mbonape1 I agree that they are the top 2 class 3 schools in the 804. We will find out early how the Wave stack up to the Blue Devils as they play each other on 9/22 in Hopewell. The Wave could possibly be 3-0 or 2-1 heading into that game. James Monroe will have a lot to say about that though.
First, welcome to our forum, steeler.
Perennial top team in 3a, James Monroe is keeping a low profile. Don't be fooled, they will be improved from last year. But so will Petersburg.
One big difference will be the fact that the game will be played in the comfortable confines of Maury Field, (comfortable for James Monroe that is). I look for JM to win by at least 14. A Petersburg loss by less than that, or pull off the upset, and the Blue Devils will have a fight on their hands. As will Buzz Edward's newly re-molded CH Colonials. After that, the Crimson Wave may not find another win the rest of the regular season.
BTW, Hopewell needs to fill some pretty big holes on the line. Coach Irby has built a "program" down there, but I'm not convinced that Hopewell will even be as good as they were last year.
Petersburg always has a couple or three exceptionally good and fast athletes. When they can put the ball in their hands in space, they are always a threat. What usually happens at Petersburg is "numbers". They just don't get enough good players to come out and stick with football for the duration. That leaves a lot of vulnerability in their starting 11. A), they get worn down by the second half, and B), the opposition identifies their weaknesses as the game wears on, and exploits same.