New Top 10 Boys, Girls High School Basketball Polls

The holidays are wrapping up, and it's a quiet week on the schedule. The fallout from holiday tournaments creates a few changes in our latest polls. The next seven weeks will be exciting, and will contain a lot of twists and turns.


GIRLS:

1) Highland Springs (was #1)
2) Monacan (was #2)
3) James River (was #3)
4) Trinity Episcopal (was #4)
5) Matoaca (was #5)
6) Cosby (was #6)
7) Hanover (was #7)
8) L.C. Bird (was #8)
9) Atlee (returns)
10) Thomas Dale (new)

Dropping Out: Patrick Henry (was #9), Saint Gertrude (was #10)


BOYS:

1) John Marshall (was #1)
2) Steward (was #2)
3) Trinity Episcopal (was #3)
4) Henrico (was #7)
5) Hermitage (NEW)
6) Huguenot (was #5)
7) Monacan (was #6)
8) Life Christian (was #8)
9) Hopewell (was #4)
10) L.C. Bird (was #10)

Dropping Out: Varina (was #9)

HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT CENTRAL

25TH TIMES-DISPATCH INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

GIRLS:

FIRST ROUND (Friday 12/20):

Game 1: Trinity Episcopal 74, Clover Hill 43
Game 2: Hopewell 48, Steward 39
Game 3: Highland Springs 66, Saint Gertrude 40
Game 4: Collegiate 56, Patrick Henry 37

SEMIFINAL ROUND (Saturday 12/21 at Hopewell HS):

Game 5: Steward 51, Clover Hill 32
Game 6: Patrick Henry 48, Saint Gertrude 44
Game 7: Hopewell 56, Trinity Episcopal 52
Game 8: Highland Springs 64, Collegiate 24

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND (Monday 12/23 at Hanover HS):

Seventh Place Game: Saint Gertrude 66, Clover Hill 31
Fifth Place Game: Steward 52, Patrick Henry 46
Third Place Game: Trinity Episcopal 48, Collegiate 44
CHAMPIONSHIP: Highland Springs 60, Hopewell 27

BOYS:

FIRST ROUND (Friday 12/20):

Game 1: Trinity Episcopal 94, Prince George 80
Game 2: Life Christian 52, Hopewell 51
Game 3: Steward 76, Armstrong 45
Game 4: Monacan 68, Collegiate 56

SEMIFINAL ROUND (Saturday 12/21 at Hopewell HS):

Game 5: Hopewell 64, Prince George 57
Game 6: Collegiate 57, Armstrong 51
Game 7: Trinity Episcopal 66, Life Christian 62
Game 8: Steward 56, Monacan 44

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND (Monday 12/23 at Hanover HS):

Seventh Place Game: Armstrong 73, Prince George 70
Fifth Place Game: Hopewell 62, Collegiate 52
Third Place Game: Monacan 63, Life Christian Academy 59
CHAMPIONSHIP: Steward 65, Trinity Episcopal 63

**********

SEAHAWK GIRLS CLASSIC (Hilton Head, SC):

FIRST ROUND (Saturday 12/21, Gold Bracket):

Game 1: Monacan 62, Belfry (KY) 42
Game 2: Christ Church (SC) 58, Bartram Trail (FL) 49
Game 3: Maret School (DC) 61, St. James (SC) 12
Game 4: St. Joseph (NY) 38, Charlotte Latin (NC) 25

SEMIFINAL ROUND (Sunday 12/22, Gold Bracket):

Bartram Trail (FL) 61, Belfry (KY) 36
Charlotte Latin (NC) 26, St. James (SC) 20
Monacan 69, Christ Church (SC) 34
Maret School (DC) 61, St. Joseph (NY) 29

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND (Monday 12/23, Gold Bracket):

CHAMPIONSHIP: Maret School 51, Monacan 47

*****************************

ABOVE THE RIM HOLIDAY CLASSIC (Arthur Ashe Center, Saturday 12/21):


SCHEDULE:

Henrico 86, Matoaca 64
Kempsville 58, Louisa 52
Norview 76, Carolina Basketball Academy 50
Phoebus 66, Petersburg 55
Sierra Canyon 66, John Marshall 55

****************************

HENRICO HOLIDAY HOOPS (Henrico High School)

FIRST ROUND (Thursday December 26):

Game 1: Henrico 74, Midlothian 38
Game 2: Meadowbrook 83, Woodbridge 67
Game 3: J.R. Tucker 56, Matoaca 47
Game 4: Deep Run 68, Pikesville (MD) 50

SEMIFINAL ROUND (Friday December 27):

Woodbridge 77, Midlothian 51
Pikesville (MD) 70, Matoaca 67
Henrico 76, Meadowbrook 49
Deep Run 49, J.R. Tucker 40

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND (Saturday December 28):

Seventh Place Game: Matoaca 48, Midlothian 44 
Fifth Place Game: Pikesville (MD) 65, Woodbridge 57
Third Place Game: Meadowbrook 67, J.R. Tucker 38
CHAMPIONSHIP: Henrico 65, Deep Run 57

TICKETS: Single Day tickets $8.00, good for all four games on a day. Tournament programs available for $2. Spectators must keep tickets in their possession, and are allowed to exit and return to the gym by showing Tournament or Single Day pass upon their return. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

*********************

THE SOUTHERNER CLASSIC (Lee-Davis High School, Mechanicsville, VA)

FIRST ROUND (Friday December 27):

GIRLS:
Game #1: North Stafford 69, Colonial Heights 23
Game #3: King William 53, Lee-Davis 49

BOYS:
Game #2: Cosby 58, Colonial Heights 52
Game #4: Thomas Dale 82, Lee-Davis 63

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND (Saturday December 28):

Girls Consolation: Colonial Heights vs. Lee-Davis, 2:30pm
Boys Consolation: Lee-Davis 58, Colonial Heights 43

Girls Championship: North Stafford vs. King William, 5:30pm
Boys Championship: Thomas Dale 52, Cosby 48

TICKETS: $6, available at the door on both days. One ticket is good for one day.

*******************

L.C. BIRD HOLIDAY CLASSIC (L.C. Bird High School, Chester, VA)

NOTE: This is not a tournament-formatted event.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 27 GAMES:

GIRLS:

Trinity Episcopal 66, L.C. Bird 52

BOYS:

Lake Taylor 90, Freedom 58
James River 60, L.C. Bird 49

SATURDAY DECEMBER 28 GAMES:

GIRLS:

Trinity Episcopal vs. Urbana, 4pm
Freedom vs. L.C. Bird, 6pm

BOYS:

Freedom vs. L.C. Bird, 8pm

TICKETS: $10 daily, at the door

**********************

2019 LADY KNIGHTS CLASSIC (Thomas Dale HS, Chester, VA)

FIRST ROUND (Thursday 12/26):

Game 1: Glen Allen 50, Manchester 47
Game 2: Thomas Dale 52, Riverbend 34
Game 3: James River 53, Massaponax 38
Game 4: West Springfield 56, Matoaca 49

SEMIFINALS (Friday 12/27):

Game 5: Matoaca 52, Massaponax 49
Game 6: Manchester 59, Riverbend 35
Game 7: Thomas Dale 43, Glen Allen 37
Game 8: James River 43, West Springfield 31

CHAMPIONSHIP (Saturday 12/28):

Seventh Place Game: Massaponax 74, Riverbend 32
Fifth Place Game: Matoaca 48, Manchester 41
Third Place Game: West Springfield 51, Glen Allen 48
Championship Game: James River 38, Thomas Dale 25

