Region 5B Playoff Teams? Your Call...

[CRF4Dan]

I think we can all agree that Region 5B goes through Highland Springs but who will be the other 7 teams to make the playoffs? Here is how I view the seeding might look at seasons end and be sure to post your top 8...

1. Highland Springs
2. Varina
3. Henrico
4. Clover Hill
5. LC Bird
6. Manchester
7. Deep Run
8. Hermitage

 

[Thomasddev]

I'm a Springer and I agree with the order but I don't think Hermitage will be that low now that bedwell is over there.

 

[HooSprings]

I

I think we can all agree that Region 5B goes through Highland Springs but who will be the other 7 teams to make the playoffs? Here is how I view the seeding might look at seasons end and be sure to post your top 8...

1. Highland Springs
2. Varina
3. Henrico
4. Clover Hill
5. LC Bird
6. Manchester
7. Deep Run
8. Hermitage

ll take Glen Allen over Cloverhill,Deep Run,and Hermitage.

 

[EPJr]

The final week will come down to points and some teams with great records being left out

1. Highland Springs
2. Varina
3. Henrico
4. Clover Hill
5. LC Bird
6. Manchester
7. Glen Allen
8. Deep Run
9. Atlee
10. Hermitage
11. Freeman
12. Godwin

 

[CRF4Dan]

I

ll take Glen Allen over Cloverhill,Deep Run,and Hermitage.

Don't sell Clover Hill short. I'm not the only one buying in, heard for a few folks out there in the Dominion that think Clover Hill make a big leap this year.

 

[CRF4Dan]

I'm a Springer and I agree with the order but I don't think Hermitage will be that low now that bedwell is over there.

I know what Bedwell can do with a team, his record speaks for himself. It will depend on whether he has these guys buying or not. I think they are a year away from bouncing back in full force that is why I have them as a fringe team...

 

[CRF4Dan]

The final week will come down to points and some teams with great records being left out

1. Highland Springs
2. Varina
3. Henrico
4. Clover Hill
5. LC Bird
6. Manchester
7. Glen Allen
8. Deep Run
9. Atlee
10. Hermitage
11. Freeman
12. Godwin

Region 5B playoffs just got tougher this year with Manchester dropping down, a rising Clover Hill program and a Hermitage program on the rebound.

 

[NDRam]

I’ve heard big things about Manchester. Surprising to see them ranked as low as they are. I don’t think the top 3 teams are any surprise in HS, Varina, and Henrico.

 

[CRF4Dan]

I’ve heard big things about Manchester. Surprising to see them ranked as low as they are. I don’t think the top 3 teams are any surprise in HS, Varina, and Henrico.

I think Manchester has to prove themselves somewhat which is odd to say about a team coming off a state title but they lost so much to graduation that I think most are reserved or cautious if you will.

 

[NDRam]

I think Manchester has to prove themselves somewhat which is odd to say about a team coming off a state title but they lost so much to graduation that I think most are reserved or cautious if you will.

I agree. Who do you believe is the biggest challenge to HS in this Region? Depending on who Varina has at QB, I’d say they will be competitive this year with HS. Paige gets mentioned a lot but they have quite a few college recruits on that team. Henrico has some good looking pieces but can they stay disciplined all 48 minutes? Manchester has been there but as you pointed out, they are starting a lot of new guys.

 

[CRF4Dan]

I agree. Who do you believe is the biggest challenge to HS in this Region? Depending on who Varina has at QB, I’d say they will be competitive this year with HS. Paige gets mentioned a lot but they have quite a few college recruits on that team. Henrico has some good looking pieces but can they stay disciplined all 48 minutes? Manchester has been there but as you pointed out, they are starting a lot of new guys.

 

[CRF4Dan]

I would say you are spot on... Varina would be the team for me in 5B to challenge the Springers but I use the word challenge loosely as the Springers are just on a whole other level.

I'd say Varina, Henrico, Manchester, LC Bird in that order.

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

From the "For What It's Worth" File:
Having watched the Varina - Deep Run scrimmage last Friday, I would not rank Varina #2 based on what I saw. I don't know who was/wasn't on the field for the Blue Devils and pre-season doesn't necessarily mean much, but the "1st units' were pretty even. I know DR was missing a couple of players so I will assume Varina was as well. The score was 14-10 Varina at the half.

So many teams have so many questions in my mind. Can last year's successful programs that had coaching changes pick up where they left off? Can teams that lost key contributors reload and win right away? How many wins can Coach Bedwell coax out of what he inherited at Herm?

As everybody has said, it is Highland Springs and then everybody else.
1. HS
2. - 10. I'm still coloring the ping pong balls for the drawing. LOL

 

[RVA804]

1. Highland Springs
2. Manchester
   
3. Varina
4. Henrico
5. Glen Allen
6. LC Bird
7. Hermitage
   
8. Atlee
9. Clover Hill
10. Midlothian
    
11. Deep Run
12. Freeman
13. Matoaca
14. Prince George
15. Godwin
16. Meadowbrook
17. JR Tucker

1-6 should be locks. Glen Allen's schedule is weak and it will be hard for them not to win 7+ games.

