James Monroe @ Hopewell

[Rain-Man]

This will be my first game of the season seeing my Jackets in action. I've watched every game of their's through Hudl but this will be my first live, and i'm so excited to have them back this deep in the play offs!

What should we expect from Hopewell? What is their offense, what defense do they play against the spread? Impact players?

I'm in Richmond so Hopewel isn't a far drive but do enjoy getting food before games, recommendations anywhere? No chains, I'm a mom & pop kind've guy.

Thanks! Go Jackets! T.C.B.

 

[schoolboard]

I can't really recommend any places to eat, or answer any of your technical football questions, but the impact players are QB Cameren Hill, RB Ronnie Walker, LB Anthony Crawford, WR/CB Dewonyea Westry, and big FB Nas Cooper.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

This will be my first game of the season seeing my Jackets in action. I've watched every game of their's through Hudl but this will be my first live, and i'm so excited to have them back this deep in the play offs!

What should we expect from Hopewell? What is their offense, what defense do they play against the spread? Impact players?

I'm in Richmond so Hopewel isn't a far drive but do enjoy getting food before games, recommendations anywhere? No chains, I'm a mom & pop kind've guy.

Thanks! Go Jackets! T.C.B.

Hopewell quick lunch. Looks bad from the outside, but the food is good. Hamburgers, hot dogs, blue plate specials. A lot fans eat there. Took Rod from Va Preps there and he is still kicking. Will give you a bit later in the week. Know Hopewell's ins and outs and we (dinwiddie) played JM this season.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I second the Quick Lunch. Don't go there looking for glitz and glamor. But if you want good food and good service, and to support a local small business, this is your place. (No chains for me either).

And, depending on whether you consider this as good luck or bad, Navy and I should be there with a few friends having a good meal before we slip over to the games. (A few friends, because that's about all we have left! I warned him about hanging around with me.)

I'll leave it to Navy to explain the X's and O's of this match up. That's his area of expertise. I take a step back and try to look at the bigger picture. We saw JM in the first game of the year, so at least in my case, I'm working with a dated sense of JM's abilities. I think I saw Hopewell twice this year?

My initial gut feeling is that Hopewell will overwhelm JM with their speed. Hill was good early, and has really ratcheted it up in the last few games. A threat to run or pass.

JM had a really good outside game and two backs with "take it to the house" breakaway speed. JM is a typical Serbay coached team that will not shoot themselves in the foot. And a minimum of mistakes will be essential. Hopewell's Coach Irby has proven he can can take the athletes he has and mold them into a consistent force to be reckoned with. Gone from Hopewell this season is the wild swings in focus from game to game that plagued them last year. The results speak for themselves. Hopewell has put up nearly 500 points on the scoreboard this year while holding their opponents to a little better than 200. Pretty close to the exact opposite of last season's totals.

JM has even better numbers with respect to PF and PA. But the difference is the level of completion. While JM played some good teams, Hopewell had to run the gauntlet that is the Central District. The CD had 7 or their eight teams in the playoffs this year. Perennial power house teams in the CD like Thomas Dale, Dinwiddie, Meadowbrook, and Matoaca tested Hopewell. The rest that rounded out the district were Petersburg, and the best Colonial Heights team in 15 years, and 6a Prince George.

I have to give the nod to the Blue Devils in this matchup. Sorry, I hope you and the other friends we made, when JM made the long trip down to Dinwiddie, will forgive me.

Now, to throw a monkey wrench in all of our plans. I just saw where the game has been moved to Sat. afternoon. Please tell me it ain't so!

 

[schoolboard]

I sure wish the last one had been moved to Sat. afternoon. We had to drive an hour and a half just to get to Fredericksburg, and then travel the rest of the way to Hopewell.

 

[Rain-Man]

I'll be making it regardless! I have faith, on film these seem like very similar teams. Should be a great battle.

 

[shauntclair]

Of course I like JM. One of my hometown teams. They are special. They are a big play team and always manage to find a way to win. They go far every year based on this methodology. They truly seem to be a consistent miracle winner. You can beat them in every way but when the clock hits "0", the Jackets have somehow won. Brentsville found this out last week.

I don't think that flys against Hopewell. I want the Jackets to do what they do and find a way. Both are battle tested and either can win. Hopewell needs to make sure they don't make the mistakes that allow JM to pick up some easy scores. That will kill their continued playoff hopes but I think they play well and send the Jackets home 28 - 24.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

These two teams are eerily similar in style, size and speed. Both teams only losses came to solid 4a oponnents (JM-Dinwiddie and Courtland) (Hopewell-Dinwiddie and Hanover) and they each played a sound schedule.

Both JM and Hopewell operate out of the pistol and have balanced offenses. The Felton brothers and Weldon have big play capability for JM just as Hill, Monroe and Walker do for Hopewell. JM does a majority of their rushing damage on the edge, while Hopewell will pound the ball up the middle. Both quarterbacks have adequate arms and can be very elusive when protection breaks down.

Defensively, JM is led by a superb linebacking corp. Hopewell's secondary is good and Monroe is a ball hawk with 11 ints. This season.

