Eastern View, time for redemption?

[DinwiddieProud]

After getting knocked out of the playoffs in game two, for three straight years, is this the year they make a deeper run?

Located in beautiful Culpeper County, this fairly new high school, (2008), has been a force in football since day one. Do they have the team to continue this trend? Who are the impact players? What should we expect from the rising seniors?

OneMan, this is one of your area teams. Let's hear your analysis of the Cyclones.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

After getting knocked out of the playoffs in game two, for three straight years, is this the year they make a deeper run?

Located in beautiful Culpeper County, this fairly new high school, (2008), has been a force in football since day one. Do they have the team to continue this trend? Who are the impact players? What should we expect from the rising seniors?

OneMan, this is your team. Let's hear your analysis of the Cyclones.

Are they really a force, though? The Cyclones have been very solid, but haven't been able to carry over their regular season success into the playoffs.

The website I frequent most other than this one is the Sabre, a forum for discussion of UVa sports. I've been a big Virginia basketball fan since Jeff Lamp arrived on the grounds in '77. I never post on the Sabre, just lurk. There's a fairly high level of frustration among the posters on that site that, despite the massive regular season success and ACC titles won by the Cavs over the last five years, many national media members and other critics still don't take UVa basketball as a serious threat.

But, even the most ardent Wahoo supporters have come to admit, the fault lies with - UVa basketball. Until the team actually wins a national title, reaches a Final Four ( and this year's Final Four was low-hanging fruit!) or two, or starts consistently reaching the Elite Eight, many people will continue to overlook the Cavs come tournament time. Things like untimely injuries or bad matchups, about which people close to the team are knowledgeable, aren't going to matter to people around the country. The proof is in the winning.

I mention all that because Eastern View football seems very analogous to UVa basketball to me. I'm down here, almost three hours away. I have no idea what their teams might have been dealing with at playoff time the last few years. Maybe they've had injuries, illness, or other bad luck; I don't know, and it really doesn't matter too much. All I know is, they do very well in the regular season, then can't step it up when it matters most. So, until Eastern View can say, make it to the regional final, or at least win more than one playoff game, many people like myself around the state probably aren't going to view the Cyclones as much of a threat. Just win, baby. Do that, and they'll shut dummies like myself up.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Hey Spartan, as a UVA basketball fan, you will enjoy hearing this. Don't hold me to the year, but I think it was 1982. It was the year they went to the final four. A fifth year senior, that had previously played four years on the football team, was asked to be a walk on for the basketball team. I don't think he got but about 20 minutes playing time all year, but he was still part of that great team. Fast forward to a few years ago. Fate put this gentleman in our community. He is now our girls varsity basketball coach. He is Coach Louis Collins. He is also Rev. Louis Collins.

Coach Collins is one of the finest people I have ever met in my life. He is humble and soft spoken, but commands respect just from the way he carries himself. He is exactly what our girls need to help them become the best citizens they can be, plus learn a little about basketball along the way. We are so lucky to have him.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

I do remember him - mainly the name, and his story. I think he was a fifth-year on the first UVa team that made the Final Four in '81, Sampson's second year.

It is funny where life's eddies carry people. Sounds like Dinwiddie is fortunate to have him at the school, and in the community.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

The flip side of what you say about EV is true also. Some programs just seem to always win regardless of the obstacles in their way.

I run the risk of being ostracized by my Dinwiddie friends, but Lake Taylor fits this description. In spite of dealing with all the problems that come with being in an old, inner-city neighborhood, and add the fact that they are the unloved stepchild of the Norfolk City Public Schools, they just keep winning. Most years their varsity roster is 30 or less, and they are working with many kids that have absolutely no structure in their lives, they keep winning. If Norfolk Public Schools get there way, Lake Taylor will no longer exist as we know it. It would become a specialty school with no athletics.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan. There are few teams I would rather see Dinwiddie beat than the Titans. But that doesn't change the fact that they have been successful, even when faced with many hardships that other schools do not have to face.

 

[shauntclair]

After getting knocked out of the playoffs in game two, for three straight years, is this the year they make a deeper run?

Located in beautiful Culpeper County, this fairly new high school, (2008), has been a force in football since day one. Do they have the team to continue this trend? Who are the impact players? What should we expect from the rising seniors?

OneMan, this is one of your area teams. Let's hear your analysis of the Cyclones.

First, this is OCBoys squad. He has the best read.

Hatfield is an excellent Coach. He runs the spread and uses his players excellently. But teams like Liberty, Courtland, Sherando or JM can just grind them down. That's their weakness. They cannot stop a strong running team that just keeps pounding. They cannot contain a defense that attacks the QB all night. My Cougars seem to have their number. Their poor QBs get sacked in double digits every time. It's a blood bath and it's of EVs own making. They talked trash and the boys no longer want to beat the Cyclones. They wanted to annihilate them. The attitude remains, for more than just the Cougars. JM sees it the same.

