Looks like two 40 point blow outs in store for next week end . Watched the quarter finals and looks like Maroon and Red finals once again ? Anyone ?
1A Semi Finals
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Riverheads will beat either by 50, Galax weak this year, PM had no offense at all today, they didn’t try nothing different, left all the speed on the sidelines while they try to run up the middle 50 times.
The weak Galax team held the big back to 18 yards rushing and PM to something like 88 yards of offense ....yeah they weak
I agree both should be massive blowouts in favor of RH and Galax. Galax may struggle early simply due to Holston coming with everything they've got. But once Galax lays into them that will fade. But imo it's really doesn't matter RH is 50+ better than anyone else. If anyone gives them a game they will need a perfect game and for RH to have a terrible game.
I dont see Galax blowing Holston out especially if the offense plays like they did today. They really need to clean up the mistakes and I seriously doubt anyone gives big red a game.
The whole state of Virginia new he was getting the ball every play, he was getting hit as soon as he got the ball, they wasn’t even worried about no one else touching the ball, you mix it up with that speed sitting on the sideline and anything can happen.
Way too much credit to a team that hasn’t earned it yet. This Gladiator team isn’t like some of the previous ones and I don’t mean that in a good way. There are definitely things that can be exploited but most teams haven’t scratched at that this year. Three fairly diverse offenses left with Essex, Holston and Galax all able to play a few different styles of needed. I like that all three can play a power run game or spread and throw it around. This may be the end of the streak if some mistakes from last night aren’t ironed out.
According to the stats PM had 42 plays and it was 50/50. They ran it 21 times and passed it 21 times. Galax defense dominated this game.
They sure did, we left our qb back there with no backside blocking all day just run and throw it, Galax had a good game plan and PM tried to do what they been doing.
You are right they are no where as good as what they have been, but what they are facing isn’t no where as good also. Riverheads by 50
Lol you don’t want to try an outspeed Galax. GW. Tried that twice and have as much speed or more as anyone in 1A. PM did what they was successful with all year, everyone knew it was coming the past two weeks as well. Galax just won the line of scrimmage today. Pm defense played extremely well today ,just no one talks about how good Galax Defense is.
Although yes RH is 4 tds better than anyone else this year . They are impressive as they can now throw when they want successfully instead of when needed in the past
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I agree if they play like they did today it'll be a game. But I just don't see Holston in the game for long RR have them all they wanted. I know that's one game but imo Galax is just way to much for Holston. I could be wrong wouldn't be the 1st time but I just think this one should be a walk for Galax. If it's not I think Galax is for some reason really off at this point.
I can see your point I do but there isn't a team left that can stop RH offense. Essex make way to many mistakes and turns it over way way to much when it counts. Galax is good really good when they are clicking but Dixon is gone and imo so is the killer instinct and the damn near mistake free execution is as well. Holston is undefeated and have made most teams they've played look bad. It's Holstons D that has carried them this far yes the O has scored a far bit and the QB is legit. But they have also struggled with teams that they definitely shouldn't have. ES 21-12 RR21-14 if those 2 are within 9 and 7 points even on off nights then Holston isn't within 35 of Galax and aren't within 60 of RH. I look at it like this if Holston, Essex or Galax was playing SD who would you pick? What about LB or BG would you honestly pick any of the 3 to win? I wouldn't Galax vs BG good game goes either way probably the same with Essex. I just feel RH is on a completely different level than any other 1A team that's just what my limited knowledge of football tells me. Give me Big Red over the field by 7+ scores without much trouble.
Idk man RH imo is as good as many of the teams they've had and maybe a little better. I haven't seen anyone come close to stopping CCC or the run game in general. And God forbid they want to throw the ball it's almost always WIDE OPEN. But I do agree RH by many points over the second best in 1A. And I'm not saying that to be mean or talk down anyone I think RH would win 2A and could beat alot of the 3A playoff teams.
Yeah don't try to get the edge on Galax it's not there. Those DE and LBs post attention and are quick. As you said GW wasn't slow by any means anyone who touched it could able score from anywhere. But Galax made us look foolish our speed broke away on maybe 6-7 plays between both games. Other than that nope not available and we didn't have the ass to out physical Galax. That's why I think Holston is done next Saturday they won't out speed them and be damned they will not out physical them. They have some hogs in the trenches and they move things around.
