NND & Tidewater Thoughts (and chances against the Machine) after week 3

[uvacavs1]

Just catching up here on the local high school action. Took family to Virginia Tech with a group from my Church to tour campus, tailgate, and attend VT football game.

I have been to Tech before but did not really pay that much attention at the time ha. I must say I loved it.

Loved the Hokie stone, everyone was so friendly, and it was lots of fun jumping with all the Hokie fans to Enter the Sandman. Sports Illustrated ranks it as one of the best openings in all of sports!

I raised a Hoo, born a Pirate but When in Rome....do as the Romans do.

Off to Never-Never Land...

 

[uvacavs1]

I do not have the new Rappahannock Times to rely on, so please correct any mistakes from my quick scan of the scores etc.

NND

Rappahannock 3-0
Northumberland 2-0
Colonial Beach 2-0
Essex 2-1
W&L 1-1
Lancaster 0-2

Tidewater

King William 3-0,
King & Queen 3-0 (awesome!)
Middlesex 3-0
Mathews 1-2
West Point 1-2
Charles City 0-3

 

[uvacavs1]

I'll start with the Neck. Interesting results.

It looks to me like we may have the Neck's version of The Battle of the Five Armies - (Tolkien).

The top five NND programs seem to all have a valid claim to the throne as RedPride Nation has already alluded to.

I thought that maybe Rapp and Essex might be too powerful, but maybe not.....

 

[uvacavs1]

Some awesome stuff happening in the Tidewater!

KW looks to be strong, like in the old days.....

Wow- Go King and Queen!!!! awesome. Very, very impressive.

When was the last time the Tigers knocked off West Point?

Good luck to Mathews and CC as they continue to rebuild.

Nice start to Middlesex!

West Point will struggle without Porter.

 

[uvacavs1]

Riverheads looks to be way, way too powerful....are they even better than before? Sauron? (sorry, another Tolkien reference)

Riverheads could compete with many strong upper levels (imo).

At this point (in my opinion) any team from Region A has a less than 20 percent chance to knock off Riverheads.

If the game is at Riverheads, it is less than a 10 percent chance that a Region A team can win.

Not saying it can't be done, but those are my odds and I am being generous.

However, who doesn't love the classic underdog movie Rocky?

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

Nice overview of Region A but you give Riverheads way too much credit. Solid team with excellent coaching but there are some chinks in the armor. My hope is they are addressed during the course of the season and do not show themselves in the playoffs.

I believe whoever comes out of Region A will be very competitive with the winner of Region B. There is no guarantee that will even be Riverheads with William Campbell playing extremely well this year.

 

[trutiger16]

Rapp will beat Riverheads it’s the only team in all of D1 that can matchup. Rapp must first get out Region A which will tricky come playoffs

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

Rapp will beat Riverheads it’s the only team in all of D1 that can matchup. Rapp must first get out Region A which will tricky come playoffs

IMO Essex is the only team in region A that matches Riverheads physical style and the only team that has a chance against Riverheads. But that matchup may never happen Essex has to win A and Riverheads has to win B. Like RedPrideNation alluded to William Campbell may have something to say who comes out of B. They put Riverheads out quite a few times over the years.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

@trutiger16, not that I disagree at all with your assessment of Rapp being a good matchup. Just curious as to why you think so?

 

[trutiger16]

@trutiger16, not that I disagree at all with your assessment of Rapp being a good matchup. Just curious as to why you think so?

I been on the Rapp wagon since last year, I think they have a good balance of weapons, especially at qb and they do not turn the ball over , The more important fact is that they will face the wing tee formation a ton in the regular season which prepares them for it not if but when they face the Red Machine. Rapp will be battle tested for sure. Riverheads seems to be climbing and getting better game by game , but Rapp has the most mature bunch. If the moment doesn’t become to big they will end Riverheads reign this year . Rapp 24 Riverhead 17 my title prediction

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

Fair enough, I believe they are as advertised. Colonial Beach, Northumberland and Essex will all challenge for the region title. Some interesting games coming over the next 8 weeks. Time will tell if this Riverheads team can put together another run to get into state play. Lots of football left to play for everybody and you have to remain healthy before we get to a big showdown.

 

[Baseball215]

Rapps showing against West Point and the W&L showing against West Point why did W&L match up better against West Point then Rapp?

 

[MT FAN 91]

Riverheads isn't called the big red machine for nothing....it will take one of hell a team to dethrone them.

 

[MT FAN 91]

Don't know enough about the eastern teams(other than what i on read on here)to know if any of them can truly compete with Riverheads. As for the West I will say Galax is fielding their best team since they beat Riverheads in the state championship game. Galax should be a handful for everybody this year if they stay healthy. I have heard PH Glade Spring is pretty good this year as well but I haven't seen them in person so they are kind of like the eastern teams I can only go from what I hear. A ton of football to be played and a lot can happen between now and playoff time. Good luck to all but I am hoping Galax gets to Salem once again and gets that championship trophy.

 

[NND Sports Fan]

I know is still early in the season, but after having seen a few scrimmages and games I would say if an NND team faces Riverheads in the state semifinals, Riverheads would have to be off its game and any NND team would have to play its most complete game of the season to stand a chance.