**********************

TRI-CITY HOLIDAY CLASSIC (Prince George HS, Prince George, VA)

FIRST ROUND (Thursday 12/26):

Game 1: Varina 81, Carver Academy 27
Game 2: Hopewell 78, Church Hill Academy 43
Game 3: Prince George 78, Thomas Jefferson 62
Game 4: Hermitage d. Petersburg

SEMIFINALS (Friday 12/27):

Game 5: Carver Academy vs. Church Hill Academy, 2pm
Game 6: Thomas Jefferson vs. Petersburg, 3:45pm
Game 7: Hopewell 60, Varina 48
Game 8: Hermitage 75, Prince George 70

CHAMPIONSHIP (Saturday 12/28):

Seventh Place Game, 2pm
Fifth Place Game, 3:45pm
Third Place Game: Varina 81, Prince George 57
Championship Game: Hermitage 62, Hopewell 50

*********************

BOO WILLIAMS CHRISTMAS CLASSIC (Hampton, VA)

GIRLS BLUE BRACKET

FIRST ROUND (Thursday 12/26):

Game 1: Lakeland 67, Green Run 32
Game 2: Jamestown 36, I.C. Norcom 30
Game 3: Catholic 39, Grassfield 37
Game 4: Atlee 65, Oscar Smith 44

SEMIFINALS (Friday 12/27):

Game 5: Green Run 54, I.C. Norcom 47
Game 6: Oscar Smith 54, Grassfield 51
Game 7: Lakeland 67, Jamestown 31
Game 8: Atlee 44, Catholic 41

CHAMPIONSHIP (Saturday 12/28):

Seventh Place Game: Grassfield 49, I.C. Norcom 46
Fifth Place Game: Oscar Smith 64, Green Run 25
Third Place Game: Catholic 55, Jamestown 43
Championship Game: Atlee 64, Lakeland 57

GIRLS BRONZE BRACKET

FIRST ROUND (Thursday 12/26):

Game 1: Hanover 55, Chancellor 35
Game 2: Wilson 55, Bethel 33
Game 3: Colonial Forge 59, Kellam 51
Game 4: King's Fork 43, Salem/Va Beach 33

SEMIFINALS (Friday 12/27):

Game 5: Kellam 51, Bethel 43
Game 6: Salem/Va Beach 55, Chancellor 26
Game 7: Colonial Forge 53, Wilson 44
Game 8: Hanover 54, King's Fork 48

CHAMPIONSHIP (Saturday 12/28):

7th Place Game: Bethel 45, Chancellor 34
5th Place Game: Salem/Va Beach 59, Kellam 42
3rd Place Game: Wilson 73, King's Fork 69
Championship Game: Hanover 48, Colonial Forge 41

***********************

2019 JAGUAR JAMBOREE (Glen Allen HS, Glen Allen, VA)

NOTE: This is not a formatted tournament.

GAMES THURSDAY 12/26:

Douglas Freeman 54, Powhatan 24
Atlee 68, Glen Allen 46

GAMES FRIDAY 12/27:

Douglas Freeman 56, Atlee 37
Glen Allen 84, Powhatan 47

GAMES SATURDAY 12/28:

Atlee 69, Powhatan 44
Glen Allen 44, Douglas Freeman 40

***********************

2019 CYCLONE CLASSIC (Eastern View HS, Culpeper, VA)

FIRST ROUND (Thursday 12/26):

GIRLS: Louisa 64, Mountain View 40
BOYS: Massaponax 66, Liberty 48
BOYS: Hanover 79, Eastern View 71
GIRLS: Eastern View 43, Fauquier 36

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND (Friday 12/27):

Girls Consolation,: Fauquier vs. Mountain View, 1pm
Boys Consolation: Liberty 56, Eastern View 46
Girls Championship: Louisa 54, Eastern View 47
Boys Championship: Massaponax 69, Hanover 46

************************

BENEDICTINE CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC:

FIRST ROUND (Friday 12/27):

Game 1: St. Anne's-Belfield 61, Carmel School 48
Game 2: Miller School 76, Archbishop Ryan 73 (OT)
Game 3: Bullis School 68, Virginia Episcopal 46
Game 4: Benedictine d. Norfolk Academy

SEMIFINALS (Saturday 12/28):

Virginia Episcopal 70, Carmel School 49
Archbishop Ryan 72, Norfolk Academy 42
Bullis School 55, St. Anne's-Belfield 45
Benedictine 87, Miller School 83 (2 OT)

CHAMPIONSHIP (Sunday 12/29):

Seventh Place Game: Carmel School vs. Norfolk Academy, 1pm
Fifth Place Game: Virginia Episcopal vs. Archbishop Ryan, 2:30pm
Third Place Game: St. Anne's-Belfield vs. Miller School, 4pm
Championship Game: Bullis School vs. Benedictine, 6pm

HONORS: Class 5 All-State Football Team Announced

Congratulations to the following student-athletes for being named to the 2019 Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 5 All-State Football Team. Area honorees are in bold.


FIRST TEAM:

OFFENSE:

QB: E.J. Gibson, Maury
RB: C.J. Beasley, Maury
RB: Isiah Paige, Varina
RB: Jared Cole, Stone Bridge
WR: KeAndre Lambert, Maury
WR: Isiah Paige, Varina
WR: Jalen Coker, Potomac Falls
TE: Isaiah Smith, Bethel
C: James Bell, Manchester
OL: Alonzo Ford, Varina
OL: Suirad Ware, Highland Springs
OL: Talek McCoy, Manchester
OL: Jonathan Milles, Stone Bridge
K: Luca Weber, Maury
KR: Kaelon Black, Salem/Va Beach
All-Purpose: Roemell Garcia, Manchester

DEFENSE:

DL: Paul Hutson III, Maury
DL: Alonzo Ford, Varina
DL: Jeremiah Covington-Griggs, Stone Bridge
DE: Darian Varner, Maury
DE: Mikial Kamara, Stone Bridge
LB: Seth Naotala, Woodside
LB: Demetrius Johnson, Maury
LB: Tavarus Short, Highland Springs
LB: Skylar Martin, Stone Bridge
DB: Tony Grimes, Princess Anne
DB: Dashaun Peele, Maury
DB: Malcolm Greene, Highland Springs (DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR)
DB: David Laney, Highland Springs
P: Luca Weber, Maury
PR: KeAndre Lambert, Maury
All-Purpose: Dajon Evans, Maury

SECOND TEAM:

OFFENSE:

QB: Jamir Boyd, North Stafford
RB: Kaelon Black, Salem/Va Beach
RB: Xzavoine Evans, Nansemond River
RB: Isaiah Todd, Manchester
WR: Dashaun Peele, Maury
WR: Quantez Christian, Manchester
WR: Holt Egan, North Stafford
TE: Price Williams, Woodgrove
C: Mark Bramblett, Stone Bridge
OL: Payton Payne, Nansemond River
OL: Tyshawn Wyatt, Henrico
OL: Jack Courtney, Briar Woods
OL: C.J. VanBuren, North Stafford
K: Riley Callaghan, Briar Woods
KR: Laquan Veney, Highland Springs
All-Purpose: Edward Ware, Mountain View

DEFENSE:

DL: Joeziah Autrey, Nansemond River
DL: Christian Williams, Manchester
DL: Payton Jackson, Highland Springs
DE: Kelvin Gilliam, Jr., Highland Springs
DE: Adin Huntington, Mountain View
LB: Anwar Sparrow, Salem/Va Beach
LB: Jaiden Cathorn, Varina
LB: Logan Kotter, Briar Woods
LB: Dwayne Williams, North Stafford
DB: Andrew Chamblee, Woodside
DB: James Reid, Varina
DB: Daytione Smith, Highland Springs
DB: Shawn Asbury, North Stafford
P: Tyler Warren, Atlee
PR: Kerry King, Highland Springs
All-Purpose: Andre Crawley, Manchester

Week 2: RVA Sports Network Top 10 Boys, Girls Hoops Polls

As we head towards a busy holiday break of high school basketball, here's the Week 2 Top 10 Boys and Girls polls from RVA Sports Network....


