BHC Playoff Predictions 11/09

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http://www.tricities.com/sports/article_caf1c932-2a34-11e2-ae40-001a4bcf6878.html

 

Tennessee High at Morristown West

 

Last meeting: Tennessee High 49, Morristown West 35 (Nov. 7, 2008 in Bristol, Tenn.)

 

The four-year gap since the last meeting between these teams is an eternity when you consider they met seven times in the postseason between 2000 and 2008. The Vikings (7-4) saw their season end five times at the hands of the Trojans (8-3) during that stretch. … The player to watch for Morristown West is Malachi Horton. The junior running back had 169 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the first round of the playoffs. He now has 1,674 yards on the season, a new school record, according to a Knoxville News Sentinel story. … Tennessee High is a much improved team, but based on the past two years, it’s hard to imagine everything going as well for the Vikings as it did in their near-perfect performance last week against Boone. If Morristown West can control the time of possession, Tennessee High won’t have any margin for error. … Expect the tested Trojans, who have won four games by 10 points or less, to win the turnover battle and the game, but it’ll be close.

 

Prediction: Morristown West 33, Tennessee High 30

 

Group A, Division 2

 

Western Section

 

Virginia High at John Battle

 

Last meeting: John Battle 17, Virginia High 13 (Aug. 31, 2012 at Virginia High)

 

This game always stirs emotions, and the atmosphere should be downright electric for tonight’s rematch on Battle Hill. Virginia High has reeled off six straight wins while John Battle has averaged 28 points en route to its first Clinch Mountain District title. …The Trojans rushed for 125 yards and passed for 68 in the earlier meeting against VHS. The Bearcats managed five just downs and 107 total yards. …Despite having an offensive line dominated by underclassmen, VHS has averaged 331 yards rushing the past five games. … Junior Justin Brown and senior Tradell Reisler have combined for over 1,500 yards and 26 touchdowns for VHS while freshman Caleb Stone keeps defenses honest with his quick hitters off-tackle. …The wild card for this game is the injury situation for Battle. Powerful two-way standout Matthew Chapman is out after suffering a leg injury last week at Lebanon while senior playmaker Cody Rogers continues to recover from a high-ankle sprain. … Tonight’s winner will face the survivor of the game between district champions Giles (9-1) and James River (7-3). Giles has earned statewide acclaim over the years for its use of the ancient single-wing offense. … Due to the uncertainty over Rogers, give a slight edge to the speedy Bearcats.

 

Prediction: Virginia High 21, John Battle 20

 

Grundy at Fort Chiswell

 

Last meeting: N/A

 

It could be said that Grundy senior Nick Travis willed his team into the playoffs. … The relentless running back scored five touchdowns and helped the Golden Wave rally past Mount View (W.Va.) last Friday for a 34-32 win in the regular-season finale. That victory helped head coach Jeremy Ward’s team move past Wise County Central and claim the final playoff berth in Division 2’s Western Section. … The reward is the long trip to Wythe County to face the top-seeded and 9-1 Pioneers. … Two of Grundy’s four wins came against opponents out of state – Mount View (W.Va.) and Kentucky’s East Ridge High School. … Quarterback Brett Mabry, running back Daniel Hamm and offensive lineman Coleman Thomas are the players to watch for Fort Chiswell. The Pioneers have won eight straight and haven’t lost since a 28-7 setback to George Wythe on Aug. 31. … Fort Chiswell is just too big and too strong for Grundy.

 

Prediction: Fort Chiswell 47, Grundy 8

 

Group A, Division 1

 

Western Section

 

Eastern Montgomery at George Wythe

 

Last Meeting: First meeting

 

Eastern Montgomery’s defense is allowing 38.6 points per game. George Wythe’s offense is putting 38.4 points per game on the board. That’s about all you need to know about the Mustangs’ prospects as they make the trip to Wytheville. … Running back Dominique Crockett (1,074 rushing yards, 22 total touchdowns) is the primary playmaker for the Maroons, but wide receiver Isaac Baltazar (22 receptions, 196 yards, four touchdowns) has burnt opposing defensive backs all season. … George Wythe head coach H.S. Ingo wasn’t particularly pleased with how his team played last week in a 36-6 win over Rural Retreat as the Maroons were plagued my mental mistakes and penalties. His team will likely perform more cohesively tonight. … Running back Daryl Manns is one of the top players for EastMont. The Mustangs will simply be outmanned at Pendleton Field.

