Rye Cove vs. Rappahannock Fun Fact

[Virginia HS Football Fan]

I love travel and I love wacky matchups so I thought I would share this before I head out to catch two games today.

Since the VHSL went to six classifications in 1986, today’s Class 1 Title Game is the fourth largest geographic distance between teams playing against one another (421 miles). Yes, I know it’s at a neutral site so neither of today’s teams have to drive the full 421.

The others are Appalachia vs. Middlesex (x2) in 1993 and 1994 (436 miles) and Powell Valley vs. Northampton in 1995 (461 miles). And back then during these games, one team would have to get on the road and go the full distance.

Whether it’s getting on the road and driving all the way like we had prior to 1998 or meeting elsewhere at a neutral site, it’s still neat to see teams play and people meeting one another who otherwise would never come across each other in their normal lives.

 

[longtimerhsfan25]

Wasn't there a game back in the 60s or 70s that involved over a 500 mile distance? I don't remember the western team (Thomas something maybe?) but I think the game was played on the Eastern Shore and I thought the home team was Onancock. I remember reading at the time that the traveling team made it a two-day trip, stopping in Charlottesville the first night. If I recall, the visitors won 14-7, so it was worth the trip for them. Am I right about any of that?

 

[Virginia HS Football Fan]

Wasn't there a game back in the 60s or 70s that involved over a 500 mile distance? I don't remember the western team (Thomas something maybe?) but I think the game was played on the Eastern Shore and I thought the home team was Onancock. I remember reading at the time that the traveling team made it a two-day trip, stopping in Charlottesville the first night. If I recall, the visitors won 14-7, so it was worth the trip for them. Am I right about any of that?

Yes. 1978 was Clintwood at Onancock. That’s the all-time GOAT of travel for a state title game that will never be broken in Virginia.

I was fully aware of this and tired to go all the way back to 1970 (where IRye Cove vs. Rappahannock would still be in the Top 10 when factoring the others in but I didn’t want to provide any misinformation) as I knew there would be some who would want to one-up a fun fact. That’s why I only went back to 1986.

 

[longtimerhsfan25]

Sorry boss. I did not pick up on the fact that you were only going back to the 80s. I am one of those people who can remember things from wayyyy back, but might not remember something that happened last week!