This is mid-June and the first games will be I assume on August 31, or maybe even the week before, so it will be here before you know it. Besides, since this will apparently be the last year for the 'Doah as we know it, we should make the most of it. Here is my take on how the teams will stack up.
1) Riverheads: Not that I am biased or anything but everybody seems to think the Big Red will be even better this year than last, so who I am to argue? The running back corps will be deep as always, there is a quality receiver or two returning, and there are two distinctly different quarterback rumors making the rounds. As always the line play will define RHS' success, so if that comes through for them, then I guess yes, there will be a good chance for a state title threepeat. Ironically, the potential game of the year could be the non-district one when Central Woodstock comes to town.
2) East Rockingham: I don't recall the names but I am pretty sure the Eagles return a senior quarterback and a talented running back. They have been flirting with the top of the heap almost since their first year and this could be the year they mount a serious challenge.
3) Luray: Last year was a banner year for the Dogs, one that could have been even better if not for some internal issues. I remember a very strong junior running back, so assuming he returns, they should be at or near the top again.
4) Buffalo Gap: Carter Rivenburg alone will be enough to have the Bison in the discussion at the start and perhaps keep them there for a while.
5) Stuarts Draft: This prediction and the one below for the Leemen are not based in the least on any disrespect for either team, but rather reflects the simple fact that there will not be but so much room at the top. In fact this could be one of those years in which we have a four or five way battle for positioning either at the top or immediately below it.
6) R E Lee: First of all, see SD comment above. After their incredible run to Salem last year and their almost-win against powerhouse Appomattox, you might ask how could they POSSIBLY slip this far down the Shenandoah ladder. But this prediction is based on the perception that they were almost all seniors last year, and especially that Williams will be nearly impossible to replace. So finding leadership could be their biggest obstacle this year. If they perhaps DO have another banner year this year, that will prove that last year's run was as much about Girolmo as it was the seniors he put on the field.
7) Wilson: Last year at this time, I think I put Page ahead of Wilson because the Panthers got that game at home. But Wilson was still able to take them down. So this year, again I see them as being pretty close to one another, but with their game at Wilson, you would assume they will be able to stay one step above Page.
8) Page: One thing is for sure............Page had one of the best BASEBALL teams in the state this year, so if they can build on that confidence, maybe some of that success can translate to football. It seems like every year, we say this could be the year that they could surprise some people, but due to the intensity of the competition in the district, it may not happen for them again this year.
9) Stonewall: Keep your chins up guys...........it will happen for you one of these years. In the meantime, everybody loves your concession stand so keep up the good work in that department!
1) Riverheads: Not that I am biased or anything but everybody seems to think the Big Red will be even better this year than last, so who I am to argue? The running back corps will be deep as always, there is a quality receiver or two returning, and there are two distinctly different quarterback rumors making the rounds. As always the line play will define RHS' success, so if that comes through for them, then I guess yes, there will be a good chance for a state title threepeat. Ironically, the potential game of the year could be the non-district one when Central Woodstock comes to town.
2) East Rockingham: I don't recall the names but I am pretty sure the Eagles return a senior quarterback and a talented running back. They have been flirting with the top of the heap almost since their first year and this could be the year they mount a serious challenge.
3) Luray: Last year was a banner year for the Dogs, one that could have been even better if not for some internal issues. I remember a very strong junior running back, so assuming he returns, they should be at or near the top again.
4) Buffalo Gap: Carter Rivenburg alone will be enough to have the Bison in the discussion at the start and perhaps keep them there for a while.
5) Stuarts Draft: This prediction and the one below for the Leemen are not based in the least on any disrespect for either team, but rather reflects the simple fact that there will not be but so much room at the top. In fact this could be one of those years in which we have a four or five way battle for positioning either at the top or immediately below it.
6) R E Lee: First of all, see SD comment above. After their incredible run to Salem last year and their almost-win against powerhouse Appomattox, you might ask how could they POSSIBLY slip this far down the Shenandoah ladder. But this prediction is based on the perception that they were almost all seniors last year, and especially that Williams will be nearly impossible to replace. So finding leadership could be their biggest obstacle this year. If they perhaps DO have another banner year this year, that will prove that last year's run was as much about Girolmo as it was the seniors he put on the field.
7) Wilson: Last year at this time, I think I put Page ahead of Wilson because the Panthers got that game at home. But Wilson was still able to take them down. So this year, again I see them as being pretty close to one another, but with their game at Wilson, you would assume they will be able to stay one step above Page.
8) Page: One thing is for sure............Page had one of the best BASEBALL teams in the state this year, so if they can build on that confidence, maybe some of that success can translate to football. It seems like every year, we say this could be the year that they could surprise some people, but due to the intensity of the competition in the district, it may not happen for them again this year.
9) Stonewall: Keep your chins up guys...........it will happen for you one of these years. In the meantime, everybody loves your concession stand so keep up the good work in that department!
Lord knows I am not focused on that Bath County opener.