 

[h823putt]

I’ve seen Rapp, W&L twice and Riverheads, as stated before, the entire 1A group is playing for 2nd place.
It’s still early and most teams will improve, but so will the Gladiators and that is not good for the rest of 1A.

 

[kwhs95fan]

Some awesome stuff happening in the Tidewater!

KW looks to be strong, like in the old days.....

Wow- Go King and Queen!!!! awesome. Very, very impressive.

When was the last time the Tigers knocked off West Point?

Good luck to Mathews and CC as they continue to rebuild.

Nice start to Middlesex!

West Point will struggle without Porter.

KQ last beat WP in 2015.

 

[kwhs95fan]

Coming into this season, KQ only had 4 wins in 5 seasons, and 10 wins total in the last 14 years. They obviously have 3 thus far, this season. The last time they even had 3 wins in a season was 2004.

 

[deffenbaugh]

In Region A i think some folks may be overlooking that little ballclub in Montross. They didn't get embarrassed at Riverheads and played competitive football. Then they went on the road again and took WP out behind the wood shed. With a week off to rest for scouting and a BIG home game.....

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

In Region A i think some folks may be overlooking that little ballclub in Montross. They didn't get embarrassed at Riverheads and played competitive football. Then they went on the road again and took WP out behind the wood shed. With a week off to rest for scouting and a BIG home game.....

49-15 competitive?

 

[WP02alum]

49-15 competitive?

Honestly, against a Castro-led Riverheads team? Kinda!

 

[1a_Analyst]

49-15 competitive?

Riverheads was definitely in control that game, but W&L held their own and moved the ball also dropped a ton of passes that game. The score didn’t really show what really happened. I think W&L takes the NND title this year.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

Honestly, against a Castro-led Riverheads team? Kinda!

I was at that game. Trust me it wasnt competitive for very long. And its Casto not Castro.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

Riverheads was definitely in control that game, but W&L held their own and moved the ball also dropped a ton of passes that game. The score didn’t really show what really happened. I think W&L takes the NND title this year.

Riverheads played their 2nd team most of the 4th quarter and took a knee several times to keep from scoring anymore. So your right the score didnt tell the whole story.

 

[WP02alum]

I was at that game. Trust me it wasnt competitive for very long. And its Casto not Castro.

Lol sorry, auto-correct strikes again. I’m very aware that it’s Casto.

 

[deffenbaugh]

I was at that game. Trust me it wasnt competitive for very long. And its Casto not Castro.

It was 21-7 at the half. How is that not competitive? I said they didn't get embarrased, and they didn't. Especially when you're playing the top 1A/2A school in the state.

 

[MGF]

Rapps showing against West Point and the W&L showing against West Point why did W&L match up better against West Point then Rapp?

When you find out, let me know, because I thought the WP/W&L game would have been within 1 score and I thought RHS would win by 40.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

It was 21-7 at the half. How is that not competitive? I said they didn't get embarrased, and they didn't. Especially when you're playing the top 1A/2A school in the state.

Football is 4 quarters not a half. They got blown out the 2nd half.

 

[trutiger16]

Football is 4 quarters not a half. They got blown out the 2nd half.

Its the NN Ginger Ale man i swear !

 

[Baseball215]

Football is 4 quarters not a half. They got blown out the 2nd half.

I wouldn’t go that far I thought Riverheads was on their heels a good bit in first half and the starters played almost the entire game. Definitely wasn’t wholesale substitution W&L played a very gritty game and they have a lot to work with.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

@Baseball215 what game were you at? The first half W&L had two drives that went anywhere and on 3rd and goal they fumbled into the end zone and covered it. The runner was stopped so he wasn't getting in. IF that doesn't occur, its a field goal maybe. That was the most impressive drive they had against the first team D. The late TD was against predominately subs with a couple of starters left in there like usual when we are up more than 3 scores in the 4th quarter. I think the turnovers and special teams mistakes played a big part in the score but there are three phases to the game. If you are weak in one it will be exposed.

There is plenty of talent on the W&L team so I wont take away from that but there wasn't really a doubt about the outcome of the game after about 5 minutes in. I truthfully liked their back up QB better than the starter. The offensive looked more smooth and with his threat to run it just had a different feel to it. Kudos to W&L for the past weeks big win and continued success this season. If we are fortunate enough to meet again this season, I am sure that we will see some new wrinkles and as much of the Eagles as we will want.

 

[Baseball215]

All I’m going to say was not impressed with Riverheads performance In that game I would say W& L had momentum going into half time and they they thought they had a chance that’s not a blow out in my book

 

[uvacavs1]

I was at that game. Trust me it wasnt competitive for very long. And its Casto not Castro.

Are you sure that Coach Casto is not called El Presidente out there?

The way Casto runs his system to perfection without dissent and appears to be in total control does remind me a tad of a Dictator - a ruler with absolute power. How else could that system be run year after year with complete success and even improvement?

Hey, Coach Casto is not a Marxist-Leninist (Communist) like Castro because his Football system is extremely successful!!!

