Team Record
1. Clintwood (5) 6-1
2. Richlands 7-1
3. John Battle 8-0
4. George Wythe 6-1
5. Honaker 6-1
6. Eastside 5-3
7. Virginia High 5-3
Others receiving votes: J.I. Burton (5-2),
Tennessee High (5-3)
First-place votes in parentheses
Grundy at No. 1 Clintwood
Last meeting: Clintwood 42, Grundy 17 (Oct. 21, 2011 in Grundy, Va.)
Clintwood keeps rolling. The Greenwave trailed 16-13 in the third quarter last week against J.I. Burton but quickly reeled off 28 unanswered points to turn a close game into a 41-16 blowout victory. … Clintwood running back Gavan Meade has 24 touchdowns already this season, while the ’Wave’s defense is dominant. Guys like Robbie Mullins, Chandler York, Tanner Mullins and Chris Wampler provide toughness for a program built on that rugged approach. … Grundy’s defense is suspect so look for Meade and company to run wild again.
Prediction: Clintwood 49, Grundy 9
No. 2 Richlands at Abingdon
Last meeting: Richlands 56, Abingdon 10 (Oct. 21, 2011 in Richlands, Va.)
Richlands opened a 49-3 halftime lead against the Falcons last season and finished with 316 yards rushing. Grant Pennings led AHS with 128 yards on the ground. …Behind mobile junior quarterback Tyler Arnold, AHS scored 77 points the past two games en route to wins over Carroll County and Lebanon. Lukas Hart and Josh Hess each had over 70 yards receiving last week. With SWD games against Tazewell and Marion still on the agenda, the Falcons could make a major statement here. …Junior fullback Hunter Norris has been solid for AHS, rushing for 43 yards last week while supplying solid blocking …The big news for Richlands is a season-ending knee injury to prolific quarterback Gray Baker, who was on a record-pace with over 1,300 yards passing and 14 scores. Junior Ben Brown is now working at quarterback while a large line continues to carve out big holes for relentless junior running back Colton Staten and game-breaking receiver A.J. Johnson.
Prediction: Richlands 24, Abingdon 10
No. 3 John Battle at No. 5 Honaker
(Saturday, 1 p.m.)
Last meeting: John Battle 22, Honaker 19 (Oct. 21, 2011 in Bristol, Va.)
An electrical problem has caused half of the lights in Honaker’s stadium not to work and as a result this game was moved from tonight to Saturday afternoon. … It will be the second Saturday afternoon game of the season for Honaker. The Tigers trounced Twin Valley, 43-0, on Sept. 22. … John Battle can tie the school record for wins in a season – the 1998 Trojans went 9-3 – with a victory. … These teams have played 11 times since 1999 with Honaker holding a 9-2 edge. … Battle has taken the last two games in the series in dramatic fashion, winning by five points in 2010 and three points in 2011. Cody Rogers rushed for 132 yards and Joshua Matney made a game-clinching interception in the fourth quarter to key the Trojans’ win last season. … Rogers, Battle’s dynamic running back, suffered a high-ankle sprain in last week’s 38-7 win over Lee High and is not expected to suit up Saturday. … The key to the game may be how John Battle’s defensive secondary fares against Honaker’s pass-happy offense directed by quarterback Ty Hall. … The winner will gain major points on the VHSL ratings scale. There is plenty on the line in this major matinee.
Prediction: John Battle 27, Honaker 25
Patrick Henry at No. 4 George Wythe
Last meeting: George Wythe 48, Patrick Henry 0 (Oct. 21, 2011 in Emory, Va.)
This game pits the Hogoheegee District’s haves against the have-nots. … George Wythe has won 32 straight games against district foes, while Patrick Henry has lost 13 straight Hogoheegee games. … George Wythe got a strong performance from quarterback Jordan Byrd last week in a 41-7 win over Chilhowie. He went 5-of-9 and tossed two touchdown passes to Isaac Baltazar in his first varsity start. Byrd was playing in the place of injured QB Alex Willis, who is battling a sore shoulder. … Patrick Henry’s defense is allowing 33.1 points per game. Not a good sign when you go up against one of the area’s most explosive offenses.
Prediction: George Wythe 51, Patrick Henry 12
No. 6 Eastside at Wise County Central
Last meeting: Wise County Central 27, Eastside 23 (Oct. 21, 2011 in Coeburn, Va,)
Tensions ran high in the first edition of this game a year ago and expect more of the same tonight. This game defines the word rivalry. … Eastside has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 35.3 points per game with running backs Ethan Collins and Erikk Banks putting up impressive statistics. The Spartans have scored 48 or more points on four occasions. … Wise County Central has struggled offensively at times, but the Warriors certainly have some standouts on the defensive side of the ball. Roman Williams, Logan Adkins, Michael Skinner and Brad Brooks have all made their share of tackles. … Eastside is improved and look for the Spartans to exact some revenge against their county foes.
Prediction: Eastside 28, Wise County Central 16
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