Riverheads/Lee Clash Highlights Shenandoah Action

[longtimerhsfan]

Well depending on how many games your team has played, we are either 70 or 80% finished with the regular season. Here in the Shenandoah District, all eyes this week will be on the wrap-up of the Luray/Lee/Riverheads round-robin and the final game will take place in Staunton Friday when the Leemen host the Gladiators.

One might argue that if Luray beat Lee and Riverheads in turn beat Luray, then RHS should be favored in this one. But that is not necessarily a valid argument since we all know that Luray played Friday night without a valued member of their team. Therefore this game Friday is not a gimme by any stretch and in fact could be quite a challenge for the Big Red.

Just like with the Gladiators' big one at Buffalo Gap a few weeks ago, the Leemen will be sky high for this one, so the first enemy the Big Red will face will likely be the atmosphere. Then once the game gets underway, it will be a tremendous contrast in styles, maybe the biggest differential we have seen this season. Will Riverheads be able to control the ball with its deliberate tempo or will the Leemen's explosive offense be the determining factor? Here are some facts and figures to ponder:

Riverheads' defense has only given up 62 points total this season through seven games, whereas I think the Leemen have scored something like 50 per game, so clearly something will have to give. Therefore I will predict that the Leemen will have the athleticism to score at least 3-4 times in the game. However, their defense has also given up some big numbers this year (42 to Luray and 34 to Gap immediately come to mind) so I think the difference will be that they will not be able to stop Riverheads very much at all, or least not enough times to win the game.

RHS held the Leemen scoreless in last year's season-opener and only gave up 9 points two years ago in their first-ever meeting in Staunton. So unless the Big Red defense REALLY steps up to the plate, the Leemen will far exceed that 4.5 points per game average. Turnovers could also be a factor and from what I have read this year, Lee has had more issues with that than Riverheads has. Putting all those stats together, I will go with RHS by a 35-22 count.

This week's other three district games will be much less dramatic and you can bet the house on any one or all three of them. East Rock will cruise at Stonewall, Stuarts Draft might have a "little" early trouble with Wilson but will still prevail by a minimum of 3 or 4 scores, and all the adrenaline-fueled rivalry in the world will not help Page at Luray. There is just too much of a talent difference this year.

At this point, it looks like every game will feature the perfect kind of cool, crisp autumn night that a good football game deserves.

 

[Baseball215]

I think lee coming off bye week gives them the advantage here giving them two weeks to prepare for Riverheads's and Riverheads coming off big game with Luray you going to get them this will be the week.

 

[lucustookis]

I think lee coming off bye week gives them the advantage here giving them two weeks to prepare for Riverheads's and Riverheads coming off big game with Luray you going to get them this will be the week.

Agree with you. Lee has athletes and talent everywhere. I think this is actually a 50-50 type game considering the by week for Lee and the big emotional victory for Riverheads. I still have to go with Riverheads in a close one.

 

[Xcross]

Notta , Not close , Lee should score once maybe twice . Big Red will Roll !

 

[bulldog1150]

Lee has had trouble over the years stopping teams that run right at them. That doesn't bode well vs Riverheads. The question will be how well Riverheads matches up against the lee offense. I'll never bet against Riverheads

 

[Xcross]

If anyone wants to get The RED TEAM this is the year ! Outlook for next year is really good . Not doin to bad for a down year . Hope we make the playoffs ! lol

 

[lucustookis]

If anyone wants to get The RED TEAM this is the year ! Outlook for next year is really good . Not doin to bad for a down year . Hope we make the playoffs ! lol

This is what I've read on here. If this is Riverheads "down year," then the next year or two is bad news for the rest of 1A. Great program at Riverheads and for its size, it ranks top 10 in VA. Top 10 is probably not doing it enough justice. Solid program.

 

[Xcross]

Young kids starting to get it . Play starting to look like a machine ! Nothing like last years team but not too shabby . Healthy is the key from now on .

 

[obguthr]

If Riverheads wins this game, they are the undisputed Shenandoah District champs, and doing it the hard way. Their toughest games have been on the road. This is in a year that have had to replace their all-everything player Harrison Schaefer. Could they win the C2 title? We'll see next week when they travel to Woodstock.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

@obguthr, Not gonna argue the replacement factor of Schaefer but there was a a certain all-state MLB/TE that was the emotional leader of last years team that is gone.

