FBDevotee

I used farm boys to imply big and strong. Size and strength remain characteristics of Blue Devil football teams. Recently, LPD teams other than Powell Valley and Gate City, have lacked the size and power needed to compete for a state title. Most LPD teams have sufficient speed and all LPD teams have sufficient heart to be state champions - but the boys in blue usually have the bulk as well. I've heard that both PV and GC will likely have 300+ pound tackles on their lines again this season.

Traditionally, SWVA's Lonesome Pine District Schools offer the very best in championship caliber highschool football. The 2005 season will see that tradition continue. Three teams, Gate City, Powell Valley, and J.I.Burton, begin the year with legitimate state title aspirations. Here is my brief preview and predictions. First, projected order of finish. 1. Powell Valley 2. Gate City 3. J.I.Burton 4. Clintwood 5. Appalachia 6. J.J.Kelly 7. Pound 8. Coeburn Powell Valley lost a large group of quality seniors to graduation but have an even larger group of young and talented players as replacements. 80 boys showed up for the first day of practice. Skill, size, and speed is abundant. Mix that with one of the top high school football coaches in the country and it will produce success. Gate City is in a very similar situation. 65 hard hitting farm boys showed up to take the place of a group of accomplished seniors. The LPD title game will be played when the Blue Devils visit Bullitt Park in November. If the game was played during September, I'd pick Gate City. J.I.Burton is loaded with speedy and crafty veterans who know what it is like to play for a state title. Never underestimate the value of experience. The Appy and JIB game will be fun early in the year but the Bulldogs are still too young collectively. Clintwood would win the Cumberland District this season and may play in more close football games than any team in our area. The other three schools are likely to be more competitive than last year.