Man, this one had me going back and forth. It seems like over the years every time I picked against Glenvar it bite me, but I picked Alleghany this week.
What do you guys think?

1. Strasburg (6-0): 24.33
2. Clarke (6-0/5-1): 23.67/21.33
3. Riverheads (6-1): 23.14/23.43
4. Buckingham (6-0): 21.67
5. Fort (4-3): 20.14
6. Stuarts Draft (5-2): 19.86
7. Madison (3-3): 17.33
8. Page (2-4): 14.83
9. Central (1-5/2-4): 13.33/16.00
10. Luray (1-5): 13.00
11. Stonewall (1-5/2-5): 12.50

I will update after the Monday game between Central Woodstock and Clarke County

First, the weather next Friday and Saturday is interesting, AND a concern. The lower temperature will definitely be a much appreciated improvement. But, there is a growing concern of significant rain and storms by weeks end.

For me, the premier game will be Phoebus at Highland Springs. Regardless of the outcome, we should learn a lot about the potential dominance of these two powerhouse teams.

After a long drive, George Wythe goes into Altavista for a game of what is two of the best teams in Class 1.

Matoaca opens their season at 1-0 Warhill. This is a clash of two teams that have been getting closer to that championship level for several years now. Matoaca plans to repay Warhill for the loss they absorbed last year.

The answer Alex is: “What is the Battle of Chester?” Two teams, LCBird and Thomas Dale, that defend their turf like two junk yard dogs. To say they don’t care for each other would be like saying the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s were best friends. This will be a war. It will be, as it always is, a sellout and people will be turned away at the gate.

Amherst opening their season at GW has my interest. I hope for Wikki and the Amherst faithful that I am wrong, but I saw a strong powerful Eagles team last week. Forget their score at Dinwiddie, they are going to win 8 or 9 games this regular season. Amherst had better bring their A game. And I don’t know anything about the Amherst linemen, but I can tell you GW has got some beef on theirs. #70 must go 350 to 370?

Staunton River at JF might answer a question for me. Is SR back in good form of was MV just that bad last week? And what of JF?

Does another William, (Byrd this week), lay a 90 point shellacking on Hidden Valley?

And I’ll stop with this one. Charles City makes the long but beautiful trip across the Bay, almost to Maryland, to take on Arcadia. This is a winnable game for CC. Arcadia lost to Windsor last week, and Windsor has struggled for years just to win a game now and then. And the Lord knows, those boys, and that Charles City community, could sure use a win.

There are a ton more games that have my interest, but I just picked out a few to talk about. How about you? Anything pique your interest for this coming week?

School; Record; Total Points; Average

1. William Fleming (6-0) 174 (29.0)
2. Matoaca (6-0) 170 (28.333)
3. Midlothian (5-1) 160 (26.667)
4. Hermitage (5-2) 184 (26.286)
5. L.C. Bird (5-1) 153 (25.5)
6. Louisa (4-2) 146 (24.333)
7. Douglas Freeman (4-3) 170 (24.286)
8. Prince George (3-3) 145 (24.167)

Left out (for now)*
9. Patrick Henry-R (3-3) 131 (21.833)
10. Mills Godwin (3-4) 148 (21.143)
11. Franklin County (1-5) 113 (18.833)
12. JR-Midlothian (1-5) 109 (18.167)
T-13. Albemarle (1-5) 107 (17.833)
T-13 JR Tucker (1-5) 107 (17.833)
15. Clover Hill (0-6) 100 (16.667)

1. Glenvar (6-0). 21.667
2. Floyd (4-2). 19.000
3. Gretna (4-2). 18.500
4. Radford (4-3). 17.000
5. Patrick (3-4). 16.714
6. Nelson (4-2). 16.167
7. Martinsville (3-4). 15.857
8. Chatham (3-2). 15.600
9. Appomattox (1-6). 14.000
10. Liberty (0-6). 12.667
11. Dan River (1-5). 12.500
12. James River (1-6). 12.286

1. Graham (6-0). 22.667
2. Union (5-2). 21.714
3. Lebanon (7-0). 20.857
4. Ridgeview (6-1). 20.143
5. Gate City ((3-3). 16.833
6. Virginia (3-3). 16.667
7. Lee (3-3). 16.333
8. Tazewell (3-3). 16.167
9. Central (2-4). 14.000
10. Richlands (0-6). 11.333
11. Marion (0-6). 10.833
12. Battle (0-6). 10.667

While this Salem offense has good offensive weapons the defense still is flat. To give up 40 points to a team that has not won a game this season is atrocious. The defense has got to get a lot better by playoff time. Can’t keep relying on the offense to save them in these games.

The fact that it’s week 7 already, caught my attention. Can you believe it? It feels like we were so excited for that first game.

Salem struggled with a no win Pulaski team. The Spartans won, but it was touch and go for three quarters.

Appomattox finally posting a win. And Lake Taylor being destroyed by Granby. My, how times have changed.

