I respectfully disagree with your 1st two sentences. Last year, some Riverheads supporters pronounced the same sentiments (that about 7-8 teams had a legitimate shot to win Salem). There are maybe 2-3 that have a chance this year.
Last years playoffs - (yes I know it is a new year but Riverheads wins with a precise, power system not necessarily just talent. I say that as a compliment -great work.)
Riverheads over Essex 38-0
Riverheads over Colonial Beach 55-20
Riverheads over Galax 63-21
Riverheads over Sussex 49-6 for the State Title
These are still most of the top teams this year.
as trutiger said, sitting on the throne, yawning, waiting for the final four...enjoy the view from the top....
Having said all that...All is not lost just yet...
If the State semis were to be played at Riverheads, then the odds of a Region A victory would be very slim indeed. Riverheads has outstanding fan base and home field advantage, plus East teams are well known for playing poorly on average out west.
However, as NND Sports Fan pointed out several weeks ago, Riverheads will have to play the State Semi game around early December somewhere in the Far East. Adding to the fact they (Riverheads) may be not as powerful as usual (but still #1 by far), this gives the Region A winner at least a 50/50 shot of winning.
I would say that all top 8 East teams (Sussex, Essex, W&L, CB, Northumberland, WP, Middlesex, and Rapp or Franklin) are mostly improved from last season. I am not sure if CB is better than last year (that would be amazing as small as they are).
As they say, and that's why they play the game....