BHC Super 7 and Predictions 11/2

[HurricaneWarning 212]

No. 1 Clintwood at Gate City

 

Last meeting: Clintwood 28, Gate City 27 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Clintwood, Va.)

 

Gate City quarterback Nick Bowen passed for 199 yards and two scores in this game last season. The Blue Devils missed an attempt for a two-point conversion in the final minute. Clintwood rushed for 166 yards. …Don’t expect nearly the drama tonight at Legion Field. Clintwood has been crunching foes with a relentless running game behind Gavan Meade while the GC defense allows 39 points. … The Blue Devils have been starting seven sophomores and one freshman. Speedy sophomore Neth Gardner is a player to watch the next two years. Bowen has thrown for over 900 yards, with 6-foot-2 junior Michael Collier serving as the top target. … Meade is making a run at Johnny McFall’s school record for touchdowns in a season.

 

Prediction: Clintwood 42, Gate City 7

 

Tazewell at No. 2 Richlands

 

(Saturday, 1:30 p.m.)

 

Last meeting: Richlands 69, Tazewell 18 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Tazewell, Va.)

 

Richlands opened a 41-0 halftime lead against the Bulldogs last season. Devon Johnson rushed for 123 yards on just eight carries while Reece Strong threw for 145 yards and three scores. …After two straight wins, enthusiasm is high for Tazewell fans. Junior Jacob McReynolds has led the resurgent Bulldogs, accounting for 351 yards rushing and six touchdowns the past two weeks while booming long punts. Six-foot-one senior Guye Turner is the big hitter for Tazewell. …Despite a variety of injuries, Richlands can celebrate its ninth straight SWD title tonight. … The Blue Tornado averages 33 points while allowing just 12 ppg. Colton Staten is a smart and strong running back while linebackers Frank Taylor and Michael Horton and defensive end Sam Lawson create heavy metal music on defense. … With wins by Tazewell and Marion tonight, three teams could finish with 3-1 SWD records.

 

Prediction: Richlands 28, Tazewell 7

 

Haysi at No. 3 Honaker

 

(Saturday, 1 p.m.)

 

Last meeting: Honaker 36, Haysi 18 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Haysi, Va.)

 

Death, taxes and Honaker vs. Haysi for the Black Diamond District championship. Those are certainties in life and once again the Tigers from Russell County and the Tigers from Dickenson County tangle with first place on the line. … Honaker has won the last two BDD titles. … Honaker closed last year’s game with 29 unanswered points, turning an 18-7 deficit into an 18-point win. … Quarterback Ty Hall (1,467 passing yards, 295 rushing yards in 2012) threw three touchdown passes and also rushed for a score in last year’s contest. The heady senior is exceptional at running the offense. … Haysi’s QB, Zach Owens, is pretty good and running back Jeffrey Bowen gives the Tigers a balanced offensive attack. Defensively, Tristan Yates (92 tackles), Cody Yates (seven sacks) and Gauge Hill (36 tackles, three interceptions) have been solid. … Due to ongoing lighting issues at Fuller Field this will be Honaker’s third Saturday game. Head coach Doug Hubbard’s squad is 2-0 on Saturday afternoons. …. This one should be close, spirited and fun.

 

Prediction: Honaker 31, Haysi 20

 

No. 4 George Wythe at Rural Retreat

 

Last meeting: George Wythe 42, Rural Retreat 6 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Wytheville, Va.)

 

This Wythe County rivalry is always intense and for the second straight year the winner will be crowned Hogoheegee District champ. … George Wythe is gunning for its sixth straight district title and the Maroons boast a 34-game winning streak against Hogo foes. … Rural Retreat was the last district team to beat the Maroons, collecting a 41-14 victory on Sept. 29, 2006, as quarterback Matthew Heldreth threw two touchdown passes and Wyatt Pickett rushed for 148 yards. … Rural Retreat has won five straight and the Indians have scored 40 or more points in their last three games. Running back Tyler “T.C.†Caudill and quarterback J.B. Wright have been efficient for the offense. … George Wythe has scored 55 points in its last two games and the Maroons have so many options on offense it’s downright impressive. Running backs Dominique Crockett and Trey Skeens form a nice 1-2 combo for head coach H.S. Ingo’s club. … George Wythe led just 7-6 late in the second quarter against Rural Retreat last season, but two touchdowns in the final 1:45 of the first half got the Maroons rolling and they dominated. … Rural Retreat must avoid the turnovers and hope for sustained drives that result in points. If not, it will be hard for the Indians’ defense to slow the juggernaut that is GW.

