2017 looking like 2009 to me...

[uvacavs1]

imo, the 2017 playoffs may end up just like the 2009 Essex run.

Interesting- 2009 was Coach Jones' last season at Essex before going home for a few years. 2017 - Coach Jones returns as the Essex head Coach.

Jones has done a great job.

Essex rolled through the 1st rounds of the playoffs in 09 and 17.

We have extra game this year - Essex wins the Region title in a good one. No disrespect to Sussex, but as I said after the 1st game of the season, Essex will beat them in this next game.

If Essex can play Riverheads in Tappahannock, Essex wins in a slugfest. Just like that amazing Gretna state semis battle in 2009. That was the state title game.

If game is elsewhere in Region A, it will be a close call....

Essex goes to Salem and rolls the West team just like in 2009.

Riverheads, if the winner of A/B, would roll the West as well.

 

[MT FAN 91]

Your probably right about the West getting rolled, just curious how many teams from the West you've seen in person? Or you like me on teams from the east, you just going by what you read on here?

 

[Twobyfour]

Sussex is much improved since the first meeting as well, and added a stud talent in Amari Hill, a D1 talent if not for a knee injury that sidelined him for last 7-8 games ladt season and first 4-5 this season. Sussex is firing on all cylinders. This Sussex team is much better than last years team that was state runner up. I dont see anyone in 1A besting either of these, so this is basically the title game imo. I would like to see them cross bracket the final four. Often times the 2 best teams may be in the same region. I hate it when a state title game doesnt have the best 2 teams.

 

[SCHSTiger]

imo, the 2017 playoffs may end up just like the 2009 Essex run.

Interesting- 2009 was Coach Jones' last season at Essex before going home for a few years. 2017 - Coach Jones returns as the Essex head Coach.

Jones has done a great job.

Essex rolled through the 1st rounds of the playoffs in 09 and 17.

We have extra game this year - Essex wins the Region title in a good one. No disrespect to Sussex, but as I said after the 1st game of the season, Essex will beat them in this next game.

If Essex can play Riverheads in Tappahannock, Essex wins in a slugfest. Just like that amazing Gretna state semis battle in 2009. That was the state title game.

If game is elsewhere in Region A, it will be a close call....

Essex goes to Salem and rolls the West team just like in 2009.

Riverheads, if the winner of A/B, would roll the West as well.

When the game is over Saturday, be sure to tell Coach Jones that you wrote the comments that the Sussex players will put on the bulletin board in the locker room.

In fact, please keep the posts coming this week. Give the Tiger seniors plenty to pin on the board.

 

[NND Sports Fan]

If Essex wins Saturday they will have to play somewhere else the following week.

 

[Twobyfour]

If Essex wins Saturday they will have to play somewhere else the following week.

King Gerge again or KW?

 

[kwhs95fan]

When the game is over Saturday, be sure to tell Coach Jones that you wrote the comments that the Sussex players will put on the bulletin board in the locker room.

In fact, please keep the posts coming this week. Give the Tiger seniors plenty to pin on the board.

He's not with Essex I don't believe. But it's the regional championship game. I don't think either team will need any bulletin board material for this one though.

 

[peck_7]

Essex by 21

 

[uvacavs1]

He's not with Essex I don't believe. But it's the regional championship game. I don't think either team will need any bulletin board material for this one though.

Just returned home from from a fun family trip watching college football in North Carolina. Dang, college football is some good entertainment!

kwhs95fan is correct. I am not with Essex; however, I am with the NND and will be pulling for the Trojans and Coach Jones.

I agree that in a game of this magnitude it doesn't matter about bulletin board material. Both sides will already be fired up enough.....now you need focus and discipline.

Yes, I saw Sussex win the 1st game against Essex....I'm pretty sure I posted that same night (like 12 weeks ago) - Essex will win round two.

However, that Hill kid from Sussex is really good. Essex has a tough challenge .

 

[b.Di3_2016RU]

When the game is over Saturday, be sure to tell Coach Jones that you wrote the comments that the Sussex players will put on the bulletin board in the locker room.

In fact, please keep the posts coming this week. Give the Tiger seniors plenty to pin on the board.

