CLASS 1 CHAMPIONSHIP
GALAX
at RIVERHEADS
2pm Kick-off
Smiley weathered the high Tide last time the two squads met.
The conclusion of a great season is here. No asterisk is necessary in any of the classifications as the teams predicted to be here are indeed here. The excitement and intensity will equal up as well as Riverheads and Galax go at it again for the Class 1 State Championship.
Riverheads seeks to capture their record breaking 5th straight championship which no high school in Virginia has ever done. Coach Robert Casto's group has all the weapons necessary to make that possibility a reality tomorrow afternoon. The Maroon Tide comes in confident and eager to get revenge and end one of the most dominant win streaks in decades!
The Gladiators were last tested in the regular season finale versus Staurts Draft who also will be playing today for a state title in their classification. Zac Smiley will need to be as electrifying as he was the last time Riverheads saw Galax. Smiley was excellent in shedding tackles as the Maroon Tide played smart defensively and one should not expect anything different this go around. Coach Shane Allen's group has played in some battles this season and rolled in quite a few. The defense of Galax will determine what type of contest we will get in this one.
Cole Pickett should be able to test the Gladiators pass coverage while a flood of good ball carriers will all get a chance to make their own mark in the big game. Can their defense slow the Gladiators down like Staurt Draft did? It just maybe the only way Galax will be given a chance to deny history. Winning the line of scrimmage is where it all starts and Galax must make Riverheads become predictable in order to achieve their goal.
Galax will need to control the line of scrimmage early and often.
KEYS TO TITLE
RIVERHEADS
- Don't overpersue! Galax will be able to hit the Gladiators on play action. Riverheads won't be able to go hard into the backfield without getting in risk of allowing the big play.
- Take care of the ball! Fumbles can energize this Galax group and make a tough battle a tough wave to deal with.
- Feed Cayden Cook-Cash. This should be his formal introduction to what the next 3 years will bring for opponents. Smiley will get plenty of attention but Cook-Cash could be the x-factor.
GALAX
- Force 3rd & long. Mentally force the Gladiators into dialing up big plays early which will likely lead to turnover opportunities.
- Have time consuming drives. The Maroon Tide doesn't have the depth of the Gladiators and shortening the game will be a must.
- Win the line of scrimmage. Stressing the offensive line of the Gladiators will create chaos in the backfield. Long offensive possession by Riverheads will drain the Tide dry by the 2nd half.
BOTTOMLINE: Riverheads has the weapons, size, and depth to be a major problem for Galax. This group for Galax is determined to leave it all on the field and they are not just happy to be here. Expect a fun start to this one if you like defense but....the dam will break in the second half and the flow of the game will change.
PREDICTION: Riverheads 28 Galax 14
The preseason favorite is expected to follow through with the victory.
GALAX
at RIVERHEADS
2pm Kick-off
Smiley weathered the high Tide last time the two squads met.
The conclusion of a great season is here. No asterisk is necessary in any of the classifications as the teams predicted to be here are indeed here. The excitement and intensity will equal up as well as Riverheads and Galax go at it again for the Class 1 State Championship.
Riverheads seeks to capture their record breaking 5th straight championship which no high school in Virginia has ever done. Coach Robert Casto's group has all the weapons necessary to make that possibility a reality tomorrow afternoon. The Maroon Tide comes in confident and eager to get revenge and end one of the most dominant win streaks in decades!
The Gladiators were last tested in the regular season finale versus Staurts Draft who also will be playing today for a state title in their classification. Zac Smiley will need to be as electrifying as he was the last time Riverheads saw Galax. Smiley was excellent in shedding tackles as the Maroon Tide played smart defensively and one should not expect anything different this go around. Coach Shane Allen's group has played in some battles this season and rolled in quite a few. The defense of Galax will determine what type of contest we will get in this one.
Cole Pickett should be able to test the Gladiators pass coverage while a flood of good ball carriers will all get a chance to make their own mark in the big game. Can their defense slow the Gladiators down like Staurt Draft did? It just maybe the only way Galax will be given a chance to deny history. Winning the line of scrimmage is where it all starts and Galax must make Riverheads become predictable in order to achieve their goal.
Galax will need to control the line of scrimmage early and often.
KEYS TO TITLE
RIVERHEADS
- Don't overpersue! Galax will be able to hit the Gladiators on play action. Riverheads won't be able to go hard into the backfield without getting in risk of allowing the big play.
- Take care of the ball! Fumbles can energize this Galax group and make a tough battle a tough wave to deal with.
- Feed Cayden Cook-Cash. This should be his formal introduction to what the next 3 years will bring for opponents. Smiley will get plenty of attention but Cook-Cash could be the x-factor.
GALAX
- Force 3rd & long. Mentally force the Gladiators into dialing up big plays early which will likely lead to turnover opportunities.
- Have time consuming drives. The Maroon Tide doesn't have the depth of the Gladiators and shortening the game will be a must.
- Win the line of scrimmage. Stressing the offensive line of the Gladiators will create chaos in the backfield. Long offensive possession by Riverheads will drain the Tide dry by the 2nd half.
BOTTOMLINE: Riverheads has the weapons, size, and depth to be a major problem for Galax. This group for Galax is determined to leave it all on the field and they are not just happy to be here. Expect a fun start to this one if you like defense but....the dam will break in the second half and the flow of the game will change.
PREDICTION: Riverheads 28 Galax 14
The preseason favorite is expected to follow through with the victory.
