Adversity And NN Has Prepared Essex Well For Riverheads

[trutiger16]

Since last year"s lost to Riverheads this Essex team has had to fight through adversity and the toughest overall district in 1a. With all that said this maybe Essex's best coaching job ever, they had to handle the lost to Franklin and Northumberland then rebounded with great adjustments, they had to overcome numerous injuries and criticisms, there dominance of the NND was challenged almost weekly.

This team should give Riverheads fits they have the ability to run multiple sets and for the first time since I can remember if they don't turn the ball over could wear the Riverheads down. I question the conditioning of Riverheads since they have so many blowout wins and starters not having to play 4 quarters of ball and having that round 1 bye, Essex may be able wear them down. Essex will arrive in Greenville very focus and mentally tougher than ever thanks to adversity they have battled through since the last meeting between these two programs.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

Should be another good game. Funny how so many were taking about the demise of Essex. Couple of things you don’t do; poke at a sleeping dog, piss in the wind, or count out Essex when it comes playoff time.

 

[peck_7]

Essex can beat Riverheads. I just worry essex will get in essexs way.

 

[Mike777VSP]

Essex can beat Riverheads. I just worry essex will get in essexs way.

I haven’t seen Essex play, and you are correct, ANYTHING can happen. I am a PM fan and I went to watch Riverheads on a couple of occasions when PM had a bye or was away and RH played at home, Greenville is only 20 miles up I-81, to the post above, YES they had “quite a few” blow outs, but this Riverheads team is a machine. I love to watch them play. And the thing about them that I love is their “3rd team” can play just as well as their starters. It is ingrained in these athletes from Little League, to JV, then Varsity. I think this will be a competitive game, and Essex can win, but in my opinion, they will have to play a perfect game, and I agree with your assessment, Essex cannot beat themselves and Riverheads. Nothing against Chillhowie or Galax, but this is the State Championship game, in my mind, and I just hope I can get a front row position along the fence to see it. Good luck to both schools for making it this far, and would love to see a BEAUTIFUL clear day and an AWESOME football game!

 

[longtimerhsfan]

I think the boat has sailed on that "beautiful clear day" because the rain chance on TV is now up to 70% and the newspaper today says "afternoon rain" for Saturday.

 

[trutiger16]

I think the boat has sailed on that "beautiful clear day" because the rain chance on TV is now up to 70% and the newspaper today says "afternoon rain" for Saturday.

Essex has played in some nasty conditions all season they should easily adjust. Once again i see this as benefit for them, even through Riverheads plays with a road grader style. Whomever wins the turnover battle and time of possession goes to Salem.

 

[woodlayer#952002]

Essex has played in some nasty conditions all season they should easily adjust. Once again i see this as benefit for them, even through Riverheads plays with a road grader style. Whomever wins the turnover battle and time of possession goes to Salem.

Riverhead has to much depth they are going to do Essex the same way essex did Northampton in the first round wear them down in the second half im looking forward to the red team winning big maybe 56 to 24 it wont be close for long riverhead roster is to deep and has more quality players

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

Riverhead has to much depth they are going to do Essex the same way essex did Northampton in the first round wear them down in the second half im looking forward to the red team winning big maybe 56 to 24 it wont be close for long riverhead roster is to deep and has more quality players

I hope your right about Riverheads winning but dont see them putting 56 on Essex. There defense is too good to allow that. We only put up 17 last year. With both teams being heavy run oriented I look for a low scoring game that could go either way.

 

[Flexable]

I haven’t seen Essex play, and you are correct, ANYTHING can happen. I am a PM fan and I went to watch Riverheads on a couple of occasions when PM had a bye or was away and RH played at home, Greenville is only 20 miles up I-81, to the post above, YES they had “quite a few” blow outs, but this Riverheads team is a machine. I love to watch them play. And the thing about them that I love is their “3rd team” can play just as well as their starters. It is ingrained in these athletes from Little League, to JV, then Varsity. I think this will be a competitive game, and Essex can win, but in my opinion, they will have to play a perfect game, and I agree with your assessment, Essex cannot beat themselves and Riverheads. Nothing against Chillhowie or Galax, but this is the State Championship game, in my mind, and I just hope I can get a front row position along the fence to see it. Good luck to both schools for making it this far, and would love to see a BEAUTIFUL clear day and an AWESOME football game!