 

Prediction: George Wythe 44, Rural Retreat 27

 

No. 5 John Battle at Lebanon

 

Last meeting: John Battle 28, Lebanon 12 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Bristol, Va.)

 

John Battle clinched its first winning record since 1998 last year with the win over Lebanon. The hero for the Trojans was Cody Rogers, who accounted for 112 yards rushing and a score. Chris Belcher paced the Pioneers with 172 yards on 31 carries. …The status of Rogers will be vital tonight. The senior playmaker missed the 20-7 loss at Honaker two weeks ago due to a high ankle sprain, an injury that often lingers. ... Before the Honaker game, Battle was averaging 34 points. … With a win, John Battle can secure its first outright district title since the Trojans claimed Hogoheegee District hardware in ’98. … After some research, it appears Battle hasn’t won at Lebanon in 30 years. Kevin Smith’s 22-yard field goal with 20 seconds remaining gave the Trojans a 3-0 win in Russell County way back on Oct. 8, 1982. … Lebanon has experienced growing pains with a young roster, but the Pioneers nearly stopped Virginia High last week behind 150-pound sophomore running back Matt Hurd.

 

Prediction: John Battle 21, Lebanon 14

 

Lee at No. 6 Virginia High

 

Last meeting: Lee 36, Virginia High 14 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Ben Hur, Va.)

 

Virginia High rushed for 195 yards in this game last year while Lee standout Tyler Graham closed his record-breaking prep run with a 200-yard, four-touchdown effort. Lee led just 14-7 at halftime before pulling away behind Graham…Lee, which has been outscored by an average of 33-14, features junior Raymond Avery (1,068 total yards), senior Zack Mannon (37 receptions), senior Grant Rutherford (64 tackles) and sophomore Houston Sage (1,079 yards passing). …Virginia High has steadily refined its offense behind a young line and a multifaceted running attack based on execution and speed. … Junior Justin Brown and senior Tradell Reisler supply the quickness while freshman fullback Caleb Stone provides punch at fullback. The offensive line features two sophomores, two juniors and freshman guard Nathan Jordan. Reisler is the only senior on the starting offense and he hopes to celebrate senior night in style.

 

Prediction: Virginia High 31, Lee 7

 

TSSSA 5A Playoffs

 

No. 7 Tennessee High at Daniel Boone

 

Last meeting: Daniel Boone 37, Tennessee High 7 (Sept. 28, 2012 in Gray, Tenn.)

 

Daniel Boone will be looking to continue its recent postseason success against fellow Big Eight Conference opponents. The Trailblazers (8-2) defeated Tennessee High (6-4) in 2009 and downed Sullivan South in 2010. … Both teams will just be happy to avoid a potential matchup with Knoxville West, which is the No. 4 seed in the Quad 1 bracket, until the state quarterfinals. West ended the season for first Tennessee High and then Boone in 2010 and also defeated the Trailblazers 35-13 in the first round last season. … The last time Tennessee High returned to the playoffs after missing the postseason the previous season, the Vikings posted a 42-20 win over David Crockett in 2000 before falling 21-7 to Morristown West. … Thanks to a mistake-filled first half by Tennessee High, Boone dominated the regular-season meeting in September. Instead of getting smoked, it’ll be close but no cigar this time around for the Vikings.

 

Prediction: Daniel Boone 28, Tennessee High 21

 

Last meeting: Hurley 42, Twin Valley 21 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Pilgrims Knob, Va.)

 

Plenty of incentives exist for Hurley in this one. The Rebels can earn their first Black Diamond District win of the season, solidify their playoff positioning and secure a fifth straight winning season with a victory. … Hurley put 60 points on the board in a win over Rye Cove last Friday as Dillion Bailey, Traquan Oliver, Ralph Jones and quarterback Nick Gibson excelled offensively. … Twin Valley running back Shannon Adams has earned praise from several opposing coaches and is a bona fide talent. … Hurley’s advantage in strength and skill will give head coach Greg Tester’s team that sixth W of the season.

