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Few Surprises in Class 2, Thoughts and Predictions

Fairlawncat

VaPreps Honorable Mention
Nov 24, 2018
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Region A. As expected, it looks like King William regardless of it's seed, will be one of the last 2 standing along with Poquoson, unless Poquoson get's upset at home by Lunenburg and KW loses at Bruton, but KW is the favs to win that game, so after all has shaken out, very likely the final 2 most fans probably expected from early on will be the two that meet again. Can't count out Bruton and Central yet though.

Region B. As expected from early on, most fans knew it would probably be up in the air with several teams having a shot to win the Region as Central Woodstock's coach retired and Riverheads lost Triple C. It turns out, it's up in the air and that theme still holds. Clarke County going 10-0 and then losing in round one is a surprise, but again the diversity and depth of this region holds true with MC's win. I think Buckingham, Riverheads, and Strasburg (any of these 3) making it to the region title game is no surprise. If Madison County pulls off a win at BC next week and makes it to the Region Title Game, that would be considered a surprise when looking simply at the numbers with MC being the 8th seed. But again, when you look at MC's quality of play on the field and potential, it's not a huge surprise.

Region C. Much like Region A, few to any surprises. Glenvar was expected to be the team to beat and they are the one seed and many thought they would be hosting Appo in game 2 of the playoffs, but Floyd beat Appo close. Most fans knew Appo would be down a bit this year. Radford, I thought would end up the 3 seed behind Gretna to start the season, but most figured it would be Gretna and Radford as the 2 and 3 seeds and us two teams meeting in game 2 of the playoffs and we are. It's just at Radford instead of Gretna and it figures to be a close game as expected. Most give Floyd little chance to win at Glenvar. No major surprises in Region C this year. Appo was down a bit more than I thought they would be and Gretna is not quite as strong as I thought they would be, but no major surprises.

Region D. Most figured Graham, Union, Ridgeview and this has held true, but Va High is the oddball. We (Radford) beat Va High early on in the season and over the last 4 or 5 weeks, Va High doesn't even look like the same football team. If any surprises in Region D, it would be Va High, especially if they could win in Bluefield at Graham (tall task-both literally and figuratively).

Predictions.
Region A. Poquoson and KW both win next week setting up another great game between two heavyweights in the Region A Title Game.

Region B. I think Buckingham County playing at home wins very close and gets the monkey off it's back for good with early playoff exits and plays for the Region Title against Riverheads who I think will beat Strasburg. Everything tells me to pick Strasburg who I think is the more complete team, but picking against Riverheads in the playoffs within the region is never a good choice. Riverheads finds a way to rise to the occasion and we saw it again with Stuarts Draft last night when it mattered most. Both MC and Strasburg can win and no surprise if they do. Even the matchup with Strasburg's ability to throw the football favors them over Riverheads and playing at home, but I'm picking Riverheads. If Strasburg wins this game, it will be a game where Strasburg wins by 10 points or more. If it's close, Riverheads isn't losing. If Strasburg wins, it will be a game where they are wide open on offense and the football is in the air a lot and they beat Riverheads by 14 or so points with over 150 passing yards (this is very possible and many or most would probably predict Strasburg to win and I don't blame them).

Region C. Glenvar and Radford both win next week setting up a region title game between 2 rivals. I picked Gretna to be in the Region C Title Game preseason based on what Radford lost and what Gretna returned and I would pick Gretna to win this game next weekend over Radford, if it were at Gretna. Playing at home, I think we beat Gretna in a very close game. No surprise if the Hawks win though.

Region D. I'm picking Graham and Union. Both teams can lose on their home fields. Ridgeview is good enough to win at Union and Va High is playing good enough to win at Graham, but both will need to be perfect and both will need Graham and Union to have major penalties and boneheaded plays and a few turnovers. Union and Graham as talented as both are, can pull this off and self destruct with penalties in a hurry, but I don't think it will be enough for Ridgeview and Va High playing on the road and now it's cold in the mountains. Very cold, and that usually favors physicality and Graham and Union are brutally physical and in my opinion, the most physical two teams in Class 2.
 
