UnionBears

Union hasn't played well the last six quarters. Science Hill put the pressure to them and they gave up a 20-0 run then against Greeneville they just came out flat. Very interested to see how they play against Volunteer, they need a win to get back on track.

I wouldn't count out Graham, yet. Their athleticism alone will pose problems and officiating around here tends to encourage very physical play. It's not like the M7 #4 will be a world beater, in some order Union/RV/GC will be the top three, I would favor Graham at home against Battle or Central in an opening round game. Oddly enough, the M7 #2 team could have an easier draw than the M7 #1 team in the regional semifinals, however. Principals too lazy to come up with a fair seeding system for sports outside of football, sad really considering how well our teams have fared in other sports, especially boys and girls basketball recently.

If Ridgeview doesn't win, it would be hard to take them seriously as a contender until proven otherwise. Hancock was blitzed by David Crockett earlier this season. Crockett has losses to Volunteer and Unicoi County, two teams that have losses to Gate City and Union. Factor in that all these games were played in Tennessee and you see where I'm going with this.

RV will play Union at the best possible time for them, I think. It will be the fifth game Union plays in seven days. The previous four games, Abingdon, East Rockingham, Liberty Bedford and Gate City. Talk about a murderous stretch of the season.

If Union's boys team can get healthy, I think they win the M7 and are the favorites to win the region again. Bunch has been unreal in the first two games against two quality opponents. Playing an extremely tough schedule will only pay dividends down the road.