Friday night's games did not produce any big upsets, but maybe some mildly surprising scores in terms of how close a game was compared to what might have been expected. For example, Alleghany had a much closer game at Buffalo Gap than anticipated. According to the scores we were hearing at Riverheads, the Bison took an early 3-0 lead and were still in the game late at 14-11 before the Cougars were able to pull away.
Meanwhile at Riverheads, the Gladiators got their much needed win in a much easier than expected 35-0 romp over Fort Defiance. In that case, a week off was just what the doctor ordered for the Big Red.
However in both those cases, it is only fair to acknowledge the rumors that injuries may have played a part in those end results. I understand that Jordan may have been hurt in the Gap game and that the Fort quarterback had been hurt earlier in the week as well.
We already knew from earlier in the season that Podgorski, a valuable player for sure at Wilson, would be lost for the season, and I am sure there have been others at other schools. All any of us can do is hope that each affected player gets the best treatment he can and that the coaches can make the necessary adjustments.
Moving forward, this week's games (October 17th) feature what could be the BIG game that decides the district title, a game between two teams meeting for the first time ever despite being next-door neighbors, a city/county clash that looks pretty close on paper, and perhaps the most intriguing of all, the game that could earn the new Waynesboro skipper more Coach of the Year votes than he may already be deserving. So let's get cracking........
WILSON AT ALLEGHANY: As already touched upon, the Cougars may have been dealing with nagging injuries this season that could explain why their season has had some unexpected close games. Goodness knows, this game between the only two teams unbeaten in district play deserves to have as many healthy bodies as possible out on the field, so based on the assumption that Jordan can play and is his usual self, the home team should be favored in this one. That prediction is based on their last home performance when they rolled over Stuarts Draft. Wilson is quite capable of winning this one, even with a healthy Jordan, but I will go with the Cougars.
BUFFALO GAP AT STAUNTON: These two teams have each seemed brilliant at times, ordinary at others. The Bison as just mentioned, hung tough with Alleghany. They also laid 55 points on the road at Rockbridge recently. Staunton however struggled mightily against that same Rockbridge team but came within a whisker of beating Alleghany. This one shows signs of being a touchdown-or-less slobberknocker, but just on a hunch, I am going to go with the Gap for the win.
RIVERHEADS AT ROCKBRIDGE: The fact that these two have never played is just plain head-scratching. They are 20 miles apart and for some Riverheads fans, the drive down to Lexington will be closer than all the times they have come to a home game. The Gladiators hopefully have their groove back now and should roll easily and be ready to host Alleghany next week. A red-hot tip for the Rockbridge concession staff.........Riverheads travels well, even on longer distances, so order extra burgers and dogs. You will need them!
STUARTS DRAFT AT WAYNESBORO: At the beginning of the season, there were no great expectations over in the River City. With a new coach and a 20-something game losing streak, we all assumed it would be business as usual for the Little Giants. But here we are at the midway point of the season, and they have pulled off three wins, including a 13-7 thriller at Staunton. I don't realistically expect them to stay on the field with the Cougars, but SD had better not overlook them.
That leaves Fort Defiance as the team taking the week off, and in their case, they probably need it, after being shut out on consecutive Fridays.
Notice the rather odd scheduling quirk that none of the five Augusta County schools are at home this week and that there are no county match-ups. Just worked out that way.
Meanwhile at Riverheads, the Gladiators got their much needed win in a much easier than expected 35-0 romp over Fort Defiance. In that case, a week off was just what the doctor ordered for the Big Red.
However in both those cases, it is only fair to acknowledge the rumors that injuries may have played a part in those end results. I understand that Jordan may have been hurt in the Gap game and that the Fort quarterback had been hurt earlier in the week as well.
We already knew from earlier in the season that Podgorski, a valuable player for sure at Wilson, would be lost for the season, and I am sure there have been others at other schools. All any of us can do is hope that each affected player gets the best treatment he can and that the coaches can make the necessary adjustments.
Moving forward, this week's games (October 17th) feature what could be the BIG game that decides the district title, a game between two teams meeting for the first time ever despite being next-door neighbors, a city/county clash that looks pretty close on paper, and perhaps the most intriguing of all, the game that could earn the new Waynesboro skipper more Coach of the Year votes than he may already be deserving. So let's get cracking........
WILSON AT ALLEGHANY: As already touched upon, the Cougars may have been dealing with nagging injuries this season that could explain why their season has had some unexpected close games. Goodness knows, this game between the only two teams unbeaten in district play deserves to have as many healthy bodies as possible out on the field, so based on the assumption that Jordan can play and is his usual self, the home team should be favored in this one. That prediction is based on their last home performance when they rolled over Stuarts Draft. Wilson is quite capable of winning this one, even with a healthy Jordan, but I will go with the Cougars.
BUFFALO GAP AT STAUNTON: These two teams have each seemed brilliant at times, ordinary at others. The Bison as just mentioned, hung tough with Alleghany. They also laid 55 points on the road at Rockbridge recently. Staunton however struggled mightily against that same Rockbridge team but came within a whisker of beating Alleghany. This one shows signs of being a touchdown-or-less slobberknocker, but just on a hunch, I am going to go with the Gap for the win.
RIVERHEADS AT ROCKBRIDGE: The fact that these two have never played is just plain head-scratching. They are 20 miles apart and for some Riverheads fans, the drive down to Lexington will be closer than all the times they have come to a home game. The Gladiators hopefully have their groove back now and should roll easily and be ready to host Alleghany next week. A red-hot tip for the Rockbridge concession staff.........Riverheads travels well, even on longer distances, so order extra burgers and dogs. You will need them!
STUARTS DRAFT AT WAYNESBORO: At the beginning of the season, there were no great expectations over in the River City. With a new coach and a 20-something game losing streak, we all assumed it would be business as usual for the Little Giants. But here we are at the midway point of the season, and they have pulled off three wins, including a 13-7 thriller at Staunton. I don't realistically expect them to stay on the field with the Cougars, but SD had better not overlook them.
That leaves Fort Defiance as the team taking the week off, and in their case, they probably need it, after being shut out on consecutive Fridays.
Notice the rather odd scheduling quirk that none of the five Augusta County schools are at home this week and that there are no county match-ups. Just worked out that way.
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