@BirdFan15 what is Bird looking like this year? What's your take on the new coach? Jv players moving up to varsity etc?
Bird forecast?
- Thread starter mbonape1
- Start date
Copy and paste from Maxpreps, so take it with a grain of salt.
Date Opponent Result
8/246:00p
@ Meadowbrook (Richmond, VA)
Location: Meadowbrook High School
Preview Game
9/17:00p
@ Dale (Chester, VA)
Location: Dale High School
Preview Game
9/87:00p
Midlothian (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Bird High School
Preview Game
9/157:00p
@ James River (Midlothian, VA)
Location: James River High School
Preview Game
9/227:00p
Huguenot (Richmond, VA)
Location: Bird High School
Preview Game
10/67:00p
@ Clover Hill (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Clover Hill High School
Preview Game
10/137:00p
Manchester (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Bird High School
Preview Game
10/207:30p
@ Monacan (Richmond, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
10/277:00p
Wythe (Richmond, VA)
Location: Bird High School
Preview Game
11/37:00p
Cosby (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Bird High School
Date Opponent Result
8/246:00p
@ Meadowbrook (Richmond, VA)
Location: Meadowbrook High School
Preview Game
9/17:00p
@ Dale (Chester, VA)
Location: Dale High School
Preview Game
9/87:00p
Midlothian (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Bird High School
Preview Game
9/157:00p
@ James River (Midlothian, VA)
Location: James River High School
Preview Game
9/227:00p
Huguenot (Richmond, VA)
Location: Bird High School
Preview Game
10/67:00p
@ Clover Hill (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Clover Hill High School
Preview Game
10/137:00p
Manchester (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Bird High School
Preview Game
10/207:30p
@ Monacan (Richmond, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
10/277:00p
Wythe (Richmond, VA)
Location: Bird High School
Preview Game
11/37:00p
Cosby (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Bird High School
Eight wins are a given. Hard to believe a Bird team would ever have only eight wins, but TD and Manchester will be the only two challenges. I think they stumble and lose one or the other, but not both. 9-1
Don't be so quick to think 8-2 is not out of the question. Our friend @GilliamRatings has been saying he expects a down year and for Bird, 8-2 would be a down year, lol! Manchester and Thomas Dale I believe can take Bird down this season and I would not rule out Monacan giving the Skyhawks a challenge albeit a challenge hardly constitutes a loss.
Monacan/Bird is a question mark, sort of. Coach Henderson has some talent, and knows how to wrap his game plan around it. But Bird is Bird. The big intangible might be whether the memories of last year's game is a huge motivator for Monacan. I didn't see that game, but I heard from a knowledgeable fellow Preps member that the Chiefs flat out quit. I never thought a Jim Henderson team would ever do that.
Having said all that, 27-17 Sky Hawks. The O line can't protect Fluud.
Having said all that, 27-17 Sky Hawks. The O line can't protect Fluud.
Im not sure what to make of any of the teams south of the river. Manchester should be the best team but they have a bad habit of not showing up till 2nd half. I'm not sold on TD either. Monacan is returning a lot, the only thing I can garantee you is our QB is elite. Need to elimate the disaster plays / turnovers. Don't know what to make of Bird but they have to be somewhat down at some point. Dinwiddie has a lot but I think the path is tougher for them this year within their district and I think the loss of Tye Freeland takes away a unique threat that you can't coach. He was their trump card last year. With that being said I thought they peaked too early last year. Maybe a few scraps here and there in the reg season wouldnt be a bad thing.
Interested to see what teams like Motoaca, James River and Cosby look like. Can one of these schools emerge beyond slightly better than middle of the pack? I say maybe Motoaca and JR can.
The southside is kinda up for grabs this year more than I have seen in a long time.
If there is any team that thinks they are head and shoulder above the rest I'd say they have a false sense of security
Interested to see what teams like Motoaca, James River and Cosby look like. Can one of these schools emerge beyond slightly better than middle of the pack? I say maybe Motoaca and JR can.
The southside is kinda up for grabs this year more than I have seen in a long time.
If there is any team that thinks they are head and shoulder above the rest I'd say they have a false sense of security
I am very curious to see how James River does this year and next year. I heard from a fan just two years ago that James River was a contender waiting for the right coach. We will see if that is the case.
You opened the door so let's do it... Let's rank the teams south of the river.
Here's mine...
