Pre-Season Top 10 Rankings

[sixcat]

I forgot FORT went back to 2a last year and losing a coach this close to the start of the season is tough

Definitely a tough spot for them. Tiller had made some significant progress in rebuilding the program following the Tom Hale debacle. Two wins each over Radford and Grayson to go along with victories over Chilhowie, Galax and George Wythe is a nice start to a coaching career.

He will be an asset for Ridgeview. He will have some insight into helping them get past Grayson if they meet in the postseason again this year.

 

[obguthr]

I forgot FORT went back to 2a last year and losing a coach this close to the start of the season is tough

This will be Fort's last season in D2. They drop back to D1 next year. It really sucks about the coaching situation.

 

[Scagmowers]

I feel for person trying to hire coach this late.

 

[obguthr]

I feel for person trying to hire coach this late.

I wonder how much money it would take to entice Robert Casto to move? I mean if you're serious about winning....

 

[Gunz41]

I wonder how much money it would take to entice Robert Casto to move? I mean if you're serious about winning....

I doubt he would. I have heard in past he had college offers and declined. But I am not in the know there

 

[NNKD4L]

It looks like people have #1&2 Riverheads and Essex, but Only 1 can make it to Salem. While #3&4 will get a shot. I like to old Cross bracket that pitted the two best teams or at least gave the two best teams a chance in Salem.

 

[WP02alum]

Semifinal cross-bracketing is smart. Now that it’s a state semifinal instead of a regional final, VHSL should mandate it.

 

[honestjohn60]

So then good sir, answer the question instead of just a LOL. That makes you look worse pal.

What do you believe is their real number? And while I dislike them, what is your point in their 3 losses last 2 years?

And yes you have used the words cheater, thief, etc.

So the real question remains, how often do you comb your hair, and what color is it? I know there are so many different colors

525

 

[obguthr]

525

Are Price is Right rules in effect? Because I want to say 630. There's always construction up there. I guess they need more classrooms even though on paper the enrollment is declining.

 

[shendistrictsportsfan]

Are Price is Right rules in effect? Because I want to say 630. There's always construction up there. I guess they need more classrooms even though on paper the enrollment is declining.

I think the construction is only there to keep the building from falling apart. LOL It's very old.

 

[BigWinners]

If Chilhowie isn't in your top five, your opinion is invalid. State runner up returns basically everyone

 

[GKKING]

The VHSL will make sure that SWVA has a team in Salem ! No Matter What .

That would be a first

 

[lucustookis]

But if you're questioning my authenticity, anyone from SWVASports.com can verify my identity!

Way to keep the garbage posts moving right along in what could have been a quality thread!

Your sourcing SWVA Sports, LMAO. That's funny. Sixcat, I take you as serious as a poopy flavored lolly pop. I just wanted to greet you for the 2018 season. As for Galax, great program, but it appears Chilhowie has surpassed em. Top 2 doesn't mean much in the 1A West this year. With what Chilhowie returns, its theirs to lose. I got them returning to the state championship and getting obliterated by Riverheads. If Essex can get by Riverheads in what would be an upset, the same will occur. Replace Chilhowie with Galax from the West and you get the same result like 2016 when Riverheads ran ruffshed over Galax like a shi* house poet in a public bathroom stall.

 

[MT FAN 91]

Your sourcing SWVA Sports, LMAO. That's funny. Sixcat, I take you as serious as a poopy flavored lolly pop. I just wanted to greet you for the 2018 season. As for Galax, great program, but it appears Chilhowie has surpassed em. Top 2 doesn't mean much in the 1A West this year. With what Chilhowie returns, its theirs to lose. I got them returning to the state championship and getting obliterated by Riverheads. If Essex can get by Riverheads in what would be an upset, the same will occur. Replace Chilhowie with Galax from the West and you get the same result like 2016 when Riverheads ran ruffshed over Galax like a shi* house poet in a public bathroom stall.