7-12: Hermitage, Atlee, Clover Hill, Midlo, Deep Run and Freeman will battle it out for the last two spots.

 

[EPJr]

I know what Bedwell can do with a team, his record speaks for himself. It will depend on whether he has these guys buying or not. I think they are a year away from bouncing back in full force that is why I have them as a fringe team...

me too!

 

[mbonape1]

1. Highland Springs
2. Manchester
   
3. Varina
4. Henrico
5. Glen Allen
6. LC Bird
7. Hermitage
   
8. Atlee
9. Clover Hill
10. Midlothian
    
11. Deep Run
12. Freeman
13. Matoaca
14. Prince George
15. Godwin
16. Meadowbrook
17. JR Tucker

1-6 should be locks. Glen Allen's schedule is weak and it will be hard for them not to win 7+ games.

7-12: Hermitage, Atlee, Clover Hill, Midlo, Deep Run and Freeman will battle it out for the last two spots.

Clover Hill is a team that I look at that I think could surprise a few folks this season. I agree though based on scheduling Glen Allen is golden. I heard Godwin saying they think they will be a playoff team and maybe go undefeated in the reg season. Without a dominant Hermitage team, that district is up for grabs. You may see a team out of the colonial with a really good record but it might be tougher to gauge how good they really are compared to Bird, Manchester, Varina, Henrico etc. believe it or not Midlothian has a couple really good skill players too this season but agree the back of the playoff pack is where they would finish.

 

[springer76]

Clover Hill is a team that I look at that I think could surprise a few folks this season. I agree though based on scheduling Glen Allen is golden. I heard Godwin saying they think they will be a playoff team and maybe go undefeated in the reg season. Without a dominant Hermitage team, that district is up for grabs. You may see a team out of the colonial with a really good record but it might be tougher to gauge how good they really are compared to Bird, Manchester, Varina, Henrico etc. believe it or not Midlothian has a couple really good skill players too this season but agree the back of the playoff pack is where they would finish.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a "District" Champion now... Like the Capital.... HS is only playing about half of the district.

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

I am not as familiar with the area team rosters this year as in the past which makes my crystal ball even hazier than usual. These schedules with teams moving up and down will make this season really interesting. Those first two weeks on November are going to be nerve wrecking for a lot of coaches,players, and parents. I could definitely see a team like Clover Hill being really strong, but losing 4 or 5 games and still out-pointing a team with a better record for playoff positioning. Poor Meadowbrook again with THAT schedule; if they could pull off an upset or two they could create even more of a jumble.

On paper Glen Allen does have an easy schedule, but the same could be said for Freeman depending on PG (could be a sleeper team) and whether Atlee and James River are up or down.
Looking forward to week 1 and these question mark matchups (PG-DF, GA-Midlo, and MG-CH). These games will either be a preview of chaos or consistency.

Anybody up for chaos?

 

[springer76]

I am not as familiar with the area team rosters this year as in the past which makes my crystal ball even hazier than usual. These schedules with teams moving up and down will make this season really interesting. Those first two weeks on November are going to be nerve wrecking for a lot of coaches,players, and parents. I could definitely see a team like Clover Hill being really strong, but losing 4 or 5 games and still out-pointing a team with a better record for playoff positioning. Poor Meadowbrook again with THAT schedule; if they could pull off an upset or two they could create even more of a jumble.

On paper Glen Allen does have an easy schedule, but the same could be said for Freeman depending on PG (could be a sleeper team) and whether Atlee and James River are up or down.
Looking forward to week 1 and these question mark matchups (PG-DF, GA-Midlo, and MG-CH). These games will either be a preview of chaos or consistency.

Anybody up for chaos?

I like chaos!

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

I like chaos!

It's especially fun when you're team is sitting on a pedestal high above that chaos. Hahaha

 

[BleedingNavy]

@DRWildcatDad2018, I could be wrong, but I would not worry too much about Prince George upsetting the apple cart. @CRF4Dan, wrote a nice article on Prince George for VAPreps. Check it out. The Royals out of district schedule has them playing Freeman, JR Tucker and Churchland. They may get two wins from this group, but its not a given. In district they will likely win two games (Colonial Heights and Meadowbrook). The Central District is going to be very strong at top with Dale, Hopewell, Dinwiddie and Petersburg being very talented teams. I just never put a lot of faith in the Royals. They are a good size school with talented athletes (see baseball, basketball), but never seem to put it together. I think Danny said they had not playoffs since 1994. Don't think anything is going to change this year.