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Kang Williams scers me. Dont wanna em. Them Boyz voted up ringz few yerz ago an laid up trip 7s. I hope they aint voted em up again. Nasty mofos that come 2 play and right down namez.. I no Graham an da barz of Union an Glenvar all voted em up dis yr so sumthins got 2 give our hear
 
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Curious if Slagle and Smith of V High were out against Radford? They missed some games early on. You are correct, V High is playing really good lately
 
Curious if Slagle and Smith of V High were out against Radford? They missed some games early on. You are correct, V High is playing really good lately
I read in the newspaper that Slagle missed all of Virginia High’s losses this year.

Not sure about Smith, other than them mentioning that he left on a stretcher at halftime against Graham.
 
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Kang Williams scers me. Dont wanna em. Them Boyz voted up ringz few yerz ago a laid up trip 7s. I hope they aint voted em up again. Nasty mofos that come 2 play and right down namez.. I no Graham an da barz of Union an Glenvar all voted em up dis yr so sumthins got 2 give our hear
If a Hokiepokie message doesn’t contain trash talk then you know that opponent is dangerous….
 
I read in the newspaper that Slagle missed all of Virginia High’s losses this year.

Not sure about Smith, other than them mentioning that he left on a stretcher at halftime against Graham.
Smith played but Slagle didn't and that's a huge difference. If I recall correctly Smith was banged up but played. Those guys are elite and it could have been a different outcome with both of them healthy.
 
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Kang Williams scers me. Dont wanna em. Them Boyz voted up ringz few yerz ago an laid up trip 7s. I hope they aint voted em up again. Nasty mofos that come 2 play and right down namez.. I no Graham an da barz of Union an Glenvar all voted em up dis yr so sumthins got 2 give our hear
Hokiepokie is afraid of King William. When they won the title against Graham a couple years ago they (apparently) voted for rings...Hokiepokie hopes they didn't "vote" again this year. They were very tough when he saw them play. He "knows" Graham, Union, and Glenvar all (allegedly) "voted" on rings this year so something has to give because they can't all win them.

I did my best. My wife is a Graham alum so I asked her to help.

Side note-biggest mistake of my life was telling her I was rooting for Radford in their playoff game last year against Graham (one of my best friends at JMU was a Radford alum and I figured Graham just won a title, why not root for the Bobcats) and I tell you I have never been more scolded....
 
I figured y'all fellow G-Men would be able to translate for him, because those of us from the rest of the state can't figure it out 🤣
You can’t judge an entire fan base by a singular fan 😂😂😂. I do think VA High will be a formidable opponent & GMen better be prepared and limit penalties & unforced errors. I’m thinking GMen defense may be the deciding factor. I know Smith went out injured in late 2nd Q against Graham. It wasn’t on radio so I’m not sure how well he did up against Graham’s defense until he went out. I know Graham’s offense has improved and it seems Virginia High has improved on both sides of the ball tremendously.
 
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Blacknightprides put it in good wordz. I aint no good with wordz or spellin but I luv my Gmen. I ain't never sed GMen are winnin a title as sure thang or put down other teams. I no they put the vote in for ringz and Barz did an Glanvar did. How can 3 teams get ringz dog. Sumthins got 2 giv. This is what I keep sayin.
If I recall u sed?
 
You can’t judge an entire fan base by a singular fan 😂😂😂. I do think VA High will be a formidable opponent & GMen better be prepared and limit penalties & unforced errors. I’m thinking GMen defense may be the deciding factor. I know Smith went out injured in late 2nd Q against Graham. It wasn’t on radio so I’m not sure how well he did up against Graham’s defense until he went out. I know Graham’s offense has improved and it seems Virginia High has improved on both sides of the ball tremendously.
I like your boys chances in the cold Gridiron60. Virginia has surely improved and their a dangerous bunch, but I think Grahams physicality in the cold will be the difference as long as Graham doesn't turn it over deep and forces VH to drive the length of the field to score, Graham should win. It's really going to be tough for any team to do long drives against Graham with that defense you guys have up there.

No judgement taken against you or your fanbase based on one poster. In his defense, seems like the guy loves his team and there's a huge difference in talking up your team (not my approach or most people's approach) compared to putting down other teams and that guy hasn't done that from what I've seen at least.
 
I like your boys chances in the cold Gridiron60. Virginia has surely improved and their a dangerous bunch, but I think Grahams physicality in the cold will be the difference as long as Graham doesn't turn it over deep and forces VH to drive the length of the field to score, Graham should win. It's really going to be tough for any team to do long drives against Graham with that defense you guys have up there.

