Richlands vs. Appomattox

[VolNation85]

I know tonight's games are barely over but I'm going to start this anyway. This is the matchup that I had circled since the brackets were released. I've read so much about the athletes that Richlands has but, I can't imagine another 2A school having as many athletes the caliber that Appo has this year. I'm not downing Richlands at all, I know they are good but I watched Appo beat 3A Heritage, 3A Rustburg and 4A Amherst (all playoff teams) all pretty easily. Neither of those schools had the depth at the skill position that Appo had. Even still, it should be a great game between two great teams with two great coaches (Mance & Smith). I believe the winner of this game wins 2A championship, then again, that's why they play the game. Good luck to both teams.

 

[lovethisgame78]

They beat Rustburg 14-7. Judging by the score it didn't look that easy. Richlands beat Abingdon 56-21, who beat Rustburg last week and just knocked off Northside. They also just beat Buckingham by a slightly larger margin than Appomattox only allowing 2 offensive tds and it didn't take OT to do it.They have plenty of athletes that I'm sure will match what Appomattox has. You can judge for yourself soon enough. Should be a great game.

 

[lucustookis]

I know tonight's games are barely over but I'm going to start this anyway. This is the matchup that I had circled since the brackets were released. I've read so much about the athletes that Richlands has but, I can't imagine another 2A school having as many athletes the caliber that Appo has this year. I'm not downing Richlands at all, I know they are good but I watched Appo beat 3A Heritage, 3A Rustburg and 4A Amherst (all playoff teams) all pretty easily. Neither of those schools had the depth at the skill position that Appo had. Even still, it should be a great game between two great teams with two great coaches (Mance & Smith). I believe the winner of this game wins 2A championship, then again, that's why they play the game. Good luck to both teams.

Richlands vs Buckingham the second half was domination. Richlands also took a knee and could have scored again with a minute and one half left or you have a 42-20 (3 TD margin victory). Appo and Buckingham was as we all know, a nailbiter. Richland completely shelled an Abingdon team (way worse the than the final score) and Abingdon beat Rustburg at Rustburg and just beat Northside at Northside. Keep in mind, Rustburg and Appo was a battle. Can we make much of scores and comparison when common opponents are not played? No. It's voodoo hooplaa and we can not make much of this, but....it is one area where Richlands favors well if we choose this route. When looking at opponents played of the common opponents, Richlands looks good on paper, but it is just that......paper. The game is not just about athletes. The skillplay on the line of scrimmage and size and strength matter. Richlands is as big, strong, and skilled on the offensive and defensive line of any team in AA ball. Like Appo and it's athletes in which we are just not going to find another AA team with more athletes than Appo, that applies to Richlands on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. In the second half, they just wore down Buckingham tonight. Added to all of this, they also have athletes all over the field. They don't have more than Appo, but the gap is as close than any other AA team will come to closing it in Richlands. They are big, fast, strong, very smart, very skilled, very well coached, and again....they have athletes. This should be a great game. I can assure though, the winner is not the automatic state champ. In the West, Glenvar is still the remaining champ for a reason. DEFENSE. And they beat a Giles team that had been doing nothing but getting better, and better, and better all season, and Glenvar again rose to the occasion in the big moment, and won the game. Any team is going to have a tough time with Glenvar. With that said, like some may feel the best two teams may be Richlands and Appo, the other argument rests with Glenvar of course, and its opponent in Union. Union apparently has one of those classic old Powell Valley type teams that just does everything well. Big, Strong, Fast, Well Coaches, athletes everywhere, can run it and throw it. I believe this.......

The state champion will be from the west and its one of the four in Richlands, Glenvar, Union, and Appo. All of them are close and it could come down to turnovers. I can tell you this....if Union is back to old form when it was Powell Valley, and according to many of their fans, they are, then this is a bunch that nobody wants any part of. Not disrespecting Appalachia as they were tough in their own right, but Powell Valley was the freakin Hampton of Southwestern VA Single A ball at one time and they always seemed to have more players (talent) than anyone. If this bunch has returned to old form, Glenvar is in a mess next week.

