It's semi-final week in the regionals and this could be a very surprising week. Despite knowing the stronger teams, many teams are battle tested and looking for momentum change to make a different outcome. Fan support becomes big and who will be able to step up with the lights being the brightest. Here we take a look at a few of the big games and to see who continues on the road to Salem!
Class 2 Region A
KING WILLIAM (6-5) at POQUOSON (8-3)
The Bull Islanders got a wake up call versus Nandua that showed records don't matter on this stage in the playoffs. A performance like that tonight could spell the end of what many believe is the best shot for a title. The Cavaliers are coming in hot rebounding from a 1-5 start which included the Class 2 Region B semi-final field except for Riverheads. King William has been able to run the football led by James Stewart who has been sensational.
Bottom Line: Winning the time of possession battle has never been so big. Whoever can control the ground game and not turnover the football will smile extra this Thanksgiving. Look for Baker Green to be the x-factor in the outcome.
Prediction: Poquoson 28 King William 20
SOUTHAMPTON (6-5) at AMELIA CO.(8-3)
The Indians will be trying to ride a wave of confidence going into their semi-final class with Amelia. Steven McClenny will need plenty of touches in this one to have another joyful ride home from James River district territory. Amelia will need a balanced approach to stay in the game. Forget the records, Southampton is the stronger squad and the Raiders cannot allow them to run comfortably.
Bottomline: The Raiders will have to test Southampton's defense early and often if they want to move on. Justin Perry will need to come up big after the catch.
Prediction: Southampton 34 Amelia Co. 24
Class 1 Region A
LANCASTER (7-4) at ESSEX (11-0)
The Trojans look to march a step closer to Salem by taking away any inspiration the Red Devils have in revenging one of their losses. Lancaster will be going all in to keep their hopes of advancing but it will come down to defensive play. The Red Devils will have a tough time stopping the Essex rushing attack and in particular Avontre Johnson. Lamar Mattocks and company will have to be more consistent if they look to have shot late.
Bottomline: The Trojans have learned from their previous meeting and will do what they do best. The Red Devils will show the wear and tear late in the 2nd quarter.
Prediction: Essex 40 Lancaster 14
Class 1 Region B
WILLIAM CAMPBELL (5-6) at SUSSEX CENTRAL (10-1)
The Generals come into tonight's game looking to give their very best versus a hot Sussex Central squad coming in on a 10 game winning streak. Quarterback Tae Johnson will need to be calm for the Generals under pressure versus a strong Tiger defense who has been instrumental in their success. Sussex Central's Edward Birchett will strain the General defense for the first time since their Appomattox game.
Bottomline: Sussex Central cannot give the Generals any hope as they have shown they have the athleticism to make any contest a nail biter with the weapons they have.
Prediction: Sussex Central 32 William Campbell 12
ALTAVISTA (8-3) at BRUNSWICK (9-2)
Brunswick will be eyeing a rematch with Sussex Central but Altavista isn't one to overlook. The Colonels have a balanced attack led by the dual threat quarterback Jordan Pippin, running back Ladainian Stone, and receiver Evan Scruggs. Coach Matt Deloach's group has been a beast offensively due to being so balanced. The issue will be their defense which will be tested thoroughly by the strong rushing attack by the Bulldogs. Avian Ricks and the Bulldog defense will need to make a hostile environment for Pippin.
Bottomline: Brunswick has to get to a quick start while keeping the Colonel offense on the sideline. Altavista is a strong 2nd half team that will need that energy late.
Prediction: Altavista 30 Brunswick 21
Other Playoff Predictions:
Central Woodstock 20 Strasburg 6
Riverheads 44 Clarke Co. 20
Northumberland 50 West Point 14
Class 2 Region A
KING WILLIAM (6-5) at POQUOSON (8-3)
The Bull Islanders got a wake up call versus Nandua that showed records don't matter on this stage in the playoffs. A performance like that tonight could spell the end of what many believe is the best shot for a title. The Cavaliers are coming in hot rebounding from a 1-5 start which included the Class 2 Region B semi-final field except for Riverheads. King William has been able to run the football led by James Stewart who has been sensational.
Bottom Line: Winning the time of possession battle has never been so big. Whoever can control the ground game and not turnover the football will smile extra this Thanksgiving. Look for Baker Green to be the x-factor in the outcome.
Prediction: Poquoson 28 King William 20
SOUTHAMPTON (6-5) at AMELIA CO.(8-3)
The Indians will be trying to ride a wave of confidence going into their semi-final class with Amelia. Steven McClenny will need plenty of touches in this one to have another joyful ride home from James River district territory. Amelia will need a balanced approach to stay in the game. Forget the records, Southampton is the stronger squad and the Raiders cannot allow them to run comfortably.
Bottomline: The Raiders will have to test Southampton's defense early and often if they want to move on. Justin Perry will need to come up big after the catch.
Prediction: Southampton 34 Amelia Co. 24
Class 1 Region A
LANCASTER (7-4) at ESSEX (11-0)
The Trojans look to march a step closer to Salem by taking away any inspiration the Red Devils have in revenging one of their losses. Lancaster will be going all in to keep their hopes of advancing but it will come down to defensive play. The Red Devils will have a tough time stopping the Essex rushing attack and in particular Avontre Johnson. Lamar Mattocks and company will have to be more consistent if they look to have shot late.
Bottomline: The Trojans have learned from their previous meeting and will do what they do best. The Red Devils will show the wear and tear late in the 2nd quarter.
Prediction: Essex 40 Lancaster 14
Class 1 Region B
WILLIAM CAMPBELL (5-6) at SUSSEX CENTRAL (10-1)
The Generals come into tonight's game looking to give their very best versus a hot Sussex Central squad coming in on a 10 game winning streak. Quarterback Tae Johnson will need to be calm for the Generals under pressure versus a strong Tiger defense who has been instrumental in their success. Sussex Central's Edward Birchett will strain the General defense for the first time since their Appomattox game.
Bottomline: Sussex Central cannot give the Generals any hope as they have shown they have the athleticism to make any contest a nail biter with the weapons they have.
Prediction: Sussex Central 32 William Campbell 12
ALTAVISTA (8-3) at BRUNSWICK (9-2)
Brunswick will be eyeing a rematch with Sussex Central but Altavista isn't one to overlook. The Colonels have a balanced attack led by the dual threat quarterback Jordan Pippin, running back Ladainian Stone, and receiver Evan Scruggs. Coach Matt Deloach's group has been a beast offensively due to being so balanced. The issue will be their defense which will be tested thoroughly by the strong rushing attack by the Bulldogs. Avian Ricks and the Bulldog defense will need to make a hostile environment for Pippin.
Bottomline: Brunswick has to get to a quick start while keeping the Colonel offense on the sideline. Altavista is a strong 2nd half team that will need that energy late.
Prediction: Altavista 30 Brunswick 21
Other Playoff Predictions:
Central Woodstock 20 Strasburg 6
Riverheads 44 Clarke Co. 20
Northumberland 50 West Point 14