Dinwiddie
Manchester
LC Bird
Thomas Dale
Hopewell
Monacan
James River
Meadowbrook
Matoaca
Cosby
Manchester
Dinwiddie
LC Bird
Monacan
Thomas Dale
Matoaca
Hopewell
James River
Meadowbrook
Cosby
Dinwiddie
LC Bird
Monacan
Thomas Dale
Matoaca
Hopewell
James River
Meadowbrook
Cosby
I wrestled with Manchester/Dinwiddie as well as Monacan/Dale.
Our rankings are not far offer, position here or there.
I also wrestled with Dinwiddie and Bird just bc of style of play in a head to head match up. I do think that Dinwiddie would have a better chance of beating a larger array of opponents so I give Dinwiddie the nod. But in a head to head Dinwiddie vs Bird I'm not sure.
Not so sure Dale could score to keep pace with Monacan, but not too confident Monacan can stop the Dale ground game. We'll never find out the answer to either of those questions.
The only thing that matters is the actual potential matchups. Mon vs Man, Man vs Bird, TD vs Bird, Man vs TD, Mon vs Bird, and a potential Mon vs Dinwiddie playoff match up.
I am going to go ahead and call a potential 3-way tie in the Dominion in terms of district record. I have a feeling Bird, Mon, & Man could all have 1 district loss.
So who do you think those one losses are for each?
Manchester only way I see them taking a loss is if they overlook someone or slip up somewhere. I just think they are too good of a team this coming season.
Bird I would say the loss comes to Manchester.
Monacan is the tough one for me. Can they beat such a high powered Manchester offense? Can they overcome years of futility to Bird? Tall orders to say the last which is why I would say two losses for the Chiefs.
I think Monacan is the biggest question mark for me. I can tell you they return a lot. We had manchester in the bag last year!! I mean dead in the water. Monacan has both Manchester and Bird at home this year. Can we sneak one from Bird finally? At some point the damn has to break there. It really wouldn't stun me either way if we lost both or went 1-1 against those. As crazy as it may sound it wouldn't stun me if we beat both. If Bridy and Fludd both play defense this year, it could really sure up the secondary. It also wouldn't stun me if we went 7-3. So yeah I am all over the map
I've felt that way about Monacan for a few seasons now. You know they are going to be good but just how good can they be...
OK, I took the bait. I like defense, tradition, and speed, but my picks are not based solely on these factors. In fact, I am going with the one true commodity many of the teams on this list do not have. Have you guessed? Returning starting quarterback. Both Manchester and Monacan have legit leaders who can sling the rock. Bird, Dinwiddie, and Thomas Dale do not. What these three teams have is an abundance of talented running backs. Dale and Bird are noted for their power running games. With an inexperienced quarterback and several new receivers will Coach Mills dig deep into his history/soul and run the ball behind a sound line. Yes, mbonape1,Tye Freeland will be a big loss, but returning sophomore Jasiah Williams is quite comparable and is capable of adequately filling Freeland's shoes. Hopewell remains intriguing to me with Ronnie Walker running the ball and Greg Cuffey throwing it to a talented receiving corp. My only concern about the Blue Devils is their inability to stop running game. Due to the rough and rugged 5a Richmond region I only see two borderline playoff teams on this list and that's Matoaca and Meadowbrook. They both lost some key players, but the cupboard is not bare by any means. Gonna be a great year on the Southside.
1. Manchester
2. Monacan
3. Bird
4. Dinwiddie
5. Thomas Dale
6. James River
7. Hopewell
8. Meadowbrook
9. Matoaca
10. Cosby
One last comment. Both Dinwiddie and Monacan need to stay away from each other early in the playoffs. Would love to see this match-up for a regional final. Since 2013, Dinwiddie leads the series 3-1.
1. Manchester
2. Monacan
3. Bird
4. Dinwiddie
5. Thomas Dale
6. James River
7. Hopewell
8. Meadowbrook
9. Matoaca
10. Cosby
One last comment. Both Dinwiddie and Monacan need to stay away from each other early in the playoffs. Would love to see this match-up for a regional final. Since 2013, Dinwiddie leads the series 3-1.
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Considering Dinwiddie obliterated Monacan in the playoffs last year I am cool with staying away as long as possible. The more I look at the schedule though the more I think it could be an early round playoff game. Laf and a team from the Jefferson plus maybe even EV will more than likely go undefeated. Monacan will have to go undefeated to avoid seeing Dinwiddie early. Going undefeated is tough with Man and Bird on the schedule. Good news is we all control our own destiny at this point.
To kick off another debate I think South of the James is better all around than North of the James.
