Daily Press write up on "Da Bulls" of 2018

[lucustookis]

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-spt-high-school-football-poquoson-islanders-20180806-story.html

A nice article about Poqouson 2018. The main goal for Poquoson this year is pretty clear. Win the state title. Last year, Poquoson lost to Lee in OT at Lee in the state semis. Lee lost the next week in OT in the state title game to Appo. Poquoson also missed at 27 yard field goal with about 3 and a half minutes left in the game to take the lead in regulation over Lee. The Bull Islanders were close last year and they return a whole lot this year and should be better this year.

 

[LHS Rams]

Good read...looking forward to the opener!

 

[oldfool]

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-spt-high-school-football-poquoson-islanders-20180806-story.html

A nice article about Poqouson 2018. The main goal for Poquoson this year is pretty clear. Win the state title. Last year, Poquoson lost to Lee in OT at Lee in the state semis. Lee lost the next week in OT in the state title game to Appo. Poquoson also missed at 27 yard field goal with about 3 and a half minutes left in the game to take the lead in regulation over Lee. The Bull Islanders were close last year and they return a whole lot this year and should be better this year.

Lee lost to Appo in regulation not in OT.

 

[lucustookis]

Good read...looking forward to the opener!

Look for a close game. Southampton is going to be very, very good this year. They were pretty dang good last year, but will be even better. Poquoson could easily start the season 0-1 if not careful. They as usual, will show up with great size, speed, and athleticism.

 

[G-DOG2]

Great article! I have much respect for Poquoson. Maybe my "Dawgs" and Poquoson will meet up for round 2! We also return a ton of starters from last year. I would argue that we have better overall team speed than last year. Good luck to "Da Bulls" this year! Should be a great season!

 

[LHS Rams]

Great article! I have much respect for Poquoson. Maybe my "Dawgs" and Poquoson will meet up for round 2! We also return a ton of starters from last year. I would argue that we have better overall team speed than last year. Good luck to "Da Bulls" this year! Should be a great season!

That'd be cool, but in Poquoson this year!

 

[19GHS87]

Look for a close game. Southampton is going to be very, very good this year. They were pretty dang good last year, but will be even better. Poquoson could easily start the season 0-1 if not careful. They as usual, will show up with great size, speed, and athleticism.

Is SouthHampton 3A?

 

[LHS Rams]

Is SouthHampton 3A?

Yes...their long time coach is back from a brief hiatus and has a very solid program, once again.

 

[obguthr]

Great article! I have much respect for Poquoson. Maybe my "Dawgs" and Poquoson will meet up for round 2! We also return a ton of starters from last year. I would argue that we have better overall team speed than last year. Good luck to "Da Bulls" this year! Should be a great season!

I think you can count on a rematch this year. I didn't make the trip last year but, I'll try to make it this go 'round. I'm always impressed with Goochland's size and athleticsm. Poquoson is more about technique, particularly on defense. It's fun to watch the contradiction among two powerhouses.

 

[LHS Rams]

I think you can count on a rematch this year. I didn't make the trip last year but, I'll try to make it this go 'round. I'm always impressed with Goochland's size and athleticsm. Poquoson is more about technique, particularly on defense. It's fun to watch the contradiction among two powerhouses.

I, too, was impressed w/Goochland...Poquoson has some good athletes, but I don't think anyone would look at them as a team and be intimidated, to your point regarding technique/fundamentals. Their coach might be the best at getting more out of his players than anyone...plus, Poquoson folks are gritty and determined.

 

[lucustookis]

All coaches have a "Duty" to teach fundamentals and nobody does it better than....Coach Duty. Agree with you all, Poquoson isn't winning a beauty contest if just watching them in warm ups, in uniform, etc. But its a battle from the very first kick off. Will see how we fair with West Point and how we look.

 

[G-DOG2]

I, too, was impressed w/Goochland...Poquoson has some good athletes, but I don't think anyone would look at them as a team and be intimidated, to your point regarding technique/fundamentals. Their coach might be the best at getting more out of his players than anyone...plus, Poquoson folks are gritty and determined.

Poquoson is coached really well and you can tell the players are all in 100%. There are a lot of similarities between the way the teams play football and when you play one of these teams, (win or lose) you are going to know you've been in a hard nose game. It is the way they are coached and the way the game is approached. Again, good luck to Poquoson! I definitely gained respect for them after seeing them at the "Dawg Pound"!

 

[lucustookis]

G-Dog, same same to you an outstanding program up there. Regarding a game between Goochland and Poquoson in the playoffs this year and assuming both get that far as November is a long ways away, but....Goochland will need two more wins than Poquoson in regular season to host. A better record by only 1 game will allow Poquoson to outpoint Goochland.

Poquoson only plays 1 Class 2A school in Bruton. The other 9 games are all higher classification teams. We "play up" 9 out of 10 regular season games. Of those 9, 4 of them are Class 4A schools and 5 of them are Class 3A schools. Our one out of district game (9 teams played in our district and 1 out of district) is Southampton at 3A. This can make our record (like last year) somewhat deceptive. Meaning....we are much better than what our record may indicate when the playoffs come around and we play other Class 2A programs.

I see Goochland and Poquoson playing again, and both frontrunners to win the state title. The best 2A teams in the state this year may be in this Region. You can never tell though. A team like Giles may go crazy in the playoffs or Appo again, Woodstock, Glenvar, Graham, etc. Also...never count out Richlands. It's hard to say, but the season will be another fun one.

 

[LHS Rams]

Poquoson is coached really well and you can tell the players are all in 100%. There are a lot of similarities between the way the teams play football and when you play one of these teams, (win or lose) you are going to know you've been in a hard nose game. It is the way they are coached and the way the game is approached. Again, good luck to Poquoson! I definitely gained respect for them after seeing them at the "Dawg Pound"!

Ditto, G-DOG2!

 

[Gunz41]

G-Dog, same same to you an outstanding program up there. Regarding a game between Goochland and Poquoson in the playoffs this year and assuming both get that far as November is a long ways away, but....Goochland will need two more wins than Poquoson in regular season to host. A better record by only 1 game will allow Poquoson to outpoint Goochland.

Poquoson only plays 1 Class 2A school in Bruton. The other 9 games are all higher classification teams. We "play up" 9 out of 10 regular season games. Of those 9, 4 of them are Class 4A schools and 5 of them are Class 3A schools. Our one out of district game (9 teams played in our district and 1 out of district) is Southampton at 3A. This can make our record (like last year) somewhat deceptive. Meaning....we are much better than what our record may indicate when the playoffs come around and we play other Class 2A programs.

