RADIO: ESPN Richmond: 99.5 and 102.7 FM, 950 AM
WEB: CLICK HERE
MOBILE: ESPN Richmond website and app!
Thursday, December 12, 2019
RVA Locals Only: Hopewell Football's Ricky Irby
The Blue Devils play for a Class 3 State Championship on Saturday in Lynchburg! Hear from the head coach about the season, last week's semifinal win over Goochland, and what it will take to defeat Lord Botetourt and complete a perfect season on "RVA Locals Only" on the Black And Drew Sports Huddle coming up at 9:30 this morning!
RADIO: ESPN Richmond: 99.5 and 102.7 FM, 950 AM
WEB: CLICK HERE
MOBILE: ESPN Richmond website and app!
RADIO: ESPN Richmond: 99.5 and 102.7 FM, 950 AM
WEB: CLICK HERE
MOBILE: ESPN Richmond website and app!
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
First RVA Sports Network Top 10 Boys, Girls Basketball Polls
Here are the first Top Ten polls for high school boys and girls basketball across the RVA!
GIRLS:
1) Highland Springs
2) Monacan
3) Trinity Episcopal
4) James River
5) Cosby
6) Matoaca
7) Hanover
8) L.C. Bird
9) Patrick Henry
10) Atlee
BOYS:
1) John Marshall
2) Trinity Episcopal
3) Henrico
4) Steward
5) Hopewell
6) Huguenot
7) Monacan
8) L.C. Bird
9) Life Christian
10) Varina
GIRLS:
1) Highland Springs
2) Monacan
3) Trinity Episcopal
4) James River
5) Cosby
6) Matoaca
7) Hanover
8) L.C. Bird
9) Patrick Henry
10) Atlee
BOYS:
1) John Marshall
2) Trinity Episcopal
3) Henrico
4) Steward
5) Hopewell
6) Huguenot
7) Monacan
8) L.C. Bird
9) Life Christian
10) Varina
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
STATE SEMIFINAL SATURDAY
GAME OF THE WEEK:
CLASS 4 STATE SEMIFINAL: Patrick Henry (10-3) at Lake Taylor (11-2), 1pm
HOW TO LISTEN (12:30pm airtime):
RADIO: 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM)
WEB: CLICK HERE to listen online!
MOBILE: @TuneIn app on "Radiall"!
On The Other Side of The Bracket: Tuscarora (12-1) at Salem (12-1), 2pm
*****
CLASS 5 STATE SEMIFINAL: Varina (11-2) at Maury (13-0), 12pm, Powhatan Field, Old Dominion University, Norfolk
RADIO: 910 The Fan
On The Other Side of The Bracket: North Stafford (9-4) at Stone Bridge (12-1), 2pm
*****
CLASS 3 STATE SEMIFINAL: Goochland (12-1) at Hopewell (13-0), 2pm, Merner Field
RADIO: 100.5 FM
On The Other Side of The Bracket: Heritage-Lynchburg (12-1) at Lord Botetourt (13-0), 1:30pm
*****
CLASS 2 STATE SEMIFINAL: Thomas Jefferson (11-2) at Stuarts Draft (12-1), 1pm
On The Other Side of The Bracket: Graham (11-2) at Appomattox (11-2), 2pm
*****
CLASS 1 STATE SEMIFINAL: Essex (12-1) at Riverheads (13-0), 1:30pm
On The Other Side of The Bracket: Galax (11-1) vs. Patrick Henry-Glade Spring (13-0), 3pm, Emory & Henry College
Thursday, November 28, 2019
REGION FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND
The final games of November crown region champions and send teams into state semifinal action and, most importantly, one gigantic step closer to the dream of a state championship becoming reality.
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GAME OF THE WEEK:
REGION 4B CHAMPIONSHIP: #7 Dinwiddie (7-5) at #4 Patrick Henry (9-3), 3:30pm airtime on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM), CLICK HERE to listen online, listen on mobile on @TuneIn Radio App on "Radiall"!
Very few people outside the communities of Dinwiddie and Hanover counties saw this matchup coming for a regional championship. It's the second time this century the teams have met in the postseason, Patrick Henry having won a tight game at Dinwiddie in the first round of the old Group AAA, Division 5 playoffs. The Generals, having survived a tough regular season schedule, have become road warriors, winning at #2 Monacan and in Culpeper last Friday at #3 Eastern View. The Patriots smashed #5 Spotsylvania at home to open the postseason, then played a brilliant game to limit possessions, shocking top-seeded, and undefeated, Louisa, 16-15 to earn the home game on Black Friday afternoon. The Patriots want a similar tempo to the one in Louisa last week. The Generals would like to speed things up, and will count on Robert Barlow, who scored seven touchdowns against Monacan two weeks ago, to lead the charge. Both teams have won differently in their two postseason wins. As usual, this game goes to the team with the best line play. The winner gets the Region 4A champion, either #1 Lake Taylor or #2 Churchland, on the road, next Saturday.
