FOOTBALL: New VHSL Region Standings

A history-making Monday for Thomas Jefferson, Henrico and Essex move up, Goochland moves closer, and the race for the #7 and #8 seeds in Region 5B gets even tighter. Here are the latest Virginia High School League (VHSL) Region Football Standings released by the league office. All regions listed will take the top eight finishers to the playoffs which begin November 10th except Region 6B, who will take only the top seven.


REGION 6B:

1) Colonial Forge: 8-0, 34.25
2) Manchester: 6-1, 31.0
3) Thomas Dale: 5-2, 28.429
4) Riverbend: 3-4, 25.429
5) James River: 4-4, 24.875
6) Franklin Co.: 3-5, 22.75
7) Clover Hill: 2-6, 20.5
--
8) Cosby: 1-6, 19.286

6A LEADERS: 1) Landstown, 2) Ocean Lakes, 3) Oscar Smith, 4) Granby

****

REGION 5B:

1) Hermitage: 8-0, 32.25
2) Highland Springs: 6-1, 30.286
3) L.C. Bird: 5-2, 27.571
4) Henrico: 5-2, 27.429
5) Lee-Davis: 6-1, 27.143
6) Varina: 5-2, 25.571
7) Deep Run: 3-4, 22.714
8) Douglas Freeman: 4-4, 22.625
--
9) J.R. Tucker: 3-4, 22.286
10) Prince George: 3-4, 21.714
11T) Meadowbrook: 2-5, 21.429
        Mills Godwin: 3-4, 21.429
13T) Glen Allen: 2-5, 21.0
         Matoaca: 2-5, 21.0
15) Atlee: 2-5, 20.143

5A LEADERS: 1) Salem (VB), 2) Hampton, 3) Indian River, 4) Nansemond River

****

REGION 4B:

1) Dinwiddie: 7-0, 29.714
2) Monacan: 7-0, 29.143
3) Louisa: 7-0, 27.429
4) Eastern View: 8-0, 26.75
5) Midlothian: 4-3, 22.714
6) Patrick Henry: 4-3, 22.286
7) Huguenot: 3-4, 21.857
8) Courtland: 3-4, 20.571
--
9) Hanover: 1-6, 18.571
10) King George: 2-6, 18.5
11) Caroline: 2-5, 18.429
12) Powhatan: 2-5, 17.714
13) Chancellor: 1-7, 17.125

4A LEADERS: 1) Lafayette, 2) Deep Creek, 3) King's Fork, 4) Lake Taylor

****

REGION 3A:

1) Phoebus: 7-0, 30.0
2) IC Norcom: 7-1, 28.0
3) Hopewell: 6-1, 24.429
4) York: 5-2, 22.714
5) Southampton: 5-2, 22.429
6) Booker T Washington: 4-4, 20.5
7) Lakeland: 2-5, 19.714
8) Park View-SH: 3-3, 19.667
--
9) Colonial Heights: 3-4, 19.571
10) New Kent: 4-3, 19.285
11) Petersburg: 3-4, 18.143
12) Tabb: 0-7, 14.0

REGION 3B:

1) Thomas Jefferson: 4-3, 21.714
2) Spotsylvania: 4-3, 21.0
3) James Monroe: 3-4, 19.714
4) Culpeper Co: 2-5, 18.714
5) Warren Co.: 3-4, 18.286
6T) Skyline: 3-4, 17.429
      Armstrong: 2-5, 17.429
8) Brentsville District: 1-6, 15.571
--
9) Manassas Park: 1-6, 14.714
10T) John Marshall: 1-6, 14.429
        William Monroe: 2-5, 14.429
12) George Wythe: 0-7, 14.286

****

REGION 2A:

1) Poquoson: 6-1, 24-714
2) Goochland: 6-0 (VHSL Games Only), 23.667
3) Amelia: 6-1, 19.857
4) Greensville: 5-2, 19.571
5) Nottoway: 4-3, 16.571
6) Bruton: 2-5, 16.143
7) Prince Edward: 4-3, 15.429
8) Brunswick: 2-4, 15.167
--
9) Arcadia: 3-5, 14.375
10) Nandua: 3-5, 13.75
11) Bluestone: 2-6, 13.625
12) King William: 2-5, 13.571
13) Randolph-Henry: 0-7, 10.0

