The exciting holiday weekend kicks off football in the midst of last minute school shopping, vacationing, and the last hours of no homework for thousands! The biggest thrill is going to be in many of our small communities where the spotlight shifts to the gridiron. Many teams are set to make the dreams of a great season come true. Someone is eyeing a major upset, others looking to prove they are not hype, and others showing they still reign. We will predict this weekend's games for the Coastal Plain Plus and highlight some of the top games you shouldn't miss!
SUSSEX CENTRAL at ESSEX Friday, 7PM
Wide receiver Avante Banks is expected to have a big season for the Trojans.
The Trojans come in with several seniors who are now featured keep their offense rolling. Speedster Takeyo Day is expected to be threat in the backfield with home run potential. Avante Banks will be the deep threat to stretch defenses down field and keep the Tigers secondary busy. Sussex Central is still young but the experience will show and on defense is where they will have the most gains. The offense will look to be a threat with junior Tyree Rose who should be able to make be a force in the rushing attack with projected leading rusher Imir Clark. The Tigers should have the patience and knowledge to know what they do best and execute. Can they get their rushing attack rolling early versus the veteran linebackers led by Ah-kaliq Martin and LaMonte Roane. Will quarterback Ashton Ashlock be able to throw darts downfield will Essex big question Friday night.
Malik Chambliss will be one of several Tigers that could be key in making an impact Friday.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Sussex Central will need to be sustain long drives and win the field position battle. The most important key for the Tigers will be the defensive pressure into the battle. Defensively the Tigers are much more aggressive and they will need to force turnovers to aid their offense.
Having time to allow Ashlock to connect in the passing game will be a must if the Trojans want to change what appears to be destined for a defensive showdown. If Essex can get the Tigers to respect their rushing attack then look for Coach Todd Jones to capitalize off playaction big time.
PREDICTION: Turnovers and miscues are expected to be key and the senior leadership of Essex will have less in that department.
Essex 21 Sussex Central 12
WASHINGTON & LEE at RIVERHEADS Friday 7pm
Zac Smiley is expected to lead the Gladiator rushing attack against the Eagles.
The defending champions kick-off the season facing a talented Eagle team with plenty of weapons but they may not have the depth to endure what awaits them Friday night. Running back Zac Smiley will put the Eagles to the test with his athleticism and speed among the other backs who will carry the rock Friday. Washington & Lee's option attack will be a good test to measure the strength of the Gladiator defense who will have to play their keys in order to prevent the big play. Division 1 prospect JaQuan Carey will need to showcase what makes him great and lead the strong play to propel the Eagle's fleet of backs to solid production to keep them in the game. LJ Kelly is the most dynamic and will garner plenty of attention from the Gladiator defense.
This opening game should be a valuable experience for Coach Joe Taylor's squad.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Washington & Lee must not turnover the ball. The Eagles face an uphill battle as it is and turnovers will definitely take them out of it. Avoiding 3rd and long will be the key to staying within striking distance to create a chance for an upset.
Riverheads will just need to stay with the formula and continue to pound away. Washington & Lee's depth is not enough to deal with long offensive drives from the Gladiators. Look for Deacon Moore to make several big plays when the opposition is too much dialed in.
PREDICTION: Coach Robert Casto will have his guys ready to deliver the early blow that will stagger enough to control the game.
Riverheads 35 Washington & Lee 12
COASTAL PLAIN PLUS PREDICTIONS (Friday unless stated other wise)
Bluestone 28 John Marshall 16
Central Lunenburg 34 Altavista 21
Chatham 32 Cumberland 7
Colonial Beach 34 Charles City 22
Colonial Heights 35 Thomas Jefferson 20
Greensville Co. 50 Weldon (NC) 12
Gretna 46 Brunswick 8
Halifax County 24 Nottoway 14
King & Queen 36 Blessed Sacrament 28
King William 34 Prince Edward 18
Middlesex 20 Mathews 14
Northampton 42 Arcadia 21
Northumberland 44 Surry County 24
Poquoson 36 Southampton 6
Rappahannock 54 Nandua 6 (Thurs night)
West Point 28 Rappahannock County 20
William Campbell 40 Staunton River 17
Windsor 42 Chincoteague 13 (Thurs night)
SUSSEX CENTRAL at ESSEX Friday, 7PM
Wide receiver Avante Banks is expected to have a big season for the Trojans.