 

[stormwatcher]

The Rustburg game was way back in week two, so it's hard to use it as a barometer, but the article I read on the game said Rustburg did have some success moving the ball thru the air.

 

[lucustookis]

The Rustburg game was way back in week two, so it's hard to use it as a barometer, but the article I read on the game said Rustburg did have some success moving the ball thru the air.

I agree. I don't think you can use it as much of a barometer if the game were last week. It's difficult enough to use common opponents as a barometer, but trying to use opponents of the "common opponents" just does not mean much. Keep this in mind though.......two teams played early in the season in Rustburg and Appo. We immediately think, Appo definitely has improved by then. And of course....they have, but the same applies to Rustburg who improved bigtime over the season. This improvement was not enough to overcome Abingdon last week, so early in the season with Appo and Rustburg? Yes, it was and it's pretty meaningless as it relates to Richlands, but the loss of Rustburg to Abingdon was last week, and Rustburg ALSO improved over the season.

 

[spartan2005]

Richlands vs Buckingham the second half was domination. Richlands also took a knee and could have scored again with a minute and one half left or you have a 42-20 (3 TD margin victory). Appo and Buckingham was as we all know, a nailbiter. Richland completely shelled an Abingdon team (way worse the than the final score) and Abingdon beat Rustburg at Rustburg and just beat Northside at Northside. Keep in mind, Rustburg and Appo was a battle. Can we make much of scores and comparison when common opponents are not played? No. It's voodoo hooplaa and we can not make much of this, but....it is one area where Richlands favors well if we choose this route. When looking at opponents played of the common opponents, Richlands looks good on paper, but it is just that......paper. The game is not just about athletes. The skillplay on the line of scrimmage and size and strength matter. Richlands is as big, strong, and skilled on the offensive and defensive line of any team in AA ball. Like Appo and it's athletes in which we are just not going to find another AA team with more athletes than Appo, that applies to Richlands on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. In the second half, they just wore down Buckingham tonight. Added to all of this, they also have athletes all over the field. They don't have more than Appo, but the gap is as close than any other AA team will come to closing it in Richlands. They are big, fast, strong, very smart, very skilled, very well coached, and again....they have athletes. This should be a great game. I can assure though, the winner is not the automatic state champ. In the West, Glenvar is still the remaining champ for a reason. DEFENSE. And they beat a Giles team that had been doing nothing but getting better, and better, and better all season, and Glenvar again rose to the occasion in the big moment, and won the game. Any team is going to have a tough time with Glenvar. With that said, like some may feel the best two teams may be Richlands and Appo, the other argument rests with Glenvar of course, and its opponent in Union. Union apparently has one of those classic old Powell Valley type teams that just does everything well. Big, Strong, Fast, Well Coaches, athletes everywhere, can run it and throw it. I believe this.......

The state champion will be from the west and its one of the four in Richlands, Glenvar, Union, and Appo. All of them are close and it could come down to turnovers. I can tell you this....if Union is back to old form when it was Powell Valley, and according to many of their fans, they are, then this is a bunch that nobody wants any part of. Not disrespecting Appalachia as they were tough in their own right, but Powell Valley was the freakin Hampton of Southwestern VA Single A ball at one time and they always seemed to have more players (talent) than anyone. If this bunch has returned to old form, Glenvar is in a mess next week.

Glenvar's weakness, if they have one, is in the kicking game just based on what I saw tonight. The defense is solid and they have weapons on offense with a good O line.