The key to winning this game is establishing the running game. If neither team can run the ball Hopewell will have the edge as Hill is a better passer and has the receivers to cause JM problems.

Both teams struggled in the first half last week, so a quick start by either team could spell doom for the other.

Based on my observation of these two teams I do not anticipate a low scoring affair. Fans should enjoy a high octane pace with a key special teams play or turnover to decide it.

Tough one to call. Hopewell by a nose 38-34.

 

[VolNation85_rivals]

This will be my first game of the season seeing my Jackets in action. I've watched every game of their's through Hudl but this will be my first live, and i'm so excited to have them back this deep in the play offs!

What should we expect from Hopewell? What is their offense, what defense do they play against the spread? Impact players?

I'm in Richmond so Hopewel isn't a far drive but do enjoy getting food before games, recommendations anywhere? No chains, I'm a mom & pop kind've guy.

Thanks! Go Jackets! T.C.B.

If you want great BBQ then check out Buz and Ned's on N Boulevard. Best BBQ around. Another spot I like is Black Sheep on W Marshall in Shockoe Bottom. Black Sheep is famous for their giant subs

 

[Imahokie]

In addition to Quick Lunch you might want to try the Anchor Room. It's a block from Merner Field and has been around forever. You can also try Carr a brothers which is next to the high school. THE BEST BURGER IN TOWN!

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

In addition to Quick Lunch you might want to try the Anchor Room. It's a block from Merner Field and has been around forever. You can also try Carr a brothers which is next to the high school. THE BEST BURGER IN TOWN![/QUOTE
Imahokie, are you going to give us your take on this game? You know the Blue Devils well. Wish i could make the game, but I will be at UVA supporting the Hokies and Corey Marshall #96 (dinwiddie). Could be his last college game.

 

[Rain-Man]

If you want great BBQ then check out Buz and Ned's on N Boulevard. Best BBQ around. Another spot I like is Black Sheep on W Marshall in Shockoe Bottom. Black Sheep is famous for their giant subs

Thanks VolNation. I meant I was coming from Richmond, where I live. And you're absolutely right - both of those places are amazing.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Rain-Man, I sent you some information via the conversation feature a minute ago. Check it out, please.

 

[Imahokie]

BleedingNsvy, sorry it took so long but you caught me in the middle of moving the family. I threw out the match ups vs Dinwiddie. Hopewell has risen to the challenge every week since that Dinwiddie game. They have avoided serious injuries and they have had a host of different kids step up each week. If JM focuses on trying to stop Hill at QB, then Walker, Crawford, and Cooper will take turns running the ball, and they each bring a completely different running style to the game. Hopewell's O line has been dominant the last 8 weeks and as long as they stick to their assignments I don't see that changing. They must cut out the stupid penalties to avoid killing drives. If JM focuses on the run, then Monroe, Figureora and Cuffey will light them up through the air, just ask Thomas Dale. Defensively, they must play great contain on JM's QB, who is probably the scariest QB they have faced all season. Can't let him out of the pocket and must force him into throwing quickly. I give the nod to Hopewell in the secondary. Monroe may be the smallest kid on the field but 12 picks with 3 of them being pick 6's speaks for itself. Not really sure about JMs kicker but Irvin for Hopewell has not missed a field goal all year and the XP's missed were due to muffed snaps, handles or missed blocking assignments which led to blocks. If Hopewell can limit their penalties and get on a roll offensively then it could be a great day for Hopewell

 

[schoolboard]

What was the deal with the XP he skimmed along the ground like my golf shots last week?

 

[Imahokie]

The holder dropped the ball off the tee

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

BleedingNsvy, sorry it took so long but you caught me in the middle of moving the family. I threw out the match ups vs Dinwiddie. Hopewell has risen to the challenge every week since that Dinwiddie game. They have avoided serious injuries and they have had a host of different kids step up each week. If JM focuses on trying to stop Hill at QB, then Walker, Crawford, and Cooper will take turns running the ball, and they each bring a completely different running style to the game. Hopewell's O line has been dominant the last 8 weeks and as long as they stick to their assignments I don't see that changing. They must cut out the stupid penalties to avoid killing drives. If JM focuses on the run, then Monroe, Figureora and Cuffey will light them up through the air, just ask Thomas Dale. Defensively, they must play great contain on JM's QB, who is probably the scariest QB they have faced all season. Can't let him out of the pocket and must force him into throwing quickly. I give the nod to Hopewell in the secondary. Monroe may be the smallest kid on the field but 12 picks with 3 of them being pick 6's speaks for itself. Not really sure about JMs kicker but Irvin for Hopewell has not missed a field goal all year and the XP's missed were due to muffed snaps, handles or missed blocking assignments which led to blocks. If Hopewell can limit their penalties and get on a roll offensively then it could be a great day for Hopewell

Congrats imahokie. One more boss and its the dance. LB presents a challenge, but your guys should get it done. Go Central District.

 

[GKKING]

Quick lunch, eat there 4 or 5 times a year

 

[Rain-Man]

Great game. Unfortunately had to sit next to some of the ruddest, loudest, white trash fans I've ever seen at any game. I'm all for trash talk, but the minute you start picking on individual kids --- you need to grow up. You're 50+ years old and singling out children. Pretty sickening. God luck the rest of the way Hopewell.

