If Thomas Dale can beat their "Achilles Heel" LC Bird on Friday and Hermitage next week I think they have a good chance. Although, Dinwiddie and Thomas Dale is not as intense as the "Battle of Chester" its very heated. Since 1999 Thomas Dale is 11-7 against the Generals and 4-6 in the last ten years. With the exception of 2007 (Dinwiddie won 41-6), 2009 (Thomas Dale won 35-0) and 2010 (Dinwiddie won 34-13) games between these two teams have been highly contested with the victor averaging 22.7 points and the loser averaging 15.1. For those who are mathematically challenged (DP) thats a 7.6 point margin of victory. The interesting fact about this series being since 2012 each team has captured two consecutive victories. Dinwiddie won last year 28-19, so maybe statistics/order will be on the Generals side.
Thomas Dale's early schedule is tough (Cosby (w), LC Bird, Hermitage, Matoaca and Dinwiddie), so we shall see. The Knights are very sound defensively and pound the rock. They will not make a ton of mistakes and beat themselves, so a win against them will be well earned.
Lets be honest here, Dinwiddie didn't get much from the game with Denbigh. The starters were done with 4:00 minutes left in the second quarter, so really what did we really learn about the Generals. Tonight is surely a step up and the Generals will have their hands full with Smithfield's playmakers. The next two weeks will be a nice measuring stick for this team. If Dinwiddie can win the next two then I will (win or lose to Thomas Dale) feel good about our chances in the class 4 playoffs.
Regarding Manchester I am not buying it. I just don't see them beating all of their toughest opponents Monacan, LC Bird and Hermitage. They could, but there is at least one loss and maybe three within that group.
Highland Springs will bounce back and end the season 9-1. They will get their revenge on Hermitage and be in the State Semis.