How about that little war over towards the Northern Neck? Essex and Rappahannock are averaging 50+ points a game and they ended up with the Raiders winning 13-8.

Little Rye Cove way out there in far SWV beat a previously unbeaten Eastside 40-7. RC has put 337 points on the board already this season.

Varina beating Glen Allen didn’t surprise me. But the margin of victory did.

Matoaca beating Thomas Dale must have been a slugfest. TD has their typical good defense, but apparently just don’t have all the pieces and parts they need on offense. Both Matoaca and Dinwiddie are not likely to loose to anyone else before they meet in the final game of the regular season. If it plays out that way, Dinwiddie’s loss to Maury should be the only blemish on two nearly perfect records. And the Warriors have shut out every opponent except Ponax. That final game between these two will be one for the ages.

Maury in a tight one with Manor, 97-0!

Other than that, I believe most of the teams that were expected to win, did.

Looking ahead to next week, I see several rivalry games and some important games with playoff implications.

How about you? What grabbed your attention this week?

RVA SPORTS NETWORK SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL​

We already have some questions answered with just one week down in the 2024 high school football season.
Let's check out the new RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll to see how things are shaking out, with a look at each team's record and next opponent.

1) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (1-0, was #1, vs. Phoebus): The Springers score 28 unanswered to blow out Manchester on the road. Credit the coaching staff for a game plan which helped Highland Springs look like they were in Week 7, not Week 1.

2) DINWIDDIE (1-0, was #2, vs. North Stafford): The Harry Dalton Show provided a big first act in his senior season against GW-Danville. The Generals have a big advantage over this week's opponent, who did not play in Week 1, thus, this is their season opener, on the road in Cannon Country.

3) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (1-0, was #3, at Fork Union Saturday): A good opening win last week in what was a sideways week for local VISAA schools. A trip to Fork Union is never easy, and weather could play a factor with rain in the forecast.

4) MATOACA (0-0, was #6, at Warhill): Now the reverse, as the Warriors begin their season in Williamsburg against a Warhill team coming off a 68-0 win over Manor in their season opener. It's the first of three road trips to begin the 2024 season (at Henrico, at Massaponax) before finally playing in front of the faithful September 27th against Colonial Heights. In a related note, 2024 graduate QB Riley Justis, is second on the depth chart for #10 Randolph-Macon as they begin their season Friday night at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

5) VARINA (0-1, was #4, BYE): We discussed last week with Bob Black on ESPN Richmond how the Blue Devils' opener with Indian River could be closer than many thought. How about a double overtime thriller that saw Indian River, behind most of the night, escape with a huge victory. Now, the weirdest storyline of the week. This was supposed to be the night Varina traveled to defending Class 6 state champion Freedom (Woodbridge), until Freedom announced they would only play a district schedule of six games due to, frankly, the decimating loss of players due to head coach Darryl Overton's move over the winter to Hayfield High School. Add graduated players, and they're down to, according to InsideNova.com, 45 players total, many with no or limited experience. So, Varina scrambled, and found Bishop McNamara. Then, THAT game got canceled. So, no football on Route 5 this week.

6) THOMAS DALE (1-0, was #8, at #11 L.C. Bird): After a first half beatdown of Cosby, the Knights cruised to victory. Now they make the familiar trip down Route 10 to battle their archrivals, who shut out James River last week. We'll know a lot more about both programs around 10pm Friday.

7) BENEDICTINE (0-1, was #5, at Western Branch): The Cadets lost a shootout to new VISAA Division I threat St. Michael the Archangel from near Fredericksburg 41-32. Now they face VHSL member Western Branch, 28-0 winners at Menchville in the opener last week.

8) MANCHESTER (0-1, was #7, BYE): This may turn out to be one of the most important bye weeks for any team in the area this year. With two weeks to study and learn from the Highland Springs opener, the Lancers will be a hungry bunch when they open Dominion District play at Powhatan on September 13th.

9) HUGUENOT (0-0, was #9, vs. Eastern View Saturday): In a game that was on, then briefly canceled due to weather issues with Eastern View's opener last week, then on again but moved back to Saturday, the Falcons can make a huge statement in Region 4B early on with a win over the Cyclones, a program that seemed to get back in their usual winning groove in 2023, and coming off a 45-12 opening win on Tuesday against rival Culpeper, their 17th straight win in that series. So the Cyclones have the "game already played" advantage, but also have to overcome playing their second game in just under five days.

10) POWHATAN (0-0, was #10, vs. Mechanicsville): The Indians begin their quest for another postseason berth in Region 4B against a Mustangs squad coming off a physical 20-13 loss to Deep Run in their opener. It's important that Powhatan open strong, with the aforementioned battle with Manchester looming next week.

11) L.C. BIRD (1-0, was #11, vs. #6 Thomas Dale): So, see #6 above for information on the Battle of Chester (which can be heard Friday night at 7 on WRVA, 1140 AM).

