Everyone has brought some good points to the table and honestly Matoaca's ability to throw it bothers me. The Warriors are a fighting for a top seed in their region and could very well be headed for a final four match up with Maury. Yes, they are a quality ball club with talent and Dinwiddie has stumbled at times with youthful mistakes. The experts will ask can Dinwiddie stop the Matoaca offense and will Dinwiddie be able to run against Matoaca's fantastic defensive line.
For once I will break my humble character and say "hell yes"! This young Dinwiddie team played one tough schedule, has taken their lumps, and lost a few quality players a long the way, but not once have they showed any signs of being intimidated. In week one they scored first on Glenville and fought hard against an all star team from Cleveland. Against the best team in Virginia, Maury they once again went toe to toe and gave the Commodores quite a scare. Against Dale they just pissed away numerous drives with six turnovers and stupid penalties. Three losses to two higher class and undefeated teams and the Class 4 Ohio State Champion. Look it up I told everyone we would be 7-3 in the regular season. Guess what?
Coach Billy Mills is 13-4 against our across the Appomattox River rival and the Generals haven't lost to Matoaca since 2015. The last time Dinwiddie went on the road in the playoffs was in 2019 and I just don't see this talented and tested team letting it happen in the first round this year. Simply stated that will be eight straight losses for Matoaca.
Instead of asking how Dinwiddie will stop Matoaca people need to start asking how can Matoaca stop Dinwiddie's offense that averages 42 points, 250 yards rushing, and 125 yards passing per game. Dalton, Tucker, Johnson are imposing their will in the running game and a new stud receiver Bowles has come to the forefront in the passing of game. Dalton is healthy now and the o line is playing well. If needed #6 will call his own number and take over the game. His numbers are down for a reason. Matoaca's defense is good, but they ain't that good!
Defensively, Dinwiddie can and will stop the Warrior rushing game. Matoaca will have to throw to match scores and even if they do their quarterback will face a very good pass rush (28 team sacks) led by #18 McDowell. Yes, the very young Dinwiddie safeties make some errors, but they also have 18 interceptions and four pick sixes.
Matoaca can and will score; however, they will not score enough to beat Dinwiddie. If I have to eat crow I like mine fried with hot sauce.
@mbonape1, I know you have been waiting on a response like this for years. You got it and although this take was uncomfortable it needed to be done. The Generals march begins Friday night and we are coming to a town near you. Hopefully, we will be fox hunting in a few weeks.