I really like Matoaca's young coaching staff and believe they will become relevant again soon. If the Warriors can beat Powhatan in the opener they have a good chance of going 5-5 or 6-4 if they can beat one of the top four teams in the Central District mentioned above.

My top 8:

1. Highland Springs
2. Varina
3. Manchester
4. Henrico
5. Glen Allen
6. LC Bird
7. Clover Hill
8. Deep Run
9. Sleeper = Godwin

 

[CRF4Dan]

@DRWildcatDad2018, I could be wrong, but I would not worry too much about Prince George upsetting the apple cart. @CRF4Dan, wrote a nice article on Prince George for VAPreps. Check it out. The Royals out of district schedule has them playing Freeman, JR Tucker and Churchland. They may get two wins from this group, but its not a given. In district they will likely win two games (Colonial Heights and Meadowbrook). The Central District is going to be very strong at top with Dale, Hopewell, Dinwiddie and Petersburg being very talented teams. I just never put a lot of faith in the Royals. They are a good size school with talented athletes (see baseball, basketball), but never seem to put it together. I think Danny said they had not playoffs since 1994. Don't think anything is going to change this year.

I really like Matoaca's young coaching staff and believe they will become relevant again soon. If the Warriors can beat Powhatan in the opener they have a good chance of going 5-5 or 6-4 if they can beat one of the top four teams in the Central District mentioned above.

My top 8:

1. Highland Springs
2. Varina
3. Manchester
4. Henrico
5. Glen Allen
6. LC Bird
7. Clover Hill
8. Deep Run
9. Sleeper = Godwin

You are correct @BleedingNavy, the Royals have not been to the playoffs in 25 years which is crazy to think given more teams make the playoffs now than prior to 2013. More astounding than that however is the JR Tucker Tigers... they haven't been to the playoffs in 27 years! I was a freshman at Varina the last time the Tigers made the playoffs.

 

[mbonape1]

I am not as familiar with the area team rosters this year as in the past which makes my crystal ball even hazier than usual. These schedules with teams moving up and down will make this season really interesting. Those first two weeks on November are going to be nerve wrecking for a lot of coaches,players, and parents. I could definitely see a team like Clover Hill being really strong, but losing 4 or 5 games and still out-pointing a team with a better record for playoff positioning. Poor Meadowbrook again with THAT schedule; if they could pull off an upset or two they could create even more of a jumble.

On paper Glen Allen does have an easy schedule, but the same could be said for Freeman depending on PG (could be a sleeper team) and whether Atlee and James River are up or down.
Looking forward to week 1 and these question mark matchups (PG-DF, GA-Midlo, and MG-CH). These games will either be a preview of chaos or consistency.

Anybody up for chaos?

Very well said for week 1. Those are the same games I am looking at as early barometers

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

@BleedingNavy I agree with you that Matoaca is building some momentum down there. I am familiar with PG's struggles/collapses, but they have been in the playoff hunt down the stretch at least a couple of years ago. I read @CRF4Dan 's article and it is right on target with what we have come to expect from the Royals. Breaking in a new QB always presents challenges, but as you mentioned they do have some good athletes. Add in a returning offensive line and the potential for offensive production is there. Of course defense has been the achilles heel for them I think. Who knows what Freeman has this season besides a new coach? Last year was a down year for them even with the addition of Pat Taylor from Tucker. I don't remember much scoring from them other than Taylor.
And while I wouldn't lay any $ on PG beating Dinwiddie, TD, Petersburg, or Hopewell, I wouldn't be surprised by any other victories. Of course with that funny shaped ball and any combination of the 3 "I"s (injury, illness, and inclement weather) any team can find itself on the wrong side of the scoreboard. I just have this feeling that somebody that we are not talking much about could either be a big surprise or at create a lump of playoff contenders with point totals within 1/100s of each other. Could the Wildcats be the surprise team? Could be. " Bo knows."

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

You are correct @BleedingNavy, the Royals have not been to the playoffs in 25 years which is crazy to think given more teams make the playoffs now than prior to 2013. More astounding than that however is the JR Tucker Tigers... they haven't been to the playoffs in 27 years! I was a freshman at Varina the last time the Tigers made the playoffs.

@CRF4Dan I wish I could say I was still at Varina 27 years ago. Haha
But I can say that Coach Woody was not a young man, when I was at Varina and when I saw him last year he didn't look much different.

 

[BleedingNavy]

@BleedingNavy I agree with you that Matoaca is building some momentum down there. I am familiar with PG's struggles/collapses, but they have been in the playoff hunt down the stretch at least a couple of years ago. I read @CRF4Dan 's article and it is right on target with what we have come to expect from the Royals. Breaking in a new QB always presents challenges, but as you mentioned they do have some good athletes. Add in a returning offensive line and the potential for offensive production is there. Of course defense has been the achilles heel for them I think. Who knows what Freeman has this season besides a new coach? Last year was a down year for them even with the addition of Pat Taylor from Tucker. I don't remember much scoring from them other than Taylor.
And while I wouldn't lay any $ on PG beating Dinwiddie, TD, Petersburg, or Hopewell, I wouldn't be surprised by any other victories. Of course with that funny shaped ball and any combination of the 3 "I"s (injury, illness, and inclement weather) any team can find itself on the wrong side of the scoreboard. I just have this feeling that somebody that we are not talking much about could either be a big surprise or at create a lump of playoff contenders with point totals within 1/100s of each other. Could the Wildcats be the surprise team? Could be. " Bo knows."