That does make them a less formidable team but if you want to beat EV, you pound them. When they can Get past that, they will be State Champion caliber. But they are very good and cannot be discounted, nonetheless. They can put up lots of points against just about anyone.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I'm looking forward to hearing from OCBoy!

I met him in person last fall, and I have communicated with him from time to time since then. I'm here to tell you, his knowledge of high school athletics across the state is phenomenal. I am a mere rank amateur compared to him.

 

[one man]

After getting knocked out of the playoffs in game two, for three straight years, is this the year they make a deeper run?

Located in beautiful Culpeper County, this fairly new high school, (2008), has been a force in football since day one. Do they have the team to continue this trend? Who are the impact players? What should we expect from the rising seniors?

OneMan, this is one of your area teams. Let's hear your analysis of the Cyclones.

That's OCBoy's squad IIRC. I saw them last year against Orange. Remember the name, D'Ago Hunter. Kid is only about 5'5 but he's what I like to call a football player! He does his thing on both sides of the ball, a fierce tackler who will stick his nose into anybodys face. Offensively he's a jitterbug ala Kendrick Kube. If he was 5-6 inches taller he'd be BCS prospect, hopefully a FCS schools takes a chance. Not sure about how many guys they lose and return but he was a player that stood out big time in all the film I watched last year.

 

[EVcyc]

EV has some rebuilding to do as they lose the QB, 2 key O lineman and several off the Defense. I'm not sure what Shaunt is talking about with double digit sacks, unless he is referring to the way past. EV football is a solid program (just to be clear I am the dad of the QB over the last 3 years so I'm a little familiar). They lean every year and the coaching staff is willing to adjust and adapt. I don't know how many programs in their first 8yrs have had this kind of success. but I have been pretty happy about it. The kids to me seem different then when Josh was a freshman. They are buying in to the weight room, which is HUGE. The mostly Freshman JV team had a great year and I believe only lost to Sherando and that was by 1. They have somehow started to turn into an O-line factory as 3 returning lineman are 6'4" plus and around 300lbs. As always they have great athletes all over the field. This past year, was the first time, I saw them play mean. They had a different edge to them. My younger son will be a freshman, but he is no QB. He has had private school interest, but I like what EV is doing, I'm sure it is fun being apart of a program that is already on top, but being apart of the journey to get there isn't all that bad either. You might see him get some snaps on Varsity next year. The previously mentioned D'ago is the real deal. One of the best athletes I have seen in a while. His size might limit him, but he's a worker and has a big heart. He will just be a JR next yr. I won't say that EV is ready to be the top dog, but they continue to move in the right direction. They play both Sherando and Chancellor (back to back) early in the season, we will know more then.

 

[shauntclair]

That's OCBoy's squad IIRC. I saw them last year against Orange. Remember the name, D'Ago Hunter. Kid is only about 5'5 but he's what I like to call a football player! He does his thing on both sides of the ball, a fierce tackler who will stick his nose into anybodys face. Offensively he's a jitterbug ala Kendrick Kube. If he was 5-6 inches taller he'd be BCS prospect, hopefully a FCS schools takes a chance. Not sure about how many guys they lose and return but he was a player that stood out big time in all the film I watched last year.

I just love those kind of guys. Last one I saw was Jordi Estes at King George. Took one game, as a Sophomore, to make him my favorite player in the Battlefield. That level of pure heart just can't be taught and only the purity of HS Football can display it because it's never gonna' get to the next level. Which is a shame. But next level Coachs are not going to risk their jobs on someone that doesn't fit the probability curves.

It's a business. That's all it boils down to.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

EV has some rebuilding to do as they lose the QB, 2 key O lineman and several off the Defense. I'm not sure what Shaunt is talking about with double digit sacks, unless he is referring to the way past. EV football is a solid program (just to be clear I am the dad of the QB over the last 3 years so I'm a little familiar). They lean every year and the coaching staff is willing to adjust and adapt. I don't know how many programs in their first 8yrs have had this kind of success. but I have been pretty happy about it. The kids to me seem different then when Josh was a freshman. They are buying in to the weight room, which is HUGE. The mostly Freshman JV team had a great year and I believe only lost to Sherando and that was by 1. They have somehow started to turn into an O-line factory as 3 returning lineman are 6'4" plus and around 300lbs. As always they have great athletes all over the field. This past year, was the first time, I saw them play mean. They had a different edge to them. My younger son will be a freshman, but he is no QB. He has had private school interest, but I like what EV is doing, I'm sure it is fun being apart of a program that is already on top, but being apart of the journey to get there isn't all that bad either. You might see him get some snaps on Varsity next year. The previously mentioned D'ago is the real deal. One of the best athletes I have seen in a while. His size might limit him, but he's a worker and has a big heart. He will just be a JR next yr. I won't say that EV is ready to be the top dog, but they continue to move in the right direction. They play both Sherando and Chancellor (back to back) early in the season, we will know more then.

Thanks for the good inside info, EVcyclone. Is Josh going to play at the next level?

I tend to become attached to teams when I get to know forum members that are associated with a school. And OCBoy is the one that has drawn me to EV.

