Big time players step up in the playoffs. Expect greatness from Avante Banks and the Trojans.
The playoffs are finally here and we've got the predictions for the opening round of the action! Get your tickets and enjoy as the Path to a Championship begins!
Shaquill Jarrett will need to step up big if they won't to stress the Blue Devils.
SOUTHAMPTON (6-4) vs. HOPEWELL (10-0)
Southampton improved tremendously in the latter part of the season becoming more efficient on offense and playing better defense. The Indians faced the Blue Devils in the first round 2 years ago with a strong squad and fell 45-13. Derek Bynum will have to cool under pressure because he will face a lot of it. Stopping Treveyon Henderson could be a nightmare for Southampton. He will be the best back they've faced having rushed fro 32 touchdowns this season and nearly 1600 yards. Hopewell makes a statement in this one.
PREDICTION: Hopewell 63 Southampton 6
BRUNSWICK (5-5) vs. THOMAS JEFFERSON (8-2)
The Bulldogs have worn the glass slipper in the Tri-Rivers district but they are facing a true 2A state title contender who will not be looking ahead. Brunswick nearly shocked Sussex Central and knocked off rival Greensville County and they are hoping that momentum carries over with them in Richmond. The Vikings defense is going to be relentless from big hitters such as Rampage Fearon and Ron Rhone. Jaylen Tyler and the offense won't be giving many opportunities for this one to get out of hand.
PREDICTION: Thomas Jefferson 54 Brunswick 20
AMELIA COUNTY (6-4) vs. KING WILLIAM (7-3)
The Cavaliers have the talent to go pretty far but they can't let the Raiders determine the pace of the game. Our eyes will be on Demond Claiborne so it will be a must that others step up and prevent Amelia County from coming in and getting the upset. Lance Alfonso will have plenty of opportunities to pick off the defense but will he have enough time in the pocket to avoid the critical mistake? A low scoring contest is not what coach Dylan DeHart and company need for King William. Getting up early will be huge.
PREDICTION: King William 26 Amelia County 6
JOHN MARSHALL (6-4) vs. POQUOSON (6-4)
The Islanders had a tough 2nd half of the season and all indictions are pointing at them to be upset in the first round. The Justices are playing their best football and will take the challenge of the hostile environment. Poquoson will make this a smashmouth contest that should go down to the wire. Nathan Mann should get call upon anchor the ground game for the Islanders but Damian Harris could have a big night the Justices.
PREDICTION: Poquoson 23 John Marshall 20
NOTTOWAY (7-3) vs. GREENSVILLE CO. (7-3)
Beating a team twice is hard. Nottoway will be trying to accomplish that when they drive into Emporia. The Cougars will be attacking the Eagles offense and Greensville will need to strike deep with their speedy receivers and get Kendel Blue going early to help the Eagles rule the ground game. The coaches will have to install confidence back into Greensville who had it ripped from them by Brunswick.
PREDICTION: Greensville Co. 22 Nottoway 14
Essex defense will be relentless Friday night! (Pictured left to right Noah Acree, Ah-kaliq Martin, and Keyshan Holmes)
MATHEWS (2-8) vs. ESSEX (9-1)
Last season the top seed got upset by a team that got healthy at the right time when Washington & Lee upset Franklin. Many thought this would be the year for the Blue Devils but things didn't work out. Neither will this game. Avante Banks will scorch them with his blazing speed along with Takeyo Day and Tahraun Hammond. Ashton Ashlock should showcase his top qb status in this one.
PREDICTION: Essex 64 Mathews 0
Who will be the deep target for Malik Holmes Friday night?
WEST POINT (6-4) vs. KING & QUEEN (8-2)
King & Queen is in the playoffs for the first time in decades and they are hoping to make up for DeAndre Hill's absence. They will need too as West Point will be looking to flip the script in this rematch. Malik Holmes has been sensational at quarterback for most of the season will need to be confident with running when their are no options to hit deep. Zach Gonzalez will be ready to take over the ground game for the Pointers and lead them on to the next one.
PREDICTION: West Point 21 King & Queen 19
WASHINGTON & LEE (5-5) vs. COLONIAL BEACH (6-4)
In 2017, Colonial Beach blanked Washington & Lee 44-0 but only to fall in the very next week 15-14. Rematches are very dangerous. The Eagles would want nothing more than to get things together and send the other Westmoreland school home again. LJ Kelly is expected to carry more of the load in this one. Corvion Davis must be effective in order for the Drifters to advance in this one.
PREDICTION: Washington & Lee 24 Colonial Beach 22
KJ Gaines will return to form on Friday night and expect the Raiders to regain their confidence.
NORTHUMBERLAND (5-5) vs. RAPPAHANNOCK (7-3)
The Raiders want to make up for last week's disappointment and go on a playoff run. KJ Gaines will need to get back to his top form. Rematches are unusually never as easier than the first time these two met. Northumberland run defense won't be able to match up to turn back Rappahannock. All Rapp in this one as Northumberland woes will continue.
PREDICTION: Rappahannock 45 Northumberland 17
RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY (1-9) vs. RIVERHEADS (10-0)
The Gladiators will be looking to remain sharp as the post season begins. Everyone will get a chance to hit the field in the one. Rappahannock County will get to see the greatness of what Red Pride will bring with their dominating rushing attack. Zach Smiley and Trevor Roberts may have their highest average per carry in this one. There will be no doubt in this one on this perfect night for football in the Valley.
PREDICTION: Riverheads 63 Rappahannock County 0
This rival game will be a physical one and the Tigers Tyree Rose was built for these moments.
SURRY COUNTY (2-8) vs. SUSSEX CENTRAL (8-2)
The Cougars come in extremely confident in the rematch even through it will be on the road this time. Sussex Central must be able to keep their focus and take care of business as Surry County will pull out all the tricks to make this one a nail biter like Westmoreland County should witness. Kahorie Batten would garner plenty of attention from the Tiger defense. Tyree Rose will need to be able to connect well with his receivers in this one.
PREDICTION: Sussex Central 30 Surry County 22
ALTAVISTA (3-7) vs. WILLIAM CAMPBELL (5-5)
The Generals are much better than their record; the problem is so is Altavista. The Colonels have the offense to make this the game of the night for the first round. Jayllen Jones will be more of a pain for the General defense all night. Campbell's Jeremiah Smith and Chris Boyd will have to be on point in this shootout. Expect the atmosphere to be electric and turnovers and miscues will decide the winner.
PREDICTION: William Campbell 48 Altavista 45
FRANKLIN (3-7) vs. CENTRAL LUNENBURG (5-5)
The Broncos may not be high on themselves but they have a chance of getting the victory in Victoria. Darien Jones and Tzion Wilkerson will lead the Charger rushing attack will pressure the Broncos early to crowd the box. Myroen Barrett will need to make solid decisions in the option game and LaSean Nichols-Porter and Kendall Hines-Eley must have several touches in this or it will be a long disappointed ride down the country roads.
PREDICTION: Central Lunenburg 34 Franklin 28
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