I see Goochland and Poquoson playing again, and both frontrunners to win the state title. The best 2A teams in the state this year may be in this Region. You can never tell though. A team like Giles may go crazy in the playoffs or Appo again, Woodstock, Glenvar, Graham, etc. Also...never count out Richlands. It's hard to say, but the season will be another fun one.

Not to start another argument, but if I recall correctly you didnt understand the playoffs and points to a high level in past few seasons, not a knock.

What I am getting at is it isnt something set in stone with the number of wins for a team. It is ALL determinant on how those on the schedule do. I couldn't tell you a team that each plays, but just use a 4a school for Poquoson and 2a school for Goochland. If said 4a school ends the season at 4-6 and 2a school ends at 6-4, it's the exact same amount of points (assuming that the respective Poquoson and Goochland wins). Just to remind everyone, or if someone doesnt know, here is how the points work.

For a win:
1a- 16 points
2a- 18 points
3a- 20 points
4a- 22 points
5a- 24 points
6a- 26 points

Then rider points for a win is 2 points for each of the opponents wins. So beating a 4a team that finishes 4-6 nets you 30 points. Beating a 2a team that finishes 6-4 nets you 30 points.

In the event of a loss.
1a- 4 points
2a- 6 points
3a- 8 points
4a- 10 points
5a- 12 points
6a- 14 points

And the rider points is 1 point per that opponents wins. So losing to a 4a school who finished with a 4-6 record nets you 14 points, while losing to a 2a school who finished 6-4 nets you 12 points.

 

[lucustookis]

Like I wrote in the previous post, if Poquoson has 6 wins, Goochland better have 8 because 7 will not do. If Poquoson has 7 wins, Goochland will need 9 because 8 will not do.

Check out this link below

 

[Gunz41]

Not going to argue with you either, but ImI'well aware of how the playoffs work. If Poquoson comes within 1 game of Goochland, Poquoson will outpoint Goochland easily, and that is set in stone. Will not even be close. The reason is....9 of the 10 games we play are playing up. In the district, all schools are 3A or 4A with the exception of us and Bruton. That means that 8 teams are 3A and 4A. These teams play each other. There are very very few teams playing 9 of 10 games against teams in a higher classification. A 10-0 Goochland team will be easily outpointed by a 9-1 Poquoson team. That is set in stone.

Well then maybe you have studied up on it or retain info well, because either last year or year before you were asking how it works. Wasn't trying to ruffle feathers, just trying to explain for everyone

 

[lucustookis]

Well then maybe you have studied up on it or retain info well, because either last year or year before you were asking how it works. Wasn't trying to ruffle feathers, just trying to explain for everyone

My feathers aren't ruffled. And the numbers your gave in explanation support my opinion that Goochland will need 2 more wins than Poquoson to outpoint them based on the schedules they play. Also, lets say I asked 37.7 times 1 week ago about how the playoffs work, then I asked another 47 times today. It doesn't change the numbers. The schedule strength of Poquoson favors them if Goochland only has 1 more win, and that's because of the 3A and 4A teams in the Bay Rivers that play each other. When Poquoson plays 9 of 10 games against teams that are either 3A or 4A, it's in their favor and you know very well that is true. When I say in their favor, I'm meaning.....if they are within 1 game of Goochland and that is the true part that is up in the air because Goochland is running the table and going undefeated again. I echoed this last year and will again. The odds of Goochland hosting Poquoson are far better than the odds of Poquoson hosting Goochland (in my opinion only). Our schedule is very difficult and Goochland's is not as tough, but Goochland is also very dang good, so it prepares us on the field come playoff time perhaps a little better, but it also usually requires us to travel.

 

[Gunz41]

My feathers aren't ruffled. And the numbers your gave in explanation support my opinion that Goochland will need 2 more wins than Poquoson to outpoint them based on the schedules they play. Also, lets say I asked 37.7 times 1 week ago about how the playoffs work, then I asked another 47 times today. It doesn't change the numbers. The schedule strength of Poquoson favors them if Goochland only has 1 more win, and that's because of the 3A and 4A teams in the Bay Rivers that play each other. When Poquoson plays 9 of 10 games against teams that are either 3A or 4A, it's in their favor and you know very well that is true. When I say in their favor, I'm meaning.....if they are within 1 game of Goochland and that is the true part that is up in the air because Goochland is running the table and going undefeated again.

You very well could be right, I certainly am not getting into points now, I'll wait until week 7 at least before configuring them for everyone, but the fact remains that for the whole state that in depends on the schedule, so might as well include in this post where it was discussed rather than post something new 8 weeks in advance

And while you may know it now, and I do, there are a lot of people who dont and they deserve to know

 

[BigWinners]

G-Dog, same same to you an outstanding program up there. Regarding a game between Goochland and Poquoson in the playoffs this year and assuming both get that far as November is a long ways away, but....Goochland will need two more wins than Poquoson in regular season to host. A better record by only 1 game will allow Poquoson to outpoint Goochland.

Poquoson only plays 1 Class 2A school in Bruton. The other 9 games are all higher classification teams. We "play up" 9 out of 10 regular season games. Of those 9, 4 of them are Class 4A schools and 5 of them are Class 3A schools. Our one out of district game (9 teams played in our district and 1 out of district) is Southampton at 3A. This can make our record (like last year) somewhat deceptive. Meaning....we are much better than what our record may indicate when the playoffs come around and we play other Class 2A programs.

I see Goochland and Poquoson playing again, and both frontrunners to win the state title. The best 2A teams in the state this year may be in this Region. You can never tell though. A team like Giles may go crazy in the playoffs or Appo again, Woodstock, Glenvar, Graham, etc. Also...never count out Richlands. It's hard to say, but the season will be another fun one.

glad Union has no chance at all, seems odd not to mention a team that went 13-1 and gave Appo by far their toughest test, escaping with a 23-20 win.

 

[lucustookis]

You very well could be right, I certainly am not getting into points now, I'll wait until week 7 at least before configuring them for everyone, but the fact remains that for the whole state that in depends on the schedule, so might as well include in this post where it was discussed rather than post something new 8 weeks in advance

And while you may know it now, and I do, there are a lot of people who dont and they deserve to know

Fair enough Gunz and I agree with you here. I also agree with your point on nothing being set in stone and I should have made that clearer in my post.