REGION 2A CHAMPIONSHIP: #2 King William (10-2) at #1 Thomas Jefferson (10-2), 7pm, Huguenot HS
The top seeds hold form here as the Cavaliers, who learned a lot about themselves in their loss to eventual VISAA Division I State Champion Benedictine late in the regular season, have been scoring at will during the postseason thus far. After going to their backup quarterback, Thomas Jefferson, down by three at the half last week with Greensville, exploded for 29 unanswered points in the second half to give the Vikings their tenth win of the season, the most in the history of a school whose football tradition dates back to the early days of the Great Depression. Whoever comes out of this game will be a fantastic representative from the #RVA to the Class 2 state semifinals. The winner here gets the winner of East Rockingham and top seeded Stuarts Draft in the semifinal round. If East Rockingham, the #6 seed, pulls off the upset, the winner of King William/Thomas Jefferson hosts the state semifinal. If Stuarts Draft wins, it's a road trip for the #Region2A champs.
REGION 6A CHAMPIONSHIP: #3 Thomas Dale (9-3) at #1 Oscar Smith (11-1), 7pm
The Tigers, who missed the Class 6 state playoffs last year, and that's not usual, have not lost since an opening night defeat to Highland Springs, who now watch the remainder of the 2019 postseason from the sidelines. The Springers also know Thomas Dale, having scrimmaged them in mid-August. In that scrimmage, Thomas Dale showed strength, and speed, which rivaled the four-time state champions. After beating Ocean Lakes, a 2018 Class 6 state semifinalist, 36-6 last week, yes, we believe the Knights are peaking at the right time. With some discipline, according to their head coach, Kevin Tucker, speaking on "RVA Locals Only" on ESPN Richmond Wednesday morning, as well as having all hands on deck, not being beset by injuries, this team can win on the road in Tidewater, again. It won't be easy, but the Knights, with a win, would be two victories away from matching their state championship team of one decade ago. If the Knights win, they hit the road again in the Class 6 State Semifinals to face either Colonial Forge or Massaponax, who square off for the Region 6B crown on Friday night.
REGION 5B CHAMPIONSHIP: #4 Varina (10-2) at #2 Manchester (11-1), 1pm (Live Tweet Coverage: @henricosports, @cfieldsports, heard on radio on AM 910):
The best thing that happened to Varina after their titanic victory over Highland Springs last week, ending the Springers' four-year run as Class 5 Champions, was to turn and find Manchester next on their schedule. A major possibility for a team who, after years of frustration, finally vanquishes their arch rival, is to let down in their next game. Fortunately for the Blue Devils, that won't happen, or, at least, it shouldn't. The Blue Devils saw a lead slip away opening night three months ago, falling to Manchester in double overtime. Varina head coach Stu Brown will tell you both of their losses in 2019 were games that the other team did not "win", the Blue Devils "lost". They've avenged one, now we'll see if they can do it again. This is the week where all the experience, even in "mop up" duty, last year during their Class 6 championship season will come in handy for Manchester. So will home field advantage. Watch the turnover battle in this one. If you win it, you'll win the game. Both teams are playing with a lot of confidence, and both want to jump out to big starts. The first quarter, in the end, may be as big as the fourth when all is said and done. The winner gets the survivor of the showdown of unbeatens in 5A with Maury and Salem squaring off.
REGION 3A CHAMPIONSHIP: #3 Phoebus (11-1) at #1 Hopewell (12-0), 2pm (Twitter Updates: @TheRVASportsNet)
Frankly, this was the matchup that should happen. Phoebus did have a better team than York and proved it in their semifinal win last week. Now, the Blue Devils have to beat a playoff pedigree program in order to punch their ticket to the Class 3 final four. Both teams love to find the end zone, so the defense that rises to the occasion will likely be on the winning side. With the Phantoms inevitably keying in on Treveyon Henderson, watch for other skilled players for Hopewell to make big plays and keep the drive alive. If Hopewell makes a championship run, there will be a game at some point where an opponent neutralizes Henderson (i.e., two touchdowns or less), forcing others to perform. This may be the week. Special teams play is huge for both teams here, too. The winner gets the winner of.....
REGION 3B CHAMPIONSHIP: #2 James Monroe (9-3) at #1 Goochland (11-1), 2pm (Twitter Updates: @TheRVASportsNet, heard on radio on FM 100.5)
We expected this to be the finals matchup, as these two squads were the best in the region this year. The Bulldogs, after making the Class 2 state finals last year, now look to return at the Class 3 level. In spite of scheduling snafus, and a change in their region quarterfinal opponent, head coach Alex Fruth has found a way to keep Goochland on the edge, playing their best ball right now. Their toughest test since their opening night loss to Lafayette, 33-0, is this game. The Yellow Jackets hold wins over two Region 4B playoff teams in Spotsylvania (when they still had their starting quarterback) and King George and have won seven straight, their last defeat being 35-7 to Eastern View back on October 4th. We expect the Bulldogs to get the job done, but if they lose the turnover battle, and if the Yellow Jackets can win time of possession, and things might be different.
