Richmond Football Forecast
Hard to believe we are at the midway point of the season… There have been many surprises this season, both good and bad… Teams with rough starts, teams with better starts than anyone could imagine. This week is just another in set of great games but none bigger perhaps than LC Bird putting their 33-game win streak against the Lake Taylor Titans. If you'd rather see an inner-region battle, you might want to head to Hanover where the Hawks and Atlee Raiders will battle in their annual clash. Let's take a look at the action ahead.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Lake Taylor(4-0) at LC Bird(4-0)
The Titans and Skyhawks square off for the second and final time, word is the two will not be renewing the series. Last year at this time the Skyhawks had won 18 straight going into this contest and quarter by quarter the Skyhawks built a 21 point lead. In the fourth quarter the Titans struck back scoring two touchdowns to close within a score of the Skyhawks. Now they meet again and the Titans are looking to extend their win streak to five games while becoming the first team to beat Bird since 2011.
The Skyhawks since opening with a narrow win against Thomas Dale have looked for the most part like we have come to expect. Since that 20-15 win over Thomas Dale, the Knights have outscored their opponents 167-13 granted one of those victories was an 82-0 win over George Wythe. The Titans on the other hand have outscored their opponents through four games 171-21 and have shutout their last two opponents. This is not a team anyone should take lightly and there is no reason to think the Skyhawks will be. The question on everyone's mind is however, can Bird win and how.
To do so Bird will need to be able to run the ball which is a staple of Bird football against a defense that again, has only allowed 21 points through four games. The Lake Taylor defense is for real and if the Skyhawks cannot run the ball, they could be in trouble. Jalen Elliott can throw the ball but the passing game is not nearly as strong as the run game. Truth be told, the Skyhawks will need to take advantage of any scoring opportunities, anytime they get into the redzone they need to capitalize because you don't know how many times you will get the chance against the Titans defense.
On defense, no one has been able to hold the Titans to under under 35 points this season and that will be the task at hand for the Skyhawks, can you keep them from scoring? If they Skyhawks cannot, this game might have to be won in a shootout…
Something tells me this Lake Taylor is for real and at some point we all know that Bird will eventually lose… Whether that comes during the regular season, the playoffs or even this year at all remains to be seen but we know at some point their streak will come to a close but… I don't think it comes here. Call me a homer if you will for thinking the local team will win but over the years I've learned that Bird just wins, no matter who the opponent is or how far down they might be, they seemingly always find a way to end. So how that happens in this one, I'm not so sure, my gut is this one will go the distance with the team at the end with the ball winning it.
Prediction: LC Bird 26, Lake Taylor 20
Richmond Roundout:
Atlee(3-1) at Hanover(3-1)
No disrespect to the Tomato Bowl but this matchup is the biggest rivalry game in Hanover over the last few years and despite the fact that both sustained their first loss last week, it is sure to be a packed house on 301 Friday night. The Raiders got the best of Hanover last year and the Hawks have not forgotten this. There is concern however for the Hawks… There has been no word yet on the severity of the injury to quarterback Clayton Cheatham's hand from Friday night's loss to Highland Springs and if Cheatham cannot go, can the Hawks be as effective on offense as they had been before facing the Springers. For Atlee, there is concern as well. The high powered offense was kept in check pretty much the entire night by Henrico and if the Raiders are to contend come playoff time, they need to be firing on all cylinders every game. Hanover leads the series 8-4 and the Raiders have never won at Hanover. Both teams will be looking to get back on track and what better way than at the expense of your rival.
Prediction: Atlee 21, Hanover 16
Thomas Dale(2-2) at Prince George(3-1)
This is what I would call a crossroads game… Prince George has not beaten Thomas Dale since 2000! That's fourteen seasons without a win over the Knights. A win here would not only make the Royals 4-1 at the halfway point of the season but it could be a tip of the scale in the right direction for a Royals team that seems to be rising in the Central District. This said, talking and doing are two different things and the fact is, right now the Knights are peaking after a rough start to the season. The Knights, the winners of two straight beat Varina which is no easy task and then crushed Hopewell putting up 54 on them. The Royals engaged in a shootout with Petersburg in which they came up on the short end of the stick but it is becomes evident that the Royals can put up some points. In 34 meetings since 1970, the Royals have just seven wins against Thomas Dale and while the Royals can put up points, the Knights are getting better week to week.