@DRWildcatDad2018, I thoroughly enjoy your post. very positive and refreshing. I promise you I am not a PG hater. In fact, I actually live and work in the the County. I am sure people will say why do you support Dinwiddie then? Well, I am not a bandwagon jumper I promise. Live just across the line in Carson and my wife is employed there. I worked in Dinwiddie for 20 years and my daughter graduated from Dinwiddi HS. I fell in love with the place and its people and just loved spending Friday nights there. Have been watching Dinwiddie games for years (since 1990) and suffered through many losing seasons. Have seen my share of Prince George games as well and I can tell you I walk away frustrated every time. Its almost like the people treat it as a social event and not an athletic contest. I really think they expect to lose and its no big deal as long as little Johnny gets to play. Very political in my opinion and I don't fault the coach or athletic director. Maybe they will break through one of these days, but I will be surprised if its this year.

I really like the Mills Godwin staff. Maybe they will sneak up on somebody. Atlee may be pretty good too. Lets think real positive and say the Wildcats win the Colonial.

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

@BleedingNavy Thank you for the clarification. I didn't take your post negatively; I just thought I would expound on what I was thinking when I posted it. I had a nephew that played at PG, but I could never make the games because DR had a game the same night. I knew from what I saw in the offseason and in highlights that they have had talent. I would be the last one to blame anybody for rooting for Dinwiddie. They have a great program that has spawned other great programs through the coaching tree.

I don't know the Godwin staff, but I am still impressed with how they improved during the season two years ago. I agree they could be that sleeper. I have been surprised that their hasn't been more talk of Atlee. I realize they lost a lot in the run game and Tyler Warren is going to be a college TE instead of QB, but he is a 4 year starter and not the easiest guy to tackle. I saw they added a LB from Hanover too.

I am just happy the Friday Night Lights are upon us and hoping this year's weather is more cooperative than last year. Good luck to everybody!

 

[RVA804]

Great 1st night of football in 5B. Manchester and Varina went back and forth with Manchester coming back from 14 down to take down Varina 45-38 in double OT. Manchester stoped Varina at the 1 on 4th down to win the game.

Manchester plays with the swag of a defending state champion. They are a very good and well coached team but tonight showed just how much they lost last year. Public schools in the 804 just don’t replace Brendon Clark, Hakeem Beamon, Will Pritchard, Kei’Trail Clark, etc.

Manchester’s 2018 1st team Defense gave up a combined 29 pts in 15 games. They gave up 28 pts in just the first half tonight.

Midlothian came back from 10 down in 4th to beat Glen Allen 21-17. Both teams were inept on offense for the majority of the game but Midlothian made enough plays to pull it out in the end. I still think GA wins at least 7 games.

Prince George beat Douglas Freeman 16-13. With Mike Henderson gone, Freeman might not be what they have been the last 6-7 years. PG always has a few great athletes, it will be interesting to see how they stack up in the Capital District.

Henrico stomped Meadowbrook 49-0. It’s amazing how much Meadowbrook has fallen in just a few years. Highland Springs 2nd to last loss was to Meadowbrook in 2016. Henrico scored all 49 in first half.

Deep Run beat up on Lee-Davis 37-7. This might be Chad Hornicks best team. QB Bo Kite is a horse and reminds me of former Hanover QB Clayton Cheatam.

Tomorrow’s games:

Highland Springs v. Avalon
Clover Hill v. Mills Godwin
Caroline v. JR Tucker

 

[WP02alum]

Deep Run beat up on Lee-Davis 37-7. This might be Chad Hornicks best team. QB Bo Kite is a horse and reminds me of Hanover QB Clayton Cheatam.

That’s s really good comparison IMO.

 

[CRF4Dan]

Great 1st night of football in 5B. Manchester and Varina went back and forth with Manchester coming back from 14 down to take down Varina 45-38 in double OT. Manchester stoped Varina at the 1 on 4th down to win the game.

Manchester plays with the swag of a defending state champion. They are a very good and well coached team but tonight showed just how much they lost last year. Public schools in the 804 just don’t replace Brendon Clark, Hakeem Beamon, Will Pritchard, Kei’Trail Clark, etc.

Manchester’s 2018 1st team Defense gave up a combined 29 pts in 15 games. They gave up 28 pts in just the first half tonight.