GIRLS:

1) Highland Springs (was #1)
2) Monacan (was #2)
3) James River (was #4)
4) Trinity Episcopal (was #3)
5) Matoaca (was #6)
6) Cosby (was #5)
7) Hanover (was #7)
8) L.C. Bird (was #8)
9) Patrick Henry (was #9)
10) St. Gertrude (new)

Dropping Out: Atlee (was #10)


BOYS:

1) John Marshall (was #1)
2) Steward (was #4)
3) Trinity Episcopal (was #2)
4) Hopewell (was #5)
5) Huguenot (was #6)
6) Monacan (was #7)
7) Henrico (was #3)
8) Life Christian (was #8)
9) Varina (was #10)
10) L.C. Bird (was #9)

2019 Big River Rivalry Rosters

For the seventh straight season, top seniors from north of the James River will face off with top seniors from the south in the "Big River Rivalry". The game will, again, take place at Day Field on the campus of Randolph-Macon College with kickoff set for this Saturday at 12 noon.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students in grades one through twelve with proper identification. A group of 20 adult tickets are $95. A reminder that all proceeds from the Big River Rivalry will benefit Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU!

CLICK HERE to buy tickets. See the team rosters below:

*****

NORTH:

Eli Brown, Armstrong
Jamaree Moyer, Armstrong
Alex Oliver, Atlee
Malik James, Benedictine
Brian Daughtry, Benedictine
Sam Hutchinson, Deep Run
Tim Monica, Deep Run
Sam Lynch, Deep Run
Thomas Laughlin, Douglas Freeman
Jake Liberatore, Douglas Freeman
Will Reid, Douglas Freeman
Nate Morris, Glen Allen
Devin McCray, Goochland
Kindrick Braxton, Goochland
Connor Duncan, Goochland
Stephen Castle, Hanover
Raevon Atkins, Henrico
Cullen Bryant, Henrico
Tyshawn Wyatt, Henrico
Charlie Brown, Henrico
Jasper Lewis, Hermitage
Julius Jackson, Hermitage
Laquan Veney, Highland Springs
Tavarus Short, Highland Springs
D'onte Griggs, Highland Springs
Jestdon McKenzie, Highland Springs
Aarek Thomas, John Marshall
Jason Richardson, John Marshall
Chris Mitchell, J.R. Tucker
Daniel Walker, J.R. Tucker
Corey Stewart, King William
Peyton Rosso, King William
Lavell Williams, Jr., Lee-Davis
Coleton Payne, Lee-Davis
Connor Mahon, Mills Godwin
Adam Cable, New Kent
Alex Sikkar, Patrick Henry
Cedric Carter, Patrick Henry
Kevin Gholson, Patrick Henry
Jeb Wickman, St. Christopher's
Shamar Graham, Thomas Jefferson
Jacobi Harrison, Thomas Jefferson
Jaylin Tyler, Thomas Jefferson
Isiah Paige, Varina
James Reid, Varina
Lorenz Terry, Varina
Alonzo Ford, Varina
Makei Hamilton, Varina
Barry Hill, Varina


SOUTH:

Na-shawn Green, Amelia
Khadeis Battle, Blessed Sacrament Huguenot
James Hawkins, Blessed Sacrament Huguenot
Jaden Johnson, Clover Hill
Dalton Collins, Clover Hill
Joshua Bridges, Colonial Heights
Zach Koller, Cosby
Antonio Tucker, Dinwiddie
D'Anta Johnson, Dinwiddie
Joseph Bissue, George Wythe
Rakeese Greene, George Wythe
Kaiveon Cox, Hopewell
Jacen Fowlkes, Hopewell
Keyon Williams, Hopewell
Ron Webster, Hopewell
Phil Bowden, Hopewell
Manquelle Ross, Huguenot
Mehki Briggs, Huguenot
Syncere Tann, James River
Ettie Eritler, James River
Quentin Elliott, L.C. Bird
Dom Gray, L.C. Bird
Tyson Pledger, L.C. Bird
Elijah Rivers, L.C. Bird
Michael James, Life Christian Academy
Zareon Pettiford, Life Christian Academy
Shamar Figueroa, Manchester
Andre Crawley, Manchester
James Bell, Manchester
Christian Williams, Manchester
Roemell Garcia, Manchester
Marcus Dreher, Matoaca
Jordan Evans, Meadowbrook
Lloyd Worsham, Meadowbrook
Brian Davis, Midlothian
Antonio Perkins, Midlothian
Garrison Wheatley, Monacan
Zyshawn White, Petersburg
Xtreme Jones, Petersburg
T.J. Gates, Powhatan
Brien Clay, Powhatan
Tavian Morris, Prince George
Darius Qulovers, Prince George
Jasiah Williams, Thomas Dale
Antonio Goins, Thomas Dale
T.J. Minter, Thomas Dale
Jalen Smith, Trinity Episcopal
Dray Bailey, Trinity Episcopal
Jeremy Singleton, Trinity Episcopal

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!

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

STATE SEMIFINAL SATURDAY

A reminder that tickets for all of this weekend's state semifinals are $10. Our Game of The Week comes to you from Norfolk as Cinderella Patrick Henry looks to continue their run all the way to Liberty University, but to do so, must overcome the Titans of Lake Taylor.


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

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.

****
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.

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)

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

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

STATE TOURNAMENT CENTRAL: VOLLEYBALL

A quick reminder that tickets for all state semifinals and championships are $10. Championship games will be available to watch online through NFHS for a fee. Links to championship feeds are listed with each classification below.


BOYS:

CLASS 6 SEMIFINALS (Tuesday):

James River 3, Cosby 2
Ocean Lakes 3, Floyd Kellam 0

CLASS 6 CHAMPIONSHIP:

James River vs. Ocean Lakes, Thursday, 8pm, Siegel Center at VCU (CLICK HERE to watch ($$))
(LIVE Tweet Coverage: @cfieldsports)
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CLASS 5 SEMIFINALS (Tuesday):

Deep Run 3, Gloucester 0
Glen Allen 3, Frank W. Cox 2

CLASS 5 CHAMPIONSHIP:

Glen Allen vs. Deep Run, Thursday, 6pm, Siegel Center at VCU (CLICK HERE to watch ($$))
(LIVE Tweet Coverage: @henricosports)

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CLASS 4 SEMIFINALS (Tuesday):

Patrick Henry 3, Warwick 0
Maggie Walker GS d. Churchland 

CLASS 4 CHAMPIONSHIP:

Patrick Henry vs. Maggie Walker Governor's School, Thursday, 4pm, Siegel Center at VCU (CLICK HERE to watch ($$))
(LIVE Tweet Coverage: @hanoversports)
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GIRLS:

CLASS 3 SEMIFINALS (Tuesday):

Tabb 3, Goochland 1
Lord Botetourt 3, Rustburg 0

CLASS 3 CHAMPIONSHIP:

Tabb vs. Lord Botetourt, Saturday, 4pm, Salem Civic Center

FOOTBALL: First Round Scores, Region Semifinal Pairings

REGION 6A:

#1 Oscar Smith 60, #8 Western Branch 0
#2 Ocean Lakes 28, #7 Cosby 12
#3 Thomas Dale 55, #6 Grassfield 28
#4 Landstown 35, #5 Franklin County 27

SEMIFINALS:

#4 Landstown at #1 Oscar Smith, Friday, 7pm
#3 Thomas Dale at #2 Ocean Lakes, Friday, 7pm

REGION 5B:

#1 Highland Springs 38, #8 Henrico 21
#2 Manchester 49, #7 Douglas Freeman 7
#3 Deep Run 49, #6 Prince George 6
#4 Varina 58, #5 Clover Hill 0

SEMIFINALS:

#4 Varina vs. #1 Highland Springs, Friday, 7pm, Hermitage HS
#3 Deep Run at #2 Manchester, 7pm

REGION 4B:

#1 Louisa 49, #8 King George 12
#7 Dinwiddie 49, #2 Monacan 27
#3 Eastern View 42, #6 Huguenot 0
#4 Patrick Henry 56, #5 Spotsylvania 6

SEMIFINALS:

#4 Patrick Henry at #1 Louisa, Friday, 7:30pm (airtime 7pm on 102.9 The Mater and here online!)
#7 Dinwiddie at #3 Eastern View, Friday, 7pm

REGION 3A:

#1 Hopewell 61, #8 Southampton 8
#2 York 55, #7 Petersburg 40
#3 Phoebus 46, #6 Tabb 7
#5 I.C. Norcom 25, #4 Lafayette 7

SEMIFINALS:

#5 I.C. Norcom at #1 Hopewell, Saturday, 2pm
#3 Phoebus at #2 York, Friday, 7pm

REGION 3B:

#1 Goochland 42, #8 Independence 6
#2 James Monroe 60, #7 Central-Woodstock 28
#3 Brentsville District 32, #6 George Mason 21
#5 Skyline 42, #4 William Monroe 20

SEMIFINALS:

#5 Skyline at #1 Goochland, Friday, 7pm
#3 Brentsville District at #2 James Monroe, Friday, 7pm

REGION 2A:

#1 Thomas Jefferson 49, #8 Brunswick 12
#2 King William 60, #7 Amelia 12
#3 Poquoson 43, #6 John Marshall 22
#4 Greensville 36, #5 Nottoway 28

SEMIFINALS:

#4 Greensville at #1 Thomas Jefferson, Friday, 7pm, Huguenot HS
#3 Poquoson at #2 King William, Friday, 7pm

REGION 1A:

#1 Essex 45, #8 Mathews 0
#2 Rappahannock 48, #7 Northumberland 14
#6 West Point 24, #3 King & Queen Central 6
#4 Washington & Lee 34, #5 Colonial Beach 33

SEMIFINALS:

#4 Washington & Lee at #1 Essex, Friday, 7pm
#6 West Point at #2 Rappahannock, Friday, 7pm

First Round Region Previews

Time to hit the reset button! If you win five in a row from this point, you will hoist a state championship trophy come December 14th.

REGION 4B:

GAME OF THE WEEK: #5 Spotsylvania (7-3) at #4 Patrick Henry (7-3), 7pm (6:30pm airtime on 102.9 The Mater, 102.9 FM/1430 AM, CLICK HERE to listen online, or use @TuneIn app and listen on "Radiall"!

In their shocking 41-12 loss to King George last week, allowing the Foxes to make the postseason as the eighth and final seed in the region, Spotsylvania did not score an offensive touchdown. The Knights may or may not have the services of quarterback Jake Naccarato, injured early in last week's game. Spotsylvania is no stranger to first-year Patrick Henry head coach Ken Wakefield, coaching against in the regular season and postseason at Culpeper in each of the last two seasons. Expect a power running game and physicality from the Knights, and, watch out for their special teams in you're Patrick Henry. Both scores last week against King George came in the return game. The Knights certainly know about Patriots quarterback Alex Sikkar. The question will be, for Patrick Henry, who can have a big night on the ground to free Alex to be Alex? Tyler Newell and/or Cameron Toliver need a good performance to send Patrick Henry to the next round.

#8 King George (6-4) at #1 Louisa (10-0), 7:30pm: The Lions completed their third consecutive 10-0 regular season. That's 30 straight regular season wins. Last year, Louisa's season ended at the hands of Eastern View. They look to return to the Class 4 state final to take care of unfinished business. First up, however, is a King George team that, essentially already has a playoff win, having to beat Spotsylvania last Friday. Louisa owns a five-game winning streak on the Foxes, who last beat the Lions in 2013. 2019 was the first time in a long time these two teams did not meet in the regular season.

#7 Dinwiddie (5-5) at #2 Monacan (8-2), 7pm: The Chiefs, looking to grab the top seed from Louisa, ran into problems in their loss last week to Clover Hill. The absence of Josiah Nelson was one of them, and they'll need him back in case this game begins to show signs of the track meet the Generals were a part of at home last week in that crazy 46-44 loss to Thomas Dale. Monacan needs this game to be more defensive-minded, with a score in the 20s. In each of the last three postseason meetings in this series, the Generals have come out on top. Dinwiddie may be the best 5-5 team in the playoffs in Virginia.

#6 Huguenot (6-4) at #3 Eastern View (9-1), 7:30pm: The Falcons tied for sixth with Dinwiddie and won the VHSL tiebreaker. The bad news is they get a much longer bus ride than the Generals do, heading to Eastern View, the defending region champions who ended Chancellor's playoff hopes last week, and, in the process, starting a new winning streak. A loss at the hands of Spotsylvania two weeks ago ended the Cyclones' 44-game regular season winning streak. Eastern View looks to score early and often. The first quarter is very critical for Huguenot. They'll need a good defensive start, and maybe a turnover or two. If you're within seven in the fourth period, doubt could set in. Doubt is the underdog's best friend in a "one and done" situation.

REGION 5B:

#8 Henrico (6-4) at #1 Highland Springs (10-0), 7pm, Hermitage HS: They meet again. The Springers earned a pair of 40-6 wins last year, the second in the Class 5 state quarterfinal. The Warriors' quest to finally upend the Springers continues, and, with a week to rest, and two weeks to prepare for their nemesis, Henrico should be ready to give the Springers their best shot. This game might be closer than expected. This Highland Springs team has won differently this year, having to come from behind at Oscar Smith and Manchester, overcoming a turnover-filled performance in Stafford to defeat Colonial Forge. But it's the postseason, where Highland Springs has won 20 straight games, last losing to L.C. Bird, in the midst of their final championship run, back in 2014. The Springers will be ready.

#5 Clover Hill (8-2) at #4 Varina (8-2), 7pm: Of the road teams in this region, the Cavaliers seem to be best built to pull an upset. However, they lack playoff experience, having missed the postseason in each of the last eight years. Varina, still seeking that deep playoff run into December, does know how it is this time of year. This is another game where the first quarter is critical, and the longer the visiting team can be in the game, the more the pressure tilts to the home side. It's been exciting, and fascinating, to watch this Clover Hill team surprise many in their first season in this region. Now, however, they have to find a way to slow down the Region 5B Offensive Player of The Year in Isiah Page, and the rest of the Blue Devils.

