Rd 2 Regional Semi's

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

There are open threads about a few games but I wanted to consolidate a discussion down to one with opinions on the games and reasoning. So here goes:

Region A
Essex hosting W&L- Essex is heavily favored and rightfully so as they shut out W&L the first time around. We all talk about the Trojans O but interestingly enough they have only allowed 98 points through 11 games and pitched a shutout 5 times. W&L will have to overcome the mental hurdle of playing at Tappahannock to do what they did most of the year. W&L will need to turn Essex over and convert to stay in this game. Long drives are not likely to occur against this defense. Essex by 14+

Rappahannock hosting West Point-Two schools of thought here, just how much have the Pointers overachieved after all the talk of their demise and does the dominant Rapp show up or the team that lost to Colonial Beach? I have a feeling that Rapp will come out to set the tone early that they are a contender to be dealt with. Rapp by 17+

Region B
Riverheads hosting Franklin-Surprisingly this young Franklin team has come together earlier than expected and continues to surprise critics and even fans. Riverheads has done a good job revamping the entire defense in light of 9 replacements starting this year. Can Franklin come in and steal a TO or two and surprise the defending state champion? I look for a decent game in the early stages with the Gladiators putting this away by the middle of the 3rd quarter. Riverheads by 21+

Sussex hosting Altavista-Can the young Tigers make their impact felt in region B in their first year as a member? Does the Dogwood schedule that Altavista plays prepare them to show the new comer that region B is no pushover? I anticipate a closer than expected game early with the A-town showing the way early. That said, if Sussex is who they have shown to be all year then they find a way to pull ahead and away down the stretch in this one. Sussex by 10+

Region C
Galax hosting Auburn-Auburn has two signature wins if you will over Hurley and Covington. That will not be quite enough against the juggernaut that is Galax. I expect Galax to play close the vest and not have to put anything on film that they may need against a more equal opponent. Galax 28+

Narrows hosting George Wythe-Interesting matchup here with two of the faster teams in the West. GW has athletes at the skill spots that can run by and around most teams. This Narrows defense has shut down a good Chilhowie offense that is similar enough to GW for comparisons purposes. Injuries to Narrows may be their undoing though with key players dinged up or unable to play. This is close to a toss up but IF these players are unable to play, it favors GW in a big way. GW by 9+

Region D
Patrick Henry GS hosting Holston-Holston has been a little bit of a surprise this year by not only starting the season 3-0 but recovering from a 3 game losing stretch. Staying within 4 of undefeated Narrows showed they can play but can they limit the PHGS offense in this game. PHGS has handled each opponent this year and set themselves up to host the regional title game if they escape this game unscathed. Patrick Henry GS by 15+

JI Burton hosting Chilhowie-Chilhowie may very well be the best two loss team in 1A. Can they go on the road and win a tough playoff game where some have started to doubt them? Can JIB limit the mistakes from the first game and come up with some TO's themselves? Who wants to come out and smash the other guy in the mouth to set the tone? Chilhowie by 21+

This is my attempt to get the ball rolling fellas. Tell me where and why I am wrong.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

There are open threads about a few games but I wanted to consolidate a discussion down to one with opinions on the games and reasoning. So here goes:

Region A
Essex hosting W&L- Essex is heavily favored and rightfully so as they shut out W&L the first time around. We all talk about the Trojans O but interestingly enough they have only allowed 98 points through 11 games and pitched a shutout 5 times. W&L will have to overcome the mental hurdle of playing at Tappahannock to do what they did most of the year. W&L will need to turn Essex over and convert to stay in this game. Long drives are not likely to occur against this defense. Essex by 14+

Rappahannock hosting West Point-Two schools of thought here, just how much have the Pointers overachieved after all the talk of their demise and does the dominant Rapp show up or the team that lost to Colonial Beach? I have a feeling that Rapp will come out to set the tone early that they are a contender to be dealt with. Rapp by 17+