 

[Imahokie]

Great game. Unfortunately had to sit next to some of the ruddest, loudest, white trash fans I've ever seen at any game. I'm all for trash talk, but the minute you start picking on individual kids --- you need to grow up. You're 50+ years old and singling out children. Pretty sickening. God luck the rest of the way Hopewell.

1) Don't take the actions of a few people out of a few thousand ... All of the Hopewell fans are not like this and I'm sure there are rude, loud ? fans at every game...sterotyping only gets you in trouble...

2) At this point, who is to say that those "fans" were actually Hopewell fans? Plenty of spectators from all around the area that could have been at the game?

3) You just described some posts that I have read over the years here at VP...Does that mean they are all from Hopewell?

Sorry, but you struck a raw nerve with your statement. There are plenty of great, caring, community supporting fans but all anybody ever wants to do is call Hopewellians White Trash, or plenty of other derogatory slang names. These players have worked as hard or harder than every team they have faced this year...instead of focusing on the negative...I, for one, would appreciate people focusing on the positive for these young men...for some of them, it is the ONLY POSITIVE they will experience!

 

[longest yard]

Was told by JM people that Hopewell displayed the best sportsmanship of any team they played this year.

 

[Rain-Man]

1) Don't take the actions of a few people out of a few thousand ... All of the Hopewell fans are not like this and I'm sure there are rude, loud ? fans at every game...sterotyping only gets you in trouble...

2) At this point, who is to say that those "fans" were actually Hopewell fans? Plenty of spectators from all around the area that could have been at the game?

3) You just described some posts that I have read over the years here at VP...Does that mean they are all from Hopewell?

Sorry, but you struck a raw nerve with your statement. There are plenty of great, caring, community supporting fans but all anybody ever wants to do is call Hopewellians White Trash, or plenty of other derogatory slang names. These players have worked as hard or harder than every team they have faced this year...instead of focusing on the negative...I, for one, would appreciate people focusing on the positive for these young men...for some of them, it is the ONLY POSITIVE they will experience!

They were sitting on the visitors side. And were indeed Hopewell fans, knew the kids names by name. I'm sure most of them are normal & nice fans. But these guys were flat out vial.

As far as calling these guys white trash. Being a white guy, who grew up with a side of the family that are equally as gross, I call it when I see it.

In no way was I attacking the kids, I never would. These old turds were attacking individuals are my squad, and yes I got salty.. There is supporting & cheering on your squad. And then there is out right rude. If we meet again in the play offs next year I'll be sure to stay far away from those people.

GL against LB. Will be a good game.

 

[shauntclair]

They were sitting on the visitors side. And were indeed Hopewell fans, knew the kids names by name. I'm sure most of them are normal & nice fans. But these guys were flat out vial.

As far as calling these guys white trash. Being a white guy, who grew up with a side of the family that are equally as gross, I call it when I see it.

In no way was I attacking the kids, I never would. These old turds were attacking individuals are my squad, and yes I got salty.. There is supporting & cheering on your squad. And then there is out right rude. If we meet again in the play offs next year I'll be sure to stay far away from those people.

GL against LB. Will be a good game.

With all due respect to those who may view things differently, I have been on this board a long time. So has Rain-Man. We have disagreed at times and honestly, he has probably been right more often than I. He knows his football and has attended countless games. In all that time, he has never spoken badly of fans or a group of fans. If he posted this, those fans (whomever they represented) must have been truly vile and I believe every word he said.

This is no indictment of Hopewell or it's community. This is just a few individuals that were way off base in their words and behavior. No one knows where they were from, nor should care about anything other than a wish they don't show up at any HS event in the near future.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I agree. When RainMan calls someone out, they damn sure deserve it. It's like Mike Salem. When he says something bad about something, you KNOW it's bad!

Sad but true. 99% of all fans are reasonable. But that 1% sure gets on your nerves.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

I agree. When RainMan calls someone out, they damn sure deserve it. It's like Mike Salem. When he says something bad about something, you KNOW it's bad!

Sad but true. 99% of all fans are reasonable. But that 1% sure gets on your nerves.

DP you wouldnt be referring to to the guy who demanded the removal of the 50-50 salesman and required seating chart?

Taking my staff to quick lunch today for the efforts last month. Big spender huh?

 

[Imahokie]

This is no indictment of Hopewell or it's community. This is just a few individuals that were way off base in their words and behavior. No one knows where they were from, nor should care about anything other than a wish they don't show up at any HS event in the near future.

I would like to thank you shauntclair for saying what I obviously had trouble getting out. I wasn't trying to ruffle feathers or say it didn't happen. I should have applied the 99/1 rule: 99% of the Hopewell fans were great, it was that 1% that people will remember thereby taking away from the other 99%. I still want the focus on the team as they are the ones that truly deserve it. And thank the Good Lord that the 1% are not VP posters. Safe travels to everyone this weekend and here's hoping We all get to see great games wherever they may be!