BHC Super 7 and predictions 10/26

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By: BHC Sports Desk | TriCities.com

Published: October 25, 2012 Updated: October 25, 2012 - 10:26 PM

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Team Record

1. Clintwood (5) 7-1

2. Richlands 8-1

3. Honaker 7-1

4. George Wythe 7-1

5. John Battle 8-1

6. Virginia High 5-3

7. J.I. Burton 6-2

Others receiving votes: Eastside (6-3)

First-place votes in parentheses

 

No. 1 Clintwood at Wise County Central

 

Last meeting: Clintwood 46, Wise County Central 8 (Oct. 28, 2011 in Clintwood, Va.)

 

An end of an era will take place tonight at Carl Smith Stadium as Clintwood plays its final Lonesome Pine District game against the homestanding Wise County Central Warriors. … Clintwood will play in the Cumberland District next season per Virginia High School League realignment plans. … The Greenwave can clinch a third straight outright LPD title with a win. Head coach Rick Mullins’ team hasn’t lost to a district foe since 2009. … In last season’s game, Gavan Meade rushed for 246 yards and scored five touchdowns as the ’Wave won easily over the Warriors. Look for a similar scenario to unfold on a nostalgic Friday night.

 

Prediction: Clintwood 45, Wise County Central 13

 

No. 3 Honaker at Grundy

 

Last meeting: Honaker 42, Grundy 20 (Oct. 28, 2011 in Honaker, Va.)

 

Life is good for the Honaker Tigers. Head coach Doug Hubbard’s club knocked off previously unbeaten John Battle six days ago, put itself in line for a possible top seed in the playoffs and currently occupies the ninth spot in the Associated Press Group A state poll. … Dakota Stevens, a 5-foot-10, 230-pound senior lineman, is a tackling machine for Honaker. … Honaker added an option attack to its high-octane offense last week in the second half of a 20-7 win over John Battle and quarterback Ty Hall ran that offensive wrinkle to perfection. Running backs Cody Lester, John Ritchie and Payton Ball are playmakers. … Grundy has struggled defensively all season and the Golden Wave will be washed away tonight.

 

Prediction: Honaker 50, Grundy 18

 

Holston at No. 4 George Wythe

 

Last meeting: George Wythe 42, Holston 0 (Oct. 28, 2011 in Damascus, Va.)

 

George Wythe is on a roll, owning a 7-1 record, four-game winning streak and 33 consecutive victories against Hogoheegee foes. … GW running back Dominique Crockett is closing in on the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season and is averaging 10.2 yards per carry. … The most impressive statistic for the Maroons is the fact that they haven’t thrown an interception this season. Quarterbacks Alex Willis (16-for-37, two touchdowns) and Jordan Byrd (14-for-22, five touchdowns) have combined for 497 yards through the air. … GW collected six sacks, forced two fumbles and allowed only 86 yards of total offense in a shutout of Holston in 2011. … George Wythe’s defense might not be as good as it was a year ago, but the Maroons will surely give Holston fits.

 

Prediction: George Wythe 44, Holston 6

 

No. 6 Virginia High at Lebanon

 

Last meeting: Virginia High 26, Lebanon 3 (Oct. 28 in Bristol, Va.)

 

Virginia High cranked out 303 yards rushing against the Pioneers last season. Chris Belcher led Lebanon with over 70 yards rushing. … Lebanon has been handicapped by inexperience, but senior quarterback John Michael Duty threw for 116 yards and two scores in last week’s 28-7 win over Lee. Sophomore Nick Agri also rushed for a career-best 128 yards. …The modified Wing-T offense has been clicking for Virginia High, which has reeled off four straight wins behind explosive senior wingback Tradell Reisler and a corps of improving young linemen. And there’s even better news for VHS fans with the probable return of senior running back Bryce Ramey. …The playoff-bound Bearcats close the regular season at home against Lee next week. A win tonight by Lebanon could set up an intriguing season finale next week against John Battle in Lebanon.

