Week 10 Football Previews

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CLICK HERE to listen live to the Game of The Week: #6 Deep Run at Glen Allen, tonight at 6:30 on 102.9 The Mater!

GAME PREVIEWS:

GAME OF THE WEEK: #6 Deep Run (8-0) at Glen Allen (4-4), 6:30pm airtime, 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM), CLICK HERE to listen online, also on @TuneIn Radio App on "Radiall"...

Deep Run knows they are in the Class 5, Region B playoffs beginning November 15th. The Wildcats are 8-0 for the first time since 2008 and the third time in school history dating back to 2003. The last time they were 8-0, they lost to Hermitage, finished 9-1, and missed the postseason back in the days where only district winners and four wild card teams advanced in the old Division 6 and Division 5 format in the former Group AAA. The Wildcats look for back to back playoff bids as they earned back in 2005 and 2006. More importantly, they look to keep pace with Manchester, who barely overtook them in the Region 5B standings for second place behind Highland Springs. As for the Jaguars, they missed a huge opportunity to really be in position to wrestle a bid away from the likes of Henrico or Matoaca by falling last week to John Marshall. A win at home Friday, then a win over Douglas Freeman to end the regular season, and the Jaguars have hope. One win may not be enough.
Which defense wins the day? The Jags must contend with Fischer Player of The Year Award candidate Bo Kite and the Wildcats must stop the Central Region's all-time leading rusher in Devin Flowers.

#1 Highland Springs (8-0) at Colonial Forge (7-1), 7pm: This would have been our Game of The Week had it been closer to Richmond. The Springers, with trips to Virginia Beach, Greensboro, and to Manchester behind them, now head to Stafford County. Jones, Bradford, Smith and the rest of the Springer offense should be ready for, perhaps, their toughest test, especially on defense, this regular season. The Eagles have given up more than 13 points once, in their 30-27 loss to Freedom-Prince William. They held Massaponax to a field goal last Friday. They are for real. Highland Springs' defense will need to be ready to answer in a game that seems a bit destined to be played in the teens or the low 20's. Remember that Colonial Forge leads Region 6B over Freedom and Massaponax and are trying to clinch their region's top seed. Nothing clinches better than ending a 37-game winning streak. But the Springers have had Virginia's biggest target on their back all season. They'll be ready.

#3 Manchester (7-1) at L.C. Bird (4-4), 7pm: The Lancers, now number two in Region 5B, faces the same type of opponent Deep Run has, a fellow Region 5B member at 4-4, on the outside looking in, in desperate need of a victory. The Skyhawks haven't missed the playoffs since, literally, the 20th century. They need a win, but to do that, they need to find their offense. Save their win over George Wythe, they've scored 20 points or more just twice. Meanwhile, Manchester has been held under 27 points just once, in their 26-16 loss to Highland Springs. The Lancers know all about Colonial Forge, and find themselves, for once, rooting for them.

#2 Hopewell (8-0) at #9 Prince George (6-2), 7pm: This traditional rivalry has not seen a game with this much on the line in a very, very long time. For the Blue Devils, they look to stay unbeaten and, now, catch up to Phoebus, who grabbed the top seed in Region 3A thanks to a win over previously unbeaten Woodside. Hopewell is tied for second with York, who has their shot at an unbeaten team this week, Warhill. The Blue Devils, meanwhile, have their hands full. A young, determined Prince George team knows that if they can stick to their bread and butter, power offensive football, win the time of possession, sustain long drives, and, on defense, hold Hopewell to 30 percent or under on third down conversions, they can win. Prince George already has signature wins this year over Douglas Freeman, Dinwiddie, and Thomas Dale. A win over Hopewell would be the biggest of all, and easily seal a playoff bid in Region 5B, something few saw coming back in August.

#4 Varina (7-1) at Atlee (3-5), 7pm: It will be a very emotional Senior Night at Atlee, as the community continues to mourn the sudden passing of senior Garrett Kirby, a member of their baseball team, and teammate and friend to many on the football team. The Blue Devils come in off their bye week and should not be looking ahead to their showdown with Highland Springs. Varina knows they are playing their best football in years and are in a position to make a deep playoff run. Ideally, from a mental standpoint, they're already in playoff mode.

#7 Monacan (7-1) at Cosby (5-3), 7:30pm: The Chiefs are back in the discussion at the top of Region 4B, nearly catching second-seeded Eastern View during the Cyclones' bye week last week. If Spotsylvania beats Eastern View and Monacan wins this game, the #2 seed is theirs with one very difficult game to go. The Chiefs are playing their best football of the season right now, but now have to go to play a Cosby team struggling offensively that will count on their defense to keep the game close. Cosby may make the playoffs if they, for some reason, ended 5-5, but they will make it at 6-4. A win here seals a 6A bid. The Titan defensive front better disrupt, and early, for a chance to win.

#8 Benedictine (7-1) at St. John Paul the Great (0-8), 7pm: The Cadets just behind St. Christopher's for the top seed in Division I of VISAA. The Saints get arch rival Collegiate on Saturday. A Cadet win here and a Cougars win Saturday, and the road to the state title goes through Benedictine.

John Marshall (5-3) at #10 Douglas Freeman (6-2), 7pm: What a win for Coach Sims and the Justices last week, holding Devin Flowers and Glen Allen to just six points. The Justices can vault into contention for a first round home game in Region 2A with another big win Friday. This will be tough for John Marshall, however, as the Rebels have been finding ways to win, seemingly, week in and week out. If behind in the fourth quarter, Douglas Freeman is completely sure of their ability to find the path to victory. With a slight lead over #8 Henrico and #9 Matoaca in the Region 5B standings, the Rebels can't afford a slip up here.

J.R. Tucker (1-7) at #11 Thomas Jefferson (7-1), Saturday, 2pm: The Vikings are in the driver's seat in Region 2A after a gutsy road win at Gretna last Friday. A rare home date awaits Thomas Jefferson, who look for their eighth win ahead of a trip to Deep Run in the regular season finale. The teams could have a combined record of 17-1 should both the Wildcats and Vikings prevail this week. The "Hornik Bowl" would be a game the magnitude of which no one could have dreamed of even just a year or two ago. Hornik helped begin the turnaround at TJ before leaving for Deep Run, where he has the Wildcats playing their best in a decade.

George Wythe (0-8) at #12 Clover Hill (6-2), 7pm: The Cavaliers should officially punch a ticket to the playoffs with a win Friday, perhaps the biggest surprise in a season full of them in Region 5B. With their Cavaliers moving out of Class 6 into Class 5, and after a 2018 which saw progress, few still believed they could take a big enough step to join the final eight standing after this season, but with a good performance Friday, the Cavaliers will do just that. A win gets them 24 points, while a Prince George loss to Hopewell earns them 20, so it would be a matter of other results as to who is the #5 seed with a week to play. If Prince George knocks off Hopewell (notice we didn't say upset), the Royals pull away.

Matoaca (5-3) at Petersburg (3-5), 7pm: The Warriors must pick up the pieces of the stunning loss at home last Friday to Thomas Dale and find a way to stop the Crimson Wave, who enter the game tied for the eighth and final playoff seed in Region 3A. They're tied with Southampton, who faces #10 Park View-South Hill in, essentially, an elimination game, unless Petersburg falls here. As for Matoaca, just behind Henrico, who took over eighth in Region 5B with a win over Hanover last week after the Hail Mary for Thomas Dale, they need a win to position themselves for the final week, when Henrico has a bye (they finish 6-4 with a win over Lee-Davis Friday) and have no on-field control over their destiny, and playoff hopes. Plus, should L.C. Bird or Glen Allen pull off an upset Friday, then suddenly it's three teams for one spot, but only two playing. A postseason caliber team wins this game. This is Matoaca's time to prove they belong.

Lee-Davis (2-6) at Henrico (5-4), 7pm: As mentioned above, the Warriors of Henrico overtook the Warriors of Matoaca for the eighth and final Region 5B seed last week. Barely. A slip up here and hopes are damaged. We haven't seen the best that Henrico can be yet. Not knowing whether they have an eleventh game in their season, and on the bye next week, we expect them to pull out all the stops to try to take Lee-Davis out of the game early on Senior Night. All Henrico can do is win, then practice next week with the hopes there will be a game on November 15th. Eric McDaniels could have a huge night.

Dinwiddie (4-4) at Meadowbrook (0-8), 7pm: With a win, Dinwiddie would overtake Patrick Henry, who is idle this week, for the fourth seed in Region 4B, even with a win over a winless Meadowbrook. But to keep that, they may need to win out, which includes handling Thomas Dale at home next Friday, and, at this hour, the Knights look good for the Region 6A playoffs, but need one more win to make sure. The Generals need to come out of this game without any needless injuries. They'll need all hands on deck the rest of the way, however long the road might be.

Huguenot (4-4) at Midlothian (2-6), 7pm: This is a tough draw for Huguenot. Midlothian, coming off a Coal Bowl victory over rival James River, is, yes, playing for next year. But the Trojans, after back to back playoff appearances the past two years after a three-decade absence, still took steps forward in their climb from Class 4 to Class 5. They want to be where Prince George and Clover Hill find themselves at this time next year. Thus, the Falcons get a ninth game opponent with absolutely nothing to lose on their home field. And, with #8 Chancellor, #9 King George, and #10 Powhatan all within a point of the Falcons, there is no room for error here. Look for Kevin Gayles to have a breakout game should Huguenot win.

OTHER GAMES:

Granby (3-6) at Thomas Dale (5-3), 7pm
James River (1-7) at Powhatan (3-5), 7:30pm
Hanover (1-7) at Armstrong (1-7), 7pm
Mills Godwin (3-5) at Hermitage (2-6), 7pm
Caroline (1-7) at King George (4-4), 7pm
Eastern View (8-0) at Spotsylvania (6-2), 7pm
King William (5-3) at West Point (6-3), 7pm
Goochland (7-1) at Central-Lunenburg (5-4), 7pm
Middlesex 13, King & Queen Central 12
Washington & Lee (5-3) at Essex (7-1), 7pm
Amelia (4-4) at Cumberland (0-8), 7pm
Mathews (1-7) at Charles City (1-5), 7pm
Jamestown at New Kent, 7pm

In The Red Zone: Henrico Boys Basketball Coach Vance Harmon

Join us LIVE, or listen live tonight at 6pm for "In The Red Zone" live from Sports Page Grille Ashland!

Host Rob Witham welcomes Vance Harmon, longtime head boys basketball coach at Henrico High School. Plus, we'll have the latest on the high school football playoff races with two weeks left in the regular season, a preview of Randolph-Macon/Washington & Lee football this Saturday and more!

