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. If a school has clinched the top seed in their region, they have a "Z" by them.
NOE: The A and B regions will play in state semifinal action come December 7, while Regions C and D will square off. State Championship Saturday is December 14.
**********
REGION 6A:
1) Oscar Smith (8-1): 33.111 (Z)**
2) Ocean Lakes (6-3): 29.889**
3) Thomas Dale (6-3): 28.444**
4) Landstown (6-3): 28.222**
5) Franklin County (5-4): 27.889**
6) Cosby (5-4): 26.111**
7) Grassfield (4-5): 25.333
8) Floyd Kellam (3-6): 23.778
Western Branch (3-6): 23.778
---
10) Tallwood (3-6): 23.0
11) James River (1-8): 20.444
ANALYSIS: The number one seed is set: Oscar Smith. Ocean Lakes is #2 with a win over Bayside, but a loss there and, if Thomas Dale beats Dinwiddie, the #2 seed is in play. The Knights cannot afford a loss, as it could drop them all the way to #5, which would mean a road game in the region quarterfinals on November 15, should Landstown and Franklin County both win. As for Cosby, despite a three-game losing streak and a big test Friday in Manchester, the Titans look safe for a playoff bid, but they'll likely start on the road, unless the Titans beat the Lancers and both Landstown and Franklin County lose, then the #4 seed might be in play. James River looks to 2020.
OTHER CLASS 6 REGIONS:
Region 6B: 1) Freedom-PW: 33.778; 2) Colonial Forge: 32.556; 3) Patriot: 32.333; 4) Massaponax: 32.0
Region 6C: 1) South County: 33.778; 2) Mt Vernon: 32.333; 3) Lake Braddock: 31.667; 4) West Springfield: 29.333
Region 6D: 1) Westfield: 35.333; 2) James Madison 31.667; 3) Yorktown: 30.667; 4) Chantilly 29.333
**********
REGION 5B:
1) Highland Springs (9-0*): 34.75**
2) Manchester (8-1): 32.444**
3) Deep Run (9-0): 31.778**
4) Varina (8-1): 30.667**
5) Prince George (6-3): 27.889**
6) Clover Hill (7-2): 27.556**
7) Douglas Freeman (7-2): 27.222
8) Henrico (6-4): 25.8
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9) Matoaca (5-4): 24.111
10) L.C. Bird (4-5): 24.0
ANALYSIS: First, to be clear, there's essentially one playoff berth up for grabs Friday night. Matoaca must defeat 9-0 Hopewell to have a chance to make the postseason. The Warriors (Matoaca) currently have 217 points. They would earn 42 points for a win over the Blue Devils, which would put them at 259. Henrico is currently at 258, but will get at least four rider points this week from the winners of the two Hanover County games (Atlee/Hanover, Tomato Bowl 61) and one from the Varina/Highland Springs showdown Saturday. Should Deep Run beat Thomas Jefferson, that's another point. With all that, Henrico would move to 264. Matoaca will get two from the Prince George/Meadowbrook winner, two if Colonial Heights upsets Petersburg, one if the Wave wins, and one point from the Thomas Dale/Dinwiddie winner. If Petersburg wins, then they are at 263. Matoaca would then need Powhatan to defeat Huguenot to get to 265/266 points, Varina to beat Highland Springs to hit 266/267, and J.R. Tucker to beat Hermitage for 268/269, again, the higher number if Colonial Heights beats Petersburg, the lower number should the Wave win. The best Henrico can do is 269, but that would take a Meadowbrook win over Prince George. Realistically, their ceiling is 267. Matoaca's maximum number is also 269, including wins from Colonial Heights and a J.R. Tucker win over Hermitage. Henrico needs Hermitage to win to earn two points. The Cat Bowl looms large. If Matoaca loses, Henrico is in. Douglas Freeman isn't completely out of the woods yet, either. A loss to Glen Allen puts them at 261 points. Their maximum number is 273, which includes wins by both James River (over L.C. Bird) and Lee-Davis (over Patrick Henry). Neither team is favored, thus 269 is a possibility. It should be enough to keep the #7 seed over Henrico, but Rebel fans should root for Hermitage this week to keep Matoaca, with a win, no higher than 267, provided Petersburg wins. A Huguenot win over Powhatan helps, too.
