Drinking the Kool Aid

[JHHSPRIDE1]

Hey guys - I've tempered my analysis on these boards because I haven't seen a lot of teams play. But I think history/the state of a team's program is a great indicator of success in the playoffs year in and year out. I've was very reserved in my anaylisis of Louisa's chance at a playoff run in my last post and even said don't write them off quite yet - but do we really believe a team that lost to Western and Charlottesville can compete with Dinwiddie or Lake Taylor? I'm not trying to throw shade on any program - but let's be real here. Eastern View and Lafayette are undefeated and have a nice teams - but to even suggest them competing with the best teams in the east is not realistic. Those teams will have to prove it in the playoffs and make me eat crow. Monacan and Heritage are the real "underdogs" in the east to have a shot at the state championship.

Same in the west - I was skeptical of Amherst after they lost to Heritage and everyone assured me they had this and they had that and that Salem wasn't really that good up front. Well here we are on the cusp of the playoffs and guess what - we have a 2 horse race in the west once again with Woodgrove and Salem as the top dogs (I will be at this game when they play). Woodgrove is going to have to prove they can get it done come playoff time - they haven't shown the ability to get it done against a really well coached team in the playoffs like Sherando did in 2013. Not to say that a Dominion or a William Byrd couldn't catch one of these teams on an off night.

The cream always rises to the top - and the cream is what we all knew it was long before we reached this point. I can't wait to see these playoffs unfold.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

Hey guys - I've tempered my analysis on these boards because I haven't seen a lot of teams play. But I think history/the state of a team's program is a great indicator of success in the playoffs year in and year out. I've was very reserved in my anaylisis of Louisa's chance at a playoff run in my last post and even said don't write them off quite yet - but do we really believe a team that lost to Western and Charlottesville can compete with Dinwiddie or Lake Taylor? I'm not trying to throw shade on any program - but let's be real here. Eastern View and Lafayette are undefeated and have a nice teams - but to even suggest them competing with the best teams in the east is not realistic. Those teams will have to prove it in the playoffs and make me eat crow. Monacan and Heritage are the real "underdogs" in the east to have a shot at the state championship.

Same in the west - I was skeptical of Amherst after they lost to Heritage and everyone assured me they had this and they had that and that Salem wasn't really that good up front. Well here we are on the cusp of the playoffs and guess what - we have a 2 horse race in the west once again with Woodgrove and Salem as the top dogs (I will be at this game when they play). Woodgrove is going to have to prove they can get it done come playoff time - they haven't shown the ability to get it done against a really well coached team in the playoffs like Sherando did in 2013. Not to say that a Dominion or a William Byrd couldn't catch one of these teams on an off night.

The cream always rises to the top - and the cream is what we all knew it was long before we reached this point. I can't wait to see these playoffs unfold.

I agree with much of what you've said here, especially concerning Louisa. They might be able to compete with Dinwiddie or LT, but it would take a pretty bad showing from the Generals or Titans for that to occur. As for Eastern View, I think I said of them, in a thread back in August, that at some point they're going to have to finally prove they can transfer their A-game from the regular season into the playoffs for people to start taking them seriously as a post-season threat. Can the Cyclones do that this season?

As for the West, I'd say it's more like a four-team race. Dominion played Woodgrove within ten points, which was the Wolverines' closest game all season; that could be an interesting rematch. And I know darned well that Byrd is for real. Salem did have a bit of an off night against the Terriers in early September, with a couple of fumbles, some untimely penalties, and a few bad snaps on punts thrown in. The Terriers came very close to coming away with a win that night. Byrd completely shut down Ramsey, Salem's best tailback at the time during that game, so what Salem could do on the ground in a rematch remains to be seen. Byrd ain't fancy or diverse offensively, but they do what they do pretty well. They're physical and tough, and I believe will present a challenge to any team they play, including Salem. Of course, Salem first has to prove they can beat a good team without the departed player mentioned above. I believe they can, and will. The Spartans should get that chance against Millbrook, although a Loudoun Valley upset in the first round wouldn't be a complete shocker.