 

[Bigrhsfan]

Richlands also beat Abingdon late in the regular season and were playing great ball coming into that game ( undefeated at that time ) and have played great ever since, but as has been stated, you can't go by that. Some teams match up better against other teams, there is only one true way to know and that is to play the game on the field.
But it is fun to talk to about. I can tell you that like Buckingham did, Appo has our full attention and respect !
Expect a BIG crowd from Richlands to make the trip to Appo. I know my wife and I are coming and bringing some others with us and most of the fans I talked to tonight are coming, but that is nothing new with our fan base. We travel well no matter how far it is.
Should be a great game and a I think it could be a classic between 2 teams with athletes everywhere making plays !
I also have to agree with Union and Glenvar having something to say about who is champion, especially after we had a really close look and loss at Union in our 2nd game. they are the real deal, do not look past them !

 

[BCKnights]

I think its anybody's game but I'm leaning towards Appomattox. Our coaching hurt us tonight because of dumb play calling and they panicked. Appomattox is better coached and have a better secondary than we do. This game tonight could've went either way even after Richlands went up 15 this game was still anybody's to win, we had it at the 17 with 9 mins left but coaching help your defense out. Appomattox is better in the secondary and defensively overall. I knew our weakness was our secondary but they played good enough for us to still win. Appomattox is much better in the secondary I think they will slow Richlands offense enough to win. Styles makes fights and Appomattox is better equipped for a passing offense, their defense is very talented.

 

[BCKnights]

Appomattox is better equipped personelle wise and coaching than we are and I think we were evenly matched tonight. Its gonna be a hellava game no doubt either team can win but after seeing Richlands up close I think Appomattox is a bad match up, don't think their a better team than Richlands but for what it takes to stop Richlands offense they have the defense to do it.

 

[ghs89er]

Glenvar's weakness, if they have one, is in the kicking game just based on what I saw tonight. The defense is solid and they have weapons on offense with a good O line.

Said the kicking is definitely a weakness last night...look, Giles plays right into glenvars strength on defense...spread them out and they're not nearly as good as giles makes them look...when teams have spread them it's given them trouble...they are big up front and they are good...12 and 0...but just saying teams that spread them have moved the ball much better than giles...Richlands will spread them...want to see a union vs Richlands state game...5 points determining 3 games...if not I'll take Richlands vs glenvar...would like to see either of those...but lots of ball to be played

 

[lovethisgame78]

Appomattox is better equipped personelle wise and coaching than we are and I think we were evenly matched tonight. Its gonna be a hellava game no doubt either team can win but after seeing Richlands up close I think Appomattox is a bad match up, don't think their a better team than Richlands but for what it takes to stop Richlands offense they have the defense to do it.

Ragland was excellent in coverage on Howie. All around great athlete. Can't say enough about that kids talent.

 

[BCKnights]

Ragland has left a mark program that I'll never forget, greatest single season performance I've ever witnessed on both sides of the ball at Buckingham. The other corners we had played spirited football last night but size and fatigue got to them later in the game and their young, that's the most they've had to cover in their life. Appomattox is a different story defensively They match up much better in the secondary then we do.

 

[lucustookis]

I think its anybody's game but I'm leaning towards Appomattox. Our coaching hurt us tonight because of dumb play calling and they panicked. Appomattox is better coached and have a better secondary than we do. This game tonight could've went either way even after Richlands went up 15 this game was still anybody's to win, we had it at the 17 with 9 mins left but coaching help your defense out. Appomattox is better in the secondary and defensively overall. I knew our weakness was our secondary but they played good enough for us to still win. Appomattox is much better in the secondary I think they will slow Richlands offense enough to win. Styles makes fights and Appomattox is better equipped for a passing offense, their defense is very talented.

Richlands has a major size advantage over Appo. Appo's front four are not as good as Buckingham's front four. BC's strength was up front on D and weakness as in the secondary, and when you are tough up front, you are in games. Appo is certainly no slouch up front, but they strength is their secondary. They are still solid up front, but.....they are still a slight step down from BC up front defensively, and that can be a problem in the second half if the game is close at halftime. I think that's exactly what happens. It's close midway, and you will see Richlands not passing, but opening up gaping holes in the running game in the second half.

