Coach Robert Casto and the Gladiators are undefeated east of I-95 in the playoffs.
CLASS 1 STATE SEMI-FINAL
West Point is back in the state semi-finals for the first time since 2009. Just like in '09 the Pointers had to beat some favorite Tigers in order to get there. This season may not have been impressive as their 12 guys suited up that day winning on a Saturday afternoon was but the feeling is as special. What's waiting for them is quite different. Very different.
Riverheads is two victories away from making history and being the first school in the VHSL to win 5 consecutive football championships. The Gladiators were the pick to win it all so there isn't any surprise to see Robert Casto's young men here. With several ball carries that can all go the distance at any time, Riverheads dominance starts at the line of scrimmage. It usually doesn't take long to find out what kind of day it will be for the opposition.
Running backs Zac Smiley, Cy Cox, Aiden Miller, and Cayden Cook-Cash all bring their unique skill set to the field. Smiley the complete assembly of power and speed will be the most keyed on back being the schools all time leading rusher. Cox has outstanding speed and Miller is shifty with excellent vision finding holes. Cook-Cash is the biggest standing 6 ft 3 and 200 pounds. He looks to be the leading rusher this fall when things get back to their normal scheduling.
West Point has no choice but to run the ball effectively if they want to keep the football and run time off the clock. The passing game isn't exactly the Pointers strong suit and that is probably the only hope versus the Riverheads defense. Tazewell has been the only team to pass successfully enough to stay in the game versus the Gladiators but many credit that too early season jitters. If the running game is going to find a way to work it will take Elijah Adkins, Brady Uzel, and Kahlik Norris making plays weaving through the attacking defenders.
Winning the line of scrimmage and getting yards between the tackles will be a major task and getting 3-4 yards a carry won't be easy to obtain. That can be made possible if the Pointers oline can get many 2nd level blocks against the outstanding linebacker group of Riverheads. This will be the biggest, fastest, and strongest defense West Point will have encountered in years and they must be able to hold their own blocking or the 3-4 yards wanted will have a negative sign in front of them all day.
KEYS TO THE GAME
RIVERHEADS
- Penetrate into the backfield
- Force the Pointers to throw
- Capitalize off the turnovers
- Don't look ahead.
Riverheads won't have to do much other than what they normally do. The strength of the Gladiators could have this game looking similar to the Altavista contest but the Pointers have more size. West Point's passing game would have a shot against a team that will put 9 in the box but Riverheads won't have to do that at all. The Gladiators will force turnovers if the running game is stopped and then you can't get set your eyes on the big game.
WEST POINT
- Win the line of scrimmage
- Run between the tackles
- Seal the backers
- Stop the big plays
Everything seems like wishful thinking to this point but if the first goal isn't done then the game is over. The interior lineman aren't big for Riverheads but they are quick. Getting 3-4 yards will be needed to move the chains and build confidence. Adkins will have to lower his pad level and hit the creases because there won't be many holes at all. And the defense must take on the pulling lineman the way Riverheads will do them in order to stop the big runs to the outside.
BOTTOMLINE
Riverheads has too much depth and overall athleticism. West Point defied the odds 12 years ago but it will take a major off day for the Gladiators to prevent this from being lopsided. Ball control looks to be too high on the mountain of tasks for the Pointers to hike in this one.
PREDICTION: Riverheads 58 West Point 6
OTHER SEMI-FINAL: Galax 34 Holston 6
How ready has the Bay Rivers gotten Poquoson?
CLASS 2 STATE SEMI-FINAL
Poquoson and Stuarts Draft will be another smash mouth football affair that will feature very little passing. Rain is likely to hold off until the end of the game for what should be an exciting afternoon of football. Bailey Field will be the site of the state semi-final clash which will make for a fast track for the speedsters out there.
The Bull Islanders may have been a 4th seed in their region but they are well battle tested in the toughest division for any class 2 participant to go through. The Bay Rivers district has all but Bruton as larger classified schools than Poquoson. They will hope the tougher play will come in handy facing the Cougars who took 4-time consecutive champion Riverheads to overtime.
Led by running back Nate Wilhite, Poquoson features a steady and consistent punch with their running attack. They won't be coming out looking for the knockout but expect to jab away and take their opponent the distance. Wilhite is averaging over 5 yards a carry and will need to get every bit of that in this battle.
Stuarts Draft is led by its region's player of the year, junior Aaron Nice. Nice has nearly 700 yards rushing and has cashed in 9 touchdowns. Draft isn't solely dependent on Nice as senior Cobey Rothgeb is a major threat to deal with having rushed for 8 touchdowns on the season. The Cougars can also surprise you with the passing game to get the defensive backfield in check.
Draft has done well defensively allowing only 2 touchdowns in the regular season while posting 4 shutouts! Their defense is fast and athletic and will make a living in the opponent's backfield. Many teams slow down when facing the wing-T of Poquoson but don't expect that to be the case Saturday afternoon.
KEYS TO THE GAME
STUARTS DRAFT
- Be unpredictable
- Take advantage of safeties blitzing
- Force 3rd and longs
- Take care of the football
Draft will need to mix it up and make the Bulls pay for keying too much on Nice. It could be the perfect opportunity to get Joel Howard more catches. On defense, forcing plenty of third and longs will make Poquoson have to go in the air which will favor the athletic Cougar secondary. Taking care of the football will be the only other key task and if they do that then expect a win.
POQUOSON
- Finish drives
- Don't get caught in play action
- Avoid 3rd and long
- Tackle well
Stalled drives won't be something they will want to see Saturday afternoon if the Poquoson plans on moving on. Cashing in touchdowns may be more important versus the Cougars than any other recent opponent. The Cougars play action can yield big plays and they need to be fully aware and make the tackles as the Draft gets yards after contact a lot.
BOTTOMLINE
Stuarts Draft will get tested for the first time since Riverheads but will have much more offensive success than on that day. Poquoson will get bit by a few big plays which will likely leave them a play or two short from advancing in this one. If they can force some turnovers then the ride home will be a wet and somber one for the Cougars. Not expecting it this time.
PREDICTION: Stuarts Draft 28 Poquoson 24
OTHER SEMI-FINAL: Union 14 Appomattox 12