Region B
Riverheads hosting Franklin-Surprisingly this young Franklin team has come together earlier than expected and continues to surprise critics and even fans. Riverheads has done a good job revamping the entire defense in light of 9 replacements starting this year. Can Franklin come in and steal a TO or two and surprise the defending state champion? I look for a decent game in the early stages with the Gladiators putting this away by the middle of the 3rd quarter. Riverheads by 21+

Sussex hosting Altavista-Can the young Tigers make their impact felt in region B in their first year as a member? Does the Dogwood schedule that Altavista plays prepare them to show the new comer that region B is no pushover? I anticipate a closer than expected game early with the A-town showing the way early. That said, if Sussex is who they have shown to be all year then they find a way to pull ahead and away down the stretch in this one. Sussex by 10+

Region C
Galax hosting Auburn-Auburn has two signature wins if you will over Hurley and Covington. That will not be quite enough against the juggernaut that is Galax. I expect Galax to play close the vest and not have to put anything on film that they may need against a more equal opponent. Galax 28+

Narrows hosting George Wythe-Interesting matchup here with two of the faster teams in the West. GW has athletes at the skill spots that can run by and around most teams. This Narrows defense has shut down a good Chilhowie offense that is similar enough to GW for comparisons purposes. Injuries to Narrows may be their undoing though with key players dinged up or unable to play. This is close to a toss up but IF these players are unable to play, it favors GW in a big way. GW by 9+

Region D
Patrick Henry GS hosting Holston-Holston has been a little bit of a surprise this year by not only starting the season 3-0 but recovering from a 3 game losing stretch. Staying within 4 of undefeated Narrows showed they can play but can they limit the PHGS offense in this game. PHGS has handled each opponent this year and set themselves up to host the regional title game if they escape this game unscathed. Patrick Henry GS by 15+

JI Burton hosting Chilhowie-Chilhowie may very well be the best two loss team in 1A. Can they go on the road and win a tough playoff game where some have started to doubt them? Can JIB limit the mistakes from the first game and come up with some TO's themselves? Who wants to come out and smash the other guy in the mouth to set the tone? Chilhowie by 21+

This is my attempt to get the ball rolling fellas. Tell me where and why I am wrong.

I agree with most of your assessment. The only thing I disagree on is margin of victory in a couple games. I think Essex wins by 50 and GW blows out Narrows. They win by 42.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

CalPreps has it predicted like this:

1A PLAYOFFS
Altavista Combined School (Altavista, VA) at Sussex Central (Sussex, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Sussex Central (Sussex, VA) 35-28]
Chilhowie (VA) at Burton (Norton, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Chilhowie (VA) 31-22]
Washington & Lee (Montross, VA) at Essex (Tappahannock, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Essex (Tappahannock, VA) 28-14]
Auburn (Riner, VA) at Galax (VA), 7:00pm [projection: Galax (VA) 44-17]
Henry (Glade Spring, VA) vs. Holston (Damascus, VA) at Emory & Henry College (Emory, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Henry [Patrick] (Glade Spring, VA) 35-14]
Franklin (VA) at Riverheads (Staunton, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Riverheads (Staunton, VA) 56-0]
West Point (VA) at Rappahannock (Warsaw, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Rappahannock (Warsaw, VA) 27-17]
Wythe (Wytheville, VA) at Narrows (VA), 7:00pm [projection: Wythe [George] (Wytheville, VA) 31-28]

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

CalPreps has it predicted like this:

1A PLAYOFFS
Altavista Combined School (Altavista, VA) at Sussex Central (Sussex, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Sussex Central (Sussex, VA) 35-28]
Chilhowie (VA) at Burton (Norton, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Chilhowie (VA) 31-22]
Washington & Lee (Montross, VA) at Essex (Tappahannock, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Essex (Tappahannock, VA) 28-14]
Auburn (Riner, VA) at Galax (VA), 7:00pm [projection: Galax (VA) 44-17]
Henry (Glade Spring, VA) vs. Holston (Damascus, VA) at Emory & Henry College (Emory, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Henry [Patrick] (Glade Spring, VA) 35-14]
Franklin (VA) at Riverheads (Staunton, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Riverheads (Staunton, VA) 56-0]
West Point (VA) at Rappahannock (Warsaw, VA), 7:00pm [projection: Rappahannock (Warsaw, VA) 27-17]
Wythe (Wytheville, VA) at Narrows (VA), 7:00pm [projection: Wythe [George] (Wytheville, VA) 31-28]