North:
Hermitage
Highland springs
Varina
Freeman
Atlee
LD
then what? Godwin, PH, Hanover, Deep Run, Tucker?
I do think HSHS and Herm are better than every team in the south except maybe Manchester and possible Dinwiddie (depending on qb play) I think the south is better 3 - 10
I would have to concur with you on the North Top 10 as not being as strong as the body of 10 in the South.
Hermitage
Highland Springs
Varina
Lee-Davis
Patrick Henry
Douglas Freeman
Henrico
Atlee
Deep Run
Mills Godwin
3-10 are questionable...
Can Varina get back to where they were?
Can Lee-Davis continue to build up?
PH has the talent but with a new coach you never know.
Douglas Freeman lost some talent to graduation, can they fill those holes?
Henrico lost their quarterback... no worries on defense but what about the offense?
Atlee I never know what to make when I undersell they overachieve, when I oversell, they underachieve. They are my enigma.
Deep Run will build on last year but how much improvement do we see?
Mills Godwin loses a playmaker in Dugger and is breaking in a new coach of their own.
Monacan Schedule
Date Opponent Result
8/257:00p
@ Hanover (Mechanicsville, VA)
Location: Hanover High School
Preview Game
8/317:30p
Glen Allen (Glen Allen, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
9/87:00p
@ Clover Hill (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Clover Hill High School
Preview Game
9/157:00p
Manchester (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
9/297:30p
Wythe (Richmond, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
10/67:30p
James River (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
10/137:30p
@ Cosby (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Cosby High School
Preview Game
10/207:30p
Bird (Chesterfield, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
10/277:00p
@ Midlothian (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Midlothian High School
Preview Game
11/37:00p
@ Huguenot (Richmond, VA)
Location: Huguenot High School
Date Opponent Result
8/257:00p
@ Hanover (Mechanicsville, VA)
Location: Hanover High School
Preview Game
8/317:30p
Glen Allen (Glen Allen, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
9/87:00p
@ Clover Hill (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Clover Hill High School
Preview Game
9/157:00p
Manchester (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
9/297:30p
Wythe (Richmond, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
10/67:30p
James River (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
10/137:30p
@ Cosby (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Cosby High School
Preview Game
10/207:30p
Bird (Chesterfield, VA)
Location: Monacan High School
Preview Game
10/277:00p
@ Midlothian (Midlothian, VA)
Location: Midlothian High School
Preview Game
11/37:00p
@ Huguenot (Richmond, VA)
Location: Huguenot High School
@DinwiddieProud i can't play this game with you again this year 
. I know how u do.. "we lost a lot from last year" weak schedule, loss to Bird. Then you defend us when playoffs roll around when teams from the Jefferson and West bash us on the board. I know your game maaan!
We are returning a lot.. what is that worth? I am not sure. I think the gap is closer this year between Mon, Man, Bird than a lot of other people think. Wouldnt be shocked if we were undefeated and wouldnt be stunned if we were 7-3.
What is you prediction on Dinwiddie.. and don't give me any of this conservative crap. What do you honestly have your reg season record at? Show us your hand already
. I know how u do.. "we lost a lot from last year" weak schedule, loss to Bird. Then you defend us when playoffs roll around when teams from the Jefferson and West bash us on the board. I know your game maaan! We are returning a lot.. what is that worth? I am not sure. I think the gap is closer this year between Mon, Man, Bird than a lot of other people think. Wouldnt be shocked if we were undefeated and wouldnt be stunned if we were 7-3.
What is you prediction on Dinwiddie.. and don't give me any of this conservative crap. What do you honestly have your reg season record at? Show us your hand already
0-10@DinwiddieProud i can't play this game with you again this year
We are returning a lot.. what is that worth? I am not sure. I think the gap is closer this year between Mon, Man, Bird than a lot of other people think. Wouldnt be shocked if we were undefeated and wouldnt be stunned if we were 7-3.
What is you prediction on Dinwiddie.. and don't give me any of this conservative crap. What do you honestly have your reg season record at? Show us your hand already
Actually, 9-1, maybe?
In response to your assertion, that's because I believe "we" local guys have the right to be critical of "our" teams. But, "we" have an obligation to defend "our" local teams from outsiders with a nefarious agenda. Don't you agree?
