My New State Top 10 (September 10th)

[kwhs95fan]

Some changes this week and number 10 could have gone to a few different teams. As always, just my opinion

September 10th

1. Essex- Physical and fast. They fly to the ball on D
2. Riverheads- Streak ends at 52 games. Incredible
3. Galax- Solid win over Carroll Co
4. King and Queen- Northumberland, then Essex
5. George Wythe- I've been high on them all year
6. Northumberland- King and Queen awaits
7. Lunenburg- Chargers steamroll another opponent
8. Narrows- Nice win over Chilhowie
9. Grayson Co- Drilled Rural Retreat
10. Franklin- Broncos get Essex on Thursday night

Honorable Mention:

Patrick Henry
Giles
Sussex
Westmoreland
Buffalo Gap
Rural Retreat

 

[G MASTER BLASTER W]

Very solid top 10 Essex is the new #1 for the 1st time in 6 years lol. I just hope people still put the respect on RH they've earned like you did here. I think the Grayson- RR game shocked me more than the RH loss. RR is not a bad team this season they are legit region D contenders. So for Grayson to hang it on them like that is impressive imo. Grayson might be a sleeper to keep an eye on they play both GW and Galax so we'll see.

 

[G MASTER BLASTER W]

Some changes this week and number 10 could have gone to a few different teams. As always, just my opinion

September 10th

1. Essex- Physical and fast. They fly to the ball on D
2. Riverheads- Streak ends at 52 games. Incredible
3. Galax- Solid win over Carroll Co
4. King and Queen- Northumberland, then Essex
5. George Wythe- I've been high on them all year
6. Northumberland- King and Queen awaits
7. Lunenburg- Chargers steamroll another opponent
8. Narrows- Nice win over Chilhowie
9. Grayson Co- Drilled Rural Retreat
10. Franklin- Broncos get Essex on Thursday night

Honorable Mention:

Patrick Henry
Giles
Sussex
Westmoreland
Buffalo Gap
Rural Retreat

The only difference I would have is moving LC above GW and Northumberland.

 

[Uh1966uhpickupsticks]

Riverheads lost to a big and physical 3a team and y’all are ready to put them on the back shelf?? Lol.. I’m not a Riverheads fan, but dang.. They lost there starting running back in the 1st q, and still played a tough game, don’t think I would hang them out to pasture just yet!!

 

[WP02alum]

As long as Essex and Riverheads make the state semifinal game against each other, that is the real state championship game.

 

[Fairlawncat]

As long as Essex and Riverheads make the state semifinal game against each other, that is the real state championship game.

Hold on now......Galax probably doesn't feel that way. I don't see any indication or reason to believe Essex beats Galax over the years if those two would have met up first. It would have been back and forth. Radford travels to Galax next weekend. Keep this in mind, Cook-Cash did not play the second half of this game and it was 21-21 at halftime and Cook Cash was running all over LB in the first half. Not saying Riverheads would have won, but they couldn't stop Cook Cash. Riverheads did not punt in the first half of that game.

 

[Bama1985]

Hold on now......Galax probably doesn't feel that way. I don't see any indication or reason to believe Essex beats Galax over the years if those two would have met up first. It would have been back and forth. Radford travels to Galax next weekend. Keep this in mind, Cook-Cash did not play the second half of this game and it was 21-21 at halftime and Cook Cash was running all over LB in the first half. Not saying Riverheads would have won, but they couldn't stop Cook Cash. Riverheads did not punt in the first half of that game.

CCC went out in first quarter, and lb score right before half on a 3rd and 25 pass play in the end zone, then got the ball to start second half, and scored on a 8 minute drive, and just wore rhs down, they are big and physical and rhs could not stop number 7

 

[RedPride81]

Hold on now......Galax probably doesn't feel that way. I don't see any indication or reason to believe Essex beats Galax over the years if those two would have met up first. It would have been back and forth. Radford travels to Galax next weekend. Keep this in mind, Cook-Cash did not play the second half of this game and it was 21-21 at halftime and Cook Cash was running all over LB in the first half. Not saying Riverheads would have won, but they couldn't stop Cook Cash. Riverheads did not punt in the first half of that game.