Prediction: Thomas Dale 38, Prince George 21
RICHMOND REGION GAMES:
Armstrong(4-0) at Varina(2-2)
For the first time since the 1992 season, these two meet with the Wildcats holding the better record. In 28 meetings the Blue Devils have never lost to Armstrong but this is perhaps Armstrong's best team in all the years the two have met. The Wildcats have playmakers on both offense and defense and the Wildcats have put up 50 or more points twice this season already. If Varina is to keep pace in the 6A-South playoff race, they need to win games they should win and as talented as this Wildcats team is, this is a game Varina should win.
Prediction: Varina 42, Armstrong 21
Cosby(4-0) at Clover Hill(1-3)
The Titans are off to their best start since 2011 when they went 5-0. If the Titans are to do so again, they must beat rival Clover Hill. The Cavaliers are a young team that has talent but Cosby is a team with playmakers and experience and that combination has been unbeatable thus far this season. The Titans are 4-3 in this series but of the three victories for Clover Hill, two came at home. Cosby currently would be the top seed in 6A-South playoffs and if they are to keep that position, they need to keep winning.
Prediction: Cosby 33, Clover Hill 7
Dinwiddie(3-1) at Petersburg(2-2)
This game has the potential to be a very good game. For starters, you have the Generals who have three shutouts since their opening loss and a high scoring offense. On the other side, you have a Petersburg team that we do not yet have a feeling on. They are 2-2 and have the ability to compete in a shootout and there losses came to really good teams. Petersburg could be better than their record indicates and as Petersburg has losses against really good teams; the Generals three big wins have come against lesser quality opponents. This game will go a long way in gauging just how good these two are. The Generals lead the series 26-18-2 and should grab their 27th in this one.
Prediction: Dinwiddie 42, Petersburg 20
Douglas Freeman(3-1) at John Marshall(1-3)
The Justices won for the first time in over a year last week in an upset of JR Tucker. The Rebels have just four losses over the last year and a half and none of those losses came to teams with a losing record. The Justices have won just 11 out of the 28 meetings but none of their victories have come against Coach Henderson. Justices will get another win or two this season but I wouldn't count it for this game. The offense of Freeman will be too much for the Justices defense with Evan Tyler running the ball and Tanner toy at quarterback, the Justices won't be able to keep up.
Prediction: Douglas Freeman 35, John Marshall 10
George Wythe(1-3) at Monacan(3-2)
Monacan is 25-3 against George Wythe, the last time the Bulldogs won came in 2004 by way of a forfeit. The Chiefs might be 3-2 but their losses came to two of the best teams within the region. The Chiefs should win this one handedly as they continue to march towards another playoff appearance. Wythe's next best chance for victory this season will likely come against Midlothian. The Chiefs defense will be too much for the Bulldogs to overcome.
Prediction: Monacan 42, George Wythe 12
Glen Allen(1-3) at Highland Springs(4-0)
Glen Allen has never beaten the Springers and given the direction their season is headed, no reason to think they will this go around. The Springers find ways to win each week on offense. Sometimes it's the run game; sometimes it's the passing game. With the playmakers on offense, the Springers can strike in a variety of ways. No one has been able to stop the Springers offense yet and even if you can, then you have to score and the Springers showed on Friday night they have a defense that can shutdown good teams. Highland Springs will improve to 5-0 with a big win over the Jaguars.
Prediction: Highland Springs 45, Glen Allen 6
Henrico(4-0) at Lee-Davis(1-3)
Henrico's last win in this series was 2007 but that is more than likely to change on Friday night. The Warriors are off to their best start in years and should they reach 5-0, it would be their best start since 1999. The Warriors have not allowed an offensive score all season, the points they gave up to Atlee last week came from defense and from special teams. In that win, any question about who they played and just how good this team is was put to rest. Lee-Davis leads the series 26-18 but look for the Warriors to take this one.
