In the first two weeks our seven teams have given us some surprising results. The biggest would be Buffalo Gap, whom we all had near the bottom of the pack. Instead they have the hit the 40 point mark in both their games and held those two opponents to just one score each. So will we see that continue this week or will the bubble burst? And how about Wilson? They routed Charlottesville as expected the first Friday night but from the sound of things they gave Turner Ashby a tougher than expected game this past week. So when they welcome Spotswood to the Hive this week for their first home game of the season, will the Green Team come out of that one with a big win?
Looking at the overall picture, could the early successes of those two possibly mean that we really have five or even six title contenders this year for the district title? As already mentioned in another thread, the first big question will be answered Friday night when Riverheads travels to Fort Defiance. So for my weekly list of predictions, I will keep you guys in suspenders by saving that one for last. I have gone 5-2 each week so far by the way.
So here is this week's slate of games..........
BUFFALO GAP AT CLARKE COUNTY: I believe that Clarke went to King William and took care of business Friday night, so my gut feeling is that the Bison will meet their match this time around and be brought back down to earth. However, the Gap would not necessarily have to win this one to still make a positive statement. If they can keep it close or even semi-respectable, they will have earned some major props and stamped themselves as a team that cannot be overlooked. Even if Clarke takes them to the woodshed, the schedule is such that the Gap could easily be 4-1 at the halfway point of the season.
STAUNTON AT CENTRAL WOODSTOCK: This game will tell us a lot about both of these teams. Central gave Riverheads a game and a half on opening night, whereas Staunton has split its two home openers. Last year at this time, The Storm held its own against the Falcons at home when we had no way of knowing that Central would go on to a 10-0 regular season. On paper this one looks like a win for the Falcons, and maybe even an easy one, but if Staunton can catch an early break or two and get into some rhythm, they could keep it close or maybe even win. But I realistically see something like a 34-13 Falcon victory.
STUARTS DRAFT AT RUSTBURG: Over here when we think of strong teams in the Lynchburg area, we think of LCA or Heritage, but apparently Rustburg has a "devil" of a team also. They have now swept Spotswood two years in a row and when they came to Stuarts Draft last year, they laid a major butt-whooping on the Cougars. Draft has rolled in their first two games, and even though the KW win was a big surprise at the time, it does not look like SD is in the same league as Rustburg. So I have to go with the home team in this one. However I think the Draft will be able to score on them and make them earn it. Look for a 42-20 ish game.
WAYNESBORO AT BROADWAY: Looks like another long year for the Little Giants. At the beginning of the season it looked like they could have chances to win at Buffalo Gap or when they host Wilson, but with the aforementioned improvement those teams have shown thus far, I am not seeing a win at all this year for the Purple and Gold. Broadway will roll in this one.
SPOTSWOOD AT WILSON: I don't remember too many details but last year the Hornets traveled to Penn Laird and threw a serious scare into the Blazers. I think the final was only something like 14-6. So with the two respectable games Wilson has played thus far this season, a Hornet upset in this one cannot be ruled out. Or would it even be an upset if it were to occur? I am not quite ready yet to shoot the Hornets into contender status, despite the decent showing at TA, but I don't think The Wood will pound them into the ground either. Let's say the visitors win by about 10-14.
RIVERHEADS AT FORT DEFIANCE: This one has been on everyone's radar as the first "big" game of the season, and even after it is in the books, we will have to wait two more weeks before anybody else has a district game. As touched upon in the other thread, each team has some injury issues which may or may not impact the outcome. Regardless each team will have enough weapons to present a serious challenge to the other. Fort's passing game will test the Big Red, but at least the Gladiators have already had the experience of facing two strong passing teams. If Hebb has returned to action, that will make the Indians even tougher. As for the Big Red, they kept their poise in the Central game and against Tazewell, they unveiled even more of a rushing attack than we knew they had. So add Preston McCauley to the stable of Riverheads backs that the Fort will have to contend with. I think that depth in the RHS backfield will ultimately be the difference maker. Just when the Indians try to focus on stopping one guy, another will step up, whereas I don't see Fort as having that degree of versatility. So I will go with the Big Red by a touchdown or two. The biggest surprise will be if one team really runs away from the other.