I don't know if I would say Chilhowie has surpassed Galax just yet, yes they beat them last year and should probably be favored once again in the West but Galax has been a contender for the last 7 years. I'm just saying let's see how long Chilhowie stays one of the top dog's in the West before we go and say they have surpassed anyone. This is not a knock on Chilhowie because they're a good football team.

 

[lucustookis]

I don't know if I would say Chilhowie has surpassed Galax just yet, yes they beat them last year and should probably be favored once again in the West but Galax has been a contender for the last 7 years. I'm just saying let's see how long Chilhowie stays one of the top dog's in the West before we go and say they have surpassed anyone. This is not a knock on Chilhowie because they're a good football team.

I actually agree, but wanted to give Sixcat a rough time. Its my understanding Chilhowie will have a senior laden team and they will take a step back next year. Truth is, Galax is still the dominant team in the West. Not necessarily last year or this year, but they are the best overall 1A program out that way. I wouldn't be surprised if Galax beat Chilhowie to come out of the West this year. As good and well coached as Galax has been, it would not surprise me. As for Riverheads and Galax two years ago, I watched that on the net. I was shocked. Riverheads was better, but they weren't "as better" as the scoreboard showed. Riverheads played a perfect game and Galax played a horrible game. Not to take anything away from Riverheads because they historically bring their A game when they need to, but they played near dang perfect, and Galax played nowhere close to as good as it truly was.

As for this year, Riverheads and Essex truly are loaded. They are just to far ahead for this given year for what both return. The only school in my opinion that could possibly throw a wrench in the Riverheads and Essex train for this year is William Campbell simply because of the athletes that WC has. This is only my take.

 

[MT FAN 91]

I actually agree, but wanted to give Sixcat a rough time. Its my understanding Chilhowie will have a senior laden team and they will take a step back next year. Truth is, Galax is still the dominant team in the West. Not necessarily last year or this year, but they are the best overall 1A program out that way. I wouldn't be surprised if Galax beat Chilhowie to come out of the West this year. As good and well coached as Galax has been, it would not surprise me. As for Riverheads and Galax two years ago, I watched that on the net. I was shocked. Riverheads was better, but they weren't "as better" as the scoreboard showed. Riverheads played a perfect game and Galax played a horrible game. Not to take anything away from Riverheads because they historically bring their A game when they need to, but they played near dang perfect, and Galax played nowhere close to as good as it truly was.

As for this year, Riverheads and Essex truly are loaded. They are just to far ahead for this given year for what both return. The only school in my opinion that could possibly throw a wrench in the Riverheads and Essex train for this year is William Campbell simply because of the athletes that WC has. This is only my take.

I will have to say that is a fair and good assessment of 1A football at this point and time.

 

[sixcat]

Your sourcing SWVA Sports, LMAO. That's funny. Sixcat, I take you as serious as a poopy flavored lolly pop. I just wanted to greet you for the 2018 season. As for Galax, great program, but it appears Chilhowie has surpassed em. Top 2 doesn't mean much in the 1A West this year. With what Chilhowie returns, its theirs to lose. I got them returning to the state championship and getting obliterated by Riverheads. If Essex can get by Riverheads in what would be an upset, the same will occur. Replace Chilhowie with Galax from the West and you get the same result like 2016 when Riverheads ran ruffshed over Galax like a shi* house poet in a public bathroom stall.

Here we go with the grammar issues again! Roughshod: Having shoes with nailheads to prevent slippage.

Since you "got them going to the state championship and getting obliterated by Riverheads", why even play the games? Maybe eating poopy flavored lolly pops with shithouse poets in public facilities makes you clairvoyant. I will just have to take your word on that. I'll pass!