2B LEADERS: 1) Clarke Co., 2) Central-Woodstock, 3) RE Lee-Staunton, 4) Luray

****

REGION 1A:

1) Essex: 6-1, 21.429
2) Sussex Central: 6-1, 20.714
3) West Point: 6-1, 18.857
4) Washington & Lee: 6-1, 18.714
5) Northumberland: 5-2, 18.286
6) Colonial Beach: 4-3, 17.143
7) Middlesex: 4-3, 15.571
8) Rappahannock: 3-4, 13.714
--
9) Northampton: 3-4, 12.714
10) Surry: 2-5, 12.429
11) Franklin: 2-5, 12.143
12) Chincoteague: 3-4, 11.714
13) Lancaster: 1-6, 10.143
14) Charles City: 1-6, 9.857

1B LEADERS: 1) Riverheads, 2) Wm. Campbell, 3) Central-Lunenburg, 4) Altavista

Super 7 Volleyball/Field Hockey Polls (October 16, 2017)

More changes afoot in the next to last Super 7 Polls of the fall season, especially in volleyball. A reminder that only VHSL teams are eligible for our Super 7 Polls in fall and spring sports.


FIELD HOCKEY:

1) Deep Run (was #1)
2) Cosby (was #2)
3) Prince George (was #3)
4) Mills Godwin (was #4)
5) Powhatan (was #6)
6) Matoaca (was #7)
7) Maggie Walker GS (was #5)

BOYS VOLLEYBALL:

1) Patrick Henry (was #1)
2) James River (was #2)
3) Midlothian (was #4)
4) Lee-Davis (was #3)
5) Deep Run (was #5)
6) Douglas Freeman (was #7)
7) Cosby (was #6)

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

1) Goochland (was #2)
2) Hanover (was #3)
3) Glen Allen (was #4)
4) Atlee (was #1)
5) Deep Run (was #5)
6) Douglas Freeman (was #6)
7T) Midlothian (was #7)
       Matoaca (returning)

GAME OF THE WEEK LISTEN LIVE LINK

CLICK HERE to listen online to The 27th Stew Bowl: #10 Lee-Davis (5-1) at Atlee (2-4) on the Game of The Week starting at 6:30 with the On The Sidelines Pregame Powered By Sheehy Ford of Ashland with Rob Witham and Marc Davis of NBC12!

We'll have scores from across the RVA on the Virginia Farm Bureau In-Game Scoreboard, and, immediately after the game, don't miss the Massey Wood And West Scoreboard Show with finals as they come in, a live preview of On The Sidelines on NBC12 at 11:15 with Marc, and we'll talk to the winning head coach live!

RADIO: 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM) and 1430 AM

APP: @TuneIn, search "Radiall" !

WEEK 8 FOOTBALL PRIMER

Some teams can clinch bids in the playoffs, while others may see their postseason hopes come to an end on this Friday night. Here's a preview of all the action!

GAME OF THE WEEK: #10 Lee-Davis (5-1) at Atlee (2-4), 7pm (Airtime 6:30 on WHAN 102.9 FM/1430 AM, listen online by CLICKING HERE, listen on TuneIn app on "Radiall")

It's a must-win for the Raiders at Homecoming in the 27th edition of "The Stew Bowl", i.e., the battle for Eastern Hanover County supremacy. With a trip to Highland Springs looming next week, Atlee has to get the victory over the Confederates, stay squarely in the Region 5B playoff race, then take their chances against the Springers. The Raiders must control tempo, avoid turnovers, win the time of possession and convert on third downs to keep Zach Lass, Josh Rice, and the Lee-Davis offense off the field as much as humanly possible. Lee-Davis is the two-time Hanover County champions, winners of seven straight against Hanover rivals. Their last loss? 63-35 to Atlee in November, 2014.

NBC12 GAME OF THE WEEK: #5 Manchester (5-1) at #7 L.C. Bird (5-1), 7:30pm

This game should be the next edition in a great series that has flourished this decade between the two schools. The Skyhawks look for revenge from last year's loss to the Lancers, their lone blemish in the regular season. To do it, they need the game to mirror their identity. L.C. Bird needs long, time-consuming drives behind C.J. Donaldson and the offensive line. They need to limit penalties, and, most importantly, they'll need a few defensive stops. If Brendon Clark and company hit "30" on the scoreboard, it will be bad news for the Skyhawks, who need a 20-17 or 21-20 type game to win. Manchester tries to keep pace with Colonial Forge at the top of Region 6B, while L.C. Bird has been an afterthought in some circles in Region 5B, but a win here and they are, again, right in it with Hermitage and Highland Springs at the top of the standings.