12) GLEN ALLEN (1-0, was #12, vs. Massaponax): The Jaguars easily handled Prince George last Thursday, but now take a big step up in competition with the always-talented Panthers coming in, having won 35-12 over Independence in their opener. It's the second of four straight home games for Nana Utsey and the Jags, who want to pile up as many wins early as they can to improve their chances for the playoffs in rugged Region 6A.

***************************

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Thomas Jefferson (1-0) at Meadowbrook (1-0), Thursday, 6pm
Louisa (0-1) at Courtland (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Petersburg (1-0) at Armstrong (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Patrick Henry (1-0) at Mills Godwin (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Hanover (0-0) at Monacan (1-0), Friday, 7pm

Posted by robwitham at 3:40 PM

RVA SPORTS NETWORK SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL​

We already have some questions answered with just one week down in the 2024 high school football season.
Let's check out the new RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll to see how things are shaking out, with a look at each team's record and next opponent.

1) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (1-0, was #1, vs. Phoebus): The Springers score 28 unanswered to blow out Manchester on the road. Credit the coaching staff for a game plan which helped Highland Springs look like they were in Week 7, not Week 1.

2) DINWIDDIE (1-0, was #2, vs. North Stafford): The Harry Dalton Show provided a big first act in his senior season against GW-Danville. The Generals have a big advantage over this week's opponent, who did not play in Week 1, thus, this is their season opener, on the road in Cannon Country.

3) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (1-0, was #3, at Fork Union Saturday): A good opening win last week in what was a sideways week for local VISAA schools. A trip to Fork Union is never easy, and weather could play a factor with rain in the forecast.

4) MATOACA (0-0, was #6, at Warhill): Now the reverse, as the Warriors begin their season in Williamsburg against a Warhill team coming off a 68-0 win over Manor in their season opener. It's the first of three road trips to begin the 2024 season (at Henrico, at Massaponax) before finally playing in front of the faithful September 27th against Colonial Heights. In a related note, 2024 graduate QB Riley Justis, is second on the depth chart for #10 Randolph-Macon as they begin their season Friday night at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

5) VARINA (0-1, was #4, BYE): We discussed last week with Bob Black on ESPN Richmond how the Blue Devils' opener with Indian River could be closer than many thought. How about a double overtime thriller that saw Indian River, behind most of the night, escape with a huge victory. Now, the weirdest storyline of the week. This was supposed to be the night Varina traveled to defending Class 6 state champion Freedom (Woodbridge), until Freedom announced they would only play a district schedule of six games due to, frankly, the decimating loss of players due to head coach Darryl Overton's move over the winter to Hayfield High School. Add graduated players, and they're down to, according to InsideNova.com, 45 players total, many with no or limited experience. So, Varina scrambled, and found Bishop McNamara. Then, THAT game got canceled. So, no football on Route 5 this week.

6) THOMAS DALE (1-0, was #8, at #11 L.C. Bird): After a first half beatdown of Cosby, the Knights cruised to victory. Now they make the familiar trip down Route 10 to battle their archrivals, who shut out James River last week. We'll know a lot more about both programs around 10pm Friday.

7) BENEDICTINE (0-1, was #5, at Western Branch): The Cadets lost a shootout to new VISAA Division I threat St. Michael the Archangel from near Fredericksburg 41-32. Now they face VHSL member Western Branch, 28-0 winners at Menchville in the opener last week.

8) MANCHESTER (0-1, was #7, BYE): This may turn out to be one of the most important bye weeks for any team in the area this year. With two weeks to study and learn from the Highland Springs opener, the Lancers will be a hungry bunch when they open Dominion District play at Powhatan on September 13th.

9) HUGUENOT (0-0, was #9, vs. Eastern View Saturday): In a game that was on, then briefly canceled due to weather issues with Eastern View's opener last week, then on again but moved back to Saturday, the Falcons can make a huge statement in Region 4B early on with a win over the Cyclones, a program that seemed to get back in their usual winning groove in 2023, and coming off a 45-12 opening win on Tuesday against rival Culpeper, their 17th straight win in that series. So the Cyclones have the "game already played" advantage, but also have to overcome playing their second game in just under five days.

10) POWHATAN (0-0, was #10, vs. Mechanicsville): The Indians begin their quest for another postseason berth in Region 4B against a Mustangs squad coming off a physical 20-13 loss to Deep Run in their opener. It's important that Powhatan open strong, with the aforementioned battle with Manchester looming next week.

11) L.C. BIRD (1-0, was #11, vs. #6 Thomas Dale): So, see #6 above for information on the Battle of Chester (which can be heard Friday night at 7 on WRVA, 1140 AM).

12) GLEN ALLEN (1-0, was #12, vs. Massaponax): The Jaguars easily handled Prince George last Thursday, but now take a big step up in competition with the always-talented Panthers coming in, having won 35-12 over Independence in their opener. It's the second of four straight home games for Nana Utsey and the Jags, who want to pile up as many wins early as they can to improve their chances for the playoffs in rugged Region 6A.