REGION 1A CHAMPIONSHIP: #2 Rappahannock (9-3) at #1 Essex (11-1), Saturday, 1pm (Twitter Updates: @TheRVASportsNet)
Essex defeated Rappahannock in the regular season 48-0 just three weeks ago. The Trojans will be heavily favored in the rematch, with the winner getting the winner of Sussex Central and Riverheads from Region 1B in the Class 1 State Semifinals next Saturday.
****
GAME OF THE WEEK:
REGION 4B CHAMPIONSHIP: #7 Dinwiddie (7-5) at #4 Patrick Henry (9-3), 3:30pm airtime on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM), CLICK HERE to listen online, listen on mobile on @TuneIn Radio App on "Radiall"!
Very few people outside the communities of Dinwiddie and Hanover counties saw this matchup coming for a regional championship. It's the second time this century the teams have met in the postseason, Patrick Henry having won a tight game at Dinwiddie in the first round of the old Group AAA, Division 5 playoffs. The Generals, having survived a tough regular season schedule, have become road warriors, winning at #2 Monacan and in Culpeper last Friday at #3 Eastern View. The Patriots smashed #5 Spotsylvania at home to open the postseason, then played a brilliant game to limit possessions, shocking top-seeded, and undefeated, Louisa, 16-15 to earn the home game on Black Friday afternoon. The Patriots want a similar tempo to the one in Louisa last week. The Generals would like to speed things up, and will count on Robert Barlow, who scored seven touchdowns against Monacan two weeks ago, to lead the charge. Both teams have won differently in their two postseason wins. As usual, this game goes to the team with the best line play. The winner gets the Region 4A champion, either #1 Lake Taylor or #2 Churchland, on the road, next Saturday.
REGION 2A CHAMPIONSHIP: #2 King William (10-2) at #1 Thomas Jefferson (10-2), 7pm, Huguenot HS
The top seeds hold form here as the Cavaliers, who learned a lot about themselves in their loss to eventual VISAA Division I State Champion Benedictine late in the regular season, have been scoring at will during the postseason thus far. After going to their backup quarterback, Thomas Jefferson, down by three at the half last week with Greensville, exploded for 29 unanswered points in the second half to give the Vikings their tenth win of the season, the most in the history of a school whose football tradition dates back to the early days of the Great Depression. Whoever comes out of this game will be a fantastic representative from the #RVA to the Class 2 state semifinals. The winner here gets the winner of East Rockingham and top seeded Stuarts Draft in the semifinal round. If East Rockingham, the #6 seed, pulls off the upset, the winner of King William/Thomas Jefferson hosts the state semifinal. If Stuarts Draft wins, it's a road trip for the #Region2A champs.
REGION 6A CHAMPIONSHIP: #3 Thomas Dale (9-3) at #1 Oscar Smith (11-1), 7pm
The Tigers, who missed the Class 6 state playoffs last year, and that's not usual, have not lost since an opening night defeat to Highland Springs, who now watch the remainder of the 2019 postseason from the sidelines. The Springers also know Thomas Dale, having scrimmaged them in mid-August. In that scrimmage, Thomas Dale showed strength, and speed, which rivaled the four-time state champions. After beating Ocean Lakes, a 2018 Class 6 state semifinalist, 36-6 last week, yes, we believe the Knights are peaking at the right time. With some discipline, according to their head coach, Kevin Tucker, speaking on "RVA Locals Only" on ESPN Richmond Wednesday morning, as well as having all hands on deck, not being beset by injuries, this team can win on the road in Tidewater, again. It won't be easy, but the Knights, with a win, would be two victories away from matching their state championship team of one decade ago. If the Knights win, they hit the road again in the Class 6 State Semifinals to face either Colonial Forge or Massaponax, who square off for the Region 6B crown on Friday night.
REGION 5B CHAMPIONSHIP: #4 Varina (10-2) at #2 Manchester (11-1), 1pm (Live Tweet Coverage: @henricosports, @cfieldsports, heard on radio on AM 910):
The best thing that happened to Varina after their titanic victory over Highland Springs last week, ending the Springers' four-year run as Class 5 Champions, was to turn and find Manchester next on their schedule. A major possibility for a team who, after years of frustration, finally vanquishes their arch rival, is to let down in their next game. Fortunately for the Blue Devils, that won't happen, or, at least, it shouldn't. The Blue Devils saw a lead slip away opening night three months ago, falling to Manchester in double overtime. Varina head coach Stu Brown will tell you both of their losses in 2019 were games that the other team did not "win", the Blue Devils "lost". They've avenged one, now we'll see if they can do it again. This is the week where all the experience, even in "mop up" duty, last year during their Class 6 championship season will come in handy for Manchester. So will home field advantage. Watch the turnover battle in this one. If you win it, you'll win the game. Both teams are playing with a lot of confidence, and both want to jump out to big starts. The first quarter, in the end, may be as big as the fourth when all is said and done. The winner gets the survivor of the showdown of unbeatens in 5A with Maury and Salem squaring off.