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

WEB: CLICK HERE to listen live!

MOBILE: @TuneIn radio app on "Radiall"

VHSL Football Region Standings: October 28

Two weeks remain in the regular season and, for some teams, just one game remains. The races get tighter, there are less teams alive for postseason play. Let's get you caught up on not just the standings, but the stories behind them, and what's left to be done for teams in the race for the playoffs!

New this week: teams which have wrapped up postseason bids will be noted with (**). Teams that have played a private school team and will have their final rating number divided by nine, not ten, at the end of the regular season, will still be noted with (*) beside their record. We also check the top schools in other regions. The A and B regions will face off in state semifinal play on December 7, while Regions C and D will square off.

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REGION 6A:

1) Oscar Smith (7-1): 31.875**
2) Ocean Lakes (6-3): 28.889**
3) Landstown (6-2): 28.25**
4) Thomas Dale (5-3): 27.75
5) Franklin County (4-4): 26.875
6) Cosby (5-3): 25.875
7) Grassfield (4-4): 25.125
8) Tallwood (3-5): 23.25
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9) Western Branch (2-6): 23.0
10) Floyd Kellam (2-6) 22.125
11) James River (1-7): 20.125

ANALYSIS: The top seed likely belongs to Oscar Smith, as the Dolphins have but one game left. Landstown, with games remaining with teams with a combined record of 10-6, could grab the #2 seed with a pair of wins. Thomas Dale is in the mix for #2, but would need Ocean Lakes to lose their finale, Landstown to lose one, possibly both, and, of course, the Knights would have to sweep Granby and Dinwiddie. As we discussed on "On The Sidelines Extra" Friday, Cosby saw their lead for sixth place shrink with Grassfield, who won Friday, but the other teams behind them all lost, thus, losing an opportunity to draw closer to the Titans. Cosby finishes with Monacan and Manchester, but, by contrast, Western Branch ends with winless Lakeland, then 4-4 Hickory. Floyd Kellam's best chance to get into the top eight is Friday when they go to #8 Tallwood. For Thomas Dale, it's all about winning out, getting Chris Tyree healthy, and having at least one home game come playoff time.

OTHER CLASS 6 REGIONS:

Region 6B: 1) Colonial Forge 33.0, 2) Freedom-PW 32.0, 3) Massaponax 30.778
Region 6C: 1) South County 33.0, 2) Mt. Vernon 30.625, 3) Lake Braddock 30.0
Region 6D: 1) Westfield 35.0, 2) James Madison 30.75, 3) Yorktown 29.125

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REGION 5B:

1) Highland Springs (8-0*): 33.143**
2) Manchester (7-1): 31.125**
3) Deep Run (8-0): 31.0**
4) Varina (7-1): 29.875**
5) Prince George (6-2): 27.75
6) Clover Hill (6-2): 27.5
7) Douglas Freeman (6-2): 26.0
8) Henrico (5-4): 24.667
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9) Matoaca (5-3): 24.5
10) L.C. Bird (4-4): 23.75
11) Glen Allen (4-4): 22.5
12) Atlee (3-5): 22.0
      Hermitage (2-6): 22.0
14) Mills Godwin (3-5): 20.875
15) Midlothian (2-6): 20.75
16) J.R. Tucker (1-7): 18.375
17) Meadowbrook (0-8): 17.375

ANALYSIS: The top four teams can add a week to their schedules, and, with another win, Prince George and Clover Hill should be able to do the same. As we discussed Friday night on "On The Sidelines Extra", Manchester did overtake Deep Run for the #2 seed. Both the Lancers and Wildcats play 4-4 teams in desperate need of a win to stay alive, as Manchester goes to L.C. Bird while Deep Run travels to Glen Allen for our Game of The Week on 102.9 The Mater on Friday. Clover Hill gets winless George Wythe, and would get 24 points for a win. Prince George must try to conquer Hopewell, who just lost the #1 seed in Region 3A despite still being undefeated. If Hopewell wins, Prince George would get 21 points in the loss. Thus, the teams could flip. Then there's Douglas Freeman, who suddenly find a John Marshall team coming in at 5-3. A victory for the Rebels could erase most of the deficit between themselves and both the Royals and Cavaliers.

Henrico finishes their regular season Friday with a two-win Lee-Davis team, while Matoaca has two games left, beginning with a trip to Petersburg, who is in a fight for the final playoff bid in Region 3A, just as the Warriors are here. A win by both "Warriors" would likely flip Matoaca back to the #8 seed, but, it gets tricky. What if L.C. Bird stuns Manchester? Then the Skyhawks likely disrupt everything and head to the #8 seed with a game left. Then there's Glen Allen, who missed a golden opportunity by losing to John Marshall Friday. The Jaguars find themselves, though, in a situation where two wins (Deep Run, Douglas Freeman), and maybe one or two other results in their favor, from trying to grab that final seed.

If Highland Springs wins out (Colonial Forge, Varina), they are the #1 seed. If they lose one, they could still be the top seed. If they lose both, the door is wide open for any of the three teams behind them to rise up. A reminder that we won't know the final projections for this region now until after the Varina/Highland Springs game is played Saturday November 9th at Hermitage High School at 1pm.

OTHER CLASS 5 REGIONS:

Region 5A: 1T) Salem-VB 32.0, 1T) Maury 32.0, 3) Indian River 29.375
Region 5C: 1) Stone Bridge 31.5, 2) Briar Woods 26.25, 3) Woodgrove 25.0
Region 5D: 1) Mountain View 29.5, 2) PH-Roanoke 25.333, 3) North Stafford 25.25

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REGION 4B:

1) Louisa (8-0): 28.0**
2) Eastern View (8-0): 26.5**
3) Monacan (7-1): 26.375**
4) Patrick Henry (6-3): 24.444
5) Dinwiddie (4-4): 24.25
6) Spotsylvania (6-2): 23.75
7) Huguenot (4-4): 22.625
8) Chancellor (5-4): 22.444
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9) King George (4-4): 22.25
10) Powhatan (3-5): 21.75
11) Orange (3-5): 19.25

ANALYSIS: The Lions and Cyclones find themselves in familiar territory, unbeaten heading into November. Monacan has surged to the #3 seed and are on the doorstep of #2 Eastern View, who finish the season with 6-2 Spotsylvania and 5-4 Chancellor. The Chiefs have 5-3 Cosby, then 6-2 Clover Hill. If both teams win out, they might even take a shot at Louisa, who finish with teams with a current combined record of 6-10 (Western Albemarle, Albemarle). Patrick Henry only has Tomato Bowl 61 with Lee-Davis left, so maximizing points will be difficult in trying to stay in the #4 spot. Dinwiddie likely overtakes them by defeating Meadowbrook Friday. Then, the Generals end hosting Thomas Dale. Dinwiddie controls their own destiny when it comes to hosting in the region quarterfinals, just win out. But, Spotsylvania can change everything by handing Eastern View their first loss this Friday. Huguenot needs to win at Midlothian during Chancellor's bye week, while King George plays one-win Caroline. Powhatan really needs to beat one-win James River to stay close heading into Week 11, when they'll finish with the Falcons, while Chancellor ends with Eastern View while King George concludes with Spotsylvania. The Indians need the higher seeds to win, and to win out, to have a shot at a game November 15th.

OTHER CLASS 4 REGIONS:

Region 4A: 1) Lake Taylor 28.333, 2) Warhill 28.0, 3) Churchland 27.0
Region 4C: 1) Broad Run 30.5, 2) Tuscarora 29.5, 3) Liberty-Bealton 28.75
Region 4D: 1) Salem 29.125, 2) E.C. Glass 28.5, 3) Pulaski Co. 27.875

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REGION 3A:

1) Phoebus (7-1): 29.875**
2) York (8-0): 28.75**
     Hopewell (8-0): 28.75**
4) Lafayette (7-1): 24.75**
5) I.C. Norcom (5-3): 23.25
6) Tabb (4-4): 21.375
7) Booker T. Washington (3-5): 20.25
8) Petersburg (3-5): 19.0
    Southampton (4-4): 19.0
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10) Park View-South Hill (4-4): 18.75
11) New Kent (3-5): 17.5

ANALYSIS: As expected, Phoebus races to the top after a win over previously unbeaten Woodside back on Thursday. York's win over Smithfield helps them catch Hopewell, who lost ground with a win over winless Meadowbrook. This week, Phoebus plays 2-7 Heritage, Hopewell has 6-2 Prince George, while York has its shot at an unbeaten in Warhill. If all three win, York may become the third team in as many weeks to take #1, with Hopewell and Phoebus right there with them heading into Week 11, where the Phantoms make up a game lost to Hurricane Dorian with Menchville (3-5), York plays winless Bruton, and Hopewell gets a Matoaca team currently 5-3 and fighting for their own playoff bid up in Region 5B. Meanwhile, Petersburg is tied for the eighth and final bid with Southampton. Southampton has Park View Friday in what could become an elimination game. Petersburg contends with Matoaca this week, finishing with Colonial Heights. New Kent may, or may not, play Jamestown this week, as Jamestown is struggling to field a full team right now. The Trojans end against two-win Smithfield. The Trojans are barely in the race.

REGION 3B:

1) Goochland (7-1*): 25.0**
2) James Monroe (5-3): 24.5**
3) Brentsville District (5-3): 22.75**
4) William Monroe (4-4): 19.5
5) Skyline (4-4): 19.375
6) George Mason (4-4): 18.75
7) Warren County (2-6): 16.875
8) Central Woodstock (3-5): 16.75
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9) Manassas Park (4-4): 16.375

ANALYSIS: James Monroe defeated both Spotsylvania and Chancellor in the last two weeks, both Class 4 teams above .500. to almost catch the Bulldogs for the top seed. But they finish with two teams that currently have two combined wins (Courtland, Caroline), while Goochland plays Central-Lunenburg on Friday, currently 5-4, then finish with two-win Bluestone. If Goochland wins out, they should be the top seed.

