Madison County- losing Fields will likely hurt both the offense and defense for the Storm, plus I really liked a few of the underclassmen that MC brought to Greenville last season.
James River- a slightly retooled offense for Gap may make some difference but the defense is undersized and aren't tackling machines just yet. I could see this one flipped but the Bison will need to exercise some demons to get it done
KW- lots of upside for the Cougars but the offense has to diversify and be something other than the Graber power run game (with all due respect to those two outstanding young men), I see KW having a bit too much for the group from Draft
Riverheads- this one could very well be a nailbiter like last season. Both teams lost significant contributors on both sides of the ball. Central has moved Barahona to RB and gotten a transfer from Spotswood to run their offense so they look to be every bit as prolific as recent years. For the Gladiators there will be plenty of new faces on both sides of the ball which may take time to gel. I look for some rust from both teams with the winner getting a timely turnover or two to seal this one.
Turner Ashby- There are two things that come to mind with this matchup. First, TA is a legit contender for the 3C region this season even knowing that LCA and Heritage are awaiting in the playoffs. Lots of skill guys with very good line play. Second, this is a solid Fort team that has designs on being region champions themselves so there will be no fear of playing against this good TA team. That all said I feel TA will just be a bit too much for the Indians to contain for 48 minutes. Could be a shoot out but I see TA winning this one while widening the margin late
Alleghany- Waynesboro has some really good pieces and with a new coach you never know how fast the buy in takes place so anything is possible. Alleghany should be able to win this one fairly comfortably but you never know
Wilson- I feel like Wilson will be the shocker team this season and although losing the bulk of their scoring from last year, they will surprise a lot of teams. This one shouldn't be close at all if the Hornets have plans for playing later November
So with these picks I only see one toss up with Riverheads and Central. To me the rest would be upsets if last years loser won this time around.
As always good luck to all and safe travels to the road teams and fans. Lets get this season started with all the hype and hope that a new year provides.