REGION 3A CHAMPIONSHIP: #3 Phoebus (11-1) at #1 Hopewell (12-0), 2pm (Twitter Updates: @TheRVASportsNet)
Frankly, this was the matchup that should happen. Phoebus did have a better team than York and proved it in their semifinal win last week. Now, the Blue Devils have to beat a playoff pedigree program in order to punch their ticket to the Class 3 final four. Both teams love to find the end zone, so the defense that rises to the occasion will likely be on the winning side. With the Phantoms inevitably keying in on Treveyon Henderson, watch for other skilled players for Hopewell to make big plays and keep the drive alive. If Hopewell makes a championship run, there will be a game at some point where an opponent neutralizes Henderson (i.e., two touchdowns or less), forcing others to perform. This may be the week. Special teams play is huge for both teams here, too. The winner gets the winner of.....
REGION 3B CHAMPIONSHIP: #2 James Monroe (9-3) at #1 Goochland (11-1), 2pm (Twitter Updates: @TheRVASportsNet, heard on radio on FM 100.5)
We expected this to be the finals matchup, as these two squads were the best in the region this year. The Bulldogs, after making the Class 2 state finals last year, now look to return at the Class 3 level. In spite of scheduling snafus, and a change in their region quarterfinal opponent, head coach Alex Fruth has found a way to keep Goochland on the edge, playing their best ball right now. Their toughest test since their opening night loss to Lafayette, 33-0, is this game. The Yellow Jackets hold wins over two Region 4B playoff teams in Spotsylvania (when they still had their starting quarterback) and King George and have won seven straight, their last defeat being 35-7 to Eastern View back on October 4th. We expect the Bulldogs to get the job done, but if they lose the turnover battle, and if the Yellow Jackets can win time of possession, and things might be different.
REGION 1A CHAMPIONSHIP: #2 Rappahannock (9-3) at #1 Essex (11-1), Saturday, 1pm (Twitter Updates: @TheRVASportsNet)
Essex defeated Rappahannock in the regular season 48-0 just three weeks ago. The Trojans will be heavily favored in the rematch, with the winner getting the winner of Sussex Central and Riverheads from Region 1B in the Class 1 State Semifinals next Saturday.
Monday, November 25, 2019
FOOTBALL: Semifinal Scores, Region Championship Schedules
Here are all the scores from this weekend's region semifinal high school football action, plus schedules for next weekend's regional championships as we receive them as well as a look at the other region bracketed for the state semifinals, which will be held on Saturday December 7.
REGION 6A:
#3 Thomas Dale 36, #2 Ocean Lakes 6
#1 Oscar Smith 20, #4 Landstown 16
Championship:
#3 Thomas Dale at #1 Oscar Smith, Friday, 7pm
(Region 6B Championship: #4 Massaponax at #3 Colonial Forge, Friday, 7pm)
REGION 5B:
#4 Varina 27, #1 Highland Springs 21
#2 Manchester 35, #3 Deep Run 18
Championship:
#4 Varina at #2 Manchester, Saturday, 1pm
(Region 5A Championship: #2 Maury at #1 Salem/Va Beach, Friday, time TBA)
REGION 4B:
#4 Patrick Henry 16, #1 Louisa 15
#7 Dinwiddie 25, #3 Eastern View 17
Championship:
#7 Dinwiddie at #4 Patrick Henry, Friday, 4pm
(Region 4A Championship: #2 Churchland at #1 Lake Taylor, date/time TBA)
REGION 3A:
#1 Hopewell 35, #5 I.C. Norcom 6
#3 Phoebus 41, #2 York 18
Championship:
#3 Phoebus at #1 Hopewell, Saturday, 2pm
REGION 3B:
#1 Goochland 56, #5 Skyline 22
#2 James Monroe 34, #3 Brentsville District 7
Championship:
#2 James Monroe at #1 Goochland, Saturday, 2pm
REGION 2A:
#1 Thomas Jefferson 44, #4 Greensville 18
#2 King William 56, #3 Poquoson 20
Championship:
#2 King William at #1 Thomas Jefferson, Friday, 7pm, Huguenot HS
(Region 2B Championship: #6 East Rockingham at #1 Stuarts Draft, date/time TBA)
REGION 1A:
#1 Essex 14, #4 Washington & Lee 2
#2 Rappahannock 32, #6 West Point 14
Championship:
#2 Rappahannock at #1 Essex, date/time TBA
(Region 1B Championship: #2 Sussex Central at #1 Riverheads, date/time TBA)
REGION 6A:
#3 Thomas Dale 36, #2 Ocean Lakes 6
#1 Oscar Smith 20, #4 Landstown 16
Championship:
#3 Thomas Dale at #1 Oscar Smith, Friday, 7pm
(Region 6B Championship: #4 Massaponax at #3 Colonial Forge, Friday, 7pm)
REGION 5B:
#4 Varina 27, #1 Highland Springs 21
#2 Manchester 35, #3 Deep Run 18
Championship:
#4 Varina at #2 Manchester, Saturday, 1pm
(Region 5A Championship: #2 Maury at #1 Salem/Va Beach, Friday, time TBA)
REGION 4B:
#4 Patrick Henry 16, #1 Louisa 15
#7 Dinwiddie 25, #3 Eastern View 17
Championship:
#7 Dinwiddie at #4 Patrick Henry, Friday, 4pm
(Region 4A Championship: #2 Churchland at #1 Lake Taylor, date/time TBA)
REGION 3A:
#1 Hopewell 35, #5 I.C. Norcom 6
#3 Phoebus 41, #2 York 18
Championship:
#3 Phoebus at #1 Hopewell, Saturday, 2pm
REGION 3B:
#1 Goochland 56, #5 Skyline 22
#2 James Monroe 34, #3 Brentsville District 7
Championship:
#2 James Monroe at #1 Goochland, Saturday, 2pm
REGION 2A:
#1 Thomas Jefferson 44, #4 Greensville 18
#2 King William 56, #3 Poquoson 20
Championship:
#2 King William at #1 Thomas Jefferson, Friday, 7pm, Huguenot HS
(Region 2B Championship: #6 East Rockingham at #1 Stuarts Draft, date/time TBA)
REGION 1A:
#1 Essex 14, #4 Washington & Lee 2
#2 Rappahannock 32, #6 West Point 14
Championship:
#2 Rappahannock at #1 Essex, date/time TBA
(Region 1B Championship: #2 Sussex Central at #1 Riverheads, date/time TBA)
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
FOOTBALL: Region Semifinal Previews
Miss "RVA Locals Only" Thursday morning on ESPN Richmond? Listen on demand HERE as we preview games and talk with King William head coach Dylan Dehart!
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REGION 4B:
GAME OF THE WEEK: #4 Patrick Henry (8-3) at #1 Louisa (11-0), 7pm airtime on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM), CLICK HERE to listen online, or use the TuneIn Radio app and listen on "Radiall"!
Patrick Henry's offense was very impressive, scoring 43 points in the first half of a 56-6 win over overmatched Spotsylvania last Friday in the opening round. Now, the Patriots step up, big time, going into #TheJungle to face a Louisa squad that, since the opening of the 2017 season, has won 36 of 38 games. There was a time where Patrick Henry put up those kind of numbers, but that was 20 years ago. Patriots head coach Ken Wakefield will work hard to keep the focus of his team on what happens within the field of play only, and not worry about the crowd, or the atmosphere. Playing disciplined football is critical if Patrick Henry wants to pull the upset. Forcing a couple of turnovers wouldn't hurt.
#7 Dinwiddie (6-5) at #3 Eastern View (10-1), 7pm: The most dangerous #7 seed in Virginia? You bet. Just ask Monacan, who was controlled last week by the Generals in the first round as Robert Barlow went off for nearly 300 rushing yards and seven (yes, seven) touchdowns. NBC12's Marc Davis puts it best coming up Friday on the "On The Sidelines Pregame" on the Game of The Week: Dinwiddie is playing with house money. With a difficult regular season schedule, if they are able to peak over the next few weeks, a deep run is possible. But the Cyclones are the defending region champions for a reason, and it is a long bus ride from Dinwiddie to Culpeper.
REGION 5B:
#4 Varina (9-2) vs. #1 Highland Springs (11-0), 7pm, Hermitage HS: If you're Varina, you're thinking, it has to end at some point, right? The Springers can't keep winning forever, so, why not make it happen tonight? The Blue Devils did their best to end the Springers' now 40-game winning streak in the regular season finale a week ago Saturday. Now, Varina gets another shot. What did they learn from last time? Perhaps more importantly, what did Highland Springs learn? Lest we forget they get to adjust off the first meeting, too. One important note about the Springers: any team that has a 40-game winning streak (and a 21-game winning streak in the postseason) has found a myriad of ways to win. They also truly believe they are going to win any game. Note we didn't say they thought they had a chance to win, the Springers believe they will win. That's how you score 26 unanswered points at Manchester after being down 16-0 midway through the third quarter. Don't be surprised if, again, the Highland Springs defense needs a late stop to seal another trip to a region championship game.
#3 Deep Run (11-0) at #2 Manchester (10-1), 7pm: These schools have never met in football, Deep Run having begun play back in 2003. The Wildcats have been on a journey this season where they've been looking for a game where they could make a statement, separate themselves from the rest of their rivals in the West End of Henrico, and prove they belong with the Manchesters, Varinas and Highland Springs'. That game is here. As for Manchester, it's a game where they, too, look for a measure of respect, the new breed of Lancers wanting to prove last year's 15-0 Class 6 state champions weren't a one-off. This game will be worth the price of admission to watch the battle between Garcia and Kite. But the defense that plays the best will move on.