OTHER CLASS 3 REGIONS:

Region 3C: 1) Spotswood 26.5, 2) Heritage-Lynchburg 26.125, 3) Liberty Christian 23.25
Region 3D: 1) Lord Botetourt 28.5, 2) Northside 26.0, 3) Hidden Valley 24.75

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REGION 2A:

1) Thomas Jefferson (7-1): 24.5**
2) Nottoway (6-2): 21.75
3) Poquoson (5-3): 21.25
4) Greensville (6-2): 21.125
5) John Marshall (5-3): 20.375
6) King William (5-4*): 19.375
7) Amelia (4-4): 18.5
8) Nandua (5-4): 17.889
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9) Arcadia (4-3): 16.714
10) Brunswick (3-5): 16.0

ANALYSIS: We cannot understate the enormity of Thomas Jefferson's 27-26 win at Gretna Friday, dropping Gretna to the #4 seed in Region 2C, while padding the Vikings' lead atop 2A to 2.75 points. Nottoway's one-point win over Central-Lunenburg moves them from a tie for fourth to second, while King William really loses ground after playing a VISAA school (Benedictine), from third to sixth, thanks to wins for Greensville and John Marshall. Nottoway needs wins over Bluestone (2-6), then Buckingham (currently 6-2), and needs the Vikings to lose to Deep Run November 8th. Even then, all of that may not be enough. A win over J.R. Tucker at home Saturday should give the Vikings the #1 seed regardless of the result with Deep Run. If John Marshall can knock off 6-2 Douglas Freeman Friday, suddenly they are in play for the #2, #3 or #4 seed should Greensville and Poquoson fall. There is a lot, a whole lot, left to happen here before we know the top eight and, in what order. King William's finale with currently unbeaten King & Queen Central, if a victory, puts the Cavaliers in play for a home game in the quarterfinals.

OTHER CLASS 2 REGIONS:

Region 2B: 1) Stuarts Draft 26.5, 2) Buckingham 23.0, 3) Luray 22.75
Region 2C: 1) Radford 23.25, 2) Appomattox 23.0, 3) Dan River 20.111
Region 2D: 1) Ridgeview 24.75, 2) Union 22.875, 3) Graham 20.375

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REGION 1A:

1) King & Queen Central (8-0): 21.5**
2) Essex (7-1): 20.375**
3) Rappahannock (6-2): 20.125**
4) Washington & Lee (5-3): 20.0 **
5) West Point (6-3): 16.778
6) Colonial Beach (4-4): 16.75
7) Northumberland (4-4): 14.125
8) Middlesex (5-3): 14.0
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9) Charles City (1-5): 10.833
10) Mathews (1-7): 10.625

ANALYSIS: While King & Queen keeps rolling, they have to. Essex, Rappahannock and Washington & Lee are all right on their heels. All four teams will be in the postseason, now it's a two-week race to determine seeding for the home teams. King & Queen is home to 5-3 Middlesex on Wednesday, and finishes with rival King William (5-4). Essex is the team with control here when it comes to the other teams. The Trojans host Washington & Lee Friday, then go to Rappahannock. Win those, you are definitely #2 and with a King & Queen slip, maybe #1. Rappahannock, meanwhile, deals with Northumberland Friday before they get the Trojans. In this region, you can earn your seeding on the playing field over the next 12 days.

OTHER CLASS 1 REGIONS:

Region 1B: 1) Riverheads 25.25, 2) Sussex Central 21.625, 3) Wm Campbell 18.25
Region 1C: 1T) Narrows 22.75, 1T) Galax 22.75, 3) George Wythe-W 21.143
Region 1D: 1) PH-Glade Spring 23.25, 2) Chilhowie 21.5, 3) J.I. Burton 20.5

(Daytione Smith reaches high to intercept a pass for Highland Springs in their 35-0 win over Atlee on the Game of The Week Friday night. Photo by Rachel Witham)

Week 9 Scoreboard

VISAA Game Of The Week: Norfolk Academy at Collegiate, 12:30pm

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

WEB: CLICK HERE to listen!

MOBILE: @TuneIn app on "Radiall"

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#1 Highland Springs 35, Atlee 0
#2 Hopewell 61, Meadowbrook 0
#3 Manchester 56, Powhatan 21
#5 Louisa 41, Fluvanna 11
#6 Deep Run 61, J.R. Tucker 26
#7 Monacan 14, L.C. Bird 0
#8 Benedictine 47, King William 0
#9 Prince George 42, Petersburg 24
#10 Douglas Freeman 23, Hermitage 21
#11 Thomas Jefferson 27, Gretna 26
#12 Clover Hill 31, Cosby 14

Thomas Dale 19, Matoaca 14
John Marshall 14, Glen Allen 6
Patrick Henry 42, Armstrong 0
Henrico 57, Hanover 0
St. Christopher's 35, Lee-Davis 14
Midlothian 40, James River 19
Dinwiddie 63, Colonial Heights 6

Goochland at Blue Ridge, 2:30pm
Trinity Episcopal at Woodberry Forest, 2pm

REGION 6A WATCH:

Lord Botetourt 22, Franklin County 21
Grassfield 35, Great Bridge 34
Cox 25, Tallwood 12
Salem 42, Floyd Kellam 7
Indian River 28, Western Branch 21

REGION 4B WATCH:

James Monroe 27, Chancellor 13
Spotsylvania 41, Caroline 21
King George 20, Courtland 14

REGION 3A WATCH:

Phoebus 21, Woodside 6
York 38, Smithfield 13
Tabb 28, New Kent 26

REGION 2A WATCH:

Poquoson 54, Bruton 7
Greensville 44, Franklin 8
Buckingham 37, Amelia 6
Central Lunenburg at Nottoway, 5pm

REGION 1A WATCH:

King & Queen Central 55, Charles City 8
Essex 66, Lancaster 8
Colonial Beach 48, Northumberland 7
Rappahannock 26, Washington & Lee 21

Week 9 Football Previews

THURSDAY: Join us for "RVA Locals Only" on ESPN Richmond as we talk live with Prince George head football coach Bruce Carroll about their big wins this season, including their first victory over Thomas Dale since 2000 last Friday, plus we'll preview all the big action coming up this weekend!

9:30am on 99.5 and 102.7 FM, 950 AM at ESPNRichmond.com and on the ESPN Richmond app on the Black And Drew Sports Huddle!

WEEK 9 GAME PREVIEWS:

GAME OF THE WEEK: Atlee (3-4) vs. #1 Highland Springs (7-0), 6:30pm, 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM, 1430 AM), CLICK HERE to listen online, or use TuneIn Radio App on "Radiall"

This game will be held at Varina High School, and it is Homecoming for the Springers, who will have their usual parade at the school, then head to Varina to look for their 37th consecutive victory dating back to the 2017 season opener. It's very simple for the Raiders: they must win out for a realistic chance to make the Region 5B playoffs. That would mean titanic back to back upsets of Highland Springs and Varina. But, stranger things have happened. No one, for example, saw "Meadowbrook 8, Highland Springs 7" coming in September, 2016 for the then one-time defending state champions. Do the Springers come out of the bye rolling, flat, or a little of both? Atlee will need some turnovers, short fields, and an almost perfect performance.

Meadowbrook (0-7) at #2 Hopewell (7-0), 7pm: Treveyon Henderson and the Blue Devils look for their eighth straight win after a battle at Merner with Dinwiddie last week. Henderson was held in check, for awhile, then ended up with, by his standards, an "average" night, meaning four touchdowns. With York facing Smithfield to stay unbeaten, if both teams win, York likely takes over the top seed due to bonus points for facing a team with wins, as opposed to the Monarchs, who have to be looking at major changes following this season. Fifteen years ago, Meadowbrook won a state championship. Lately, they're simply trying to find a win.

Powhatan (3-4) at #3 Manchester (6-1), 7pm: Once firmly in the Region 4B playoff race, now Powhatan finds themselves in tenth place, two positions out of the top eight, and now it's a trip to the reigning Class 6 state champions, who themselves are fighting for as high a seed as possible in Region 5B. A Powhatan win vaults them back into the race, a loss puts big pressure on the Indians to win their final two games, against one-win James River, then a finale against Huguenot that could, could become a play-in game in 4B should circumstances work out a certain way.

J.R. Tucker (1-6) at #6 Deep Run (7-0), 7pm: The Wildcats will be heavily favored Friday night. With a win, the Wildcats will have their best regular season, no matter the outcome of the final two games, since their 9-1 campaign in 2008. Deep Run is trying to put themselves in a position where if, if Highland Springs stumbles once down the stretch, they could be in play for the number one seed. A trip to Glen Allen on our "Game of The Week" next Friday, then a battle with Thomas Jefferson, are the final steps after Friday's game. First things first: don't overlook the Tigers.

L.C. Bird (4-3) at #7 Monacan (6-1), 7:30pm: The Skyhawks scored 42 points against George Wythe, and 55 points so far against everyone else. The Chiefs, really beginning to rock it on offense, look for their third consecutive victory over L.C. Bird. If the Monacan offense continues to progress, it could be a long night for the Skyhawks, and, with a loss, a hit to their playoff chances. You have to go back to the 20th century to find the last time L.C. Bird did not qualify for the postseason, even back in the difficult age of making the playoffs in the pre-2013 format. Monacan, meanwhile, is looking for a slip by either Louisa or Eastern View to try to make the top two in Region 4B.

#8 Benedictine (6-2) at King William (5-2), 7pm: The Cadets, now second in VISAA Division I just behind St. Christopher's, who also step out of the private school ranks by going to Lee-Davis this week. A win here, while great for the Cavaliers, wouldn't help them in the rugged race in Region 2A, where they are in third place, but barely ahead of both Greensville and Nottoway. The Cadets should be fine in their playoff race. Now, it's a question of what their eventual seed will be, and can they get back to the top seed to ensure home field advantage.

Petersburg (3-4) at #9 Prince George (5-2), 7pm: They've ousted Douglas Freeman, stunned Dinwiddie and shocked Thomas Dale. Now, the Royals have to face the always athletic, and talented, Petersburg. They can't let this become a trap game, with #2 Hopewell coming in next Friday. A win here should just about punch a ticket to the postseason for Prince George, something they haven't experienced in a very, very long time. The Crimson Wave, meanwhile, are in the eighth and final spot in Region 3A, a point ahead of Southampton and New Kent, so a win here would be huge for Petersburg's playoff aspirations.

Hermitage (2-5) at #10 Douglas Freeman (5-2), 7pm: The Rebels see Clover Hill leapfrog them in the Region 5B standings last week, and now need another win, likely two, to get back to the playoffs after missing them in 2018. The Panthers, after an impressive start, have faltered. A victory here would keep their faint playoff hopes alive, and maybe more importantly, get a positive spin back on this season, as a junior-laden team looks to build momentum for this stretch as well as 2020.

