I'm not sure it's quite as jam packed with contenders as last year, but it's not far. Real quick thoughts on a few I'm considering:
Bird, Highland Springs and Hermitage are looking like they will again be the teams in Richmond, regardless of class, and right now I see whomever comes out of that third round game as the favorite for a state title.
Tuscarora hasn't really missed a beat, but Broad Run looks like they might be feeling a return to a state title game.
After those five teams (who are my current favorites) we have some interesting teams.
Salem fought Ocean Lakes harder than we might have expected and Norview got exposed a little bit by Highland Springs. I expect one of them to find a spot in the final four, but I'm not as sure it is Norview as I might have thought before this weekend's games.
Atlee probably made a good decision hopping over to 5A North. I see them as a top three team there rather than being behind the trio of stud teams in Richmond area.
Henrico also made a statement this week. I see them as the spoiler in Richmond.
Massaponax is once again looking like a factor in the North.
We might be writing off Briar Woods after an 0-2 start, but Briar Woods played well against really good teams. I wouldn't want to run into them as 14 seed in the playoffs.
Two old standard names, we haven't heard as much from since the new format took hold had big wins. Hampton and Stone Bridge. It would be fun to see them contending. North Stafford, Brooke Point and Varina are worth watching. Freeman is 2-0 out of the gate, as is Mountain View, but I've still got to wait and see on them.
Indian River???????
Matoaca scoring lots of points, must find a defense.
Bird, Highland Springs and Hermitage are looking like they will again be the teams in Richmond, regardless of class, and right now I see whomever comes out of that third round game as the favorite for a state title.
Tuscarora hasn't really missed a beat, but Broad Run looks like they might be feeling a return to a state title game.
After those five teams (who are my current favorites) we have some interesting teams.
Salem fought Ocean Lakes harder than we might have expected and Norview got exposed a little bit by Highland Springs. I expect one of them to find a spot in the final four, but I'm not as sure it is Norview as I might have thought before this weekend's games.
Atlee probably made a good decision hopping over to 5A North. I see them as a top three team there rather than being behind the trio of stud teams in Richmond area.
Henrico also made a statement this week. I see them as the spoiler in Richmond.
Massaponax is once again looking like a factor in the North.
We might be writing off Briar Woods after an 0-2 start, but Briar Woods played well against really good teams. I wouldn't want to run into them as 14 seed in the playoffs.
Two old standard names, we haven't heard as much from since the new format took hold had big wins. Hampton and Stone Bridge. It would be fun to see them contending. North Stafford, Brooke Point and Varina are worth watching. Freeman is 2-0 out of the gate, as is Mountain View, but I've still got to wait and see on them.
Indian River???????
Matoaca scoring lots of points, must find a defense.