 

[Xcross]

I actually agree, but wanted to give Sixcat a rough time. Its my understanding Chilhowie will have a senior laden team and they will take a step back next year. Truth is, Galax is still the dominant team in the West. Not necessarily last year or this year, but they are the best overall 1A program out that way. I wouldn't be surprised if Galax beat Chilhowie to come out of the West this year. As good and well coached as Galax has been, it would not surprise me. As for Riverheads and Galax two years ago, I watched that on the net. I was shocked. Riverheads was better, but they weren't "as better" as the scoreboard showed. Riverheads played a perfect game and Galax played a horrible game. Not to take anything away from Riverheads because they historically bring their A game when they need to, but they played near dang perfect, and Galax played nowhere close to as good as it truly was.

As for this year, Riverheads and Essex truly are loaded. They are just to far ahead for this given year for what both return. The only school in my opinion that could possibly throw a wrench in the Riverheads and Essex train for this year is William Campbell simply because of the athletes that WC has. This is only my take.

You got it ! On the money with your comments . The way things are the two best teams won't see each other in Salem . There are a few teams head and shoulders above the SWVA teams . Even the best teams need good things happen to win it all . Good luck to all who play the game . PS. The road to Salem still goes thru Greenville .lmao

 

[Gunz41]

Is the young kid from Galax healthy now? I remember seeing a lot about him last year and getting hurt at end of game (if I remember correctly in a lopsided game). Sounds like that probably hurt their chances of getting to the big game

 

[MT FAN 91]

Is the young kid from Galax healthy now? I remember seeing a lot about him last year and getting hurt at end of game (if I remember correctly in a lopsided game). Sounds like that probably hurt their chances of getting to the big game

If you are referring to Dougie Peoples, he graduated.

 

[Gunz41]

If you are referring to Dougie Peoples, he graduated.

You would certainly know more than me being from there, and maybe I just got 2 different different topics about Galax mixed up, but I was thinking it was like a freshman or sophomore.

But was that last year, the star running back got hurt (broken ankle or something) in a game late that was well in hand and possibly cost them in the next game?

 

[shendistrictsportsfan]

You would certainly know more than me being from there, and maybe I just got 2 different different topics about Galax mixed up, but I was thinking it was like a freshman or sophomore.

But was that last year, the star running back got hurt (broken ankle or something) in a game late that was well in hand and possibly cost them in the next game?

Last year, Dougie Peoples, a senior, got hurt like in the first series or two against Bland in the first round of playoffs. Did he end up going anywhere to play ball? Just curious. Thanks.

 

[MT FAN 91]

Last year, Dougie Peoples, a senior, got hurt like in the first series or two against Bland in the first round of playoffs. Did he end up going anywhere to play ball? Just curious. Thanks.

No he didn't go on to play, he was going to but decided to start working instead from my understanding

 

[lucustookis]

Here we go with the grammar issues again! Roughshod: Having shoes with nailheads to prevent slippage.

Since you "got them going to the state championship and getting obliterated by Riverheads", why even play the games? Maybe eating poopy flavored lolly pops with shithouse poets in public facilities makes you clairvoyant. I will just have to take your word on that. I'll pass!

1. Two can play the grammar game. I find it funny a guy from Galax can give grammar lessons. In your previous statement, you do realize that a comma goes inside the quotation, correct? Your comma was outside. See my point? The grammar game is far to simple and two can play. Two can especially play when typing on a cellphone in quick time, and with little time to check or edit. The grammar game is one you play when you have no argument. You've done it before.

2. Nobody ever said "don't play the games." The thread is about thoughts on the season and the overwhelming consensus is that it's Riverheads and Essex. The title is only theirs to lose. In addition, if you feel I'm clairvoyant for giving this prediction, then many posters on this thread must be the same.

3. When the college AP poll comes out, make sure you write to all the pollsters and ask them why play the games. Also, ask them if they are clairvoyant.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Just a friendly reminder of our Rivals.com Message Board Rules. We encourage all to post, but make sure you stay within the guidelines...

Rivals.com Message Board Rules

 

[uvacavs1]

lol - well done DP - this back and forth diatribe may have escalated to the point of having to lock this thread down. Still may, even with your efforts .