REGION 6A:
#3 Thomas Dale (8-3) at #2 Ocean Lakes (8-3), 7pm: A fully healthy Knights squad, as we've believed since watching their scrimmage against Highland Springs in August, can go a long, long way in Class 6. This will be a tough test, but the Dolphins are not the strongest #2 seed. Thomas Dale can win with a time of possession advantage, eliminating turnovers, and, most importantly, their best defensive effort of the season. We haven't seen them hit "Dark Zone" level in a long time. From now on, they'll need to do so.
REGION 3A:
#5 I.C. Norcom at #1 Hopewell (11-0), 2pm, Saturday, Merner Field: Last year, at this time, these two teams met, the defending state champions, at the time, expected to win. When the game ended, Norcom had stunned the Blue Devils 14-12. Hopewell still hasn't forgotten, in spite of exacting a measure of revenge with a 46-25 win back in Week 3. Every team left for Hopewell has to figure out what no one has been able to do so far: stop Treveyon Henderson. Frankly, a team that figures out how to hold him to, say, two touchdowns, would have to be considered successful. There's something special about this Hopewell team. They'll be sure to take it one step at a time because, with a win, their next step would be to either defeat an unbeaten York Falcons team, or a one-loss Phoebus team, neither an easy task. Norcom's defense needs a big day. Let's remember, they can score, losing to power Lake Taylor in a 57-56 track meet earlier in the season.
REGION 3B:
#5 Skyline (6-5) at #1 Goochland (10-1), 7pm: Another step in the region playoffs for Devin McCray and the Bulldogs. They would be heavily favored. Alex Fruth won't let his team look ahead to a possible region final with James Monroe, should they win the other semifinal. Look for Goochland to get out to an early lead and look to build it quickly. But the Hawks have scored at least 20 points in ten of eleven games, so 28 or even 35 points might be necessary for Goochland to move on.
REGION 2A:
#4 Greensville (8-3) at #1 Thomas Jefferson (9-2), 7pm, Huguenot HS: So, last week, the Vikings needed to beat Brunswick, who stunned Greensville in their regular season finale to qualify in Region 2A. That loss sent Greensville down from #2 to #4, so, they're not your normal #4 seed. It's another big test for head coach P.J. Adams' crew, who look to break the Thomas Jefferson record for most wins in a season. No Vikings team has ever won ten games in a season. The Vikings won nine games back in 1952. A heavy dose of Shamar Graham here could wear down Greensville. We'll see if that's the gameplan.
#3 Poquoson (7-4) at #2 King William (8-3), 7pm: It was King William, defeating then 8-1 King and Queen Central two weeks ago on closing night, who benefited from the Brunswick win over Greensville to zoom from #5 to #2 in the region, and thus, getting a home game here in the region semifinals. The Cavaliers have learned from victories, and certainly from defeats, too. Their loss to Benedictine, who went on to win the VISAA Division I state title, definitely showed them areas to improve upon. Now they get Poquoson, who ended John Marshall's season last week. Their best wins are over Essex, the top seed in Region 1A, and King & Queen. The Cavaliers have to be happy with where they are right now, after missing the playoffs in 2017 and falling in this round a year ago to Goochland, now in Region 3B.
REGION 1A GAMES:
#6 West Point at #2 Rappahannock, 7pm
#4 Washington & Lee at #1 Essex, 7pm
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REGION 4B:
GAME OF THE WEEK: #4 Patrick Henry (8-3) at #1 Louisa (11-0), 7pm airtime on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM), CLICK HERE to listen online, or use the TuneIn Radio app and listen on "Radiall"!
Patrick Henry's offense was very impressive, scoring 43 points in the first half of a 56-6 win over overmatched Spotsylvania last Friday in the opening round. Now, the Patriots step up, big time, going into #TheJungle to face a Louisa squad that, since the opening of the 2017 season, has won 36 of 38 games. There was a time where Patrick Henry put up those kind of numbers, but that was 20 years ago. Patriots head coach Ken Wakefield will work hard to keep the focus of his team on what happens within the field of play only, and not worry about the crowd, or the atmosphere. Playing disciplined football is critical if Patrick Henry wants to pull the upset. Forcing a couple of turnovers wouldn't hurt.
#7 Dinwiddie (6-5) at #3 Eastern View (10-1), 7pm: The most dangerous #7 seed in Virginia? You bet. Just ask Monacan, who was controlled last week by the Generals in the first round as Robert Barlow went off for nearly 300 rushing yards and seven (yes, seven) touchdowns. NBC12's Marc Davis puts it best coming up Friday on the "On The Sidelines Pregame" on the Game of The Week: Dinwiddie is playing with house money. With a difficult regular season schedule, if they are able to peak over the next few weeks, a deep run is possible. But the Cyclones are the defending region champions for a reason, and it is a long bus ride from Dinwiddie to Culpeper.