Mills Godwin (3-3) at #1 Hermitage (7-0), 7pm: The Panthers hope the beat goes on with the first of two final home games in the regular season (next week against Douglas Freeman is Senior Night) before traveling to Manchester in two weeks to close the regular campaign. The Eagles haven't been able to produce a consistent enough offense to keep up with what Carney and company can do, so it will take a great defensive performance, and winning the turnover battle, for Mills Godwin to pull the big upset.

#2 Dinwiddie (6-0) at Meadowbrook (2-4), 7pm: The Monarchs could really crash the party in Region 5B with an upset in Central District play, currently 10th in a 15-team region. But to do that, they must find a way to slow down the Generals offense, who expect to ring up 40, 50 or more every time they hit the field. They've only fallen short of 30 twice, both in wins over Salem and Thomas Dale. Dinwiddie, though unbeaten and looking every bit the part of state title contenders, have to be frustrated a bit to look behind them in the Region 4B standings and see no less than three other teams, Monacan (6-0), Eastern View (7-0) and Louisa (6-0) unbeaten. They can't slow down anytime soon.

#3 Highland Springs (6-1) is idle.....

#4 Monacan (6-0) at Cosby (1-5), 7pm: Could it finally be the night that Cosby gets a Cosby-like performance, and victory? They need one to keep close to Clover Hill (who beat them earlier this season) and Franklin County in the race for one of the final two playoff spots in Region 6B. Meanwhile, expect Monacan to take this game very, very seriously after surviving the surprising slugfest that was the first "JimBob Bowl" with the overtime win over James River last week. The Chiefs, too, know they are in a dogfight to earn as many home wins as possible in the region playoffs, one of four unbeatens. They won't overlook Cosby.

#6 Thomas Dale (4-2) at Petersburg (3-3), 7pm: The Crimson Wave may have the worst luck of any team currently in a playoff race in the RVA. At 3-3, they're tied with a 1-5 Lakeland for tenth in Region 3A, less than two points behind New Kent for the eighth and final playoff spot. At home, it's an opportunity to grab what would easily be their biggest win in years. The Knights want to take nothing to chance, currently third in Region 6B, and with a win, and an L.C. Bird win over Manchester, they could come very close to the second seed.

#8 Hopewell (5-1) at Prince George (3-3), 7pm: The Royals with a similar home opportunity tonight but having to stop a Blue Devil team that has played better and better since their opening loss to I.C. Norcom, who currently lead Region 3A, while Hopewell is third. Prince George is ninth, but with a win here and either Deep Run or J.R. Tucker losing, the Royals are in the top eight in Region 5B with three weeks remaining. To do that, they better stop Indiana-bound Ronnie Walker and the Blue Devil offense.

#12 Henrico (4-2) at #9 Varina (5-1), 7pm: It's the first of three weeks of games involving the fourth, fifth, and sixth seeds currently in Region 5B which will go a long way in determining who hosts a first round game, who goes on the road, and, maybe, if someone loses both games, who is fighting just to be in the playoffs on November 3rd. These teams are very similar. The team that controls the penalities has an advantage, and special teams could play a factor, whether putting points on the board, or changing field position for your offense. Varina enjoys multiple weapons in every skill position offensively. That depth could be the difference. Varina goes to Lee-Davis next Friday, then Lee-Davis goes to Henrico two weeks from now. Lee-Davis is fourth in the region standings by less than two-tenths of a point over Varina, with Henrico sixth, a third of a point behind Varina. It's that close as we head down the stretch.

#11 Goochland (6-0) at Bluestone (2-5), 7pm: The Bulldogs are unbeaten, but yet still over three points behind top-ranked Poquoson in Region 2A. If they can't reach them by November 3rd, Goochland needs to make sure they handle what's left on their schedule, beginning with Bluestone, ending with the third-seed, Amelia, on closing night in three weeks. Rushing and defense, the beat goes on for Goochland.