Up top, Highland Springs is #1 with a win over Varina, and they have the inside track to the top seed even if they lose. They'll know whether they must win when they hit the field at Hermitage Saturday. If Varina wins, they still may end up in the #4 slot, unless Deep Run or Manchester lose, then a win definitely moves them up. A Manchester win gives them 328 points before looking at other games involving games on their schedule, a Deep Run win give them 326. Highland Springs, with a loss, would be at 299 points before rider points, but remember they are divided by nine, not ten, their game with Avalon of Maryland not counting per VHSL rules.
If Clover Hill beats Monacan, they move into the #5 spot, no matter what happens to Prince George. L.C. Bird has been eliminated from contention.
OTHER CLASS 5 REGIONS:
Region 5A: 1) Maury: 32.667; 2) Salem-VB: 32.444; 3) Indian River: 30.333; 4) Woodside 30.0
Region 5C: 1) Stone Bridge 32.0; 2) Briar Woods: 26.556; 3) Woodgrove 25.778; 4) Riverside: 25.333
Region 5D: 1) Mountain View: 30.333; 2) North Stafford: 25.556; 3) PH-Roanoke: 25.5; 4) Harrisonburg: 23.222
**********
REGION 4B:
1) Louisa (9-0): 28.889**
2) Monacan (8-1): 28.222**
3) Eastern View (8-1): 26.333**
4) Spotsylvania (7-2): 25.556**
5) Patrick Henry (6-3): 25.0
6) Dinwiddie (5-4): 24.667
7T) Huguenot (5-4): 23.556
Chancellor (5-4): 23.556
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9T) King George (5-4): 22.889
Powhatan (4-5): 22.889
ANALYSIS: Six teams for four slots. That's where we stand. First, on our Game of The Week on 102.9 The Mater Friday, Patrick Henry needs to win Tomato Bowl 61 over Lee-Davis to be sure to be playing the following week. Mathematically, they need this. If they lost, and Dinwiddie, Huguenot, Chancellor and King George all won, it would come down to rider points from other games. With a Tomato Bowl win, the only team behind them that would definitely overtake them with a win is Dinwiddie, who plays Class 6 Thomas Dale (6-3). Now, should PH and Dinwiddie win and King George take down Spotsylvania, the Generals can eye that #4 seed and a first round home game, and it could be against Patrick Henry, but.....
If Eastern View defeats Chancellor and Spotsylvania defeats King George, then the winner of Huguenot and Powhatan likely is in the playoffs. If Chancellor and King George both win, then the winner needs help. We simply won't know the final configuration until games are completed on Friday. That includes the top seed, where, if Louisa loses and Monacan defeats Clover Hill, the Chiefs will be the #1 seed. If both teams win, however, Monacan, before rider points are added in, would be at 292 points, Louisa at 290. It would come down to results from other games for the top spot. In 2019, Region 4B is the region that has the most uncertainty on the final night of the season.