He must be a Capitalist Dictator (Head Coach)! Well done. Respect.

 

[deffenbaugh]

Football is 4 quarters not a half. They got blown out the 2nd half.

I stand corrected. You're right. 1A/2A? Riverheads once again dominated a weaker and smaller opponent at home in a meaningless game to you that was little more than a practice for the Red Pride against a clearly overmatched, undercoached, skilless group that probably couldnt make your JV squad.

Congratulations (slow clap)

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

@deffenbaugh, maybe its just me but I didn't read what you quoted from fencepatrol that way. W&L is a good football team that traveled 3 hours or so to play in the opening game of the season. I can tell they are well coached and have several extremely talented players which will make a deep playoff run. There is also no argument that in the second half Riverheads pulled away convincingly.

1A/2A gripping, rinse and repeat over and over. I am sure VHSL will listen if anyone ever could actually have evidence to present.

#RollPride

 

[deffenbaugh]

@deffenbaugh, maybe its just me but I didn't read what you quoted from fencepatrol that way. W&L is a good football team that traveled 3 hours or so to play in the opening game of the season. I can tell they are well coached and have several extremely talented players which will make a deep playoff run. There is also no argument that in the second half Riverheads pulled away convincingly.

1A/2A gripping, rinse and repeat over and over. I am sure VHSL will listen if anyone ever could actually have evidence to present.

#RollPride

What I said was they were competitive and didn't get embarrassed. You either agree with that or you don't. Why is it so hard for some people to have a little humility in victory and say their opponent gave them a good game? There's no shame in it, and no reason for the W&L folks not to hold their heads up and say we played a good game against the best team in 1A/2A.

Now on the 1A/2A deal. Please just stop. You know, I know, your school board knows, VHSL knows, we all know. Nobody's going to do anything about it and that's fine. But some years Riverheads is a small 2A competing as a big 1A and some years a big 1A competing as a big 1A. It is what it is. I accept that. But I'm not going to stop reminding ya'll.

 

[trutiger16]

What I said was they were competitive and didn't get embarrassed. You either agree with that or you don't. Why is it so hard for some people to have a little humility in victory and say their opponent gave them a good game? There's no shame in it, and no reason for the W&L folks not to hold their heads up and say we played a good game against the best team in 1A/2A.

Now on the 1A/2A deal. Please just stop. You know, I know, your school board knows, VHSL knows, we all know. Nobody's going to do anything about it and that's fine. But some years Riverheads is a small 2A competing as a big 1A and some years a big 1A competing as a big 1A. It is what it is. I accept that. But I'm not going to stop reminding ya'll.

Ouch !

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

What I said was they were competitive and didn't get embarrassed. You either agree with that or you don't. Why is it so hard for some people to have a little humility in victory and say their opponent gave them a good game? There's no shame in it, and no reason for the W&L folks not to hold their heads up and say we played a good game against the best team in 1A/2A.

Now on the 1A/2A deal. Please just stop. You know, I know, your school board knows, VHSL knows, we all know. Nobody's going to do anything about it and that's fine. But some years Riverheads is a small 2A competing as a big 1A and some years a big 1A competing as a big 1A. It is what it is. I accept that. But I'm not going to stop reminding ya'll.

Since its obvious we don't agree on much, let me state it again. I did say W&L has a good team and played a good game. I also said that the second half was all Riverheads. I have nothing but respect for the Eagles because there are local teams that wont play the Gladiators.

As to the 1A/2A talk, your assessment is actually probably the closest I have seen to being accurate. Here is my last statement this week on it though. If you have the time look to see how many teams are in each division, its roughly 53 so they move the division break point accordingly to maintain about the same number of teams in each group. As for reminding us about it, join the club. There's about 15-20 that routinely toss that around and generally get a reaction or two from it.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

What I said was they were competitive and didn't get embarrassed. You either agree with that or you don't. Why is it so hard for some people to have a little humility in victory and say their opponent gave them a good game? There's no shame in it, and no reason for the W&L folks not to hold their heads up and say we played a good game against the best team in 1A/2A.

Now on the 1A/2A deal. Please just stop. You know, I know, your school board knows, VHSL knows, we all know. Nobody's going to do anything about it and that's fine. But some years Riverheads is a small 2A competing as a big 1A and some years a big 1A competing as a big 1A. It is what it is. I accept that. But I'm not going to stop reminding ya'll.

Schools move in and out of divisions all the time based on their enrollment. Why is it the only one I “EVER” hear anybody complaining about is Riverheads? It really does get old, kinda like the Trump/Russia collusion, all kind of talk and accusations but not one shred of evidence. Guess if you dont have a team good enough to beat them use the “enrollment” excuse.

 

[trutiger16]

Schools move in and out of divisions all the time based on their enrollment. Why is it the only one I “EVER” hear anybody complaining about is Riverheads? It really does get old, kinda like the Trump/Russia collusion, all kind of talk and accusations but not one shred of evidence. Guess if you dont have a team good enough to beat them use the “enrollment” excuse.

Double Ouch ! Lol don’t blame tru on this one ! That’s enough guys , hopefully if business is handled by both teams a rematch will happen ?