What a football game tonight, with momentum going back and forth and Riverheads pulling out the win in Stuarts Draft tonight. These 2 teams are about as evenly matched as they were last year, and I would say just like last year if they played 10 times each would come out on top 5 times. Great sportsmanship on both sides, big crowd, and very few flags. Good luck to the Gladiators going forward as well as the Cougars.
Riverheads 17 Stuarts Draft 14
- Thread starter Gunz41
- Start date
Very clean game and entertaining. There were few penalties and even fewer called, if you know what I mean. Both teams are good. Neither are as good as they were last year, but the season is young. They will get better. I have a hard time seeing the Red Team repeating as state champs. Both teams should be taking notice of RE Lee and Luray. There may be a changing of the guard in the Shenandoah.
Longtime RHS fan was on vacation this week and I will attempt to fill in for him or he will fuss at me. This was one heck of a high school football game. RHS took the opening drive and held onto the ball for the almost the entire first quarter and went up 3-0 on a 21 yard Skillman field goal. On the ensuing kickoff RHS pocket kicked and recover the ball a,t about the 40 yard line. They ran 3 plays and a 41 yard field goal missed wide left by about 10 inches. The score remained 3-0 until Draft had a nice drive to go up 7-3 just before the half. Draft received the 2nd half kickoff and at some point I think fumbled in RHS territory. RHS then had a nice drive helped by a long Devin Morris run and went up 10-7. Draft took over at there 35 and on the first play Ruiz-Haynes went off left tackle and outran everyone to put his team back up 14-10. RHS then went on one of there clock killing drives to go back up 17-14. draft had two more possessions but RHS held on for the win with two incomplete passes from the RHS 35 into the end zone. It was a good game with few flags and 2 Draft turnovers. My only complaint would be that Draft got the ball back with 24 seconds left and on the first play of there final series they ran a fake reverse that turned into a half back pass with 3 handoffs in the backfield and a 41 yard completion to the RHS 35 and only four seconds ran off the clock. Good luck to both teams the rest of the way . The real RHS beat writer will be back next week.
Accidents happen, and it certainly not purpose. But on rhs last drive, the official must have went to sleep and probably waited 10 sec before putting ball into play, so I think it about evened out. No controversy to me, both great teams that should make deep runs
Correct me if I am wrong but is the clock operator an actual official now. I know mistakes happen like that. Great game and both team should make some noise this year.
What home cooking? I think rhs had 1 penalty. Your boys won a great hard fought game. Congrats. But I know the clock operator wouldn't do that, because he has actually been yelled at by friends because he ran it the way it's supposed to be, not what would help someone
The Cougars were awarded a first down after a non measured forth down play and then the ball was spotted back and it was clearly questionable . Draft clock operator ? It seemed if the Gladiators were up against more than the other team most of the night . I guess that's football ! Good luck the Cougars the rest of the way . Anyone who plays the Red Team the way they did , will win a lot of games ! Go Big Red !!!!!!!!!!
Don't ever question the integrity of someone you know nothing about. I gave Riverheads the credit, never once came on here and said Riverheads cheated or didn't deserve to win (like you did last year) and you want to question someone's integrity on a mistake. Good for you buddy, you show what kind of person you really are
@rhsgrad that's a very good account of the game. One small correction on the Draft long run it was Xavier Gunn that took that one to the house.
A couple more observations from the game. I was impressed with the Draft QB Craig and his arm. Strong runner when needed but he can spin the ball very well. He makes good decisions also which is rare in typical run heavy teams. The RB Sanders(?) is a very solid performer as well that runs hard inside. Defensively I don't believe they have the line play they had last year but then again they were able to contain the Red teams rushing attack so I gotta give them lots of credit.
For the Red team, it was my first time seeing them this year since I am working outta state now. They are small again this year but have good overall team speed. T. Smith is a solid QB that also makes good decisions with the ball. There are several good backs with Shover, B. Smith and Morris putting in solid work with speed. D. Jordan is a hard noised inside runner with great vision. The most impressive thing for me was the Freshman Z. Smiley putting in work on both sides of the ball.
Lots of room for improvement for both teams but the future looks great for both. I like some others believe that the district is very deep this year and there are 5-6 teams that have what it takes to win it. My opinion is that the winner will not go undefeated this year so everyone is still in play at this point.
A couple more observations from the game. I was impressed with the Draft QB Craig and his arm. Strong runner when needed but he can spin the ball very well. He makes good decisions also which is rare in typical run heavy teams. The RB Sanders(?) is a very solid performer as well that runs hard inside. Defensively I don't believe they have the line play they had last year but then again they were able to contain the Red teams rushing attack so I gotta give them lots of credit.