CCC was out after the second drive. He wasn't in the whole first quarter much less the half.

 

[kwhs95fan]

The only difference I would have is moving LC above GW and Northumberland.

I contemplated putting LC ahead of Northumberland. I'm still pretty high on your boys though. I think Region C has at least 4 or 5 teams who could potentially win that Region. Nothing against Region D, but I don't see them having anyone who could beat any of the top teams in C and that Grayson and RR score doesn't do anything to change my mind

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

As much as CCC is an important piece of the puzzle, the line play decided this game. This team has 3-4 backs that have ran in and been semi successful with the offensive scheme we utilize. One player regardless of their ability does not dictate what we do as a team and the players will tell you that as well. Having a homerun hitter like Cash is great but RH has done it with much less talented backs. The blocking has to be spectacular but that is the true core of what the Gladiators do more often than not. I will say it again the line play of LB was on point and controlled the trenches which was the reason they won the game.

 

[KW2346]

No love for Holston? Not even an honorable mention.

 

[OHandEIGHTwhatNOW?]

Some changes this week and number 10 could have gone to a few different teams. As always, just my opinion

September 10th

1. Essex- Physical and fast. They fly to the ball on D
2. Riverheads- Streak ends at 52 games. Incredible
3. Galax- Solid win over Carroll Co
4. King and Queen- Northumberland, then Essex
5. George Wythe- I've been high on them all year
6. Northumberland- King and Queen awaits
7. Lunenburg- Chargers steamroll another opponent
8. Narrows- Nice win over Chilhowie
9. Grayson Co- Drilled Rural Retreat
10. Franklin- Broncos get Essex on Thursday night

Honorable Mention:

Patrick Henry
Giles
Sussex
Westmoreland
Buffalo Gap
Rural Retreat

In my unbiased opinion Central Lunenburg should be higher. 3-0 against 4A Mecklenburg (in a blow out), a very solid 2A Brunswick team (in a blow out) and a win over Altavista (in another blow out)


If I had to put together a Top 10 it would be hard because I know very little about Region C and even less about D but just on Regions A and B here is the top 6
1. Essex. (3-0) Very talented defense, offense, special teams (best win vs. 2A King William)
2. Riverheads. (2-1) Finally went down but still very talented (best win vs. 2A Waynesboro)
3. Central Lunenburg. (3-0)Vastly underrated on this board (best win vs. 4A Mecklenburg by about 35)
MAJOR DROPOFF IN MY OPINION AFTER THIS ONE
4. Northumberland (2-0)- Scores are very underwhelming considering they have one of the better players in the state and their competition (best win against 1A Lancaster who is improved but the game was actually close)
5. Franklin (2-0) So far a surprise but a big test comes this week with Essex. (best win vs. 2A Amelia)
6. King and Queen (3-0) Schedule will get tougher the next 2 weeks. So far they haven't played anybody. (best win vs. normally winless 2A Windsor, well also has wins against normally winless 1A Cumberland and struggling Colonial Beach)

 

[kwhs95fan]

No love for Holston? Not even an honorable mention.