Midlothian came back from 10 down in 4th to beat Glen Allen 21-17. Both teams were inept on offense for the majority of the game but Midlothian made enough plays to pull it out in the end. I still think GA wins at least 7 games.

Prince George beat Douglas Freeman 16-13. With Mike Henderson gone, Freeman might not be what they have been the last 6-7 years. PG always has a few great athletes, it will be interesting to see how they stack up in the Capital District.

Henrico stomped Meadowbrook 49-0. It’s amazing how much Meadowbrook has fallen in just a few years. Highland Springs 2nd to last loss was to Meadowbrook in 2016. Henrico scored all 49 in first half.

Deep Run beat up on Lee-Davis 37-7. This might be Chad Hornicks best team. QB Bo Kite is a horse and reminds me of former Hanover QB Clayton Cheatam.

Tomorrow’s games:

Highland Springs v. Avalon
Clover Hill v. Mills Godwin
Caroline v. JR Tucker

Felt like Manchester really made some adjustments at halftime. They were good in the first half but that passing game really soared in the second half. Felt like Garcia found his rhythm.

Glen Allen's strength this year was going to be defense so not surprised about your comments on the offense.

I think we got to give Coach Bland time at Douglas Freeman. The Rebels had a heck of an athlete at running back last year in Pat Taylor... hard to replace that.

Meadowbrook has really fallen on hard times. I hope for those in the program this is not another 0-10 season.

Coach Hornik clued me into Bo Kite two years ago telling me this kid could be one of the best to come through the region. The last coach to tell me something to that effect was Coach Tom Hall talking about Brendan Clark before his freshman year and we know how that turned out.

 

[RVA804]

1. Highland Springs
2. Manchester
   
3. Varina
4. Henrico
5. Glen Allen
6. LC Bird
7. Hermitage
   
8. Atlee
9. Clover Hill
10. Midlothian
    
11. Deep Run
12. Freeman
13. Matoaca
14. Prince George
15. Godwin
16. Meadowbrook
17. JR Tucker

1-6 should be locks. Glen Allen's schedule is weak and it will be hard for them not to win 7+ games.

7-12: Hermitage, Atlee, Clover Hill, Midlo, Deep Run and Freeman will battle it out for the last two spots.

My updated team rankings and notes

1. Highland Springs
2. Manchester
3. Varina
4. Henrico
5. Hermitage
6. LC Bird
7. Deep Run
8. Clover Hill
9. Midlothian
10. Glen Allen
11. Atlee
12. Prince George
13. Freeman
14. Matoaca
15. Godwin
16. JR Tucker
    
17. Meadowbrook

1-4 will be playoff teams. HSHS is clearly the best team in the region.

Manchester, Varina and Henrico are really good teams but don’t see those teams on the level of HSHS.

5. Hermitage is back under Coach Bedwell. They have the talent to beat those 3 schools as we saw last week v. Henrico. I have them as the 5th best overall team but I do not think they will make the postseason with their schedule. Thomas Dale, Varina, Deep Run, Maury and Glen Allen are Hermitages next 5 opponents. Probably need to go at least 3-2 to finish 7-3 on the season. Not impossible but not likely.

6. LC Bird is not as down as people seemingly want them to be. They have scrimmaged or played some of the best teams in VA. Bird might not have a Elliott, Ashby, Moore or Beamon but the Skyhawks have multiple D1 kids including 2022 5 star Ramon Brown. Most think All-Metro RB Treshawn Mason made a smart move transferring to LCA and reclassifying with Brown in the wings. The Bird defense as usual will be really good and they should beat Huguenot by at least 2-3 TD’s.

7. Deep Run and QB Bo Kite made a big statement last week v. Atlee. The difference in yardage numbers was staggering. Deep Run plays Henrico in the most interesting game among 5B teams in Week 3.
I think Henrico wins but they going to have their hands full with Kite.

8. Clover Hill is improved and should be in the 5b playoff hunt. Clover Hill has 2 future D1 kids on their defense in Jennings and Cross. The offense has been a issue for years at Clover Hill and they supposedly played 3 QB’s v. Godwin. Not a good sign but should have better feel for where Clover Hill is after their game v. Midlothian.

9. Midlothian came back from behind to upset Glen Allen in week 1. Not many people talked about Midlothian being in the 5B playoff race but that was before they beat a really talented GA team. Midlothian has turned their program around in the last few years and Clover Hill v. Midlothian is the 2nd best game among 5B teams. Clover Hill might have a slight edge but might as well be a pick em.

10. Glen Allen needs to get back on track v. Patrick Henry. They were leading Midlothian until the last few minutes and GA had to think about that loss for an extra week with having a bye week. PH is going to see a lot of Devin Flowers this week. Very interested to see how GA defends PH QB Alex Sikkar. I think GA wins..