For the Red team, it was my first time seeing them this year since I am working outta state now. They are small again this year but have good overall team speed. T. Smith is a solid QB that also makes good decisions with the ball. There are several good backs with Shover, B. Smith and Morris putting in solid work with speed. D. Jordan is a hard noised inside runner with great vision. The most impressive thing for me was the Freshman Z. Smiley putting in work on both sides of the ball.
Lots of room for improvement for both teams but the future looks great for both. I like some others believe that the district is very deep this year and there are 5-6 teams that have what it takes to win it. My opinion is that the winner will not go undefeated this year so everyone is still in play at this point.
Checking in from out of town..............thanks everyone for the detailed comments. Between the threads on here and the 2-A board, along with a very good News Virginian story, I think I have a pretty good feel for what the game was like. Sounds like we got the classic dogfight everyone was expecting.
Obviously I cannot comment on the clock operator since I was not there, but it sounds like it didn't have a major impact anyway. As for RHS Grad filling in for me, good job. I will try not to put you on the spot again this season.
The one comment I read that I will definitely agree with is that both Luray and R E Lee sound as if they are going to be factors this season. The Bulldogs caught my attention when they throttled Madison on opening night and the Leemen have opened with three straight double-digit wins, two of them on the road. I did not expect them to beat East Rock Friday night, especially since the Eagles had beaten Spotswood earlier.
So thanks again guys. I will be back for the Big Red's next two biggies, as they host East Rock Friday and travel to Buffalo Gap the following week.
Obviously I cannot comment on the clock operator since I was not there, but it sounds like it didn't have a major impact anyway. As for RHS Grad filling in for me, good job. I will try not to put you on the spot again this season.
The one comment I read that I will definitely agree with is that both Luray and R E Lee sound as if they are going to be factors this season. The Bulldogs caught my attention when they throttled Madison on opening night and the Leemen have opened with three straight double-digit wins, two of them on the road. I did not expect them to beat East Rock Friday night, especially since the Eagles had beaten Spotswood earlier.
So thanks again guys. I will be back for the Big Red's next two biggies, as they host East Rock Friday and travel to Buffalo Gap the following week.
Lee played well again last night in the victory over East Rock (which is a great setting for a football game), but after seeing the Rock last night, they are a solid team, but they have most definitely taken a step back this year and look like a totally different team (as expected). They ran the doublewing most of the night, and went to the spread occasionally. Lee will need will need to keep improving and will need to play more consistently particularly on offense vs the teams like RHS and SD to be a serious threat to win the district. The thing with this year's Lee team, is the QB is a true dual threat, and they can score at anytime through the air. I think they have a tendency to get a little complacent because of that. Complacent may not be the best word, but maybe it seems like they dont put a whole lot of value into each individual play like a wing t team does.
I think we are starting to see some separation in the district and Im curious to see how it continues/changes as the district season goes on. At the beginning of the season, I thought there were about 7 teams who could finish in the top two, but now I'm thinking its down to 4 teams, with BG, East Rock, and Wilson sliding out. They could possibly upset one of the top 4 teams, but I think those will be your 5-6-7 teams now.
Listen up big mouth, and yes they can suspend me or whatever. As usual, you are wrong. But I won't stand by and let you degrade someone I know and am close with just to try to be funny. You see, in life people make these things called mistakes. Oh I forgot, you are the only person besides Jesus who is perfect.
In the 25 years or whatever since you have been watching the "red team" I guess there has NEVER been a mistake made. And for you to not know a thing about it and to try to try to question someones integrity you have something wrong with you, and are showing some real fine values.
You want to talk about football, sure that is fine. You want to cry like you did last year when the darker "red team" gave your "red team" their only loss, fine. But don't question someone's values and integrity when you have no idea. You want to discuss the clock, come on up to the press box sometime and I will give you an excellent welcome for the way you behave.
In fact let's discuss the clock since you know it all. First play of 2nd half on the kickoff, there was a fair catch and the official wound the clock, there was 3 more seconds. You see you are supposed to do what they say. Then Riverheads last drive in between 2nd and 3rd or 3rd and 4th, the play is over and the official just stands there and waits about 10 seconds before putting ball in play, giving that extra 10 seconds to take off the clock. Then the clock starts about 5 seconds late on the 1st play of SD last drive and you want to cry.
And as I stated, in the past this same person has been yelled at for NOT stopping the clock when the SD fans wanted him to. So in your alternate universe that only has Riverheads in it, this guy decided to change his integrity for this very game, when in reality SD had little time and little hope of scoring.