 

[mbonape1]

Hey guys - I've tempered my analysis on these boards because I haven't seen a lot of teams play. But I think history/the state of a team's program is a great indicator of success in the playoffs year in and year out. I've was very reserved in my anaylisis of Louisa's chance at a playoff run in my last post and even said don't write them off quite yet - but do we really believe a team that lost to Western and Charlottesville can compete with Dinwiddie or Lake Taylor? I'm not trying to throw shade on any program - but let's be real here. Eastern View and Lafayette are undefeated and have a nice teams - but to even suggest them competing with the best teams in the east is not realistic. Those teams will have to prove it in the playoffs and make me eat crow. Monacan and Heritage are the real "underdogs" in the east to have a shot at the state championship.

Same in the west - I was skeptical of Amherst after they lost to Heritage and everyone assured me they had this and they had that and that Salem wasn't really that good up front. Well here we are on the cusp of the playoffs and guess what - we have a 2 horse race in the west once again with Woodgrove and Salem as the top dogs (I will be at this game when they play). Woodgrove is going to have to prove they can get it done come playoff time - they haven't shown the ability to get it done against a really well coached team in the playoffs like Sherando did in 2013. Not to say that a Dominion or a William Byrd couldn't catch one of these teams on an off night.

The cream always rises to the top - and the cream is what we all knew it was long before we reached this point. I can't wait to see these playoffs unfold.

I love your post.. not sure I agree with 100% of it but well thought out none the less. Your right about a whole lot here. I can really only speak for the richmond and 757 area but the only 2 teams I fully trust are Dinwiddie and Hermitage. I'd like to trust Lake Taylor but that loss to Heritage NN makes me think 2x. Now the guy from Lafayette said Heritage has been crushed by the injury bug and isn't the same team anymore. I bring this up bc heritage just had an awful loss to Pheobus and Heritage also beat a 9-1 Hampton team... who beat Pheobus 44-0! Laf is a great prog but they are not battle tested. So who knows? How about Smithfield blasting Grafton?!?! The jefferson district is a mess and I have no idea what to make of it. Are they a bunch of average teams or really good teams battling it out??? Chancellor lost to JAmes river who is a middle of the pack team in Richmond. EV is undefeated but I have no idea about the battlefield district and level of comp.

As for the west.. I put Woodgove in the same categorey as EV. I just don't know the teams they are playing. I wont throw any Shade at Salem bc they have a great program every year and again this year. I hear so much about Amherst but I believe they have 2 loses. I know appommatix is a special 2A squad but they are still a 2A squad. Is a potential 2A state champ really better than the best 4A team in the state? I guess its possible but it makes me doubt Amherst can win a championship.

I'm just freestyling my thoughts here so don't kill me. Honestly I'm trying to make sense of it all.

The boards been a little "testy" lately. Must be playoff season!

Can someone give me more details on the west side? Is it as crazy as the east? If so good Gawwd!

Can we stick to the facts of this season? Too much talk about past seasons. Too much in front of us to look back. Lets look through the windshield and not the rear view.

Lots of paridy this year... thank god it will be settled on the field and not on the board!

 

[mbonape1]

I agree with much of what you've said here, especially concerning Louisa. They might be able to compete with Dinwiddie or LT, but it would take a pretty bad showing from the Generals or Titans for that to occur. As for Eastern View, I think I said of them, in a thread back in August, that at some point they're going to have to finally prove they can transfer their A-game from the regular season into the playoffs for people to start taking them seriously as a post-season threat. Can the Cyclones do that this season?

As for the West, I'd say it's more like a four-team race. Dominion played Woodgrove within ten points, which was the Wolverines' closest game all season; that could be an interesting rematch. And I know darned well that Byrd is for real. Salem did have a bit of an off night against the Terriers in early September, with a couple of fumbles, some untimely penalties, and a few bad snaps on punts thrown in. The Terriers came very close to coming away with a win that night. Byrd completely shut down Ramsey, Salem's best tailback at the time during that game, so what Salem could do on the ground in a rematch remains to be seen. Byrd ain't fancy or diverse offensively, but they do what they do pretty well. They're physical and tough, and I believe will present a challenge to any team they play, including Salem. Of course, Salem first has to prove they can beat a good team without the departed player mentioned above. I believe they can, and will. The Spartans should get that chance against Millbrook, although a Loudoun Valley upset in the first round wouldn't be a complete shocker.

Thank you sir for your detailed breakdown of the west! It was much needed on my end!

 

[SpartanOfYore]

Even though I think it's a four-team race in the West, I'd still put Woodgrove a little out ahead of everyone else. Going up there and knocking them off will be a tall order, for any team in 4A West.