As an outsider looking in. I was impressed and disappointed in Galax today.
First defense -I just read in the Roanoke times that Parry Mccluer had three first downs the whole game- and Two of those came from pass interference penalties !! Holy hell against PM and they was massive across the line. The RB had 22 yards and held PM to 80 yards total offense and 53 of that was one play due to a missed tackle .that is impressive against a team that ran through most they played besides RH and I don’t think RH held them to that kind of yardage.
The other thing that impressed me was Galax lines the O line was impressive .PM defense was huge and their lines on both sides was twice the size of Galax . Heck one of linebackers wore the number 75 and was every bit of 250 . And their D End 55 was even bigger and Galax still gained close to 300 yards against them on the ground .
Now the bad
play calling - Galax was clearly way faster than PM who had their heads down and hands on their hips by the start of the second quarter . Yet Galax did not try to take advantage of that . No quick pitches or tosses. Not once did they try to get their athletes out in space. Kept running between the tackles or kick the end out . Which they had success at but they put their kids in a tough situations that didn’t need to happen every play.
Passing - shew bad!!!!! The QB was off ,way off today . But the coaching staff did nothing to help him . They kept running long developing passes . They ran one quick pass and it was an TD. I’m still scratching my head on the play calling today . They did nothing to play to their strengths . Coach Allen better fix that this week or he will be sitting with the rest of us coaches in the corner watching RH and Holston play in Salem in two weeks .
If Galax plays like they are capable they win next week. If not Holston moves on to face RH .
and RH is better than they have been ,anybody that says different is just kidding themselves .
First defense -I just read in the Roanoke times that Parry Mccluer had three first downs the whole game- and Two of those came from pass interference penalties !! Holy hell against PM and they was massive across the line. The RB had 22 yards and held PM to 80 yards total offense and 53 of that was one play due to a missed tackle .that is impressive against a team that ran through most they played besides RH and I don’t think RH held them to that kind of yardage.
The other thing that impressed me was Galax lines the O line was impressive .PM defense was huge and their lines on both sides was twice the size of Galax . Heck one of linebackers wore the number 75 and was every bit of 250 . And their D End 55 was even bigger and Galax still gained close to 300 yards against them on the ground .
Now the bad
play calling - Galax was clearly way faster than PM who had their heads down and hands on their hips by the start of the second quarter . Yet Galax did not try to take advantage of that . No quick pitches or tosses. Not once did they try to get their athletes out in space. Kept running between the tackles or kick the end out . Which they had success at but they put their kids in a tough situations that didn’t need to happen every play.
Passing - shew bad!!!!! The QB was off ,way off today . But the coaching staff did nothing to help him . They kept running long developing passes . They ran one quick pass and it was an TD. I’m still scratching my head on the play calling today . They did nothing to play to their strengths . Coach Allen better fix that this week or he will be sitting with the rest of us coaches in the corner watching RH and Holston play in Salem in two weeks .
If Galax plays like they are capable they win next week. If not Holston moves on to face RH .
and RH is better than they have been ,anybody that says different is just kidding themselves .
I'm hoping the play calling is due to not having to show anymore than you have to and still get the win. Galax had success running the ball against the much bigger team and moved the ball when they were not making mistakes. Yes the QB was definitely off today and I think he was pushing because of it, with that being said this young man is one hell of a competitor and that will probably light fire in him and I agree the coaching staff should've helped him more with play calling. If Galax wants to go to Salem they will definitely need to clean up the mistakes and have better play calling, it's state semifinal and time to let it all hangout. I have faith in coach Allen to have his team prepared and have a good game plan for Holston.
I have to respectfully disagree. This RH team is not nearly as good as last year and light years away from being as good as 2016. Offensively I think there are moments when it clicks but the defense isn’t playing as well as I would expect. Having watched a pile of these teams come through, this is a good team but not the world beaters that some people make them out to be. This next game or games (if they are able to win) will tell us whether they have truly gotten better each week and are worthy of raising the trophy. Championships arent won on paper but with execution on the field.