 

[BCKnights]

I disagree Appomattox defense overall is better than ours but their offense isn't. They don't budge up front you're gonna have to beat them in the air.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

#Humbleness

 

[RichlandsRyan]

Is it Saturday yet? Haha

 

[RichlandsRyan]

For those not familiar with Richlands, here is a video I made earlier this season for Richlands Blue Tornado Football.

We know where we come from. How 'bout you?

 

[Bigrhsfan]

#Humbleness

I can assure you Advocate, our coaches and players and all the fans I know are giving respect to the Appo team just as we do all teams we play but especially at this stage of the playoffs !
Nobody here thinks anywhere close to it being a easy game or anything of the type.
Appo is ranked #1 for a reason and have our attention and respect that a #1 ranked team has earned and received.
We are confident in our teams ability and of course we think our team will win, just as I am sure you and the rest of Appo fans think you will win........as you should.
There maybe fans from other teams that may think one team will dominate the other, but I highly doubt you'll hear anything like that from us.

Still love the video Ryan...!

 

[kevtodd5]

Appomattox is favored and should be. We will have to play our best to pull the upset.

 

[2027]

Who had the best offense that appomattox has faced? Was it a run or pass based team. Who was the best passing team they have faced? I am just curious it seems that the majority of 2A teams from that area play similar offense run based schemes

 

[BigHokieFan]

I know this is a Richlands vs Appo board but I'm going on record as saying I can't see anyone else's front 4 as good as Glenvars. You just don't see it that good in this league. But yes style of play def makes a matchup as ghs89er said. Still can't see a better front than them regardless.

 

[kevtodd5]

You're right....I don't know why you are posting that here but its none of my business. One thing for sure......they will be tested this week. Union has as many big fast athletes as you will see in at least 2A period. I believe Glenvars front four are the best but they are going to find a Union team that is capable of exploiting that. If im wrong I will be back here to admit I was wrong.

 

[RichlandsRyan]

Hey Advocate, are the visiting bleachers handicap accessible? Got a Richlands fan in a wheelchair that wants to know.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

The Rustburg game was way back in week two, so it's hard to use it as a barometer, but the article I read on the game said Rustburg did have some success moving the ball thru the air.

Appomattox struggled on O the first 2 games of season. Timing, bad route running, poor throws, blocking was not there on running plays, etc. Defense had always showed up weekly though and both games (buckingham, rustburg) was won by defense. The 3rd game of the season, offense found themselves vs. Heritage. The rustburg game was a muddy and wet game. Kids looked like they made mud pies for 3 hours after that game. Rustburg did throw the ball and has the 2nd best passing yardage in the Central VA. Most of their yards were YAC. Heritage was a big passing team as well and they were handled easily.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

Hey Advocate, are the visiting bleachers handicap accessible? Got a Richlands fan in a wheelchair that wants to know.

Nah, there is no walk way on visitor bleachers (no steps). The home side has handicap accessible bleachers though.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

I agree. I don't think you can use it as much of a barometer if the game were last week. It's difficult enough to use common opponents as a barometer, but trying to use opponents of the "common opponents" just does not mean much. Keep this in mind though.......two teams played early in the season in Rustburg and Appo. We immediately think, Appo definitely has improved by then. And of course....they have, but the same applies to Rustburg who improved bigtime over the season. This improvement was not enough to overcome Abingdon last week, so early in the season with Appo and Rustburg? Yes, it was and it's pretty meaningless as it relates to Richlands, but the loss of Rustburg to Abingdon was last week, and Rustburg ALSO improved over the season.

I actually think Rustburg got flat towards end of the season. The beginning and mid season was good for them.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

Appomattox is favored and should be. We will have to play our best to pull the upset.

If we are the favorite, I am not getting that feeling from people im talking to?

