the Colonels are probably not the Heavy favorites across the State as they would have been maybe two or three weeks ago. (I am basing my thoughts on the many comments from Preps, newspapers, and just talking with folks.)
Essex's wins over Colonial Beach (39-14) and Haysi (35-13), both played in the cold (rain for Haysi) have got folks rethinking the odds, I would think (making it much closer in people's minds). I would say that more would folks would still bet on AltaVista but now if you give them more than 3 or 4 points than it might switch to Essex. Personally, I think that its 50/50 who wins this big rematch (both great teams are very similar in style and make up of various aspects on the field, such as the DBs, awesome on both sides of the ball!). As others have said, it will probably come down to who causes the most turnovers. I think that Essex will do enough this time to win in Salem (but that could just be my bias and hopes sneaking in there ha). Weather should not be a factor (which is funny cause Essex has played great in the bad weather this season and is prepared for anything - we should see both squads at their best which is great.)
I enjoyed all the posts about the Title rematch below. Some great analysis there. It sounds to me like the roles have been reversed a tad. People used to talk about Essex like they do AltaVista now (including me, offense unstoppable, can score after one or two plays from anywhere on the field, etc. and it was true) Every team the last two years has tried to keep the Essex O off the field as their strategy and even if they did, it never mattered except when Essex got to Salem (Goochland & AltaVista). piz hokies was right on in his comments and Goochland made it work two years ago giving a blueprint how to beat the Trojans (then).
Lastly, I do think that many Essex fans are concerned about this one, as they should be. Yes, they know that Essex is a great team with great talent etc., are proud of them, and know that they are very capable of winning. At a Church meeting the other night, during the closing prayer the gentlemen finished with a hope for our young men to have the confidence to play to the best of their ability against a great opponent. Many local folks do consider Essex the underdogs because 1) Respectful of a great, very physical and fast Altavista with a great game plan, who has won 24 games in a row, including 21-0 vs. Essex 2) Many folks are Very Cautious indeed. Essex supporters have been overconfident the last two years and been crushed on the field (humiliated against Goochland in a few ways). Essex fans are confident in their boys but nervous when it comes to Salem. It's certainly understandable.
However, this time, I do think that Essex will get it done (with physical play, better focus, speed, size, D, great game plan and the prior Salem experiences come thru for Essex).
Of course, Altavista has all that great stuff as well...Should be a great, awesome contest with two worthy teams going at it for the prize....
This post was edited on 12/11 5:38 PM by uvacavs1
Essex's wins over Colonial Beach (39-14) and Haysi (35-13), both played in the cold (rain for Haysi) have got folks rethinking the odds, I would think (making it much closer in people's minds). I would say that more would folks would still bet on AltaVista but now if you give them more than 3 or 4 points than it might switch to Essex. Personally, I think that its 50/50 who wins this big rematch (both great teams are very similar in style and make up of various aspects on the field, such as the DBs, awesome on both sides of the ball!). As others have said, it will probably come down to who causes the most turnovers. I think that Essex will do enough this time to win in Salem (but that could just be my bias and hopes sneaking in there ha). Weather should not be a factor (which is funny cause Essex has played great in the bad weather this season and is prepared for anything - we should see both squads at their best which is great.)
I enjoyed all the posts about the Title rematch below. Some great analysis there. It sounds to me like the roles have been reversed a tad. People used to talk about Essex like they do AltaVista now (including me, offense unstoppable, can score after one or two plays from anywhere on the field, etc. and it was true) Every team the last two years has tried to keep the Essex O off the field as their strategy and even if they did, it never mattered except when Essex got to Salem (Goochland & AltaVista). piz hokies was right on in his comments and Goochland made it work two years ago giving a blueprint how to beat the Trojans (then).
Lastly, I do think that many Essex fans are concerned about this one, as they should be. Yes, they know that Essex is a great team with great talent etc., are proud of them, and know that they are very capable of winning. At a Church meeting the other night, during the closing prayer the gentlemen finished with a hope for our young men to have the confidence to play to the best of their ability against a great opponent. Many local folks do consider Essex the underdogs because 1) Respectful of a great, very physical and fast Altavista with a great game plan, who has won 24 games in a row, including 21-0 vs. Essex 2) Many folks are Very Cautious indeed. Essex supporters have been overconfident the last two years and been crushed on the field (humiliated against Goochland in a few ways). Essex fans are confident in their boys but nervous when it comes to Salem. It's certainly understandable.
However, this time, I do think that Essex will get it done (with physical play, better focus, speed, size, D, great game plan and the prior Salem experiences come thru for Essex).
Of course, Altavista has all that great stuff as well...Should be a great, awesome contest with two worthy teams going at it for the prize....
This post was edited on 12/11 5:38 PM by uvacavs1