I respect your opinion but I think Galax and possibly Chilhowie are better than Essex. Riverheads will roll Essex and then I look for Galax to give them a game. I hear all the hype about Chilhowie but I am not convinced. I thought those people knew what they were talking about last year and look what happened. I do not think Galax will beat Riverheads but I think they will keep the game within 2 TDs going into the 4th quarter. Essex may surprise me though and I will be the first to admit I was wrong if they do, but Riverheads is very good for 1A.

 

[trutiger16]

Should be another good game. Funny how so many were taking about the demise of Essex. Couple of things you don’t do; poke at a sleeping dog, piss in the wind, or count out Essex when it comes playoff time.

Riverhead has to much depth they are going to do Essex the same way essex did Northampton in the first round wear them down in the second half im looking forward to the red team winning big maybe 56 to 24 it wont be close for long riverhead roster is to deep and has more quality players

Riverheads is the more discipline TEAM, im not sold on Riverheads backups , Essex has to be within 1 score or leading in the 4th quarter to have a shot. Riverheads has not been challenged this year no matter what remember these are kids. Essex is very familiar what Riverheads system brings. As i mentioned this year maybe Essex best coaching job by that staff. Wing - T Vs Wing -T. The only thing for sure is Greenville will be rocking Saturday.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

Riverheads is the more discipline TEAM, im not sold on Riverheads backups , Essex has to be within 1 score or leading in the 4th quarter to have a shot. Riverheads has not been challenged this year no matter what remember these are kids. Essex is very familiar what Riverheads system brings. As i mentioned this year maybe Essex best coaching job by that staff. Wing - T Vs Wing -T. The only thing for sure is Greenville will be rocking Saturday.

Riverheads lost 28-0 to ER. I think thats more than challenged.

 

[Footballcrazy12]

Rivheads is a really good football team,but I think Essex will get them this year. Essex will over power them. I also think Galax will beat any of them.

 

[RappriverEHS]

Essex being the underdog all year will definitely provide the Trojans will a lot of motivation. Riverheads is expected to win it this year. Essex wasn't even suppose to get this far. Essex has nothing to lose while riverheads has everything.

 

[Gunz41]

Riverheads lost 28-0 to ER. I think thats more than challenged.

I'm guessing he meant in a close game going into 4th quarter, and the ER game was 28-0 going into 4th. I cant remember, was the RH/CW game close in 4th?

 

[THEGOATFROMJMU]

Galax have some stud seniors that will carry them like 2015?

 

[Pointer09]

RH is just as good if not better than last year. Essex is not as good as they were last year. Yes I have seen them play. RH 35 Essex 13

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

IF Riverheads wins I see less than a 10 point advantage. Not sure who is blowing all the smoke about better than last year but as a fan I question it. Essex may not be better than last year either but it truthfully doesn’t matter. 48 minutes after that first kick we will know. As for the weather, I don’t think either gains an advantage in slop. If it’s as bad as it looks to be then I could see a 10-8 game or some such foolishness. Anyway I don’t think either team will win by a large margin.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

I'm guessing he meant in a close game going into 4th quarter, and the ER game was 28-0 going into 4th. I cant remember, was the RH/CW game close in 4th?

I think it was like 35-13 in the 4th and CW scored a late td to make final 35-19.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

If there is one advantage I see Riverheads having in this game is Essex has only been running that offense for half the season and I would think would still have some kinks to iron out. Wing T is a lot more complex than it looks but thats just my opinion.

 

[Gunz41]

I think it was like 35-13 in the 4th and CW scored a late td to make final 35-19.

