My Takeaways from Week 3

[DinwiddieProud]

Other than the HSHS faithful, I don’t think any of us really gave the Springers much chance against the Maury Machine? But the way they have been totally dominated the last two weeks is a long way from what we are used to. It’s traditionally been the Springers that were doing the dominating.

And I can say nearly the same thing about Salem.

Galax starting out 0-3? Wow. Carroll County has been better in recent years, but if you had said pre season that Carroll County was going to not only beat, but nearly shut out Galax, I would have loaded up on that bet. And did you know, the seven points the Maroon Tide scored on Carroll are the only points they have scored so far this year?

Huguenot putting up 81 on Clover Hill caught my eye, but it was not surprising. Huguenot is powerful, and Clover Hill is pitiful.

How about TJ putting nearly as many on Amelia. 79

Poor Hidden Valley. In three games they have been outscored 204 to 0. And what are their next two games? Glenvar and Salem!

My hat’s off to the kicker and the team at Brentsville District. (I still think of them as Nokesville). I don’t care what the length of the kick was, for a high school kicker to make the kick, to win the game, with only seconds on the clock is awesome.

Manchester beating Powhatan surprised many. I had told Danny that I wasn’t sold on Powhatan. I was sipping the Koolade, but not drinking it. I didn’t dump the rest of my cup…, yet, but they have to get some convincing victories before I ask for a refill.

It sure doesn’t appear that PH-A has figured out their problems yet. Losing to Glen Allen is not a sin, but being shut out and giving up 31 points makes you raise your eyebrows.

How about Caroline going into games as a favorite, and also winning?

Colonial Heights convincingly beat a 2-0 Nottoway team that was a VA Preps HM at 13th.

I see Coach Hall of Manchester vintage got his first win as the HC at Prince George.

Bleeding Navy pointed out to me that Stafford, (C6), has very quietly gotten to 3-0 with a good margin of victory.


I think we are beginning to identify who the contenders are for this season. There are always teams that start out poorly, and then get red hot, as well as those that have the world by the horns, only to get gored. I’m looking forward to the first posting of the standings based on the VHSL points. If memory serves me right, that goes out after week 5?

So, what caught your eye? What made you say, “no way” this week?

 

[VAtuffTurf]

I echo same thoughts on HSHS and Salem but thought the competition would be closer, these teams will be very battle tested compared to others.

As for the north: Handley fell to a talented C3 Kettle Run 34-28. This is about what I had expected with either team being able to win.

Sherando looks more and more solid as I didn’t expect a win against C5 Lightridge and definitely not in the manner that it was done 23-10. For the second half, I believe Sherando surrendered only 20 yards and zero points. This is the same Lightridge team that came up 3 points short to John Champe and that Champe team beat Briar Woods 7-6 in week 1. I realize that is like comparing apples to oranges but I think it provides a little more insight as to where teams competition sits in the North. I would still be hesitant to say they are competitive outside the region but who knows.

 

[Shruikan]

Sherando and Lightridge (5D) played a sloppy game at Arrowhead last night with Sherando winning 23-10. Lightridge had several issues with snaps throughout the night, with one resulting in a safety, and Sherando had a bunch of penalties that hurt drives as well as something like three trips inside the Lightridge 10-yard-line that didn't result in getting any points. Lightridge led 10-0 before the Warriors put it all together near the end of the second quarter, shutting them out from that point on and outgaining them 291-19. It felt very similar to the game against Jefferson last week where the Warriors looked a bit slow and lethargic for the first quarter and a half before starting to roll, but Lightridge was considerably better than that Cougar team.

My biggest concerns are the O-Line and the pass defense. Sherando has a couple quick guys who can take off in open space but the line hasn't been able to create openings for them consistently. Lightridge didn't have spectacular size from what I saw. Though they fixed the issue in the second half, Lightridge consistently converted third and fourth down passes throughout the first half.

I can be a bit pessimistic. The Run D has been great week in and week out and overall they look solid. If not for the sloppy play in the red zone it easily could've been a 40-10 type game. Lightridge played John Champe to the wire, and that same Champe team knocked off Briar Woods in week 1.

My opinion on this year's team hasn't really changed this week. They'll be fine in the regular season with tough games against Handley and Kettle Run (and potentially Millbrook, depending on which Millbrook team shows up), but the line play especially will be an issue against teams like Salem, Dinwiddie, and Phoebus if they're fortunate enough to have a deep playoff run. This team reminds me a lot of Kettle Run's recent years in that they're solid all around without any one standout player.