And while there was many fans who complained about the last play and contact, I saw a little contact, but I this terrible person from the dreaded Cougars didn't think it was a penalty. Riverheads won the game, 2 extremely hard working teams that seem to be extremely close in talent as well.
Now leave people and things you know nothing about out of your mouth or it may come back to hurt you in the future, and no that is no threat, just odds and karma
Gunz, you know that Xcross always tries to stir the pot. While most mentioned the clock, it's a side note to a very good regular season game. I don't know you personally but you generally seem to be objective in your views on your team as well as opponents. It's an open forum so there are several that just get in here to get everyone pissed off. It's sad that any fan resorts to these type of things. Win or lose, these are teenagers that are learning to be adults with the adults around them acting foolishly. Most and I stress most fans from both sides agree it was a solid game by two extremely good teams.
I walked to the parking lot thinking two things last night. First, that both young teams grew up a lot by facing their opponent early on in the season. Second, that we as fans (and this is for both teams) need some restraint in our reaction to these games.
I am not trying to get in to a back forth with anyone on this. I respect that everyone has their opinions and that is certainly something that is exercised here frequently. I will just say that I have gained a few friends over the last few years that I have been active in here just from these discussions. It's a great avenue to have open talks about something we all love. No need to get personal or degrade anyone to get a point across in these discussions.
I walked to the parking lot thinking two things last night. First, that both young teams grew up a lot by facing their opponent early on in the season. Second, that we as fans (and this is for both teams) need some restraint in our reaction to these games.
I am not trying to get in to a back forth with anyone on this. I respect that everyone has their opinions and that is certainly something that is exercised here frequently. I will just say that I have gained a few friends over the last few years that I have been active in here just from these discussions. It's a great avenue to have open talks about something we all love. No need to get personal or degrade anyone to get a point across in these discussions.
I don't have a problem with the back and forth, I actually enjoy that, but to question someone's integrity is ridiculous, and I know exactly who the source is. There just certain things that you don't say
This is probably a good opportunity to encourage our forum members to take a quick peek at the rules.
And don't get too hung up on the exact wording of each rule. Focus on the overall intent.
If a thread gets out of hand, it will be locked down. If one or more posters continue unacceptable posting elsewhere on the forum, their privileges will be suspended.
Guys, come on. Just have your disagreements without the need to attack or denegrate anyone.
You are a direct reflection of the school you are associated with. Please keep that in mind.
Thank you for being compliant with the rules.
https://n.rivals.com/news/message-board-rules-15
And don't get too hung up on the exact wording of each rule. Focus on the overall intent.
If a thread gets out of hand, it will be locked down. If one or more posters continue unacceptable posting elsewhere on the forum, their privileges will be suspended.
Guys, come on. Just have your disagreements without the need to attack or denegrate anyone.
You are a direct reflection of the school you are associated with. Please keep that in mind.
Thank you for being compliant with the rules.
https://n.rivals.com/news/message-board-rules-15
Shucks, I'm just glad it's not me this time..... LOL!!!
Galax,altivista,Essex and Sussex are going to be tough outs basing my opinion on what I have saw so far Riverheads will be a lot better week 10 than now.Watched Draft play Waynesboro thought Waynesboro had very good chance of winning that game if not for turnovers thought Riverheads should have handled draft easy game 2 compared to game 3 probably made a little difference .Will go watch Riverheads Friday.
No offense, as that is a fair opinion, but Draft handled Waynesboro pretty good. 1 TD was on a punt return that shouldn't have counted, not saying Waynesboro wouldn't have scored, but the Waynesboro returner signaled fair catch and it wasn't stopped. The other was a very good drive basically all by option.
SD AND RIVERHEADS aren't separated by much in my and most opinion, and just because they had a tight low scoring game doesn't mean they aren't contenders. They had the same thing last year, and Riverheads only close game before or after while winning a championship, while SD fell a point and 12 seconds short of a championship game berth
Last years teams are last years teams ,Riverheads offensive line one of the best we've had and Draft defense was probably one of the best they have had.Time will tell if these two teams will have same success as last year.
I think you are spot on in the evaluation of current state but I would argue Wm Campbell may be in the mix too. It was fair a assessment none the less. To me it's between Riverheads, Altavista, and WC to represent region B. Region A will most likely be Sussex or Essex with a few other teams with outside shots at being there. As for Region C, I think Galax is a good bet with GW having a punchers chance to be in it. Region D is like a foreign language to me. I see three schools that look good record wise but I don't know who or how they play. Just my take but this format sucks almost as bad as the last one, lol.