Hanover (1-5) at Patrick Henry (3-3), 7pm: A huge game in Region 4B between two teams now desperate for a win. Hanover has scored just 59 points in their first six games, and only six offensive touchdowns, just two of them coming in the last four games. The Hawks, though, are in ninth place in Region 4B, just outside the top eight and a win likely puts them back in, depending on Courtland's game with 1-5 Fauquier. Meanwhile, after scoring at will in their 3-0 start, Patrick Henry has scored just 15 points in their last eight quarters, none at home against Varina last week. The offense missed tailback Samandre Williams last week, out due to injury. They must recapture the September consistency, and fast, because their #5 seed in the region is precarious, with idle Huguenot and Midlothian nipping at their heels, and fast.

Clover Hill (2-5) at Midlothian (3-3), 7:30pm: A sneaky good game on this week's schedule with two programs looking to make 2017 their turnaround year. The Trojans look to go over the .500 mark and stay in the top eight in Region 4B, while Clover Hill needs at least another win, and a Monacan win over Cosby, to help solidify their ranking in 6B. Fans outside these two schools have ignored this game for the past few years. No one should do that Friday night. This has the potential to be a classic with all the implications involved, between two teams who can taste a postseason bid, and look to seize the day.

Thomas Jefferson (3-3) at Deep Run (3-3), 7pm: So, after a 22-point comeback and a gutsy call that propelled Deep Run to their win over Douglas Freeman, they turn and see a Viking team coming Friday that has won two of their last three over the Wildcats and put up 55 points in a win over Glen Allen last week. Deep Run has no interest in a similar track meet breaking out, so it's the Wildcat defense who will have the most spotlight in this one. The Vikings are second in Region 3B and could clinch a home game in the first round of the playoffs with likely two more victories. The Wildcats won't take Thomas Jefferson lightly, and, Deep Run head coach Chad Hornik understands. He brought the Vikings to Deep Run in 2015 and won as TJ's head man.

J.R. Tucker (3-3) at Douglas Freeman (3-4), 7pm: How do the Rebels respond after being stunned at Deep Run last week? That loss could awaken them to a huge stretch run to try for their fifth straight playoff berth, or it could be the first step in their downfall. The Tigers want to make it the latter as they are close to postseason play for the first time in ages. They haven't defeated Douglas Freeman since 2010, and it won't be easy at William Long Stadium. Much of this game will depend on the mentality of Douglas Freeman. Tucker needs a strong start, and defensively, they must be tough in the front seven, and get pressure on Jack Pollard, while not allowing him to answer that with the good throws he can make when on the run.

John Marshall (1-5) at Glen Allen (1-5), 7pm: Last week's loss at Thomas Jefferson severely damaged Jaguar hopes for a playoff bid. Now they must win out and get help. On top of that, the Justices, despite being mired in a five-game losing streak, are less than a point out of the Region 3B top eight and have a shot at postseason play for first-year head coach Phillip Sims. But to do that, they'll need to stop the Flowers truck at tailback for Glen Allen, and other teams will tell you that's not easy to do.

Matoaca (1-5) at Colonial Heights (3-3), 7pm: Matoaca is in the same boat as Glen Allen, needing to win out and get help. Colonial Heights, who started 3-0, still seeks its first win in Central District play, and this may be their best chance left. Will 4-6 make the playoffs in Region 3A? Unsure. So, as you can see, tonight's winner lives to fight another day. Tonight's loser may look back at this game as the night the door shut.

OTHER GAMES:

James River (3-4) at George Wythe (0-6), 7:30pm
Monticello (6-0) at Louisa (6-0), 7:30pm
New Kent at Lafayette, 7pm
Mathews at King William, 7pm
Trinity Episcopal at Fork Union, 3:30pm
Bishop O'Connell at Collegiate, 4pm
Fuqua at Richmond Christian, 7pm
Eastern View at Caroline, 7pm
Fluvanna at Powhatan, 7pm
Essex at Colonial Beach, 7pm
Charles City at Middlesex, 7pm

THE WRAP: L.C. Bird Ready For Tough Stretch After Clover Hill Triumph

(RVA Sports Network Intern Correspondent Callie Yost files this report.....)

*****

Before going head-to-head last Friday, both the Clover Hill Cavaliers and L.C. Bird Skyhawks thirsted for another victory, after each team was triumphant over their respective opponents last week.