I can assure you that Coach Jones will have a game plan for Saturday that puts his players in a position to be successful. Anyone overlooking this week is foolish or haven’t paid attention to what Essex brings year after year.
I will put it out that that the same thing can be said about the other side of the bracket with Holston and Galax. There are a ton of people saying that Galax is a heavy favorite but my eyes have watched a good Holston team that can compete with anyone and win the whole thing. I have seen someone post that this is the best team the Cavs will have played which may be true. It could be that this is the best 1A team Galax has played as well. All the cards on the table I think Galax likely wins but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Holston shock the Tide.
It will surprise me if Coach Jones doesn't throw the ball 30 times. Essex has team speed on the outside, but will have tons of trouble against a team that is smashmouth. Their o-line and d-lines are not very big but quick.Riverheads will run their 4-3 defense and play cover 3 and do just fine.
I have no doubt this will be the best 1A team Galax has seen this year but I feel like they have seen better teams from the higher divisions
This MAY be the best 1A team they play , but that’s why Galax and RH play the Glenvar, Northsides , Lord Botetots and Grahams of the world. To get better and prepare for the post season.
As Narrows can attest it’s great to go undefeated against a bunch of 1A peer competition , but it doesn’t help get you ready for the post season
As Narrows can attest it’s great to go undefeated against a bunch of 1A peer competition , but it doesn’t help get you ready for the post season
I am intrigued by all the differences in opinion about Riverheads and how this team compares to teams from the past. So I will throw my two cents out there.......
First of all, if we have ever had a running back better than Triple C, I don't remember him. His abilities to run over people, find the holes, stop on a dime and re-direct himself, etc. are simply incredible and it is the type thing you can't coach. Not that I am downplaying the coaches and taking away the credit they richly deserve, but a lot of what he does is instinct.
But the most amazing thing about him is his youth. If he were showing that degree of talent as a senior, it would be impressive, but he is only a sophomore! So yes we have had Logan Moore, Harrison Schaefer, and most recently Zac Smiley, and they were all terrific, but I don't remember any of them being that dominant at that young an age.
Then if you add in the talents of at least three other running backs (Burton, Bryant and Miller), you have that much more for the opposing defenses to try and stop. Any one of those three can also score from anywhere on the field and have done so during their careers. So any team that devises a game plan to stop Triple C will get burned by one or more of the other three. Not only that but there are probably half a dozen other running backs on the squad who would get more PT if the Gladiators were not so deep at the position.
Then there is the passing game. Obviously the Big Red does not use it much for obvious reasons but when they do throw the ball, it generally comes as a surprise and that is why it works so well. One local paper printed stats throughout the season and Bennett Dunlap had the only completion percentage over 60% of any QB in the area. The long pass to Triple C that opened the scoring at Lord Botetourt was a thing of beauty.
Speaking of the LB game, that makes for a nice transition into a discussion about the Big Red defense. To criticize THAT side of Riverheads' game REALLY astounds me. Yes I know that LB scored 38 on them and might have scored more if not for that key injury. But that is LB, a team with a rich tradition playing two classifications higher and playing at home. You really cannot compare that game to the rest of the Gladiators' schedule.
But if you look at the RHS defense in its other 10 games (obviously we can't count the WC forfeit as an actual game played), I believe I am correct that the first-string defense shut out 8 of those 10 teams in the first half, and in most cases, those teams did not score at all until the Gladiators had put the game away and had subs on the field. And of course three teams (PM and BG twice) failed to score at all. I think I am correct that only SD and LB scored against the first string defense.
I am not a defensive whiz at all but when you turn a game around like they did with the first SD game and when you hold a quality team (the Bison) scoreless for eight quarters, you are doing something VERY right on that side of the ball. By the way, to help prepare for this post I reviewed some past seasons. In 1975, before most of you were born, the Big Red opened the season with three straight shut-outs and only one team during the regular season scored more than one TD on that defense.
So could that have been the best RHS team ever or at least the best defensive team ever? Who can say? And before any Warrior fans chime in, yes I know that Chilhowie took us out 25-7 in the regionals, but we have made our amends for that one!