***************************

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Thomas Jefferson (1-0) at Meadowbrook (1-0), Thursday, 6pm
Louisa (0-1) at Courtland (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Petersburg (1-0) at Armstrong (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Patrick Henry (1-0) at Mills Godwin (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Hanover (0-0) at Monacan (1-0), Friday, 7pm

Posted by robwitham at 3:40 PM

RVA SPORTS NETWORK SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL​

We already have some questions answered with just one week down in the 2024 high school football season.
Let's check out the new RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll to see how things are shaking out, with a look at each team's record and next opponent.

1) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (1-0, was #1, vs. Phoebus): The Springers score 28 unanswered to blow out Manchester on the road. Credit the coaching staff for a game plan which helped Highland Springs look like they were in Week 7, not Week 1.

2) DINWIDDIE (1-0, was #2, vs. North Stafford): The Harry Dalton Show provided a big first act in his senior season against GW-Danville. The Generals have a big advantage over this week's opponent, who did not play in Week 1, thus, this is their season opener, on the road in Cannon Country.

3) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (1-0, was #3, at Fork Union Saturday): A good opening win last week in what was a sideways week for local VISAA schools. A trip to Fork Union is never easy, and weather could play a factor with rain in the forecast.

4) MATOACA (0-0, was #6, at Warhill): Now the reverse, as the Warriors begin their season in Williamsburg against a Warhill team coming off a 68-0 win over Manor in their season opener. It's the first of three road trips to begin the 2024 season (at Henrico, at Massaponax) before finally playing in front of the faithful September 27th against Colonial Heights. In a related note, 2024 graduate QB Riley Justis, is second on the depth chart for #10 Randolph-Macon as they begin their season Friday night at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

5) VARINA (0-1, was #4, BYE): We discussed last week with Bob Black on ESPN Richmond how the Blue Devils' opener with Indian River could be closer than many thought. How about a double overtime thriller that saw Indian River, behind most of the night, escape with a huge victory. Now, the weirdest storyline of the week. This was supposed to be the night Varina traveled to defending Class 6 state champion Freedom (Woodbridge), until Freedom announced they would only play a district schedule of six games due to, frankly, the decimating loss of players due to head coach Darryl Overton's move over the winter to Hayfield High School. Add graduated players, and they're down to, according to InsideNova.com, 45 players total, many with no or limited experience. So, Varina scrambled, and found Bishop McNamara. Then, THAT game got canceled. So, no football on Route 5 this week.

6) THOMAS DALE (1-0, was #8, at #11 L.C. Bird): After a first half beatdown of Cosby, the Knights cruised to victory. Now they make the familiar trip down Route 10 to battle their archrivals, who shut out James River last week. We'll know a lot more about both programs around 10pm Friday.

7) BENEDICTINE (0-1, was #5, at Western Branch): The Cadets lost a shootout to new VISAA Division I threat St. Michael the Archangel from near Fredericksburg 41-32. Now they face VHSL member Western Branch, 28-0 winners at Menchville in the opener last week.

8) MANCHESTER (0-1, was #7, BYE): This may turn out to be one of the most important bye weeks for any team in the area this year. With two weeks to study and learn from the Highland Springs opener, the Lancers will be a hungry bunch when they open Dominion District play at Powhatan on September 13th.

9) HUGUENOT (0-0, was #9, vs. Eastern View Saturday): In a game that was on, then briefly canceled due to weather issues with Eastern View's opener last week, then on again but moved back to Saturday, the Falcons can make a huge statement in Region 4B early on with a win over the Cyclones, a program that seemed to get back in their usual winning groove in 2023, and coming off a 45-12 opening win on Tuesday against rival Culpeper, their 17th straight win in that series. So the Cyclones have the "game already played" advantage, but also have to overcome playing their second game in just under five days.

10) POWHATAN (0-0, was #10, vs. Mechanicsville): The Indians begin their quest for another postseason berth in Region 4B against a Mustangs squad coming off a physical 20-13 loss to Deep Run in their opener. It's important that Powhatan open strong, with the aforementioned battle with Manchester looming next week.

11) L.C. BIRD (1-0, was #11, vs. #6 Thomas Dale): So, see #6 above for information on the Battle of Chester (which can be heard Friday night at 7 on WRVA, 1140 AM).

12) GLEN ALLEN (1-0, was #12, vs. Massaponax): The Jaguars easily handled Prince George last Thursday, but now take a big step up in competition with the always-talented Panthers coming in, having won 35-12 over Independence in their opener. It's the second of four straight home games for Nana Utsey and the Jags, who want to pile up as many wins early as they can to improve their chances for the playoffs in rugged Region 6A.

