Hoos, I like your confidence in your team and even though you have been virtually quiet this season we all know Louisa has a very good shot of representing region b in the state semi-final. I have said this before there will be no easy path for the top four teams in region b and no shame (disappointment maybe) if a given team does not advance.
I was not shocked by your revelation regarding "As to our studs playing both ways, I feel that if they played both ways last year, and we had Bell and Cherry against Monacan, we'd probably be talking about Louisa's chances at a repeat state title right now"; however, I did find it very interesting. I get with those two players out and the "studs" playing both ways may have helped some against Monacan, but even with three Chief turnovers in the red zone they defeated the Lions 42-24. The theory that Louisa would possibly be repeating state champions is perplex. Lets evaluate this: By beating Monacan you would have to travel, beat Dinwiddie (undefeated at the time) who defeated Monacan 58-18 with 140 yards in passing, 435 yards in rushing for a total of 575 yards, travel to Lake Taylor (9-1 at the time) and win, travel to Lafayette (undefeated at the time) and win and then beat Salem in the final (1 loss at the time). Wow, that's a tough task for any team much less a Lion teams who suffered regular season losses to Western Albemarle (4-6 regular season) and Charlottesville (6-4 regular season), lost 3 of their last 5 games and since joining the east have lost in the first round of the playoffs the past two seasons by an average scoring margin of 18.5 points.
Playing along and providing your theory is true, I will not assume the Lions could not have won the title last year. That being said, that was last year. As for this year, all I can say is bring it! To steal an analogy from a friend, Louisa has been the big bully taking everyone's lunch money without a much of a fight this season. There are at least three other bully's in region b who will go toe to toe with Lions and are capable of striking back. Let's see if Eastern View, Monacan, Dinwiddie and possibly Patrick Henry -Ashland will give up their lunch money. I do believe Louisa is highly motivated, is playing good football and has sound senior leadership. If Louisa wins region b (likely on the road), I will be the first in line to congratulate them, will offer no excuses and will appreciate the fact, they sent Coach Fisher out on a good note. Is Louisa a team of destiny? We shall know in the next six weeks or so.
Best of luck to all the teams.