 

Prediction: Hurley 43, Twin Valley 18

 

Lonesome Pine District

 

J.I. Burton vs. Wise County Central

 

(Saturday, 1 p.m. at UVa-Wise)

 

Last meeting: J.I. Burton 61, Wise County Central 20 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Norton, Va.)

 

Anybody that appreciates history, nostalgia and honoring the past should show up at Carl Smith Stadium Saturday afternoon. The final Lonesome Pine District game will be played, the curtain falling on the top Group A district in the state. … The LPD will cease to exist in 2013 as J.I. Burton and Clintwood move to the Cumberland District and Wise County Central and Union join a league that has not yet been named. … The Lonesome Pine District has claimed 21 state champions since 1970 and has put at least four players in the National Football League. … J.I. Burton, one of the charter members of the league, won a state crown in 1972 and finished as Group A, Division 1 runner-up in 1990, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2009. … Wise County Central is in its second season as a LPD member, having been formed last year from the consolidation of Pound and J.J. Kelly. Kelly was state champs in ’81 and Pound finished second in the state in 1999. … This particular matchup pits two teams who have had ups and downs in 2012 and they are playing for third place. … Expect a hard-hitting contest and here’s hoping that the LPD gets a proper sendoff.

 

Prediction: J.I. Burton 26, Wise County Central 25

 

Cumberland District

 

Eastside at Castlewood

 

Last meeting: Castlewood 24, Eastside 12 (Oct. 28, 2011 in Coeburn, Va.)

 

The Cumberland District championship is on the line in this one and both teams sport 6-3 overall records. … Castlewood has won five straight, while Eastside is riding a three-game winning streak. … Eastside has already doubled its win total from a year ago and is among area teams that have made major improvements. The Spartans have scored 48, 36, 55, 48 and 21 points over their last five games. Wingbacks Ethan Collins and Erikk Banks are a formidable pair. … Castlewood’s defense will need to step up and defensive stalwarts like Blake Sloce (109 ½ tackles), Tyler Hicks (63 stops) and Brett Steffey (57 ½ tackles) will have to prevent Collins, Banks and company from breaking big plays. Easier said than done.

 

Prediction: Eastside 40, Castlewood 25

 

Twin Springs at Rye Cove

 

Last meeting: Rye Cove 22, Twin Springs 12 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Nickelsville, Va.)

 

Some folks refer to this game as the Scott County Super Bowl and for good reason. “Records don’t matter in that game – never have, probably never will,†said Rye Cove coach Cheyenne Osborne. “I am sure it will be a dogfight right down to the very end. … I hope we come out ready.†… Rye Cove has slim playoff hopes and must win to have any chance of advancing to the postseason. … Twin Springs snapped a 13-game losing streak last week thanks to a 29-28 win over Thomas Walker. Quarterback Clay Collins starred in that victory. … Rye Cove is winless at home, but a win over the Titans would more than make up for those previous struggles.

 

Prediction: Rye Cove 24, Twin Springs 20

 

Hogoheegee District

 

Northwood at Patrick Henry

 

Last meeting: Northwood 53, Patrick Henry 18 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Saltville, Va.)

 

Northwood is poised to secure a playoff bid for the first time since 2006, but the Panthers are currently mired in a three-game losing streak and have fallen below .500 for the first time all season. … Despite a 2-7 record, Patrick Henry could also qualify for the postseason. The Rebels haven’t played beyond the 10th game since 1999. … Patrick Henry has lost 15 straight games against Hogoheegee foes and the Rebels have been particularly overmatched this fall. … Northwood suffered a 43-0 loss to Rural Retreat last Friday, the first time all season the Panthers had been blanked. However, running back Jason Prater, quarterback Channing Call and company will get things back on track tonight.

 

Prediction: Northwood 40, Patrick Henry 10

 

Chilhowie at Holston

 

Last meeting: Chilhowie 28, Holston 14 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Chilhowie, Va.)