#11 Thomas Jefferson (6-1) at Gretna (5-2), 7pm: The Vikings travel two and a half hours west to face the third seed in Region 2C, an excellent test for Thomas Jefferson entering the homestretch of the season. Thomas Jefferson is the top seed right now in Region 2A, and, with a road win here, could stretch their nearly 2.5 point advantage even further. With a trip to unbeaten Deep Run in two weeks, the Vikings would love to have the #1 seed wrapped up before their regular season finale. The Hawks have scored at least 46 points in each of their five victories this season, so the Viking defense will be sorely tested.

#12 Clover Hill (5-2) at Cosby (5-2), 7:30pm: Last week's #12 team hosts this week's #12 team. The Cavaliers, after their comeback stunner at Huguenot in overtime, jumped to sixth place in Region 5B, while Cosby, whose five-game winning streak ended at L.C. Bird, is in sixth place in Region 6A. While the Cavs see a host of teams dying to switch positions with them (Henrico, L.C. Bird, Glen Allen....), Cosby is in better shape, as the #7 and #8 seeded teams are over two points behind the Titans entering this week. Clover Hill needs the win more in a tighter playoff race. As Marc Davis of NBC12 noted on the "On The Sidelines Wednesday Playbook" this week, the matchup to watch is the stingy Cosby defense against a Clover Hill offense that proved their firepower after halftime last week.

Thomas Dale (4-3) at Matoaca (5-2), 7pm: Few would have predicted in August that, when this game came around, the Warriors would have the better record. Matoaca holds the eighth, and final, playoff seed in Region 5B. Just above them? Clover Hill, Douglas Freeman, and, waiting in the wings, Henrico, L.C. Bird and Glen Allen. The Knights find themselves in fifth place in Region 6A, and hopes for hosting a first round game now up in the air. Thus, both teams are fighting, big time, in this traditional Central District battle. Thomas Dale could be in an interesting position at this point in the season. Should they be able to win out, they could have serious momentum entering a postseason where it seems like everyone will be trying to give their best shot to Oscar Smith, the top seed currently, whose only loss was to, you guessed it, Highland Springs.

Glen Allen (4-3) vs. John Marshall (4-3), 7pm, Huguenot HS: This could end up being the best game this week. Former Oscar Smith and UVA teammates Perry Jones and Phillip Sims coach against each other for the first time. The Jaguars have been playing much more like the playoff team of 2018 the past three weeks, and a win here positions Glen Allen in a home showdown with now-undefeated Deep Run next Friday. Glen Allen is in 11th place in Region 5B, so Jaguars fans need to root for Hermitage, Thomas Dale, Monacan and Hanover this week. As for John Marshall, they're in seventh place in Region 2A, over two points ahead of the ninth seed. But nothing is secure, so a win here on Friday would do wonders for their postseason hopes.

St. Christopher's (7-1) at Lee-Davis (2-5), 7pm: The Saints look to hold onto the top seed in VISAA Division I (they just took over this week), ahead of their annual showdown with arch rival Collegiate. While Lee-Davis is mathematically alive in Region 4B, this game hurts them, win or lose, a lot. A game against a private school team doesn't count in the VHSL race. Lee-Davis enters this week just under four points away from eighth place.

Patrick Henry (5-3) at Armstrong (1-7), 7pm: The Patriots look to clinch a winning season after going 3-6 a year ago, but, more importantly, look to do what they can in terms of being in the top four in Region 4B, currently in fourth, but with Dinwiddie and Spotsylvania looming behind them. The Generals host a one-win Colonial Heights team, while the Knights are at one-win Caroline. Patrick Henry fans should be L.C. Bird fans this week, as a Monacan loss would draw the Patriots closer to the third position. This week? Keep Alex Sikkar and company healthy, get a win, then rest on the bye week and get ready for Tomato Bowl 61 at Lee-Davis on November 8th (which we'll have live for the 18th consecutive season on 102.9 The Mater).

Henrico (4-4) at Hanover (1-6), 7pm: Time, and opportunity, are running out for Henrico, who has become a perennial playoff team in the always tough Region 5B. They are favored to win at a Hanover team who has struggled all season and are already building for 2020. The Warriors need a win, and need for Cosby, Hermitage, Thomas Dale and Monacan to pick up victories. It's past time for a breakout game for Eric McDaniels. This could be the week.

OTHER GAMES:

Colonial Heights (1-7) at Dinwiddie (3-4), 7pm
George Wythe (0-7) at Huguenot (3-4), Saturday, 1pm

Norfolk Academy at Collegiate (4-3), Saturday, 1pm (airtime 12:30pm on 102.9 The Mater, CLICK HERE to listen online)

Midlothian (1-6) at James River (1-6), 7pm
Fluvanna at #5 Louisa (7-0), 7pm
Spotsylvania (5-2) at Caroline (1-6), 7pm
New Kent (3-4) at Tabb (3-4), 7pm
Goochland (6-1) at Blue Ridge, Saturday, 2:30pm
Buckingham at Amelia (4-3), 7pm

VHSL Football Region Standings: October 21

Wins, losses, strength of schedule, strength of remaining schedule, everything is in play in the Virginia High School League Region playoff races with now three Friday nights remaining in the regular season. Here are the latest region standings, along with our exclusive breakdown of what everything means, what lies ahead, and what's happening in other regions.

A reminder that, on State Semifinal Saturday December 7th, Region A and Region B champions meet, as do Region C and Region D winners.

*****

REGION 6A:

1) Oscar Smith (6-1): 30.0
2) Ocean Lakes (5-3): 28.625
3) Landstown (6-2): 27.5
4) Franklin County (4-3): 27.143
5) Thomas Dale (4-3): 26.286
6) Cosby (5-2): 26.0
7) Grassfield (3-4): 23.714
8) Tallwood (3-4): 23.286
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9) Western Branch (2-5): 22.571
10) Floyd Kellam (2-5): 21.714
11) James River (1-6): 20.0

ANALYSIS: The region is now Oscar Smith's to lose. They have one team left (Deep Creek this Friday) with a record above .500. Ocean Lakes plays two sub .500 teams to finish their regular season. Landstown has Princess Anne (5-2) and Green Run (4-3) left plus a bye this Friday. Franklin County has unbeaten Lord Botetourt out of Class 3 this week, then two sub .500 teams to finish their schedule. Thomas Dale now needs a win at Matoaca Friday, then a victory over a 2-5 Granby, and a successful trip to Dinwiddie November 8th for a legitimate shot at a #3 or #4 seed. Cosby is in the same boat, and must contend with Clover Hill (5-2), Monacan (6-1) and Manchester (6-1). If the Titans go 2-1 down the stretch, they might contend for a top four seed. The top four teams host the #5--#8 seeds in the first round of region playoffs November 15th. Is James River mathematically eliminated? No. But they need to sweep Midlothian, Powhatan and L.C. Bird, and likely have some teams like Tallwood, Western Branch and Floyd Kellam take some unexpected losses.

OTHER CLASS 6 REGIONS:

Region 6B: 1) Freedom-PW, 2) Massaponax, 3) Colonial Forge
Region 6C: 1) South County, 2) Mount Vernon, 3) Lake Braddock
Region 6D: 1) Westfield, 2) James Madison, 3) Yorktown

*******
REGION 5B:

1) Highland Springs (7-0*): 32.0
2) Deep Run (7-0): 30.857
3) Manchester (6-1): 30.0
4) Varina (7-1): 29.0
5) Prince George (5-2): 26.429
6) Clover Hill (5-2): 25.571
7) Douglas Freeman (5-2): 25.429
8) Matoaca (5-2): 24.857
--
9) Henrico (4-4): 23.875
10) L.C. Bird (4-3): 23.714
11) Glen Allen (4-3): 22.857
12) Hermitage (2-5): 21.857
      Atlee (3-4): 21.857
14) Mills Godwin (3-5): 20.5
15) Midlothian (1-6): 19.286
16) J.R. Tucker (1-6): 17.714
17) Meadowbrook (0-7): 16.571

ANALYSIS: First, our weekly reminder that we will be dividing Highland Springs' total points by nine, not ten, on November 8th, as they opened their season playing a private school team. The Springers have the inside track on the #1 seed, and get it if they finish unbeaten. They have Atlee (3-4) Friday, then go to Colonial Forge (6-1) and finish, of course, with Varina (7-1). No one near them has a remaining strength of schedule like them. Deep Run gets 1-6 J.R. Tucker Friday, finishing with 4-3 Glen Allen and 6-1 Thomas Jefferson, while Manchester has Powhatan, L.C. Bird and Cosby, who have a combined 12-9 record. Varina enjoys their bye this week, then will face Atlee and Highland Springs. Even with their historic win over Thomas Dale, Prince George still finds themselves two and a half points behind Varina, but squarely in fifth. However, their hold on fifth place isn't as strong as they'd like, as Huguenot let them down with Clover Hill's huge late comeback victory over the Falcons Friday to move the Cavaliers from 8th to 6th, leaping idle Douglas Freeman, who slips to 7th, and Matoaca, who beat a one-win Colonial Heights team, and slipped to eighth. Henrico is a point behind, and go to 1-6 Hanover Friday. In the battle of the Warriors, a Henrico win would give them 26 points, while Matoaca, who hosts Thomas Dale, would earn 34 points with a win, but only 19 with a loss, opening the door for Henrico as well as L.C. Bird. The Skyhawks are at 6-1 Monacan, and would earn 36 points with a road victory. Glen Allen gets 4-3 John Marshall this week, and with a win, 32 points. Don't forget, other residual points come into play based on the performance of past opponents, and whether you defeated them or not. With six losses or more,  Midlothian, J.R. Tucker and Meadowbrook look to next year, while Atlee, Hermitage, and Mills Godwin's hopes hang by a thread.

