Dave Poe breaks down Class AA playoffs...

[Bluefield_Rules 46]

This article will insight the ire of a few fans from a particular school I'm sure...lol

 

http://newsandsentinel.com/sports/story/1110202004_spt02classaa.asp

 

Bluefield cream of AA crop

By DAVE POE

 

They beat Martinsburg, the No. 2 team in Class AAA.

They destroyed the No. 4 Class AA team, 54-0.

 

So is there even the slightest shred of doubt that the top-ranked and undefeated Beavers from Bluefield will roll to the Class AA title?

 

Of course, there is.

 

One need only look at the Beavers' 17-14 win over Mount View to know that Bluefield is vulnerable, especially since it plays No. 16 Mount View in this week's opening playoff round.

 

Still, let's not get all giddy about a 16 over 1 upset. Those happen about as often as the Red Sox winning the World Series.

 

Anyone who follows Class AA knows that Bluefield is loaded. That the Beavers deserve the top ranking and the favorite's role.

 

But they also know there are other serious contenders out there. Like Class AA's other undefeated team, Wayne. Like Weir, whose two losses each have come by two points. Like Ravenswood, which has reeled off nine wins in a row.

 

It's hard to imagine anyone other than Bluefield coming out of the upper bracket, although there's no doubt every sports fan in West Virginia will anxiously be awaiting the score of Saturday afternoon's rematch with Mount View, given the closeness of the initial encounter.

 

Should the Beavers survive, they would play the following week at home against the winner of Keyser and Sherman, two fine programs but neither is likely to provide a serious challenge.

 

While James Monroe is the No. 4 seed, it has played a weak schedule and was totally exposed by Bluefield. That's why Weir is the most likely opponent for the Beavers come the semifinals.

 

Yes, Weir lost to a Class A team in Wheeling Central, and that's certainly a strike against the Red Riders. But it also beat Class AAA John Marshall and Brooke, wins that must be respected.

 

While the top bracket belongs to Bluefield until someone else proves otherwise, the bottom bracket is a different story.

 

Wayne hasn't had a close game. It's been impressive throughout the season. It's a traditional power that is going to have something to say about who wins Class AA.

 

But it won't have a cakewalk to the finals. Not with the likes of Ravenswood around.

 

Ravenswood lost some respect when it got blanked in its season opener at Winfield. But since that frustrating loss, the Red Devils haven't been beaten. Now, they have a chance for revenge as they drew the Generals in the opening round. This time, Ravenswood will enjoy both the home field and the motivational advantage. This time, Ravenswood will be ready.

 

It's hard to find another contender in this bracket as Shady Spring has been pounded by both James Monroe and Bluefield and Clay County simply doesn't play the type of schedule that prepares one for the Bluefields and Waynes of the Class AA world.

 

Fans are always looking for some sleeper team to jump out of the pack and surprise the rest of the state, but finding such a team in Class AA is difficult.

 

If the champion doesn't come from Bluefield, Wayne, Ravenswood and Weir, it will be a stunner.

 

Likely state champion: Bluefield

 

Likely runnerup: Wayne

 

Other contenders: Weir, Ravenswood

 

Best longshots: None.

 

Best first-round matchup: Clay County at Shady Spring

 

Biggest first-round blowout: Wayne over Scott

 

Las Vegas odds to win state title: Bluefield 7-5, Wayne 8-5, Weir 5-1, Ravenswood 8-1, James Monroe 20-1, Shady Spring 50-1, Westside 60-1, Winfield 70-1, Keyser 80-1, Clay County 90-1, Braxton County 100-1, Mount View 100-1, Sherman 150-1, Liberty Raleigh 200-1, Lincoln 200-1, Scott 300-1.

[total 12]

what was that little piece at the bottom about Las Vegas odds to win... what's that about???

[bluefieldRocks 14]

The chances of the team winning the championship

[shadyfan 10]

i think this guy is wrong about the lower bracket i feel shady will beat clay and ravenswood with out a problem ravenswood hasn't played no one the tigers took their beatings from the beavers and mavs but there is no way ravenswood is of the same mold So the tigers are in my opion gonna play wayne in the semis and give them their first close game of the year.