I had them as honorable mention last week, but after losing on Friday to a John Battle team that had lost like 15 games in a row, I didn't feel that they warranted a spot

 

[kwhs95fan]

In my unbiased opinion Central Lunenburg should be higher. 3-0 against 4A Mecklenburg (in a blow out), a very solid 2A Brunswick team (in a blow out) and a win over Altavista (in another blow out)


If I had to put together a Top 10 it would be hard because I know very little about Region C and even less about D but just on Regions A and B here is the top 6
1. Essex. (3-0) Very talented defense, offense, special teams (best win vs. 2A King William)
2. Riverheads. (2-1) Finally went down but still very talented (best win vs. 2A Waynesboro)
3. Central Lunenburg. (3-0)Vastly underrated on this board (best win vs. 4A Mecklenburg by about 35)
MAJOR DROPOFF IN MY OPINION AFTER THIS ONE
4. Northumberland (2-0)- Scores are very underwhelming considering they have one of the better players in the state and their competition (best win against 1A Lancaster who is improved but the game was actually close)
5. Franklin (2-0) So far a surprise but a big test comes this week with Essex. (best win vs. 2A Amelia)
6. King and Queen (3-0) Schedule will get tougher the next 2 weeks. So far they haven't played anybody. (best win vs. normally winless 2A Windsor, well also has wins against normally winless 1A Cumberland and struggling Colonial Beach)

King and Queen has almost the exact same team that reached the regional championship last season and all of their seniors are 3 and 4 year starters. All they can do is play the teams in front of them. Remember as recently as 3 years ago, KQ had only had 9 victories in 10 years. They are a very good team. Very scrappy, physical, multiple weapons and a qb who is as good as anyone in the state in class 1.

 

[kwhs95fan]

As for Lunenburg, I might have them ranked a tad low, and I do think they're a very good team. But while 4A, Mecklenburg is a 1st year school. Brunswick is down this year a lot and so is Altavista.

 

[OHandEIGHTwhatNOW?]

As for Lunenburg, I might have them ranked a tad low, and I do think they're a very good team. But while 4A, Mecklenburg is a 1st year school. Brunswick is down this year a lot and so is Altavista.

In your previous post you said KQ could only play the teams in front of them the same could be said for Central Lunenburg. Sure Mecklenburg is a 1st year school and you say Brunswick and Altavista are down but I would assume Mecklenburg, Altavista and Brunswick are a lot tougher this season than Windsor, Colonial Beach and Cumberland.

 

[WP02alum]

Who beefs about some random internet message board poster’s top 10 list in the second week of September???

 

[kwhs95fan]

In your previous post you said KQ could only play the teams in front of them the same could be said for Central Lunenburg. Sure Mecklenburg is a 1st year school and you say Brunswick and Altavista are down but I would assume Mecklenburg, Altavista and Brunswick are a lot tougher this season than Windsor, Colonial Beach and Cumberland.

You definitely have a point. I think both King and Queen and Lunenburg are good teams.

 

[BigWinners]

Not much love for Galax, I bet that's not the case in late October. 95 had them third which is more than fair but others saying it's a big drop off and not having them in a top six lol, c'mon now. The only team in 1A that has been consistently mostly competitive with Riverheads year in has been Galax.

 

[kwhs95fan]

Not much love for Galax, I bet that's not the case in late October. 95 had them third which is more than fair but others saying it's a big drop off and not having them in a top six lol, c'mon now. The only team in 1A that has been consistently mostly competitive with Riverheads year in has been

I think the other poster only ranked regions A and B because he said he wasn't familiar with the other 2 regions.

 

[BigWinners]

I think the other poster only ranked regions A and B because he said he wasn't familiar with the other 2 regions.

Went back and re-read and that was what he said, I missed that.
I also missed a post from someone stating the half state game between A/B would be the de facto state title game, so I amend my thoughts and don't throw shade to the dude ranking A/B and divert said shade to guy completely counting out 1C, which has two very good teams that could win a state title. 1D not so much, entire region kinda stinks this year, but Galax and GW are both very good teams.

 

[kwhs95fan]

Went back and re-read and that was what he said, I missed that.
I also missed a post from someone stating the half state game between A/B would be the de facto state title game, so I amend my thoughts and don't throw shade to the dude ranking A/B and divert said shade to guy completely counting out 1C, which has two very good teams that could win a state title. 1D not so much, entire region kinda stinks this year, but Galax and GW are both very good teams.

