Extreamly Early Region Pick

[G MASTER BLASTER W]

I know the season hasn't even started yet. But I've been looking at the new region alignments for 1A. And I see a few clear stand outs. Now I prefer this system to the one we just left as this is how myself and many of you played. So I'll give my way to early picks for the last 2 contenders in each region A-D.

A- Sussex or Essex
Both of these teams have some really special talent returning and do not know the word quit. They play week one so someone is gonna be looking for revenge in November.

B- Sorry but I've only got 1 thought on this region RIVERHEADS they are a machine. That is so well coached that even if they aren't as talented as I've read in a few places they will still win region B. The only way I see them not winning it is if CL has one of those 80s type seasons.

C- Galax or GW
Both have had alot said about players not returning. But both have build in fail safes Galax has Dixon who could coach a team of elderly folks. And GW has so many plug and play players that the talent doesn't dry up. One of these 2 will win region C with PM right on both teams heels who could make noise if the ball bounces right.

D- Grundy or PH with Hurley in the mix.
I feel that this is Grundys region to lose they will be a good step better than the rest of the field in D. PH has the pieces to give them all they want and I could see them winning it. And Hurley still has some weapons but they lost alot to graduation and transfers. They can be in the mix but it's gonna take a great team effort to compete.

With all of this said I think it will be a Region B and C final in Salem. Yes Region A has some monsters in Sussex and Essex but I can't remove RH until I see then fall.
Region B belongs to the Big Red Machine period.
Region C has 3 really good teams in Galax, GW and PH any of the 3 could take it. But you know me I think GW will come together after 1 loss and play like the team I know they are.
Region D is the odd man out and I know I'll be bashed for saying that but it's true. The competition just isn't there this season to breed a title caliber team. But that's why we play the game anything could happen. And a team from D could hold the gold in December.

This is my take what's your's?

 

[kwhs95fan]

Heard from a very reliable source that Regions A&B would be combined because of the lack of football playing teams in Region B. It would include the top 12 teams overall. Regions C & D would still be separated. Haven't seen anything officially from the VHSL but this source is reliable and has tons of good contacts.

 

[G MASTER BLASTER W]

I can see that B only has 10 team and A has 17 so it's possible. If that happens then it's a 3 horse race imo Sussex, Essex and RH. That's one hell of a Region.

 

[Scagmowers]

I just can imagine how that would work. Do you have more details. Who dropped football as a sport?

 

[NNDman]

If I was region A I would be against this for the simple fact that this new arrangement was supposed to cut down on travel for regional games. And I don't just mean for teams in the old Region A. Altavista played at Rappahannock, William Campbell played at Essex and on the flip side Colonial Beach (the northern most school in Region A) played at William Campbell. Actually, about the only think I liked about the last 4 years was the cross-bracketing for the semifinals. But, by the 4th year I was too keen on that either although I believe 3 of the 4 years were all "East" finals (Region A and B).

 

[kwhs95fan]

I just can imagine how that would work. Do you have more details. Who dropped football as a sport?

Not any to my knowledge dropped football. Just several of the teams in Region B don't play football or either a non VHSL schedule, leaving only about 7 region b teams that play football. I do agree with NNDMAN also. This isn't cutting down on travel for either region and doesn't allow either region to crown a regional champion.

 

[kwhs95fan]

Only 7 teams in Region B have football.
Riverheads, Lunenburg, Altavista, Rapp Co, Cumberland, SJ Quicksburg and William Campbell. And unless something has changed then Rapp Co doesn't play a VHSL schedule. Also last year Cumberland wasn't allowed to be in the playoffs because they didn't play a full district schedule. Unsure if they will this year. But that leaves either 5 or 6 eligible teams, where Region A has 17.

 

[NNDman]

Only 6 in Region B are eligible for post-season as Rappahannock Co does not play a BRD schedule. Cumberland is playing as JRD schedule this year making them eligible

 

[stubbie46]

Why would you have 4 regions and then combine 2 for the playoffs? That is stupid and not fair to Region A. Seems you would have to combine D and C if you combine A and B or have a different format combining everyone.

 

[kwhs95fan]

Just what I have heard. Haven't heard anything officially from the VHSL yet but nothing they'd do would surprise me. I agree it does take away the excitement of returning to the regions if basically it's going to be the same for Region A and B as it has been for the last 4 years.

 

[GKKING]

No particular order.
Region A - Essex, Sussex and Franklin
Region B - RH, LC, ALTA. and WC all have a football history and really this region should have just 4 playoff teams
Region C - Galax, Covington( a very good coach with 2 state titles starting his 2nd yr),PM and GW( the most talent)
Region D - I hate to say it but right now -not a state contender. I hope it changes

 

[G MASTER BLASTER W]

Very fair assessment GK and I need to edit my original post I have CL instead of LC. They have an amazing tradition and history. And it's like I said with D Grundy should be the stand alone favorite currently. But I agree I don't see a single legit title contender as you said hopefully that changes.

 

[bulldog1150]

Is Burton so far down that they aren't a contender for Region D? They have been a perennial contender for more than a decade even though they haven't been back in the final in a while.

 

[GKKING]

JIB can contend for region D but what I was referring to was state title

 

[honestjohn60]

Very fair assessment GK and I need to edit my original post I have CL instead of LC. They have an amazing tradition and history. And it's like I said with D Grundy should be the stand alone favorite currently. But I agree I don't see a single legit title contender as you said hopefully that changes.

 

[HighestPoint]

I would prefer to see it as a 4 region playoff. However, if they combine and do 12, it will likely not make much difference besides travel. Region A will probably pull 8 of those teams. Maybe even 9 depending on William Campbell. Of the 6 schools that would be in the running in region B, I only see 4 of them actually getting the points to get in the top 12 if the regions are combined: Altavista, Riverheads, Central, and William Campbell.

If they do 12 combined, it won't really change much from last season with travel. But I don't think any region will be shorted number of teams in the playoff if they do it that way.