Dont know about that 56-0. Wow. Talking about no respect.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

I doubt the margin on some of these as well but I cant argue with their success rate as it routinely beats human predictions

 

[BigWinners]

Not sure Chilhowie wins by 21+, Burton has gotten better week by week and they were dealing with a LOT of turmoil to start the year. I think the Warriors win, but Burton at home has just enough to pull off the upset if Chilhowie isn't playing their best and gives Norton the opportunities to attack.

 

[Essex Trojan1]

Essex defense has been their rock all year. There were games when the offense was struggling and the D keep their opponents at bay until the offense got going.

When it comes to this W&L/Essex rival, anything can happen. Last meeting the score was 23-0 Essex BUT W&L could have made it close if they had converted a couple plays. Those 2 possessions were end zone plays that they didn’t convert. Could of been a 2 or 3 point game very late in the 4th Q. Essex scored it’s last TD with under 2 minutes remaining. So don’t sleep on W&L.

 

[trutiger16]

Essex has zero competition in the NN as i have previously stated, people beat up.on Riverheads but Essex is just as dominate , now with Sussex and Franklin in Region B , Essex has automatic Region A birth guaranteed every year.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

I agree Essex is the team to beat in Region A but to be honest with the exception of a couple of years here and there it has been that way for a good amount of time. Nothing but respect for that program and the consistency they have shown. As I stated last year and again this year, its best not to overlook that team to count them out and furthermore it is not a team anyone wants to face in these playoffs. Elite program that has stood the test of time.

 

[trutiger16]

They are a helluva program and great Football town

 

[Essex Trojan1]

Great Football town....Compared to the the 1A schools out West, Essex is a long way from being a great football town. I say this because according to last years Essex County population estimation, Essex County had around 10,919 residents. On any given game during regular season (except for King William, W&L and Homecoming) there may only be a few hundred that attend. Not even half of that 919 of the 10,919 from what I can tell. That’s pretty sad when you have a program that’s pretty much a title contender darn near every year. I understand that people are busy and some just might not like football or are on a tight budget. I just feel like the program just don’t get the support it deserves.

 

[trutiger16]

Great Football town....Compared to the the 1A schools out West, Essex is a long way from being a great football town. I say this because according to last years Essex County population estimation, Essex County had around 10,919 residents. On any given game during regular season (except for King William, W&L and Homecoming) there may only be a few hundred that attend. Not even half of that 919 of the 10,919 from what I can tell. That’s pretty sad when you have a program that’s pretty much a title contender darn near every year. I understand that people are busy and some just might not like football or are on a tight budget. I just feel like the program just don’t get the support it deserves.

Trojan quite sure you know better than me, but every game I have attended in Essex has been a great atmosphere, sometimes when you win as much as you all have people take it for granted.

 

[trutiger16]

Trojan quite sure you know better than me, but every game I have attended in Essex has been a great atmosphere, sometimes when you win as much as you all have people take it for granted.

Good luck this weekend man .

 

[Essex Trojan1]

Trojan quite sure you know better than me, but every game I have attended in Essex has been a great atmosphere, sometimes when you win as much as you all have people take it for granted.

It all depends on who we are playing and if the game is close.

Good luck to your Tigers as well.

 

[longtimerhsfan]

Not intending to criticize or upset anyone but Riverheads has made four trips to four different schools down east, spread out over a 17 year period and in each case it was a state semi-final game. That fact alone should have made it a major event and each stadium should have been packed.