 

Prediction: Virginia High 28, Lebanon 7

 

Union at No. 7 J.I. Burton

 

Last meeting: Union 26, J.I. Burton 20 (Oct. 28, 2011 in Big Stone Gap, Va.)

 

For all intents and purposes, this game is for second place in the Lonesome Pine District standings. … Both teams have been bitten by the injury bug at times this season. Malik Miles and Riley Maggard have battled various ailments for the Raiders over the course of the season, while Union’s leading rusher Ben Baugh has also been banged up. … Impressive victories were turned in last week by both teams – J.I. Burton beat Johnson County, 21-12, and Union rolled to a 55-27 win at Gate City. … Union overcame a 20-0 deficit to dispatch Burton last season for a close win. Expect the drama to be present again tonight.

 

Prediction: Union 22, J.I. Burton 20

 

Big Eight Conference

 

Sullivan Central at Sullivan South

 

Last meeting: Sullivan South 49, Sullivan Central 7 (Oct. 27, 2011 in Blountville, Tenn.)

 

For the first time since 2003, the Cougars have something to play for in the final week of the regular season. While they’ll need a lot of help even with a win, Central (4-5, 1-5) has a mathematical shot at the 5A playoffs if it can get past South (4-5, 2-4). That won’t be an easy task, however. … South is in the midst of its worst season record-wise since finishing 4-7 in 2003 – the last time Central beat its county rival – but the Rebels are no pushovers this year, especially on the offensive end. South has scored at least four touchdowns in six games and is averaging 29.8 points per outing. … The Cougars have returned to respectability, but they’re still not quite at that next level. A nice season for Central will end on a down note tonight.

 

Prediction: Sullivan South 49, Sullivan Central 14

 

Volunteer at Tennessee High

 

Last meeting: Tennessee High 13, Volunteer 7 (Oct. 28, 2011 in Church Hill, Tenn.)

 

Both teams are actually having solid seasons, but have taken their lumps in recent weeks. The Vikings (5-4, 3-3) enter having lost two straight and three of four, while the Falcons (3-6, 2-4) have dropped three in a row by an average of 37 points. … Tennessee High has won all three meetings since the teams became conference foes in 2009, but it took an interception return for a touchdown by Adam Mitchell last year for the Vikings to escape Hawkins County with a win. … With three touchdowns catches last week against Science Hill, Mitchell raised his season total to 11, setting a new Tennessee High record. When he’s played well, the Vikings have thrived this season. … While Tennessee High will likely get into the 5A playoff field win or lose tonight, a victory here is a must if the Vikings hope to be anything more than a one-and-done squad in November.

 

Prediction: Tennessee High 35, Volunteer 16

 

Three Rivers Conference

 

Elizabethton at Sullivan East

 

Last meeting: Elizabethton 48, Sullivan East 6 (Oct. 27, 2011 in Elizabethton, Tenn.)

 

A season ago, this matchup was a highly anticipated clash for second place in the conference and a boost in playoff seeding. Now the only drama is if East (0-9, 0-4) can avoid its second winless season in three years. … It’s hard to find any sliver of hope for the Patriots. The Cyclones (7-2, 4-0) turned last year’s matchup against a much better East team into a laugher and for the fourth straight year have a squad seemingly capable of a deep playoff run. … East, meanwhile, has scored more than two touchdowns only twice this year and has kept only one game – a 13-7 loss to Sullivan Central – within 21 points since an eight-point loss to David Crockett to open the year sent the season on a downward spiral. … The only silver lining for East? When tonight is over, basketball season begins.

 

Prediction: Elizabethton 41, Sullivan East 0

 

Clinch Mountain District

 

Gate City at Lee

 

Last meeting: Gate City 14, Lee 6 (Oct. 28 in Gate City, Va.)