11. Atlee got taken to the woodshed last week v. Deep Run. Most thought QB Tyler Warren would have Atlee in the 5B playoff hunt but they don’t have much size or many playmakers besides Warren. Atlee probably should keep Warren at QB and let every offensive play run through him. The Raiders should be able to handle Godwin tomorrow but that has become more of a toss up then it was 3-4 weeks ago.

12. Prince George has two nice wins but as it has been stated on this board, PG has struggled for the better part of 15 years. I don’t think they will beat Churchland, but if they do, PG will silence the doubters.

13. Freeman bounced back nicely from a tight loss to PG to beat James River. I don’t think Freeman will be in the 5B playoff mix but they will beat Lee-Davis tomorrow to go to 2-1. Freeman has a few top players in QB Bland and lineman Will Reid but the depth does not seem to be there.

14. Matoaca had a 9-6 OT win at Powhatan last week to start their season. Matoaca is going to be in trouble tomorrow v. Varina but they have JR Tucker, Meadowbrook and then PG that could possibly get Matoaca to 4-1 heading into the games v. the big boys of the Central District.

15. Godwin beat Lee-Davis last week after getting beat pretty soundly by Clover Hill in week 1. Some people have said that Godwin is a sleeper this year to make 5B playoffs. Even with that easy schedule I just don’t see Godwin in the 5B Playoff hunt.

 

[mbonape1]

My updated team rankings and notes

1. Highland Springs
2. Manchester
3. Varina
4. Henrico
5. Hermitage
6. LC Bird
7. Deep Run
8. Clover Hill
9. Midlothian
10. Glen Allen
11. Atlee
12. Prince George
13. Freeman
14. Matoaca
15. Godwin
16. JR Tucker
    
17. Meadowbrook

1-4 will be playoff teams. HSHS is clearly the best team in the region.

Manchester, Varina and Henrico are really good teams but don’t see those teams on the level of HSHS.

5. Hermitage is back under Coach Bedwell. They have the talent to beat those 3 schools as we saw last week v. Henrico. I have them as the 5th best overall team but I do not think they will make the postseason with their schedule. Thomas Dale, Varina, Deep Run, Maury and Glen Allen are Hermitages next 5 opponents. Probably need to go at least 3-2 to finish 7-3 on the season. Not impossible but not likely.

6. LC Bird is not as down as people seemingly want them to be. They have scrimmaged or played some of the best teams in VA. Bird might not have a Elliott, Ashby, Moore or Beamon but the Skyhawks have multiple D1 kids including 2022 5 star Ramon Brown. Most think All-Metro RB Treshawn Mason made a smart move transferring to LCA and reclassifying with Brown in the wings. The Bird defense as usual will be really good and they should beat Huguenot by at least 2-3 TD’s.

7. Deep Run and QB Bo Kite made a big statement last week v. Atlee. The difference in yardage numbers was staggering. Deep Run plays Henrico in the most interesting game among 5B teams in Week 3.
I think Henrico wins but they going to have their hands full with Kite.

8. Clover Hill is improved and should be in the 5b playoff hunt. Clover Hill has 2 future D1 kids on their defense in Jennings and Cross. The offense has been a issue for years at Clover Hill and they supposedly played 3 QB’s v. Godwin. Not a good sign but should have better feel for where Clover Hill is after their game v. Midlothian.

9. Midlothian came back from behind to upset Glen Allen in week 1. Not many people talked about Midlothian being in the 5B playoff race but that was before they beat a really talented GA team. Midlothian has turned their program around in the last few years and Clover Hill v. Midlothian is the 2nd best game among 5B teams. Clover Hill might have a slight edge but might as well be a pick em.

10. Glen Allen needs to get back on track v. Patrick Henry. They were leading Midlothian until the last few minutes and GA had to think about that loss for an extra week with having a bye week. PH is going to see a lot of Devin Flowers this week. Very interested to see how GA defends PH QB Alex Sikkar. I think GA wins..

11. Atlee got taken to the woodshed last week v. Deep Run. Most thought QB Tyler Warren would have Atlee in the 5B playoff hunt but they don’t have much size or many playmakers besides Warren. Atlee probably should keep Warren at QB and let every offensive play run through him. The Raiders should be able to handle Godwin tomorrow but that has become more of a toss up then it was 3-4 weeks ago.

12. Prince George has two nice wins but as it has been stated on this board, PG has struggled for the better part of 15 years. I don’t think they will beat Churchland, but if they do, PG will silence the doubters.

13. Freeman bounced back nicely from a tight loss to PG to beat James River. I don’t think Freeman will be in the 5B playoff mix but they will beat Lee-Davis tomorrow to go to 2-1. Freeman has a few top players in QB Bland and lineman Will Reid but the depth does not seem to be there.

14. Matoaca had a 9-6 OT win at Powhatan last week to start their season. Matoaca is going to be in trouble tomorrow v. Varina but they have JR Tucker, Meadowbrook and then PG that could possibly get Matoaca to 4-1 heading into the games v. the big boys of the Central District.