***************************

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Thomas Jefferson (1-0) at Meadowbrook (1-0), Thursday, 6pm
Louisa (0-1) at Courtland (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Petersburg (1-0) at Armstrong (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Patrick Henry (1-0) at Mills Godwin (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Hanover (0-0) at Monacan (1-0), Friday, 7pm

Posted by robwitham at 3:40 PM

RVA SPORTS NETWORK SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL​

We already have some questions answered with just one week down in the 2024 high school football season.
Let's check out the new RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll to see how things are shaking out, with a look at each team's record and next opponent.

1) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (1-0, was #1, vs. Phoebus): The Springers score 28 unanswered to blow out Manchester on the road. Credit the coaching staff for a game plan which helped Highland Springs look like they were in Week 7, not Week 1.

2) DINWIDDIE (1-0, was #2, vs. North Stafford): The Harry Dalton Show provided a big first act in his senior season against GW-Danville. The Generals have a big advantage over this week's opponent, who did not play in Week 1, thus, this is their season opener, on the road in Cannon Country.

3) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (1-0, was #3, at Fork Union Saturday): A good opening win last week in what was a sideways week for local VISAA schools. A trip to Fork Union is never easy, and weather could play a factor with rain in the forecast.

4) MATOACA (0-0, was #6, at Warhill): Now the reverse, as the Warriors begin their season in Williamsburg against a Warhill team coming off a 68-0 win over Manor in their season opener. It's the first of three road trips to begin the 2024 season (at Henrico, at Massaponax) before finally playing in front of the faithful September 27th against Colonial Heights. In a related note, 2024 graduate QB Riley Justis, is second on the depth chart for #10 Randolph-Macon as they begin their season Friday night at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

5) VARINA (0-1, was #4, BYE): We discussed last week with Bob Black on ESPN Richmond how the Blue Devils' opener with Indian River could be closer than many thought. How about a double overtime thriller that saw Indian River, behind most of the night, escape with a huge victory. Now, the weirdest storyline of the week. This was supposed to be the night Varina traveled to defending Class 6 state champion Freedom (Woodbridge), until Freedom announced they would only play a district schedule of six games due to, frankly, the decimating loss of players due to head coach Darryl Overton's move over the winter to Hayfield High School. Add graduated players, and they're down to, according to InsideNova.com, 45 players total, many with no or limited experience. So, Varina scrambled, and found Bishop McNamara. Then, THAT game got canceled. So, no football on Route 5 this week.

6) THOMAS DALE (1-0, was #8, at #11 L.C. Bird): After a first half beatdown of Cosby, the Knights cruised to victory. Now they make the familiar trip down Route 10 to battle their archrivals, who shut out James River last week. We'll know a lot more about both programs around 10pm Friday.

7) BENEDICTINE (0-1, was #5, at Western Branch): The Cadets lost a shootout to new VISAA Division I threat St. Michael the Archangel from near Fredericksburg 41-32. Now they face VHSL member Western Branch, 28-0 winners at Menchville in the opener last week.

8) MANCHESTER (0-1, was #7, BYE): This may turn out to be one of the most important bye weeks for any team in the area this year. With two weeks to study and learn from the Highland Springs opener, the Lancers will be a hungry bunch when they open Dominion District play at Powhatan on September 13th.

9) HUGUENOT (0-0, was #9, vs. Eastern View Saturday): In a game that was on, then briefly canceled due to weather issues with Eastern View's opener last week, then on again but moved back to Saturday, the Falcons can make a huge statement in Region 4B early on with a win over the Cyclones, a program that seemed to get back in their usual winning groove in 2023, and coming off a 45-12 opening win on Tuesday against rival Culpeper, their 17th straight win in that series. So the Cyclones have the "game already played" advantage, but also have to overcome playing their second game in just under five days.

10) POWHATAN (0-0, was #10, vs. Mechanicsville): The Indians begin their quest for another postseason berth in Region 4B against a Mustangs squad coming off a physical 20-13 loss to Deep Run in their opener. It's important that Powhatan open strong, with the aforementioned battle with Manchester looming next week.

11) L.C. BIRD (1-0, was #11, vs. #6 Thomas Dale): So, see #6 above for information on the Battle of Chester (which can be heard Friday night at 7 on WRVA, 1140 AM).

12) GLEN ALLEN (1-0, was #12, vs. Massaponax): The Jaguars easily handled Prince George last Thursday, but now take a big step up in competition with the always-talented Panthers coming in, having won 35-12 over Independence in their opener. It's the second of four straight home games for Nana Utsey and the Jags, who want to pile up as many wins early as they can to improve their chances for the playoffs in rugged Region 6A.

***************************

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Thomas Jefferson (1-0) at Meadowbrook (1-0), Thursday, 6pm
Louisa (0-1) at Courtland (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Petersburg (1-0) at Armstrong (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Patrick Henry (1-0) at Mills Godwin (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Hanover (0-0) at Monacan (1-0), Friday, 7pm

Posted by robwitham at 3:40 PM

RVA SPORTS NETWORK SUPER 12 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL​

We already have some questions answered with just one week down in the 2024 high school football season.
Let's check out the new RVA Sports Network Super 12 Poll to see how things are shaking out, with a look at each team's record and next opponent.