 

In an old-school game that featured mud, cold and rain last season, Gate City collected 332 total yards against the Generals. Lee’s Tyler Graham was held to a season-low 136 yards while Derick Miller paced GC with 194 yards rushing on 37 carries. … Defense has been the problem for both of these teams. Gate City allows 42 points per game while Lee gives up 34.6. … Gate City allowed 460 yards rushing last week to Union. … Junior Raymond Avery has emerged as an effective running back for Lee while senior Zack Mannon is solid at tight end. The Generals have been hurt by the injury to running back Cody Haynes, who started the season with a bang. … Gate City, which has faced a brutal non-district schedule, will host Clintwood next week.

 

Prediction: Gate City 32, Lee 14

 

Cumberland District

 

Thomas Walker at Twin Springs

 

Last meeting: Thomas Walker 36, Twin Springs 20 (Oct. 28, 2011 in Nickelsville, Va.)

 

This wasn’t the type of 2012 season either of these teams envisioned. … Thomas Walker is just 1-7 and the Pioneers’ star player, senior running back Cody Cain, has been hampered by a hamstring injury. ... Twin Springs is winless and the Titans have scored more than eight points in just two of their eight games. … Tazewell’s win over Carroll County last week snapped an 18-game skid, meaning that Twin Springs now has the area’s longest losing skid. The Titans have lost 13 straight dating back to last season. … Look for Thomas Walker to get win No. 2.

 

Prediction: Thomas Walker 19, Twin Springs 7

 

Hogoheegee District

 

Patrick Henry at Chilhowie

 

Last meeting: Chilhowie 55, Patrick Henry 0 (Oct. 28, 2011 in Emory, Va.)

 

Both these teams are in dire need of a victory. … Chilhowie has lost three straight and four of five and the Warriors also endured an internal incident last month that brought many distractions to the program. … Patrick Henry has dropped five in a row and the Rebels have been outscored 147-8 in their three district losses. … Patrick Henry playmaker Merrick Mullins is out after suffering a season-ending knee injury. … Chilhowie running back Justin Jones needs just 43 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the season. Meanwhile, senior Reid Sturgill (31 catches, 396 yards, six touchdowns) is an elite wide receiver. … Patrick Henry hasn’t beaten Chilhowie since 2004.

 

Prediction: Chilhowie 41, Patrick Henry 6

 

Rural Retreat at Northwood

 

Last meeting: Rural Retreat 27, Northwood 0 (Oct. 28, 2011 in Rural Retreat, Va.)

 

Rural Retreat played its best game of the season last Friday, racing out to a 39-point lead and completely dominating in a 45-7 hammering of Holston. … Senior running back Tyler “T.C.” Caudill came close to breaking a single-game school record for rushing yards. He finished with 261 yards via the ground and scored four touchdowns. … Jordan Corvin, Jordan Kelly and Devon Wilson are among the leaders on defense for the Indians. They’ll have the tough task tonight of slowing Northwood running back Jason Prater, a hard-nosed runner and one of the district’s best all-around athletes. … Last season Northwood was limited to negative-13 rushing yards and three first downs in losing at Rural Retreat. This one figures to be much closer. … Will Rural Retreat duplicate last week’s powerful performance or have a letdown tonight? Head to Saltville to find out.

 

Prediction: Rural Retreat 33, Northwood 16

 

Southwest District

 

Abingdon at Tazewell

 

Last meeting: Abingdon 29, Tazewell 0 (Oct. 28 in Abingdon, Va.)