#7 Douglas Freeman (7-3) at #2 Manchester (9-1), 7pm: Perhaps the upset least discussed during the final stretch of the regular season was the Rebels' 28-21 loss to Glen Allen last Friday. The Jaguars looked completely out of sorts the week before in a loss to Deep Run that ended their hopes for a postseason return. But they took their frustrations out on Douglas Freeman, who now back into the playoffs a bit against a Manchester team that cannot defend their state championship of a year ago, no longer in Class 6. Other than Loren Johnson, no one knows what it takes to run this marathon to the finish line like Tom Hall. The Lancers will, too, be ready.

#6 Prince George (7-3) at #3 Deep Run (10-0), 7pm: Two Coach of The Year contenders in the RVA collide, though neither won the Region 5B honor (that went to Loren Johnson). Bruce Carroll and his upset-minded Royals make the long trip around Richmond on I-295 to Exit 51 to see if they can be the first (and only) team to hang a loss on Chad Hornik's Wildcats, who seem to improve each week. First Team All-Region quarterback Bo Kite will be a lot to handle for the Royals defense, who couldn't contain Treveyon Henderson of Hopewell a few weeks back. Kite isn't Henderson fast, but he's deceptive, and strong. The closest team to beat Deep Run, Patrick Henry, who fell in the final minute in September to the Wildcats 17-14, at least neutralized Kite. Prince George can only hope to do the same.

REGION 6A:

#7 Cosby (5-5) at #2 Ocean Lakes (7-3), 7pm: The Titans enter the playoffs in a tough position, having lost four straight games. But their schedule down the stretch was among the toughest in the area, if not the state. If anything, it should have created a battle-tested, hungry team who want a chance to come back and atone for their worst game of the season, which was opening night at Thomas Dale. The Dolphins fell to eventual Class 6 state champion Manchester in the 2018 state semifinal, and want another chance to bounce Oscar Smith from their seemingly perennial perch as the best Class 6 team in Hampton Roads. The Tigers open with #8 Western Branch (4-6).

#6 Grassfield (5-5) at #3 Thomas Dale (7-3), 7pm: Man, if the Knights could ever, ever enjoy a few weeks of injury-free football and have as many hands on deck as possible, they have the talent to do what they did a decade ago: win the state championship. It's hard to believe it's been ten years since the magical postseason run with the late, great Vic Williams at the helm. If Chris Tyree can be a full-time, full-on contributor on offense and special teams, and the Knights can get some swagger back defensively after yielding a lot of points (and yards) to Dinwiddie last week, anything is possible. First things first, you fought tooth and nail to win last week and get a home game in the first round. Now, take advantage of it. The winners of these games will meet in a region semifinal November 22nd.

REGION 3A:

#8 Southampton (6-4) at #1 Hopewell (10-0), 7pm: Do we see the playoff Hopewell of 2017, which, after backing into the postseason, roared to a Class 3 State Championship, or the Blue Devils of 2018, who looked prime to go back to back before falling to I.C. Norcom in the second round? The seniors now were sophomores when they lifted the hardware two seasons ago, and they'd love to complete their Hopewell careers by reliving that moment. It begins with a solid performance in the opener, taking nothing for granted, and keeping their season-long momentum going. With 10-0 York as the #2 seed, plus Phoebus and Lafayette, both 9-1, this could be the most top heavy region in the Commonwealth. Be it Goochland, Heritage of Lynchburg or Lord Botetourt, the other Class 3 region top seeds have to look at this region and have reason for concern should they survive into December. With a win, the Blue Devils get the winner of Lafayette and I.C. Norcom.

#7 Petersburg (5-5) at #2 York (10-0), 7pm: The Falcons also go unbeaten, but a win over 0-10 Bruton cost them the top seed. So, they go to work here against a very talented Crimson Wave squad who has enough Central District battles behind them now that they will look to throw the kitchen sink at York. If you're Petersburg, solid defense, get a couple of turnovers and short fields, and when you do, score. The winner here gets the Phoebus/Tabb winner.

REGION 3B:

#8 Independence (2-8) at #1 Goochland (9-1), 7pm: Independence, a new school from Loudoun County, takes the place of original eighth seed Warren County, who dropped out due to concerns of not having enough players for a travel squad. Thus, the Bulldogs, who saw their regular season finale with Bluestone forfeited for the same reason, may go three weeks without a "credible" opponent. Head Coach Alex Fruth and his staff will have to get creative as to how they keep the edge any team needs to make a championship run. Having Devin McCray can't hurt, however.

REGION 2A:

#8 Brunswick (5-5) at #1 Thomas Jefferson (8-2), 7pm, Huguenot HS: Brunswick is this region's King George, having to upset Greensville in their regular season finale last Thursday to make the playoffs. They won 34-28. Now, after the historic nature of their regular season, Thomas Jefferson finds a red-hot team coming to face them under the lights at Huguenot High. This night could belong to Shamar Graham and the Viking offense. The best way to slow down a team on a high of, essentially, already winning a playoff game, is by winning the war at the line of scrimmage early and often, and using Graham to wear down their will, play by play. The last time Thomas Jefferson hit the postseason with this much hope was back in the consolidated era of the 1980's, then known as "JHW"(Jefferson-Huguenot-Wythe).

#7 Amelia (6-4) at #2 King William (7-3), 7pm: The beneficiary of a wild Week 11 in this region was King William, who, after beating eight-win rival King & Queen Central, jumped from fifth to second place, the difference between a road game off the bat and now two possible home games, and a third should the top seed fall. The Cavaliers likely learned a lot in their loss to Benedictine, easily handled King & Queen, and, if they play their game Friday, should advance here. But the Raiders are never an easy out. If this game is close in the fourth quarter, it'll be no surprise. Should the Cavs roll, it'll be a message to the rest of the teams surviving in Region 2A.

#6 John Marshall (6-4) at #3 Poquoson (6-4), 7pm, Poquoson Middle School: There has been a bit of uneven play for the Justices this year, but, as opposed to many previous years, many more ups than downs. Can the John Marshall who held Devin Flowers and Glen Allen to six points show up here defensively? Poquoson can score some points, thus, a lower scoring affair favors the Justices. John Marshall has won eight of their last thirteen games, enjoying their best regular season since going 7-3 in 2011.

OTHER GAMES:

REGION 2A:

#5 Nottoway at #4 Greensville

REGION 1A: 

#8 Mathews at #1 Essex
#5 Colonial Beach at #4 Washington & Lee
#7 Northumberland at #2 Rappahannock
#6 West Point at #3 King & Queen Central

FOOTBALL: All-Region 5B Team Announced

Congratulations to the following student-athletes for earning Class 5, Region B All-Region honors:

FIRST TEAM:

Offense:

QB: Bo Kite, Deep Run
RB: Isiah Paige, Varina
RB: Eric McDaniels, Henrico
RB: Isaiah Todd, Manchester
WR: Fred Jones, Jr., Henrico
WR: Quantez Christian, Manchester
WR: Isiah Paige, Varina
TE: Jacob Coleman, Matoaca
C: James Bell, Manchester
OL: Alonzo Ford, Varina
OL: Suirad Ware, Highland Springs
OL: Talek McCoy, Manchester
OL: Tyshawn Wyatt, Henrico
K: Carter Foy, Deep Run
KR: Laquan Veney, Highland Springs
All-Purpose: Roemell Garcia, Manchester

Defense:

DL: Christian Williams, Manchester
DL: Alonzo Ford, Varina
DL: Payton Jackson, Highland Springs
DL: Tyshawn Wyatt, Henrico
DE: Kelvin Gilliam, Jr., Highland Springs
DE: Suirad Ware, Highland Springs
LB: Jaiden Carthorn, Varina
LB: Dalton Collins, Clover Hill
LB: Raevon Atkins, Henrico
LB: Tavarus Short, Highland Springs
DB: Malcolm Greene, Highland Springs
DB: James Reid, Varina
DB: David Laney, Highland Springs
DB: Daytione Smith, Highland Springs
P: Tyler Warren, Atlee
PR: Kerry King, Highland Springs
All-Purpose: Andre Crawley, Manchester

SECOND TEAM:

Offense:

QB: Bobby Dunn, Varina
RB: Devin Flowers, Glen Allen
RB: Jordan Jackson, Highland Springs
RB: Alva Rose, Deep Run
WR: Alex Oliver, Atlee
WR: Laquan Veney, Highland Springs
WR: Jaden Johnson, Clover Hill
TE: Bryson Jennings, Clover Hill
C: Jestdon McKenzie, Highland Springs
OL: Makei Hamilton, Varina
OL: Jaelin Montgomery, Prince George
OL: Sam Lynch, Deep Run
OL: Donte Griggs, Highland Springs
K: Jayden Alsheskie, Highland Springs
KR: Fred Jones, Jr., Henrico
All-Purpose: Tyler Warren, Atlee

Defense:

DL: Carlos Alexander, Hermitage
DL: Brayden Spade, Matoaca
DL: Jestdon McKenzie, Highland Springs
DL: Henry Blankenship, Deep Run
DE: Andre Crawley, Manchester
DE: Lorenz Terry, Varina
LB: Brandon Flippin, Manchester
LB: Cameron Morris, Highland Springs
LB: Dejrick Goodwyn, Highland Springs
LB: Tim Monica, Deep Run
DB: Damon Harmon, Highland Springs
DB: Sha'quan Morris, Henrico
DB: Gabe Henderson, Deep Run
DB: Cam Sturdifen, Manchester
P: Jacob Coleman, Matoaca
PR: Fred Jones, Jr., Henrico
All-Purpose: Kendall Cross, Clover Hill

THIRD TEAM:

Offense:

QB: Tyler Warren, Atlee
RB: Nigel James, Hermitage
RB: Kalii Bradford, Highland Springs
RB: Bryson Ross, Varina
WR: Gabe Henderson, Deep Run
WR: Barry Hill, Varina
WR: Troy Lewis, Matoaca
TE: Tyson Pledger, L.C. Bird
C: Caleb Gosney, Varina
OL: Jason Wright, Highland Springs
OL: Will Reid, Douglas Freeman
OL: Sam Blankenship, Deep Run
OL: Aaman Miller, Manchester
K: John-Michael Elliott, Clover Hill
KR: Jaden Johnson, Clover Hill
All-Purpose: Marcus Dreher, Matoaca

Defense:

DL: Omarion Robinson, Varina
DL: Caleb Bullock, Henrico
DL: Xavier Bervine, Clover Hill
DL: Andrew Blanton, Clover Hill
DE: Bryson Jennings, Clover Hill
DE: J.T. DePriest, Varina
LB: Jake Liberatore, Douglas Freeman
LB: Dom Gray, L.C. Bird
LB: Patrick Watson, Manchester
LB: Garrett Keeney, Deep Run
DB: Jaden Johnson, Clover Hill
DB: Isiah Page, Varina
DB: Carter Applewhite, J.R. Tucker
P: Marvin Holmes, Varina
PR: Shamar Figuero, Manchester
All-Purpose: Dom Gray, L.C. Bird

REGION 5B OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Isiah Page, Varina
REGION 5B DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Malcolm Greene, Highland Springs
REGION 5B COACH OF THE YEAR: Loren Johnson, Highland Springs

RVA Locals Only: Ricky Irby and First Round Playoff Preview

CLICK HERE to listen to "RVA Locals Only" Thursday at 930am on ESPN Richmond online as we talk about all the first round high school football playoff matchups and speak live with Hopewell head football coach Ricky Irby!

The "Black And Drew Sports Huddle" starts at 8am on 99.5 and 102.7 FM, 950 AM, at the link above and on the ESPN Richmond app, which you should download for the best daily local sports talk in the #RVA!

REGION TOURNAMENT CENTRAL

Your source for region championship information for field hockey and volleyball from now until champions are crowned over the next two weeks!

REMINDER: If you win your region's semifinal, you clinch a bid to your state tournament.

FIELD HOCKEY:


REGION 5B:

First Round (Wednesday 10/30):

#10 Mills Godwin 2, #7 Clover Hill 0
#8 Glen Allen 3, #9 J.R. Tucker 1

Quarterfinals (Monday 11/4):

Game 1: #8 Glen Allen 4, #1 Midlothian 3 (OT)
Game 2: #4 Matoaca 2, #5 Prince George 0
Game 3: #3 Atlee 1, #6 Douglas Freeman 0
Game 4: #2 Deep Run 6, #10 Mills Godwin 0

Semifinals (Wednesday 11/6):

#4 Matoaca 1, #8 Glen Allen 0
#3 Atlee 3, #2 Deep Run 2

Championship (Friday 11/8):

#3 Atlee 1, #4 Matoaca 0

*****

REGION 6A:

First Round (Wednesday 10/30, Regional Training Center, Virginia Beach):

Game 1: Tallwood 5, Oscar Smith 1
Game 2: Western Branch 8, Landstown 0
Game 3: Floyd Kellam 2, Ocean Lakes 0

Quarterfinals (Saturday 11/2, James River has a bye):

Game 4: Floyd Kellam 6, Grassfield 0
Game 5: Cosby 3, Thomas Dale 0
Game 6: Western Branch 1, Tallwood 0

Semifinals (Tuesday 11/5):

Floyd Kellam 3, Cosby 0
Western Branch 4, James River 0


*****

REGION 4B:

First Round (Friday 11/1):

#8 Grafton d. #9 Denbigh

Quarterfinals (Monday 11/4):

Game 1: #1 Lee-Davis 3, #8 Grafton 0
Game 2: #4 Monacan 3, #5 Powhatan 1
Game 3: #3 Jamestown 2, #6 Hanover 0
Game 4: #2 Warhill 6, #7 Patrick Henry 0

Semifinals (Wednesday 11/6):

#1 Lee-Davis 2, #4 Monacan 0
#2 Warhill 2, #3 Jamestown 1 (OT)

Championship (Thursday 11/7):

#1 Lee-Davis 3, #2 Warhill 2 (OT)

*****

REGION 3A:

First Round (Wednesday 10/30):

Game 1: #8 Bruton 1, #9 Lafayette 0
Game 2: #10 Colonial Heights 1, #7 Phoebus 0
Game 3: #6 New Kent 10, #11 Southampton 0

Quarterfinals (Monday 11/4):

Game 4: #1 Poquoson 6, #8 Bruton 0
Game 5: #5 Lakeland 2, #4 Hopewell 0
Game 6: #2 York 11, #10 Colonial Heights 0
Game 7: #3 Tabb 6, #6 New Kent 0

BOYS VOLLEYBALL:

REGION 6A:

First Round (Saturday 11/2):

#E4 Oscar Smith 3, #E5 Landstown 1
#E3 Ocean Lakes 3, #E6 Western Branch 0

Quarterfinals

Game 1: #E1 Floyd Kellam 3, #E4 Oscar Smith 0
Game 2: #E3 Ocean Lakes 3, #E2 Grassfield 0
Game 3: #W3 Cosby 3, #W2 Thomas Dale 1
Game 4: #W1 James River d. #E7 Tallwood