1) HIGHLAND SPRINGS (1-0, was #1, vs. Phoebus): The Springers score 28 unanswered to blow out Manchester on the road. Credit the coaching staff for a game plan which helped Highland Springs look like they were in Week 7, not Week 1.

2) DINWIDDIE (1-0, was #2, vs. North Stafford): The Harry Dalton Show provided a big first act in his senior season against GW-Danville. The Generals have a big advantage over this week's opponent, who did not play in Week 1, thus, this is their season opener, on the road in Cannon Country.

3) TRINITY EPISCOPAL (1-0, was #3, at Fork Union Saturday): A good opening win last week in what was a sideways week for local VISAA schools. A trip to Fork Union is never easy, and weather could play a factor with rain in the forecast.

4) MATOACA (0-0, was #6, at Warhill): Now the reverse, as the Warriors begin their season in Williamsburg against a Warhill team coming off a 68-0 win over Manor in their season opener. It's the first of three road trips to begin the 2024 season (at Henrico, at Massaponax) before finally playing in front of the faithful September 27th against Colonial Heights. In a related note, 2024 graduate QB Riley Justis, is second on the depth chart for #10 Randolph-Macon as they begin their season Friday night at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

5) VARINA (0-1, was #4, BYE): We discussed last week with Bob Black on ESPN Richmond how the Blue Devils' opener with Indian River could be closer than many thought. How about a double overtime thriller that saw Indian River, behind most of the night, escape with a huge victory. Now, the weirdest storyline of the week. This was supposed to be the night Varina traveled to defending Class 6 state champion Freedom (Woodbridge), until Freedom announced they would only play a district schedule of six games due to, frankly, the decimating loss of players due to head coach Darryl Overton's move over the winter to Hayfield High School. Add graduated players, and they're down to, according to InsideNova.com, 45 players total, many with no or limited experience. So, Varina scrambled, and found Bishop McNamara. Then, THAT game got canceled. So, no football on Route 5 this week.

6) THOMAS DALE (1-0, was #8, at #11 L.C. Bird): After a first half beatdown of Cosby, the Knights cruised to victory. Now they make the familiar trip down Route 10 to battle their archrivals, who shut out James River last week. We'll know a lot more about both programs around 10pm Friday.

7) BENEDICTINE (0-1, was #5, at Western Branch): The Cadets lost a shootout to new VISAA Division I threat St. Michael the Archangel from near Fredericksburg 41-32. Now they face VHSL member Western Branch, 28-0 winners at Menchville in the opener last week.

8) MANCHESTER (0-1, was #7, BYE): This may turn out to be one of the most important bye weeks for any team in the area this year. With two weeks to study and learn from the Highland Springs opener, the Lancers will be a hungry bunch when they open Dominion District play at Powhatan on September 13th.

9) HUGUENOT (0-0, was #9, vs. Eastern View Saturday): In a game that was on, then briefly canceled due to weather issues with Eastern View's opener last week, then on again but moved back to Saturday, the Falcons can make a huge statement in Region 4B early on with a win over the Cyclones, a program that seemed to get back in their usual winning groove in 2023, and coming off a 45-12 opening win on Tuesday against rival Culpeper, their 17th straight win in that series. So the Cyclones have the "game already played" advantage, but also have to overcome playing their second game in just under five days.

10) POWHATAN (0-0, was #10, vs. Mechanicsville): The Indians begin their quest for another postseason berth in Region 4B against a Mustangs squad coming off a physical 20-13 loss to Deep Run in their opener. It's important that Powhatan open strong, with the aforementioned battle with Manchester looming next week.

11) L.C. BIRD (1-0, was #11, vs. #6 Thomas Dale): So, see #6 above for information on the Battle of Chester (which can be heard Friday night at 7 on WRVA, 1140 AM).

12) GLEN ALLEN (1-0, was #12, vs. Massaponax): The Jaguars easily handled Prince George last Thursday, but now take a big step up in competition with the always-talented Panthers coming in, having won 35-12 over Independence in their opener. It's the second of four straight home games for Nana Utsey and the Jags, who want to pile up as many wins early as they can to improve their chances for the playoffs in rugged Region 6A.

***************************

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Thomas Jefferson (1-0) at Meadowbrook (1-0), Thursday, 6pm
Louisa (0-1) at Courtland (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Petersburg (1-0) at Armstrong (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Patrick Henry (1-0) at Mills Godwin (1-0), Friday, 7pm
Hanover (0-0) at Monacan (1-0), Friday, 7pm

Posted by robwitham at 3:40 PM

This is a big game with big ramifications in Region D.
Union is 4-2 with losses to Graham (1 point) and Science Hill (very good 6A school in Tennessee). Ridgeview is 6-0 and are winning games by large margins. The knock on them is that they haven't played a strong team yet. We will find out tonight if Ridgeview is a paper tiger or not. I would give the edge to Union because of the tougher schedule and I think that will prepare them for the level of competition. Very interested to see how this one plays out. If anybody is trying to find a game to watch, this would be a good one. It will be broadcast on wcyb.com and possibly on NFHS network.

