I applaud your effort; it was sorely needed. This should be quite a matchup, and I don't know quite what to make of it. On the one hand, I think Blacksburg might be able to slow up that potent rushing attack just often enough to hang in the game. But then I wonder if B'burg's defensive front is strong enough to get many stops at all against SR's line. The Bruins probably have more weapons on offense, and are definitely more diverse. I tend to think this will either be one of those patented SR games of the last two years where both teams score at least in the forties (and B'burg might pull it out), or the Golden Eagles soar by a wide margin.
Either way, it's an exciting pairing. Blacksburg returning to the title game in such an unexpected way after nearly three decades is an amazing story. Staunton River standing on the threshold of a state championship in football goes beyond amazing, into the realm of the surreal. Those of you familiar with SR football over the years know what I'm talking about.
To me, it's a very compelling matchup, one that I unfortunately will miss because my wife and I will probably be walking around town and the campus prior to sitting down for the 4A game. I guess if I had to pick one to pull for, I'd lean slightly towards the Bruins as fellow district members. But I won't be the least disappointed, whichever way it goes. I hope everyone travels without incident, and both teams are injury-free.
