Interesting topic and mbonope1 based on a tad of research Kings Fork may be a major player this season. They are always in the mix and this may just be their year. Lafayette, is more of a confusing or tougher discussion. As DP stated they cannot really upgrade their schedule, but as a fan its very frustrating to see them waltz into the playoffs each year (No fault of their own) undefeated and having played very few sound teams. If you omit the Rams playoff opponents they had the weakest regular season schedule of anyone in 4a. Don't get me wrong, I am not calling the Rams cupcakes. Lafayette was darn good last year and played my Generals nose to nose, but I sure wish their road was a bit tougher.
I look for Monacan and Louisa to be tough outs period. Both teams show their might in the regular season and are just waiting for that break through moment. The past three years Monacan has been knocked out by LT once and Dinwiddie twice. Louisa has been beaten by Hanover and Monacan the past two years in the first round. Its tough to go on the road and win if you are not a top four team in the Region. Not sold on Courtland. Yes, they were young, but I found them to be quite slow afoot with very few threats to stretch teams. Powhatan is also a dark horse for me. Just not sure the ground and pound game will get them over the top. Eastern View? I have no clue, but I did hear they have a new qb. Don't see Hanover making a ton of strides this season as they lost a ton of sound players in the past two years. Patrick Henry Ashland could be a huge surprise. Yes, they have a new coach, but hey have a some very good skill players and their District competition (2 4a's, 1 3a and the rest are very good 5a programs) will prepare them for the playoff's.
DSH you can say all you want about Region D, but Region B will be brutal as well. In fact, all of the Regions have at least four super tough outs. Here is my top four in each region with a possible. No sound basis for anything here and no certain order. Just a hunch lol.
Region A: Lafayette, Lake Taylor, Kings Fork, Smithfield, (Grafton)
Region B: EV, Monacan, Dinwiddie, Louisa, (Patrick Henry)
Region C: Woodgrove, Sherando, Dominion, Millbrook, (Liberty)
Region D: Salem, Charlottesville, William Byrd, Blacksburg, (GW Danville)