BC @ VT (Thur)
SC @ OK
TCU @ UT
AUB @ MO
Mia @ Lou
NE @ IN
AZ ST @ Cin
KY @ FL
KSU @ WV
LSU @ AR
MI @ IL
AL @ TN*
GA @ TX*

KC @ SF*
DET @ MN*
BAL @ TB
CIN @ CLE
SEA @ ATL
JAX @ NE
LAC @ AZ
PHI @ NYG
MIA @ IN
LV @ LAR
HOU @ GB
NYJ @ PIT

*GOW 2 pts each

Chancellor @ Culpeper Co
King George @ Caroline
Poquoson @ Smithfield
Atlee @ Armstrong
Stafford (C6) @ N Stafford (C6)
Mountain View (C6) @ Brooke Point (C6)
Nansemond River (C5) @ Indian River (C5)
Glen Allen (C6) @ Hermitage (C5)
Huguenot @ LC Bird*
Powhatan @ Midlothian*

Kettle Run @ Sherando*
John Champe @ Woodgrove*
Heritage LC @ Dominion
Blacksburg @ Pulaski Co
EC Glass @ Jefferson Forest
William Byrd (C3) @ Lord Botetourt (C3)
Staunton River (C3) @ Franklin Co (C5)
Glenvar (C2) @ Alleghany (C3)
Gretna (C2) @ Altavista (C1)

*GOW 2 pts each

Our most important forum member is going to be unavailable to contribute his post of final scores for the remainder of the season on the Scoreboard thread. (He is fine, just personal business).

I ask that we all try to add scores as we learn about them each week. And like Pizzzzza always does, keep the comments on that particular thread short and sweet so it doesn’t get cluttered and difficult to read.


We thank you Pizzzza for all that you do and have done over the years, and we eagerly await your return. Thank you sir.

As a follow up, Matt always post a consolidated list of scores later in the weekend as they become available to him from the AP and other sources. But, if you are like me, you want to know how a game ended about 10 seconds after it’s over.

If anyone has found a source that is better than Scorestream and Maxpreps for live scores and results, please share it with us. Those two do the best they can do I guess, but there is a lot of room for improvement.

Started

Gainesville @ Battlefield (-21)
Patriot (-31) @ Osbourn
Stafford @ North Stafford (-7)
West Potomac @ West Springfield (-17)
Westfield (-34) @ Centreville
South Lakes @ Oakton (-10)
Yorktown @ Langley (-6)
Herndon (-20) @ McLean
Lake Braddock (-24) @ Alexandria City
Riverside @ Independence (-7)

Thanks to Gunz41 for doing these.

1. Poquoson 24.00
2. Bruton 23.00/23.33
3. Southampton 22.67
4. Amelia 19.00/19.17
5. Lunenburg 18.50
6. Greensville 17.17
7. Nottoway 15.80
8. King William 13.43
8. John Marshall 13.43
10. Prince Edward 13.00
11. Arcadia 11.14/11.29
12. Windsor 10.86/11.00
13. Nandua 10.50
14. Randolph Henry 9.17

In a playoff caliber game that saw the offenses of both teams come up with big plays and both defenses hard hitting, the difference came down to three major areas:
1. Westfield turned the ball over three times, once on the goal line, to only once for Madison.
2. Madison's defense stopped Westfield from the Madison one yard line on three consecutive plays to get a huge goal line stand in the 3rd quarter.
3. Yates and Knicely hooked up for two hugely successful 4th quarter passes - both occurred while Yates was scrambling for his life in the back field. On the first pass Knicely came down with a go ahead TD (20-14, MAD). After WF went back in front 21-20, Yates and Knicely hooked up again with a catch at the WF 6 yard line to set up the winning TD late in the 4th quarter.

MAD started the game on their own 45 yard line but gained no yards and lined up to punt-the snap sailed over the punter's head and was downed at the MAD 13 yard line. WF advanced to the one, but WF's Duda fumbled at the goal line and MAD's Salvosa (I think that is who it was) recovered the ball for a touchback. MAD went three and out on their next possession but a 59 yard punt pinned WF at their own 13 yard line, where WF went three and out to give MAD the ball at the WF 49 yard line. MAD advanced to the WF 29 yard line where Knicely converted a 4th and five to keep the MAD drive alive, then Knicely scored from 15 yards out to put MAD ahead 7-0 (Hopewell XP) with 9:35 to go in the second quarter. WF's next possession ended when Carlson's pass to a WR was popped into the air and MAD's Salvosa got an INT at the MAD 43 yard line. MAD's offense failed to move the ball and they punted again to WF on the WF 20 yard line. WF then went 80 yards to tie the sore at 7-7 when Lee caught an 8 yard pass from Carlson (Wiemann XP) with 56 seconds remaining in the half.

