1A is feeling awful easy for Riverheads right now.
- Thread starter GilliamRatings
- Start date
I seriously think all of the remaining teams are capable of beating Riverheads. The Gladiators are disciplined and tough. I watched their backs burst through holes and flat out run the Lunenburg secondary. However, Lunenburg is not on the same level as the remaining 1A teams.
I still expect Riverheads to go all the way, but the next two games will be magnitudes more challenging. They likely will be traveling to Norton, Galax, or Wytheville in the next round. Those are some strong teams that will be more battle tested.
I still expect Riverheads to go all the way, but the next two games will be magnitudes more challenging. They likely will be traveling to Norton, Galax, or Wytheville in the next round. Those are some strong teams that will be more battle tested.
There are 6 teams left that all have legitimate claims to being in the discussion. We will know a little more after tomorrow but Gilliam you know better than most that opinion and talk does not win games. There are six games before anyone can claim the title( 3 tomorrow, 2 next weekend, then the big one in Salem). As ESPN touts every year at bowl season, " It's the most wonderful time of the year". Good luck to everyone still in it.
Before discussing tonight's game, condolences go out to our friends at Buffalo Gap on the death of their longtime principal Bill Deardorff. That news was announced online by the Leader tonight and will be in Saturday's print edition. Perhaps the Bison dedicated their impressive win to him tonight. At any rate, best wishes to them in their playoff march.
Now on to the matter at hand....the Gladiators' dismantling of the Lunenburg Chargers. I have to begin by saying that I thought Riverheads had played about as well as possible in last week's 41-0 shutout of defending state champ Altavista. So for them to better that by one point tonight and keep yet another athletic team out of the end zone was unexpected by just about everyone in attendance.
The keys to the victory were the same, so it genuinely is hard to separate the two wins and declare one better than the other. Again the Big Red's three-prong running attack of Colt Miller, Harrison Schaefer, and Landon Diehl were in top form and scored five of the six touchdowns. Miller took a ton of punishment with some hard-earned yards straight up the gut and also recovered a fumble, whereas Diehl and Schaefer blitzed the visitors on four impressive runs in which they scored essentially untouched. And on the other side of the ball, just like last week the Gladiator defense was in the Chargers' backfield or meeting them right at the line of scrimmage all night long.
Making tonight's defensive effort arguably more impressive than last week's was the fact that the Gladiators willingly gave the Chargers field position all night. Apparently there had been something in the scouting report that suggested that it might not be a good idea to give Lunenburg too many return opportunities, so the Gladiators pooched or downright on-side kicked more often than not.
As a result of that strategy, the Chargers spent every single one of their possessions between the 30 yard lines and never once penetrated the red zone. They could usually make one or two first downs per possession but just never got the big play they needed to score or make a game of it. On one of the pooches, the Big Red actually recovered it due to a lackluster effort from the Chargers and eventually took it in for a touchdown.
The Gladiators drove about 55 yards for their first score of the night. As usual it was almost entirely on the ground, except that they did need to go to the air on a 4th and 6 play, which they converted on a pass to Miller. He eventually scored the TD from the one, although Schaefer had a big 15-yarder from the 16 that put him in position to score.
After holding Lunenburg again, the Big Red needed only one play this time, as Diehl broke through the line absolutely untouched and took it to the house from 67 yards out for one of his prettiest scores of the year. Robson converted the PAT's as he did all night long and RHS led 14-0 after one.
The Big Red D continued to bottle up Lunenburg's offense in the second period and it appeared that the Gladiators were about to take a 21-0 lead into the locker room. Instead Lunenburg intercepted a Garrett Campbell desperation pass at the one yard line. At that point, the Chargers had to feel as if they were still in the game, although Riverheads was due to receive the second half kickoff.
To their credit, the decent-sized Lunenburg crowd did their best to fire up the Chargers as they kicked off to open the second half. However, RHS removed any doubt about the outcome with a three-TD outburst in the third quarter. The first came on the opening possession as Diehl scampered in again from about 48 yards, scoring almost as easily as he did the first time.
At that point, those of us who follow these things were wondering if perhaps Schaefer's string of having scored at least two TD's in every game this season might be in jeopardy. However, he quickly put those fears to rest as he broke loose for about a 40 yarder, and after the aforementioned kick recovery, scored again from the 7 to keep his streak alive.
His second score made it 35-0 and started the running clock. As Lunenburg tried furiously to avoid the shutout, they got their best opportunity midway through the fourth quarter. They completed about a 35 yard pass play in front of the team bench. However, as the receiver was hit the ball popped out and right into the waiting arms of defensive end Ridge Stokes, who showed surprising speed as he galloped down the far sideline for a 70-yard pick six that ended the scoring at 42-0.
The Gladiators now have to await the results of tomorrow's other 1-A games to see where they will play next week. The big hope is that Sussex can upset Essex and give the Big Red yet another home game. But if that doesn't happen, RHS will hit the road for the fifth time in school history for a state semi-final.
Everyone remembers the trip to Giles just two years ago when RHS was competing at the 2-A level. But prior to that, under the old Single A regional format, RHS had to travel down into the Tidewater area all three times to pick up their semi-final wins, knocking off Surry in 2000, Sussex in 2006, and Franklin in 2010, winning the state title the next week in each of those years.