 

Prediction: George Wythe 50, Eastern Montgomery 19

 

Northwood at Eastside

 

Last meeting: First meeting

 

A marked improvement has been the hallmark for both of these teams. … Eastside was 3-8 last season, but the Spartans went 7-3 in the regular season and claimed the Cumberland District championship. … Northwood is 5-5 after having gone 6-44 from 2007-2011. … Eastside has the edge in terms of playing a tougher schedule. All three of the Spartans’ losses came to playoff teams who have a combined record of 26-5. Northwood hasn’t beaten a team with a winning record. … Eastside suffered a 49-21 loss to Clintwood in the first round of the playoffs in 2011. Northwood is in the postseason for the first time since 2006. … Northwood’s Jason Prater is one of the Hogoheegee District’s elite athletes. He has 1,082 rushing yards, 151 receiving yards and has scored 20 touchdowns for the Panthers. … Ethan Collins missed most of Eastside’s 15-12 win over Castlewood last week with an injured ankle. His status for tonight’s game is uncertain, but the Spartans have several other weapons – wingback Erikk Banks and quarterback Caleb Riner to name two – so they’ll hold the edge over tonight’s opponent.

 

Prediction: Eastside 37, Northwood 15

 

Hurley at Rural Retreat

 

Last meeting: N/A

 

This might be the most intriguing game on the docket tonight as the 10th-seeded Rebels make the long trip from Buchanan County to face seventh-seeded Rural Retreat. … The teams are similar on paper. Rural Retreat averages 29.9 points per game, while allowing 20.8 points per contest. Hurley is averaging 28.8 points and giving up 24.8 per game. … Both teams are spearheaded by hard-charging running backs. Rural Retreat’s Tyler “T.C.†Caudill has scored 18 touchdowns and is averaging 154 rushing yards per game. Hurley is led by junior Dillion Bailey, who has scored 12 TDs and has 895 yards on the ground. … At the quarterback position, Hurley’s Nick Gibson has more than 400 rushing yards and has scored eight touchdowns; Rural Retreat’s J.B. Wright has thrown 12 touchdowns, compared to four interceptions. … Both teams have struggled at times on defense, so getting a stop or two could be the difference. … Rural Retreat might have the extra motivation. In a first-round playoff game at home last season, the Indians blew a 31-0 halftime lead in suffering a 39-38 loss to Chilhowie. You can rest assured head coach Christopher Moore and his team will not have a postseason letdown at Community Stadium this time around.

 

Prediction: Rural Retreat 32, Hurley 22

 

Chilhowie at Galax

 

Last meeting: Galax 26, Chilhowie 7 (Oct. 23, 1998 in Galax, Va.)

 

You have to hand it to Galax head coach Mark Dixon. The 2011 VHSL Group A, Division 1 runner-up Maroon Tide suffered heavy graduation losses, but still managed to go 7-3 and earn a home playoff game. … In some games this season, Galax has had as many as seven freshmen and sophomores on the field at one time. … The Tide could actually be 9-1 if not for some late-game defensive meltdowns. Galax lost by one point to Fort Chiswell, three points to Graham and four points to Grayson County. … Galax did lose Donte Peoples to a leg injury last week and he will not play tonight. However, his brother – Steven Peoples Jr. – has 1,200 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Quarterback Chris Poole and wide receiver Timmy Gable are also players to watch for Galax. … Chilhowie has had a rollercoaster season. The Warriors won their last two games of the regular season and overcame a 24-0 deficit to dispatch Holston, 31-30 a week ago. … Reid Sturgill has 11 touchdown receptions for Chilhowie, while quarterback Dylan Thomas has thrown for 1,361 yards. … These teams haven’t played in 14 years with Galax claiming a 19-point home win over the Warriors in the previous meeting. Current Chilhowie principal Mike Sturgill was the Warriors’ head coach that season. … Galax’s offense will put on a show in this one. Just call it “Up with Peoples.â€

 

Prediction: Galax 48, Chilhowie 23

 

Group AA, Division 3

 

Region IV

 