No judgement taken against you or your fanbase based on one poster. In his defense, seems like the guy loves his team and there's a huge difference in talking up your team (not my approach or most people's approach) compared to putting down other teams and that guy hasn't done that from what I've seen at least.
I agree. I appreciate Hokiepokie's spirit. He talks those kids up a lot and doesn't down the others. Nice to see that as opposed to someone constantly talking about how bad all the other teams are. I can stand behind his love of his team.
 
I agree. I appreciate Hokiepokie's spirit. He talks those kids up a lot and doesn't down the others. Nice to see that as opposed to someone constantly talking about how bad all the other teams are. I can stand behind his love of his team.
He definitely is spirited! He amuses me with the voting on rings stuff 😂. I just need an interpreter sometimes. 😂
 
I think Ridgeview & Virginia High voted on rings too 😂. We’ll see if Union and Graham can put the skids on that vote! It’s going to be a rough road coming out of Region D. Whoever wins, will be battle tested 🤞!
 
Virgina an Ridgeway didn't vote on ringz. I got on good athorty that vhigh had 2 guys vote em down according to 1 of Gmen coaches told me. Glanver put votes in weak 2 and if Kin Willams beets Pocousanton they mite have teem meet up an I dont want it cauz that would be 4 teems and sumthins got 2 giv. Dedazz all around hear.
 
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I like your boys chances in the cold Gridiron60. Virginia has surely improved and their a dangerous bunch, but I think Grahams physicality in the cold will be the difference as long as Graham doesn't turn it over deep and forces VH to drive the length of the field to score, Graham should win. It's really going to be tough for any team to do long drives against Graham with that defense you guys have up there.

No judgement taken against you or your fanbase based on one poster. In his defense, seems like the guy loves his team and there's a huge difference in talking up your team (not my approach or most people's approach) compared to putting down other teams and that guy hasn't done that from what I've seen at least.
I rewatched the first meeting between the two, obviously Smith leaving the game & Slagle not playing was huge for VH. By the same token, I had forgotten how badly Graham shot themselves in the foot repeatedly in that game. Hopefully, the upcoming game won’t be a repeat of countless unforced errors on Graham’s part. Gage Palmer has gotten better with ball protection and Roberts has come along with the short & intermediate passing game which wasn’t utilized in the first VH game. It should be a good one. We’ll see who limits mistakes and takes advantage of the other’s miscues. It will definitely be cold & hopefully that benefits Graham. I know lots of folks want a VH upset but I’m wanting GMen to win obviously, lol!
 
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As a Graham fan, this game scares me. Smith and Slagle are both home run hitters. Graham has had some inconsistency on offense. Graham's defense has been consistent and will keep them in any game against anybody they face, however 1 or 2 big play could beat them, if the penalties show up and the offense is inconsistent
 
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As a Graham fan, this game scares me. Smith and Slagle are both home run hitters. Graham has had some inconsistency on offense. Graham's defense has been consistent and will keep them in any game against anybody they face, however 1 or 2 big play could beat them, if the penalties show up and the offense is inconsistent
Yeah, Graham’s offense needs a performance like this past Friday and no stupid penalties. The problem is VH defense is much better than Lee’s, no offense to Lee. I have confidence in our defensive coaches and know if the players can execute what the coaches come up with, we can limit the amount of damage Smith & Slagle are capable of putting on an opposing team. VH will be ready and hyped up. Graham needs to play very disciplined & know their assignments and do them-all business no foolishness!
 
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I rewatched the first meeting between the two, obviously Smith leaving the game & Slagle not playing was huge for VH. By the same token, I had forgotten how badly Graham shot themselves in the foot repeatedly in that game. Hopefully, the upcoming game won’t be a repeat of countless unforced errors on Graham’s part. Gage Palmer has gotten better with ball protection and Roberts has come along with the short & intermediate passing game which wasn’t utilized in the first VH game. It should be a good one. We’ll see who limits mistakes and takes advantage of the other’s miscues. It will definitely be cold & hopefully that benefits Graham. I know lots of folks want a VH upset but I’m wanting GMen to win obviously, lol!
Smith hadn’t done anything before he left the Graham game — he’s been balling against Marion and Lebanon(x2) and tazewell since that game — 3 teams with no defense at all - Graham gonna be just fine against him and whoever Slagle is - all those Virginia high fans that swore up and down he didn’t play in the first meeting against Graham — nah he left early. The passing game was utilized in the first game but once the Qb threw 2 terrible INTs Graham decided to just run it - hope for a great game - can’t wait til Friday
 
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Smith hadn’t done anything before he left the Graham game — he’s been balling against Marion and Lebanon(x2) and tazewell since that game — 3 teams with no defense at all - Graham gonna be just fine against him and whoever Slagle is - all those Virginia high fans that swore up and down he didn’t play in the first meeting against Graham — nah he left early. The passing game was utilized in the first game but once the Qb threw 2 terrible INTs Graham decided to just run it - hope for a great game - can’t wait til Friday

Are you saying Slagle & Smith both left early against Graham?
 