And honestly, at this time of the year, every team is suspect. (Dinwiddie included). This is what makes high school football so special and unique. Forget pro ball because it's a totally different animal. College ball goes out and gets the players they want. In high school, put in old car racing parlance, "you run what you brung"! You have the kids that just happen live in the neighborhood. (I started to make the joke that this is the case unless you are Salem, but I was afraid someone would think I was being serious). You simply take the hand that was dealt you and do the best you can. And it's hard to know for sure this early what "new" cards a team was dealt.
gwb16 doesn't agree with me that Heritage NN will struggle mightily this year. I base my opinion purely on the fact that they lost 43% of their team to graduation. The result is that THAT'S a whole lot of new cards to sort through.
In response to your assertion, that's because I believe "we" local guys have the right to be critical of "our" teams. But, "we" have an obligation to defend "our" local teams from outsiders with a nefarious agenda. Don't you agree?
And honestly, at this time of the year, every team is suspect. (Dinwiddie included). This is what makes high school football so special and unique. Forget pro ball because it's a totally different animal. College ball goes out and gets the players they want. In high school, put in old car racing parlance, "you run what you brung"! You have the kids that just happen live in the neighborhood. (I started to make the joke that this is the case unless you are Salem, but I was afraid someone would think I was being serious). You simply take the hand that was dealt you and do the best you can. And it's hard to know for sure this early what "new" cards a team was dealt.
gwb16 doesn't agree with me that Heritage NN will struggle mightily this year. I base my opinion purely on the fact that they lost 43% of their team to graduation. The result is that THAT'S a whole lot of new cards to sort through.
5-game stretch of Manchester, Wythe, James River, Cosby and Bird will be what makes or breaks their season. Bird and Manchester is always a battle, brother v. brother when James River comes. All three games at home so that is a plus for the Chiefs.
Was just giving you a hard time DP! Felt like poking the bear a little bit lol. You know its all love and I appreciate you defending the region and you know I do the same!
I have not really given it a whole lot of thought to be honest although that will change in the next month as I start writing previews. I'm high on the Generals but not as high as I was last year but I look at Dinwiddie sort of like I look at Bird... a down season could be 8-2, lol!
Looking at their schedule however...
Salem is the first hiccup, Spartans are not two-time defending champions for nothing. That said, it is at home and Dinwiddie nearly beat the Spartans last year so this is a toss-up game and it's early in the season so still ironing out the wrinkles.
Beyond Salem I say Thomas Dale and Hopewell could give the Generals some trouble. Hopewell I know has the offense to keep up with the Generals, just not so sure about the D.
So without any indepth analysis just yet I would say Dinwiddie will finish between between 8-2 and 10-0. Either way, by the time they get to the playoffs, the Generals will be seasoned and ready to do what they do and that is contend for a state title.
At this stage of the season, I have to second your motion. Salem at Salem, and Thomas Dale give me the most concern, too. I know Hopewell has got some talent, some extremely good talent, but as I stated before, depth could be their undoing. Teams like Dinwiddie have have few players going both ways. And in Dinwiddie's case, they have starting running backs that may not even get on the field until half way through the third period. After the half, when legs get a little tired, brand new legs usually win.
Dinwiddie has had its way with Matoaca the last few years, but trust me! Matoaca would probably rather beat Dinwiddie than go to the playoffs.
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i don't think the Henderson match up will amount to much. JR is improving, but are not on the same level as Monacan. Besides, Jim has a pretty good idea of what his brother will try to do, and have an excellent game plan ready. 35-10 Monacan.
Rats. We are at Prince George that night. You are certainly welcome to join us anyway. If we were at home, I would treat you to supper at Giueseppe's. We can certainly get together somewhere before the PG game if you can make it. Kings BBQ in Petersburg has been our typical stop when "at PG".
Speaking of PG, a buddy have mine has twins on the team. One should be the center, the other the left guard. They are really big boys and have a bright future ahead of them.
On a related note, we have taken to eating at Sibleys BBQ on Rt. 10 when we are @ Thomas Dale. They had a kitchen fire last night that will shut them down for a couple of weeks or more. Great food and gracious host to us, the enemy, when we pile in there. I wish them a speedy recovery.
You could write a handbook, guide to eating out on Friday nights before/after games.
DP come to Monacan on 9/15. Man at Monacan. That is your bye week isnt it?
I might do that. I was planning to go out toward the Martinsville area, because I have a wedding to attend out there the next day. But, this will be a premier matchup. I think I'll stay in town and come up there. Thanks.
Bleeding Navy and myself have a pretty good handle on it. (Eat your heart out Guy Fieri).
When it comes to eating in Richmond, I have to defer to my buddies Clarkefan and DanvilleSportsHead. They have the River City covered. (We can thank VCU for this)!