Prediction: Henrico 30, Lee-Davis 7
Huguenot(1-4) at James River(2-3)
James River has won the last seven meetings and they will need another win to even their record and get back in the playoff race in Class 6A. The Rapids got back to winning last week and the Falcons got their first win of the season last week but these while James River has struggled early on, the Falcons are a program in rebuilding mode and it is hard to imagine the Rapids falling in this one. In a series tied at 10 games apiece, look for the Rapids to break that tie with a win.
Prediction: James River 28, Huguenot 12
Manchester(5-0) at Midlothian(0-5)
The Lancers are off to their best start since 1971 and the Trojans are just looking for their first win of the season. This one could be ugly as the Trojans have had trouble scoring and stopping teams from scoring while the Lancers are one of the better teams in the region and with Daniel Rose at QB and Justin Pendergrass running the ball, they can score and score quickly. Midlothian's last victory in the series was 2001, with the Lancers holding the edge 27-16-1. The Lancers are competing with the likes of Hermitage, Bird and Highland Springs in 5A and the only way to do so is win.
Prediction: Manchester 49, Midlothian 7
Matoaca(1-3) at Colonial Heights(2-2)
I was in 8th grade the last time the Colonials beat Matoaca, the year was 1991. Since that time, it's been all Matoaca in every meeting to take a 34-10-1 advantage in the series. While the Colonials have talent and more wins than the Chiefs, the Warriors losing this one would come as a bit of a shock. Not just for the fact that it has been so long since they won but the Chiefs have been a bit more competitive in their losses and have a bit more to work with than the 3A Colonials. I do however think this will be a closer contest than in recent history but give the W to the Chiefs.
Prediction: Matoaca 28, Colonial Heights 17
Meadowbrook(1-3) at Hopewell(2-2)
Two teams who started in completely opposite directions now find themselves facing off in a game that is pivotal to their district standing but more importantly, their playoff hopes. The Monarchs with three losses cannot afford to lose many more games and Hopewell, the loser of two straight has to put an end to the slide. They have a little bit more room to err in 3A but with Dinwiddie and Prince George still to go, the Blue Devils need wins. Meadowbrook leads the series 22-13-1 and has won the last 10 meetings… The last time the Blue Devils won? 2004 regular season; since that time, it's been all Monarchs and I believe the Monarchs are on the upswing after a rough start to the season. The Blue Devils will make a game of it but Justin Miller will carry the team to victory.
Prediction: Meadowbrook 33, Hopewell 21
Mills Godwin(2-2) at Deep Run(0-4)
The Eagles have rebounded from a rough start like so many. The Eagles are fighting for that eighth and final spot in the playoffs in 5A South but in order to do so, they have to win. When you come up against a team that hasn't a win, that is a game you must win and I have no doubt the Eagles will. The Eagles run and passing game have been clicking as of late and not much has for Deep Run. The Wildcats have won the last two meetings at home but it is hard to imagine the Wildcats taking this one, if they did, it would truly be an upset. Godwin leads the series 7-4, look for them to make it 8-4 after Friday night.
Prediction: Mills Godwin 28, Deep Run 10
Patrick Henry(1-3) at Hermitage(4-0)
The final meeting of these two schools perhaps? The Patriots move to the Capital District could bring an end to this series unless they meet out of district in the future. The Panthers are exactly where many thought they would be at this point and while it hasn't been easy, close games versus Meadowbrook and Varina and of course the injury to Rashad Robinson, the Panthers just keep winning. The deeper we get into the season, the better the Panthers look and while Odom will be under center again this week, he has shown the last two weeks he is more than capable of leading this team. Patrick Henry on the other hand is in rebuilding mode under Coach Davis and while they do have a win, it's hard to imagine the Patriots having enough to stop the Panthers. Hermitage is 25-18-1 since 1970 v. Patrick Henry and the Patriots have not won since 2005 when Coach Long was still at the helm. Panthers take this won convincingly.