Elsewhere... I expected Handley to beat Kettle Run in a close game. It sounded like KR took it to them in the first half but Handley had control in the second. Millbrook losing to Brentsville was surprising. Either Harrisonburg and Warren County are dreadful (since Millbrook blew each of them out), or Millbrook has another Jekyll and Hyde team which has been a staple of theirs in recent years. James Wood crushed Skyline to reach 3-0. I expected them to win but the margin was eyebrow raising.

Hard to say what the pecking order is in Frederick County at the moment. Sherando beat Brentsville 35-0, Millbrook lost to them 38-35, and James Wood won 16-15. My gut says Millbrook is still a good bit better than JW, but we'll see. Handley plays them next week, so that should be telling.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Sherando and Lightridge (5D) played a sloppy game at Arrowhead last night with Sherando winning 23-10. Lightridge had several issues with snaps throughout the night, with one resulting in a safety, and Sherando had a bunch of penalties that hurt drives as well as something like three trips inside the Lightridge 10-yard-line that didn't result in getting any points. Lightridge led 10-0 before the Warriors put it all together near the end of the second quarter, shutting them out from that point on and outgaining them 291-19. It felt very similar to the game against Jefferson last week where the Warriors looked a bit slow and lethargic for the first quarter and a half before starting to roll, but Lightridge was considerably better than that Cougar team.

My biggest concerns are the O-Line and the pass defense. Sherando has a couple quick guys who can take off in open space but the line hasn't been able to create openings for them consistently. Lightridge didn't have spectacular size from what I saw. Though they fixed the issue in the second half, Lightridge consistently converted third and fourth down passes throughout the first half.

I can be a bit pessimistic. The Run D has been great week in and week out and overall they look solid. If not for the sloppy play in the red zone it easily could've been a 40-10 type game. Lightridge played John Champe to the wire, and that same Champe team knocked off Briar Woods in week 1.

My opinion on this year's team hasn't really changed this week. They'll be fine in the regular season with tough games against Handley and Kettle Run (and potentially Millbrook, depending on which Millbrook team shows up), but the line play especially will be an issue against teams like Salem, Dinwiddie, and Phoebus if they're fortunate enough to have a deep playoff run. This team reminds me a lot of Kettle Run's recent years in that they're solid all around without any one standout player.

Elsewhere... I expected Handley to beat Kettle Run in a close game. It sounded like KR took it to them in the first half but Handley had control in the second. Millbrook losing to Brentsville was surprising. Either Harrisonburg and Warren County are dreadful (since Millbrook blew each of them out), or Millbrook has another Jekyll and Hyde team which has been a staple of theirs in recent years. James Wood crushed Skyline to reach 3-0. I expected them to win but the margin was eyebrow raising.

Hard to say what the pecking order is in Frederick County at the moment. Sherando beat Brentsville 35-0, Millbrook lost to them 38-35, and James Wood won 16-15. My gut says Millbrook is still a good bit better than JW, but we'll see. Handley plays them next week, so that should be telling.

Good explanation. Thank you sir.

 

[schoolboard]

James Wood's quarterback was very accurate, and WR #2 was very fast. They also were really good at getting the rushing yards they needed on 3rd and short. If they had another fast wr/dB like #2, they could play with anybody.

 

[Shruikan]

James Wood's quarterback was very accurate, and WR #2 was very fast. They also were really good at getting the rushing yards they needed on 3rd and short. If they had another fast wr/dB like #2, they could play with anybody.

Their QB and #2 are both sophomores I think. Could be a bright future ahead for them if they can get some guys around them.

 

[Vaborn76]

Sherando and Lightridge (5D) played a sloppy game at Arrowhead last night with Sherando winning 23-10. Lightridge had several issues with snaps throughout the night, with one resulting in a safety, and Sherando had a bunch of penalties that hurt drives as well as something like three trips inside the Lightridge 10-yard-line that didn't result in getting any points. Lightridge led 10-0 before the Warriors put it all together near the end of the second quarter, shutting them out from that point on and outgaining them 291-19. It felt very similar to the game against Jefferson last week where the Warriors looked a bit slow and lethargic for the first quarter and a half before starting to roll, but Lightridge was considerably better than that Cougar team.

My biggest concerns are the O-Line and the pass defense. Sherando has a couple quick guys who can take off in open space but the line hasn't been able to create openings for them consistently. Lightridge didn't have spectacular size from what I saw. Though they fixed the issue in the second half, Lightridge consistently converted third and fourth down passes throughout the first half.