REGION 5B:
#4 Varina (9-2) vs. #1 Highland Springs (11-0), 7pm, Hermitage HS: If you're Varina, you're thinking, it has to end at some point, right? The Springers can't keep winning forever, so, why not make it happen tonight? The Blue Devils did their best to end the Springers' now 40-game winning streak in the regular season finale a week ago Saturday. Now, Varina gets another shot. What did they learn from last time? Perhaps more importantly, what did Highland Springs learn? Lest we forget they get to adjust off the first meeting, too. One important note about the Springers: any team that has a 40-game winning streak (and a 21-game winning streak in the postseason) has found a myriad of ways to win. They also truly believe they are going to win any game. Note we didn't say they thought they had a chance to win, the Springers believe they will win. That's how you score 26 unanswered points at Manchester after being down 16-0 midway through the third quarter. Don't be surprised if, again, the Highland Springs defense needs a late stop to seal another trip to a region championship game.
#3 Deep Run (11-0) at #2 Manchester (10-1), 7pm: These schools have never met in football, Deep Run having begun play back in 2003. The Wildcats have been on a journey this season where they've been looking for a game where they could make a statement, separate themselves from the rest of their rivals in the West End of Henrico, and prove they belong with the Manchesters, Varinas and Highland Springs'. That game is here. As for Manchester, it's a game where they, too, look for a measure of respect, the new breed of Lancers wanting to prove last year's 15-0 Class 6 state champions weren't a one-off. This game will be worth the price of admission to watch the battle between Garcia and Kite. But the defense that plays the best will move on.
REGION 6A:
#3 Thomas Dale (8-3) at #2 Ocean Lakes (8-3), 7pm: A fully healthy Knights squad, as we've believed since watching their scrimmage against Highland Springs in August, can go a long, long way in Class 6. This will be a tough test, but the Dolphins are not the strongest #2 seed. Thomas Dale can win with a time of possession advantage, eliminating turnovers, and, most importantly, their best defensive effort of the season. We haven't seen them hit "Dark Zone" level in a long time. From now on, they'll need to do so.
REGION 3A:
#5 I.C. Norcom at #1 Hopewell (11-0), 2pm, Saturday, Merner Field: Last year, at this time, these two teams met, the defending state champions, at the time, expected to win. When the game ended, Norcom had stunned the Blue Devils 14-12. Hopewell still hasn't forgotten, in spite of exacting a measure of revenge with a 46-25 win back in Week 3. Every team left for Hopewell has to figure out what no one has been able to do so far: stop Treveyon Henderson. Frankly, a team that figures out how to hold him to, say, two touchdowns, would have to be considered successful. There's something special about this Hopewell team. They'll be sure to take it one step at a time because, with a win, their next step would be to either defeat an unbeaten York Falcons team, or a one-loss Phoebus team, neither an easy task. Norcom's defense needs a big day. Let's remember, they can score, losing to power Lake Taylor in a 57-56 track meet earlier in the season.
REGION 3B:
#5 Skyline (6-5) at #1 Goochland (10-1), 7pm: Another step in the region playoffs for Devin McCray and the Bulldogs. They would be heavily favored. Alex Fruth won't let his team look ahead to a possible region final with James Monroe, should they win the other semifinal. Look for Goochland to get out to an early lead and look to build it quickly. But the Hawks have scored at least 20 points in ten of eleven games, so 28 or even 35 points might be necessary for Goochland to move on.
REGION 2A:
#4 Greensville (8-3) at #1 Thomas Jefferson (9-2), 7pm, Huguenot HS: So, last week, the Vikings needed to beat Brunswick, who stunned Greensville in their regular season finale to qualify in Region 2A. That loss sent Greensville down from #2 to #4, so, they're not your normal #4 seed. It's another big test for head coach P.J. Adams' crew, who look to break the Thomas Jefferson record for most wins in a season. No Vikings team has ever won ten games in a season. The Vikings won nine games back in 1952. A heavy dose of Shamar Graham here could wear down Greensville. We'll see if that's the gameplan.
#3 Poquoson (7-4) at #2 King William (8-3), 7pm: It was King William, defeating then 8-1 King and Queen Central two weeks ago on closing night, who benefited from the Brunswick win over Greensville to zoom from #5 to #2 in the region, and thus, getting a home game here in the region semifinals. The Cavaliers have learned from victories, and certainly from defeats, too. Their loss to Benedictine, who went on to win the VISAA Division I state title, definitely showed them areas to improve upon. Now they get Poquoson, who ended John Marshall's season last week. Their best wins are over Essex, the top seed in Region 1A, and King & Queen. The Cavaliers have to be happy with where they are right now, after missing the playoffs in 2017 and falling in this round a year ago to Goochland, now in Region 3B.
REGION 1A GAMES:
#6 West Point at #2 Rappahannock, 7pm
#4 Washington & Lee at #1 Essex, 7pm
HONORS: All-Region 5B Field Hockey Team
Congratulations to the following student-athletes on being named to the 2019 All-Region 5B Field Hockey team, as voted on by the region's coaches.