 

Grant Pennings led Abingdon to the win in this series last season, collecting 270 yards rushing and three scores on 33 carries. Tazewell managed just 32 total yards. … Abingdon trailed SWD superpower Richlands just 7-6 last week with 3:09 left in third quarter. The improved AHS defense features nose guard Isaiah Pope, linebacker Austin Blankenship, safety Justin Vance, Matthew Briscoe and 250-pound lineman Zack Boyda. .. Tazewell fans are still celebrating the end of the 18-game losing streak last week. Junior Jacob McReynolds engineered that 27-26 victory over Carroll County with 185 yards rushing and all 27 points. That win had special meaning since Tazewell coach Shane Allen is a former assistant at Carroll County …Cody McCann has passed for 925 yards for Tazewell, with Jalen Jordan catching 30 passes for 611 yards.

 

Prediction: Abingdon 24, Tazewell 10

 

Marion at Carroll County

 

Last meeting: Marion 30, Carroll County 8 (Oct. 28 in Marion, Va.)

 

Carroll County actually led Marion 12-8 at halftime last season. But Marion’s Ethan Richardson took over en route to a 268 yard and three touchdown performance. … Carroll County has allowed an average of 35 points en route to three straight SWD losses. Basketball standout Chris Smoot leads the team with 45 solo tackles and 39 receptions for 604 yards. … Richardson is in a tight battle with Colton Staten of Richlands for the SWD rushing title. … Skyler Harmon, Dustin Tilson and Anthony Bowling are thumpers for Marion.

 

Prediction: Marion 32, Carroll County 10

 

Non-District

 

Castlewood at Twin Valley

 

Last meeting: Castlewood 39, Twin Valley 14 (Oct. 7, 2011 in Castlewood, Va.)

 

Castlewood has won four straight and the Blue Devils will look to continue their late-season surge tonight in Buchanan County. … Castlewood star running back Reid Edmonds is battling an ankle injury that has limited his mobility. The Blue Devils have experienced ball carriers in Blake Sloce, Josh Woods and Damien Patrick, while quarterback Dalton Gordon and wide receiver Jacob Cornett have formed a nice combination. … Twin Valley’s Shannon Adams is a tough runner, but the Panthers have struggled to gain consistency. … This meeting always centers around the coaches. Castlewood coach David Scammell and Twin Valley boss Tommy Crigger were high school teammates at Grundy and later played together at Emory & Henry College. Scammell will get bragging rights among the buddies this evening.

 

Prediction: Castlewood 24, Twin Valley 12

 

Haysi at Phelps (Ky.)

 

Last meeting: Haysi 39, Phelps 8 (Oct. 28, 2011 in Haysi, Va.)

 

Phelps needs help. The Hornets will be no match for a hot Haysi team that has won five straight. … Quarterback Zach Owens continues to impress. He rushed for a score and threw two touchdown passes last Friday in Haysi’s 28-0 win over Hurley last week. … Phelps is 0-8 and head coach Jesse R. Peck’s team will not be able to keep their visitors from Southwest Virginia out of the end zone. Heck, they haven’t been able to keep anybody from scoring this fall.

 

Prediction: Haysi 50, Phelps 8

 

Hurley at Rye Cove

 

Last meeting: Rye Cove 8, Hurley 6 (Oct. 28, 2011 in Hurley, Va.)

 

The forecast is for clear skies and ideal conditions tonight, a far cry from what happened last year when these teams played. On an extremely muddy surface, both teams fumbled constantly and Rye Cove managed to eke out an ugly win. … Rye Cove posted a 38-37 victory at Twin Valley last Friday, overcoming a 15-point deficit in the final six minutes. … Patric Fritz returned an interception 102 yards for a touchdown to highlight the Cove’s win last week. The hard-charging Fritz, wide receiver Hunter McMahan and lineman Dylan Statzer are among the senior leaders for the Eagles. Running back Dakota Hood and quarterback Eric Hill are talented sophomores. … Rye Cove is 0-3 at home and has lost those games by 34-0, 42-0 and 34-8 margins. … Hurley has had problems with turnovers, so the Rebels must take care of the ball. … As is the case with any game, whichever team wins the battle in the trenches will come out on top. That might be the biggest key tonight.

 

Prediction: Hurley 24, Rye Cove 16