Abingdon at Cave Spring

 

Last meeting: N/A

 

After thumping Lebanon 26-0 on Oct. 12, Abingdon has dropped three straight games. Last week’s 23-17 loss to Marion was a heartbreaker, as Scarlet Hurricane quarterback Trey Crook (562 yards passing, 357 rushing) muscled in a 1-yard run with 12 seconds left. … Abingdon is led by senior kicker Mitchell Ludwig (11 field goals), senior nose guard Isaiah Pope and senior running back Grant Pennings. … Cave Spring (5-5) features 5-foot-11 senior quarterback Connor Baker (1,733 yards passing, 16 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 358 yards rushing ), 5-foot-6 senior running back James Jackson (515 yards rushing), 6-foot-2 senior receiver Jack Woody (45 receptions, 717 yards) and 6-foot senior receiver Jon Evans (44 rec., 550 yards). The prospect for the Knights is 6-3, 232-pound senior Jordan Bryant, a heavy-hitter on defense who also has 28 receptions. … The Cave Spring community has been reeling over the illness of sophomore defensive end Zac Foutz, who was hospitalized Oct. 28 with symptoms of fungal meningitis. The son of former Cave Spring head coach Ben Foutz, Zac intercepted three passes in the Oct. 26 win over Christiansburg. … Tonight’s winner travels to Richlands next week.

 

Prediction: Cave Spring 35, Abingdon 10

 

Tazewell at Marion

 

Last meeting: Marion 38, Tazewell 18 (Oct. 12, 2012 in Marion, Va.)

 

This game should serve as showcase for Marion’s Ethan Richardson. With his slicing, fun-to-watch style, the senior has crafted a record-setting season with nearly 1,700 yards and 23 scores. …Richardson delivered a signature performance earlier this season against Tazewell, accounting for 287 yards rushing and five scores on 24 carries. Tazewell passed for over 210 yards but was hurt by three fumbles. …Tazewell had reeled off two straight wins until last week’s 65-33 loss at rival Richlands. The highlight for Bulldogs was the passing game, which produced 181 yards. …Six-foot-one receiver Jalen Jordan leads the Bulldogs with 36 receptions for 862 yards and eight scores. Jordan had three receptions for 158 yards last week. … The leader for Tazewell is Jacob McReynolds, a relentless 5-foot-9 junior who has rumbled for 686 yards. Senior quarterback Cody McCann has added 1,266 yards passing and nine scores. McCann did not play in the earlier loss at Marion after suffering a concussion the previous week against Virginia High. …Tonight’s winner travels to 6-3 Tunstall.

 

Prediction: Marion 28, Tazewell 14

 

SATURDAY’S GAMES

 

VHSL Group A, Division 1

 

Western Section

 

Patrick Henry at Honaker, 1 p.m.

 

Last meeting: Honaker 43, Patrick Henry 13 (Sept. 14, 2012 in Emory, Va.)

 

At 2-8, Patrick Henry has the worst record of any team in the Group A playoffs (Tazewell made the Group AA field with a 2-8 mark) and the Rebels head to Honaker to face the top-seeded Tigers. … Patrick Henry did play eight teams that made the playoffs, including three teams that had 9-1 records. … Injuries have hit Patrick Henry hard and the Rebels are expected to dress out less than 25 players for Saturday’s contest. … Merrick Mullins, who scored both of PH’s touchdowns in a 30-point loss to Honaker two months ago, suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier in the season. … Honaker amassed 409 yards of total offense in the earlier win over PH and quarterback Ty Hall was a masterful maestro that night. The Tigers, whose only loss of the season came to 9-1 Richlands, have won four straight by scores of 49-6, 20-7, 55-21 and 21-0. … The Tigers are clicking at the right time and will emphatically advance.

 

Prediction: Honaker 55, Patrick Henry 6

 

Radford at Clintwood, 2 p.m.