I certainly think Region B is Riverheads to lose. And it's amazing to me that in 2a for region b we can have 5 teams from Shenandoah with a chance: Buffalo Gap, East Rockingham, Luray, Robert E Lee, and Stuarts Draft. Then I will say 2 more will be Central Woodstock and Clarke County, with last team between quite a few contenders for the spot
Shenandoah is stacked this year with solid teams. We will see how it shakes out but I have to say that all of them will be battle tested. Question is will they beat each other up so much that one of them doesn't gain home field should it come down to a Clarke that may carry a ton of points into the playoffs. Too early to be counting points I know but then again it's never too early, lol.
I think Luray is the sleeper team and lee high right behind I wouldn't sleep on either of those to two teams.Region B has always been the toughest region to come out of
I'll just add to this thread that imo Gunz41 is an excellent contributor to this site. He obviously has a great love and knowledge of the game. He tries to be objective, fair, and consistent. He takes up for those that are being "bullied" if that is the correct word. He is one of the many posters that I look for an honest opinion.
Hey guys, Va Preps is heating up like it used to be a couple of years ago. Between the wild Salem v Dinwiddie battle banter, this thread, people upset about coaching, and fun debates of top tens and 25s, maybe VA Preps may be returning to the days of old.
However, people certainly need to be respectful but also some folks need not be so thin-skinned. Over on the 4A board, a longtime good poster says he is done after all the Salem stuff posted. If you are confident in your thoughts and opinions, let any criticism just roll on by...
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I agree with KeithStone33. Riverheads is definitely the top team in 1A. Every year their fans wisely try to downplay the Big Red.
Of course, any team can win on any day and all that. There are many strong teams out there. I think the Region A and B playoffs will be very tough.
However, there is only one team out there that really concerns me for my favorite teams to play especially away (as in I'm not sure if the odds would be in my teams' favor or even close) in the playoffs. That team is Riverheads and say that respectfully.
I do hope (and expect) the playoffs to be more competitive than last season though.
Galax for sure.
Altavista is strong, but playing a brutal schedule. Hard to say how good they are, but they are well coached and disciplined.
William Campbell has quietly put together an impressive resume by RUTSing 2A Randolph-Henry and 3A Patrick and beating perennial playoff contender Central-Lunenburg.
Sussex Central definitely, and they're hungry.
Essex. Could fall out of the top 5 if they lose another one.
The rest:
GW has fallen off my short list.
Franklin is a little down this year but still a threat
Central Lunenburg just outside of the top 5, could still make a run with hard work
Narz could also crack the top 5. I'll revise after the Giles game. Is Cinderella ready to dance?
Chilhowie, same as Narz. I'll revise after they play GW.
PH, good but untested.
Most Riverheads fans downplay the team every year cause we are genuinely concerned over some things we see.
Someone earlier mentioned line play for us which is always the key to this offense. We will see where it goes but we are not what we were last year or even the year before but there is potential there.
I do believe the 1A champion resides in Region A or B but you are correct about it being a fight to win either then represent that half of the bracket.
No disrespect to Region C or D as there are some solid teams there but I am not as sure they will face as tough of a regular season in some cases which sometime shows when the chip is on the line. Now that will surely fire a few up but it is just my opinion.
Someone earlier mentioned line play for us which is always the key to this offense. We will see where it goes but we are not what we were last year or even the year before but there is potential there.
I do believe the 1A champion resides in Region A or B but you are correct about it being a fight to win either then represent that half of the bracket.
No disrespect to Region C or D as there are some solid teams there but I am not as sure they will face as tough of a regular season in some cases which sometime shows when the chip is on the line. Now that will surely fire a few up but it is just my opinion.
I could be wrong but in 1A it is 13 for A&B with 4 for C&D. Galax 2015, GW 2012, Clintwood 2011, and Bath 2001. Somebody correct me if I missed something.
That's pretty big difference in wins don't believe there is much argument which is tougher to survive
C1 Champions since 2000
A 3: Franklin (2), Sussex Central (1)
B 11: Riverheads (4), Altavista (4), William Campbell (2),Buffalo Gap (1)
C 3: Galax (1), George Wythe (1), Bath (1)
D 1: Clintwood (1)
A 3: Franklin (2), Sussex Central (1)
B 11: Riverheads (4), Altavista (4), William Campbell (2),Buffalo Gap (1)
C 3: Galax (1), George Wythe (1), Bath (1)
D 1: Clintwood (1)
I sat with a fellow at a scrimmage this year that was fairly close to the Sussex team. Based on what he said, and it was primarily about their defense, I think you are spot on in considering them a top team. I seem to recall him saying that their linebacker play was a difference maker.
I just took a quick peek at the points they have given up this year in two games. That would be a big fat 0!!!
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