But in all four cases Riverheads outnumbered the home fans, even though the travel time was at least 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. Even routine regular season games up here have decent size crowds.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

Not trying to speak for someone else but I think ET1 is saying that as well. We may be considered in the “East” but we all know that we are truly a West team in style of play and geography. I do wonder what the gate looks like for teams the week Riverheads is the opponent versus other teams? I am willing to bet it’s generally about double their normal size. Success breeds that too so if we were a 3-7 team, I am pretty sure the gate would fall off.

 

[Essex Trojan1]

@RedPrideNation_RollPride Yep. @longtimerhsfan Thats my point. You guys and schools further West have big crowds at home and on the road. When @trutiger16 said Essex was a great football town ( I took that as a complement), I was just pointing out that the town/county to me does not qualify as a football town due to the overall lack of support.

Anyway...I’m looking forward to a good game vs. W&L and the scores of some big games from 1A-6A

 

[schoolboard]

Not trying to speak for someone else but I think ET1 is saying that as well. We may be considered in the “East” but we all know that we are truly a West team in style of play and geography. I do wonder what the gate looks like for teams the week Riverheads is the opponent versus other teams? I am willing to bet it’s generally about double their normal size. Success breeds that too so if we were a 3-7 team, I am pretty sure the gate would fall off.

Double the usual visitor gate? Or double the overall gate? Either way, didn't see that many at Skyline, and I spend the whole night staring at your stands.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

Either way for 1A/2A. There wasn’t a huge crowd at Skyline for a few reasons one being it really had no juice. First time playing a 3A team that with all due respect hadn’t looked to be a .500 team so it was mostly parents and a few die hard fans like me. Skyline had a decent crowd with a good many young people walking the track. Back from rambling, in my mind I was comparing attendance at our district and geographic foes as to what they get versus the run of the mill Friday night.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

Double the usual visitor gate? Or double the overall gate? Either way, didn't see that many at Skyline, and I spend the whole night staring at your stands.

You must have had your eyes closed. I was at the Skyline game and the visitor side was pretty full. I would say there were at least as many or more visitor fans than home fans.

 

[schoolboard]

I will find out the gate and get back to you. Pretty sure my eyes were open.

But I do agree with Red Pride. Skyline was and still probably not a sexy place to make a long trip to on a regular season Friday. The 4A people got mad at me when I said Riverheads would beat all the 4A Winchester schools. But it is true. Probably not the Dulles 4A teams that are still left, though. That is pretty darn good for Class 1.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

It was a good atmosphere from a fans perspective to be honest and if they stay in the rotation I will certainly be back. The band was good even though it did take a while to get set up. The cancer survivor acknowledgement for all in attendance was a very nice touch as well. Good concessions although a stretch to get to from the far side, lol. Not sure how other schools in the area stack up but the facilities were very good and overall I would give them 4 out of 5 stars.

 

[schoolboard]

Everything you say sounds accurate. At least one of the games we had a food truck at track level from local restaurant. Back when the school opened, there was a lesser concession stand over by visitor bleachers, unless I am just hallucinating that. I like the Cancer awareness nights too, although I wish the survivor stories were written 3rd person for me to read.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

So you are the PA guy I take it?

 

[schoolboard]

Yes

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

Good job on the mic and now that I can ask, what is the WR kids name that had a nickname? I remembered it for a week or two and now I have forgotten it. He was a good athlete and made a bunch of the catches for that 31 completion night by the So QB.

 

[schoolboard]

Marion "Budder" Haley. Yeah, he has had a heckuva year. Set school single season receptions record. Came up a little short on single season yardage record. Had 4 TD receptions versus William Monroe in playoff game. One team just had two guys follow him wherever he lined up. One a couple yards off line, the other 15 to 20 yards off the line, and just doubled him wherever he went.

