Don't sleep on Union or Giles. Giles is getting healthier and Union is a beast with size, speed, and well coached. For this season, Graham is probably more talented than any team in far AA SWVA (I am not including Appo or Dan River) but.......if there is a team that is close or equal in talent, it is Union. As for Richlands, they are so well coached and solid and yes, they are good enough to win a title this year, but talent wise, they may be just a tad down from last yr. But...still talented.
I think there are 6 teams in the West with Appo, D. River, Union, Richlands, Giles, and Graham that can win a state title. I am not saying they are better than Goochland or Clarke either. I am just going by all 6 teams actually being very close with their level of play on the field. I truly don't think there is 10 points separation between any of the six. If there is not over 10 pts separation, then turnovers and injuries come into play and that ten points of separation can be overcome by the supposedly inferior team.
In summary, many are thinking about Appo, Dan River, Richlands, and Graham in the West and rightfully so, but,. If Giles or Union were to be the last team standing and going to Salem, it would not be a gigantic or huge shocker.