WF received the ball to start the second half and used two plays to go 69 yards when Duda scored on a 65 yard run to put WF in front 14-7 (Wiemann XP) with 11:00 remaining in the third quarter. MAD wasted no time responding, as Knicely to the KO 95 yards down the home sideline for a score and it was again tied, 14 all (Hopewell XP) with 10:44 to go in the third quarter. WF's next possession ended in a punt that pinned MAD at their own 12 yard line. Nearing midfield, Yates fumbled at the MAD 43 yard line and WF recovered the ball. This next WF drive quickly advanced to the MAD five yard line where WF had a first and goal, but the MAD defense stopped WF on three consecutive runs from the one to keep the score tied. MAD's next possession only netted nine yards and they punted from their own 10 yard line to give WF good field position at midfield. On the second play of the drive WF's Carlson was hit as he went to pass and fumbled, with MAD's Vojta recovering the ball at the WF 41 yard line. MAD then scored when a scrambling Yates found Knicely in the back of the endzone for a 40 yard TD pass, but Hopewell's XP attempt was tipped and missed to make the score 20-14 with 8:13 remaining in the game. WF's Duda returned the ensuing KO 93 yards for a TD, but offsetting penalties negated the score. After MAD kicked off again WF started their drive at their own 30 yard line. WF reached the WF 49 yard line where they faced a 4th and two, with WF's Lee gaining three yards for a first down; Duda would score later in this drive on a one yard run and after the Wiemann XP WF took the lead, 21-20, with 4:06 remaining in the game. On the ensuing KO, Knicely decided to field the ball as it neared the sideline around the MAD 12 yard line but he was ruled out of bounds as he touched the ball. MAD now needed to go 88 yards for what could be a game winning drive, so they went into their hurry up offense. On this drive Yates converted a 4th and 1 at the MAD 39 yard line, Yates converted a 4th and 4 at the WF 46 yard line on a QB draw, and then Yates had to scramble under heavy pressure but found Knicely who out leaped the WF defender at the WF six yard line with about 1:45 to play. After a holding penalty pushed MAD back to their 15 yard line Yates scored on a 15 yard run to give MAD a 26-21 lead with 1:22 to play (Knicely's 2XP run attempt was stopped short). WF had one final chance to go 70 yards for a winning score, but an INC pass, a sack, and another INC pass resulted in a 4th down and WF needing about 28 yards to get a first down. The pass to Duda came up two yards short and MAD took over and went into victory formation.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I won't be posting scores the remainder of the season.

Good luck to all the teams come playoff time!

There is a game that has been pushed to Mon. I'll adjust the results after the game.

Congratulations to VirginiaGreat08 and edwinanderson2nd for winning this week's Pick em!

VirginiaGreat08 25 Cl
edwinanderson2nd 25 Cl
mike salem 23 Cl
DinwiddieProud 23 Cl
BleedingNavy 23 Cl
CHUKNOW 23 Cl
General172011 23 Cl
salemfan32 23 Cl
BoKnowsSports 23 Ce
ArcticBuc 23 Ce
Scalvinscaliwag 23 Ce
freeatlast2013 22 Cl
Bfootball08 22 Cl
cutnjump 22 Ce
MrSir#5 21 Ce
tylerrossfc10 21 Ce
lyhsports 21 Ce
CavsGrad 20 Cl
pizzzzza 20 Cl
gladiators01 19 Ce
Shruikan 19 Ce
SFUWO 19 Cl
Virginia HS Football Fan 18 Ce
Gunz41 18 Ce
OCBoy 18 Cl
m-squared 17 Ce
BullRun66 17 Cl
FoxesPride 16 Ce

freeatlast2013 141 Cl
BoKnowsSports 139 Ce
gladiators01 138 Ce
DinwiddieProud 137 Cl
salemfan32 136 Cl
SFUWO 134 Cl
cutnjump 134 Ce
lyhsports 134 Ce
mike salem 133 Cl
Bfootball08 133 Cl
tylerrossfc10 133 Ce
MrSir#5 133 Ce
Shruikan 132 Ce
BleedingNavy 130 Cl
General172011 129 Cl
edwinanderson2nd 129 Cl
Gunz41 129 Ce
Scalvinscaliwag 129 Ce
ArcticBuc 126 Ce
BullRun66 125 Cl
CHUKNOW 125 Cl
CavsGrad 124 Cl
pizzzzza 124 Cl
FoxesPride 124 Ce
VirginiaGreat08 121 Cl
m-squared 119 Ce
Virginia HS Football Fan 118 Ce
OCBoy 116 Cl