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GW and Salem again. What do you think?

My hope is GW can finally get over the hump. The program has had a lot of great players and a lot of very good teams in the past 25 years. They haven’t advanced to the state semi’s since 1996, 7-10 years before any of these kids were even thought of. The community has changed a lot since then and so has the sports program in Danville. Good to see that our Eagles are real contenders this year. We will have an uphill battle on our hands. Nobody’s really challenged Salem other than Martinsburg and Christiansburg for all 4 quarters. GW looks to be team #3 to accomplish that. This past April this same team closed the gap after being blown off the field the first 3 times (2014 got ugly in the 4th). They didn’t back down and if it wasn’t for some iffy playcalling and one of the best plays I’ve ever seen by a high school player (Martindale interception), GW could’ve made it closer and possibly won. Friday the Eagles will need to finish. Logan, Leftwich, Martindale, and Stacy Williams will be 4 of the best players on the field. GW is young in a lot of places but very skilled. We talk about Deuce Logan being the best player in 4A, I won’t argue. Donovan Howard is right behind him. Martindale the best DL in 4a? I won’t argue but Worm Poole is right behind him. Fans are in for a treat this week.
 
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I will believe it when I see it. I went to GW a few years ago and Salem was up 14-0 before my seat got warm. Would be cool to see GW knock off the king but I just don't think it will happen.
 
If GW wants to beat Salem, this is the year. All year I thought GW was the scariest team in 4D by the way they played Glass. But we all know when the playoffs hit, that’s when Salem takes over.

GW has to play 4 quarters and the coaching has to be superb to beat Salem. In the Region championship games the last few years(2017 VS Blacksburg, 2019 vs Glass, 2021 vs GW), Salem has been especially good at being a 2nd half team. They make adjustments at halftime, then they pull away. It’s the little things that they pick you apart at. Either jump on them early, or out coach them in the 2nd half.
 
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Cburg didn't challenge Salem until the 2nd half. That game was 21-0 at half and Salem's O petered out.
 
GW will at least look like they belong, unlike Louisa (sorry Hoos but I know he will agree). Won’t be a blowout by any means and I know most Salem fans will agree that it’ll be a close game.

I haven’t seen a GW team play competitively in Salem since the inception of the new format. I don’t expect much to change but it’s my opinion , I think the score board will allude to what I’m speaking when the clock strikes 0:00.
If you’re a GW person prove what history and I’m saying different.
 
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I haven’t seen a GW team play competitively in Salem since the inception of the new format. I don’t expect much to change but it’s my opinion , I think the score board will allude to what I’m speaking when the clock strikes 0:00.
If you’re a GW person prove what history and I’m saying different.
Well you must’ve not seen the previous 3 meetings in Salem. The game in Danville was absolutely pathetic by GW but none of the games in Salem were blowouts until the 4th quarter where GW totally unraveled and played undisciplined.
 
Well you must’ve not seen the previous 3 meetings in Salem. The game in Danville was absolutely pathetic by GW but none of the games in Salem were blowouts until the 4th quarter where GW totally unraveled and played undisciplined.
The games decided in the 4Q, were mostly because of conditioning and endurance. (2014 they unraveled and were undisciplined)
 
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At this point in the payoffs… if you’ve got this far, you’re a good team!! Don’t under estimate your opponent!! If Salem comes out firing on all cylinders like they did vs Louisa, it’s gonna be a long night for GW. If GW comes out on all cylinders Salem will have a hard time It’s the way the game goes!! What’s in the past doesn’t dictate the here and now!! Don’t under estimate!!
Go Salem!!!
 
At this point in the payoffs… if you’ve got this far, you’re a good team!! Don’t under estimate your opponent!! If Salem comes out firing on all cylinders like they did vs Louisa, it’s gonna be a long night for GW. If GW comes out on all cylinders Salem will have a hard time It’s the way the game goes!! What’s in the past doesn’t dictate the here and now!! Don’t under estimate!!
Go Salem!!!
I don't think either team will underestimate each other. What happened in the past certainly doesn't dictate this game but it does play its role. GW as a program has yet to overcome the king of the hill. Based on previous games, I'm making the assumption that until I see it, I won't believe it. Good luck to both teams.
 
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My hope is GW can finally get over the hump. The program has had a lot of great players and a lot of very good teams in the past 25 years. They haven’t advanced to the state semi’s since 1996, 7-10 years before any of these kids were even thought of. The community has changed a lot since then and so has the sports program in Danville. Good to see that our Eagles are real contenders this year. We will have an uphill battle on our hands. Nobody’s really challenged Salem other than Martinsburg and Christiansburg for all 4 quarters. GW looks to be team #3 to accomplish that. This past April this same team closed the gap after being blown off the field the first 3 times (2014 got ugly in the 4th). They didn’t back down and if it wasn’t for some iffy playcalling and one of the best plays I’ve ever seen by a high school player (Martindale interception), GW could’ve made it closer and possibly won. Friday the Eagles will need to finish. Logan, Leftwich, Martindale, and Stacy Williams will be 4 of the best players on the field. GW is young in a lot of places but very skilled. We talk about Deuce Logan being the best player in 4A, I won’t argue. Donovan Howard is right behind him. Martindale the best DL in 4a? I won’t argue but Worm Poole is right behind him. Fans are in for a treat this week.
Yes, the best 3 DTs in the state imo will all be playing in the same game. I remember being so impressed by Poole as a Sophomore playing LB against Salem and last year he was at a DT and even more impressive.

Poole, along with Matei Fitz and Bryce Duke from Tuscarora have been the three best players against Salem over the past few years.
 
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I have no dog in the fight I’m just speaking to what I’ve seen and what I think will happen. GW has the ability and the talent but until they use it and execute a victory in the playoffs vs salem much less on the road in Salem, I’m not sold. Who are the Spartans for 500 Alex?
 
Not necessarily game related but I will add, something that I haven’t seen in a long time is DPS promoting a GW’s sports team. Back in 2006, the #1 in the state ranked GW Basketball team was front and center on the DPS website. That’s 15 years of nothing. DPS hired a video person with a drone and put together a nice video of the fans, students and team. With all the negative $hit that the city of Danville and it’s school system has gone through, it’s good to see something positive.
 
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I have no dog in the fight I’m just speaking to what I’ve seen and what I think will happen. GW has the ability and the talent but until they use it and execute a victory in the playoffs vs salem much less on the road in Salem, I’m not sold. Who are the Spartans for 500 Alex?
That’s why the games are played.
 
I think that Salem has a very big X-factor defensively that you will see tonight and potentially a couple on offense... it should be very fun!
 
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