I remeber getting beat all the time by Richlands and Tazewell during my middle school years. But during high school I remember only losing once to each team in 4 years. Yes you can see upcoming talent but I don't think that's a good measurement on possible success in the future.
I think future success is always dependent on coaching and how that talent is developed once they start playing varsity. Obviously going from middle school coaches to playing for Glynn Carlock was a huge difference in knowledge and coaching.