Just an outsiders take:
With all the hype Region B gets this Region (D) might be the most intriguing overall.
GW played a tough OOD schedule, showed grit against MV, and have won 9 straight. I like their growth, but still have concerns about the Eagles ability to stop physical offenses.
Inconsistency is the word of the day to describe this version of Glass. It's hard to beat a team twice, so GW better not sleep on the Hilltoppers. Glass must control the ball and limit the big plays on defense. Normally, I would say this game wreaks of an upset, but Coach Lovelace's crew just haven't proven they can put it all together. Early exit for the Hilltoppers.
For all the concern Spartans fans have expressed you still have a proven commodity whose only losses came at the hands of Fleming and LCA. The Salem offense can score a ton of points, so opponents will have to score 28+ points to beat them.
Handley has the size to match up with the teams in Region D. I have only watched them on video, so I am not an expert. I like their offense if the starting QB is healthy. He can sling it and and his receivers go and get it. Darling is the type of dual threat QB that with the exception of last year's juggernaut, has given Salem's defensive scheme trouble in the past. The Judges can score, but can their defense get enough stops to get by the Spartans.
Sherando is most definitely a region champion contender. Yes, the naysayers will point to a light schedule, but this team impresses me. They are sound on both sides of the ball and have added a wrinkle of finesse to go with their normal physical nature. QB, Micah Carlson can beat you with his arm and legs. I really like the ball fakes he employs to keep the defense at home.
Kobe Mason and Owen Neal are a nice one two punch for James Wood. The defense has given up points and Sherando hit them for 35 earlier in the season. Again, it's tough to beat a team twice, but expecting a freshmen QB to pull the upset in his first playoff game may be asking too much.
Coleman, McClendon, and Marks are very valuable offensive weapons for JF. I really like how Marks moves the pocket and can throw on the run. This team has a very good mix of physicality and finesse. The defense is stout and with the exception of the last two games held their opponents under 21 points a game.
Orange has a plethora of offensive weapons in Wharton, Simms, Loveless, and Norman. Unfortunately, they don't get much time off the field as they all play both ways. The Fighting Hornets can light up the scoreboard, but have struggled defensively against the better teams on their schedule. If Orange can get their high powered offense going they have a chance at an upset. Depth and an overall physical presence for JF should carry the day.
I see no upsets in the first round, but I think some teams may be tested. Again, after reviewing video and knowing a few teams in this region well I think Region D is a bit underrated.