However, this thread is somewhat entertaining so keep it up fellas, just don't cross that imaginary line - difficult I know in these times of such uncivil discourse - in both politics and sports it seems ha.

I have not seen a thread go over 100 posts in awhile on 1A preps - so great initial post the_kid07 (Essex guy). Someone said it was a lot of trash in here but there is also some solid information and may I say maybe even some clairvoyant projections if one can spot them....

 

[Gunz41]

1. Two can play the grammar game. I find it funny a guy from Galax can give grammar lessons. In your previous statement, you do realize that a comma goes inside the quotation, correct? Your comma was outside. See my point? The grammar game is far to simple and two can play. Two can especially play when typing on a cellphone in quick time, and with little time to check or edit. The grammar game is one you play when you have no argument. You've done it before.

2. Nobody ever said "don't play the games." The thread is about thoughts on the season and the overwhelming consensus is that it's Riverheads and Essex. The title is only theirs to lose. In addition, if you feel I'm clairvoyant for giving this prediction, then many posters on this thread must be the same.

3. When the college AP poll comes out, make sure you write to all the pollsters and ask them why play the games. Also, ask them if they are clairvoyant.

Gosh, I got to agree with this guy, what is the world coming to.

Not only is it nonsensical to do the grammar test on a message board, it could be just the difference in age and style. For example, some people will say lol and others haha, nobody is wrong. Or like this, either could make a MISTAKE. And it could be as simple as typing too fast, auto correct, etc.

It really just says to me I want to argue with you, make you look bad, or try to make myself look smarter. And all is does is make the person doing it look arrogant and make the other point out your flaws.

I imagine not a lot of people on here are English majors, and all make mistakes, yes even me ONCE lol or haha

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Gosh, I got to agree with this guy, what is the world coming to.

Not only is it nonsensical to do the grammar test on a message board, it could be just the difference in age and style. For example, some people will say lol and others haha, nobody is wrong. Or like this, either could make a MISTAKE. And it could be as simple as typing too fast, auto correct, etc.

It really just says to me I want to argue with you, make you look bad, or try to make myself look smarter. And all is does is make the person doing it look arrogant and make the other point out your flaws.

I imagine not a lot of people on here are English majors, and all make mistakes, yes even me ONCE lol or haha

Say it ain't so Gunz. Please tell me that was a mistake, to think you had made a mistake.

 

[lucustookis]

UVA Cavs, no need for a diatribe. I simply have the Riverheads team first and Essex second, and I don't think any other team will touch them this year in Class 1A. The two best teams will play in the semis. As for Galax or Chilhowie, both will be good, but they aren't on the level of the other two. That's my take on it. Only W. Campbell could spoil the party, but even that is a low chance. The distance-separation with Riverheads and Essex compared to the rest of 1A Virginia is a greater distance than any other of the top 2 teams in Class 2A through 6A when comparing those Classifications top 2 teams with the rest of the teams in those classes. That may not be the case every year, but with what both schools had last year and what both schools have returning this year leaves both of them gigantic favorites. That's all.

 

[Gunz41]

Say it ain't so Gunz. Please tell me the was a mistake to think you had made a mistake.

I think I was 3 years old lol

 

[uvacavs1]

UVA Cavs, no need for a diatribe. I simply have the Riverheads team first and Essex second, and I don't think any other team will touch them this year in Class 1A. The two best teams will play in the semis. As for Galax or Chilhowie, both will be good, but they aren't on the level of the other two. That's my take on it. Only W. Campbell could spoil the party, but even that is a low chance. The distance-separation with Riverheads and Essex compared to the rest of 1A Virginia is a greater distance than any other of the top 2 teams in Class 2A through 6A when comparing those Classifications top 2 teams with the rest of the teams in those classes. That may not be the case every year, but with what both schools had last year and what both schools have returning this year leaves both of them gigantic favorites. That's all.

