Nadoball

One week away from this very good muchup in week 1. Last season the Blues got the better of GC at Legion, are we in store for a repeat or can GC come to Ernie Hicks and pull out a win? This ought to be a very good game and sight un seen I will go with the Blues in a close win. Turnovers could be the decision in this one.

Yea I hope we start clicking early b/c the first part of our schedule is the toughest. Anyone know where to get a roster for the Blues?

Im not sure you can hang your hat on this game either. Look at last season, they almost beat us and we go on to the state championship game.

You meant in your mouth!!!!!!!!!!

Any thoughts!!!

Anyone seen any preseason rankings yet?

I think this season the offense is going to have to carry the defense until that side of the ball gels. With Strong back at QB, a few OL and Devon back at RB I think the Offense can muster up some scores. Could be a slow start with a strong finish, just like a few years ago we started 1-2 and went very deep in the playoffs. This year our strongest competition is at the front of the season. I personally think we will see the ball on the ground alot more this season.

If the score would have been 51-7, then yea it would not matter....... When the officials control your offense and/or defense then yes it matters in a tight game. Why would we B!@#$ about the REFS this time and not the other times we lost in State b/c the players decided it, thats why...........

I don't care anyway you look at it the officials were VERY VERY BAD, Period.

I can't get under your skin today can I Sheets. LOL Im trying.

Don't worry we will be back!!! I find it funny as h$** that the neighboring towns get their football satisfaction from seeing Richlands get beat in the State Championship, thats what I call Jealous!!!!!

No crying, they have a great football team. My point is its hard to win a Championship with 160yds in pen., its almost impossible for any team to overcome that. When your on the 20 trying to score for the win and end up being 4th and 31 or whatever it was. The REFS made it just alittle harder for the Blues thats all. We ain't worried, being there 4 times this decade, give a few years and we will try it again.

Its called being Jealous

Congrats Gate City nice to see the hardware back in SWVA.

Don't worry Im here, got home late. I would have taken 40+-LOL..... Well folks we faced a good football team and I knew it would be a good football game. I will just put the REF deal like this- worst I have ever seen in a championship game period. Let the kids play and don't take all the mo away from drives like you did today. Pretty bad when we get called for pass interference and our guy is in front of poq and he pushes us down--REALLY....... Anyway congrats to the Blues for another fine season and getting to play 14 games (pretty outstanding when you can play at the big dance 4 times in a decade). Congrats to Poq on your first State Championship. Well Blue lets get ready to take care of business in 8 months.

Congrats to Richlands on another great season and 14 games. Congrats to Poq on their 1st State Championship. All Im going to say about the REFS is that has got to be the worst called championship game I have ever seen (they take the momentum out of every drive). To the kid in the 44 jersey on the Poq side-congrats on being the most disrespectful person I have seen at a game and your propably lucky you didn't get your nose broke when you came through the Richlands fans.