 

[lucustookis]

glad Union has no chance at all, seems odd not to mention a team that went 13-1 and gave Appo by far their toughest test, escaping with a 23-20 win.

BigWinners, Union certainly has a chance. Who stated they didn't? I got Giles, Union, Graham, Glenvar, Appo, Dan River, Richlands, Central-W, Clark, Goochland, and Poquoson all having a chance, and I'm certain I'm leaving some out in the Valley areas and in the Piedmont areas that should be mentioned, for example, Gretna, Luray, etc. I will admit, I know nothing about Ridgeview, but I'm sure gonna try to see that kid play in the next 3 seasons. I think it's reasonable to say that there is no dominant beast this year like Appo has been the last 3 years. The perception the last 2 years for sure at this time was.....it's Appo's to lose and can any team have a chance to step up and beat them? That perception for one team being dominant isn't there this year in Class 2A. I think that is what makes it fun.

Last thing BigWinners. You and I discussed this last season and we disagreed and still disagree on Union being Appo's toughest test. I feel it was clearly.....easily....clearly Lee. This is my opinion only and you have yours, but I truly believe that Appo and Lee were better than Union, and Poquoson and Goochland were equal to Union. Now, there's no way to know or argue on Goochland and Poquoson being equal to Union because they just didn't have common opponents, but as for Lee, they were better than Union and they played Appo far tougher in my opinion and see below as to why I feel this way, and again, my opinion only......…

Union vs Appo. Final Score 23-20.

Key Notes: The game played at Union. Appo travels nearly 5 hours to play on the road in front of all the Union fans. It’s the Superbowl for Union. It’s a rough environment. The conditions are perfect for Union to get the W. Appo led the entire game and jumped all over Union early in the contest.

Rushing-Yards: AC 38-199, U 41-245; Impressive for Union here.
Passing Yards: AC 86, U 44;
Total Yards- AC 285, Union 289. Union outgained Appo in total yards by 4. Credit Union here.
Turnovers 1-1-Even
Penalties-Yards: AC 6-45, U 3-25; Once again, played on Union’s home field. Appo with nearly twice the penalty yards. No excuses here. A team travels 5 hours, and they have nearly 2 times the penalty yards. Can't say the officiating went against you.
Special Teams-Huge Punt Return Favoring Appo that was the difference in the game. The difference in the game was Union's inability to throw the ball. The lack of passing attack created a situation in which a run oriented team had to play from behind and catch up, and run oriented teams don't do well when they get behind (Georgia Tech). But when run oriented teams have a lead, they are difficult to deal with, but credit Appo for seizing the momentum from the first quarter. The moment wasn't to big. The fans and the emotion.....all were overcome by Appo early on, but Union came out and let Appo seize the momentum.


Lee vs Appo. Final Score 38-34.

Key Notes: The game played on a neutral field. The conditions for Lee were NOT even close to as favorable as Union had. Union had home field advantage. Lee didn’t have that luxury. Lee came out and seized the momentum. Lee led 17-10 at the half. Lee led 24-17 in the early 4th. Lee led 34-31 with 4 and a half minutes left in the football game. Lee got the ball back with about 1.46 second left in the game at their own 20 with a chance to score and win the state championship. Lee led Appo for far more minutes in this game than Appo led Lee. Union never led over Appo. Union played catchup the entire game and got a little closer in the 4th, but it was over. This was totally opposite of Lee vs Appo. Appo was the one playing catch up, and of course, they finally did.

Total Yards- Lee 417, Appo-373. Lee had 44 more total yards than Appo.

Therefore, based on the above, one could reasonably conclude that Union in fact, did NOT give Appo their toughest contest for the Class 2A teams that played them all season. That toughest contest or closest threat at giving Appo a loss was against Lee. Again, what if that game is played at Lee? I know it’s the state title and on a neutral field, but what if Appo has to go to Lee in the semifinals? Again, I know, not possible based on how the regions work, but just saying. Lee played that well against Appo on a neutral field. Union had absolutely zero excuses. They made em drive 5 hours and they still won, and they won much easier than what they did against Lee. Take it another way, what if Union plays Appo on a neutral field and doesn't have the home field luxury? The outcome for Appo would have been even greater. There's just no way to conclude that Union gave Appo its toughest test. They didn't. It was Lee. Now, if you are arguing final score, then no argument there, but the Appo vs Union game was over long before the late score by Union to get within 3. The Appo versus Lee game was...….well......again, Lee led with about 4 minutes left in the game.

 

[islandersfan]

BigWinners - Besides mentioning Goochland, Poquoson and Richlands, lucustookis wrote a "team like Giles may go crazy in the playoffs or Appo again, Woodstock, Glenvar, Graham, etc.", the keyword there being 'etc.' I don't think he meant any disrespect to Union by not specifically naming them. Last season you stated that Poquoson was not a legitimate contender. Did anyone get excited about that? I don't recall anyone even responding to it.

 

[Gunz41]

BigWinners, Union certainly has a chance. Who stated they didn't? I got Giles, Union, Graham, Glenvar, Appo, Dan River, Richlands, Central-W, Clark, Goochland, and Poquoson all having a chance, and I'm certain I'm leaving some out in the Valley areas and in the Piedmont areas that should be mentioned, for example, Gretna, Luray, etc. I will admit, I know nothing about Ridgeview, but I'm sure gonna try to see that kid play in the next 3 seasons. I think it's reasonable to say that there is no dominant beast this year like Appo has been the last 3 years. The perception the last 2 years for sure at this time was.....it's Appo's to lose and can any team have a chance to step up and beat them? That perception for one team being dominant isn't there this year in Class 2A. I think that is what makes it fun.

Last thing BigWinners. You and I discussed this last season and we disagreed and still disagree on Union being Appo's toughest test. I feel it was clearly.....easily....clearly Lee. This is my opinion only and you have yours, but I truly believe that Appo and Lee were better than Union, and Poquoson and Goochland were equal to Union. Now, there's no way to know or argue on Goochland and Poquoson being equal to Union because they just didn't have common opponents, but as for Lee, they were better than Union and they played Appo far tougher in my opinion and see below as to why I feel this way, and again, my opinion only......…

Union vs Appo. Final Score 23-20.

Key Notes: The game played at Union. Appo travels nearly 5 hours to play on the road in front of all the Union fans. It’s the Superbowl for Union. It’s a rough environment. The conditions are perfect for Union to get the W. Appo led the entire game and jumped all over Union early in the contest.

