last year against Robinson, Good Counsel played more players both ways and struggled in the fourth quarter.

4. Weather the storm. Good Counsel has the size advantage along the offensive and defensive lines. The Rams must stand up to that pounding, especially early.

5. Cough, cough. Turnovers hurt Robinson in last week’s 21-7 win at Fairfax. The Rams had four fumbles in the first half, one that was returned for a TD. That can’t happen again.

Key matchups

Good Counsel

QB Zack Ingle

Did not play last year vs. Robinson. Emerged later in season. Was sharp last week, completing 11 of 13 for 161 yards.

OT/DT Nick Jenkins

The 6-2, 285-pounder, a four-year starter, has committed to Virginia. A force on both lines. Had two sacks last week.

TE/DE Danny Parker

The athletic, 6-foot-5, 230-pounder is a key player on the perimeter of both lines. Used more as a blockeron offense.

Robinson

QB Tim Meier

Sophomore showed a few nerves in first varsity start but calmly led two scoring drives in the second half of a 21-7 win over Fairfax.

LB Malcolm Hall

Good Counsel has a balanced offense and the talented Hall, a novice at middle linebacker, must read plays correctly.

DE Mike Daniel

Needs to get to the quarterback and disrupt Good Counsel’s rhythm. No easy task against a massive offensive front.

State of the teams

With 14 starters back, Good Counsel expects to contend again for the WCAC title, which it has lost to DeMatha by one point the past two seasons. In Sunday’s 35-0 victory over Mt. St. Joseph, the Falcons’ defense, passing attack, and special teams excelled. But their usually-potent running game sputtered.

Even for Robinson coach Mark Bendorf this is a big unknown. His team played well defensively against Fairfax in the opener. But with just four starters back it’s impossible to predict how the new Rams will react to the speed of the game against a team like Good Counsel. As a group they’ve simply never been tested this way.

Fourth and goal

The unusual matchup came about in 2004 when GC coach Bob Milloy attended a Robinson-Oakton playoff game and struck up a conversation with Robinson principal Dan Meier.

Examiner predicts:

Motivated by last year’s loss, Good Counsel will emerge this time, regaining some lost luster for the WCAC.

Good Counsel 21, Robinson 14