 

[wikki]

I love your post.. not sure I agree with 100% of it but well thought out none the less. Your right about a whole lot here. I can really only speak for the richmond and 757 area but the only 2 teams I fully trust are Dinwiddie and Hermitage. I'd like to trust Lake Taylor but that loss to Heritage NN makes me think 2x. Now the guy from Lafayette said Heritage has been crushed by the injury bug and isn't the same team anymore. I bring this up bc heritage just had an awful loss to Pheobus and Heritage also beat a 9-1 Hampton team... who beat Pheobus 44-0! Laf is a great prog but they are not battle tested. So who knows? How about Smithfield blasting Grafton?!?! The jefferson district is a mess and I have no idea what to make of it. Are they a bunch of average teams or really good teams battling it out??? Chancellor lost to JAmes river who is a middle of the pack team in Richmond. EV is undefeated but I have no idea about the battlefield district and level of comp.

As for the west.. I put Woodgove in the same categorey as EV. I just don't know the teams they are playing. I wont throw any Shade at Salem bc they have a great program every year and again this year. I hear so much about Amherst but I believe they have 2 loses. I know appommatix is a special 2A squad but they are still a 2A squad. Is a potential 2A state champ really better than the best 4A team in the state? I guess its possible but it makes me doubt Amherst can win a championship.

I'm just freestyling my thoughts here so don't kill me. Honestly I'm trying to make sense of it all.

The boards been a little "testy" lately. Must be playoff season!

Can someone give me more details on the west side? Is it as crazy as the east? If so good Gawwd!

Can we stick to the facts of this season? Too much talk about past seasons. Too much in front of us to look back. Lets look through the windshield and not the rear view.

Lots of paridy this year... thank god it will be settled on the field and not on the board!

Good post. Is Amherst that good, yes if they play like it. Penalties and fumbles need to get under control. They have the athletes but something seemed off Friday night. Appomattox is that good and you said about a 2A better than an 4A yes they are that good. Amherst hasn't seemed to be the same since Keshon went out even though they won most of their games. They beat Salem so that says something but that team that played that night needs to return for these playoffs or they will lose. They need to pass more also. Seemed like Appomattox knew exactly every play that we had set up. I love this team and would hate for them to go out playing badly. Also yes Appomattox could beat Salem, would they, who knows but I would bet that they could. Keshon should be back for the second game according to a post but will he be ready. Don't know but I surely hope so. This is the year that Amherst can do it

 

[DEVILSLB99]

I'd like to trust Lake Taylor but that loss to Heritage NN makes me think 2x.

I just don't know the teams they are playing. I wont throw any Shade at Salem bc they have a great program every year and again this year.

So let me get this right. LT lost the first game of the season with 3 new starting OL, a ton of penalties, and turnovers in a game they DOMINATED and you can't trust them.. The same team that beat them then turned around and beat Hampton who is 9-1 by the way and lost to 3 playoff teams. But, Salem can lose and they get the benefit of the doubt because they have a great program in your eyes? Guess they have been playing in the last two state championship games against themselves.. I honestly don't get your logic..

And to say Hermitage is the team you trust is a head scratcher. Patrick Kane has done a wonderful job with that program, but what big game in the playoffs has he won besides advancing to that one state final. I trust David Bedwell any day of the week over him in a big game.

It will all get settled on the field.

 

[mbonape1]

Good post. Is Amherst that good, yes if they play like it. Penalties and fumbles need to get under control. They have the athletes but something seemed off Friday night. Appomattox is that good and you said about a 2A better than an 4A yes they are that good. Amherst hasn't seemed to be the same since Keshon went out even though they won most of their games. They beat Salem so that says something but that team that played that night needs to return for these playoffs or they will lose. They need to pass more also. Seemed like Appomattox knew exactly every play that we had set up. I love this team and would hate for them to go out playing badly. Also yes Appomattox could beat Salem, would they, who knows but I would bet that they could. Keshon should be back for the second game according to a post but will he be ready. Don't know but I surely hope so. This is the year that Amherst can do it

Wow sounds eerilee similar to My opinion on my team.

Do you trust Amherst 100% to show up and play mistake free and be on their A-game every game?

As for Monacan... based on the evidence I would say No my trust isnt there 100%. But I am hoping we got it all out of the way. I think our kids will play well.