If they need a quote from a message board posted to get motivation, they aren’t title contenders anyway.

 

[uvacavs1]

If Essex wins Saturday they will have to play somewhere else the following week.

Is this confirmed NND Sports Fan? (Some years, Essex football people would work their a---off bringing in seating etc. so the kids can play at home.)

Is so, how disconcerting for Essex County.

How long has this been an issue? How long have people asked for help? The powers that be that have allowed this issue to continue year after year should be ashamed of themselves.

Do you know how many people Riverheads etc. would bring to Tappahannock? All the hotels and restaurants etc. would be full. Now they will go elsewhere if this game happens not in town.

Not too mention the pride that nice facilities would give the kids and citizens of Essex County.

 

[riversportsfan]

Trojans have to take it one game at a time. I do believe they are the best team left in the playoffs, but anything can happen when good teams play each other. If they were to play Sussex, Riverheads and Galax then that would be three of the top coaches in our 1A league so they will have solid game plans. Keep up the intensity, but limit the penalties. Old saying is defense wins championships...

 

[Essex Trojan1]

Is this confirmed NND Sports Fan? (Some years, Essex football people would work their a---off bringing in seating etc. so the kids can play at home.)

Is so, how disconcerting for Essex County.

How long has this been an issue? How long have people asked for help? The powers that be that have allowed this issue to continue year after year should be ashamed of themselves.

Do you know how many people Riverheads etc. would bring to Tappahannock? All the hotels and restaurants etc. would be full. Now they will go elsewhere if this game happens not in town.

Not too mention the pride that nice facilities would give the kids and citizens of Essex County.

Before Riverheads come to Tappahannock, both Essex and Riverheads gotta take care of their opponents this week. Sussex and William Campbell darn sure not gonna roll over so it can happen

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

What that guy just said. All four of the teams in the east are legit. Any of them can compete for an potentially win the chip. Essex and RH better not overlook this weeks opponent. Good luck and hopefully all teams have injury free games.

 

[Eaglepride89]

If Essex throws the ball more, I can see them winning. Other than that, they will not roll on Sussex. It will be a close one but I will say whoever wins Region A will be in the State Championship.

 

[Optimal62]

I am curious as to what you are basing your thoughts on? I wouldn't count on just rolling over the west teams. They can be pretty pesky, lol.

 

[uvacavs1]

Before Riverheads come to Tappahannock, both Essex and Riverheads gotta take care of their opponents this week. Sussex and William Campbell darn sure not gonna roll over so it can happen

Sussex is one of the top three teams in 1A as I (and many others) have said all season and before.

I just think Essex is the better of the two especially at home.

 

[uvacavs1]

Trojans have to take it one game at a time. I do believe they are the best team left in the playoffs, but anything can happen when good teams play each other. If they were to play Sussex, Riverheads and Galax then that would be three of the top coaches in our 1A league so they will have solid game plans. Keep up the intensity, but limit the penalties. Old saying is defenses wins championships...

Agreed.

Essex is in a tough spot as I'm sure that you will agree - yes, of course, you need to take it one game at a time and I'm sure the coaches will have the players focused on the task at hand.

However, the logistics of preparing for the state semis (if allowed to host at home) is extremely tough and complex. Jones has done it. So did Fulks' and his crew. Took a ton of their attention. Still won them all.

Riverheads is a different animal than some of the others from out West.

Game needs to be played in Tappahannock. Essex earned their home field advantage.

Fight for it.....

 

[Optimal62]

I am curious as to why they would not be allowed to host the game if they are higher seeded. Is it because the facilities are to small?

 

[uvacavs1]

I am curious as to why they would not be allowed to host the game if they are higher seeded. Is it because the facilities are to small?

In the past, Essex has had to bring in seating and bathrooms to host state semis. I think Essex has taken care of it three times (lots of effort, money and time but businesses, the volunteer fire department, other local schools and caring citizens helped out ). No problems. Then someone made it an issue.

 

[Optimal62]

OK thank you for the info.