Prediction: Hermitage 45, Patrick Henry 16
Thomas Jefferson(0-4) at JR Tucker(1-3)
Two teams desperate for a win clash in this one. The Vikings season has not been what they had hoped. Early losses have made it that more difficult to make the playoffs now that they are in district play. The Vikings will have to beat the weaker teams in the Colonial if they are to snag a spot in the 3A playoffs and that starts here. The Tigers are not as weak as their record indicates but things have not gone well for a Tigers team that was aiming for a playoff spot in 4A this season. Until last week the Tigers had only lost two playoff caliber teams in Henrico and Hanover but then they lost to John Marshall last week and the path to the playoffs becomes a bit more difficult… but not impossible. If either team is to make the playoffs in their respective classes, they need to start winning and that means this game is must win for both. The Tigers leads the series 23-5 and the Vikings have lost the last nine at Tucker… The Tigers should win this one but if last week taught us anything, should doesn't always equal a win.
Prediction: JR Tucker 24, Thomas Jefferson 14
EXTRA POINTS
Four of these matchups have occurred before on this date of Friday Oct. 3rd…
1975 Petersburg beat Dinwiddie 24-6
1986 Monacan beat George Wythe 16-8
1997 JR Tucker beat Thomas Jefferson 45-14
2008 James River beat Huguenot 20-8
Since 1970 the Armstrong Wildcats have never begun the season 5-0.
Of the three winless teams, two are from the Colonial (Deep Run & Thomas Jefferson) the other from the Dominion(Midlothian).
The Capital has three unbeatens, the Dominion three and the Colonial one. With district play heating up, that is sure to change within the next few weeks.
If you would like to get text updates from games I'm covering and other games in the area, you may follow me on twitter at CRF4Dan or you may e-mail me at CRF4Dan@aol.com with your cell number and I can add you to the list of many I exchange scores with.
This post was edited on 10/1 3:03 PM by CRF4Dan
Hard to believe we are at the midway point of the season… There have been many surprises this season, both good and bad… Teams with rough starts, teams with better starts than anyone could imagine. This week is just another in set of great games but none bigger perhaps than LC Bird putting their 33-game win streak against the Lake Taylor Titans. If you'd rather see an inner-region battle, you might want to head to Hanover where the Hawks and Atlee Raiders will battle in their annual clash. Let's take a look at the action ahead.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Lake Taylor(4-0) at LC Bird(4-0)
The Titans and Skyhawks square off for the second and final time, word is the two will not be renewing the series. Last year at this time the Skyhawks had won 18 straight going into this contest and quarter by quarter the Skyhawks built a 21 point lead. In the fourth quarter the Titans struck back scoring two touchdowns to close within a score of the Skyhawks. Now they meet again and the Titans are looking to extend their win streak to five games while becoming the first team to beat Bird since 2011.
The Skyhawks since opening with a narrow win against Thomas Dale have looked for the most part like we have come to expect. Since that 20-15 win over Thomas Dale, the Knights have outscored their opponents 167-13 granted one of those victories was an 82-0 win over George Wythe. The Titans on the other hand have outscored their opponents through four games 171-21 and have shutout their last two opponents. This is not a team anyone should take lightly and there is no reason to think the Skyhawks will be. The question on everyone's mind is however, can Bird win and how.
To do so Bird will need to be able to run the ball which is a staple of Bird football against a defense that again, has only allowed 21 points through four games. The Lake Taylor defense is for real and if the Skyhawks cannot run the ball, they could be in trouble. Jalen Elliott can throw the ball but the passing game is not nearly as strong as the run game. Truth be told, the Skyhawks will need to take advantage of any scoring opportunities, anytime they get into the redzone they need to capitalize because you don't know how many times you will get the chance against the Titans defense.