Patrick Mauney, Double A Football Editor Related Links: D-4 Title Game Preview Next Year's Top Prospects Double A Lineman Picks Up Offer! Talk about it in V. I. P. - 'MEMBERS ONLY' CLUB AA Division 3 Postseason Previews: State Championship Last Week: 2-2 (50%) | Season: 463-119 (80%) Poquoson Islanders (12-1) vs Richlands Blue Tornado (13-0) Saturday, 12pm | Williams Stadium @ Liberty University, Lynchburg Poquoson Islanders | Coach Elliott Duty | Offense: 31.3 ppg | Defense: 7.4 ppg Last State Championship Appearance: 2004. The Islanders lost 40-14 to Gretna that season. That is Poquoson's only previous state championship appearance Richlands Blue Tornado | Coach Greg Mance | Offense: 49.7 ppg | Defense: 11.6 ppg Last State Championship Appearance: 2007. The Blue Tornado lost 37-22 to Monticello that season. Richlands is 2-2 in four previous state championship appearances, winning in 1992 (D4) and 2006 (D3). Poquoson Preview Tee McConnell Poquoson's season started out with a 30-10 loss on the road at Dinwiddie, a AAA Division 5 semifinalist. The Islanders then ran through the Bay Rivers District, allowing just 50 points in their nine district games and turning in five shutouts during that stretch. Poquoson failed to score 28 points or more in just one district contest (a 7-0 win over Grafton) and beat two playoff teams (Grafton and Bruton) plus a third, Lafayette, that was a playoff team until two forfeits bumped them from the postseason. Poquoson's defense has not let up in the playoffs as the Islanders beat Nottoway 27-6 and James Monroe 42-7 in the region I playoffs before winning 10-3 against Handley last Saturday. The words you hear associated with this year's Islander team generally include "tough, hard-nosed and relentless," and their offensive and defensive schemes fall in line with those descriptors. The offense is a run-first attack, primarily lining up in the wing-T with multiple ball carriers running behind an offensive line made up of just one senior and four junior starters. In the backfield, senior Cody Hutchinson is the leading rusher for Poquoson with 1,066 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns through 13 games. Thomas Garris (765 yards), Luke Hill (752 yards) and Dylan Hill (469 yards) are all tough runners for Poquoson. Quarterback Tee McConnell is consistently solid under center with eight touchdowns and two interceptions this season and while Poquoson's offensive philosophy does not generally involve throwing more than ten times in a game, McConnell has a good arm and makes good decisions. McConnell also scored the Islanders' lone touchdown last week against Handley on a four-yard scamper. All of them benefit from running behind a very good offensive line, led by all-region selections Dustin Edwards (right guard) and Nate Rhea (left tackle). Guard Jordan Kelley, center Tony Allsbrook and tackle Stephen Boyer, the lone senior on the offensive line, are the other starters. Tight end William Haskins is a strong blocker and also the Islanders' leading receiver. Kicker Michael Lutz is solid and had an important 30-yard field goal in last week's win. The defense is what makes Poquoson such a formidable opponent this year. The Islanders run a 3-5-3 system and the front eight are as good as any in AA and seven players earned first-team all-district honors in the Bay Rivers this year. Poquoson's defense is allowing less than 100 yards rushing per game, though Handley was able to rush for 161 yards last Saturday. On the defensive line, Boyer (6-2, 260), Haskins (6-2, 230) and Baxter Bristow (6-0, 220) are the starters and are good at engaging offensive lines and freeing up room for the Islander linebackers to make plays. Haskins is probably the most-heralded of the bunch at defensive end. Both Luke and Dylan Hill start at inside linebacker, along with Garris and all three have notched more than 100 tackles during the season to date. Luke Hill is the district's defensive player of the year and is the team's leading tackler and has five interceptions and four fumble recoveries, as well. Evan Lemon and Russell Thornburg are the outside linebackers and have proven very good at forcing opposing running backs from getting to the outside. In the secondary, senior Jay Diggs starts at safety and is among the team leaders in tackles, while McConnell and Austin Smith are the corners. Smith leads the team with six interceptions, as opponents have chosen to avoid throwing at McConnell's side of the field much of the year. Richlands Preview Devon Johnnson The Blue Tornado have won 10 games or more in six of the past seven seasons (2008 the exception when they finished 9-3) and have been virtually unstoppable during the first 13 games of the 2010 season. Their unbeaten regular season included three shutouts, all against playoff bound teams (Gate City, Carroll County and Grundy) and their closest game was a 42-20 win over Powell Valley. The Richlands' starters rarely played much in the second half of games during the regular season and they mowed through the Southwest District for their seventh straight district championship. In the playoffs, Richlands beat Martinsville 63-19 and Cave Spring 36-23 in region IV and dominated Brookville 44-7 on the road last week to reach the state championship. Richlands' offense is averaging just under 50 points per game and has been a balance of power running and a very good passing attack complemented by strong special teams play. Devon Johnson (6-2, 210) leads the team in rushing with 1,376 yards and 23 touchdowns and has been on a tear in the playoffs, rushing for 406 yards and three touchdowns and catching two scores in the three postseason games. At quarterback, Richlands has done well with the combination of senior Cody Lockhart (over 1,600 yards and 25 touchdowns) and junior Reece Strong. Lockhart is the starter and has a very good arm and can move out of the pocket and has thrown just three interceptions this year. Wide receivers Bradley Strong, Sean Overton and Austin Johnson are the playmakers for the Blue Tornado passing game. Strong leads the team with 43 receptions and 12 touchdwons and both he and Overton are over 600 yards receiving on the year. Even so, Devon Johnson has led the Blue Tornado in receiving yards in two of the three playoff games. The offensive line is big and moves well. Junior guard Josh Hess (6-6, 295) is the top prospect up front. Aaron Daugherty (6-0, 280) and junior center Taylor Wade (6-1, 235) and tackles Todd Smith and Joseph Guerriero are the other starters on the line. Reece Strong is solid as the Blue Tornado kicker, as well. The Blue Tornado defense flies to the ball and has good speed in the secondary and at linebacker to go along with a strong defensive front. Defensive end Will Lowe is the leader of the defensive line and was the 2009 region IV defensive player of the year as a junior and is among the team leaders in tackles. On the other side, look for Skyler Bunker and Nick Wolfe, while Hunter Brown, Jeremy McGlothlin and Chandler Blankenship rotate in the interior line. Senior Cody Thomas is the leader of the Richlands' line backing corps and Thomas is a hard-hitting, quick defender who epitomizes what the Blue Tornado defensive persistence is all about. Devon Johnson and Tanner Smith are two more to watch at linebacker. In the secondary, Bradley Strong and Albert Fajardo are the top cornerbacks with Overton, Austin Johnson and Jack Vance also key players in the defensive backfield. The Richlands defense and special teams has big-play potential. Aside from his 12 receiving touchdowns, Strong has accounted for 10 other touchdowns, including two punt return touchdowns and an interception returned for a score in the playoffs alone. Play Selection and Comparative Strategy Poquoson Offense (last three weeks) Runs (Yards) . . . . Passes (Yards) . . . . Game 37 (308) . . . . . . . 