 

Last meeting: N/A

 

These two teams are traditional VHSL powers. Clintwood is the defending Group A, Division 1 state champion and the Greenwave also won three state titles in the 1970s. … Radford won state championships in 1971 and 1972 and the Bobcats are a playoff regular. … The players to watch in this one are Clintwood running back Gavan Meade, who has scored 30 touchdowns and amassed 1,703 rushing yards and Radford quarterback Hunter Marshall. Marshall has thrown for 1,298 yards and 14 touchdowns and also leads the Bobcats in rushing with 615 yards and 11 touchdowns. … Radford’s defense is soft, allowing 30.7 points per game and the Bobcats have yielded 40 or more points on six occasions. … Matthew Saunders, Radford’s coach, was the boss at Castlewood in 2001 and 2002. … Clintwood kicker Tanner Brooks is 36-of-41 on extra point attempts and has one field goal. Radford’s Caleb Findley is averaging 40.5-yards per punt and has four field goals with a long of 37 yards. … Radford’s passing attack might wreak havoc on Clintwood’s defensive secondary, but the Bobcats will not be able to slow Clintwood’s methodical rushing attack.

 

Prediction: Clintwood 44, Radford 17

 

Holston at J.I. Burton, 1 p.m.

 

Last meeting: J.I. Burton 26, Holston 7 (Aug. 24, 2012 in Damascus, Va.)

 

J.I. Burton ended the season with a milestone win. Now, the Raiders will try to reel off a deep playoff run. … Tanner Crowder, Jimmy Patten and Malik Miles had big afternoons as Burton bested Wise County Central, 34-21, last Saturday in the final Lonesome Pine District league game. … J.I. Burton is at its best when the running and passing games are both in sync. The Raiders are at their worst when a defense that has been shaky at times can’t come up with key stops. … J.I. Burton held Holston to 113 yards of total offense in beating the Cavaliers in the season opener for both teams. … Holston has lost three straight and the Cavaliers coughed up a 24-point lead in losing at Chilhowie, 31-30, in the regular-season finale. … Holston running backs Dakota Barlow and Shane Milhorne are both closing in on the 1,000-yard rushing mark. Both will be counted on big Saturday as Holston will need to control the clock and put together sustained drives that put points on the board. … These teams played a classic 2-0 game in the 2009 state semifinals that Burton won. The seniors on these squads were freshmen that year. … Holston has qualified for the playoffs in five of Jason Matlock’s six seasons as head coach.

 

Prediction: J.I. Burton 30, Holston 9

 

Castlewood at Haysi, 1 p.m.

 

Last meeting: Haysi 28, Castlewood 14 (Aug. 24, 2012 in Haysi, Va.)

 

What Haysi team will show up? The one that had a six-game winning streak earlier or in the season or a team that failed to get much going offensively in its three losses that were by margins of 48-12, 20-6 and 21-0. … Castlewood has been inconsistent as well, but the Blue Devils has played well of late and had a five-game winning streak of their own at one point in the season. … The X-Factor is likely Haysi running back Jeffrey Bowen. He has 1,109 rushing yards, 318 receiving yards and is dangerous when returning kicks. Bowen was an all-purpose performer in Haysi’s season-opening win over the Blue Devils. … Castlewood linebacker Blake Sloce is one of the most physical defensive players in the Cumberland District. … This one could come down to the fourth quarter.

 

Prediction: Haysi 26, Castlewood 20

 

Group A, Division 2

 

Western Section

 

Union at Graham, 7 p.m.

 

Last meeting: First meeting

 

Mitchell Stadium will be a hopping place. The venue on the Virginia/West Virginia state line will host a West Virginia prep playoff game on Friday night, a Bluefield College game on Saturday afternoon and this intriguing first-round playoff encounter on Saturday evening. … Union was born last fall from the consolidation of Powell Valley and Appalachia High Schools who had a combined 14 state championships on the gridiron. Graham has a storied tradition if its own. … Union has a hard-nosed rushing attack that features two 1,000-yard rushers in Ben Baugh and Jake McCray. Mekyah Davis isn’t too far behind with 758 ground yards. … Dual-threat quarterback Spencer Sheets has thrown for 821 yards and rushed for 648 more for Graham, while Cody Hatfield has 1,054 rushing yards, 241 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns for the G-Men. … Freshman offensive lineman Canaan Looney is one of several young players that contribute heavily for head coach Mike Williams’ Mountain Empire District team. … Union suffered a 17-15 loss at Stuarts Draft in the first round of last year’s playoffs. The road trip this weekend will be much shorter and much more productive.

 

Prediction: Union 22, Graham 20