On defense, no one has been able to hold the Titans to under under 35 points this season and that will be the task at hand for the Skyhawks, can you keep them from scoring? If they Skyhawks cannot, this game might have to be won in a shootout…
Something tells me this Lake Taylor is for real and at some point we all know that Bird will eventually lose… Whether that comes during the regular season, the playoffs or even this year at all remains to be seen but we know at some point their streak will come to a close but… I don't think it comes here. Call me a homer if you will for thinking the local team will win but over the years I've learned that Bird just wins, no matter who the opponent is or how far down they might be, they seemingly always find a way to end. So how that happens in this one, I'm not so sure, my gut is this one will go the distance with the team at the end with the ball winning it.
Prediction: LC Bird 26, Lake Taylor 20
Richmond Roundout:
Atlee(3-1) at Hanover(3-1)
No disrespect to the Tomato Bowl but this matchup is the biggest rivalry game in Hanover over the last few years and despite the fact that both sustained their first loss last week, it is sure to be a packed house on 301 Friday night. The Raiders got the best of Hanover last year and the Hawks have not forgotten this. There is concern however for the Hawks… There has been no word yet on the severity of the injury to quarterback Clayton Cheatham's hand from Friday night's loss to Highland Springs and if Cheatham cannot go, can the Hawks be as effective on offense as they had been before facing the Springers. For Atlee, there is concern as well. The high powered offense was kept in check pretty much the entire night by Henrico and if the Raiders are to contend come playoff time, they need to be firing on all cylinders every game. Hanover leads the series 8-4 and the Raiders have never won at Hanover. Both teams will be looking to get back on track and what better way than at the expense of your rival.
Prediction: Atlee 21, Hanover 16
Thomas Dale(2-2) at Prince George(3-1)
This is what I would call a crossroads game… Prince George has not beaten Thomas Dale since 2000! That's fourteen seasons without a win over the Knights. A win here would not only make the Royals 4-1 at the halfway point of the season but it could be a tip of the scale in the right direction for a Royals team that seems to be rising in the Central District. This said, talking and doing are two different things and the fact is, right now the Knights are peaking after a rough start to the season. The Knights, the winners of two straight beat Varina which is no easy task and then crushed Hopewell putting up 54 on them. The Royals engaged in a shootout with Petersburg in which they came up on the short end of the stick but it is becomes evident that the Royals can put up some points. In 34 meetings since 1970, the Royals have just seven wins against Thomas Dale and while the Royals can put up points, the Knights are getting better week to week.
Prediction: Thomas Dale 38, Prince George 21
RICHMOND REGION GAMES:
Armstrong(4-0) at Varina(2-2)
For the first time since the 1992 season, these two meet with the Wildcats holding the better record. In 28 meetings the Blue Devils have never lost to Armstrong but this is perhaps Armstrong's best team in all the years the two have met. The Wildcats have playmakers on both offense and defense and the Wildcats have put up 50 or more points twice this season already. If Varina is to keep pace in the 6A-South playoff race, they need to win games they should win and as talented as this Wildcats team is, this is a game Varina should win.
Prediction: Varina 42, Armstrong 21
Cosby(4-0) at Clover Hill(1-3)
The Titans are off to their best start since 2011 when they went 5-0. If the Titans are to do so again, they must beat rival Clover Hill. The Cavaliers are a young team that has talent but Cosby is a team with playmakers and experience and that combination has been unbeatable thus far this season. The Titans are 4-3 in this series but of the three victories for Clover Hill, two came at home. Cosby currently would be the top seed in 6A-South playoffs and if they are to keep that position, they need to keep winning.
Prediction: Cosby 33, Clover Hill 7
Dinwiddie(3-1) at Petersburg(2-2)
This game has the potential to be a very good game. For starters, you have the Generals who have three shutouts since their opening loss and a high scoring offense. On the other side, you have a Petersburg team that we do not yet have a feeling on. They are 2-2 and have the ability to compete in a shootout and there losses came to really good teams. Petersburg could be better than their record indicates and as Petersburg has losses against really good teams; the Generals three big wins have come against lesser quality opponents. This game will go a long way in gauging just how good these two are. The Generals lead the series 26-18-2 and should grab their 27th in this one.