Rushing-Yards: AC 38-199, U 41-245; Impressive for Union here.
Passing Yards: AC 86, U 44;
Total Yards- AC 285, Union 289. Union outgained Appo in total yards by 4. Credit Union here.
Turnovers 1-1-Even
Penalties-Yards: AC 6-45, U 3-25; Once again, played on Union’s home field. Appo with nearly twice the penalty yards. No excuses here. A team travels 5 hours, and they have nearly 2 times the penalty yards. Can't say the officiating went against you.
Special Teams-Huge Punt Return Favoring Appo that was the difference in the game. The difference in the game was Union's inability to throw the ball. The lack of passing attack created a situation in which a run oriented team had to play from behind and catch up, and run oriented teams don't do well when they get behind (Georgia Tech). But when run oriented teams have a lead, they are difficult to deal with, but credit Appo for seizing the momentum from the first quarter. The moment wasn't to big. The fans and the emotion.....all were overcome by Appo early on, but Union came out and let Appo seize the momentum.


Lee vs Appo. Final Score 38-34.

Key Notes: The game played on a neutral field. The conditions for Lee were NOT even close to as favorable as Union had. Union had home field advantage. Lee didn’t have that luxury. Lee came out and seized the momentum. Lee led 17-10 at the half. Lee led 24-17 in the early 4th. Lee led 34-31 with 4 and a half minutes left in the football game. Lee got the ball back with about 1.46 second left in the game at their own 20 with a chance to score and win the state championship. Lee led Appo for far more minutes in this game than Appo led Lee. Union never led over Appo. Union played catchup the entire game and got a little closer in the 4th, but it was over. This was totally opposite of Lee vs Appo. Appo was the one playing catch up, and of course, they finally did.

Total Yards- Lee 417, Appo-373. Lee had 44 more total yards than Appo.

Therefore, based on the above, one could reasonably conclude that Union in fact, did NOT give Appo their toughest contest for the Class 2A teams that played them all season. That toughest contest or closest threat at giving Appo a loss was against Lee. Again, what if that game is played at Lee? I know it’s the state title and on a neutral field, but what if Appo has to go to Lee in the semifinals? Again, I know, not possible based on how the regions work, but just saying. Lee played that well against Appo on a neutral field. Union had absolutely zero excuses. They made em drive 5 hours and they still won, and they won much easier than what they did against Lee. Take it another way, what if Union plays Appo on a neutral field and doesn't have the home field luxury? The outcome for Appo would have been even greater. There's just no way to conclude that Union gave Appo its toughest test. They didn't. It was Lee. Now, if you are arguing final score, then no argument there, but the Appo vs Union game was over long before the late score by Union to get within 3. The Appo versus Lee game was...….well......again, Lee led with about 4 minutes left in the game.

Not seeing the game or knowing what his criteria is for toughest game, it is hard to say with certainty. They certainly played better defense, so that could be considered tougher.

What I saw when Lee and Appomattox played was one heck of a game that could have went either way. That's all the facts I know.

When we get into the "this team better than that team based on x,y,z is when things turn into arguments.

It cant be proved, and some of it goes on personal preference and how a team is constructed. If you get 2 great offenses, you will probably get a high scoring game. 2 great defenses probably low scoring.

It's a main reason why comparing scores usually doesnt work. Add in the fact that coaches leave kids in for varying amounts of time.

Give you a good example. Take a 3 way tie breaker. What is the best way to handle it? Points scored? Then you have teams scoring as much as they can. Points given up? Then you have kids staying in longer than need be and not giving backups the opportunity they should get.

Given a set criteria, then one could venture a GUESS on who is better, but it doesnt come close to the standard for facts.

Sure it's fun to have these discussions and even some bragging rights, but there are countless examples in other areas where it comes down to "who would win between x and y" The one have seen a lot lately is Warriors vs Jordan Bulls. Totally different game and philosophy there is no way to give more than a guess

 

[BigWinners]

BigWinners, Union certainly has a chance. Who stated they didn't? I got Giles, Union, Graham, Glenvar, Appo, Dan River, Richlands, Central-W, Clark, Goochland, and Poquoson all having a chance, and I'm certain I'm leaving some out in the Valley areas and in the Piedmont areas that should be mentioned, for example, Gretna, Luray, etc. I will admit, I know nothing about Ridgeview, but I'm sure gonna try to see that kid play in the next 3 seasons. I think it's reasonable to say that there is no dominant beast this year like Appo has been the last 3 years. The perception the last 2 years for sure at this time was.....it's Appo's to lose and can any team have a chance to step up and beat them? That perception for one team being dominant isn't there this year in Class 2A. I think that is what makes it fun.

Last thing BigWinners. You and I discussed this last season and we disagreed and still disagree on Union being Appo's toughest test. I feel it was clearly.....easily....clearly Lee. This is my opinion only and you have yours, but I truly believe that Appo and Lee were better than Union, and Poquoson and Goochland were equal to Union. Now, there's no way to know or argue on Goochland and Poquoson being equal to Union because they just didn't have common opponents, but as for Lee, they were better than Union and they played Appo far tougher in my opinion and see below as to why I feel this way, and again, my opinion only......…

Union vs Appo. Final Score 23-20.

Key Notes: The game played at Union. Appo travels nearly 5 hours to play on the road in front of all the Union fans. It’s the Superbowl for Union. It’s a rough environment. The conditions are perfect for Union to get the W. Appo led the entire game and jumped all over Union early in the contest.

Rushing-Yards: AC 38-199, U 41-245; Impressive for Union here.
Passing Yards: AC 86, U 44;
Total Yards- AC 285, Union 289. Union outgained Appo in total yards by 4. Credit Union here.
Turnovers 1-1-Even
Penalties-Yards: AC 6-45, U 3-25; Once again, played on Union’s home field. Appo with nearly twice the penalty yards. No excuses here. A team travels 5 hours, and they have nearly 2 times the penalty yards. Can't say the officiating went against you.
Special Teams-Huge Punt Return Favoring Appo that was the difference in the game. The difference in the game was Union's inability to throw the ball. The lack of passing attack created a situation in which a run oriented team had to play from behind and catch up, and run oriented teams don't do well when they get behind (Georgia Tech). But when run oriented teams have a lead, they are difficult to deal with, but credit Appo for seizing the momentum from the first quarter. The moment wasn't to big. The fans and the emotion.....all were overcome by Appo early on, but Union came out and let Appo seize the momentum.