16 (101) . . . . . . . . Nottoway (Region Semifinal) 61 (367) . . . . . . . 5 (84) . . . . . . . . . . James Monroe (Region Final) 36 (132) . . . . . . . 2 (-2) . . . . . . . . . . Handley (State Semifinal) 134 (807) . . . . . . 23 (183) . . . . . . . . TOTAL 157 plays for 990 yards 134 runs (85%) for 807 yards (82%), 6.0 yards per run 23 passes (15%) for 183 yards (18%), 8.0 yards per pass 10 Touchdowns/2 Turnovers Richlands Offense (last three weeks) Runs (Yards) . . . . Passes (Yards) . . . . Game 60 (303) . . . . . . . 8 (151) . . . . . . . . . Martinsville (Region Semifinal) 43 (199) . . . . . . . 19 (151) . . . . . . . . Cave Spring (Region Final) 44 (257) . . . . . . . 18 (227) . . . . . . . . Brookville (State Semifinal) 147 (759) . . . . . . 45 (529) . . . . . . . . TOTAL 192 plays for 1,288 yards 147 runs (77%) for 759 yards (59%), 5.2 yards per run 45 passes (23%) for 529 yards (41%), 11.8 yards per pass 17 Touchdowns/5 Turnovers Analysis Poquoson makes little attempt to hide what they want to do offensively. The Islanders want to run the ball and have done so 85% of the time during the playoffs and have gained six yards per carry and 270 yards per game on the ground during those three games. Of the 23 passes thrown by Poquoson during the postseason, more than 2/3 of those came in their regional semifinal against Nottoway when the Islanders found themselves down 6-0 at halftime despite dominating for much of the first half. The low number of turnovers is also notable. The Islanders have put the ball on the ground five teams in the playoffs, but have managed to recover all but one of those fumbles. Richlands' offensive statistics present a problem for Blue Tornado opponents. The Blue Tornado obviously love to run the ball and have been very successful in the playoffs, averaging over 250 yards per game on the ground. However, their passing game has been stellar, averaging almost 12 yards per pass attempt and completing 60% of their passes. Furthermore, Richlands has scored nine touchdowns of 30 yards or more in the playoffs, including three non-offensive touchdowns. The numbers show that Richlands would like to run the ball more often than not, but has little trouble putting the ball in the air with plenty of success. Finally, Richlands has averaged 64 offensive plays per game in the playoffs, easily the highest among the four teams left standing in AA. Poquoson Outlook The Islanders have made it to the state championship on the strength of their running game and their defense, both of which are among the best in AA. If they're going to win on Saturday, they have to have success in both of those facets of the game. The offense, especially, must come to play on Saturday. The 130 yards of total offense in last week's game against Handley likely will not be enough to get the job done against Richlands, which is allowing just 123 yards on the ground in the postseason. The line and blocking backs have to be prepared for Richlands' defensive speed and the Islanders must avoid putting themselves in third and long passing situations. Defensively, Poquoson has to get off to a good start. This is a well-organized group that does not put themselves in bad position too often and that will be the key on Saturday. During the playoffs, they've allowed just two touchdowns and forced seven turnovers, something that must continue on Saturday if they're going to get the win. Richlands Outlook Richlands is no stranger to deep playoff runs and this year's team features many seniors who either traveled with the team to the state championship, or were around the program, as freshman in 2007. The loss to Monticello that season is something that we've seen referenced by players in recent weeks as a driving force for this playoff run. As exemplified in their offensive output the past three weeks, Richlands has had little trouble moving the ball on offense most of the season. The running game is peaking at the right time and the passing game has been dynamite, as well. The offense has not made many mistakes, but also has not faced a defense as tough as Poquoson's thus far. How Richlands responds to the defensive effort from Poquoson will be key on Saturday. The Blue Tornado defense is equally tenacious and they've been particularly tough against the run in the playoffs. Part of that is due to Richlands' offensive success forcing opponents to pass, as well as the opposition Richlands has faced in the postseason (both Cave Spring and Brookville had strong passing games). The play of the defensive line and linebackers will be key Saturday and I would not be surprised to see eight and nine men in the box for Richlands in an effort to force Poquoson into passing situations. Prediction Teams rarely make it to the state championship game without having firm identities on both offense and defense and both Richlands and Poquoson fit that mold nicely. This game features the one of, if not the most explosive offense in AA against one of, if not the stingiest defenses in AA. Both teams have had good tests in recent weeks that have shown they can win close games. Poquoson's win over Handley last week was a testament to the defense's bend, but don't break ability, as the Judges were able to pick up solid yardage numbers (more than Poquoson allowed the previous 2 games combined), but unable to translate that success into points on the scoreboard. Richlands had its toughest test of the season two weeks back against Cave Spring, trailing in the second half for the first time in 2010. The Blue Tornado outscored the Knights 22-7 over the final quarter and a half, however, to claim the win. I look for this game to be tight early on as both teams get a feel for each other and look for both defenses to be active and to set the tone early. I think both teams will try and assert their running games, too, but I'm not sure that either ground game will prove the difference in this one, especially with both defenses likely keying on the other team's running backs first and foremost. If that's the case, then you've got to look to the passing games, where Richlands has a clear advantage statistically. Of the two, the Blue Tornado are the team that has the weapons to come back from any deficit and I feel that Poquoson will have to get out to an early lead if they want to win. I look for a good game that ultimately goes Richlands' way in the end. Richlands 27 Poquoson 17