Yes they both are extremely good. I've had both in my top 5 every week. The Virginia Preps polls haven't had GW ranked all season, but I would think that would change next week

 

[G MASTER BLASTER W]

As long as Essex and Riverheads make the state semifinal game against each other, that is the real state championship game.

Couldn't agree more don't get me wrong I'm GW all the way we're very good this year and if things click we can make a run at it. But with what I've seen to this point Essex and RH are far and away the 2 best in 1A and I honestly think Essex has what's needed to finally dethrone RH. Don't get me wrong it will not be an easy task and they'll have to be mistake free but they can do it I think.

 

[G MASTER BLASTER W]

I contemplated putting LC ahead of Northumberland. I'm still pretty high on your boys though. I think Region C has at least 4 or 5 teams who could potentially win that Region. Nothing against Region D, but I don't see them having anyone who could beat any of the top teams in C and that Grayson and RR score doesn't do anything to change my mind

We are definitely better than we've been the past couple seasons and the Giles game just confirmed that for me. And yeah C has some good teams this year not downing D but C is a step up.

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

Couldn't agree more don't get me wrong I'm GW all the way we're very good this year and if things click we can make a run at it. But with what I've seen to this point Essex and RH are far and away the 2 best in 1A and I honestly think Essex has what's needed to finally dethrone RH. Don't get me wrong it will not be an easy task and they'll have to be mistake free but they can do it I think.

I agree completely about Essex being in the drivers seat this year. They will likely win out and host which will be a plus and they have skill players galore which will pressure our defense.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

Couldn't agree more don't get me wrong I'm GW all the way we're very good this year and if things click we can make a run at it. But with what I've seen to this point Essex and RH are far and away the 2 best in 1A and I honestly think Essex has what's needed to finally dethrone RH. Don't get me wrong it will not be an easy task and they'll have to be mistake free but they can do it I think.

RH is not the powerhouse of years past. I dont want it to look like im disrespecting the current coach, but you dont lose a hall of fame coach like Casto and expect things to be business as usual. I have been watching this team for 25 years and thus far this season there is no comparison to the teams that have won the last 6 championships, you can see it in the way they warm up, there demeanor on the sideline, lack of discipline, I had players tell me they were afraid to make a mistake because they knew they were going to get yelled at, I bet they have had 20+ penalties in the first 3 games, most were illegal procedure or false starts, that would have been unacceptable under Casto. Dethroning RH if it happens wont be as great of an accomplishment as in years past. Not trying to dog the current coaches just my observation, everybody has a different coaching style. Didnt matter who was following Casto, they had no where to go but down so any drop off was going to result in criticism. I actually feel bad for the new coach but he had to know he was going to be under the microscope, I commend him for accepting the challenge anyway.

 

[THEGOATFROMJMU]

1A playoffs across all sports are so bad until the semifinals

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

@Gladiatorfencepatrol we have talked a good bit about what we have seen so far. I kind of agree on the discipline aspect but in fairness there are lots of moving parts that coach Norcross is replacing so I am gonna give the benefit of doubt and see the adjustments that are made. In my opinion the game got a little “fast” Friday night. We all see players have to get up to speed with the game speed and frankly coaching is no different. And I know he has been at the school since we were all young men but controlling one aspect versus being the head guy is different. Lots of pressure that would affect anyone coming into this situation regardless of what they may say in an interview. It got real Friday night, let’s see how they respond. I have faith that lessons were learned, but time will tell for sure.

 

[longtimerhsfan]

I guess I have a different take from you guys. Yes, RHS has had some penalties but from what I recall, those also happened in the past in the early season, so this year was not a first for that. Casto teams always were ones that steadily improved as the season progressed, and I think we will see that again this year.

So instead of focusing on the negative, I was impressed with a 58 point average in the first two games of the season, and just like years past, we have our major weapons on offense plus others that will develop. As for Friday night's loss, LB wanted revenge in a big way, so they came into this one fired up.