OTHER CLASS 5 REGIONS:

Region 5A: 1) Salem-Va Beach, 2) Maury, 3) Woodside
Region 5C: 1) Stone Bridge, 2) Briar Woods
Region 5D: 1) Mountain View, 2) North Stafford, 3) PH-Roanoke

*******
REGION 4B:

1) Louisa (7-0): 27.429
2) Eastern View (8-0): 26.0
3) Monacan (6-1): 24.857
4) Patrick Henry (5-3): 24.25
5) Dinwiddie (3-4): 23.571
6) Spotsylvania (5-2): 23.143
7) Chancellor (5-3): 22.625
8) Huguenot (3-4): 22.286
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9) King George (3-4): 21.714
10) Powhatan (3-4): 21.429
11) Orange (3-5): 18.625
12) Lee-Davis (2-5): 18.571
13) Courtland (1-7): 16.875
14) Caroline (1-6): 16.571
15) Hanover (1-6): 16.286
16) George Wythe (0-7): 15.0

ANALYSIS: Eastern View gets their bye Friday, then two region rivals in the playoff race in Spotsylvania and Chancellor, while Louisa gets three teams outside the region (Fluvanna, Western Albemarle, Albemarle) with a combined record of 10-11. If the Lions and Cyclones win out, it will be close for the top spot. With three potential playoff teams left on their schedule, there's time for Monacan to jump into the top two should one of them slip. Patrick Henry only has 1-7 Armstrong and 2-5 Lee-Davis left, so not much opportunity to improve their position without some upsets. Patriot fans should be rooting for teams playing Monacan, Dinwiddie and Spotsylvania down the stretch. Speaking of Dinwiddie, they are "Exhibit A" when it comes to strength of schedule. Despite a 3-4 record, they are ahead of a 5-2 Spotsylvania and a 5-3 Chancellor thanks to playing, so far, six of seven teams on their schedule who are above .500. Their momentum will slow down the next two weeks with Colonial Heights and Meadowbrook on the schedule, and who knows where Thomas Dale will be in their race in Region 6A come November 8th. Huguenot's hold on the 8th and final bid is precarious, with 0-7 George Wythe and 1-6 Midlothian coming up. Wins are necessary, though they won't provide many bonus points. The Huguenot/Powhatan showdown on November 8th may be a play-in game for the #8 seed, unless King George can prevent that with three wins down the stretch (Courtland, Caroline, Spotsylvania). We're down to 12 teams, as Courtland, Caroline, Hanover, and George Wythe will all finish below .500, all five or more points out of eighth place.

OTHER CLASS 4 REGIONS:

Region 4A: 1) Warhill, 2) Lake Taylor, 3) Churchland
Region 4C: 1) Broad Run, 2) Tuscarora, 3) Liberty-Bealton
Region 4D: 1) Salem, 2) E.C. Glass, 3) Pulaski County

*******
REGION 3A:

1) Hopewell (7-0): 28.286
2) York (7-0): 28.0
3) Phoebus (6-1): 27.429
4) Lafayette (6-1): 24.143
5) I.C. Norcom (5-2): 23.286
6) Tabb (3-4): 19.857
7) Booker T. Washington (3-4): 19.714
8) Petersburg (3-4): 18.714
---
9) Southampton (3-4): 17.714
    New Kent (3-4): 17.714
11) Park View-South Hill (3-4): 17.571
12) Lakeland (0-7): 15.143
13) Colonial Heights (1-7): 15.0

ANALYSIS: Hopewell's comeback win over Dinwiddie keeps them ahead in the region, but they simply cannot shake off either York or Phoebus. Not only would a 10-0 season be memorable and historic, it may be necessary for the Blue Devils to earn (really earn) the number one seed. The Blue Devils have Meadowbrook Friday while York plays 2-5 Smithfield. Don't be surprised if, with a win, York takes the #1 seed next Monday. But while York finishes with undefeated Warhill and winless Bruton, Hopewell gets two Central District rivals currently in the Region 5B playoff race in Prince George and Matoaca. Both will need wins to secure their postseason ticket. This will be a very interesting final three weeks for Hopewell. Phoebus, by the way, has 8-0 Woodside this Thursday, then finish with Heritage (1-7) and Menchville (3-4). If the Phantoms win out, we'll be triple checking our numbers and division come November 8th. It looks like a two-team race for the #4 seed between Lafayette and I.C. Norcom, and, it's beginning to look like they may face each other in the region quarterfinals. Petersburg gets a much needed win to return to 8th place, but need to go at least 2-1 in their final three games to extend their season. New Kent's path gets better with a win Friday over Tabb, and much more difficult should they lose.

REGION 3B:

1) Goochland (6-1): 23.714
2) James Monroe (4-3): 22.714
3) Brentsville District (4-3): 21.429
4) George Mason (4-3): 19.714
5) William Monroe (3-4): 17.857
6) Skyline (3-4): 17.571
7) Warren County (2-6): 17.143
8) Central-Woodstock (3-4): 17.0
---
9) Manassas Park (4-3): 16.857
10) Independence (0-8): 14.0
11) Armstrong (1-7): 13.625

ANALYSIS: The Bulldogs remain on top, but James Monroe impresses with a win over then 5-1 Spotsylvania last Friday to stay close. This week, Goochland plays a private school team which won't count in these standings. James Monroe's best chance to contend for the top seed is to win this Friday over 5-3 Chancellor, as their two remaining opponents each only have one win. If James Monroe loses Friday and Goochland can win November 1st against Central-Lunenburg, the #1 seed is theirs to lose.

OTHER CLASS 3 REGIONS:

REGION 3C: 1) Spotswood, 2) Heritage/Lynchburg, 3) Liberty Christian Academy
REGION 3D: 1) Lord Botetourt, 2T) Northside, 2T) Hidden Valley

*******
REGION 2A:

1) Thomas Jefferson (6-1): 23.429
2) Poquoson (4-3): 21.0
3) King William (5-2): 20.0
4) Greensville (5-2): 19.857
    Nottoway (5-2): 19.857
6) Amelia (4-3): 18.571
7) John Marshall (4-3): 18.429
8) Arcadia (4-2): 17.167
---
9) Nandua (4-4): 16.375
10) Brunswick (3-4): 15.857
11) Bluestone (2-5): 12.858
12) Windsor (2-5): 12.714

ANALYSIS: The Vikings get a stiff test this Friday when they travel two and a half hours (one way) to face 5-2 Gretna, currently third in Region 2C. A victory would significantly widen their lead over top contenders Poquoson and King William. Poquoson faces winless Bruton Friday, while King William's game against Benedictine, a private school, will not count in the standings. Nottoway really needs a win Friday over Central-Lunenburg to be a contender for a first round home game unless some teams above them currently experience upsets, while Greensville needs to win out, which includes a date with 6-1 Sussex Central next Friday. Is there time for John Marshall to contend for, say, the #4 seed and a home date in the first round? Yes. But, the Justices need to win at least two of their last three games, all against Class 5 opponents from the Colonial District: Glen Allen, Douglas Freeman, and Mills Godwin. Don't forget about King William, however. Their final two games are big ones: 5-3 West Point, then their traditional game with King & Queen Central, who happen to be undefeated, atop Region 1A.

OTHER CLASS 2 REGIONS:

REGION 2B: 1) Stuarts Draft, 2T) Strasburg, 2T) Luray
REGION 2C: 1) Radford, 2) Appomattox, 3) Gretna
REGION 2D: 1) Ridgeview, 2) Union, 3) Richlands

*******
REGION 1A:

1) King & Queen Central (7-0): 21.429
2) Washington & Lee (5-2): 20.571
3) Essex (6-1): 20.429
4) Rappahannock (5-2): 18.286
5) West Point (5-3): 16.125
6) Colonial Beach (3-4): 14.857
7) Northumberland (4-3): 14.714
8) Middlesex (5-2): 14.571
---
9) Mathews (1-6): 10.286
10) Charles City (1-4): 10.0

ANALYSIS: The top eight seeds in this region seem set, barring a wild collapse by one team. The final weeks will shake out the order of the eight. As of now, King & Queen Central has the inside track on the top seed and home field through the end of November. Wins over Middlesex and King William should take care of it, but a slip, and Washington & Lee will be waiting. A sweep of Rappahannock, Essex, and Colonial Beach put them in position to move up. For the Trojans, they face winless Lancaster Friday, then can stake their claim for a top seed with wins over Washington & Lee and Rapphannock. It's a roundrobin between the #2, #3 and #4 seeds over the next two weeks, all hoping for the top seed to lose at some point.

OTHER CLASS 1 REGIONS:

REGION 1B: 1) Riverheads, 2) Sussex Central, 3) William Campbell
REGION 1C: 1) Galax, 2) Narrows, 3) George Wythe-W
REGION 1D: 1) Patrick Henry-Glade Spring, 2) Thomas Walker, 3) Chilhowie

Week 8 Scoreboard

#2 Hopewell 35, Dinwiddie 20
#3 Manchester 35, Midlothian 8
#4 Varina 35, Henrico 7
#5 Louisa 45, Kettle Run 0
#6 Deep Run 56, Mills Godwin 7
#7 Monacan 55, Powhatan 28
Prince George 23, #8 Thomas Dale 20
#11 Thomas Jefferson 21, Caroline 0
L.C. Bird 7, #12 Cosby 2
Atlee 35, Lee-Davis 0
Patrick Henry 42, Hanover 0
Glen Allen 56, J.R. Tucker 0
James River 34, George Wythe 26
Clover Hill 37, Huguenot 31 (OT)
Fork Union 55, Collegiate 52 (3 OT)
Matoaca 41, Colonial Heights 0
Goochland 35, Nottoway 6
King William 80, Mathews 6
New Kent 17, Grafton 0
John Marshall 24, Tunstall 13
Essex 32, Colonial Beach 12

WEEK 8 FOOTBALL COVERAGE

3PM: "On The Sidelines Pregame Presented By Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance": NBC12 Sports Director Marc Davis and Rob Witham preview all the big Week 8 action!

3:30PM: VISAA Football: Collegiate (4-2) at Fork Union (3-3)

6:30PM: "On The Sidelines Pregame"

7PM: Game Of The Week: The Stew Bowl: Lee-Davis (2-4) at Atlee (2-4)


Listen to ALL events above via the following outlets:

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

WEB: CLICK HERE to listen live!

MOBILE: @TuneIn Radio App on "Radiall"!

*****

CLICK HERE for our exclusive Week 8 previews and the lineup for tonight and Saturday!


GAME OF THE WEEK: Stay updated on scores from around the area on the Luck Chevrolet In-Game Scoreboard on 102.9 The Mater and across our Twitter network:

@TheRVASportsNet, @cfieldsports, @hanoversports @henricosports

AFTER THE ACTION:

9:20--9:45PM: "The RVA Sports Network Scoreboard Show": We'll review all the scores as they go final right after the "Game Of The Week", plus talk live with Marc Davis of NBC12 for a preview of "On The Sidelines" and with the winning head coach of The Stew Bowl!


11:13PM: "On The Sidelines": Exclusively on NBC12, Marc and his army of photographers capture all the big plays and victories of Week 8 in high school football, plus the scores!

11:35PM: "On The Sidelines Extra": Join the conversation! It's #TheFinalWord on Week 8 of high school football, and the only place where YOU, the fan, can be part of the conversation! Join Marc and Rob live from the NBC12 Studios on Facebook Live for the latest playoff news, a look ahead to next week and more!

LINK: CLICK HERE to find live video for "On The Sidelines Extra" tonight after 11:35pm!