Clover Hill, ranked sixth in Class 6, Region B, made an impressive comeback in a win over rival Cosby, defeating the Titans for the first time in seven years. However, the Cavaliers faced a tougher challenge, as the Skyhawks have dominated this series for well over a decade.

The Skyhawks were ranked third in Class 5, Region B, entering the game with consecutive wins over Midlothian, James River and Huguenot. Eager to add another to their list, the Skyhawks pressured the Cavaliers with intensity immediately after Clover Hill kicker West Brownless kicked off to begin the game.

Skyhawks quarterback Marcus Banks, working with running back C.J. Donaldson, pushed the Cavalier defense back to the one-yard line before scoring their first touchdown, and run by Banks to give L.C. Bird a 7-0 lead. Despite the scoring, Cavalier linebacker Derek Apple remained positive.

Apple said Clover Hill continued to "always go out there and just play the best we can", even though "(Bird is) a really good team, time and time again."

After that first touchdown, both teams struggled to put up points in the opening quarter. Kendall Cross returned a Skyhawks kick to the 33-yard line, but Clover Hill had difficulty moving the ball up the field. On a fourth and six, Brownlee entered to punt, but the attempt wasn't quick enough, blocked by Damontre Blowe, and the Skyhawks had the ball in the Clover Hill red zone.

Under pressure to reclaim possession without allowing another score, Clover Hill doubled their defensive efforts. But the Skyhawks slipped through the defense, as Donaldson scored a rushing touchdown, but it was called back due to a holding penalty. The Cavaliers slowed L.C. Bird's momentum, forcing a field goal attempt. The determined Chauncey Saunders blocked the kick, matching the energy of Blowe's blocked punt earlier. However, undeterred by the Cavs, L.C. Bird's ferocity of play remained unshaken.

Clover Hill quarterback Miles Evans was intercepted by cornerback Xavier Addison, giving the Skyhawks the ball at the Clover Hill 23. Again, a would-be rushing touchdown by Donaldson was called back due to a holding call. But, on the next play, Donaldson finally got that touchdown, scoring with 3:19 left in the opening quarter for a 15-0 lead after a completed two-point conversion.

The Cavaliers began the second quarter with possession, but couldn't threaten down the field. The Skyhawks' running attack continued to find yardage, and, to cap off the latest drive, Banks carried the ball nine yards for a touchdown, making the score 22-0 L.C. Bird with more than nine minutes left to halftime. As in the first, a battle ensued as, while the Skyhawks looked to increase their lead, Clover Hill's defense worked to hold their own, keeping the lead at 22. Apple and Cross recovered Bird fumbles at 7:03 and :53 left, respectively. But Evans and the Cavalier offense could not score, as the Skyhawk defense made it difficult to complete passes, allowing only small gains in the running attack.

After halftime, the Cavalier offense returned intent on scoring. Attacking the Skyhawks with full force, Clover Hill advanced to the Bird three-yard line. Going for it on fourth down, the Cavaliers fumbled, the Skyhawks recovering at the seven. Then, on the next play, Donaldson raced 93 yards to the house for a touchdown that turned the tide. Instead of Clover Hill getting on the board, L.C. Bird extended their lead to 29-0.

The Skyhawks completed their scoring late in the third with another Donaldson touchdown run, bringing the score to 35-0 with :48.2 left. Apple led the defensive charge to thwart a Skyhawk two-point try to keep the score the same. The fourth quarter was a stalemate, the Skyhawks seeing a third would-be touchdown called back due to a penalty, this time on a punt return. The Cavalier offense never got back in the red zone, and L.C. Bird moved to 5-1 with the 35-0 win.

All Skyhawk units put forth maximum effort to earn the shut out Friday. Donaldson, when asked about the strength of his team, said, "...when the line is working, and all of us are working, it just makes it easier for me."

L.C. Bird must carry that teamwork into Friday's showdown with #5 Manchester at home. When asked what excited him most about the game with the Lancers, Donaldson simply responded, "...to get revenge." Last year, Manchester handed L.C. Bird a seven-point loss.

Meanwhile, Clover Hill, at 2-5, still fighting for a postseason bid with Franklin County and Cosby, travel to Midlothian, who, at 3-3 is in the mix for a playoff berth of their own in Class 4, Region B, another tough challenge for the Cavaliers.