I can be a bit pessimistic. The Run D has been great week in and week out and overall they look solid. If not for the sloppy play in the red zone it easily could've been a 40-10 type game. Lightridge played John Champe to the wire, and that same Champe team knocked off Briar Woods in week 1.

My opinion on this year's team hasn't really changed this week. They'll be fine in the regular season with tough games against Handley and Kettle Run (and potentially Millbrook, depending on which Millbrook team shows up), but the line play especially will be an issue against teams like Salem, Dinwiddie, and Phoebus if they're fortunate enough to have a deep playoff run. This team reminds me a lot of Kettle Run's recent years in that they're solid all around without any one standout player.

Elsewhere... I expected Handley to beat Kettle Run in a close game. It sounded like KR took it to them in the first half but Handley had control in the second. Millbrook losing to Brentsville was surprising. Either Harrisonburg and Warren County are dreadful (since Millbrook blew each of them out), or Millbrook has another Jekyll and Hyde team which has been a staple of theirs in recent years. James Wood crushed Skyline to reach 3-0. I expected them to win but the margin was eyebrow raising.

Hard to say what the pecking order is in Frederick County at the moment. Sherando beat Brentsville 35-0, Millbrook lost to them 38-35, and James Wood won 16-15. My gut says Millbrook is still a good bit better than JW, but we'll see. Handley plays them next week, so that should be telling.

Sherando and Lightridge (5D) played a sloppy game at Arrowhead last night with Sherando winning 23-10. Lightridge had several issues with snaps throughout the night, with one resulting in a safety, and Sherando had a bunch of penalties that hurt drives as well as something like three trips inside the Lightridge 10-yard-line that didn't result in getting any points. Lightridge led 10-0 before the Warriors put it all together near the end of the second quarter, shutting them out from that point on and outgaining them 291-19. It felt very similar to the game against Jefferson last week where the Warriors looked a bit slow and lethargic for the first quarter and a half before starting to roll, but Lightridge was considerably better than that Cougar team.

My biggest concerns are the O-Line and the pass defense. Sherando has a couple quick guys who can take off in open space but the line hasn't been able to create openings for them consistently. Lightridge didn't have spectacular size from what I saw. Though they fixed the issue in the second half, Lightridge consistently converted third and fourth down passes throughout the first half.

I can be a bit pessimistic. The Run D has been great week in and week out and overall they look solid. If not for the sloppy play in the red zone it easily could've been a 40-10 type game. Lightridge played John Champe to the wire, and that same Champe team knocked off Briar Woods in week 1.

My opinion on this year's team hasn't really changed this week. They'll be fine in the regular season with tough games against Handley and Kettle Run (and potentially Millbrook, depending on which Millbrook team shows up), but the line play especially will be an issue against teams like Salem, Dinwiddie, and Phoebus if they're fortunate enough to have a deep playoff run. This team reminds me a lot of Kettle Run's recent years in that they're solid all around without any one standout player.

Elsewhere... I expected Handley to beat Kettle Run in a close game. It sounded like KR took it to them in the first half but Handley had control in the second. Millbrook losing to Brentsville was surprising. Either Harrisonburg and Warren County are dreadful (since Millbrook blew each of them out), or Millbrook has another Jekyll and Hyde team which has been a staple of theirs in recent years. James Wood crushed Skyline to reach 3-0. I expected them to win but the margin was eyebrow raising.

Hard to say what the pecking order is in Frederick County at the moment. Sherando beat Brentsville 35-0, Millbrook lost to them 38-35, and James Wood won 16-15. My gut says Millbrook is still a good bit better than JW, but we'll see. Handley plays them next week, so that should be telling.

Great breakdown of the Sherando game. Going into the game, i too questioned, how well Sherando would do against the passing game of Lightridge. Lightridge's opening drive was sound, and Sherando struggled to get off the field on that drive, but once Lightridge was inside the 20, the shortened field helped Sherando hold them to a field goal. After that, adjustments were made and I was impressed once again by Sherando's defense. I am curious what worries you about Sherando's OL? They are on the smaller side, but are very physical and I felt they controlled the line of scrimmage well. Sherando ended up rushing for almost 290 yards, and have had even better numbers in the first two games. They do need to clean up the penatlies but overall I thought it was a solid game on both sides of the ball. Looking ahead, if Sherando continues to play to this level and improves each week, we could see two undefeated teams facing off later in the season, when Kettle Run comes to town.