Lee vs Appo. Final Score 38-34.

Key Notes: The game played on a neutral field. The conditions for Lee were NOT even close to as favorable as Union had. Union had home field advantage. Lee didn’t have that luxury. Lee came out and seized the momentum. Lee led 17-10 at the half. Lee led 24-17 in the early 4th. Lee led 34-31 with 4 and a half minutes left in the football game. Lee got the ball back with about 1.46 second left in the game at their own 20 with a chance to score and win the state championship. Lee led Appo for far more minutes in this game than Appo led Lee. Union never led over Appo. Union played catchup the entire game and got a little closer in the 4th, but it was over. This was totally opposite of Lee vs Appo. Appo was the one playing catch up, and of course, they finally did.

Total Yards- Lee 417, Appo-373. Lee had 44 more total yards than Appo.

Therefore, based on the above, one could reasonably conclude that Union in fact, did NOT give Appo their toughest contest for the Class 2A teams that played them all season. That toughest contest or closest threat at giving Appo a loss was against Lee. Again, what if that game is played at Lee? I know it’s the state title and on a neutral field, but what if Appo has to go to Lee in the semifinals? Again, I know, not possible based on how the regions work, but just saying. Lee played that well against Appo on a neutral field. Union had absolutely zero excuses. They made em drive 5 hours and they still won, and they won much easier than what they did against Lee. Take it another way, what if Union plays Appo on a neutral field and doesn't have the home field luxury? The outcome for Appo would have been even greater. There's just no way to conclude that Union gave Appo its toughest test. They didn't. It was Lee. Now, if you are arguing final score, then no argument there, but the Appo vs Union game was over long before the late score by Union to get within 3. The Appo versus Lee game was...….well......again, Lee led with about 4 minutes left in the game.

so you're saying despit e Union basically shutting Appo down, having more yards, and Union basically giving Appo six by the shanked punt after an incorrect call, that Union didn't give Appo their toughest game?
You're being kind of a douche. Union earned right for home game.

To say Appo had a much easier time v Union is downright false. It's just not true.

Union lost by 3, Lee lost by four. Those are indisputable facts. Union did dig a hole, but battled bAck and dominated second half. How many sustained drives did Appo have v. Lee? They had ONE v. Union. I stand by my statement. Union was second best 2A team, and would hhave beaten Lee.

 

[BigWinners]

BigWinners - Besides mentioning Goochland, Poquoson and Richlands, lucustookis wrote a "team like Giles may go crazy in the playoffs or Appo again, Woodstock, Glenvar, Graham, etc.", the keyword there being 'etc.' I don't think he meant any disrespect to Union by not specifically naming them. Last season you stated that Poquoson was not a legitimate contender. Did anyone get excited about that? I don't recall anyone even responding to it.

Richland was 4-7 last year was mentioned, but 13-1 Union wasnt. But keep overlooking the Bears, you may regret it in November

 

[G-DOG2]

The West gets way more talk than the East. The title of this thread is in reference to Poquoson. Goochland played Poquoson and advanced to play R.E. Lee. Why get your panties all tied up about a conversation about two teams that expect to have good runs. It doesn't always have to be about your universe and about your team. Nobody bad mouthed Union or any other program. Want to talk about Union, start a thread.... Sheesh...

 

[lucustookis]

You're being kind of a douche.

Simply for having a different opinion. I stated I respected your opinion, but respectfully disagreed and gave some supporting opinions and some supporting facts as to why I felt the way I did, or simply put...why I had my opinion of Lee and Union. People I'm sure have differing views on the matter and that's ok.

 

[BigWinners]

The West gets way more talk than the East. The title of this thread is in reference to Poquoson. Goochland played Poquoson and advanced to play R.E. Lee. Why get your panties all tied up about a conversation about two teams that expect to have good runs. It doesn't always have to be about your universe and about your team. Nobody bad mouthed Union or any other program. Want to talk about Union, start a thread.... Sheesh...

since when? There's zero talk of the West right now, it's all Poq, Lee, Appo, etc...

I'm not trying to start a big discussion, but I thought it was silly to mention you can't count out Richlands but leave out Union, simple as that. There's very few from far SWV A left on here

 

[Gunz41]

I honestly don't think it was meant as a slight on his part, he simply forgot to mention a team. I know I could do the same thing.

And while it isnt split in East and West anymore, a lot of people still view A/B and C/D together. And I certainly dont think it was meant that only West has been talked about just in this thread, meaning all preseason, but I could be wrong.

 

[BigWinners]

I honestly don't think it was meant as a slight on his part, he simply forgot to mention a team. I know I could do the same thing.

And while it isnt split in East and West anymore, a lot of people still view A/B and C/D together. And I certainly dont think it was meant that only West has been talked about just in this thread, meaning all preseason, but I could be wrong.

I gotcha, we are cool. We've always got along

 

[lucustookis]

No the douchey part was about you saying Appo had a much easier time v Union than v Lee. That's just false. Much easier implies Appo dominated, when in reality they barely escaped with a win.

Wow, so now my opinion is considered "Douchey." You've doubled down twice on your opinion after giving it not once, not twice, but now a third time and 2 of those 3 involved a personal attack. I gave you a pass in the first name-called and was cordial and respectful, but at the same time disagreeing.. Now, let my "Trumpian" like nature step up as you know I'm a solid finisher. Appo beat you on your home field in front of all the fans and they came out and took it to you. Your team was not in the game and you got a late score to make it more respectful. Lee would have beat Union on a neutral field (my opinion only) because of Lee's ability to pass and run, and Union's pass defense would have been a problem covering Lee. It would actually have been a worse matchup for Union than Appo was in my opinion.

You are now trying to shift the argument to Appo dominating the game. That wasn't the argument that you set forth. The game was in fact close, but it was not closer compared to Lee. Lee was in a far, far, far, far better position to win the game over Appo than Union was not just from the 1st minute of the game, but up and until the final minute. Do you understand that concept? Do you not understand that Lee led most of the game? Do you understand the concept that Union never led at any point? Appo DID have an easier time with Union than Lee.

