3A Championship Game

kwhs95fan

All-Conference
Oct 17, 2006
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Just wanted to start a new thread where the focus is on the actual teams playing and not the location of the game. What is everyones opinion? This to me is an intriguing game and one that should be full of highlights. What are the keys to the game? Can Blacksburg slow down the single wing enough to complete the ultimate Cinderella story or will Staunton River earn their first state title behind one of the most exciting and explosive offenses in recent memory?
 

SpartanOfYore

All-Conference
Sep 15, 2009
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Just wanted to start a new thread where the focus is on the actual teams playing and not the location of the game. What is everyones opinion? This to me is an intriguing game and one that should be full of highlights. What are the keys to the game? Can Blacksburg slow down the single wing enough to complete the ultimate Cinderella story or will Staunton River earn their first state title behind one of the most exciting and explosive offenses in recent memory?

I applaud your effort; it was sorely needed. This should be quite a matchup, and I don't know quite what to make of it. On the one hand, I think Blacksburg might be able to slow up that potent rushing attack just often enough to hang in the game. But then I wonder if B'burg's defensive front is strong enough to get many stops at all against SR's line. The Bruins probably have more weapons on offense, and are definitely more diverse. I tend to think this will either be one of those patented SR games of the last two years where both teams score at least in the forties (and B'burg might pull it out), or the Golden Eagles soar by a wide margin.

Either way, it's an exciting pairing. Blacksburg returning to the title game in such an unexpected way after nearly three decades is an amazing story. Staunton River standing on the threshold of a state championship in football goes beyond amazing, into the realm of the surreal. Those of you familiar with SR football over the years know what I'm talking about.

To me, it's a very compelling matchup, one that I unfortunately will miss because my wife and I will probably be walking around town and the campus prior to sitting down for the 4A game. I guess if I had to pick one to pull for, I'd lean slightly towards the Bruins as fellow district members. But I won't be the least disappointed, whichever way it goes. I hope everyone travels without incident, and both teams are injury-free.
 

kwhs95fan

All-Conference
Oct 17, 2006
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Out of all the state games I think this one is the most compelling and this comes from someone who is a 1A/2A guy. Have followed SR the last couple of years simply because of the single wing and I'm a disciple of it as well. I think the run by Blacksburg however is a true Cinderella story. I agree with you that it will be a high scoring game. A few years back in 1A Riverheads and Eastern Montgomery had a 63-49 game in the state championship and this game could have a similar kinda score.
 
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SpartanOfYore

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Sep 15, 2009
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Out of all the state games I think this one is the most compelling and this comes from someone who is a 1A/2A guy. Have followed SR the last couple of years simply because of the single wing and I'm a disciple of it as well. I think the run by Blacksburg however is a true Cinderella story. I agree with you that it will be a high scoring game. A few years back in 1A Riverheads and Eastern Montgomery had a 63-49 game in the state championship and this game could have a similar kinda score.

I actually attended that Riverheads - EM game; 2010, I think? The Mustangs didn't hinder the Gladiators all day, whereas Riverheads played just enough D to win. And Riverheads racked up all those points by running the ball almost exclusively; I'm not sure I remember them completing a pass, though I could be wrong. I agree, this could be very much like that particular contest.
 
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newleather

Junior
Aug 12, 2016
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The size of Blacksburg O Line will give SR trouble. They are big, strong, and fast. In a blur Beck is speeding thru the hole and is off to the races. The Bruins O reminds me a little of Rustburg (with a much better passing game) with both being spread teams that run very well.
The Eagles offense is exciting to watch. Overstreet is simply amazing. They execute extremely well up front and run the single wing as well as any team. The defense is better than last year, if they can slow down Blacksburg than I see SR winning a shootout. It will be a great game and both teams are to be applauded for their season, and the fact that they are both class acts on and off the field.
 

HooaCav

Redshirt
Aug 26, 2016
33
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I applaud your effort; it was sorely needed. This should be quite a matchup, and I don't know quite what to make of it. On the one hand, I think Blacksburg might be able to slow up that potent rushing attack just often enough to hang in the game. But then I wonder if B'burg's defensive front is strong enough to get many stops at all against SR's line. The Bruins probably have more weapons on offense, and are definitely more diverse. I tend to think this will either be one of those patented SR games of the last two years where both teams score at least in the forties (and B'burg might pull it out), or the Golden Eagles soar by a wide margin.