I do feel yall putting too much emphasis on size. What yall see as a weakness is what others see as a strength.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

Who had the best offense that appomattox has faced? Was it a run or pass based team. Who was the best passing team they have faced? I am just curious it seems that the majority of 2A teams from that area play similar offense run based schemes

I will let you do your homework on that, lol.

 

[intrinsicreward]

Said the kicking is definitely a weakness last night...look, Giles plays right into glenvars strength on defense...spread them out and they're not nearly as good as giles makes them look...when teams have spread them it's given them trouble...they are big up front and they are good...12 and 0...but just saying teams that spread them have moved the ball much better than giles...Richlands will spread them...want to see a union vs Richlands state game...5 points determining 3 games...if not I'll take Richlands vs glenvar...would like to see either of those...but lots of ball to be played

Teams have certainly tried the spread against Glenvarthis year but IMO that hasn't given Glenvar much trouble especially now that we have everyone healthy on defense. Only 3 teams have scored 2 tds; 3 teams have scored 1; and 5 teams have scored 0. Giles, Radford and Galax each scored 2....all three have one thing in common...a great player that can make something happen out of nothing. Finley, Peoples, Mann. Thats only 9 tds given up all year..less than 1 per game Ask Giles folks about getting the ball inside the fifty twice on botched onside kicks and not being able to go anywhere. I never thought I would see it but the wing was shut down almost completely Friday..Don't think Giles had a first down in the 2nd half.. What was Giles averaging...35 plus points a game? I've said all along that in the playoffs I'll take the teams with the best defense and what I know is Appo and Glenvar are heads and shoulders above everyone else right now.....on defense. Can't win if you can't score.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

(Copied and pasted from other thread)
Yall have safe travels. Hope ur fans enjoy it here in Appo. Just FYI, there is the Appomattox surrender grounds where Lee surrendered to Grant if yall have time and want to go site seeing. Plenty of places to eat, but more near Lynchburg (you bypass Lynchburg before u get to Appo). For you coffee lovers, get some Baines Coffee (Appo coffee shop). It will change your life, lol. Hope all yall have a great Thanksgiving.

 

[RichlandsRyan]

If we are the favorite, I am not getting that feeling from people im talking to?

I do feel yall putting too much emphasis on size. What yall see as a weakness is what others see as a strength.

You guys are for sure the favorite. You're the top seed in the hardest division in the state and you're hosting. You are favored and should be.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

You guys are for sure the favorite. You're the top seed in the hardest division in the state and you're hosting. You are favored and should be.

Then why are we feeling like david going against Goliath? The players are feeding off of it. One thing i will tell u about the Raiders is that they have not let that #1 status get in their heads. Coaches are doing a great job at keeping this team humble.

 

[RichlandsRyan]

Then why are we feeling like david going against Goliath? The players are feeding off of it. One thing i will tell u about the Raiders is that they have not let that #1 status get in their heads. Coaches are doing a great job at keeping this team humble.

Probably because people not associated with Richlands are the ones talking about Richlands being Goliath. Those of us who are Richlands fans and who know the team knows that Mance and the players aren't overlooking anyone. We are fully aware of just how good you guys are.

 

[bowlingref]