WEEK 8 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

WEEK 8 GAME PREVIEWS:

(#1 Highland Springs, #10 Douglas Freeman, Hermitage, Charles City have byes)


Dinwiddie (3-3) at #2 Hopewell (6-0), 7pm: The Blue Devils are playing even better than they did in their playoff run that ended with a Class 3 State Championship back in 2017. Treveyon Henderson is the early front runner for top player honors in the area, with 24 touchdowns in six games, an insane average of four touchdowns per game. While Matoaca and Prince George are still ahead, we believe it is the Generals of Dinwiddie who may have the best shot at ruining Hopewell's perfect regular season. They've won two straight, evening their record, but, more importantly, leaping back into the top eight in Region 4B, in sixth place Patrick Henry, Monacan and even #3 Spotsylvania all within their sights. For once, Dinwiddie needs this to be a more defensive affair. If Henderson gets warmed up, watch out.

#3 Manchester (5-1) at Midlothian (1-5), 7pm: The Lancers get back to work after losing the 16-0 halftime lead last Friday against Highland Springs. For Manchester, it's look to win four straight to end the regular season 9-1 and earn as high a playoff berth in Region 5B as possible. For the Trojans, it's their last best chance to get an upset win and, with it, tons of bonus points in the VHSL point system, reviving their faint postseason hopes. A 4-6 team won't make the playoffs in Region 5B, so, for Midlothian, it's time to throw the kitchen sink into the game plan. The Lancers still have Powhatan, L.C. Bird and Cosby ahead.

Henrico (4-3) at #4 Varina (6-1), 7pm: Henrico wins last week, and still drops out of the top eight in Region 5B thanks to Clover Hill's win over L.C. Bird. This only reinforces how critical it is for teams in the 17-team gauntlet of a region to collect all the wins you can. By contrast, the top four seeds in 5B are separating themselves from the rest of the pack, as Varina, the #4 seed now, is currently 2.5 points ahead of #5 Prince George, three points up on #6 Douglas Freeman. As Varina head coach Stu Brown noted on the RVA Sports Network Scoreboard Show last Friday after the Blue Devils' 48-10 win at Patrick Henry, the Warriors have had their number lately, and this year, they need to do a better job of both game planning and in-game adjusting. A win for Henrico would vault them back into the top eight, as they could even catch idle Douglas Freeman. Matoaca, the #7 seed, has 1-5 Colonial Heights while Clover Hill has 3-3 Huguenot. Varina looks for a win to keep pace with the teams ahead of them.

#5 Louisa (6-0) at Kettle Run, 7pm: It should be, repeat, should be an easy night for the Lions, even on the road. They have the advantage in Region 4B over 7-0 Eastern View, who go to 3-3 King George. Thus, wins for both Louisa and the Cyclones would help Eastern View draw closer in the regional standings, but Louisa has a game in hand.

Mills Godwin (3-4) at #6 Deep Run (6-0), 7pm: The Wildcats will continue to take things one game at a time, and this week, it's an Eagle team still searching to put together their best performance. The pressure will be on Godwin's defense to slow down Bo Kite and the Wildcat offense. Mills Godwin has scored eighteen points or less in six of their seven games, so if Deep Run can find 21 points or more, history says they'll have the advantage. Deep Run also needs the win to keep pace with the other top teams in Region 5B, while they keep one eye over their shoulder for Varina. (TWITTER: @lifeguard_duty and @henricosports)

#7 Monacan (5-1) at Powhatan (3-3), 7:30pm: It's Homecoming for an Indian team that suddenly is in need of a victory. A last minute loss to Cosby last week sent Powhatan out of the top eight in Region 4B due to wins for Dinwiddie, Huguenot and Chancellor. Now they must contend with a Monacan team that escaped with a one-point win over Midlothian last week, and find themselves in fourth place in 4B, surrounded by four teams that are within one point or so both ahead of them and behind them, from Eastern View to Dinwiddie. Josiah Nelson comes off a good performance and will need another one Friday. A high scoring game likely favors the visitors.

Prince George (4-2) at Thomas Dale (4-2), 7pm: October 20, 2000. Bill Clinton was President, and America was about to learn the phrase "hanging chad". It's been almost nineteen years since Prince George last defeated Thomas Dale. Now, the Royals, in the thick of the postseason chase in Region 5B in fifth place, look to end their nearly two decades of frustration. To do so, however, they must stop a Knights team that slid to sixth place in Region 6A last week despite a win over Meadowbrook. Does the Royal defense have enough to slow down Thomas Dale? Can their young, talented offense penetrate the Dark Zone Defense? We'll know by 10pm Friday.

Woodberry Forest at #9 Benedictine (5-2), Saturday, 1pm: The Cadets picked up an important 27-13 win last week at home over Collegiate to solidify the top seed in VISAA Division I. But St. Christopher's is hot on their heels, so they need to close strong. Woodberry Forest took Collegiate to triple overtime two weeks ago, so nothing is a given in this one. The final two weeks send Benedictine to King William and St. John Paul the Great.

#11 Thomas Jefferson (5-1) at Caroline (1-5), 7pm: Caroline can put up points. Ask King William. But, of course, so can Shamar Graham and the Vikings. This week, it could be very tough to keep the top seed in Region 2A. Nottoway gets Goochland Friday and Poquoson gets unbeaten Warhill. So, even with a victory, Thomas Jefferson could see their lead in the region standings shrink, or possibly even disappear. For the Vikings, it's win Friday and don't worry about the rest. They have currently unbeaten Deep Run, a Class 5 school, in their season finale, so opportunity will be there to be at the top of the region when it counts: at the end of the regular season.

#12 Cosby (5-1) at L.C. Bird (3-3), 7pm: What a game this should be! Cosby enters with a five-game winning streak after a nail-biting win over Powhatan. They moved up to the #4 seed in Region 6A. However, the Titans have never defeated the Skyhawks, dating back to their first meeting in 2007. They'll face a Skyhawks team that is on the outside looking in when it comes to Region 5B, 2.5 points out of eighth place. The way to remedy that is to beat a 5-1 team in a higher classification than you. This should be a defensive battle, as Cosby has given up only 41 points in their winning streak, while L.C. Bird have scored 41 points in their last two wins. Having given these statistics, watch a track meet break out instead.

GAME OF THE WEEK: Lee-Davis (2-4) at Atlee (2-4), 6:30pm airtime on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM), CLICK HERE to listen online, mobile on @tunein app on "Radiall".

Two teams in desperate need of a victory, and two arch rivals. This could be the most intense game of Week 8. Tyler Warren had 480 yards of total offense, by himself, in last week's loss to Henrico. A fifth loss in Region 5B, with Varina and Highland Springs still to come, endangers the Raiders' playoff hopes. Meanwhile, after an 0-4 start, Lee-Davis picks up two victories to keep teams ahead of them within shouting distance in Region 4B. However, the Confederates likely need to win out (Atlee, Henrico, Patrick Henry) since their game with St. Christopher's next week won't count in the VHSL formula. Atlee broke a three-game losing skid to Lee-Davis last season.

Collegiate (4-2) at Fork Union (3-3), 3pm airtime on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM), CLICK HERE to listen online, mobile on @tunein app on "Radiall".

With Fork Union nipping at the heels of the top four in VISAA Division I, and next week's opponent for the Cougars, Norfolk Academy, in the same position, it's very simple for Nigel Williams and Collegiate. One game at a time, one win at a time. It would be great, for Cougar fans, to get wins this Friday and next Saturday. Then, the annual rivalry game with St. Christopher's could be for home field advantage. Will Williams return to the quarterback position this week? Tune in live to The Mater to find out.

Clover Hill (4-2) at Huguenot (3-3), 7pm: The Cavaliers are one of three surprise teams inside the top eight of Region 5B with four weeks to go, joining Prince George and Matoaca. In "The Jennings Bowl", the Clover Hill head coach takes on his old team, the Falcons, who returned to the top eight in Region 4B last week. Each team is essentially in the same position in their respective regions, on the right side of the standings for now, but with teams swirling around them, ready to pounce should they lose. This is one of the most important games, from a playoff standpoint, on this week's schedule.

Glen Allen (3-3) vs. J.R. Tucker (1-5), 7pm, Douglas Freeman HS: The Jaguars took awhile to get their engine going this season, but the last two weeks, they've looked like the team that stormed to the school's first winning season in its history a year ago. Devin Flowers is, well, Devin Flowers, and the Jags look to get over .500 and continue their climb towards the top eight in Region 5B. The disadvantage, however, is a win over a one-win rival won't be as strong in the VHSL formula that if, for example, Clover Hill beats a three-win Huguenot, or especially if L.C. Bird knocks off 5-1 Cosby. Jaguar fans need to be rooting for Huguenot and Cosby this week, too, if, while they're at it, Lee-Davis. If the Confederates beat Atlee, the Jags pick up two bonus points for having defeated Lee-Davis and it keeps Atlee behind Glen Allen, provided they beat their biggest rivals this decade.

Hanover (1-5) at Patrick Henry (4-3), 7pm: It's Senior Night for Patrick Henry, who finish the regular season with a trip to Armstrong, a bye, and Tomato Bowl 61 in Mechanicsville at Lee-Davis on November 8th. The Patriots, if they play to their standards this season, should be favored in each game. Having a weak strength of schedule down the stretch, however, doesn't help them in the jam-packed playoff race in Region 4B. They enter in fifth place, but seven teams surrounding them in the standings stand less than two points away from the Patriots, either ahead or behind. For the Hawks, they get that first win for David Butler, but now have to find a way to slow down Alex Sikkar, who has been putting together one of the best individual seasons in the Central Region outside of Treveyon Henderson of Hopewell.

OTHER GAMES:

Matoaca (4-2) at Colonial Heights (1-6), 7pm
Petersburg (2-4) at Meadowbrook (0-6), 7pm
John Marshall (3-3) at Tunstall, 7pm
Trinity Episcopal (5-3) at Potomac School (3-3), 2pm Saturday
St. Christopher's (6-1) at Loyola Blakefield (MD), 2pm Saturday
George Wythe (0-6) at James River (0-6), 7pm
Nottoway (5-1) at Goochland (5-1), 7pm
Manassas Park (3-3) at Armstrong (1-6), 7pm
Mathews (1-5) at King William (4-2), 7pm
Amelia (3-3) at Bluestone (2-4), 7pm
Grafton at New Kent (2-4), 7pm
Essex (5-1) at Colonial Beach (3-3), 7pm
West Point (5-2) at King & Queen Central (6-0), 7pm

NBC12/RVA Sports Network High School Football Big 12 Poll

Hopewell slips up one, Manchester down just one after the comeback win from #1 Highland Springs, and a team who has won five straight enters for the first time this season.