Good to Amherst!

 

[southbottomU]

In the West I would give Woodgrove and Salem a good chance at reaching West finals. If Salem can get by their first game at home a rematch of Salem /Byrd at Byrd will be great game, but Salem will be favored. Amherst will easily handle Pulaski, but they will probably play on the road at Dominion and the on the road at Woodgrove---tough task.

 

[mbonape1]

Good post. Is Amherst that good, yes if they play like it. Penalties and fumbles need to get under control. They have the athletes but something seemed off Friday night. Appomattox is that good and you said about a 2A better than an 4A yes they are that good. Amherst hasn't seemed to be the same since Keshon went out even though they won most of their games. They beat Salem so that says something but that team that played that night needs to return for these playoffs or they will lose. They need to pass more also. Seemed like Appomattox knew exactly every play that we had set up. I love this team and would hate for them to go out playing badly. Also yes Appomattox could beat Salem, would they, who knows but I would bet that they could. Keshon should be back for the second game according to a post but will he be ready. Don't know but I surely hope so. This is the year that Amherst can do it

Wow sounds eerilee similar to My opinion on my team.

Do you trust Amherst 100% to show up and play mistake free and be on their A-game every game?

As for Monacan... based on the evidence I would say No my trust isnt there 100%. But I am hoping we got it all out of the way. I think our kids will play well.

Good to Amherst!

So let me get this right. LT lost the first game of the season with 3 new starting OL, a ton of penalties, and turnovers in a game they DOMINATED and you can't trust them.. The same team that beat them then turned around and beat Hampton who is 9-1 by the way and lost to 3 playoff teams. But, Salem can lose and they get the benefit of the doubt because they have a great program in your eyes? Guess they have been playing in the last two state championship games against themselves.. I honestly don't get your logic..

And to say Hermitage is the team you trust is a head scratcher. Patrick Kane has done a wonderful job with that program, but what big game in the playoffs has he won besides advancing to that one state final. I trust David Bedwell any day of the week over him in a big game.

It will all get settled on the field.

As for Bird.. Bird always seems to beat Hermitage somehow. I don't think it will happen this time. But I am not going off of last year or years past. Hermitage loss to HS by 6pts first game of season.

LT is an amazing program. Probably the best in 4A traditionally. Its not like I am trashing LT.
They are totally in the picture for a state champ. yes that loss to heritage makes me think 2x about LT being the BEST team in the state in 4A. Are you saying bar none that LT is the best team in 4A? All I am saying is I'm not sure.

Regarding Salem.. i think the east is stronger slightly. I haven't ever seen them play. They are defending st champs and 9-1 so I think so I will lean towards them being the a serious contender.

For the record I think Dinwiddie is the best 4A team in the st at this point. 10-0 thus far in dominating fashion.

 

[DEVILSLB99]

Wow sounds eerilee similar to My opinion on my team.

Do you trust Amherst 100% to show up and play mistake free and be on their A-game every game?

As for Monacan... based on the evidence I would say No my trust isnt there 100%. But I am hoping we got it all out of the way. I think our kids will play well.

Good to Amherst!


As for Bird.. Bird always seems to beat Hermitage somehow. I don't think it will happen this time. But I am not going off of last year or years past. Hermitage loss to HS by 6pts first game of season.

LT is an amazing program. Probably the best in 4A traditionally. Its not like I am trashing LT.
They are totally in the picture for a state champ. yes that loss to heritage makes me think 2x about LT being the BEST team in the state in 4A. Are you saying bar none that LT is the best team in 4A? All I am saying is I'm not sure.

Regarding Salem.. i think the east is stronger slightly. I haven't ever seen them play. They are defending st champs and 9-1 so I think so I will lean towards them being the a serious contender.

For the record I think Dinwiddie is the best 4A team in the st at this point. 10-0 thus far in dominating fashion.

Never said your trashed LT, but you have reservations based off one game. Dinwiddie is ranked #1 in the state for a reason they are very good. I'm not saying we are #1 in any fashion we have our work cut out for us, but some people have written us off since that Heritage loss, so we'll just keep trucking along down here in Norfolk and hope to make it past Deep Creek this Friday. Monacan if they win is a bad matchup for Dinwiddie rd. 2 IMHO.