As for this year's title march, at this point it is possible that they could go to George Wythe, Galax, or Burton; or if hosting, the opponent could be Galax, Burton, or Radford. We should know by about 4:30 Saturday.
Now on to the matter at hand....the Gladiators' dismantling of the Lunenburg Chargers. I have to begin by saying that I thought Riverheads had played about as well as possible in last week's 41-0 shutout of defending state champ Altavista. So for them to better that by one point tonight and keep yet another athletic team out of the end zone was unexpected by just about everyone in attendance.
The keys to the victory were the same, so it genuinely is hard to separate the two wins and declare one better than the other. Again the Big Red's three-prong running attack of Colt Miller, Harrison Schaefer, and Landon Diehl were in top form and scored five of the six touchdowns. Miller took a ton of punishment with some hard-earned yards straight up the gut and also recovered a fumble, whereas Diehl and Schaefer blitzed the visitors on four impressive runs in which they scored essentially untouched. And on the other side of the ball, just like last week the Gladiator defense was in the Chargers' backfield or meeting them right at the line of scrimmage all night long.
Making tonight's defensive effort arguably more impressive than last week's was the fact that the Gladiators willingly gave the Chargers field position all night. Apparently there had been something in the scouting report that suggested that it might not be a good idea to give Lunenburg too many return opportunities, so the Gladiators pooched or downright on-side kicked more often than not.
As a result of that strategy, the Chargers spent every single one of their possessions between the 30 yard lines and never once penetrated the red zone. They could usually make one or two first downs per possession but just never got the big play they needed to score or make a game of it. On one of the pooches, the Big Red actually recovered it due to a lackluster effort from the Chargers and eventually took it in for a touchdown.
The Gladiators drove about 55 yards for their first score of the night. As usual it was almost entirely on the ground, except that they did need to go to the air on a 4th and 6 play, which they converted on a pass to Miller. He eventually scored the TD from the one, although Schaefer had a big 15-yarder from the 16 that put him in position to score.
After holding Lunenburg again, the Big Red needed only one play this time, as Diehl broke through the line absolutely untouched and took it to the house from 67 yards out for one of his prettiest scores of the year. Robson converted the PAT's as he did all night long and RHS led 14-0 after one.
The Big Red D continued to bottle up Lunenburg's offense in the second period and it appeared that the Gladiators were about to take a 21-0 lead into the locker room. Instead Lunenburg intercepted a Garrett Campbell desperation pass at the one yard line. At that point, the Chargers had to feel as if they were still in the game, although Riverheads was due to receive the second half kickoff.
To their credit, the decent-sized Lunenburg crowd did their best to fire up the Chargers as they kicked off to open the second half. However, RHS removed any doubt about the outcome with a three-TD outburst in the third quarter. The first came on the opening possession as Diehl scampered in again from about 48 yards, scoring almost as easily as he did the first time.
At that point, those of us who follow these things were wondering if perhaps Schaefer's string of having scored at least two TD's in every game this season might be in jeopardy. However, he quickly put those fears to rest as he broke loose for about a 40 yarder, and after the aforementioned kick recovery, scored again from the 7 to keep his streak alive.
His second score made it 35-0 and started the running clock. As Lunenburg tried furiously to avoid the shutout, they got their best opportunity midway through the fourth quarter. They completed about a 35 yard pass play in front of the team bench. However, as the receiver was hit the ball popped out and right into the waiting arms of defensive end Ridge Stokes, who showed surprising speed as he galloped down the far sideline for a 70-yard pick six that ended the scoring at 42-0.
The Gladiators now have to await the results of tomorrow's other 1-A games to see where they will play next week. The big hope is that Sussex can upset Essex and give the Big Red yet another home game. But if that doesn't happen, RHS will hit the road for the fifth time in school history for a state semi-final.
Everyone remembers the trip to Giles just two years ago when RHS was competing at the 2-A level. But prior to that, under the old Single A regional format, RHS had to travel down into the Tidewater area all three times to pick up their semi-final wins, knocking off Surry in 2000, Sussex in 2006, and Franklin in 2010, winning the state title the next week in each of those years.
As for this year's title march, at this point it is possible that they could go to George Wythe, Galax, or Burton; or if hosting, the opponent could be Galax, Burton, or Radford. We should know by about 4:30 Saturday.
well said longtimers fan, gap also lost another member the lady that used to holler at all games and get them started go gap go she passed as well, as for the game that number 17 was trying his best to start a fight and should have been kicked out, and it was the first time central had been shutout all year, so keep bringing your ''A'' game riverheads and we will see what happens next week, the games will get tougher, and I bet the teams will be better coached and disciplined. GO BIG RED
The lady you are speaking of was the mother of James Carter, who was once the basketball coach at Gap. Did she pass recently or has it been a while?
I wish a few of the fans on the Riverheads sideline were "better disciplined" as well. We have great crowds and fans but continuously harassing one "KID" all night long is embarrassing as well! A few of our fans should have been kicked out as well.