OTHER CLASS 4 REGIONS:
Region 4A: 1) Lake Taylor: 29.222; 2) Warhill: 27.889; 3) Churchland: 27.556; 4) Hampton: 24.9
Region 4C: 1) Broad Run: 31.333; 2) Liberty-Bealton: 30.667; 3) Tuscarora: 30.333; 4) Sherando: 26.556
Region 4D: 1) Salem: 30.0; 2) Pulaski Co: 29.222; 3) EC Glass: 28.222; 4) Halifax Co: 25.556
**********
REGION 3A:
1) York (9-0): 30.667**
Hopewell (9-0): 30.667**
3) Phoebus (8-1): 30.111**
4) Lafayette (8-1): 26.333**
5) I.C. Norcom (5-4): 23.333**
6) Tabb (5-4): 22.0
7) Petersburg (4-5): 21.222
8) Booker T. Washington (4-5): 20.889
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9) Southampton (5-4): 20.444
10) New Kent (4-5): 18.778
11) Park View-South Hill (4-5): 18.556
ANALYSIS: Advantage Hopewell. A win Friday over 5-4 Matoaca should be enough to break the current tie with fellow unbeaten York and claim the top spot. York plays 0-9 Bruton while Phoebus, who held the lead for one week, has 4-5 Menchville in a makegood game from early September lost to Hurricane Dorian. You see where strength of schedule really hurts Lafayette, who is 8-1 like Phoebus, but can't finish any higher than fourth and, regardless of this week's results, seems to have that locked. Again, the Petersburg win over Matoaca was titanic, but there's still work to be done. They must defeat Colonial Heights. Southampton finishes with 3-6 Franklin in Class 1, who needs a win to have hope for a first round home game in Region 1B. Booker T. Washington has I.C. Norcom, who is trying to keep the fifth seed ahead of Tabb, who finish with Jamestown.
REGION 3B:
1) Goochland (8-1*): 26.5**
2) James Monroe (6-3): 25.111**
3) Brentsville District (6-3): 24.333**
4) William Monroe (5-4): 21.111**
5) Skyline (4-5): 19.444**
6) George Mason (4-5): 18.667**
7) Central Woodstock (4-5): 17.778
8) Warren County (2-7): 16.889
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9) Manassas Park (4-4) 16.625
ANALYSIS: This is simple. A Goochland win over Bluestone (2-7) gives the Bulldogs the top seed in their inaugural season in Region 3B. James Monroe faces Caroline, who only has one win. However, if the Bulldogs slip and James Monroe wins, they mathematically can wrestle the top seed away, and Brentsville District could enter the conversation for at least the #2 seed with a win over George Mason.
OTHER CLASS 3 REGIONS:
Region 3C: 1) Heritage (Lynchburg): 28.222; 2) Spotswood: 26.667; 3) Liberty Christian: 24.111; 4) Rockbridge Co: 23.556
Region 3D: 1) Lord Botetourt: 29.556; 2) Magna Vista: 26.333; 3) Northside: 25.667; 4) Hidden Valley: 25.0
**********
REGION 2A:
1) Thomas Jefferson (8-1): 25.222** (Z)
2) Greensville (7-2): 23.0**
3) Nottoway (7-2): 22.333**
4) Poquoson (5-4): 21.556**
5) King William (6-3*): 20.778**
6) John Marshall (5-4): 20.667**
7) Amelia (5-4): 19.222
8) Nandua (6-4): 18.3
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9) Arcadia (5-3): 17.5
10) Brunswick (4-5): 17.111
ANALYSIS: The Vikings have the top seed, an amazing accomplishment in a competitive region in their first season. Even if they lost to Deep Run, playing a Class 5 team who is 9-0 provides more points than Greensville can get by defeating Brunswick, who must win Friday for any hope to make the top eight. King William has a chance to jump higher, and get a home game in the quarterfinals, with a win over rival King & Queen Central, who started 8-0 before falling for the first time last week. Current eighth seed Nandua is done, but #9 Arcadia plays a winless team Friday. John Marshall and Amelia look to be good, but even wins on Friday likely keep them out of the top four and, thus, on the road in the quarterfinals.