You also wrote that Union "deserved" home field. No they didn't. They didn't deserve it over Appo. Appo happened to play a higher Classification juggernaut in regular season that would have wiped the field with Union. Appo won 2 state titles coming into the Union game, not Union. Appo also blew Union completely out in 2016 one year before when it was at Appo. You outpointed Appo exactly because Appo was unfortunate enough to play a much more difficult team, and give Appo Union's schedule, and they also go 10-0. Once again, the game played AT UNION. Bring Appo to Lee and it makes you wonder the outcome. Better yet, bring Union to Appo (like the year before) and we wouldn't even be having this discussion. You would have got curb-stomped in 2017 like you did in 2016. Now again, you have taken two cheap shots because someone has a differing opinion than yours, but as you can see, your second cheap shot got a response. By the way, you said your team was a 7-3 team this year, did you not?

Also, it's Richlands, not Richland as you wrote above in a previous post. Just sayin.....also, notice how not one name called your way. But, you've done this before. You made the statement last year that Union was the second best team in the state. I respect that opinion also, but absolutely disagree and many would see both sides, but you did it again in this thread. You want to alter history or set the perception that Union was the second best team in the state. I disagree with that. They weren't. They were the 3rd to 5th best. I still say Goochland and Poquoson takes em on a neutral field, but again, no way to know that. We do know Union and Lee had a common opponent, and let the fans interpret that how they may, but no need for the name-calling. I think you understand by now (would have hoped so) that when you come on this board and try to throw free haymakers like you do on a certain board in the mountains, you actually get challenged.

 

[Gunz41]

Wow, so now my opinion is considered "Douchey." You've doubled down twice on your opinion after giving it not once, not twice, but now a third time and 2 of those 3 involved a personal attack. I gave you a pass in the first name-called and was cordial and respectful, but at the same time disagreeing.. Now, let my "Trumpian" like nature step up as you know I'm a solid finisher. Appo beat you on your home field in front of all the fans and they came out and took it to you. Your team was not in the game and you got a late score to make it more respectful. Lee would have beat Union on a neutral field (my opinion only) because of Lee's ability to pass and run, and Union's pass defense would have been a problem covering Lee. It would actually have been a worse matchup for Union than Appo was in my opinion.

You are now trying to shift the argument to Appo dominating the game. That wasn't the argument that you set forth. The game was in fact close, but it was not closer compared to Lee. Lee was in a far, far, far, far better position to win the game over Appo than Union was not just from the 1st minute of the game, but up and until the final minute. Do you understand that concept? Do you not understand that Lee led most of the game? Do you understand the concept that Union never led at any point? Appo DID have an easier time with Union than Lee.

You also wrote that Union "deserved" home field. No they didn't. They didn't deserve it over Appo. Appo happened to play a higher Classification juggernaut in regular season that would have wiped the field with Union. Appo won 2 state titles coming into the Union game, not Union. Appo also blew Union completely out in 2016 one year before when it was at Appo. You outpointed Appo exactly because Appo was unfortunate enough to play a much more difficult team, and give Appo Union's schedule, and they also go 10-0. Once again, the game played AT UNION. Bring Appo to Lee and it makes you wonder the outcome. Better yet, bring Union to Appo (like the year before) and we wouldn't even be having this discussion. You would have got curb-stomped in 2017 like you did in 2016. Now again, you have taken two cheap shots because someone has a differing opinion than yours, but as you can see, your second cheap shot got a response. By the way, you said your team was a 7-3 team this year, did you not?

Also, it's Richlands, not Richland as you wrote above in a previous post. Just sayin.....also, notice how not one name called your way. But, you've done this before. You made the statement last year that Union was the second best team in the state. I respect that opinion also, but absolutely disagree and many would see both sides, but you did it again in this thread. You want to alter history or set the perception that Union was the second best team in the state. I disagree with that. They weren't. They were the 3rd to 5th best. I still say Goochland and Poquoson takes em on a neutral field, but again, no way to know that. We do know Union and Lee had a common opponent, and let the fans interpret that how they may, but no need for the name-calling. I think you understand by now (would have hoped so) that when you come on this board and try to throw free haymakers like you do on a certain board in the mountains, you actually get challenged.

I wont get into the argument with you two on who is/was/will be better or who is right or wrong.

And of course it makes some difference, but just like most it is not equal for everyone. I dont think Lee has a great home field advantage, or it doesn't seem like it from history.

 

[lucustookis]

I wont get into the argument with you two on who is/was/will be better or who is right or wrong.
And of course it makes some difference, but just like most it is not equal for everyone. I dont think Lee has a great home field advantage, or it doesn't seem like it from history.

It's not about who was better necessarily and neither person is right or wrong based on their opinion. It's about people having an opinion that go both ways on the issue, and it's about not calling people a name simply for disagreeing. Also, it's not necessarily about the home field advantage part for Lee as much as it is Appo not having a home field advantage when they traveled 5 hours to Union. It works both ways. It's not just about the team at home having comfort, it's also about the team playing on the road not being comfortable. We got to see that picture in 2016 when Union traveled to Appo and they got taken apart. I agree Lee isn't a huge home field advantage, but...….it's still an advantage no matter how small, and the game with Lee and Appo was close enough on a neutral field to make you wonder. The bottom line is....we are having this discussion due to anger. That's the nuts and bolts of it. One poster is angry at the results of 2016 and 2017 with Appo, and especially after the close loss in 2017, and when that anger occurs, rationale thought can sometimes be swayed in the form of, "Union and Appo were the best two teams in the state."<-----that statement comes from anger, not a true objective belief. What's also left out here is the hint of disrespect for a Lee team that actually made it to the state championship and led most of the game against a vicious opponent in Appo. Again, only my opinion, and notice how many times in this thread I've used the words "only my opinion" compared to the person with the anger. Notice how many times the words "respect or respectfully disagree" are used by some in this thread, and none by the person with the anger. That tells me something and it tells posters reading the thread something...….."anger."

 

[BigWinners]

Wow, so now my opinion is considered "Douchey." You've doubled down twice on your opinion after giving it not once, not twice, but now a third time and 2 of those 3 involved a personal attack. I gave you a pass in the first name-called and was cordial and respectful, but at the same time disagreeing.. Now, let my "Trumpian" like nature step up as you know I'm a solid finisher. Appo beat you on your home field in front of all the fans and they came out and took it to you. Your team was not in the game and you got a late score to make it more respectful. Lee would have beat Union on a neutral field (my opinion only) because of Lee's ability to pass and run, and Union's pass defense would have been a problem covering Lee. It would actually have been a worse matchup for Union than Appo was in my opinion.