FOOTBALL: Region 4-6 Playoff Outlook With Four Weeks To Go

So, with everyone trying to understand things like, how many "points" do you get for a win, how many if you lose, and, what is a "VHSL Power Point" or "VHSL Rider Point" anyway, let's break down where we are in each region with four weeks left in the regular season. Some teams will clinch playoff bids Friday with victories, a couple of teams are already in, and many others have a lot of work to do.

REGION 6B:

WHO'S IN?: (1): Colonial Forge: They are 7-0, and, even if they lost their last three games, they'd finish in the top seven of this eight-team region. Remember, top seed earns a bye out of the first round November 10th, and the eighth place finisher is out.

LOOKING GOOD: (2): Manchester, Thomas Dale: The Lancers head into their showdown with L.C. Bird at 5-1. One more win gets them in for sure. The Knights, at 4-2, need a win at Petersburg plus losses from any combination of Clover Hill, Franklin County and Cosby of at least two teams to pretty much seal the deal.

WORK TO DO: (5): Riverbend, James River, Clover Hill, Franklin County, Cosby: The final four spots are wide open, even for a Titans team currently 1-5. Riverbend and James River, both at 3-4, have the best chances to clinch soon, but the Bears have two tough games coming out of the bye, especially October 27th at North Stafford. James River gets little in bonus points if they beat winless George Wythe Friday, then hosting Cosby on October 27th, either it will be an elimination game for the Titans, or, by then, they may already be eliminated. Clover Hill may have the toughest road left, at Midlothian Friday, then hosting Manchester and finishing at surprising Huguenot.

*****
REGION 5B:

WHO'S IN?: (2): Hermitage, Highland Springs: An unexpected three-game collapse down the stretch for Hermitage would still leave them in the eight-team postseason region tournament. The Panthers are looking to finish strong, preferably 10-0, to ensure the top seed. The two-time defending champion Springers enjoy a bye this week and look to comfortably make the top eight, but catching Hermitage is a stretch, even if the Panthers lose to Manchester in two weeks.

LOOKING GOOD: (4): L.C. Bird, Lee-Davis, Varina, Henrico: L.C. Bird has a tough battle with the Lancers this Friday. A win would draw the Skyhawks closer to both Hermitage and Highland Springs, while a loss would open the door for teams like Lee-Davis or Varina to become players for the #3 seed that Bird currently occupies. The teams at #4 through #6 all play each other in a round-robin these next three Fridays, with Henrico/Varina this week, Varina/Lee-Davis next week and Lee-Davis/Henrico in two weeks. We'll have a much better idea who could be hosting a first round game as a #4 seed once these three games are played, unless, of course, all three teams exit this at 1-1 against the others. What if L.C. Bird loses to both Manchester and Monacan? Then Lee-Davis and Varina have a shot to finally get into the top three. But that's a lot to ask.

WORK TO DO: (7): J.R. Tucker, Deep Run, Prince George, Meadowbrook, Mills Godwin, Douglas Freeman, Atlee: Currently, the Tigers and Wildcats are in, tied for seventh. So, let's list each team's current VHSL point total and their remaining schedule:

J.R. Tucker (23.0): at Douglas Freeman, at TJ, John Marshall, at Glen Allen
Deep Run (23.0): TJ, John Marshall, Glen Allen, at Mills Godwin
Prince George (22.167): Hopewell, at Colonial Heights, Matoaca, Thomas Dale
Meadowbrook (21.667): Dinwiddie, at Matoaca, at Petersburg, Hopewell
Mills Godwin (21.5): at Hermitage, Glen Allen, at Douglas Freeman, Deep Run
Douglas Freeman (20.857): J.R. Tucker, at Hermitage, Mills Godwin, Bye
Atlee (19.833): Lee-Davis, at Highland Springs, Varina, at Hanover

The eye test gives us the following points:

1) Several Colonial District games down the stretch will serve as elimination games, starting Friday on Three Chopt Road. J.R. Tucker hasn't beaten Douglas Freeman since October 1, 2010. But the Rebels are struggling and the Tigers have improved. After Atlee, Freeman has the toughest road to the postseason for two reasons: 1) they still have to play Hermitage, 2) a 5-5 record in the Colonial may not carry enough bonus points on strength of schedule than a Meadowbrook or Prince George would have coming out of the Central.