I have no problem at all with much of your analysis. In fact, I agree with much of it (yes, you are correct about Riverheads and Essex being all alone in the Class 1A Tier 1 teams - as it was last season as well).

This does not mean that a Tier 2 team could not upset them, but it is highly unlikely (and, trust me, I want to see that upset happen...).

The possible diatribe I was referring to was your blunt commentary with Sixcat and I believe earlier with Gunz41 (a respected poster). I like your writing style but it may come across as somewhat biting to some..

Plus, some folks get worked up by that Sussex fan who truly has an issue with Riverheads. I like having Riverheads in Class 1. Gives the Neck teams a worthy adversary in almost every sport!

 

[Gunz41]

I have no problem at all with much of your analysis. In fact, I agree with much of it (yes, you are correct about Riverheads and Essex being all alone in the Class 1A Tier 1 teams - as it was last season as well).

This does not mean that a Tier 2 team could not upset them, but it is highly unlikely (and, trust me, I want to see that upset happen...).

The possible diatribe I was referring to was your blunt commentary with Sixcat and I believe earlier with Gunz41 (a respected poster). I like your writing style but it may come across as somewhat biting to some..

Plus, some folks get worked up by that Sussex fan who truly has an issue with Riverheads. I like having Riverheads in Class 1. Gives the Neck teams a worthy adversary in almost every sport!

Well assuming Sussex is as good as they seem to usually be, next year may get interesting. That's 3 of top 6? 8? teams in 1a in Region B. They can take it to them, and I'll smile from down 340 lol

 

[shendistrictsportsfan]

Just some pure speculation here. I'm thinking Essex has a good chance to run the table during the regular season. Please comment if you have opinions on this.
RH has 2-3 games that will be tough. Please comment on this also. Even if they only lose 1 the road goes thru Essex again if Essex runs the table.
Last year that was a heck of a game with RH barely pulling it out. Looking forward to a great season.

 

[Gunz41]

Just some pure speculation here. I'm thinking Essex has a good chance to run the table during the regular season. Please comment if you have opinions on this.
RH has 2-3 games that will be tough. Please comment on this also. Even if they only lose 1 the road goes thru Essex again if Essex runs the table.
Last year that was a heck of a game with RH barely pulling it out. Looking forward to a great season.

Riverheads does have the benefit of some tough games bring at home this year. And before my buddy longtime speaks up ( because he said someone would complain about it this year), I am not complaining. Just how the schedule worked out. But that should help them a bit.

I would guess that Riverheads 2 toughest games at the present time would be Central Woodstock and East Rockingham, and I'll throw the Cougars in there lol But could be like most years and a team in Shenandoah surprises.

As for Essex, without knowing a lot about them, I would say their 2 toughest games would be Sussex and Thomas Jefferson, who I believe was a playoff team in 3a last year.

And from what it sounds like, maybe the team to really watch is William Campbell. If they are even a slight threat, then they do have the schedule to prepare them. Their 2 toughest games would look to be in 1st half of October in back to back weeks with Gretna followed by 3 time defending champion Appomattox.

 

[shendistrictsportsfan]

Riverheads does have the benefit of some tough games bring at home this year. And before my buddy longtime speaks up ( because he said someone would complain about it this year), I am not complaining. Just how the schedule worked out. But that should help them a bit.

I would guess that Riverheads 2 toughest games at the present time would be Central Woodstock and East Rockingham, and I'll throw the Cougars in there lol But could be like most years and a team in Shenandoah surprises.

As for Essex, without knowing a lot about them, I would say their 2 toughest games would be Sussex and Thomas Jefferson, who I believe was a playoff team in 3a last year.

And from what it sounds like, maybe the team to really watch is William Campbell. If they are even a slight threat, then they do have the schedule to prepare them. Their 2 toughest games would look to be in 1st half of October in back to back weeks with Gretna followed by 3 time defending champion Appomattox.

Kind of forgot about WC. They had Riverheads on the ropes until the second half last year. Don't know too much about them.
I was thinking Lee, Central and Luray might be tough. Forgot about East Rock too and that is at ER this year.

