Region A Scouter presents his Region A poll (Sept. 14)

[Region A Scouter]

Region A Scouter Top 20 for This Week (Sept. 14)


*Number in parenthesis depict last week’s position.


1. Essex (1)- No lack of firepower on offense, but must shore things up on the defensive end.

2. Franklin (3)- Moves up a spot for taking care of the Drifters.

3. King William (2)- A valiant effort in a rivalry game for the Cavaliers. Many have written them off, but they prove they can compete.

4. Sussex Central (4)- Sussex being Sussex. Using the running game and a big third quarter to remain in the fourth spot.

5. Rappahannock (5)- Finally gave up points but remain suspect. Are they going to prove their doubters wrong?

6. Washington & Lee (7)- Eagles proved their point against the Pointers, but must prove they can keep going.

7. Lancaster (9)- Doing the job they suppose to be by defeating inferior opponents.

8. Northumberland (11)- Had a bye week and moved up two spots.

9. Arcadia (15)- Blowout by the Firebirds? Can they make the Eastern Shore relevant again?

10.Colonial Beach (10)- Tough loss to Franklin, but nothing to be ashamed of with a good effort on tap.

11.Charles City (8)- Panthers have yet to put together a complete game, giving up a ton of points in one quarter.

12.Nandua (6)- Biggest hit this week after being competitive in their first few games of the season.

13.Windsor (12)- Had a bye this week, but looking to get into the win column.

14.Middlesex (13)- Chargers were the first to score on Rappahannock, but need a breakthrough win.

15.Surry County (17)- Youthful Cougars get their first win of the year. A good motivator for them.

16.Mathews (14)- Blue Devils are continuing to find their identity early on in the season.

17.Northampton (16)- Yellow Jackets can make some noise, but will anybody heed their warning?

18.Chincoteague (18)- Ponies continue to improve against schools of similar size.

19.King & Queen (19)- Lost a heartbreaker to Surry County, but strides can be seen.

20.West Point (20)- Rebuilding process is in full swing, but stayed competitive with Washington & Lee for the first half.

 

[Essex Trojan1]

Nice review. Personally I think Essex defense is pretty good. Always can be better, but pretty good as of now. Essex was without 2 starters on defense against King William Friday. Made adjustments at the half and slowed down KW run much better than the 1st half. Essex D kept them in the first 2 games until the offense got in gear. Against two 2A schools and a 4A, Essex D allowed an average of 19 points. Pretty good when the offense is averaging 37 points per game.

 

[uvacavs1]

Well said essextrojan1. The Essex D is strong, very strong. As you pointed out, against two strong 2As and an average 4A, Essex averaged 37 to 19 points.

However, I may be just assuming, but I took the Scouter's comments that Essex "must shore things up on the defensive end" to be in reference to the upcoming James Monroe matchup in Fredericksburg. JM is currently #5 in 3A with the famed Phoebus holding that #1 spot in that division. The scouter would be correct if that is his assessment regarding that big game.

As for 1A this year, only Essex can stop themselves this season. IMO, Essex is 2 TDs plus over all 1A competition right now, with only Riverheads (currently) in the way. People are welcome to disagree, but that's what it looks like to me.

Here is an example of how Essex can stop themselves (data from Rapp Times). Essex has two awesome rushers - Malik Martin and Rasaun Monroe. Against a good KW, Martin rushed for 193 yards and Monroe added 267 and 5 TDs (yes 5 TDs). Congrats to Monroe on that but how disappointing in that he followed that great performance up with being ejected for taunting. He is out for the 5A game this Friday. Martin also is quoted saying some of his teammates do not practice serious enough. Good for him for his leadership. They will need that to knock off JM and finally finish the job at Salem.

 

[Essex Trojan1]

How's it going uvacavs1...In my post, I said it can always be better but at this point and time it's pretty good. Since its a review, I take it he's talking about the games already played. By the way, I'm a Penn State fan but was sick after the UVA heartbreaker. Almost felt as bad as I did when Temple beat my boys the other week. Lol

 

[EHSMDC1]

The Essex DBs are playing back and not flying to the ball as the Essex of past. Yes they have some picks, but they need to do better. A few minor lagging aches and pains still linger, but Essex staff is working on those. I know everyone is looking to the JM game and wondering how that will go. Many see that as the only test for Essex this season. I disagree with that thinking. Although Essex is 3-0, neither of the games thus far were easy games. Each were challenging to the kids and the coaching staff. Adjustments at half time were key to all three games we have played. KG was very physical and the guys were beat up afterwards. This Friday, DR brings a very large squad with plenty of depth. Fresh players that can actually move the ball. We have to strengthen the center of the defense on the run, and create Havoc in the backfield on the pass. DR likes to run the spread with the option. Yesterdays closing of Essex Schools DID NOT help any matters for this Fridays preparation. Two LONG days of practice coming between now and Friday. Looking very forward to the Bye next week to aid in few aches we have. Couldn't have come at a better time. In the past 4 seasons, Essex has only lost 1 home game (JM '14). we need to focus on the largest school in Essex History to play on our field this Friday night. Rasaun Monroe will be on the sideline this week as we have to adjust and use other threats to carry the ball other than Malik. The good thing about that is, they don't have film on those players. Lets get the KJ train rolling early!