OTHER CLASS 2 REGIONS:
Region 2B: 1) Stuarts Draft: 26.667; 2) Clarke Co: 24.222; 3) Buckingham Co: 23.444;4) Strasburg: 22.333
Region 2C: 1) Appomattox: 24.222; 2) Radford: 22.778; 3) Gretna: 21.556; 4T) Floyd Co/Glenvar: 20.0
Region 2D: 1) Ridgeview: 24.556; 2) Union: 24.222; 3) Graham: 21.889; 4) Central-Wise: 21.0
**********
REGION 1A:
1) Essex (8-1): 21.556**
2) Rappahannock (7-2): 21.333**
3) King & Queen Central (8-1): 20.889**
4) Washington & Lee (5-4): 19.889**
5) Colonial Beach (5-4): 17.333**
6) West Point (6-4): 17.0**
7) Middlesex (6-3): 16.333
8) Northumberland (4-5): 14.333
--
9) Mathews (2-7): 11.778
ANALYSIS: Essex is playing for the top seed when they face Rappahannock on Friday, but King & Queen Central is still in the mix by playing a Class 2 school in King William, who has six wins, while, even though Washington & Lee is currently tied for third, they face a five-win region rival in Colonial Beach. They can't get the top seed with Essex and Rapphannock playing each other. We won't know the order of the top four until late Friday night. But, it looks like the top four are set, in some order. Even with a win, Colonial Beach would likely stay in fifth. West Point is in, but a Middlesex win over Mathews could cost them a slot. Mathews must win that game and have Northumberland lose to winless Lancaster to have a prayer of getting to the eighth and final seed.
OTHER CLASS 1 REGIONS:
Region 1B: 1) Riverheads: 26.444; 2) Sussex Central: 21.556; 3) Wm Campbel: 18.0; 4) Central-Lunenburg: 16.5
Region 1C: 1) Galax: 23.75; 2) Narrows: 22.889; 3) George Wythe-W: 21.75; 4) Covington: 17.111
Region 1D: 1) PH-Glade Spring: 24.889; 2) J.I. Burton: 21.556; 3) Chilhowie: 21.111; 4) Castlewood: 18.667
Monday, November 4, 2019
Friday, November 1, 2019
WEEK 10 SCOREBOARD
#1 Highland Springs 27, Colonial Forge 20
#2 Hopewell 40, #9 Prince George 7
#3 Manchester 40, L.C. Bird 19
#4 Varina 57, Atlee 16
#5 Louisa 42, Western Albemarle 24
#6 Deep Run 47, Glen Allen 7
#7 Monacan 35, Cosby 10
#10 Douglas Freeman 42, John Marshall 6
#11 Thomas Jefferson 40, J.R. Tucker 0
#12 Clover Hill 49, George Wythe 12
Henrico 63, Lee-Davis 8
Petersburg 34, Matoaca 28
Hanover 28, Armstrong 8
Powhatan 24, James River 0
Dinwiddie 63, Meadowbrook 0
Thomas Dale 35, Granby 0
Huguenot 47, Midlothian 7
Hermitage 21, Mills Godwin 14
New Kent 32, Jamestown 14
King William 44, West Point 18
St. Christopher's 31, Collegiate 7
#2 Hopewell 40, #9 Prince George 7
#3 Manchester 40, L.C. Bird 19
#4 Varina 57, Atlee 16
#5 Louisa 42, Western Albemarle 24
#6 Deep Run 47, Glen Allen 7
#7 Monacan 35, Cosby 10
#10 Douglas Freeman 42, John Marshall 6
#11 Thomas Jefferson 40, J.R. Tucker 0
#12 Clover Hill 49, George Wythe 12
Henrico 63, Lee-Davis 8
Petersburg 34, Matoaca 28
Hanover 28, Armstrong 8
Powhatan 24, James River 0
Dinwiddie 63, Meadowbrook 0
Thomas Dale 35, Granby 0
Huguenot 47, Midlothian 7
Hermitage 21, Mills Godwin 14
New Kent 32, Jamestown 14
King William 44, West Point 18
St. Christopher's 31, Collegiate 7
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Week 10 Football Previews
Did you miss the "On The Sidelines Wednesday Playbook" on the NBC12 Facebook page?
CLICK HERE to watch on demand!
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
CLICK HERE to watch on demand!
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 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
Monday, October 28, 2019
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"
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)
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
**********
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
**********
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
**********
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
**********
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)
Saturday, October 26, 2019
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
RADIO: 102.9 The Mater (102.9 FM/1430 AM)
WEB: CLICK HERE to listen!
MOBILE: @TuneIn app on "Radiall"
****************
#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
Thursday, October 24, 2019
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
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
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