The Trojans come in with several seniors who are now featured keep their offense rolling. Speedster Takeyo Day is expected to be threat in the backfield with home run potential. Avante Banks will be the deep threat to stretch defenses down field and keep the Tigers secondary busy. Sussex Central is still young but the experience will show and on defense is where they will have the most gains. The offense will look to be a threat with junior Tyree Rose who should be able to make be a force in the rushing attack with projected leading rusher Imir Clark. The Tigers should have the patience and knowledge to know what they do best and execute. Can they get their rushing attack rolling early versus the veteran linebackers led by Ah-kaliq Martin and LaMonte Roane. Will quarterback Ashton Ashlock be able to throw darts downfield will Essex big question Friday night.
Malik Chambliss will be one of several Tigers that could be key in making an impact Friday.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Sussex Central will need to be sustain long drives and win the field position battle. The most important key for the Tigers will be the defensive pressure into the battle. Defensively the Tigers are much more aggressive and they will need to force turnovers to aid their offense.
Having time to allow Ashlock to connect in the passing game will be a must if the Trojans want to change what appears to be destined for a defensive showdown. If Essex can get the Tigers to respect their rushing attack then look for Coach Todd Jones to capitalize off playaction big time.
PREDICTION: Turnovers and miscues are expected to be key and the senior leadership of Essex will have less in that department.
Essex 21 Sussex Central 12
WASHINGTON & LEE at RIVERHEADS Friday 7pm
Zac Smiley is expected to lead the Gladiator rushing attack against the Eagles.
The defending champions kick-off the season facing a talented Eagle team with plenty of weapons but they may not have the depth to endure what awaits them Friday night. Running back Zac Smiley will put the Eagles to the test with his athleticism and speed among the other backs who will carry the rock Friday. Washington & Lee's option attack will be a good test to measure the strength of the Gladiator defense who will have to play their keys in order to prevent the big play. Division 1 prospect JaQuan Carey will need to showcase what makes him great and lead the strong play to propel the Eagle's fleet of backs to solid production to keep them in the game. LJ Kelly is the most dynamic and will garner plenty of attention from the Gladiator defense.
This opening game should be a valuable experience for Coach Joe Taylor's squad.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Washington & Lee must not turnover the ball. The Eagles face an uphill battle as it is and turnovers will definitely take them out of it. Avoiding 3rd and long will be the key to staying within striking distance to create a chance for an upset.
Riverheads will just need to stay with the formula and continue to pound away. Washington & Lee's depth is not enough to deal with long offensive drives from the Gladiators. Look for Deacon Moore to make several big plays when the opposition is too much dialed in.
PREDICTION: Coach Robert Casto will have his guys ready to deliver the early blow that will stagger enough to control the game.
Riverheads 35 Washington & Lee 12
COASTAL PLAIN PLUS PREDICTIONS (Friday unless stated other wise)
Bluestone 28 John Marshall 16
Central Lunenburg 34 Altavista 21
Chatham 32 Cumberland 7
Colonial Beach 34 Charles City 22
Colonial Heights 35 Thomas Jefferson 20
Greensville Co. 50 Weldon (NC) 12
Gretna 46 Brunswick 8
Halifax County 24 Nottoway 14
King & Queen 36 Blessed Sacrament 28
King William 34 Prince Edward 18
Middlesex 20 Mathews 14
Northampton 42 Arcadia 21
Northumberland 44 Surry County 24
Poquoson 36 Southampton 6
Rappahannock 54 Nandua 6 (Thurs night)
West Point 28 Rappahannock County 20
William Campbell 40 Staunton River 17
Windsor 42 Chincoteague 13 (Thurs night)
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