As for the Handley vs Kettle Run game, I felt that if Handley would not have committed some costly turnovers the game could and really honestly should have turned out differently. Offensively Handley is big up front and the OL is well coached. I dont feel that they have a dynamic offense and rely heavly on a " wildcat" package that opposing defenses may eventually figure out how to slow down or stop. Which will then put pressure on the freshman quarterback that they are starting. The freshman quarterback is playing really well right now and is impressive to watch, his continued development will be a key for how far this team could go.. On the defensive side of the ball, some of those same big offensive linemen play on the DL as well, and will give opposing offenses a hard time when it comes to running the ball, but as Kettle Run showed, it can be done. They have some question marks in the secondary that will need to be fixed before playoff time, but overall I think they will be a handful for opposing teams all season long.

As for Millbrook, you said it perfetly, when you described them as Jekyll and Hyde!

 

[Shruikan]

Great breakdown of the Sherando game. Going into the game, i too questioned, how well Sherando would do against the passing game of Lightridge. Lightridge's opening drive was sound, and Sherando struggled to get off the field on that drive, but once Lightridge was inside the 20, the shortened field helped Sherando hold them to a field goal. After that, adjustments were made and I was impressed once again by Sherando's defense. I am curious what worries you about Sherando's OL? They are on the smaller side, but are very physical and I felt they controlled the line of scrimmage well. Sherando ended up rushing for almost 290 yards, and have had even better numbers in the first two games. They do need to clean up the penatlies but overall I thought it was a solid game on both sides of the ball. Looking ahead, if Sherando continues to play to this level and improves each week, we could see two undefeated teams facing off later in the season, when Kettle Run comes to town.

As for the Handley vs Kettle Run game, I felt that if Handley would not have committed some costly turnovers the game could and really honestly should have turned out differently. Offensively Handley is big up front and the OL is well coached. I dont feel that they have a dynamic offense and rely heavly on a " wildcat" package that opposing defenses may eventually figure out how to slow down or stop. Which will then put pressure on the freshman quarterback that they are starting. The freshman quarterback is playing really well right now and is impressive to watch, his continued development will be a key for how far this team could go.. On the defensive side of the ball, some of those same big offensive linemen play on the DL as well, and will give opposing offenses a hard time when it comes to running the ball, but as Kettle Run showed, it can be done. They have some question marks in the secondary that will need to be fixed before playoff time, but overall I think they will be a handful for opposing teams all season long.

As for Millbrook, you said it perfetly, when you described them as Jekyll and Hyde!

I don't think the OL is bad by any means. They play aggressively enough to handle any of the area competition and have given the QB a reasonable amount of time to work in the pocket. My concern is their size as you mentioned, and I would add depth as well. I always watched the line whenever Sherando played Martinsburg because those guys have more size and depth every year than any VA school I've seen at this level, and it seemed to me that if they could hold their own against them they could play with the southern teams. The Sherando teams that held their own always had a healthy amount of depth and size to rotate in to offset Martinsburg's advantages.

That being said, it's early in the season. There are probably some hungry guys who haven't gotten a lot of playing time yet. Looking at the schedule, it wouldn't surprise me to see them and Kettle Run both being undefeated on October 18th.

I'll be keeping tabs on Lightridge for the rest of the season. Need them to pick up some wins for power points.

 

[Scalvinscaliwag]

My biggest concern is lack of speed at the Wide Reciever position , against good run defenses Sherando will be forced to throw. Could be an issue later on. This the first year the Sherando QB hasn’t had the fastest person on the field to throw the ball to. Never the less , Sherando is not an easy out for anyone at least in the top half of Virginia and are very well coached team. I would anticipate at least a solid playoff team at the worst.
When #25 gets on the field , from what I have heard is this coming week , he will be a game changer .
Good write up @Shruikan .

 

[BoKnowsSports]

I want to congratulate the Amherst Lancers for blowing out Mecklenburg 34-7! Congrats @wikki and fellow Lancer fans! Region 4D is much improved this season, I hope the Lancers can grab a playoff spot.

 

[CRF4Dan]

Other than the HSHS faithful, I don’t think any of us really gave the Springers much chance against the Maury Machine? But the way they have been totally dominated the last two weeks is a long way from what we are used to. It’s traditionally been the Springers that were doing the dominating.

And I can say nearly the same thing about Salem.