Prediction: Dinwiddie 42, Petersburg 20
Douglas Freeman(3-1) at John Marshall(1-3)
The Justices won for the first time in over a year last week in an upset of JR Tucker. The Rebels have just four losses over the last year and a half and none of those losses came to teams with a losing record. The Justices have won just 11 out of the 28 meetings but none of their victories have come against Coach Henderson. Justices will get another win or two this season but I wouldn't count it for this game. The offense of Freeman will be too much for the Justices defense with Evan Tyler running the ball and Tanner toy at quarterback, the Justices won't be able to keep up.
Prediction: Douglas Freeman 35, John Marshall 10
George Wythe(1-3) at Monacan(3-2)
Monacan is 25-3 against George Wythe, the last time the Bulldogs won came in 2004 by way of a forfeit. The Chiefs might be 3-2 but their losses came to two of the best teams within the region. The Chiefs should win this one handedly as they continue to march towards another playoff appearance. Wythe's next best chance for victory this season will likely come against Midlothian. The Chiefs defense will be too much for the Bulldogs to overcome.
Prediction: Monacan 42, George Wythe 12
Glen Allen(1-3) at Highland Springs(4-0)
Glen Allen has never beaten the Springers and given the direction their season is headed, no reason to think they will this go around. The Springers find ways to win each week on offense. Sometimes it's the run game; sometimes it's the passing game. With the playmakers on offense, the Springers can strike in a variety of ways. No one has been able to stop the Springers offense yet and even if you can, then you have to score and the Springers showed on Friday night they have a defense that can shutdown good teams. Highland Springs will improve to 5-0 with a big win over the Jaguars.
Prediction: Highland Springs 45, Glen Allen 6
Henrico(4-0) at Lee-Davis(1-3)
Henrico's last win in this series was 2007 but that is more than likely to change on Friday night. The Warriors are off to their best start in years and should they reach 5-0, it would be their best start since 1999. The Warriors have not allowed an offensive score all season, the points they gave up to Atlee last week came from defense and from special teams. In that win, any question about who they played and just how good this team is was put to rest. Lee-Davis leads the series 26-18 but look for the Warriors to take this one.
Prediction: Henrico 30, Lee-Davis 7
Huguenot(1-4) at James River(2-3)
James River has won the last seven meetings and they will need another win to even their record and get back in the playoff race in Class 6A. The Rapids got back to winning last week and the Falcons got their first win of the season last week but these while James River has struggled early on, the Falcons are a program in rebuilding mode and it is hard to imagine the Rapids falling in this one. In a series tied at 10 games apiece, look for the Rapids to break that tie with a win.
Prediction: James River 28, Huguenot 12
Manchester(5-0) at Midlothian(0-5)
The Lancers are off to their best start since 1971 and the Trojans are just looking for their first win of the season. This one could be ugly as the Trojans have had trouble scoring and stopping teams from scoring while the Lancers are one of the better teams in the region and with Daniel Rose at QB and Justin Pendergrass running the ball, they can score and score quickly. Midlothian's last victory in the series was 2001, with the Lancers holding the edge 27-16-1. The Lancers are competing with the likes of Hermitage, Bird and Highland Springs in 5A and the only way to do so is win.
Prediction: Manchester 49, Midlothian 7
Matoaca(1-3) at Colonial Heights(2-2)
I was in 8th grade the last time the Colonials beat Matoaca, the year was 1991. Since that time, it's been all Matoaca in every meeting to take a 34-10-1 advantage in the series. While the Colonials have talent and more wins than the Chiefs, the Warriors losing this one would come as a bit of a shock. Not just for the fact that it has been so long since they won but the Chiefs have been a bit more competitive in their losses and have a bit more to work with than the 3A Colonials. I do however think this will be a closer contest than in recent history but give the W to the Chiefs.