Virginia High did just fine without Slagle and an injured Smith in the first contest. Graham only scored 13 offensive points against V - High the first time around. Graham's offense had better have progressed or they will go home and suit up for basketball. They can't afford to have 100 + yards in penalties again either. Slagle is a ball player and is a difference maker, so is Smith. Those 2 are as good or better then anybody Graham has on the field. The V-High Quarterback is dangerous. Graham's strength is defending the middle of the field. If V-High rolls their QB out and tests the secondary, they will have success. The big question will be, how much time will the QB for V-High have to make plays, if he can get away from pressure and make a few throws, they can beat the G-men.
 
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Virginia High did just fine without Slagle and an injured Smith in the first contest. Graham only scored 13 offensive points against V - High the first time around. Graham's offense had better have progressed or they will go home and suit up for basketball. They can't afford to have 100 + yards in penalties again either. Slagle is a ball player and is a difference maker, so is Smith. Those 2 are as good or better then anybody Graham has on the field. The V-High Quarterback is dangerous. Graham's strength is defending the middle of the field. If V-High rolls their QB out and tests the secondary, they will have success. The big question will be, how much time will the QB for V-High have to make plays, if he can get away from pressure and make a few throws, they can beat the G-men.
Graham scored 20 on offense .. Va high scored 7 on offense … Va high scored on a kick return in which the returner stepped out of bounds and then fumbled and his own teammate picks it up and returns it for TD — Va high qb had 25 yards or so passing last meeting ,, and Graham was coming off a hurricane .. they r motivated and ready to go — come see Graham in the snow
 
Graham scored 20 on offense .. Va high scored 7 on offense … Va high scored on a kick return in which the returner stepped out of bounds and then fumbled and his own teammate picks it up and returns it for TD — Va high qb had 25 yards or so passing last meeting ,, and Graham was coming off a hurricane .. they r motivated and ready to go — come see Graham in the snow.

I have missed very few Graham home games in 50 years. Virginia High had a hurricane and plenty of adversity to deal with too. I'm not going to make excuses for the G-men. They need to show up and play ball. The penalties and sloppy play will not cut it. They have seemed a little better the past couple of games with that, but the quality of competition wasn't exactly stellar. Graham has a ton of potential and it's hard to argue against an 11-0 record, but they are their own worst enemy sometimes.
 
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What do we think about Ridgeview and Union game ? Ridgeview seems a consistent finesse pass heavy with older kids team — Union seems like a heavy run, old Wisconsin style teams . Thoughts ?
 
What do we think about Ridgeview and Union game ? Ridgeview seems a consistent finesse pass heavy with older kids team — Union seems like a heavy run, old Wisconsin style teams . Thoughts ?
I think Ridgeview is playing their best ball right now, but I don't think it's enough to overcome Union's superior strength and physicality. It will be closer then the first time, but I think Union wins it 21-14
 
I was telling Virginia High to come see Graham in the snow
I meant to say Playoff games, I changed my post a bit. For the record, I haven't missed a Graham-Beaver game in 50 years (even the season they played twice) despite living quite a distance away for several years. I have missed very few playoff games. Anyway, I'm being the devil's advocate. This Graham team has a ton of potential, but they tend to shoot themselves in the foot sometimes.
 
I meant to say Playoff games, I changed my post a bit. For the record, I haven't missed a Graham-Beaver game in 50 years (even the season they played twice) despite living quite a distance away for several years. I have missed very few playoff games. Anyway, I'm being the devil's advocate. This Graham team has a ton of potential, but they tend to shoot themselves in the foot sometimes.
The regular season meeting between VH & Graham, I would tend to agree. They shot themselves in the foot repeatedly. It allowed VH to stay in the game. If Graham keeps from doing that this week, I think they win.
 
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