As far as Salem's schedule, as of right now, that week one meeting with Amherst Co. in Salem Stadium appears to be the stiffest test of the regular season, so that's probably the one I'm most anticipating. Followed by at Byrd, at Pulaski, and Northside. At the risk of sounding like an arrogant Salem fan, if Salem successfully reloads on the lines and a couple of other defensive positions, I don't see any district foe other than Pulaski being much of a threat at all. No disrespect to any team, that's just how it looks. And of course, I'll be very curious to see if Carroll Co. decides to make the trip to Salem this year. It won't surprise me if every school bus in Hillsville suddenly and mysteriously ends up in the shop that Friday.
There are a lot of games around the state I wish I could attend, like Dinwiddie-Hanover, for instance. Or Sherando-Martinsburg, along with many others. But when you follow your team, it becomes difficult to make it to any other games.
Less than two months until scrimmages begin![/QUOTE/]
Amherst and Pulaski are the two challenges. both are trying to return to their glory years but it has just not been happening for them. I like they they have a chance and I hope they put in a nice showing but let's call it as it is. Salem doesn't play anybody really good till the third round of the playoffs. If they were playing Sherando, Briar Woods, Broad Run, Massaponax, Dinwiddie, Hanover or anybody with a pulse, it's a lot easier to call their number.
Salem will easily cruise to an undefeated regular season, get a high seed and a first round bye. There will be no option but to have them as #1 in 4A all year. The games must be played and won. The Spartans have to be given credit for taking care of business. But like Powhatan of the old SouthSide, they may be given more credit than they deserve. No disrespect for what they did last year. They got it done when the time came against high quality opponents and earned their Championship. But their road to the final has very few bumps.