 

[Gunz41]

Kind of forgot about WC. They had Riverheads on the ropes until the second half last year. Don't know too much about them.
I was thinking Lee, Central and Luray might be tough. Forgot about East Rock too and that is at ER this year.

I think Lee and Luray both take a step back this year with what they lost

 

[trutiger16]

Well assuming Sussex is as good as they seem to usually be, next year may get interesting. That's 3 of top 6? 8? teams in 1a in Region B. They can take it to them, and I'll smile from down 340 lol

Sussex is very young this year, the Tigers will struggle early on but will be better by the halfway point , should make the playoffs they have plenty of talent just need time to mature a little. Sussex will be back in Championship contention next year, they will be a dangerous first round opponet for a higher seed playoff them this year i have the Tigers at 6 - 4 this year with losses to Essex, Southampton, Brunswick, and Colonial Beach.

 

[longtimerhsfan]

"William Campbell had Riverheads on the ropes last year" you say? I cannot check my records right this minute but you will have to refresh my memory on that one. I don't recall the Big Red being seriously challenged in the playoffs except for the Essex game.

As for the Gladiators' schedule this year, their toughest game on paper should be Central, and yes that one is at home. I will go along with the thinking that maybe Draft, Lee and Gap, or any combination thereof, "could" be tough games for them, but I still see RHS as the favorite in all three cases.

That does however leave two very tough road games...East Rock and Luray. The Eagles probably have their best shot ever to knock off RHS and Luray returns some quality players as well. I think they had one especially good junior running back last year.

One thing is for sure.....EVERYBODY'S gate receipts should be up this year. RHS will get some great home crowds because of that schedule and the Gladiators travel so well that any school loves to have us visit because of the extra gate and concession money. Rumor has it that Bath County is already making plans to widen the road over the mountain just to accommodate all that extra traffic on the 31st!!!

 

[lucustookis]

To echo TruTiger16's post about Sussex. I know a little something about them with two guys I am employed with. They will be young and raw this year. I have heard 2020 is their slam dunk year. They will be loaded and state title contention- worthy in talent and experience next year, but in 2020 (2 years) they will be even better. Many forget that Sussex beat Essex in the regular season last year before losing very close in the playoffs. Sussex lost a bunch of guys from last year. They were very close last year.

William Campbell will be a team like Sussex was in 2017. They return a bunch and always have athletes all over the field. Because of that and the district they play in, this would be the one team that could maybe....maybe...ever so slightly overcome one of the two beasts in Riverheads and Essex.

Again, the problem with every other team in 1A is that however good Riverheads and Essex was last year, they are both going to be much better this year. This is where a team like W. Campbell, Colonial Beach, Galax, or Chilhowie has a problem. All 4 of these are supposed to be better. I understand Chilhowie returns almost the entire team including the band, cheerleaders, and the waterboy, but all of these schools above have incredible ground to make up. They can't just be better. They are going to have to improve by crazy progress because........Riverheads and Essex are going to be even better than last year.

The likely game between Essex and Riverheads (likely, not definitely) in the playoffs will be a classic. I think that game is played at Essex as one poster hinted earlier. Riverheads with that tough schedule will get a loss in the regular season. Essex will run the table in regular season. But again, it "ain't no sweat" for Riverheads to travel and in the words of Roy D. Mercer, "Whip a man's as*." Not saying they will, but that game will be a classic.

 

[TimWakefield]

Too bad Essex can't host State Semifinal games. That RHS/Essex game last year was played at Middlesex.

RHS has never hosted a State Semifinal. Through 2010 VHSL had an alternating hosting schedule between A/B where RHS' trips deep in the playoffs where on even years, meaning an away game at Region A.
Since 2010 they have either been the lower seed for the cross bracketing match-up or the lower seed when playing A. One of these years it would be nice for RHS to host on a December Saturday.