 

[Twobyfour]

It is many peoples opinions that Fort Chiswell cried about the facilties after the supposedly best 1A football team ever came to Tappahanock and got soundly beaten in the state semis. The fans ran their mouth after the game causing problems. Shortly thereafter, it was announced that should Essex ever host another semi, they would have to upgrade their facilties or play elswhwere. Of course Fort denies they cried about it. It really is a shame for the kids who earn that right

 

[Optimal62]

Grayson County had to do the same after the 91 regional championship game against Lebanon. They was over 8k showed up That is why they have so many visiting bleachers on their side now. I am surprised that Galax gets away with such a small visiting side bleachers.

 

[uvacavs1]

I am curious as to what you are basing your thoughts on? I wouldn't count on just rolling over the west teams. They can be pretty pesky, lol.

Optimal62 and MT Fan 91, sorry did not mean to sound disrespectful about the Western teams (any team past Goochland is Western to me ha). Just my opinions based on various aspects I examine when I'm interested in a program.

Again, I am not with Essex - my favorite team is out but the boys had a great year- basketball time now .

I am well aware that Galax has coach Mark Dixon and his skills. Obviously, fantastic coach in Dixon - I'm glad he stayed in 1A!

Still, he doesn't have that awesome kid Spurlin (spelling?) and recently lost the Peoples star. Even the best coaches gotta have some top talent to win at this time of the year.

Nick Saban - awesome coach at Alabama - not so good in the NFL. Could Saban do what Mendenhall has done at UVA? Maybe, maybe not. There are many examples. Altavista is a high school one...

Anyway, of course, anything can happen. Essex has not won at Salem in awhile and Galax is used to turf so who knows....

 

[Optimal62]

Optimal62 and MT Fan 91, sorry did not mean to sound disrespectful about the Western teams (any team past Goochland is Western to me ha). Just my opinions based on various aspects I examine when I'm interested in a program.

Again, I am not with Essex - my favorite team is out but the boys had a great year- basketball time now .

I am well aware that Galax has coach Mark Dixon and his skills. Obviously, fantastic coach in Dixon - I'm glad he stayed in 1A!

Still, he doesn't have that awesome kid Spurlin (spelling?) and recently lost the Peoples star. Even the best coaches gotta have some top talent to win at this time of the year.

Nick Saban - awesome coach at Alabama - not so good in the NFL. Could Saban do what Mendenhall has done at UVA? Maybe, maybe not. There are many examples. Altavista is a high school one...

Anyway, of course, anything can happen. Essex has not won at Salem in awhile and Galax is used to turf so who knows....

I didn't take it that way. No harm, I was just curious if you had seen game film on all of them and had some insight.

 

[OCBoy]

Essex hosted Galax at King George a couple years back. Galax filled the stands. What was disappointing was the support of the Essex fans. It seemed there were more Galax fans than Essex. The question is what specifically has Essex done to upgrade its facilities to host SINCE that last run?

 

[uvacavs1]

Essex hosted Galax at King George a couple years back. Galax filled the stands. What was disappointing was the support of the Essex fans. It seemed there were more Galax fans than Essex. The question is what specifically has Essex done to upgrade its facilities to host SINCE that last run?

The other threads are entertaining but a little wild... some posts are hilarious but also sad.

If you are not interested in logistics and future possibilities please move on....to some posters, just relax... no disrespect here.

It sounds like Essex may have to play elsewhere IF they win this weekend according to posters on here. You cannot just wait till the last second to plan this type of event.

King George is not at all the best place to play - way too far away, few fans can make it, way way different type of playing atmosphere and field etc.

King William is by far the best place. Much closer, Essex enjoys playing at KW, crowd will be way bigger, it is much more like a NND comfortable feel to it etc.

Hopefully, KW will let Essex play there if they must.

KW should be very friendly and join the NND anyway as it will help their student-athletes perform much better in 2A. I am sure that the KW AD, Principal and Superintendent will be happy to help out its neighbor in a time of need.

Plus, the VHSL should give KW a portion of the big gate money as an incentive and thanks for helping out others if the VHSL makes Essex not play at home.

 

[NNDman]

I don't get you saying KG is way too far away. It's about 35 miles from Tappahannock. Central Garage is about 22 miles.