2) Deep Run has the best track to the postseason. They spend all of October at home, then go to Mills Godwin November 3rd in a game where the Eagles may have already been eliminated. But lest we forget, Thomas Jefferson comes in Friday, a team that is 2-1 in their last three games against the Wildcats, coming off a 55-point performance in a home win over Glen Allen, and the Vikings are fighting for home-field advantage in Region 3B.

3) Note Central District teams, Prince George and Meadowbrook. If the Monarchs defeat Matoaca, Petersburg and Hopewell (assuming they lose to unbeaten Dinwiddie Friday), it will be hard to keep a 6-4 Meadowbrook team out because their rugged strength of schedule earns them gobs of bonus points. Remember, if you lost to, say, Highland Springs, you get an extra point for each of their victories. The eye test here says Prince George might need 6-4, but there's a small path for Meadowbrook to grab the #8 seed at 5-5.

4) Atlee On The Brink: The Raiders have to pull some upsets in order to really be in the playoff discussion in two weeks. A loss Friday to Lee-Davis makes them 2-5 with a trip to Highland Springs next on the schedule. No one will make the playoffs in Region 5B at 4-6 or worse. Why? There are too many teams ahead that should finish no worse than 6-4 or 5-5.

BY A THREAD: (2): Matoaca, Glen Allen: For the Warriors and Jaguars, it's simple. They must win out, finish 5-5, and likely get some help, like John Marshall beating a couple of Colonial District teams. Matoaca, at least, has some destiny in their hands, as they have Prince George and Meadowbrook coming up. Beat Colonial Heights Friday, win the next two, and they have something to play for November 3rd when they host Petersburg.

*****
REGION 4B:

WHO'S IN? (1): Eastern View: The reason why Eastern View stands alone is they've already played seven games, and they are 7-0. Even if they finish 7-3, they'll stay in the top eight.

LOOKING GOOD (3): Dinwiddie, Monacan, Louisa: Each of these teams are currently 6-0, and with wins on Friday, they'll all be bumped up to "Who's In?" status. Region 4B has become insanely top heavy. It's possible that all four remaining unbeatens could finish 10-0 as each play in different districts. If they all won their home games in the first round, on November 17th we could have two 11-0 teams playing each other at two different games, both for the right to get to the inaugural Region 4B Championship Game.

WORK TO DO (9): Patrick Henry, Huguenot, Midlothian, Courtland, Hanover, King George, Caroline, Powhatan, Chancellor): Now it gets tricky. After the top four, no one has a winning record. Only Patrick Henry and Midlothian are at .500 at 3-3. Huguenot (currently in), King George and Chancellor (both currently out) all have seven games behind them, meaning one less opportunity to win and collect points. Midlothian gets three out of their last four at home, having to go to Cosby October 20th. Monacan will be tough, and their finisher against James River, a big rival, may be a game where the Rapids need a win for better postseason position. Huguenot, after this week's bye, gets George Wythe, Clover Hill and Monacan. Get two wins and that could be enough. Finish 4-6, and it's shaky. Patrick Henry really needs a win over Hanover Friday, one to keep the Hawks from battling back into the picture, two to get some much needed momentum down the stretch with games against Highland Springs and Lee-Davis still to come.

Chancellor and Powhatan have the toughest roads. Unless a lower team gets on a run, the final four bids are Patrick Henry, Huguenot, Midlothian and Courtland's to lose, with Hanover and King George seriously close should someone slip and either can string together a few wins.

NBC12/RVA Sports Network Big 12 High School Football Poll (10-09-17)

There are no changes, having been no upsets in a busy Week 7, in the latest NBC12/RVA Sports Network Big 12 High School Football Poll.

1) Hermitage (7-0, was #1, vs. Mills Godwin)
2) Dinwiddie (6-0, was #2, vs. Meadowbrook)
3) Highland Springs (6-1, was #3, BYE)
4) Monacan (6-0, was #4, at Cosby)
5) Manchester (5-1, was #5, at #7 L.C. Bird)
6) Thomas Dale (4-2, was #6, at Petersburg)
7) L.C. Bird (5-1, was #7, vs. #5 Manchester
8) Hopewell (5-1, was #8, at Prince George)
9) Varina (5-1, was #9, vs. #12 Henrico)
10) Lee-Davis (5-1, was #10, at Atlee on Game of The Week)
11) Goochland (6-0, was #11, at Bluestone)
12) Henrico (4-2, was #12, at #9 Varina)