Since there's a passing game thread and a defense thread, why not get a running game thread going? There's a recent thread about top returning individual running backs, but let's talk about overall running games. Most of the top 4A teams are run heavy.
Salem, of course. They just plug and play their running game every year with hard-nosed runners behind a stud offensive line, and you know what to expect from them.
Lake Taylor has a stud rising junior RB (can't remember his name) and their twin veer offense is always tough to stop. They should be back in the playoff mix this year.
Sherando has one of the fastest running backs in 4A returning in senior TJ Washington. They will return an experienced offensive line, and traditionally run a hard-to-stop I formation similar to Salem's.
Jefferson Forest's rushing attack should be very formidable this year. Their wishbone triple option is always fun to watch and tough to stop, and stud rising junior FB/RB Keenan Cupit and company could have them deep in the playoffs.
Charlottesville's triple option, led by beastly rising senior Sabias Folley and expected newcomer senior QB Daimon Washington will be strong as usual, possibly their best unit yet. They should return one of their top offensive linemen from two years ago, who transferred to Meadowbrook and is now back.
Courtland's wing T attack should be back to usual form this year. They return most of their athletic offense and usually keep a stud FB, which gives them a three-headed attack and makes them that much tougher to contain. Their FB didn't get that many carries last year.
Woodgrove traditionally has a strong running game with a huge line, and were very young last year. Look for them to be back in the Region C mix.
There are many other 4A teams with traditionally good to great running games, but have lost some key pieces, coaches, and/or will be unproven, so I left them out. These were just the teams that came to mind first.
Salem, of course. They just plug and play their running game every year with hard-nosed runners behind a stud offensive line, and you know what to expect from them.
Lake Taylor has a stud rising junior RB (can't remember his name) and their twin veer offense is always tough to stop. They should be back in the playoff mix this year.
Sherando has one of the fastest running backs in 4A returning in senior TJ Washington. They will return an experienced offensive line, and traditionally run a hard-to-stop I formation similar to Salem's.
Jefferson Forest's rushing attack should be very formidable this year. Their wishbone triple option is always fun to watch and tough to stop, and stud rising junior FB/RB Keenan Cupit and company could have them deep in the playoffs.
Charlottesville's triple option, led by beastly rising senior Sabias Folley and expected newcomer senior QB Daimon Washington will be strong as usual, possibly their best unit yet. They should return one of their top offensive linemen from two years ago, who transferred to Meadowbrook and is now back.
Courtland's wing T attack should be back to usual form this year. They return most of their athletic offense and usually keep a stud FB, which gives them a three-headed attack and makes them that much tougher to contain. Their FB didn't get that many carries last year.
Woodgrove traditionally has a strong running game with a huge line, and were very young last year. Look for them to be back in the Region C mix.
There are many other 4A teams with traditionally good to great running games, but have lost some key pieces, coaches, and/or will be unproven, so I left them out. These were just the teams that came to mind first.
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