State Semifinal Matchups

[kwhs95fan]

Altavista vs Essex
Rye Cove vs Grayson.

What's everyone's thoughts on these two matchups? Before last week it seemed many were saying it was Altavista's to lose. But I for one never thought that and knew it's earned on the field.

 

[Fairlawncat]

Two great games. I think Essex can play with Altavista if they stop the self inflicted penalty stuff and Essex getting it into the 4th quarter. Essex can matchup athletically and like Strasburg and Poquoson in the Class 2 east, they seem to be hitting another gear right at the perfect time. They appear to be the team many thought they would be coming into the season when Altavista wasnt the favorites but Essex was. Keep in mind, it was Essex that gave Altavista its last loss.

Rye Cove and Grayson will be interesting. Region 1D historically has trouble with 1Cs physical play. I don't think Grayson and Rye Cove is a close game. I think it's a game of momentum and the winner having a margin of victory by more than 14 points and either team can win.

 

[RappriverEHS]

How much better is altavista compared to last years team?

Personally I think Essex is better offensively this year and defense is about the same as last year. Losing #5 Roane from last years team hurt but there’s so much speed on the defense to make up for it. Tackling has improved and they all fly to the ball.

 

[knightfan64]

How much better is altavista compared to last years team?

Personally I think Essex is better offensively this year and defense is about the same as last year. Losing #5 Roane from last years team hurt but there’s so much speed on the defense to make up for it. Tackling has improved and they all fly to the ball.

Altavista was junior heavy last year. Senior heavy this year. Big losses for them imo were Pippen (QB) and Farmer (think he was 8?) Lb/H-Back. Otherwise they returned or improved just about everywhere else and their QB who is a sophomore is able to pull the read. Will be interesting, and will be a game won up front. Altavista has a bunch of linemen who’ve been playing since they were freshmen and sophomores so they are seasoned, and then everyone knows Stone in backfield. Other backs will give you trouble too, but I hear Essex’s defense has some bite. I think that was BG’s biggest issue. Putting up 20 on Alta was a big deal and having the lead going into the fourth, but can you consistently stop them?

 

[Army2002]

For Rye Cove much will depend on whether no.9 is healthy enough to contribute. Grayson is very good defensively. Rye Cove Qb will have to have a big game

 

[gladiatorgrad10]

I agree with Army. If Carter Roach-Hodge can't go, it'll be tough sledding for the War Eagles. He contributes tremendously on both sides of the ball, so not having him hurts. Both the offensive and defensive line will have to be much more physical this week for Rye Cove. They will also need to clean up the penalty problem from last week.

 

[Army2002]

Bad match-up for Rye Cove IMO......Grayson is physical enough to slow down RC run game and is much faster in almost every position. RC will need to be spot on offensively and prevent the big play on D or this game may get away from them as Grayson struggles with any drive over 5-6 plays . RC will need QB to make some plays on BOTH sides of ball. Hope I am incorrect would much prefer RC win. RC smallest school in state still playing.

 

[Gridiron1960]

I hope Rye Cove wins because Grayson should be 2A.

 

[Tech_40]

Move Grayson back to where they belong and put them in the SWD. Cancels out their hardship for travel claim they made in 2019. There longest trip then will be to what, Richlands?

Nothing against the kids at Grayson at all. They play where they play

 

[Gridiron1960]

Move Grayson back to where they belong and put them in the SWD. Cancels out their hardship for travel claim they made in 2019. There longest trip then will be to what, Richlands?

Nothing against the kids at Grayson at all. They play where they play

Absolutely, nothing against the kids. This falls at the feet of leadership. There were schools with larger enrollments playing in 2A playoffs. It was absurd to have Bath County with barely 100 students playing a school pushing 370.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

Essex at Altavista- This should be a good one for sure. I am not sure what anyone else is seeing but there are a lot of similarities with these teams. Very much run oriented with some speed to go along with some power. I would say that both are somewhat susceptible to the pass but neither opponent really does that a lot (I assume both could if they needed to in a pinch). Both have stellar defenses that have played aggressive downhill attacking styles which is able to stop most running teams. I can't imagine this being a shootout, but strange things happen in the playoffs, so you just never know. Since Essex has seen much more success in recent years, this could be a defining game for Altavista if they are able to slay one of the giants of 1A ball. I look for a low scoring game but also realize that if penalties or turnovers pile up on either team there could be separation. This will be a field position game IMO, and the special teams will play a part in deciding this game. If I was betting, I would take Essex to win in a close one 16-8

Grayson at Rye Cove- This will be an interesting one as well. Rye Cove has been the pick from 1D most if not all of the year with a few people rightfully singing the praises of a few others as well. If healthy this Rye Cove team can play with anyone in 1A and has a legit shot at winning. If not the points and yardage will be hard to come by. Defensively while it would be an impact, that can be covered a little easier. All that said, this Grayson team is peaking at the right time and has talent in its own right. If asked today I will take Grayson pulling away in the second half by a comfortable three score margin based off of RC potentially missing one of their studs. and GC having quite a bit of talent of their own. If he is available, this could flip and be an RC win and could literally come down to who has the ball last. Line play will be a key and the physicality side of it would seem to favor Grayson.

Good luck to all four teams and safe travels to anyone attending these games.

 

[VaSportsJunky]

It boils down to if Stone is healthy. I was at the game and saw him go down with an injury that he tried to fight through the whole night. If he is 100% I think they will take down Essex. If he is not healthy I don't think they will win this one unless they can find a way to pass. So my prediction is Altavista wins if Stone is healthy and Essex wins if he is compromised.

 

[takes11]

Absolutely, nothing against the kids. This falls at the feet of leadership. There were schools with larger enrollments playing in 2A playoffs. It was absurd to have Bath County with barely 100 students playing a school pushing 370.

Man, how do you think the schools, West Point, King and Queen feel when they play King William? Both schools right around 200+ kids compared to 700+....

 

[nbthpr9]

It boils down to if Stone is healthy. I was at the game and saw him go down with an injury that he tried to fight through the whole night. If he is 100% I think they will take down Essex. If he is not healthy I don't think they will win this one unless they can find a way to pass. So my prediction is Altavista wins if Stone is healthy and Essex wins if he is compromised.

An injury to a key player can be challening to any team especially in the playoffs. Last year essex lost their leading rusher Jaden Holmes in the second round and had to play the regional championship, state semi and state final without holmes on the field. That lost impacted essex for sure, but they had no choice but go with the players they had available.

Hopefully both teams will be healthy for Saturdays rematch.
Let's go Trojans!