Luray is always a sneaky team for me... They're one of those teams that I don't typically consider the favorite to win, but I also don't find myself surprised when they play a good team tough.1. Gap
2. East Rock
3. Riverheads
4. Wilson
5.Luray
6.Lee
7. SD
8. Page
9. Stonewall
SLEEPER-Luray (Has a chance to be very good and be in the top 3)
UNKNOWN- Wilson (Tons of young talent but short on depth. Barring injuries could easily move up into the top 3)
SAFEST BET- Riverheads (Probably will end up 1 or 2 by the end of the season. The system is what makes that program)
I assume when you say the system makes the program you are referring to all the hours the coaches spend preparing these young men to play as part of the system. It is not just the Wing T that makes the team effective. It's talent evaluation and making sure you have the right "fit" for the scheme.1. Gap
2. East Rock
3. Riverheads
4. Wilson
5.Luray
6.Lee
7. SD
8. Page
9. Stonewall
SLEEPER-Luray (Has a chance to be very good and be in the top 3)
UNKNOWN- Wilson (Tons of young talent but short on depth. Barring injuries could easily move up into the top 3)
SAFEST BET- Riverheads (Probably will end up 1 or 2 by the end of the season. The system is what makes that program)
I assume when you say the system makes the program you are referring to all the hours the coaches spend preparing these young men to play as part of the system. It is not just the Wing T that makes the team effective. It's talent evaluation and making sure you have the right "fit" for the scheme.
There are several other area coaches that put in good work too and you see when they hit the combination right what happens.
Just seems like this staff overall has a very keen eye for knowing what they need and where to play their athletes.
As someone posted elsewhere, we play teams with better talent all the time but win more than we lose.
And I truly see good things ahead for Lee if they stick to the mindset Coach G is instilling. Wilson has a ton of untapped talent walking the halls and standing at the fence but they don't come out. Draft and Gap also seems to be just a player or two away from being phenomenal year in and out. Been mostly up lately so maybe they will continue to flourish.
I have nothing but respect for all the area schools and athletes. Wishing for a safe and entertaining district race.
Not sure he would have started at Wing honestly. I feel the jr who moved out of state last year hurt more. Both will be missed more on defense in my opinion.@WilsonFootball, I agree with that assessment. I think the Hornets losing their feature back from last year to a rival school will hurt a little. Should be a boost for the Cougars though.
Like you I will be watching from afar as well this year.
Again good luck to the area schools and let's keep the Shenendoah title in Augusta County.
I am with you. The young man is very talented and with solid line play can/may lead the district in rushing.Are you kidding me? He would have started. Kid is a stud. Big loss for us but I still have faith in our boys.
Never said he wasn't a good kid or good player. And yes he would definitely been in the rotation with other backs and been an asset like he has been. I also never said it wasn't a big loss. I do think the loss will hurt more on defense like I said. I think there are others than can fill his spot on offense and I know of two of them that if they stay healthy I do believe could be better at the position.Are you kidding me? He would have started. Kid is a stud. Big loss for us but I still have faith in our boys.
Well I have find it hard to believe that there are two that are better in the current backfield. The only area I saw last year that needed work was line play on the O-line. I feel that may be the case again this year. The Leche young man was/is a very hard runner but he was covered up as he was taking the handoff last year. These are just my opinions but I did watch Wilson a few times last year. Seeing a practice as currently constructed, I would like to see them pass more. A good number of athletes that have potential once they get the ball in their hands. I could be wrong but I don't see the backfield like you do, but I have only watched them once. On a side note the kicker looked really good. He has a bomb for a left foot.
The teams I have ranked from 2-7 could finish in any order and it would not be a huge surprise to me.1. Riverheads
2. Buffalo Gap
3. Wilson
4. East Rock
5. Stuarts Draft
6. R.E. Lee
7. Luray
8. Page County
9. Stonewall Jackson
I am not betting against Riverheads at 1. Gap will be there in the top 3.
WilsonFootball, do you really see East Rock as being a top team? and Draft at 7 is a real stretch after going undefeated. What is your rationale?
Also, I am interested to see where Faith Family Fishersville puts the Hornets this year.
Look out for Luray to make a run, but they struggle against Augusta Co. teams.
Very good analysis. Draft was badass last year, but loses the nucleus of that team. If they are are as good this year, that coach deserves an award. East Rock lost some key talent too, but their system exposes weaknesses in most Shen District defenses. They will remain competitive and may be better if they can work on their own problems on defense. I just don't know what to expect from Wilson, Gap, or Lee. I had high hopes for Lee last year and was sorely disappointed. I won't fall for it this year (watch them run the table, again proving me wrong!) And...as Wilson astutely said, Riverheads is Riverheads. The question now is: Will SJMJ win a district game?First of all, I think this season will be one of the most competitive district seasons in a very long time. I agree with Keith_Stone that the order can easily be switched around.
Draft lost a lot due to graduation. The J.V. team did not play well, but there may have been other reasons for that other than talent. I do not expect them to go 0-10. I just think the other teams should be better. I think they will struggle some this year. Way too many holes to fill in my opinion.
East Rock has a ton of talent returning and a very athletic group of Sophomores that should fill in very well. They do have a huge hole to fill, but unlike most teams in the district, they open it up on offense and have the athletes to do it. Most of the other teams just right at you. I almost put them at 1, that's how good I think they can be.
Gap I just think with the addition of Bowers to the program, and the younger players they are developing, are going to be really tough. They as well have a few holes to fill but I think they have the players and will have a very solid season. We should see some young kids step up.
Luray is going to be the most physical team in the district. Like I said earlier, I expect them to have a really good year and be good for the next few years.
Riverheads, it's Riverheads. No more needs to be said.
Lee has some athletes, but I do not see them at the same level as some of the other teams at this point. Would I be shocked if they finish first? Nope.
Wilson, that will depend on many factors. This is the one team I can easily see being near the top or lower half. We will know more in the coming weeks. I do hope my Hornets are put in a position to be as good as they are capable of.
I do not think anyone goes undefeated. Could 2 losses still win the district???? Maybe????