 

[uvacavs1]

I don't get you saying KG is way too far away. It's about 35 miles from Tappahannock. Central Garage is about 22 miles.

Yes you are correct in geographic terms. I was thinking in terms of local fans traveling in higher numbers.

If I recall correctly, way more Essex fans and local supporters traveled to KW as KW "seems" close and easy for local folks. For some reason less people were willing to go to KG. Strange but, I think, true.

Yes, I have relatives in KG, easy trip but maybe that's not the perception for some others....

If Essex has to travel for a home game, I was thinking KW would be more like home...

Maybe it won't matter, maybe it will.

 

[HighestPoint]

I think they should just let Essex play at home. They earned home field. Bring in some portajons to ease the restroom issue. Let the fans pack it in tight and down the fence line. It's 1A football, let it get a little hostile and uncomfortable for the visitors.

Just my opinion but if the vhsl has an issue with a schools facilities, play all semifinal games at neutral sites.

 

[TrojanFan22560]

I don't get you saying KG is way too far away. It's about 35 miles from Tappahannock. Central Garage is about 22 miles.

I admit, King George does feel much farther than King William though. Hopefully IF Essex wins they can play at home and this won't matter.

 

[NND Sports Fan]

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest the VHSL's biggest issue at Essex is the fact there are no permanent barriers at the rear of both end zones.
But, folks, don't get the wrong idea. besides Essex, Rappahannock, and colonial Beach wouldn't be able to host for the same reason. W&L does have necessary fencing, but only rope off the visiting side. fans can almost reach out an touch the players on the sideline.
I would suspect Lancaster and Northumberland would be able to host but not sure if the seating capacity at either is enough

 

[WestmorelandFC]

King George also charges around or above 1K to use there facilities so Essex would have to pay them up front to use there field and hope they get the money back at the gate to cover costs.

 

[RappriverEHS]

What is the status on #1 Terrel Hundley for Essex?

 

[Twobyfour]

Yes many more local fans like myself would much rather go KW than KG. I went to the at KG and its a long ride from West Point lol

 

[uvacavs1]

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest the VHSL's biggest issue at Essex is the fact there are no permanent barriers at the rear of both end zones.
But, folks, don't get the wrong idea. besides Essex, Rappahannock, and colonial Beach wouldn't be able to host for the same reason. W&L does have necessary fencing, but only rope off the visiting side. fans can almost reach out an touch the players on the sideline.
I would suspect Lancaster and Northumberland would be able to host but not sure if the seating capacityt either is enough

You may be correct in that assessment. As another poster mentioned (2x4 I think) that the Fort Chiswell at Essex state semi final had some crowd issues. The FC people were "interesting" to say it nicely. There was not nearly enough police there that day some reason.

The crowds merged, FC was getting their a-- handed to them on the football field and they went a tad berserk. Maybe one or two Essex fans talked back and so on.

Let me say 1) I am Southern Proud - my people emigrated mostly from Ireland to the South a long time ago 2) most Western Virginians I've ever meet are awesome, friendly folks

Dang, some of those fans from FC, I thought I was in that film "Deliverance" ...

I'm sure that Riverheads or WC would be wonderful guests just like Haysi and John Battle.

Just have a strong police presence to satisfy the VHSL....normal crowd control is needed at any big event.

 

[Daddy_rabbit]

Just wondering...I was told that not only could Essex never host a state semi game, but also that the refs were all fired do to the situation. Is that true?

 

[Essex Trojan1]

Just wondering...I was told that not only could Essex never host a state semi game, but also that the refs were all fired do to the situation. Is that true?

. If Essex County powers that be upgrade what’s needed, we can host like any other school. As for refs being fired, that’s all new to me. They called a fair game. It was not their fault that some fans got rowdy. Heck, the refs had to be protected and escorted out after the game because some Ft. Chiswell fans were angry and waiting for them outside of the field house.

 

[NNDman]

The officials who worked that game came from from the Shenandoah region and never saw either team play before that day. I sincerely doubt they were fired.

 

[NND Sports Fan]

since this is a state playoff game sponsored by the VHSL I would suspect any facility usage charge would be waived or paid for by the VHSL. More the former than the latter.