15. Godwin beat Lee-Davis last week after getting beat pretty soundly by Clover Hill in week 1. Some people have said that Godwin is a sleeper this year to make 5B playoffs. Even with that easy schedule I just don’t see Godwin in the 5B Playoff hunt.

Well done sir! The only place I disagree is I am not so sure LC Bird beats Huguenot so easily. I think that is a pick um. Imagine the ramifications in class 4B if Huguenot and PHA pick up wins tonight!

Will be interested in seeing the PHA vs GA game as well.

Midlothian vs Clover Hill is huge to help define the tail end of the 5b playoff race. Midlothian has some real athletes now. Yes, you read that right. I think CH wins though.

Some other good games outside of 5 on 5 are
Manchester vs Monacan
Norcom vs Hopewell
North Stanford vs Dinwiddie

Several really big games in the 804 tonight!!

 

[Johnny"football"]

Well done sir! The only place I disagree is I am not so sure LC Bird beats Huguenot so easily. I think that is a pick um. Imagine the ramifications in class 4B if Huguenot and PHA pick up wins tonight!

Will be interested in seeing the PHA vs GA game as well.

Midlothian vs Clover Hill is huge to help define the tail end of the 5b playoff race. Midlothian has some real athletes now. Yes, you read that right. I think CH wins though.

Some other good games outside of 5 on 5 are
Manchester vs Monacan
Norcom vs Hopewell
North Stanford vs Dinwiddie

Several really big games in the 804 tonight!!

I agree with you. I'm headed out to Hopewell tonight, the "rematch".

 

[CRF4Dan]

My updated team rankings and notes

1. Highland Springs
2. Manchester
3. Varina
4. Henrico
5. Hermitage
6. LC Bird
7. Deep Run
8. Clover Hill
9. Midlothian
10. Glen Allen
11. Atlee
12. Prince George
13. Freeman
14. Matoaca
15. Godwin
16. JR Tucker
    
17. Meadowbrook

1-4 will be playoff teams. HSHS is clearly the best team in the region.

Manchester, Varina and Henrico are really good teams but don’t see those teams on the level of HSHS.

5. Hermitage is back under Coach Bedwell. They have the talent to beat those 3 schools as we saw last week v. Henrico. I have them as the 5th best overall team but I do not think they will make the postseason with their schedule. Thomas Dale, Varina, Deep Run, Maury and Glen Allen are Hermitages next 5 opponents. Probably need to go at least 3-2 to finish 7-3 on the season. Not impossible but not likely.

6. LC Bird is not as down as people seemingly want them to be. They have scrimmaged or played some of the best teams in VA. Bird might not have a Elliott, Ashby, Moore or Beamon but the Skyhawks have multiple D1 kids including 2022 5 star Ramon Brown. Most think All-Metro RB Treshawn Mason made a smart move transferring to LCA and reclassifying with Brown in the wings. The Bird defense as usual will be really good and they should beat Huguenot by at least 2-3 TD’s.

7. Deep Run and QB Bo Kite made a big statement last week v. Atlee. The difference in yardage numbers was staggering. Deep Run plays Henrico in the most interesting game among 5B teams in Week 3.
I think Henrico wins but they going to have their hands full with Kite.

8. Clover Hill is improved and should be in the 5b playoff hunt. Clover Hill has 2 future D1 kids on their defense in Jennings and Cross. The offense has been a issue for years at Clover Hill and they supposedly played 3 QB’s v. Godwin. Not a good sign but should have better feel for where Clover Hill is after their game v. Midlothian.

9. Midlothian came back from behind to upset Glen Allen in week 1. Not many people talked about Midlothian being in the 5B playoff race but that was before they beat a really talented GA team. Midlothian has turned their program around in the last few years and Clover Hill v. Midlothian is the 2nd best game among 5B teams. Clover Hill might have a slight edge but might as well be a pick em.

10. Glen Allen needs to get back on track v. Patrick Henry. They were leading Midlothian until the last few minutes and GA had to think about that loss for an extra week with having a bye week. PH is going to see a lot of Devin Flowers this week. Very interested to see how GA defends PH QB Alex Sikkar. I think GA wins..

11. Atlee got taken to the woodshed last week v. Deep Run. Most thought QB Tyler Warren would have Atlee in the 5B playoff hunt but they don’t have much size or many playmakers besides Warren. Atlee probably should keep Warren at QB and let every offensive play run through him. The Raiders should be able to handle Godwin tomorrow but that has become more of a toss up then it was 3-4 weeks ago.

12. Prince George has two nice wins but as it has been stated on this board, PG has struggled for the better part of 15 years. I don’t think they will beat Churchland, but if they do, PG will silence the doubters.