Either way, it's an exciting pairing. Blacksburg returning to the title game in such an unexpected way after nearly three decades is an amazing story. Staunton River standing on the threshold of a state championship in football goes beyond amazing, into the realm of the surreal. Those of you familiar with SR football over the years know what I'm talking about.

To me, it's a very compelling matchup, one that I unfortunately will miss because my wife and I will probably be walking around town and the campus prior to sitting down for the 4A game. I guess if I had to pick one to pull for, I'd lean slightly towards the Bruins as fellow district members. But I won't be the least disappointed, whichever way it goes. I hope everyone travels without incident, and both teams are injury-free.
Very well thought out and eloquent reply; thank you for your thoughts.

For the most part, I agree with your rational. Both teams being here is simply amazing and one, at least for the folks in Moneta, seemed a fairy tale not that long ago. Like every team SR have played, Blacksburg has their attention. They are physical, can run, can throw and are VERY aggressive on defense. Comparing where they are now to earlier in the season certainly does the team a huge disservice as they have improved immensely and something just seemed to "click" along the way. They are truly a team where all 11 players on the field know their roles and do it exceptionally well. Here is to a clean game that the refs have no play in how the game turns out. For those that are not able to come, you may miss a good one :)
 
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NCBHS2007

Redshirt
Nov 29, 2016
4
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Both Team's are Capable of putting up points so it's really hard to make a score prediction on a Game like this or shall I say as BIG as this.
 

Fearthewing24523

Redshirt
Dec 4, 2016
5
3
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I will predict this. Staunton river will put up +60! Overstreet will break the TD record for a season. I say he has 4 touchdowns with +300 yds... tester will have about 200yds, Jones with 175 yds. Blacksburg spirit will be broken early.
 

ridge98

Junior
Oct 19, 2014
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When i watched SR play MV i knew right then i was watching the state champions, and it wasnt MV i was talking about. Everyone keeps saying SR defense isnt that good, but i beg to differ. They might give up some pass plays, but they have really good LB and line that get to the ball. Really all they do is get a few stops and by that time the games out of reach. Blacksburg done an amazing job being a high seed and on the road every weekend. Hats off to them, they do have a great squad and i do think they will give SR their toughest test, but im sticking with SR on this one. Great job for both teams and fans. Enjoy it, and good luck to both.
 
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Dec 11, 2004
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I watched the 2nd half online. Bburg put 10 guys in the box and SR could not run effectively and didn't have much of a passing game, mostly due to pressure by Bburg on the passer. Bburg had more speed and that helped them also. Congrats to Bburg.
 
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Hampton Roads 6

All-Conference
Feb 22, 2003
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Blacksburg played the best defense I have ever seen in a state championship game. At seemed as if Bud Foster was calling the defense today.

I told someone at halftime that Blacksburg would win because they had a better passing game. I believe Blacksburg's passing was the difference maker.
 

Shabutie

All-Conference
Dec 2, 2006
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Blacksburg played the best defense I have ever seen in a state championship game. At seemed as if Bud Foster was calling the defense today.

I told someone at halftime that Blacksburg would win because they had a better passing game. I believe Blacksburg's passing was the difference maker.
Terry was a game-changer, as he always is.

I know that SR put up a ton of points this year but a team that is disciplined and good up front can really slow that offense down. We saw that with Byrd and Blacksburg.
 
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1bburgfan

Senior
Aug 9, 2005
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Blacksburg played the best defense I have ever seen in a state championship game. At seemed as if Bud Foster was calling the defense today.

I told someone at halftime that Blacksburg would win because they had a better passing game. I believe Blacksburg's passing was the difference maker.
Phipps was in the press box. I will say this Coach William Lacy Brown would of been proud of that Defensive effort
 

1bburgfan

Senior
Aug 9, 2005
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SR decided to take away Beck, so they got Terry , Babcock ,Coffee , and Johnston all sophmores