1) Highland Springs (7-0, was #1, BYE)
2) Hopewell (6-0, was #3, vs. Dinwiddie)
3) Manchester (5-1, was #2, at Midlothian)
4) Varina (6-1, was #4, vs. Henrico)
5) Louisa (6-0, was #5, at Kettle Run)
6) Deep Run (6-0, was #6, vs. Mills Godwin)
7) Monacan (5-1, was #7, at Powhatan)
8) Thomas Dale (4-2, was #8, vs. Prince George)
9) Benedictine (5-2, was #10, vs. Woodberry Forest Saturday)
10) Douglas Freeman (5-2, was #9, BYE)
11) Thomas Jefferson (5-1, was #12, at Caroline)
12) Cosby (5-1, NEW, at L.C. Bird)

Dropping Out: Henrico (4-3, was #10)

VHSL Football Region Standings: October 14

Here are the latest regional standings from the Virginia High School League with just four weeks left in the regular season with our exclusive analysis on the current state of the playoff race!


REGION 6A:

1) Ocean Lakes (5-2): 28.571
2) Oscar Smith (5-1): 28.333
3) Franklin County (4-2): 27.667
4) Cosby (5-1): 27.0
5) Landstown (5-2): 26.714
6) Thomas Dale (4-2): 26.667
7) Western Branch (2-4): 23.0
8) Tallwood (2-4): 22.167
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9) Grassfield (2-4) 22.0
10) Floyd Kellam (2-4): 21.667
11) James River (0-6): 18.5

ANALYSIS: This week's movement is all brought to you by strength of schedule. Thomas Dale defeats a winless Meadowbrook, and drops in the standings, while Cosby moves up to fourth with a victory over a three-win Powhatan team. A reminder that, for all regions, at this point, where you are now is essentially meaningless if you lose two of your last three or three of your last four games. On the flip side, should a team ahead of you or slightly behind (see Landstown and Thomas Dale) falters, back up you go with victories. Ocean Lakes could really help their case for the top seed by handing Salem of Virginia Beach, a Region 5A school, their first loss this week. Oscar Smith, with a game in hand, and a pretty strong schedule down the stretch, takes the top spot as early as next week with an Ocean Lakes defeat. Cosby can better separate themselves from Landstown (the #4 seed hosts the #5 seed in the first round November 15th) with a win over L.C. Bird Friday, but a reminder that the Titans have never defeated the Skyhawks, going back to their first meeting in 2007.


REGION 5B:

1) Highland Springs (7-0*): 31.333
2) Deep Run (6-0): 30.333
3) Manchester (5-1): 29.333
4) Varina (6-1): 27.571
5) Prince George (4-2): 25.0
6) Douglas Freeman (5-2): 24.571
7) Matoaca (4-2): 24.167
8) Clover Hill (4-2): 24.0
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9) Henrico (4-3): 23.714
10) Glen Allen (3-3): 22.0
11) L.C. Bird (3-3): 21.5
12) Hermitage (2-5): 21.0
13) Atlee (2-4): 20.5
14) Mills Godwin (3-4): 20.286
15) Midlothian (1-5): 18.667
16) J.R. Tucker (1-5): 17.5
17) Meadowbrook (0-6): 16.5

ANALYSIS: So, the fallout from the battle between Highland Springs (*--only nine games count in VHSL formula, so in the league's eyes, they are 6-0 right now) and Manchester is the Springers taking the top spot, and, Manchester falling to third after Deep Run beat a five-win Douglas Freeman team. Strength of schedule between the Lancers and Wildcats, it's close. The current combined record of Deep Run's remaining opponents is 12-13, for Manchester, it's 12-12. But the Lancers get a Class 6 school in Cosby, while the Wildcats play three Region 5B teams and one from Region 2A in Thomas Jefferson. If they both win out, it will be close. Varina, however, wants a say in all this, and could really upset the apple cart by winning out and, by doing so, finally vanquishing their arch rivals in Highland Springs November 8th. We see now a definitive split between the top four and the next, say, seven teams. That doesn't mean Prince George, for example, couldn't catch Varina should they lose to, say both Henrico and the Springers. It will become more difficult should Varina beat Henrico Friday and Prince George falls to Thomas Dale. It gets really crazy from fifth to eleventh place. We don't include Hermitage because they've played seven games, and it's going to be difficult to earn a playoff bid here with a 5-5 record unless you have a very strong strength of schedule. Two of the Panthers' last three opponents are currently under .500. Atlee has to beat Lee-Davis and Hanover, plus either Varina or Highland Springs, to have a chance. No one makes the playoffs here at 4-6. L.C. Bird's road is very tough, too, with Cosby, Monacan, and Manchester all still to come. All of them are currently 5-1.


REGION 4B:

1) Louisa (6-0): 27.333
2) Eastern View (7-0): 24.857
3) Spotsylvania (5-1): 24.167
4) Monacan (5-1): 23.833
5) Patrick Henry (4-3): 23.429
6) Dinwiddie (3-3): 23.333
7) Huguenot (3-3): 22.167
8) Chancellor (4-3): 22.143
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9) Powhatan (3-3): 21.667
10) King George (3-3): 20.833
11) Lee-Davis (2-4): 18.833
12) Orange (2-5): 17.286
13) Courtland (1-6): 16.286
14) Hanover (1-5): 16.0
      Caroline (1-5): 16.0
16) George Wythe (0-6): 14.667

ANALYSIS: Louisa continues to hold off Eastern View and they have a game in hand. However, three of Louisa's last four opponents are currently sub .500 teams, while the Cyclones still have 3-3 King George, 5-1 Spotsylvania, and 4-3 Chancellor. An upset loss by Louisa certainly opens the door for Eastern View. But what if the Knights knock off the Cyclones, and run the table at 9-1? They have two .500 teams left, the Cyclones, and 1-5 Caroline. Meanwhile, Monacan made its move up and still has four games left against teams .500 or better as of today. Patrick Henry, with three winnable games remaining, now sees Dinwiddie flying towards them in their rear view mirror. If the Generals can hand Hopewell their first loss Friday, Dinwiddie, once 1-3, would be 4-3 and knocking on the door of a top four seed depending on other results. Also up is Huguenot, while Powhatan has slipped out of the top eight, but not by much. But if they lose to Monacan Friday and Manchester next Friday, at 3-5, it could be tough to get back into the race in time. Lee-Davis needs to win out and get help, as their game next Friday against St. Christopher's doesn't count in the standings. With Orange already at five losses, we're essentially down to eleven teams for eight spots, and, more realistically, nine for six, as you can likely pencil Louisa and Eastern View in.

REGION 3A:

1) Hopewell (6-0): 27.333
2) York (6-0): 27.0
3) Phoebus (5-1): 26.167
4) Lafayette (5-1): 23.667
5) I.C. Norcom (4-2): 21.5
6) Booker T. Washington (2-4): 18.333
    Park View-South Hill (3-3): 18.333
8) Tabb (2-4): 18.167
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9) Petersburg (2-4): 17.167
10) New Kent (2-4): 16.167
11) Southampton (2-4): 15.833
12) Lakeland (0-6): 14.667
13) Colonial Heights (1-6): 14.0

ANALYSIS: The Blue Devils cannot shake York, who survived New Kent 29-28 last week. Phoebus lurks, too. Hopewell's last four opponents currently have a combined 11-13 record, York's are 10-14, and one of them is a Class 2 school (Bruton). Phoebus still has unbeaten Woodside on their schedule. It's going to be a dogfight at the top here down the stretch. Petersburg is still in the thick of the race, a win over Meadowbrook Friday would right the ship and get them ready for Prince George, Matoaca and Colonial Heights down the stretch. New Kent gets Grafton, then a Tabb team that took York to the wire recently as well.


REGION 3B:

1) Goochland (5-1): 21.833
2) James Monroe (3-3): 20.667
3) Brentsville District (3-3): 20.167
4) Skyline (3-3): 18.5
5) George Mason (3-3): 18.0
6) Warren County (2-4): 17.667
7) Central-Woodstock (3-3): 17.5
8) Manassas Park (3-3): 15.833
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9) William Monroe (2-4): 15.667
10) Independence (0-7): 13.857
11) Armstrong (1-6): 13.143

ANALYSIS: Goochland has, in the eyes of the VHSL, three games left, as their rescheduled game against Blue Ridge won't count. The Bulldogs' best chance to build a numerical case for the top seed comes Friday when they battle 5-1 Nottoway, coming off a bye week.


REGION 2A:

1) Thomas Jefferson (5-1): 22.167
2) Poquoson (4-2): 20.667
3) Nottoway (5-1): 20.167
4) King William (4-2): 19.333
5) Greensville (4-2): 19.0
6) John Marshall (3-3): 17.667
7) Amelia (3-3): 17.333
8) Nandua (4-3): 16.857
---
9) Arcadia (4-2): 16.833
10) Brunswick (2-4): 13.667
11) Bluestone (2-4): 12.833
12) Windsor (2-4): 12.5
13) Prince Edward (1-5): 11.667
14) Bruton (0-6): 10.5
15) Randolph-Henry (0-7): 9.857

ANALYSIS: The big winner here last week was Poquoson, jumping to second place over an idle Nottoway. King William's loss to unbeaten Warhill hurts them minimally. John Marshall lost some ground, Amelia lost quite a bit, and now the Raiders need to win at Bluestone Friday, then beat 5-1 Buckingham next week to feel good about the postseason.


REGION 1A:

1) King & Queen Central (6-0): 20.0
2) Essex (5-1): 19.667
3) Washington & Lee (4-2): 19.167
4) Rappahannock (4-2): 18.167
5) West Point (5-2): 16.571
6) Northumberland (4-2): 15.333
7) Colonial Beach (3-3): 15.0
8) Middlesex (5-2): 14.429
---
9) Mathews (1-5): 9.667
10) Charles City (1-4): 9.6
11) Northampton (0-7): 8.143
12) Chincoteague (0-6): 7.667
      Lancaster (0-6): 7.667

ANALYSIS: We gave love to King & Queen Central Friday night on "On The Sidelines Extra" on the NBC12 Facebook page, and for good reason. But here comes perennial power Essex, who goes to Colonial Beach Friday, while King & Queen will face West Point at home Saturday night. This is West Point's chance to make a leap in the standings, much to the delight of Essex should they win on Friday. The top eight for this region seem to be almost set, with almost five points separating the #8 and #9 seeds.