 

[TIGER...NATION]

There are open threads about a few games but I wanted to consolidate a discussion down to one with opinions on the games and reasoning. So here goes:

Region A
Essex hosting W&L- Essex is heavily favored and rightfully so as they shut out W&L the first time around. We all talk about the Trojans O but interestingly enough they have only allowed 98 points through 11 games and pitched a shutout 5 times. W&L will have to overcome the mental hurdle of playing at Tappahannock to do what they did most of the year. W&L will need to turn Essex over and convert to stay in this game. Long drives are not likely to occur against this defense. Essex by 14+

Rappahannock hosting West Point-Two schools of thought here, just how much have the Pointers overachieved after all the talk of their demise and does the dominant Rapp show up or the team that lost to Colonial Beach? I have a feeling that Rapp will come out to set the tone early that they are a contender to be dealt with. Rapp by 17+

Region B
Riverheads hosting Franklin-Surprisingly this young Franklin team has come together earlier than expected and continues to surprise critics and even fans. Riverheads has done a good job revamping the entire defense in light of 9 replacements starting this year. Can Franklin come in and steal a TO or two and surprise the defending state champion? I look for a decent game in the early stages with the Gladiators putting this away by the middle of the 3rd quarter. Riverheads by 21+

Sussex hosting Altavista-Can the young Tigers make their impact felt in region B in their first year as a member? Does the Dogwood schedule that Altavista plays prepare them to show the new comer that region B is no pushover? I anticipate a closer than expected game early with the A-town showing the way early. That said, if Sussex is who they have shown to be all year then they find a way to pull ahead and away down the stretch in this one. Sussex by 10+

Region C
Galax hosting Auburn-Auburn has two signature wins if you will over Hurley and Covington. That will not be quite enough against the juggernaut that is Galax. I expect Galax to play close the vest and not have to put anything on film that they may need against a more equal opponent. Galax 28+

Narrows hosting George Wythe-Interesting matchup here with two of the faster teams in the West. GW has athletes at the skill spots that can run by and around most teams. This Narrows defense has shut down a good Chilhowie offense that is similar enough to GW for comparisons purposes. Injuries to Narrows may be their undoing though with key players dinged up or unable to play. This is close to a toss up but IF these players are unable to play, it favors GW in a big way. GW by 9+

Region D
Patrick Henry GS hosting Holston-Holston has been a little bit of a surprise this year by not only starting the season 3-0 but recovering from a 3 game losing stretch. Staying within 4 of undefeated Narrows showed they can play but can they limit the PHGS offense in this game. PHGS has handled each opponent this year and set themselves up to host the regional title game if they escape this game unscathed. Patrick Henry GS by 15+

JI Burton hosting Chilhowie-Chilhowie may very well be the best two loss team in 1A. Can they go on the road and win a tough playoff game where some have started to doubt them? Can JIB limit the mistakes from the first game and come up with some TO's themselves? Who wants to come out and smash the other guy in the mouth to set the tone? Chilhowie by 21+

This is my attempt to get the ball rolling fellas. Tell me where and why I am wrong.[

From what I hear Altavista is way better than their record. Last week kind of showed that( 6 seed beating a 3 seed). I hope Sussex can pull off a win in our new region but it will be a tough task for the young Tigers of Sussex. As far as Franklin vs the bully of 1A lol...I don't see Franklin winning this matchup at all. I saw Franklin against Sussex...Sussex shut them out i believe. Going by this board..Riverheads is way better defensively than Sussex. But I will say this...at the end of the day these are still teenagers so anything can happen! As always I just hope that my Tigers compete...win or lose #TigerPride

 

[trutiger16]

You know what they say about how to handle a bully ? Ya gotta go to there house knock on the door and when they appear you Punch them in the mouth !

My opinion Riverheads has not been punched in the mouth and made to taste there own blood in awhile !

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

It will be interesting to see how Franklin approaches the game and I have a suspicion on the defense that will be utilized but we will see. I am guessing you haven't seen this years team in person. I know I haven't seen the Franklin team but if they were not able to control a smallish Colonial Beach then it could be a long evening for the Broncos. I for one cant wait. Are you coming to this one or watching your Tigers and Altavista play?