So they really haven't been in a real tester all year. That could be what he was referring to. No game has really been undecided in the 4th

 

[Baseball215]

The wing t has been tried in the Shenandoah by just about every team what’s the old saying if you can’t beat them join them now I think some of those teams have went away from it because it’s not that easy to run. Will be interesting to see how fast Essex’s gets ball out of backfield

 

[Xcross]

There is the Wing , Single Wing , Double Wing , and The Casto Wing . Stop the Casto Wing and you have a good chance to win . Not sure of what the difference is other than the final score ! Go Big Red !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kwhs95fan]

Essex runs a direct snap double wing. Those who remember the King William teams from the mid 70s to 2007, will know how it looks. Roger Brookes put King William football on the map with his version of the double wing. I'm a huge fan of the Casto wing too. Lol. Of all of my years playing, being a fan, and coaching, his teams are the most fundamentally sound teams that I've seen. They are just a well oiled machine. The key for Essex will be to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The key player in my opinion is defensive tackle AJ Crabbe. At 6'1 370 pounds, he is impossible to move and he is very athletic as well. If he can clog up the middle and force havoc in the backfield, then Essex will be in the game all day. With the chance of rain and muddy fields again, I think this game could resemble last years game, score wise. As in any big game, it will come down to turnovers and penalties. Of the four teams remaining, Riverheads is the favorite, until proven otherwise, but I would not be surprised to see any of the 4 hoisting the trophy on December 8th.

 

[Bama1985]

There is the Wing , Single Wing , Double Wing , and The Casto Wing . Stop the Casto Wing and you have a good chance to win . Not sure of what the difference is other than the final score ! Go Big Red !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

u forgot one xcross the chicken wing, someone said they seen u in the Staunton CHRISTMAS parade, u was on the float with santa claus, jer likes chicken wings, let him know if want some wings instead of pizza

 

[trutiger16]

In addition to the wing t Essex has the ability to run mutiple sets such as spread etc. I wouldnt be surprised to see Essex lineup and switch formations ( pre- snap). This may cause some confusement with the Riverheads defense since assignments would be required of Wing- T formations. Either way with the probability of that happening it gives the coaching staff and players of Riverheads a ton to prepare for.

 

[Bama1985]

does anyone know how many players Essex lost from last years team, I watched last years game last night, it was a very physical game, they were very big up front and had some speed, this game Saturday will be a great game with 2 great running attack teams, calling for rain, so the team with the least turn overs will win, it will be a close game, hopefully same outcome from last years game GO BIG RED

 

[trutiger16]

does anyone know how many players Essex lost from last years team, I watched last years game last night, it was a very physical game, they were very big up front and had some speed, this game Saturday will be a great game with 2 great running attack teams, calling for rain, so the team with the least turn overs will win, it will be a close game, hopefully same outcome from last years game GO BIG RED

Its going to be hell in the trenches Saturday !

 

[kwhs95fan]

Not sure of the number of players they lost total, but I know they lost some of their skill guys like #4 Tim Johnson, but most of their line is back, led by Crabbe, Ellis and Gray. I know they lost a couple of their really good linebackers also, but their names escape me at the moment.

 

[Xcross]

u forgot one xcross the chicken wing, someone said they seen u in the Staunton CHRISTMAS parade, u was on the float with santa claus, jer likes chicken wings, let him know if want some wings instead of pizza

I was in the parade ! Driving my tractor . Might have to work on Sat. so prob. will see you Sunday .

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

So Essex is running Wing T concepts, Double Wing, Spread, and I assume some Wildcat with Dameron still? Damn, that’s hard to prepare for. Especially if they shift pre-snap from one to another.

 

[trutiger16]

So Essex is running Wing T concepts, Double Wing, Spread, and I assume some Wildcat with Dameron still? Damn, that’s hard to prepare for. Especially if they shift pre-snap from one to another.

Chess match for sure !