13. Freeman bounced back nicely from a tight loss to PG to beat James River. I don’t think Freeman will be in the 5B playoff mix but they will beat Lee-Davis tomorrow to go to 2-1. Freeman has a few top players in QB Bland and lineman Will Reid but the depth does not seem to be there.

14. Matoaca had a 9-6 OT win at Powhatan last week to start their season. Matoaca is going to be in trouble tomorrow v. Varina but they have JR Tucker, Meadowbrook and then PG that could possibly get Matoaca to 4-1 heading into the games v. the big boys of the Central District.

15. Godwin beat Lee-Davis last week after getting beat pretty soundly by Clover Hill in week 1. Some people have said that Godwin is a sleeper this year to make 5B playoffs. Even with that easy schedule I just don’t see Godwin in the 5B Playoff hunt.

Well put. I better watch my back, you'll be taking my job, lol!

Just commenting on a few things you said.

5) The impact Bedwell has had on Hermitage speaks for itself given the first two games of the season. That said, just keep in mind he is not there on Friday nights currently and we do not know when he will be back or if he will be back. That is why I am more impressed by what they have done... these kids could have thrown in the towel when all went down right before the season with Bedwell but they are fighting, they believe in themselves and they have talent. I do think if they can get to 6-4 they could get in the playoffs based on points but time will tell.

6) I'm reserving judgement on Bird till after tonight. As you eluded to, you cannot bury them after last weeks showing because Dale will make a lot of teams look bad this year. If Bird struggles however tonight against Huguenot, then there is cause for concern. Bird has a heck of a run but every team has a let down year. Highland Springs fell off in the late 90's before Scott Burton arrived. Just a few years ago Varina had back-to-back subpar seasons and obviously Hermitage fell off last year. It is hard to maintain that level for so long. Even Hampton and Phoebus in the 757 have had off years at times. We will know a lot more about the Skyhawks after tonight.

8) I believe 2 of the 3 quarterbacks at Clover Hill are from other schools... KJ Patterson came from Bird and Reece Hamilton came from James River. Good problem to have in my estimation. This is one team I am high on... not saying they contend with the Springers but they are a team capable of making a big splash in their first season in Region 5B.

9) Coach Hutchings has made Midlothian relevant. For so many years they were not even mentioned in terms of playoffs or competitiveness but he has this program on the rise.

12) I will agree with you, if Prince George wins tonight the Royals will be in the playoff conversation barring any unforeseen upsets or injury till the very end.

 

[springer76]

Well done sir! The only place I disagree is I am not so sure LC Bird beats Huguenot so easily. I think that is a pick um. Imagine the ramifications in class 4B if Huguenot and PHA pick up wins tonight!

Will be interested in seeing the PHA vs GA game as well.

Midlothian vs Clover Hill is huge to help define the tail end of the 5b playoff race. Midlothian has some real athletes now. Yes, you read that right. I think CH wins though.

Some other good games outside of 5 on 5 are
Manchester vs Monacan
Norcom vs Hopewell
North Stanford vs Dinwiddie

Several really big games in the 804 tonight!!

Keep in mind, HSHS plays N. Stafford next week @ HS. This will most likely be the Springers' last game on Rinaldi Field @ Kreiter Stadium!

Also, Hermitage and Dale tangle tonight.. We will see just how relevant Herm is after tonight too!

 

[mbonape1]

Keep in mind, HSHS plays N. Stafford next week @ HS. This will most likely be the Springers' last game on Rinaldi Field @ Kreiter Stadium!

Also, Hermitage and Dale tangle tonight.. We will see just how relevant Herm is after tonight too!

Forgot about Hermitage and Dale... what a slate!

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

1. Highland Springs
2. Manchester
   
3. Varina
4. Henrico
5. Glen Allen
6. LC Bird
7. Hermitage
   
8. Atlee
9. Clover Hill
10. Midlothian
    
11. Deep Run
12. Freeman
13. Matoaca
14. Prince George
15. Godwin
16. Meadowbrook
17. JR Tucker

1-6 should be locks. Glen Allen's schedule is weak and it will be hard for them not to win 7+ games.

7-12: Hermitage, Atlee, Clover Hill, Midlo, Deep Run and Freeman will battle it out for the last two spots.

Want to rethink those locks?
7,8,9,&11 made statements with wins.

 

[mbonape1]

Want to rethink those locks?
7,8,9,&11 made statements with wins.

I was right about Huguenot... Honestly I am stunned about Hermitage beating Dale though.

 

[WP02alum]

Got that Bedwell magic!

 

[DRWildcatDad2018]

I was right about Huguenot... Honestly I am stunned about Hermitage beating Dale though.

Yeah, @mbonape1 you called your shot with Huguenot. I don't think anybody outside of that Herm locker would have predicted the upset. I knew the stud RB for Herm #3 was legit and obviously the defense had done some good work. Looks like they are getting better each week. I am happy for those kids after what they went through last year.