WEEK 7 FOOTBALL GAMEDAY COVERAGE

NOTE: All game coverage on 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM and 1430 AM), CLICK HERE to listen online, use the @TuneIn radio app to listen on "Radiall"! 

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3PM: "On The Sidelines Pregame Presented By Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance"--Rob Witham and NBC12 Sports Director Marc Davis preview all the Week 7 action!

3:30PM: Collegiate (4-1) at #10 Benedictine (4-2)

6:30PM: "On The Sidelines Bridge Show" 

7PM: #4 Varina (5-1) at Patrick Henry (4-2)

9:20-9:45PM: "RVA Sports Network Scoreboard Show"--Rob talks live with the winning coach of our primetime Game of The Week, we get a live preview of "On The Sidelines" with Marc Davis of NBC12 and get you all the scores on the Luck Chevrolet Scoreboard!

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11PM: Watch NBC12 News at Eleven for breaking headlines, the weekend and seven-day forecast!

11:13PM: "On The Sidelines" only on NBC12 with Marc Davis! Extensive coverage of Highland Springs/Manchester, plus our two Game of The Week contests, and scores and highlights from across the RVA!

11:34PM: "On The Sidelines Extra"--Join the conversation! Marc and Rob join you LIVE from the NBC12 studios to talk high school football, from tonight's results and highlights, the latest on the playoff picture, a look ahead to Week 8 and much more!

CLICK HERE to find our LIVE video on the NBC12 Facebook page!

WEEK 7 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

THURSDAY MORNING: Join us for "RVA Locals Only" on ESPN Richmond at 9:30am during the "Black And Drew Sports Huddle" as we talk live with Manchester head coach Tom Hall ahead of their showdown with Highland Springs.

CLICK HERE to listen online, or tune to 99.5 or 102.7 FM, or 950 on your AM dial!

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GAME PREVIEWS:

#1 Highland Springs (6-0) at #2 Manchester (5-0), 7pm: We fully expect this game to sell out, so CLICK HERE to buy tickets before they're gone. With the Lancers' move down to Class 5 this season, this game is a rare matchup between two defending state champions who now will fight each other come playoff time. Our key to this game? The first quarter. Both teams historically race out to leads early. Can either team do that here? 14-14 and 0-0 scores are both entirely possible Friday. A reminder that, when the season ends, we'll divide Highland Springs' power points by nine, not ten, as their game with Avalon of Maryland, a private school, does not count.

#3 Hopewell (5-0) at Petersburg (2-3), 5:30pm: Will the Blue Devil Express keep on rolling this week or does athletic Petersburg catch them in a daze after their big win over Thomas Dale last Friday? Will TreVeyon Henderston score his 20th touchdown of the season? Lots will be answered in this game, which, if seedings hold, could be a Region 3A First Round game.

GAME OF THE WEEK: #4 Varina (5-1) at Patrick Henry (4-2), airtime 6:30pm on 102.9 The Mater, or, CLICK HERE to listen online!

The Blue Devils are rolling, winners of five straight after their opening week double overtime loss to Manchester. Their 56-7 win over 757 power Lake Taylor was particularly eye-opening. But key to Varina's success this season is their ability to spread the ball around to lots of athletes who can score every time they get the football. That will be a tall task to slow down for the Patrick Henry defense. Win or lose, the Patriots can learn a lot about their team, and their abilities, against, arguably, the best opponent on their schedule. Both of these teams will play past November 8th in their respective regions. We look forward to bringing you this game on Friday night!

#5 Louisa (5-0) at Monticello, 7pm: Will the beat go on for the Lions? It should, facing a 1-5 Monticello squad. In fact, only one team currently over .500 remains on Louisa's schedule: Fluvanna. If Eastern View runs the table and goes 10-0, they'll have to beat Courtland, King George, Spotsylvania and Chancellor. Courtland is the only team under .500 entering Week 7. The race to the top in Region 4B seems to be settling into a two team race, unless Patrick Henry or Spotsylvania, who have a bye this week, can make some serious noise down the stretch.

#6 Deep Run (5-0) at #9 Douglas Freeman (5-1), 7pm: It's been awhile since these two teams have met with combined records such as these. Deep Run was considered a team on the rise, but many are surprised at the rapid rate of ascension up the Region 5B standings. Meanwhile, Douglas Freeman quietly went about their business after the departure of Mike Henderson to Powhatan, hiring from within, then bouncing back from an opening loss to Prince George to rip off five straight wins. If the Wildcats are able to control Andrew Bland and win the game, they'll be favorites in their final four contests. The Rebels, with a win, would also be favored in their final three games: Hermitage, John Marshall, and Glen Allen.

Meadowbrook (0-5) at #8 Thomas Dale (3-2), 7pm: Chris Tyree may, or may not, be back this week after missing the Knights' loss at Hopewell. They may not need him this week, and have the luxury to save him for another week as Thomas Dale has a plethora of weapons to use against a Meadowbrook team that has underperformed on both sides of the ball. The Knights dropped from second to fourth in Region 6A, and wants a win to stay in that top four, where you find yourself at home come First Round Friday on November 15.

Midlothian (1-4) at #7 Monacan (4-1), 7:30pm: The Trojans have struggled since winning their opener. Meanwhile, Monacan's only loss was to #2 Manchester. No shame there. You may recall that the Trojans took down the Chiefs for their biggest win of 2018 en route to their second straight playoff appearance. Monacan wouldn't mind a little revenge, and the ability to take a step forward in the Region 4B playoff race. A loss for Midlothian would make it that they'd likely need to win out and get help for a bid in Region 5B.

#11 Matoaca (4-1) at Dinwiddie (2-3), 7pm: Navy Nation got back on track with a win over Petersburg last week and now prepare to host Matoaca, the latest surprise team from the Central District that handed early season darlings Prince George a 33-14 defeat. Dinwiddie needs to stop Marcus Dreher after he accounted for all five Warrior touchdowns last week. It's simple for the up and coming Warriors. If you're in it in the fourth quarter, pull out all the stops, and believe you can win. For Dinwiddie, it's time to build off last week, get back to .500, and possibly, depending on other game results, return to the top eight in Region 4B.

#12 Thomas Jefferson (4-1) vs. John Marshall (3-2), Saturday, 1pm, Huguenot HS: First, congratulations to the Vikings for making the NBC12/RVA Sports Network Big 12 High School Football Poll for the first time! TJ enters this rivalry showdown as the top seed in Region 2A. In fifth stands John Marshall, a program desperately trying to follow the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson when it comes to turning a program around and becoming a consistent playoff team. Huguenot should be rocking on Saturday!

Atlee (2-3) at Henrico (3-3), 7pm: A quick look at the Region 5B Region Standings show you how important this game is for the Raiders. They stand in eleventh place. The two teams in front of them also out of the top eight, #9 Clover Hill and #10 L.C. Bird, face off Friday. So, a win over Henrico vaults Atlee back into the playoff talk. However, a Henrico win will force Atlee to have to beat Lee-Davis, Hanover and either Varina or Highland Springs down the stretch to have a chance at the poseason. A 4-6 record likely won't cut it. Henrico realizes this, too, and will certainly look to Eric McDaniels to have a big night, as the Warriors try to keep the Cavaliers, Skyhawks and Raiders all at bay and keep that final playoff berth.

Hermitage (2-4 at Glen Allen (2-3), 7pm: It is crunch time for both teams, on the outside looking in in Region 5B. The Jaguars sit in 13th, 2.7 points out of eighth place, while the Panthers are 12th, just under two points away from eighth. Clover Hill, Atlee and L.C. Bird are all between them and that eighth and final seed. The Jaguars finally looked like the team that won nine games in 2018 in their victory over Mills Godwin last week, while Hermitage was rocked by Maury, who will likely go very deep in the Class 5 playoffs out of Region 5A. Can The Herm slow down Devin Flowers? That's the top question going into this one.

Powhatan (3-2) at Cosby (4-1), 7:30pm: Who saw Cosby's four-game winning streak coming out of such a rough opening night loss at Thomas Dale? We did not. Now, they host a Powhatan team that fell in the Region 4B standings after their loss last week. The loser hear takes a hit in their respectively region standings but should still be in good shape for the stretch run. For both teams, defense is critical, and the better defense should win. Don't be surprised if a special teams play makes a difference.

Colonial Heights (1-5) at Prince George (3-2), 7pm: The Royals will have a chance to bounce back from the loss at Matoaca, hosting the Colonials, who earned their first win last week 14-11 over Meadowbrook. If the Royals are for real, they don't allow a hangover from the Matoaca game, go home, and get their business taken care of. If you're the Colonials, it's simple. Build on the Meadowbrook win, the confidence derived, and try for a 2-5 record as Matoaca comes in next Friday to Colonial Heights.

L.C. Bird (3-2) at Clover Hill (3-2), 7pm: This may be the game of the night when all is said and done. The reason? The teams are ninth and tenth in Region 5B. A win, and a 4-2 record entering the homestretch of the regular season, is huge. A loss, and a 3-3 mark, isn't season shattering, but wins will become more important. Teams who want to make the playoffs in Region 5B should plan on having a minimum of six wins. This game will tell us if the Cavaliers have "arrived" on their comeback tour, while for the Skyhawks, this is a game they historically win to help them clinch a postseason bid. Will that trend continue?

#10 Benedictine at Collegiate, 3:30pm (CLICK HERE to listen live, or listen on 102.9 The Mater): The Cadets, despite a loss to Georgetown Prep, remains atop the VISAA Division I poll,but their lead over St. Christopher's, who are second, is now very slender. Enter the Collegiate Cougars, who ranked third, less than a half point out of second, six-tenths of a point from first. Will Nigel Williams be ready after missing the second half and overtime in last Friday's win over Woodberry Forest? We'll find out live on The Mater on radio and the RVA Sports Network online.

NOTE: St. Christopher's is at Flint Hill and Trinity Episcopal is at Fork Union, both on Saturday at 1pm.

OTHER GAMES OF NOTE:

James River (0-5) at Huguenot (2-3), 7pm
J.R. Tucker (1-4) at Mills Godwin (2-4), 7pm
Armstrong (1-5) at Lee-Davis (1-4), 7pm
George Wythe (0-5) at Hanover (0-5), 7pm
Goochland (4-1) at Prince Edward (1-4), 7pm
Caroline (1-4) at Chancellor (3-3), 7pm
King William (4-1) at Warhill (5-0), 7pm
Central Lunenburg (3-3) at Amelia (3-2), 7pm
Northumberland (4-1) at Essex (4-1), 7pm
King & Queen Central (5-0) at Mathews (1-4), 7pm