Semifinals (Thursday 11/7):

Floyd Kellam 3, Cosby 2
James River 3, Ocean Lakes 0

Championship (Saturday 11/9):

James River 3, Floyd Kellam 0


REGION 5B:

First Round (Saturday 11/2):

#9 J.R. Tucker 3, #8 Clover Hill 0
#10 Douglas Freeman 3, #7 Manchester 0

Quarterfinals (Monday 11/4):

Game 1: #1 Deep Run 3, #9 J.R. Tucker 0
Game 2: #4 Midlothian 3, #5 Mills Godwin 2
Game 3: #3 Atlee 3, #6 Prince George 0
Game 4: #2 Glen Allen 3, #10 Douglas Freeman 1

Semifinals (Thursday 11/7 at Glen Allen HS):

#1 Deep Run 3, #4 Midlothian 0
#2 Glen Allen 3, #3 Atlee 1

Championship (Tuesday 11/12 at Glen Allen HS):

#1 Deep Run 3, #2 Glen Allen 1


CLASS 4, WESTERN SECTION:

Quarterfinals (Wednesday 11/6):

Game 1: #1 Maggie Walker 3, #8 Petersburg 0
Game 2: #5 Lee-Davis 3, #4 Monacan 1
Game 3: #3 Colonial Heights 3, #6 Dinwiddie 0
Game 4: #2 Patrick Henry 3, #7 Hanover 0

Semifinals (Monday 11/11):

#1 Maggie Walker GS 3, #5 Lee-Davis 1
#2 Patrick Henry 3, #3 Colonial Heights 1

Championship (Wednesday 11/13):

#2 Patrick Henry 3, #1 Maggie Walker GS 1

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

REGION 6A

First Round (Saturday 11/2):

#E4 Western Branch 3, #E5 Landstown 1
#E3 Grassfield 3, #E6 Oscar Smith 0
#E2 Ocean Lakes 3, #E7 Tallwood 0

Quarterfinals

Game #1: #E2 Ocean Lakes 3, #E3 Grassfield 0
Game #2: #W4 Franklin County 3, #W1 James River 1
Game #3: #E1 Floyd Kellam 3, #E4 Western Branch 0
Game #4: #W3 Cosby 3, #W2 Thomas Dale 0

Semifinals (Thursday 11/7):

Floyd Kellam 3, Cosby 0


REGION 5B

First Round (Saturday 11/2 at Mills Godwin HS):

#8 Douglas Freeman 3, #9 Henrico 1
#10 Manchester 3, #7 Matoaca 0

Quarterfinals (Monday 11/4):

Game 1: #1 Mills Godwin 3, #8 Douglas Freeman 0
Game 2: #5 Midlothian 3, #4 Prince George 2
Game 3: #6 Glen Allen 3, #3 Deep Run 1
Game 4: #2 Atlee 3, #10 Manchester 0

Semifinals (Wednesday 11/6):

#1 Mills Godwin 3, #5 Midlothian 1
#2 Atlee 3, #6 Glen Allen 0

Championship (Tuesday 11/12):

#2 Atlee 3, #1 Mills Godwin 0

REGION 4B ("S" for South, "N" for North)

First Round (Monday 11/4):

#5S Hanover 3, #4S Dinwiddie 0
#4N King George 3, #5N Caroline 0

Quarterfinals (Wednesday 11/6):

Game 1: #1N Courtland 3, #5S Hanover 0
Game 2: #2S Powhatan 3, #3N Chancellor 1
Game 3: #3S Patrick Henry 3, #2N Spotsylvania 0
Game 4: #4N King George 3, #1S Monacan 0

Semifinals (Monday 11/11):

#1N Courtland 3, #2S Powhatan 2
#3S Patrick Henry 3, #4N King George 0

Championship (Wednesday 11/13):

Courtland 3, Patrick Henry 2

REGION 3A:

First Round (Monday 11/4):

#8 Lafayette 3, #9 Colonial Heights 0
#10 York 3, #7 Petersburg 0
#6 New Kent 3, #11 I.C. Norcom 0

Quarterfinals (Wednesday 11/6):

Game 1: #1 Park View-South Hill d. #8 Lafayette
Game 2: #4 Lakeland d. #5 Booker T. Washington
Game 3: #2 Tabb d. #10 York
Game 4: #6 New Kent d. #3 Southampton

Semifinals (Monday 11/11):

#1 Park View-South Hill d. #4 Lakeland 
#2 Tabb d. #6 New Kent


REGION 3B:

First Round (Monday 11/4):

#7 Maggie Walker GS 3, #10 Brentsville District 1

Quarterfinals (Tuesday 11/5):

#2 George Mason 3, #7 Maggie Walker GS 0
#1 Goochland 3, Central-Woodstock 0

Semifinal (Thursday 11/7):

#1 Goochland 3, #4 William Monroe 0

Championship (Tuesday 11/12):

#1 Goochland 3, Independence 0

REGION 2A:

First Round (Tuesday 11/5):

Game 1: #11 Greensville 3, #6 Thomas Jefferson 0
Game 2: #7 Windsor 3, #10 John Marshall 0
Game 3: #5 Nottoway 3, #12 Brunswick 0
Game 4: #9 Prince Edward 3, #8 Nandua 0

Quarterfinals (Thursday 11/7):

Game 5: #1 Bluestone 3, #9 Prince Edward 0
Game 6: #4 King William 3, #5 Nottoway 0
Game 7: #2 Poquoson 3, #7 Windsor 0
Game 8: #3 Amelia 3, #11 Greensville 0

Semifinals (Saturday 11/9):

#4 King William 3, #1 Bluestone 2
#2 Poquoson 3, #3 Amelia 0

Championship (Tuesday 11/12):

#2 Poquoson 3, #4 King William 0

VHSL Football Region Brackets

The brackets are set and the road to a state championship is now a five-game sprint to the finish! We will add dates/start times to all games as announced by the Virginia High School League, but expect most first round games this week to be on Friday.

REGION 6A:

#8 Western Branch at #1 Oscar Smith, 7pm
#7 Cosby at #2 Ocean Lakes, 7pm
#6 Grassfield at #3 Thomas Dale, 7pm
#5 Franklin County at #4 Landstown, 7pm

REGION 5B:

#8 Henrico vs. #1 Highland Springs, 7pm, Hermitage HS
#7 Douglas Freeman at #2 Manchester, 7pm
#6 Prince George at #3 Deep Run, 7pm
#5 Clover Hill at #4 Varina, 7pm

REGION 4B:

#8 King George at #1 Louisa, 7pm
#7 Dinwiddie at #2 Monacan, 7pm
#6 Huguenot at #3 Eastern View, 7pm
#5 Spotsylvania at #4 Patrick Henry, 7pm (Game of The Week on 102.9 The Mater and RVASportsNetwork.com, airtime 6:30pm with "On The Sidelines Pregame" with NBC12's Marc Davis presented by Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance!)