As for brighter futures, this was our "road" year with most all of the high impact games at the opponents field. A lot of growing up by this young team so it's good to see them playing well together.

I am gonna step way out on a limb and agree with Xross in what most thought would be a little down year in G-ville.

Still a long way to go but I am impressed with how this group has/is developing. It truly does say a lot about the phenomenal staff of coaches we are fortunate enough to have and the young men that buy in to the program.

With all that glad handing about the Red team, I want to shout out to Coach G at Lee that has that program looking very good. Lots of respect for him and what he has brought to Lee and to the area. Not just because this is Lee week but he is a good one and Lee is lucky to have him.

 

[longtimerhsfan]

I have been thinking along those same lines...... RHS graduated four VERY GOOD starters in Schaefer, Hostetler, Armstrong, and Stokes, so I personally expected a down year. Not a "bad year" but one in which 2 or 3 losses might be possible. Of course with Lee and Central still to come, those losses could still come, but overall I have been very impressed with this young group and how well they have performed. Definitely a fine coaching effort this year.

As for the schedule working out the way it has, just wait until next year........people will have forgotten all about this year, so we will have to listen to a lot of caterwauling such as "no wonder Riverheads wins all its games, they get to play all the good teams at home!"

 

[Trevor_Cash]

A down year at RHS is what 2 losses? lol

 

[85straight]

I said before the season that I thought Riverheads would run the table in the district. So I have them winning this game over Lee. But, Lee can make it interesting if they keep it close in the first half, and don't allow any kick off returns for TDs. If they do that, and win the turnover battle, Lee just might pull off the upset.

The final scores in the Lee games really don't show the whole picture about Lee's defense. Sure, they are not great, but in most every game they play better in the 2nd half. Only 7 TDs have been scored against the Lee D after halftime, and 2 of those were very late in the 4th quarter with game in hand.

 

[Xcross]

I said before the season that I thought Riverheads would run the table in the district. So I have them winning this game over Lee. But, Lee can make it interesting if they keep it close in the first half, and don't allow any kick off returns for TDs. If they do that, and win the turnover battle, Lee just might pull off the upset.

The final scores in the Lee games really don't show the whole picture about Lee's defense. Sure, they are not great, but in most every game they play better in the 2nd half. Only 7 TDs have been scored against the Lee D after halftime, and 2 of those were very late in the 4th quarter with game in hand.

Look for the opposite ! Fall behind quickly and get wore out and angry with penalties in the second half . jmo

 

[85straight]

Look for the opposite ! Fall behind quickly and get wore out and angry with penalties in the second half . jmo

I hope not. lol. Riverheads offense can wear team's Ds down for sure. I did say I think Riverheads will win, but I don't see this game as a sure thing for the red team. You never know in HS sports, and Lee's offense is not your typical district offense Riverheads has faced. Lee's defense just might keep it close and give the weapons on offense a chance. Of course, Lee can't turn it over like the Luray game.

 

[Xcross]

I hope not. lol. Riverheads offense can wear team's Ds down for sure. I did say I think Riverheads will win, but I don't see this game as a sure thing for the red team. You never know in HS sports, and Lee's offense is not your typical district offense Riverheads has faced. Lee's defense just might keep it close and give the weapons on offense a chance. Of course, Lee can't turn it over like the Luray game.

Lee has yet to show they have a D against any wing team . Their kids are bigger faster and stronger , but lack the concept of a team D . The breaks must go their way or it will be a long night for Lee. They don't like getting smacked in the mouth either . If they fall behind they may lose their cool . jmo

 

[85straight]

Lee has yet to show they have a D against any wing team . Their kids are bigger faster and stronger , but lack the concept of a team D . The breaks must go their way or it will be a long night for Lee. They don't like getting smacked in the mouth either . If they fall behind they may lose their cool . jmo

I don't think this Lee team will lose their cool like some of Lee's past teams. Coach G knows what Lee is up against with Riverheads and will be ready. Lee might not need as many breaks as you think to make this a game. Riverheads is the favorite, and should be, but I don't see it as a big blowout unless Lee turns the ball over too much like they did in their last game.

 

[Xcross]

From what I here Coach G may to much of a friend to those kids . One player was let go after the Luray game by the Principal . He is doing well but may take a couple more years . jmo

 

[TimWakefield]

Who from Lee got kicked off?

 

[Xcross]

Who from Lee got kicked off?

Not sure yet , still digging !