As far as Bird, HS, and Hermitage goes you can't play the score comparison game and it's tempting to do, but at the end of the day it's about the matchup. Bird is a bad matchup for Hermitage and always has because Hermitage doesn't see that level of physicality in the Colonial. HS is a bad matchup for Bird because of the sheer number of athletes they have and Bird's offense isn't equipped to play from behind. Hermitage vs. HS is a even matchup because of both of their styles of of play.

 

[mbonape1]

Never said your trashed LT, but you have reservations based off one game. Dinwiddie is ranked #1 in the state for a reason they are very good. I'm not saying we are #1 in any fashion we have our work cut out for us, but some people have written us off since that Heritage loss, so we'll just keep trucking along down here in Norfolk and hope to make it past Deep Creek this Friday. Monacan if they win is a bad matchup for Dinwiddie rd. 2 IMHO.

As far as Bird, HS, and Hermitage goes you can't play the score comparison game and it's tempting to do, but at the end of the day it's about the matchup. Bird is a bad matchup for Hermitage and always has because Hermitage doesn't see that level of physicality in the Colonial. HS is a bad matchup for Bird because of the sheer number of athletes they have and Bird's offense isn't equipped to play from behind. Hermitage vs. HS is a even matchup because of both of their styles of of play.

Oh I am not writting off LT.. would never come out my mouth

Your amazingly accurate about the richmond 5A's.. i just really like woody winborn hermitages qb as a diff maker this season

 

[DEVILSLB99]

Your amazingly accurate about the richmond 5A's.. i just really like woody winborn hermitages qb as a diff maker this season

I'm a proud graduate of Hopewell and so I like to keep up with what's going on back home. I think 5A in Richmond is like the SEC and whoever comes out of there has to be the favorite to win it all.

 

[wikki]

Wow sounds eerilee similar to My opinion on my team.

Do you trust Amherst 100% to show up and play mistake free and be on their A-game every game?

As for Monacan... based on the evidence I would say No my trust isnt there 100%. But I am hoping we got it all out of the way. I think our kids will play well.

Good to Amherst!

No I don't trust them to be 100% every game and it is evident but they are having too many costly turnovers and unnecessary penalties they need to get under control for the playoffs are they will go home early

 

[wikki]

In the West I would give Woodgrove and Salem a good chance at reaching West finals. If Salem can get by their first game at home a rematch of Salem /Byrd at Byrd will be great game, but Salem will be favored. Amherst will easily handle Pulaski, but they will probably play on the road at Dominion and the on the road at Woodgrove---tough task.

I know I agree tough road task for Amherst

 

[Lafayette]

I love your post.. not sure I agree with 100% of it but well thought out none the less. Your right about a whole lot here. I can really only speak for the richmond and 757 area but the only 2 teams I fully trust are Dinwiddie and Hermitage. I'd like to trust Lake Taylor but that loss to Heritage NN makes me think 2x. Now the guy from Lafayette said Heritage has been crushed by the injury bug and isn't the same team anymore. I bring this up bc heritage just had an awful loss to Pheobus and Heritage also beat a 9-1 Hampton team... who beat Pheobus 44-0! Laf is a great prog but they are not battle tested. So who knows? How about Smithfield blasting Grafton?!?! The jefferson district is a mess and I have no idea what to make of it. Are they a bunch of average teams or really good teams battling it out??? Chancellor lost to JAmes river who is a middle of the pack team in Richmond. EV is undefeated but I have no idea about the battlefield district and level of comp.

As for the west.. I put Woodgove in the same categorey as EV. I just don't know the teams they are playing. I wont throw any Shade at Salem bc they have a great program every year and again this year. I hear so much about Amherst but I believe they have 2 loses. I know appommatix is a special 2A squad but they are still a 2A squad. Is a potential 2A state champ really better than the best 4A team in the state? I guess its possible but it makes me doubt Amherst can win a championship.

I'm just freestyling my thoughts here so don't kill me. Honestly I'm trying to make sense of it all.

The boards been a little "testy" lately. Must be playoff season!

Can someone give me more details on the west side? Is it as crazy as the east? If so good Gawwd!

Can we stick to the facts of this season? Too much talk about past seasons. Too much in front of us to look back. Lets look through the windshield and not the rear view.

Lots of paridy this year... thank god it will be settled on the field and not on the board!