Then when CCC went down late in the first quarter, that obviously had an impact. I personally think that if he had stayed in the game, we would have had a case of neither team being able to stop the other and it could have gone down to the wire. So I am looking at it from a glass-half-full perspective and I still expect the Big Red to win the district and be state title contenders again this year.

 

[Xcross]

I guess I have a different take from you guys. Yes, RHS has had some penalties but from what I recall, those also happened in the past in the early season, so this year was not a first for that. Casto teams always were ones that steadily improved as the season progressed, and I think we will see that again this year.

So instead of focusing on the negative, I was impressed with a 58 point average in the first two games of the season, and just like years past, we have our major weapons on offense plus others that will develop. As for Friday night's loss, LB wanted revenge in a big way, so they came into this one fired up.

Then when CCC went down late in the first quarter, that obviously had an impact. I personally think that if he had stayed in the game, we would have had a case of neither team being able to stop the other and it could have gone down to the wire. So I am looking at it from a glass-half-full perspective and I still expect the Big Red to win the district and be state title contenders again this year.

Dead on ! Norcross will get the job done . Salem is in his sights.

 

[Gladiatorfencepatrol]

Dead on ! Norcross will get the job done . Salem is in his sights.

Not gona happen, watch out for Lunenburg in region B. Then Essex in A. Most likely Riverheads will have to go there. Gona be a tall order to beat them there.

 

[NND Sports Fan]

I know Essex scrimmaged Lunenburg. Don't know much about how it went but Essex came out better for it from what I understand

 

[38SuperPower]

Respectfully disagree that RHS is down. Riverheads will be vying for another state championship in 2022.

 

[Lm30]

I know Essex scrimmaged Lunenburg. Don't know much about how it went but Essex came out better for it from what I understand

Fairly even between the two, Essex scored once.

 

[MT FAN 91]

Riverheads is king in class one until dethroned!!!

 

[MaroonDude]

Some changes this week and number 10 could have gone to a few different teams. As always, just my opinion

September 10th

1. Essex- Physical and fast. They fly to the ball on D
2. Riverheads- Streak ends at 52 games. Incredible
3. Galax- Solid win over Carroll Co
4. King and Queen- Northumberland, then Essex
5. George Wythe- I've been high on them all year
6. Northumberland- King and Queen awaits
7. Lunenburg- Chargers steamroll another opponent
8. Narrows- Nice win over Chilhowie
9. Grayson Co- Drilled Rural Retreat
10. Franklin- Broncos get Essex on Thursday night

Honorable Mention:

Patrick Henry
Giles
Sussex
Westmoreland
Buffalo Gap
Rural Retreat

How good is Essex JV?

 

[kwhs95fan]

How good is Essex JV?

I'm not too familiar with their jv. I know they lost to KW last week 35-18

 

[MaroonDude]

I'm not too familiar with their jv. I know they lost to KW last week 35-18

Pssshhh

 

[RedPrideNation_RollPride]

For clarity my opinion is that there are several factors that lessen the chances for a Riverheads state title this year. The sky isn’t falling and cats and dogs are getting it on but these several things could contribute to an earlier exit this year
• first off the coaching staff is different, regardless of how long they have worked in the system or the roles they were in. They interact differently and their input is different. This isn’t necessarily a negative but there is a learning curve
•replacement of 7 defensive starters. Some have played decent minutes before but not together so that is a process that takes a minute.
•law of averages. I mean at some point the ball has to bounce the other way or a call go against Riverheads in a tight game.

Again I am not ruling out the possibility of a state run but the stability that had been in place is somewhat changed. It will be an interesting year with lots of opportunities for this group to grow. I am along for the ride regardless of how it ends.
#RedPrideNation
#RollPride

 

[NND Sports Fan]

How good is Essex JV?

Essex traditionally keeps its best sophomores on the varsity. Even a freshman or two if warranted.