FIRST TEAM:
Forward: Taylor Bates, Atlee
Forward: Hanna Pawela, Deep Run
Forward: Alora Dunnavant, Clover Hill
Forward: Hayley Collins, Prince George
Midfield: Kate Miller, Atlee
Midfield: Emma Grace Ficara, Clover Hill
Midfield: Megan McDonald, Douglas Freeman
Midfield: Meg Owens, Deep Run
Defense: Anne Grace Louthan, Matoaca
Defense: Carlin Thompson, Atlee
Defense: Ella Burns, Deep Run
Defense: Anna Williams, Douglas Freeman
At-Large: Anna Hundley, Mills Godwin
At-Large: Bella McNulty, Midlothian
At-Large: Amanda Jennings, Midlothian
Goalkeeper: Becca Kramen, Deep Run
SECOND TEAM:
Forward: Hayden Strausburg, Midlothian
Forward: Lauren Meyer, Glen Allen
Forward: Ellie Bird, Deep Run
Forward: Riley Stowell, Glen Allen
Midfield: Jessica Grob, Glen Allen
Midfield: Rylie Nuckols, J.R. Tucker
Midfield: Paige Stewart, Hermitage
Midfield: Rileyanne Collins, Prince George
Defense: Gracie Matz, Mills Godwin
Defense: Katherine Hicks, Deep Run
Defense: Alison De La Cruz, Clover Hill
Defense: Madison Sherman, Douglas Freeman
At-Large: Charlotte Browder, Douglas Freeman
At-Large: Brooke Betke, Mills Godwin
At-Large: Ariana Lanzo, Atlee
Goalkeeper: Logan Gill, Clover Hill
THIRD TEAM:
Forward: Claire Hoover, J.R. Tucker
Forward: Stella Harrison, Atlee
Forward: Hayden Martin, Douglas Freeman
Forward: Riley Martin, Midlothian
Midfield: Abbey Ritter, Atlee
Midfield: Janie Sanborn, Deep Run
Midfield: Megan Frank, Douglas Freeman
Midfield: Megan McCarthy, Deep Run
Defense: Caroline White, Clover Hill
Defense: Elizabeth Grebas, Prince George
Defense: Lily DeBruycker, Midlothian
Defense: Luci Owens, Deep Run
At-Large: Jillian Shirey, Atlee
At-Large: Kaitlyn Moore, Midlothian
At-Large: Melissa Campanella, Mills Godwin
Goalkeeper: Marissa Perry, Atlee
CLASS 5, REGION B PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kate Miller, Atlee
CLASS 5, REGION B COACH OF THE YEAR: Heather Hodges, Atlee
FIRST TEAM:
Forward: Taylor Bates, Atlee
Forward: Hanna Pawela, Deep Run
Forward: Alora Dunnavant, Clover Hill
Forward: Hayley Collins, Prince George
Midfield: Kate Miller, Atlee
Midfield: Emma Grace Ficara, Clover Hill
Midfield: Megan McDonald, Douglas Freeman
Midfield: Meg Owens, Deep Run
Defense: Anne Grace Louthan, Matoaca
Defense: Carlin Thompson, Atlee
Defense: Ella Burns, Deep Run
Defense: Anna Williams, Douglas Freeman
At-Large: Anna Hundley, Mills Godwin
At-Large: Bella McNulty, Midlothian
At-Large: Amanda Jennings, Midlothian
Goalkeeper: Becca Kramen, Deep Run
SECOND TEAM:
Forward: Hayden Strausburg, Midlothian
Forward: Lauren Meyer, Glen Allen
Forward: Ellie Bird, Deep Run
Forward: Riley Stowell, Glen Allen
Midfield: Jessica Grob, Glen Allen
Midfield: Rylie Nuckols, J.R. Tucker
Midfield: Paige Stewart, Hermitage
Midfield: Rileyanne Collins, Prince George
Defense: Gracie Matz, Mills Godwin
Defense: Katherine Hicks, Deep Run
Defense: Alison De La Cruz, Clover Hill
Defense: Madison Sherman, Douglas Freeman
At-Large: Charlotte Browder, Douglas Freeman
At-Large: Brooke Betke, Mills Godwin
At-Large: Ariana Lanzo, Atlee
Goalkeeper: Logan Gill, Clover Hill
THIRD TEAM:
Forward: Claire Hoover, J.R. Tucker
Forward: Stella Harrison, Atlee
Forward: Hayden Martin, Douglas Freeman
Forward: Riley Martin, Midlothian
Midfield: Abbey Ritter, Atlee
Midfield: Janie Sanborn, Deep Run
Midfield: Megan Frank, Douglas Freeman
Midfield: Megan McCarthy, Deep Run
Defense: Caroline White, Clover Hill
Defense: Elizabeth Grebas, Prince George
Defense: Lily DeBruycker, Midlothian
Defense: Luci Owens, Deep Run
At-Large: Jillian Shirey, Atlee
At-Large: Kaitlyn Moore, Midlothian
At-Large: Melissa Campanella, Mills Godwin
Goalkeeper: Marissa Perry, Atlee
CLASS 5, REGION B PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kate Miller, Atlee
CLASS 5, REGION B COACH OF THE YEAR: Heather Hodges, Atlee
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