You are now trying to shift the argument to Appo dominating the game. That wasn't the argument that you set forth. The game was in fact close, but it was not closer compared to Lee. Lee was in a far, far, far, far better position to win the game over Appo than Union was not just from the 1st minute of the game, but up and until the final minute. Do you understand that concept? Do you not understand that Lee led most of the game? Do you understand the concept that Union never led at any point? Appo DID have an easier time with Union than Lee.

You also wrote that Union "deserved" home field. No they didn't. They didn't deserve it over Appo. Appo happened to play a higher Classification juggernaut in regular season that would have wiped the field with Union. Appo won 2 state titles coming into the Union game, not Union. Appo also blew Union completely out in 2016 one year before when it was at Appo. You outpointed Appo exactly because Appo was unfortunate enough to play a much more difficult team, and give Appo Union's schedule, and they also go 10-0. Once again, the game played AT UNION. Bring Appo to Lee and it makes you wonder the outcome. Better yet, bring Union to Appo (like the year before) and we wouldn't even be having this discussion. You would have got curb-stomped in 2017 like you did in 2016. Now again, you have taken two cheap shots because someone has a differing opinion than yours, but as you can see, your second cheap shot got a response. By the way, you said your team was a 7-3 team this year, did you not?

Also, it's Richlands, not Richland as you wrote above in a previous post. Just sayin.....also, notice how not one name called your way. But, you've done this before. You made the statement last year that Union was the second best team in the state. I respect that opinion also, but absolutely disagree and many would see both sides, but you did it again in this thread. You want to alter history or set the perception that Union was the second best team in the state. I disagree with that. They weren't. They were the 3rd to 5th best. I still say Goochland and Poquoson takes em on a neutral field, but again, no way to know that. We do know Union and Lee had a common opponent, and let the fans interpret that how they may, but no need for the name-calling. I think you understand by now (would have hoped so) that when you come on this board and try to throw free haymakers like you do on a certain board in the mountains, you actually get challenged.

You obviously were not at the game.
Union played a 6A TN school and a 4A KY school and damn right they deserved home field, they were undefeated.
You think the game wasn't close? You never watched the game then. Union did score late to bring it to 23-20, but Union never trailed by more than 20 and that only happened because of a shanked punt and Appo got the ball inside the Union 20.
Union had more yards, had three sustained TD drives compared to one for Appo. Appo dominated first half bc of turnovers and a great kick return. Union dominated second half. Bears opened second half by driving right down Appos throat to get it to 20-7, Mitchell picked off Scruggs then went 60+ yards on next play to get it to 20-14, Appo gets a FG, Union scored with a minute left to get it to 23 -20.

Appo didn't dominate Union, you're simply talking smack to attempt to rile me up. If Appo was SOOOOO much better, why did they allow Union to outscore them 20-3 after the half? Special teams cost Union the game. The first big kick return, a huge punt return, and Unions terrible punt that game Appo six before end of the half when if Union P has a decent kick, it's 14-0 at the half and Union likely wins. Hell, if the game had two more minutes Union wins. They physically dominated Appo in second half.

You're simply biased against Union, it's fine. I don't take you seriously anyway. At WORST Union was third best team, but I'd wager money on a neutral field, Union would beat Lee. Union would have beaten Poqouson and Goochland with relative ease.

Remember how good Graham was? Remember how they had all that talent? How'd they do v. Union? Not one single team stopped the Union rush offense last year, Appo included (Mitchell had 200 on 20 carries), and the defense was absolutely nasty. I'm not salty about 2016, Appo was way better and Union was not as good and they got creamed badly. 2017 was a different story.

You keep using Lee actually leading Appo like that means anything, it's the flow of the game. If Appo truly dominated Union and beat them easily, why were they getting smashed in second half, putting up three points after break compared to 20 for Union? Did Lee outscore Appo 20-3 over two quarters?
It's my belief Union was second best team last year, and would have beaten Lee at state. Some can disagree that's fine. But general consensus is the best three teams were Appo, Lee and Union. Goochland, Poq, or Graham aren't in that discussion.
If you truly did watch Appo/Union (and any other Union game, which I doubt seriously), if Union hadn't got a B.S. penalty then shanked a punt allowing Appo to steal six before the break, would Appo have been able to hold Union off only being up 14-0? Everyone saw how second half went, a 14-point lead would not have been enough. 20 was barely enough. Union dominated the LOS for the most part, special teams were the killer. The 70yards return that led to Appo first TD, the long punt return TD, and the shanked Union punt.

To say Union was dominated when Appo really won bc of special teams, not a dominating offense or defense, shows you're not being honest with yourself. Appo was better that day, but only by a sliver. Union had more first downs and more total yards, calling that a domination is laughable

 

[Gunz41]

It's not about who was better necessarily and neither person is right or wrong based on their opinion. It's about people having an opinion that go both ways on the issue, and it's about not calling people a name simply for disagreeing. Also, it's not necessarily about the home field advantage part for Lee as much as it is Appo not having a home field advantage when they traveled 5 hours to Union. It works both ways. It's not just about the team at home having comfort, it's also about the team playing on the road not being comfortable. We got to see that picture in 2016 when Union traveled to Appo and they got taken apart. I agree Lee isn't a huge home field advantage, but...….it's still an advantage no matter how small, and the game with Lee and Appo was close enough on a neutral field to make you wonder. The bottom line is....we are having this discussion due to anger. That's the nuts and bolts of it. One poster is angry at the results of 2016 and 2017 with Appo, and especially after the close loss in 2017, and when that anger occurs, rationale thought can sometimes be swayed in the form of, "Union and Appo were the best two teams in the state."<-----that statement comes from anger, not a true objective belief. What's also left out here is the hint of disrespect for a Lee team that actually made it to the state championship and led most of the game against a vicious opponent in Appo. Again, only my opinion, and notice how many times in this thread I've used the words "only my opinion" compared to the person with the anger. Notice how many times the words "respect or respectfully disagree" are used by some in this thread, and none by the person with the anger. That tells me something and it tells posters reading the thread something...….."anger."

I agree, my point was just that while ever place has some advantage, it varies on how much. The advantage could be not having to travel. But there are teams who actually do better away from home.

If I were to venture a guess without knowing anything from the other regions or areas, I think your final 8 could end up as

A: Goochland and Poquoson
B: Central Woodstock and East Rockingham
C: Appomattox and then one of the G teams, Giles, Glenvar, Gretna
D: Graham and then a number of teams I know nothing about. Richlands, Union, Central, Lee, Ridgeview, Marion, and Virginia

And I could be way off. I'll go as far as to say that in Region B that there WILL be surprises and runs

 

[obguthr]

I agree, my point was just that while ever place has some advantage, it varies on how much. The advantage could be not having to travel. But there are teams who actually do better away from home.