 

Chilhowie is just 3-6 and the Warriors must triumph tonight to avoid their worst regular season since 2003, when they went 3-7. … Senior wide receiver Reid Sturgill continues to shine for Chilhowie. He has 38 receptions for 562 yards and has scored eight touchdowns this season and is the favorite target of quarterback Dylan Thomas. Thomas has amassed 1,152 aerial yards. … Holston’s defensive secondary will have to be on its toes. The whole Cavaliers’ defensive unit must be ready after dropping their last two games by 45-7 and 55-17 margins. … Chilhowie has dominated this rivalry for most of the last two decades, but this one could really go either way.

 

Prediction: Chilhowie 19, Holston 16

 

Southwest District

 

Marion at Abingdon

 

Last meeting: Marion 55, Abingdon 24 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Marion, Va.)

 

This series has featured an overflow of emotion in recent years. Last season, Marion opened a 48-3 lead after three quarters and cruised to victory behind quarterback Marshall Wagner (377 yards passing, six touchdowns). Kyle Rivero caught five of those scoring connections. …Marion’s Ethan Richardson has been one of the most productive players in Southwest Virginia the past two seasons, rushing for over 2,400 yards while scoring 35 touchdowns. …The player to watch for AHS is Mitchell Ludwig. In addition to booming 90 percent of his kickoffs into the end zone and compiling a punting average of over 40 yards, the 6-foot senior has connected on 10 field goals. Five of those kicks have been from at least 32 yards. ... After two straight wins, AHS has been outscored 62-16 the past two weeks against Richlands and Tazewell. … One playoff scenario has Marion and AHS meeting again next week.

 

Prediction: Marion 30, Abingdon 14

 

Non-District

 

Patrick County at Carroll County

 

Last meeting: Carroll County 48, Patrick County 6 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Stuart, Va.)

 

Carroll County wrapped up a 3-7 record with an easy victory over the Cougars last year. …The problem for Carroll this season has been defense. The Cavaliers allow 36 points per game, with every opponent except Martinsville scoring at least 27 … The bright spots for the Cavaliers include quarterback Connor Lundy (1,447 yards passing), Chris Smoot (41 receptions, 625 yards) and Taylor Case (29 receptions). … Patrick County has suffered through a series of nightmares the past two seasons. The run of misery includes a 62-16 setback to Richlands on Sept. 21. Since that Richlands game, PC has been outscored by an average margin of 49-2

 

Prediction: Carroll County 28, Patrick County 0

 

Thomas Walker at Union

 

Last meeting: Union 28, Thomas Walker 16 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Big Stone Gap, Va.)

 

There are a lot of marquee games in Southwest Virginia tonight that have a major impact on playoff positioning and are highly-anticipated. This isn’t one of them. … Mismatch is written all over this contest and a running clock in the second half is almost guaranteed. … Union running backs Ben Baugh, Mekyah Davis and Jake McCray led a ground game that accumulated 348 rushing yards last week in a 35-12 win over J.I. Burton. Look for the offensive numbers to be even greater tonight against a team that is overmatched in every way. … Thomas Walker is allowing more than 30 points per game and star running back Cody Cain has been hampered by a sore hamstring most of the season. … A disappointing season for the Pioneers will end with them enduring another pounding.

 

Prediction: Union 51, Thomas Walker 12

 

Mount View at Grundy

 

Last meeting: Grundy 27, Mount View 24 (Nov. 4, 2011 in Welch, W.Va.)

 

Grundy still has playoff aspirations, but hopes of a postseason invitation are as slim as finding a loaf of bread at Wal-Mart during the recent wintery weather. … Injuries and lack of depth has hurt Grundy all season, but the Golden Wave can boost morale by beating the team from the Mountain State. … Mount View is 3-6 and the player to watch is wide receiver Maurice Brown. Brown scored two touchdowns against the ’Wave last season. … A disappointing season will end on a down note for Grundy.

 

Prediction: Mount View 27, Grundy 24

[vols4life 57]

two weeks of falcon meat...yummie...i think we will see martinsville at home if we win tonight

[Canes00 434]

two weeks of falcon meat...yummie...i think we will see martinsville at home if we win tonight

 

only if Cave Spring or Tunstall loses