Agree with most everything including Lafayette- with the schedule I am even not sure how they will fare out of district. BUT I do trust LT- first games of a 10 game season can be disregarded at this point if it is the only loss and they always rise to the occasion.

 

[GilliamRatings]

I agree with much of what you've said here, especially concerning Louisa. They might be able to compete with Dinwiddie or LT, but it would take a pretty bad showing from the Generals or Titans for that to occur. As for Eastern View, I think I said of them, in a thread back in August, that at some point they're going to have to finally prove they can transfer their A-game from the regular season into the playoffs for people to start taking them seriously as a post-season threat. Can the Cyclones do that this season?

As for the West, I'd say it's more like a four-team race. Dominion played Woodgrove within ten points, which was the Wolverines' closest game all season; that could be an interesting rematch. And I know darned well that Byrd is for real. Salem did have a bit of an off night against the Terriers in early September, with a couple of fumbles, some untimely penalties, and a few bad snaps on punts thrown in. The Terriers came very close to coming away with a win that night. Byrd completely shut down Ramsey, Salem's best tailback at the time during that game, so what Salem could do on the ground in a rematch remains to be seen. Byrd ain't fancy or diverse offensively, but they do what they do pretty well. They're physical and tough, and I believe will present a challenge to any team they play, including Salem. Of course, Salem first has to prove they can beat a good team without the departed player mentioned above. I believe they can, and will. The Spartans should get that chance against Millbrook, although a Loudoun Valley upset in the first round wouldn't be a complete shocker.

I think Louisa needs to think back to scrimmages with L.C. Bird. Dinwiddie and Lake Taylor are on par with L.C. Bird.

 

[GilliamRatings]

I love your post.. not sure I agree with 100% of it but well thought out none the less. Your right about a whole lot here. I can really only speak for the richmond and 757 area but the only 2 teams I fully trust are Dinwiddie and Hermitage. I'd like to trust Lake Taylor but that loss to Heritage NN makes me think 2x. Now the guy from Lafayette said Heritage has been crushed by the injury bug and isn't the same team anymore. I bring this up bc heritage just had an awful loss to Pheobus and Heritage also beat a 9-1 Hampton team... who beat Pheobus 44-0! Laf is a great prog but they are not battle tested. So who knows? How about Smithfield blasting Grafton?!?! The jefferson district is a mess and I have no idea what to make of it. Are they a bunch of average teams or really good teams battling it out??? Chancellor lost to JAmes river who is a middle of the pack team in Richmond. EV is undefeated but I have no idea about the battlefield district and level of comp.

As for the west.. I put Woodgove in the same categorey as EV. I just don't know the teams they are playing. I wont throw any Shade at Salem bc they have a great program every year and again this year. I hear so much about Amherst but I believe they have 2 loses. I know appommatix is a special 2A squad but they are still a 2A squad. Is a potential 2A state champ really better than the best 4A team in the state? I guess its possible but it makes me doubt Amherst can win a championship.

I'm just freestyling my thoughts here so don't kill me. Honestly I'm trying to make sense of it all.

The boards been a little "testy" lately. Must be playoff season!

Can someone give me more details on the west side? Is it as crazy as the east? If so good Gawwd!

Can we stick to the facts of this season? Too much talk about past seasons. Too much in front of us to look back. Lets look through the windshield and not the rear view.

Lots of paridy this year... thank god it will be settled on the field and not on the board!

Jefferson district, to me, was a lot of above average teams, but nobody that looks like contenders. A deep run by anybody out of the Jefferson would flabbergast me.

 

[Neville8tn]

This board continually sleeps on Lafayette. Those who cite Heritage (Newport News) as a major player aren't paying attention. Lafayette smacked them by 3 touchdowns in last year's playoffs, in a game that wasn't that close.

This year Dinwiddie, Lake Taylor and Heritage will have to battle it out in the bottom half of the 4A East bracket. Lafayette will see a much improved Smithfield team and Eastern View, but the road is smoother for them to get to the big one.

Lafayette has won 42 district games in a row for a reason. They're pretty good. Best WR in the state in Grimsley (VA Tech) and 5 other D1 guys. Time to give them some love!

