Plywood_King

Richlands last year in D4 and we lost to eventual state champ Salem in the semis. We were in the 800 student range then. During the 90's both Richlands and Grundy both had around 1,000 students. I think the population decline has the most to do with it but they are more underling factors going into all of this.

http://m.wdbj7.com/sports/appomattox-at-dan-river/-/20129258/22605330/-/m8whhl/-/index.html
 
Remember, dan river also beat gretna.
 
Hope it helps a little and good luck!

D4. A very small D4 school, but D4 nonetheless. They had 814 students, making Bassett, Fieldale-Collinsville, Carroll County, Lee, and Magna Vista the only D4 schools that were smaller. 
 
I actually chuckled a little bit when I realized that Marion had 814 students twelve years ago. I guess that only reiterates the whole point of "declining population."

Good story lines, and ones I overlooked.
 
I LOVE the bracket overall but that potential 2nd round matchup with Galax scares me more than a little. On the other hand im excited to see him play. 

I think this one comes down to two things: Marion's linebackers and center. The Canes' linebackers have been stout all year, but they really struggled last week with poorly disciplined tackles, allowing Brown to run all over them (not a hard thing to let happen). However, the more consistent problem has been getting the ball to the quarterback. There have been games this season where I was hoping and praying for Marion to pun, because having their offense on the field was a liability with the ball rolling to the QB's feet on every other play. I think after being embarrassed by the Cats last week, the Canes will come focused and get the job done this week, but if they can't tackle appropriately and can't keep the ball off the ground, it could be a long night for Marion. 

If the Canes bring their A-game, I like Marion 38-24, but if they struggle again, I'm going to say Abingdon 35-28. 

Be safe driving up here BigO, and anyone else who may be traveling tonight.

I can`t take credit for this one, I got this one from the Smyth County Memes page. A guy has to give credit where credit is due!!