 

[TimWakefield]

Well Xcross, don't be posting rumors again.... Don't want you to get in trouble with the board's Queen of Hearts

 

[Xcross]

The way I see it , if a man wants to eat a pot full of brownies he should know he will get a belly ache ! Just like green apples !
For Tim : What happened to your cougars this year.?

 

[Gunz41]

 

[TimWakefield]

I've seen nearly every game for them and those last two losses were rough games that didn't give me hope for their November.

Honslestly, at this point, I am not sure who will get out of Region B in 2A or 1A. RHS looks the best in the area, but what else is new, but old WC make for a rough Reg Champ. In 2A, seeing Central Wood and RHS next week should tell us a lot. Between new questions with Luray, and Lee not playing any D, hard to be confident B2A will come from Shen.

 

[Gunz41]

I've seen nearly every game for them and those last two losses were rough games that didn't give me hope for their November.

Honslestly, at this point, I am not sure who will get out of Region B in 2A or 1A. RHS looks the best in the area, but what else is new, but old WC make for a rough Reg Champ. In 2A, seeing Central Wood and RHS next week should tell us a lot. Between new questions with Luray, and Lee not playing any D, hard to be confident B2A will come from Shen.

I think any of the teams in 2a B, maybe outside of George Mason as I know nothing about them, can win on a given night. I would say that Central has to be the favorite right now, Clarke is always a factor, Lee has great athletes, East Rock seems to get better week after week, BG has been in a lot of close games, SD is 3-4 plays away from being undefeated, and Luray had 1 hiccup that I dont know whether Jenkins was a 21 point difference, but certainly changed their game. Now I will continue to say that while SD is 3-4 plays away from being undefeated, that's not a complaint or excuse, as those are part of game, but that is the difference in being viewed as elite again.

As for 1a, Riverheads is the overwhelming favorite. It's hard to believe that a WC team that lost by 40, and from what I understand, a lot of their scoring came with backups in, can contend for Region B crown. Maybe Appomattox beats Riverheads the same, we will never know, but I would venture to guess they keep it closer than that.

 

[Xcross]

Draft and RHS have a lot of young kids . Draft made the game close due to playing early . A game now and RED TEAM wins big . Draft never improved much . .Next season The Gladiators host and all the kids will have grown up . Will be really tuff for the Cougars when that game rolls around . On a scale of 1 to 10 , Riverheads has gone from around a 5 to start , to a 8.5 . Hope they reach a 10 by Thanksgiving ! Since Casto took over you can see each team get better and better as the year goes by. By Salem time they are a true machine ! jmo

 

[Gunz41]

Draft and RHS have a lot of young kids . Draft made the game close due to playing early . A game now and RED TEAM wins big . Draft never improved much . .Next season The Gladiators host and all the kids will have grown up . Will be really tuff for the Cougars when that game rolls around . On a scale of 1 to 10 , Riverheads has gone from around a 5 to start , to a 8.5 . Hope they reach a 10 by Thanksgiving ! Since Casto took over you can see each team get better and better as the year goes by. By Salem time they are a true machine ! jmo

No no no. You can't even keep your ridiculous posts straight. It was just a few weeks ago you were saying Riverheads didn't good coaching.

Hmm

 

[Xcross]

The kids are so talented they get better and better ! Anyone could coach that kind of talent . Casto is just there for moral support . He really knows very little about the game it self . The reason he never says much to the media is daaaaaa he is a man of few words ! He don't know much . Just ask the players !

 

[longtimerhsfan]

Gunz......why do you encourage him after all these years?????? You know what you are going to get.

 

[Gunz41]

Gunz......why do you encourage him after all these years?????? You know what you are going to get.

I figured he might actually stop with his ignorance if proven to contradict himself. This is nothing though. The "Super bowl" was small potatoes, even questioning someone's character earlier this year wasn't nearly as bad as his rumor. He has become terrible with his speech on here.

I am amazed that you guys from Greenville dont have an issue with his conduct

 

[Region C Fan]

I don't think this Lee team will lose their cool like some of Lee's past teams. Coach G knows what Lee is up against with Riverheads and will be ready. Lee might not need as many breaks as you think to make this a game. Riverheads is the favorite, and should be, but I don't see it as a big blowout unless Lee turns the ball over too much like they did in their last game.

 

[Region C Fan]

How bout RHS size are they big? Looks like Central W is loaded with size. Is Clarke the best team Central has played?