Prediction: Matoaca 28, Colonial Heights 17
Meadowbrook(1-3) at Hopewell(2-2)
Two teams who started in completely opposite directions now find themselves facing off in a game that is pivotal to their district standing but more importantly, their playoff hopes. The Monarchs with three losses cannot afford to lose many more games and Hopewell, the loser of two straight has to put an end to the slide. They have a little bit more room to err in 3A but with Dinwiddie and Prince George still to go, the Blue Devils need wins. Meadowbrook leads the series 22-13-1 and has won the last 10 meetings… The last time the Blue Devils won? 2004 regular season; since that time, it's been all Monarchs and I believe the Monarchs are on the upswing after a rough start to the season. The Blue Devils will make a game of it but Justin Miller will carry the team to victory.
Prediction: Meadowbrook 33, Hopewell 21
Mills Godwin(2-2) at Deep Run(0-4)
The Eagles have rebounded from a rough start like so many. The Eagles are fighting for that eighth and final spot in the playoffs in 5A South but in order to do so, they have to win. When you come up against a team that hasn't a win, that is a game you must win and I have no doubt the Eagles will. The Eagles run and passing game have been clicking as of late and not much has for Deep Run. The Wildcats have won the last two meetings at home but it is hard to imagine the Wildcats taking this one, if they did, it would truly be an upset. Godwin leads the series 7-4, look for them to make it 8-4 after Friday night.
Prediction: Mills Godwin 28, Deep Run 10
Patrick Henry(1-3) at Hermitage(4-0)
The final meeting of these two schools perhaps? The Patriots move to the Capital District could bring an end to this series unless they meet out of district in the future. The Panthers are exactly where many thought they would be at this point and while it hasn't been easy, close games versus Meadowbrook and Varina and of course the injury to Rashad Robinson, the Panthers just keep winning. The deeper we get into the season, the better the Panthers look and while Odom will be under center again this week, he has shown the last two weeks he is more than capable of leading this team. Patrick Henry on the other hand is in rebuilding mode under Coach Davis and while they do have a win, it's hard to imagine the Patriots having enough to stop the Panthers. Hermitage is 25-18-1 since 1970 v. Patrick Henry and the Patriots have not won since 2005 when Coach Long was still at the helm. Panthers take this won convincingly.
Prediction: Hermitage 45, Patrick Henry 16
Thomas Jefferson(0-4) at JR Tucker(1-3)
Two teams desperate for a win clash in this one. The Vikings season has not been what they had hoped. Early losses have made it that more difficult to make the playoffs now that they are in district play. The Vikings will have to beat the weaker teams in the Colonial if they are to snag a spot in the 3A playoffs and that starts here. The Tigers are not as weak as their record indicates but things have not gone well for a Tigers team that was aiming for a playoff spot in 4A this season. Until last week the Tigers had only lost two playoff caliber teams in Henrico and Hanover but then they lost to John Marshall last week and the path to the playoffs becomes a bit more difficult… but not impossible. If either team is to make the playoffs in their respective classes, they need to start winning and that means this game is must win for both. The Tigers leads the series 23-5 and the Vikings have lost the last nine at Tucker… The Tigers should win this one but if last week taught us anything, should doesn't always equal a win.
Prediction: JR Tucker 24, Thomas Jefferson 14
EXTRA POINTS
Four of these matchups have occurred before on this date of Friday Oct. 3rd…
1975 Petersburg beat Dinwiddie 24-6
1986 Monacan beat George Wythe 16-8
1997 JR Tucker beat Thomas Jefferson 45-14
2008 James River beat Huguenot 20-8
Since 1970 the Armstrong Wildcats have never begun the season 5-0.
Of the three winless teams, two are from the Colonial (Deep Run & Thomas Jefferson) the other from the Dominion(Midlothian).
The Capital has three unbeatens, the Dominion three and the Colonial one. With district play heating up, that is sure to change within the next few weeks.
If you would like to get text updates from games I'm covering and other games in the area, you may follow me on twitter at CRF4Dan or you may e-mail me at CRF4Dan@aol.com with your cell number and I can add you to the list of many I exchange scores with.
This post was edited on 10/1 3:03 PM by CRF4Dan