Is the 2021 version the best team in RHS history? Maybe so, maybe not. But the most logical answer to that question is to say that there IS no right answer. Maybe you can compare it to a beauty pageant. The little honey that captures the county fair crown one year might be by far the prettiest one on the stage that particular night, but since everybody is focused on her at that moment, it is easy to forget that there may or may not have been others on the same stage in the past that would have made her look average at best.
First of all, if we have ever had a running back better than Triple C, I don't remember him. His abilities to run over people, find the holes, stop on a dime and re-direct himself, etc. are simply incredible and it is the type thing you can't coach. Not that I am downplaying the coaches and taking away the credit they richly deserve, but a lot of what he does is instinct.
But the most amazing thing about him is his youth. If he were showing that degree of talent as a senior, it would be impressive, but he is only a sophomore! So yes we have had Logan Moore, Harrison Schaefer, and most recently Zac Smiley, and they were all terrific, but I don't remember any of them being that dominant at that young an age.
Then if you add in the talents of at least three other running backs (Burton, Bryant and Miller), you have that much more for the opposing defenses to try and stop. Any one of those three can also score from anywhere on the field and have done so during their careers. So any team that devises a game plan to stop Triple C will get burned by one or more of the other three. Not only that but there are probably half a dozen other running backs on the squad who would get more PT if the Gladiators were not so deep at the position.
Then there is the passing game. Obviously the Big Red does not use it much for obvious reasons but when they do throw the ball, it generally comes as a surprise and that is why it works so well. One local paper printed stats throughout the season and Bennett Dunlap had the only completion percentage over 60% of any QB in the area. The long pass to Triple C that opened the scoring at Lord Botetourt was a thing of beauty.
Speaking of the LB game, that makes for a nice transition into a discussion about the Big Red defense. To criticize THAT side of Riverheads' game REALLY astounds me. Yes I know that LB scored 38 on them and might have scored more if not for that key injury. But that is LB, a team with a rich tradition playing two classifications higher and playing at home. You really cannot compare that game to the rest of the Gladiators' schedule.
But if you look at the RHS defense in its other 10 games (obviously we can't count the WC forfeit as an actual game played), I believe I am correct that the first-string defense shut out 8 of those 10 teams in the first half, and in most cases, those teams did not score at all until the Gladiators had put the game away and had subs on the field. And of course three teams (PM and BG twice) failed to score at all. I think I am correct that only SD and LB scored against the first string defense.
I am not a defensive whiz at all but when you turn a game around like they did with the first SD game and when you hold a quality team (the Bison) scoreless for eight quarters, you are doing something VERY right on that side of the ball. By the way, to help prepare for this post I reviewed some past seasons. In 1975, before most of you were born, the Big Red opened the season with three straight shut-outs and only one team during the regular season scored more than one TD on that defense.
So could that have been the best RHS team ever or at least the best defensive team ever? Who can say? And before any Warrior fans chime in, yes I know that Chilhowie took us out 25-7 in the regionals, but we have made our amends for that one!
Is the 2021 version the best team in RHS history? Maybe so, maybe not. But the most logical answer to that question is to say that there IS no right answer. Maybe you can compare it to a beauty pageant. The little honey that captures the county fair crown one year might be by far the prettiest one on the stage that particular night, but since everybody is focused on her at that moment, it is easy to forget that there may or may not have been others on the same stage in the past that would have made her look average at best.
I couldn't agree more. Someone said the other night that KW beating Nottoway so bad the other night, wouldn't help them for the next round. But,KW scheduled 3A and 4A schools this year, so when they played Nottoway, they were more than prepared. Nottoway was undefeated, but hadn't played anyone. While KW was their toughest opponent of the year, KW had already seen 4 or 5 teams that were better or just as good as them. It definitely pays off to have a difficult schedule when you get to this time of year, because it makes your team battle tested and prepared
I agree with most of the points made but my eyes says this team isn’t as good as last year or at least the D isn’t. I will stand by that regardless of who we have played this year and the game scores as indicated. There have been several starting combinations on the defensive side. Every team still in it have made moves throughout the season but it’s been a little different this year in my opinion.
Defensively we are not as good, we lost two studs early in the season in MLB JC Hagy and DL John Wood, both were lost for the year. Im impressed with how well the defense has played without them but its hard to lose those guys and play at the same level defensively.
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