 

[Xcross]

Lets see , so it's 24 left , 24 right and 24 up the middle ! Who ya gona call ? Trojan busters , lol . Should be a great contest !

 

[Bama1985]

I was in the parade ! Driving my tractor . Might have to work on Sat. so prob. will see you Sunday .

where at on sunday, do u want to meet jerry up for lunch, it will be first of the month so he will have a little bit of money, and he can save his change

 

[uvacavs1]

On one of these threads a few folks said that the Region A representative, Essex, was not as good as the top teams from Regions C or D.

It is a new year so it's possible.

Essex has played many Region B, C, and D teams since 2012 (many now 2A). Essex has only lost to the State Champions (Goochland, Altavista with Thornhill, Galax with Spulin - who defeated that other team that has defeated Essex, Riverheads.

Essex has defeated (usually destroyed) all other teams from Regions B, C, and D.

These teams include Parry McCluer, Fort Chiswell, John Battle, Central - Woodstock, East Rockingham, Central Lunenburg, Luray, John Battle, William Cambell and so on.

These were years when these teams were really good.

Go back to 2009 to include Radford and Gretna.

Take from history what you will....

 

[RappriverEHS]

Essex would do just fine in Regions C and D as well as a few other region a teams. Galax is the only team I have respect for from those 2 region's. Chilhowie will have to prove it this year or they are just another team getting to the state championship by benefiting from a weak region.

 

[trutiger16]

Essex would do just fine in Regions C and D as well as a few other region a teams. Galax is the only team I have respect for from those 2 region's. Chilhowie will have to prove it this year or they are just another team getting to the state championship by benefiting from a weak region.

There are no consistent perennial playoff teams out west except Galax. Chilhowie is in desparation mode to get it done it will be awhile before they get on the big stage again after this season.When you have multiple 0 - 10 make the playoffs thats sad.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

On one of these threads a few folks said that the Region A representative, Essex, was not as good as the top teams from Regions C or D.

It is a new year so it's possible.

Essex has played many Region B, C, and D teams since 2012 (many now 2A). Essex has only lost to the State Champions (Goochland, Altavista with Thornhill, Galax with Spulin - who defeated that other team that has defeated Essex, Riverheads.

Essex has defeated (usually destroyed) all other teams from Regions B, C, and D.

These teams include Parry McCluer, Fort Chiswell, John Battle, Central - Woodstock, East Rockingham, Central Lunenburg, Luray, John Battle, William Cambell and so on.

These were years when these teams were really good.

Go back to 2009 to include Radford and Gretna.

Take from history what you will....

Region D shouldnt be in the conversation. When was the last time a region D team won a championship? They have no room to talk.

 

[kwhs95fan]

It's definitely not all Dameron. Last week Gaines had 27 carries, Dameron 13 and Day had 12 with a few others mixed in. So its definitely not just 24.

 

[Xcross]

I feel a little sorry for # 24 this week . He will be pounded and pounded till he is sick of it . A swarm of Red bees will be relentless in stopping him . My guess is Essex will have enough penalties to amount to a Red Team score . I might be wrong and I will gladly eat a little crow if so . Go Big Red !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[uvacavs1]

It's definitely not all Dameron. Last week Gaines had 27 carries, Dameron 13 and Day had 12 with a few others mixed in. So its definitely not just 24.

Essex must ignore the massive crowd (storms may help that).

Essex must control themselves - at all times - no Unsportsmanlike penalties - I would preach that ALL week and then preach it some more - you must walk away no matter what is said or done.

Mix it up as they have been doing so they don't know when Dameron will hit them. Does Riverheads have any weak spots to exploit?

Essex always has superb athletes - someone has to be able to have speed and catch the ball - pass that thing - must spread out Riverheads......spread then pound....

Somehow get the early lead and make Riverheads play catch up - they do not know how - easier said than done I know.

Hopefully, heavy rains mess up Riverheads precision playing and gets their coaches and kids off their usual control game.

Go Coach Jones! Go NND!