If I were to venture a guess without knowing anything from the other regions or areas, I think your final 8 could end up as

A: Goochland and Poquoson
B: Central Woodstock and East Rockingham
C: Appomattox and then one of the G teams, Giles, Glenvar, Gretna
D: Graham and then a number of teams I know nothing about. Richlands, Union, Central, Lee, Ridgeview, Marion, and Virginia

And I could be way off. I'll go as far as to say that in Region B that there WILL be surprises and runs

Solid list. I think this year, unlike most, Giles, Gretna, Lee, Marion, Central Wise, and Virginia won't be part of the discussion at year's end. They will be competitive as always, but I don't see them being contenders at the highest level. I hope I'm wrong. I'm on the fence about Richlands and Ridgeview, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Buffalo Gap may be as good as Ridgeview, IMHO, so they may be worth mentioning in region B. Rivenburg is a game changing talent and hard nosed competitor, fun to watch.

 

[Gunz41]

Solid list. I think this year, unlike most, Giles, Gretna, Lee, Marion, Central Wise, and Virginia won't be part of the discussion at year's end. They will be competitive as always, but I don't see them being contenders at the highest level. I hope I'm wrong. I'm on the fence about Richlands and Ridgeview, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Buffalo Gap may be as good as Ridgeview, IMHO, so they may be worth mentioning in region B. Rivenburg is a game changing talent and hard nosed competitor, fun to watch.

Well I dont know much of anything about C and D, just guesses. And in C or D, I think a team like Buffalo Gap could be a top team, but in Region B I think they have a smaller chance.

 

[lucustookis]

A: Goochland and Poquoson
B: Central Woodstock and East Rockingham
C: Appomattox and then one of the G teams, Giles, Glenvar, Gretna
D: Graham and then a number of teams I know nothing about. Richlands, Union, Central, Lee, Ridgeview, Marion, and Virginia
And I could be way off. I'll go as far as to say that in Region B that there WILL be surprises and runs

Agree, solid list. To echo what Obguthr stated, I know Marion had a wicked ton of seniors last year as one poster on this board gave a while back. They may not win 5 games. I think the surprises could be in Region B like you stated and Region C. A team like Luray or Lee (do not count them out even with the seniors lost) could possibly steal a victory over E. Rock. I think in Region C, Dan River could be a problem. Glenvar and Appo are the favorites, but Dan River and Martinsville ALWAYS have talent. I don't know what these two have, but there's been little talk about both of them on here. Richlands in Region D will be formidable I'm sure. They are to well coached and have been good for to long to have a year like last year. It's worth mentioning, Richlands was far, far better or more of a force against AA opponents than their record showed. They played a ridiculously tough schedule an almost pulled off the win over Union in the playoffs on the road. The odds are....based on their history, they should be better this year. I don't think Graham is a lock by any means in that region. It could be Union and Richlands or Ridgeview. Graham and Richlands will go a long way in determining seeding in that region and Richlands and Union. If Union beats Richlands, they may very well be the 1 seed coming into the playoffs because Graham will open the season with a loss to rival Bluefield, WV, who won another WV AA state title last year, and they are supposed to be scary good and better than last year. They dominated the scrimmage yesterday with Pulaski and Magna Vista, but it's hard to tell about scrimmages.

I got it like this (totally a guess and opinion only)
A. Goochland hosting vs Poquoson
B. Central hosting vs Luray
C. Glenvar hosting vs Appo
D. Graham hosting vs Union

Semi's-Central hosting Poquoson
Semi's Glenvar hosting Graham (the two teams that scrimmaged will meet again
State Title Game-Poquoson vs Glenver
Winner- "Da Bulls"

 

[Gunz41]

Agree, solid list. To echo what Obguthr stated, I know Marion had a wicked ton of seniors last year as one poster on this board gave a while back. They may not win 5 games. I think the surprises could be in Region B like you stated and Region C. A team like Luray or Lee (do not count them out even with the seniors lost) could possibly steal a victory over E. Rock. I think in Region C, Dan River could be a problem. Glenvar and Appo are the favorites, but Dan River and Martinsville ALWAYS have talent. I don't know what these two have, but there's been little talk about both of them on here. Richlands in Region D will be formidable I'm sure. They are to well coached and have been good for to long to have a year like last year. It's worth mentioning, Richlands was far, far better or more of a force against AA opponents than their record showed. They played a ridiculously tough schedule an almost pulled off the win over Union in the playoffs on the road. The odds are....based on their history, they should be better this year. I don't think Graham is a lock by any means in that region. It could be Union and Richlands or Ridgeview. Graham and Richlands will go a long way in determining seeding in that region and Richlands and Union. If Union beats Richlands, they may very well be the 1 seed coming into the playoffs because Graham will open the season with a loss to rival Bluefield, WV, who won another WV AA state title last year, and they are supposed to be scary good and better than last year. They dominated the scrimmage yesterday with Pulaski and Magna Vista, but it's hard to tell about scrimmages.

I got it like this (totally a guess and opinion only)
A. Goochland hosting vs Poquoson
B. Central hosting vs Luray
C. Glenvar hosting vs Appo
D. Graham hosting vs Union

Semi's-Central hosting Poquoson
Semi's Glenvar hosting Graham (the two teams that scrimmaged will meet again
State Title Game-Poquoson vs Glenver
Winner- "Da Bulls"

I can be wrong, like I said it has happened once in my life (lol), but I certainly dont see Luray being nearly as good this year. And I was extremely high on them last year, pretty sure I picked them to win the Region. They also beat SD worse than Riverheads, Lee, East Rockingham or Buffalo Gap. But A LOT of their success came back of the QB Jenkins, who graduated. The backs were very good, as well as line and defense, but it all went by the QB. Look what they did without him against RH. He was the most important player in the district, and was just as good on defense. If he had not been back against SD, Cougars win that game.

3 of the 5 losses for SD last year could have been wins with 1 play different. Plays that over 70% of time are made. No excuses, but that's how close those 3 games were, and I think that at least East Rockingham and Riverheads will be better this year ( and those are 2 of the 3), Gap will probably be better than their 5-5 record, which leaves Luray and maybe Lee dropping down.

As for the other regions, I dont know