Personally I thought CS had a better football team than Brookville. I do agree that Richlands came to play at Brookville, I thought it was the best game we have played to date in all phases.

http://www.wvva.com/Global/category.asp?C=123736

Not sure how Maxpreps comes up with there rankings just throwing them out there for people to look at if they want. Is kinda cool the Blues are number 1 anyway in this poll.

Virginia Division AA High School Football Rankings Fall 10-11 List * Updated on: 12/6/2010 * Freeman football rankings are updated every Tuesday. * Sort the table by clicking on a columns' header. * Click here to learn about the Freeman Rankings system. Print E-mail Share close[x] Keep your friends up to date.# School State Overall League Rating Strength Mov. 1 Richlands (VA) VA 13-0 6-0 49.5 12.6 +12 2 Briar Woods (Ashburn, VA) VA 12-2 6-0 45.9 25.5 +1 3 Harrisonburg (VA) VA 13-0 3-0 44.7 19.2 +3 4 Poquoson (VA) VA 12-1 9-0 41.2 16.1 +2 5 Christiansburg (VA) VA 12-1 5-0 40.6 20.2 -5 6 Broad Run (Ashburn, VA) VA 11-2 5-1 38.8 20.7 +1 7 Brookville (Lynchburg, VA) VA 12-2 5-1 38.1 22.2 -8 8 Liberty (Bealeton, VA) VA 10-2 4-0 37.2 20.6 +1 9 Amherst County (Amherst, VA) VA 9-3 5-1 34.5 21.8 +1 10 Liberty (Bedford, VA) VA 10-2 5-1 34.2 21.5 -3 11 Cave Spring (Roanoke, VA) VA 8-4 4-1 33.1 21.2 +5 12 Northside (Roanoke, VA) VA 9-2 4-0 32.8 18.5 -3 13 Louisa County (Mineral, VA) VA 11-1 7-0 30.9 11.5 -2 14 Handley (Winchester, VA) VA 9-5 3-1 30.3 18.4 -3 15 Magna Vista (Ridgeway, VA) VA 11-2 4-0 29.1 9.7 -2 16 Monroe (Fredericksburg, VA) VA 9-3 6-1 28 15.6 -1 17 Courtland (Spotsylvania, VA) VA 8-5 6-1 26.3 19.3 -18 18 Sherando (Stephens City, VA) VA 8-3 2-2 24.3 18 -1 19 Fauquier (Warrenton, VA) VA 8-3 3-1 24.1 17.2 +2 20 Powhatan (VA) VA 10-1 7-0 23.7 2.4 -4 21 Eastern View (Culpeper, VA) VA 8-4 5-2 22.9 14.3 -12 22 Alleghany (Covington, VA) VA 9-3 2-2 22.7 15.1 +1 23 Staunton River (Moneta, VA) VA 8-4 3-1 22.5 15.8 +2 24 Salem (VA) VA 7-4 2-3 22.4 19.7 -4 25 Pulaski County (Dublin, VA) VA 5-5 3-2 22.4 21.4 -3

I have 9" of flurries at my house

That was the pick I was hoping for..............

Whatcha guys think about this one................Richlands is going for their 2nd state title this decade and correct me if im wrong Poquoson is trying to get there first ever. Poquoson won a close one to get here while the Blues hammered the Bees. Thoughts and predictions? Looks as if the BullIslanders have one great defense.

IMO this was a horrible stadium especially for a Lynchburg school. The seating is a joke.