I went up to our basketball playoff against EV this past winter. Nice school and friendly people. I briefly met their AD, and instantly liked him. I look forward to returning for an athletic event between our schools in the near future. Hopefully with a different winner next time. No offense meant.

 

[EVcyc]

Thanks for the good inside info, EVcyclone. Is Josh going to play at the next level?

I tend to become attached to teams when I get to know forum members that are associated with a school. And OCBoy is the one that has drawn me to EV.

I went up to our basketball playoff against EV this past winter. Nice school and friendly people. I briefly met their AD, and instantly liked him. I look forward to returning for an athletic event between our schools in the near future. Hopefully with a different winner next time. No offense meant.

Yes. Josh is going to be playing at The College of William and Mary.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Yes. Josh is going to be playing at The College of William and Mary.

Wow, congratulations to him, and to you and your wife. You'll obviously did a terrific job of raising him. He got to enjoy a wonderful high school football career, and stayed focused and took care of business in the classroom. I know you are proud. Keep me posted as the next four years fly by way to fast.

 

[shauntclair]

Yes. Josh is going to be playing at The College of William and Mary.

Preferred walk-on and tight end candidate. He will be trying out at W&M and paying full tuition (which is outrageous). GL on his education. It's an incredible school.

 

[86CulpGrad]

First, this is OCBoys squad. He has the best read.

Hatfield is an excellent Coach. He runs the spread and uses his players excellently. But teams like Liberty, Courtland, Sherando or JM can just grind them down. That's their weakness. They cannot stop a strong running team that just keeps pounding. They cannot contain a defense that attacks the QB all night. My Cougars seem to have their number. Their poor QBs get sacked in double digits every time. It's a blood bath and it's of EVs own making. They talked trash and the boys no longer want to beat the Cyclones. They wanted to annihilate them. The attitude remains, for more than just the Cougars. JM sees it the same.

That does make them a less formidable team but if you want to beat EV, you pound them. When they can Get past that, they will be State Champion caliber. But they are very good and cannot be discounted, nonetheless. They can put up lots of points against just about anyone.

To say EV runs the spread would not be quite right.....they did run the spread when they had the personnel to run it. Last year wasn't close to a spread offense....more like 70/30 towards the run. This year will see a lot of changes but the team will still be very competitive.

 

[shauntclair]

To say EV runs the spread would not be quite right.....they did run the spread when they had the personnel to run it. Last year wasn't close to a spread offense....more like 70/30 towards the run. This year will see a lot of changes but the team will still be very competitive.

Like I said, Hatfield is a good Coach. When they had Kube, they ran a lot more. Can't blame them.

Good program at EV. I fully expect. Them to remain as competitive as ever.

 

[OCBoy]

I don't expect EV to be much of anything next year. 6-4 possibly 5-5 who knows but we shall see.

 

[OCBoy]

That's OCBoy's squad IIRC. I saw them last year against Orange. Remember the name, D'Ago Hunter. Kid is only about 5'5 but he's what I like to call a football player! He does his thing on both sides of the ball, a fierce tackler who will stick his nose into anybodys face. Offensively he's a jitterbug ala Kendrick Kube. If he was 5-6 inches taller he'd be BCS prospect, hopefully a FCS schools takes a chance. Not sure about how many guys they lose and return but he was a player that stood out big time in all the film I watched last year.

Hunter is a silent play maker because of his size. He makes up for size in the amount of heart he plays with. If EV gets Matt Lowry in the gym he will be a nice qb that will have comparisons to EV's All State qb Pendleton from a few years ago. His potential is beyond Pendletons...

 

[86CulpGrad]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I know with what is leaving it's easy to assume they will drop off some. I think they will be an exciting team to watch and I think they will be better on defense. I say 8-2.

 

[shauntclair]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I know with what is leaving it's easy to assume they will drop off some. I think they will be an exciting team to watch and I think they will be better on defense. I say 8-2.

Here's the reality. They've lost some and have some tough games on their schedule. Hatfield has shown he's a very good Coach and the program has been solid from the start. That carries weight, no matter who they bring into the 2016 season. 6 - 4, 7 - 3 would be about the expectation. EV, under Hatfield, will always be an exciting team to watch.

But you want to see an exciting team, go see IA Essex play. They don't even have enough guys to keep the bench warm but always throw out a few athletes combined with tons of over achieving heart. They are pure HS Football at it's best.

 

[OCBoy]

Here's the reality. They've lost some and have some tough games on their schedule. Hatfield has shown he's a very good Coach and the program has been solid from the start. That carries weight, no matter who they bring into the 2016 season. 6 - 4, 7 - 3 would be about the expectation. EV, under Hatfield, will always be an exciting team to watch.

But you want to see an exciting team, go see IA Essex play. They don't even have enough guys to keep the bench warm but always throw out a few athletes combined with tons of over achieving heart. They are pure HS Football at it's best.

I watched Essex play in the playoffs and they are exciting to watch.... Cough cough they should have won the state championship last year