 

[Cats and Dogs]

Amherst 2 losses came without starting QB. Look at games prior to him being injured. First game without QB was against Brookville which resulted in an L and special teams played a significant role in that L. When he went down teams started stacking the box as the threat of the pass diminished significantly. Once Turner comes back if teams continue to stack the box it will hurt them. He is a very accurate passer and has some big play guys to throw to. Again I'm not downing Octavious as he has played well as he is a good runner just not the accurate passer Turner is and D's were able to stack box. You will see a different Anherst O with Turner behind the center if teams continue to stack the box against Amherst. Don't write them off just yet.

 

[Snookasuperstar]

Lake Taylor and Salem round 3!!! Rubber series winner takes all.

 

[mbonape1]

This board continually sleeps on Lafayette. Those who cite Heritage (Newport News) as a major player aren't paying attention. Lafayette smacked them by 3 touchdowns in last year's playoffs, in a game that wasn't that close.

This year Dinwiddie, Lake Taylor and Heritage will have to battle it out in the bottom half of the 4A East bracket. Lafayette will see a much improved Smithfield team and Eastern View, but the road is smoother for them to get to the big one.

Lafayette has won 42 district games in a row for a reason. They're pretty good. Best WR in the state in Grimsley (VA Tech) and 5 other D1 guys. Time to give them some love!

Lafayette is a major player in this race..especially with a favorable draw. Lafayette couldn't have an easier path. Just don't slip on a banana peel against Smithfield. Great program and with that draw anything but a deep deep run would be disappointing. If not this year then when?

 

[Lnacerhoo]

The top 4 teams are prohibitive faves in the eyes of perception but we all know it takes a play or a change in momentum to take away any advantages. Games are still won in the trenches unless a special player makes up for the difference in overall team talent. Certainly Basham fits this description which makes William Byrd scary and as a #2 they have home field. Many have stated, the mental makeup of 15-18 year olds with social media, school, hormones and other factors makes the games a crapshoot. I would lean on health and players the team's DNA (coaching, game planning and turnovers/penalties), the first round looks like no surprises and then off to the quarterfinals where you will see a few more initial matchups (i.e. Dominion and Amh/Pulaski or Salem vs GW for example)
Makes this exciting and frustrating all the same. I hope weather is not the unknown that will affect the games.

 

[DEVILSLB99]

This board continually sleeps on Lafayette. Those who cite Heritage (Newport News) as a major player aren't paying attention. Lafayette smacked them by 3 touchdowns in last year's playoffs, in a game that wasn't that close.

This year Dinwiddie, Lake Taylor and Heritage will have to battle it out in the bottom half of the 4A East bracket. Lafayette will see a much improved Smithfield team and Eastern View, but the road is smoother for them to get to the big one.

Lafayette has won 42 district games in a row for a reason. They're pretty good. Best WR in the state in Grimsley (VA Tech) and 5 other D1 guys. Time to give them some love!

How's your kid doing at Army unless your are the kid then how's Army? Grimsley the best WR in the state? I know you're a Lafayette homer and all but lets not be totally biased. Smithfield is waiting for the opportunity to get Lafayette in round 2 and I think a lot of people will look at the Packers to pull the upset.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

The top 4 teams are prohibitive faves in the eyes of perception but we all know it takes a play or a change in momentum to take away any advantages. Games are still won in the trenches unless a special player makes up for the difference in overall team talent. Certainly Basham fits this description which makes William Byrd scary and as a #2 they have home field. Many have stated, the mental makeup of 15-18 year olds with social media, school, hormones and other factors makes the games a crapshoot. I would lean on health and players the team's DNA (coaching, game planning and turnovers/penalties), the first round looks like no surprises and then off to the quarterfinals where you will see a few more initial matchups (i.e. Dominion and Amh/Pulaski or Salem vs GW for example)
Makes this exciting and frustrating all the same. I hope weather is not the unknown that will affect the games.

A GW - Salem matchup couldn't happen until the third round (regional semifinals). The Heritage/GW winner will travel to William Byrd. Salem gets the winner of Loudoun Valley/Millbrook.

 

[hamspear]

Even though I think it's a four-team race in the West, I'd still put Woodgrove a little out ahead of everyone else. Going up there and knocking them off will be a tall order, for any team in 4A West.

Salem will beat Woodgrove IMO , no matter the location.

 

[Lnacerhoo]

Sorry thanks for the edit.

 

[Hoofprint]

I think Amherst takes out Woodgrove and plays at Salem in state semifinal