Galax starting out 0-3? Wow. Carroll County has been better in recent years, but if you had said pre season that Carroll County was going to not only beat, but nearly shut out Galax, I would have loaded up on that bet. And did you know, the seven points the Maroon Tide scored on Carroll are the only points they have scored so far this year?

Huguenot putting up 81 on Clover Hill caught my eye, but it was not surprising. Huguenot is powerful, and Clover Hill is pitiful.

How about TJ putting nearly as many on Amelia. 79

Poor Hidden Valley. In three games they have been outscored 204 to 0. And what are their next two games? Glenvar and Salem!

My hat’s off to the kicker and the team at Brentsville District. (I still think of them as Nokesville). I don’t care what the length of the kick was, for a high school kicker to make the kick, to win the game, with only seconds on the clock is awesome.

Manchester beating Powhatan surprised many. I had told Danny that I wasn’t sold on Powhatan. I was sipping the Koolade, but not drinking it. I didn’t dump the rest of my cup…, yet, but they have to get some convincing victories before I ask for a refill.

It sure doesn’t appear that PH-A has figured out their problems yet. Losing to Glen Allen is not a sin, but being shut out and giving up 31 points makes you raise your eyebrows.

How about Caroline going into games as a favorite, and also winning?

Colonial Heights convincingly beat a 2-0 Nottoway team that was a VA Preps HM at 13th.

I see Coach Hall of Manchester vintage got his first win as the HC at Prince George.

Bleeding Navy pointed out to me that Stafford, (C6), has very quietly gotten to 3-0 with a good margin of victory.


I think we are beginning to identify who the contenders are for this season. There are always teams that start out poorly, and then get red hot, as well as those that have the world by the horns, only to get gored. I’m looking forward to the first posting of the standings based on the VHSL points. If memory serves me right, that goes out after week 5?

So, what caught your eye? What made you say, “no way” this week?

Don't pour out that cup on Powhatan yet... turnovers were costly for Powhatan but they rallied late to make a game of it. You take those turnovers out of the equation and yes they are a part of the game but pound for pound Powhatan would have been with Manchester every step of the way and probably beaten them. I know Coach Henderson will make sure they don't have another night like that again as that many turnovers is uncharacteristic of Powhatan football period.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Don't pour out that cup on Powhatan yet... turnovers were costly for Powhatan but they rallied late to make a game of it. You take those turnovers out of the equation and yes they are a part of the game but pound for pound Powhatan would have been with Manchester every step of the way and probably beaten them. I know Coach Henderson will make sure they don't have another night like that again as that many turnovers is uncharacteristic of Powhatan football period.

I didn’t dump my cup, but I didn’t ask for a refill either. But, I did pick them over JR this week. So, we shall see!

 

[blackknight_pride]

Don't pour out that cup on Powhatan yet... turnovers were costly for Powhatan but they rallied late to make a game of it. You take those turnovers out of the equation and yes they are a part of the game but pound for pound Powhatan would have been with Manchester every step of the way and probably beaten them. I know Coach Henderson will make sure they don't have another night like that again as that many turnovers is uncharacteristic of Powhatan football period.

I sometimes wish Powhatan were still in the Jefferson District for the sole purpose of Louisa actually getting a competitive game on the gridiron at least once in district play. That game would be a must-attend this season for Central VA football lovers. Oh well. Powhatan clearly is doing well since making the jump over to the Richmond district. Agreed that they looked better than the score indicated on Friday and will still be very dangerous to a lot of Class 4 teams come November.

 

[CRF4Dan]

I sometimes wish Powhatan were still in the Jefferson District for the sole purpose of Louisa actually getting a competitive game on the gridiron at least once in district play. That game would be a must-attend this season for Central VA football lovers. Oh well. Powhatan clearly is doing well since making the jump over to the Richmond district. Agreed that they looked better than the score indicated on Friday and will still be very dangerous to a lot of Class 4 teams come November.

You know Powhatan has one out-of-district game and it has been Mechanicsville the past few seasons. Maybe Powhatan and Louisa could arrange to play out-of-district. It would be a big draw I'm sure.

 

[OCBoy]

I sometimes wish Powhatan were still in the Jefferson District for the sole purpose of Louisa actually getting a competitive game on the gridiron at least once in district play. That game would be a must-attend this season for Central VA football lovers. Oh well. Powhatan clearly is doing well since making the jump over to the Richmond district. Agreed that they looked better than the score indicated on Friday and will still be very dangerous to a lot of Class 4 teams come November.

Powhatan would roll Louisa this year