REGION 3A:

#8 Southampton at #1 Hopewell, 7pm
#7 Petersburg at #2 York, 7pm
#6 Tabb at #3 Phoebus, 7pm
#5 I.C. Norcom at #4 Lafayette, Saturday, 1pm, Wanner Stadium, Williamsburg

REGION 3B:

#8 Independence at #1 Goochland, 7pm
#7 Central-Woodstock at #2 James Monroe, 7pm, Maury Stadium, Fredericksburg
#6 George Mason at #3 Brentsville District
#5 Skyline at #4 William Monroe

REGION 2A:

#8 Brunswick at #1 Thomas Jefferson, 7pm, Huguenot High School
#7 Amelia at #2 King William, 7pm
#6 John Marshall at #3 Poquoson, 7pm, Poquoson Middle School Stadium
#5 Nottoway at #4 Greensville, 7pm

REGION 1A:

#8 Mathews at #1 Essex
#7 Northumberland at #2 Rappahannock
#6 West Point at #3 King & Queen Central, 7pm
#5 Colonial Beach at #4 Washington & Lee

NOTE: In all region brackets the winner of the #1/#8 game faces the #4/#5 winner in region semifinal action November 22/23, while the winner of the #2/#7 game takes on the #3/#6 winner.

WEEK 11 FOOTBALL PREVIEWS

It's finally here. The final week of the regular season brings with it cold weather (no surprise), teams fighting for playoff position, teams building for next season, and a lot of unanswered questions. CLICK HERE for the latest region standings and playoff implications.


CLICK HERE to listen LIVE to Tomato Bowl 61 and the first playoff projections on the RVA Sports Network Scoreboard Show after the game! Airtime Friday night is 6:30pm on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM) and on the TuneIn Radio App on "Radiall"! 

****

#4 Varina vs. #1 Highland Springs, 1pm, Saturday, Hermitage High School: Another chapter will be written in this storied rivalry. For the Blue Devils, it's a chance to finally beat their biggest rivals for the first time since November 9, 2012. Varina has more weapons offensively than in recent years, and Highland Springs has had issues with turnovers in recent weeks. That will need to stop if the Springers look to extend their winning streak to 39 here, and, eventually, to 44 in order to win the Class 5 State Championship for the fifth straight season. In terms of quality of opponents, the playoffs start here for both teams; this is a great tune-up game.

#2 Hopewell at Matoaca, 7pm: It's simple for the 9-0 Blue Devils: win and you're the #1 seed in Region 3A regardless of what happens to fellow unbeaten York, as they finish with 0-9 Bruton. Treyveon Henderson is running away with Player of the Year honors, literally and figuratively. As for Matoaca, they must win to have hope to slide up to the #8 and final seed in Region 5B. They'll also need help. A J.R. Tucker upset of Hermitage in The Cat Bowl is necessary, and a Powhatan win over Huguenot helps, too. Henrico enters at 258 points knowing they will get a minimum of five points thanks to Hanover/Atlee, Tomato Bowl 61, and Highland Springs/Varina. Matoaca goes to 259 points with a victory, gets two points for the Meadowbrook/Prince George winner (Henrico gets two if Meadowbrook pulls the stunner), one point for Thomas Dale/Dinwiddie, two points if Colonial Heights beats Petersburg, one if the Crimson Wave win. Then there's The Cat Bowl.

Cosby at #3 Manchester, 7pm: The Lancers have a very outside shot at the top seed if Varina wins Saturday, so they'll want to win here. If Highland Springs wins, Manchester's next worry is making sure they outpoint Deep Run for the #2 seed. You'd rather have two home games ahead instead of one, and Deep Run will be a tough out for any opponent. The Titans try to end a three-game losing streak and enter the Region 6A playoffs on a very upbeat note. Cosby will make the postseason, win or lose. Where they'll be seeded will be determined Friday night. They are currently sixth.

Thomas Jefferson at #6 Deep Run, 7pm: The Hornik Bowl. Who would've thought, say, four years ago, that these two teams would meet with a combined record of 17-1. Deep Run head coach Chad Hornik changed the culture at Thomas Jefferson, then headed to Deep Run to do the same. Mission accomplished. The Wildcats looked fantastic in their 47-7 win over Glen Allen on last Friday's Game of The Week on 102.9 The Mater. They root for Cosby in hopes of grabbing the second seed. As for the Vikings, they've clinched #1 in Region 2A in their first season there. Win or lose, this team sharpens this team's resolve and focus as they get set to, they hope, host three games to try to capture the region championship.

#11 Clover Hill at #7 Monacan, 7:30pm: Very quietly, Monacan has risen through the ranks in Region 4B. Friday, with a win, they will clinch the top seed in the region, regardless of whether Louisa beats Albemarle to finish at 10-0. Monacan's only loss was to Manchester. As for Clover Hill, they need a win to guarantee the #5 seed in Region 5B. If they lose, #6 seed is in play, and so is the #7 seed should Douglas Freeman knock off Glen Allen. The Cavaliers, Royals and Rebels are all within one point in the region standings.

#9 Douglas Freeman at Glen Allen, 7pm: The Jaguars looked lost last week in their home loss to Deep Run which ended hopes for back to back playoff appearances. The Rebels rolled over a John Marshall that had defeated Glen Allen the week before. Douglas Freeman enters in seventh in Region 5B and, with a Monacan win over Clover Hill, the Rebels hope they could climb even higher. Douglas Freeman will be a tricky first round opponent come next Friday night. The storied career of Glen Allen's Devin Flowers comes to a close with this game as the all-time leading rusher in Central Region history.

TOMATO BOWL 61: Patrick Henry at Lee-Davis, airtime 6:30pm on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM), CLICK HERE to listen online, listen on @TuneIn app on "Radiall"!

The Patriots come off their bye week needing a win in Mechanicsville, a Thomas Dale win over Dinwiddie, and a King George win over Spotsylvania to have a chance to finish as the #4 seed and host a Region 4B first round game next week. Lee-Davis (2-7) leads the all-time series 30-29-1, but the Patriots seek their third straight victory in the storied series. Know the Confederates will use the entire playbook to try to end their disappointing season on a high note, trying to wrestle the Tomato Bowl trophy away from Patrick Henry.

Atlee at Hanover, 7pm: Disappointing seasons for both the Raiders and Hawks as this one-time red-hot rivalry is renewed Friday. It's the final game in an Atlee uniform for Tyler Warren, who will head to Penn State to play tight end next year.

Thomas Dale at Dinwiddie, 7pm: This is a big game for two teams already in their respective postseasons. The Knights need a win to ensure a first round home game and to at least have the #3 seed in Region 6A, while the Generals, currently sixth in Region 4B, need a win, and a loss by Spotsylvania to get a shot at the fourth seed and a home game next week. The biggest thing for both teams in this contest is to escape serious injury. You need all hands on deck when the postseason begins.

Powhatan at Huguenot, 7pm: The bottom of the Region 4B playoff race is nuts. Huguenot and Chancellor are tied for seventh, while King George and Powhatan are tied for ninth at about a half-point behind. If Chancellor and King George both lose, the winner of this game is likely in the playoffs. The loser is likely out. But it will be close, no matter what. For the Falcons and Indians, the playoffs are already here.

VISAA DIVISION I SEMIFINALS (Saturday):

#4 Fork Union at #1 St. Christopher's, 1pm
#3 Trinity Episcopal at #2 Benedictine, 1pm

OTHER GAMES:

J.R. Tucker at Hermitage, 7pm
Petersburg at Colonial Heights, 7pm
Midlothian at George Wythe, Saturday, 12pm
L.C. Bird at James River, 7pm
John Marshall at Mills Godwin, 7pm
Chancellor at Eastern View, 7pm
King George at Spotsylvania, 7pm
#5 Louisa at Albemarle, 7pm
New Kent at Smithfield, 7pm
Bluestone at Goochland, 7pm
King William at King & Queen Central, 7pm
Randolph-Henry at Amelia, 7pm
James Monroe at Caroline, 7pm
Essex at Rappahannock, 7pm