 

[Baseball215]

You know what they say about how to handle a bully ? Ya gotta go to there house knock on the door and when they appear you Punch them in the mouth !

My opinion Riverheads has not been punched in the mouth and made to taste there own blood in awhile !

That’s what it will take to beat them but that is a tall task

 

[trutiger16]

It will be interesting to see how Franklin approaches the game and I have a suspicion on the defense that will be utilized but we will see. I am guessing you haven't seen this years team in person. I know I haven't seen the Franklin team but if they were not able to control a smallish Colonial Beach then it could be a long evening for the Broncos. I for one cant wait. Are you coming to this one or watching your Tigers and Altavista play?

I’m still in the air man , I want to watch Franklin but don’t want to miss my Tigers . My reason for coming to Greenville is that I want to see what Franklin employs on defense and study your middle linebacker for Veer Purposes not looking ahead but I’m extremely excited, I’ll be in Lexington tomorrow morning for business so Riverheads game is very possible for me . If so I’ll meet you tomorrow to hang out before the game but I can’t set on your sideline lol.

 

[trutiger16]

From what I hear Altavista is way better than their record. Last week kind of showed that( 6 seed beating a 3 seed). I hope Sussex can pull off a win in our new region but it will be a tough task for the young Tigers of Sussex. As far as Franklin vs the bully of 1A lol...I don't see Franklin winning this matchup at all. I saw Franklin against Sussex...Sussex shut them out i believe. Going by this board..Riverheads is way better defensively than Sussex. But I will say this...at the end of the day these are still teenagers so anything can happen! As always I just hope that my Tigers compete...win or lose #TigerPride

This is a dangerous team that is gaining confidence, my Tigers must neutralize there do it all quarterback and make someone other than him beat them, Surry had the same 1 trick pony game plan and got there quarterback punished for 4 quarters.

 

[NNDman]

@EssexTrojan1 I wish I could put my finger on what has happened with Essex football support but something certainly caused a dip once Jones left after the 2009 season. The last few years during his first stint there were 100-plus kids in the program. Then a few years later that figure dropped to around 50. I initially felt the lack of fan support as due to the remodeling that made parking a real hassle. But once that ended the fan support still dwindled. Was told less than 200 tickets were sold for the Mathews game last week.

 

[Essex Trojan1]

@EssexTrojan1 I wish I could put my finger on what has happened with Essex football support but something certainly caused a dip once Jones left after the 2009 season. The last few years during his first stint there were 100-plus kids in the program. Then a few years later that figure dropped to around 50. I initially felt the lack of fan support as due to the remodeling that made parking a real hassle. But once that ended the fan support still dwindled. Was told less than 200 tickets were sold for the Mathews game last week.

I wish I knew as well.

 

[Essex Trojan1]

Bout to get real in a few more hours. Saw this little clip on a W&L page. With footage from the 1st W&L @ Essex meeting in it and W&L players training. Getting hyped now!!!! Let’s go TROJANS!!!!

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

Light Rain coming down in G'ville allegedly ending mid day. This looks to effect most games across the state this weekend with either wet fields or rain during the game. We have been blessed this season with very little weather so it stands to reason that we would have to deal with it at some point.

 

[TIGER...NATION]

You know what they say about how to handle a bully ? Ya gotta go to there house knock on the door and when they appear you Punch them in the mouth !

My opinion Riverheads has not been punched in the mouth and made to taste there own blood in awhile !

I agree..but you have to be ready for a battle once you knock on that door.

 

[MT FAN 91]

Rain showers in Galax now but supposed to be cleared out by miday as well but it want have much effect on our field regardless....

 

[TIGER...NATION]

This is a dangerous team that is gaining confidence, my Tigers must neutralize there do it all quarterback and make someone other than him beat them, Surry had the same 1 trick pony game plan and got there quarterback punished for 4 quarters.

How good is Altavista's QB? What other weapons do they have?