GW might give them a fight. Essex might as well. Those are the only two that could play with them IMO.
Essex can stop them. Essex will (should) win by 3 TDs + today v Sussex.
About three or four posters predicted a big win by Riverheads v Lunenburg, no shock there.
Here is the issue as has been stated before, Riverheads and Essex are two of the top football teams in all of OLD group A, not just 1A. Those two schools have excellent football programs that win, they just do it regardless of their small student enrollment numbers.
So sorry to hear about Buffalo Gap's losses, best wishes and prayers to them.
Buffalo Gap destroyed their opponent last night 62-12 to easily advance to the 2A final four. Riverheads already defeated the Gap by a TD. Just one example...
About three or four posters predicted a big win by Riverheads v Lunenburg, no shock there.
Here is the issue as has been stated before, Riverheads and Essex are two of the top football teams in all of OLD group A, not just 1A. Those two schools have excellent football programs that win, they just do it regardless of their small student enrollment numbers.
So sorry to hear about Buffalo Gap's losses, best wishes and prayers to them.
Buffalo Gap destroyed their opponent last night 62-12 to easily advance to the 2A final four. Riverheads already defeated the Gap by a TD. Just one example...
I wish you guys the best of luck today! I took a lot of flak for saying I expected Essex to win by more than what they did vs. Luray last week. I meant that comment as no disrespect. I just know Essex can play better than that. No time like the present to get those wheels rolling again like today vs. a team like Sussex. I expect it to happen.
Essex was the number one seed and Riverheads number two on the rating scale that they use. Since Essex won today, they host and Riverheads travels. Likewise, George Wythe is number one in the west and Galax number three, so GW hosts and Galax travels. You might be thinking of the ranking that is sometimes shown on the screen here that has had Riverheads number one for quite some time. Or you might simply be thinking that since they are the only unbeaten team they should be ranked higher. But Essex was helped along by beating a 5-A team this year in the "official" scale and that is the one they use to determine playoff position.
I believe that was the same thought last year before King William came to town...when you get to this level anything can happen.
Not disputing that. I actually picked KW in the upset last year. They can absolutely be beaten, but stopping them is another task right now. That offense seems to keep on rolling. I think Landon Diehl is easily one of the most underrated Riverheads backs in recent memory. I feel like if they are beaten there will be a lot of points scored by both teams. Their match-up with GW should be a good one. Anybody can win at this point in the season and I wouldn't be surprised to see any of the teams win or lose right now.
Like I have said before, to beat Riverheads you have to do just that, beat them. Their coaching staff is right up there with the top in the state. They will not beat themselves. If they get behind, they do not panic. They do what they do. Only teams who can stop the run will have a chance to beat them. They make it very hard for great offensive teams to beat them because they eat up so much clock, you do not get many chances. If you do get a lot of chances it is because they have quick scores, which they will do if you do not play the run. That means you are in a shoot out and that's not a good thing against that team. 3 yards times 4 downs is their offense. One mistake they take it to the house. You have to put them in long yardage situations if you want a chance, and that is easier said than done.
Best way to beat them is score more points than they do ! Just that simple . When you get the ball score , when they get it chances are they will score .
Lee was bigger , faster and had not a clue how to stop them . Anyone they face must figure away to stop them . Not sure what GW looks like but if they look like what I found on you tube, could be the end of season for the Red TEAM . They will be the best team they have faced this season . The cupcakes are all done . Good luck Big Red . This could be a war !
Lee was bigger , faster and had not a clue how to stop them . Anyone they face must figure away to stop them . Not sure what GW looks like but if they look like what I found on you tube, could be the end of season for the Red TEAM . They will be the best team they have faced this season . The cupcakes are all done . Good luck Big Red . This could be a war !
X, they are legit. I was impressed with their discipline so they play assignment football. As I said they are big upfront and can move.
I will say this though, knowing what's coming and stopping it is two different things. Everyone we play in our "district" knows what we do and the results are? Even against what I would consider the best D we played in the last 4 years (Wison last year) we moved the ball enough. Not huge scoring nights but 1 point more than your opponent is enough, lol.
On Saturday I do not see a high scoring game. And I will go further and say I would be surprised if the winner reaches 20 points. Both special teams will be key as I think field position and TOP will play a huge factor.
I will say this though, knowing what's coming and stopping it is two different things. Everyone we play in our "district" knows what we do and the results are? Even against what I would consider the best D we played in the last 4 years (Wison last year) we moved the ball enough. Not huge scoring nights but 1 point more than your opponent is enough, lol.
On Saturday I do not see a high scoring game. And I will go further and say I would be surprised if the winner reaches 20 points. Both special teams will be key as I think field position and TOP will play a huge factor.
RedPrideNation , your post remind me of an old TV show , Mr Ed . Straight from the horses mouth !
I am not real sure how I should feel about that statement, lol. I just call it like I see it. GW will be one our biggest tests this season. I think both sides are looking at each other a little apprehensive due to not being familiar with each other, at least from the fans perspective. On paper it's close and I think the actual game will be an instant classic.
You are probably right . Time will tell ! Now go drive a few nails and get ready for Saturday . I cant wait !