Richlands vs Buckingham the second half was domination. Richlands also took a knee and could have scored again with a minute and one half left or you have a 42-20 (3 TD margin victory). Appo and Buckingham was as we all know, a nailbiter. Richland completely shelled an Abingdon team (way worse the than the final score) and Abingdon beat Rustburg at Rustburg and just beat Northside at Northside. Keep in mind, Rustburg and Appo was a battle. Can we make much of scores and comparison when common opponents are not played? No. It's voodoo hooplaa and we can not make much of this, but....it is one area where Richlands favors well if we choose this route. When looking at opponents played of the common opponents, Richlands looks good on paper, but it is just that......paper. The game is not just about athletes. The skillplay on the line of scrimmage and size and strength matter. Richlands is as big, strong, and skilled on the offensive and defensive line of any team in AA ball. Like Appo and it's athletes in which we are just not going to find another AA team with more athletes than Appo, that applies to Richlands on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. In the second half, they just wore down Buckingham tonight. Added to all of this, they also have athletes all over the field. They don't have more than Appo, but the gap is as close than any other AA team will come to closing it in Richlands. They are big, fast, strong, very smart, very skilled, very well coached, and again....they have athletes. This should be a great game. I can assure though, the winner is not the automatic state champ. In the West, Glenvar is still the remaining champ for a reason. DEFENSE. And they beat a Giles team that had been doing nothing but getting better, and better, and better all season, and Glenvar again rose to the occasion in the big moment, and won the game. Any team is going to have a tough time with Glenvar. With that said, like some may feel the best two teams may be Richlands and Appo, the other argument rests with Glenvar of course, and its opponent in Union. Union apparently has one of those classic old Powell Valley type teams that just does everything well. Big, Strong, Fast, Well Coaches, athletes everywhere, can run it and throw it. I believe this.......

The state champion will be from the west and its one of the four in Richlands, Glenvar, Union, and Appo. All of them are close and it could come down to turnovers. I can tell you this....if Union is back to old form when it was Powell Valley, and according to many of their fans, they are, then this is a bunch that nobody wants any part of. Not disrespecting Appalachia as they were tough in their own right, but Powell Valley was the freakin Hampton of Southwestern VA Single A ball at one time and they always seemed to have more players (talent) than anyone. If this bunch has returned to old form, Glenvar is in a mess next week.

The Rustburg-Abingdon game was at Abingdon. I can hear the P/A announcer for Rustburg home games. No playoff games played in Rustburg this year.

 

[lovethisgame78]

It's a shame I'm going to miss this great game. 3rd top scoring team in the entire state going up against a great defense. Richlands might not have an elite defense like Appomatox and Glenvar seem to have but they're pretty darn good. I look for it to be a very close game. 28-24 type of game.

 

[VolNation85]

It's a shame I'm going to miss this great game. 3rd top scoring team in the entire state going up against a great defense. Richlands might not have an elite defense like Appomatox and Glenvar seem to have but they're pretty darn good. I look for it to be a very close game. 28-24 type of game.

@lovethisgame78 do you know how many points per game Richlands is averaging?

 

[VolNation85]

Game is Saturday @ 3pm, btw

 

[ghs89er]

Teams have certainly tried the spread against Glenvarthis year but IMO that hasn't given Glenvar much trouble especially now that we have everyone healthy on defense. Only 3 teams have scored 2 tds; 3 teams have scored 1; and 5 teams have scored 0. Giles, Radford and Galax each scored 2....all three have one thing in common...a great player that can make something happen out of nothing. Finley, Peoples, Mann. Thats only 9 tds given up all year..less than 1 per game Ask Giles folks about getting the ball inside the fifty twice on botched onside kicks and not being able to go anywhere. I never thought I would see it but the wing was shut down almost completely Friday..Don't think Giles had a first down in the 2nd half.. What was Giles averaging...35 plus points a game? I've said all along that in the playoffs I'll take the teams with the best defense and what I know is Appo and Glenvar are heads and shoulders above everyone else right now.....on defense. Can't win if you can't score.

But let's take off the football colored glasses just a second...when Radford spread you out you had problems...dropped passes killed them...just saying a more balanced team than giles will give u lots more trouble...galax and giles are 80+% run...you guys haven't seen a good balanceday team that matches your size wise across the line...and i still think the kicking game may hurt you n the end..

 

[RichlandsRyan]

@lovethisgame78 do you know how many points per game Richlands is averaging?

49.0 ppg on offense and 13.41 ppg on defense.

 

[VolNation85]

49.0 ppg on offense and 13.41 ppg on defense.

I'm not sure how many points Appomattox puts up on O but their defense is only giving up 6.5 (or less). Something has to give next Saturday afternoon. GL to both teams