Recent Entries
Southwest Virginians in Europe prove it’s a small world
Hogoheegee District Diamond Drama
Billy Wagner: Lights out again
AAC Tennis Tournament begins today
Friday’s Prep Baseball Game of the Night
Locals in the Pros: When in Rome, Mr. 200, Barker’s Back and Help Me Out
Horne faces a classic conundrum
Monthly Archives
RSS Feeds
Jason Lovett set Cavs single-season records on Saturday for catches (60), touchdowns (14) and receiving yards (886) as Uva-Wise moved to 8-1 (3-0 Mid-South Conference). It was the Cavs’ first-ever win at Union.
Posted by Brian T. Smith From Staff Reports
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Emory & Henry committed a season-high eight turnovers and lost its third straight game as the Wasps fell to Catholic 31-21 in an Old Dominion Athletic Conference matchup Saturday.
Catholic quarterbacks Keith Ricca and John Jacobs combined for 269 passing yards and three touchdowns, while the Cardinals outgained E&H 340-248 and controlled the game clock for 35 minutes, 38 seconds.
The Wasps held a 21-17 halftime edge but committed six second-half miscues and were outscored 14-0 in a decisive third quarter.
E&H quarterback Daniel Booher led the Wasps (4-4, 1-3) to an early 7-0 lead after finding Jonathan Hawkins on a 48-yard TD strike midway through the opening quarter. But Booher missed the entire second half due to a right shoulder injury and was replaced by Gavin Haynes, who proceeded to throw four interceptions.
“It’s going to sound like I’m making excuses, but it’s tough to win when you have to replace your starting quarterback all of a sudden,” said Wasps coach Don Montgomery. “Gavin really hasn’t gotten enough snaps in practice, so that definitely hurt our chances.”
Booher is listed as day-to-day.
The Cards (5-3, 1-3) took control early in the third quarter on Ricca’s 14-yard TD pass to Noah Rogers. Greg Brown added a 3-yard scoring jaunt for Catholic, which defeated the Wasps for the first time since 2001.
“We came out a little flat again,” Montgomery said. “And that’s the third straight week we’ve done that.
“I’ll be honest: I feel horrible about the situation. I look at myself first. This is like death. You try and learn from it and move forward.”
Evin O’Sullivan recorded a game-high 15 tackles for Emory & Henry, while Kevin Worley added 13 tackles and a 9-yard sack.
“Our defense played strong at times, but they also had some rough points,” Montgomery said. “I think teams have figured out some of our weaknesses, so we need to regroup and come up with something. This is a strong league with a lot of parity, and we need to end our season on a positive note.”
E&H plays its final home game of the season at 1 p.m. next Saturday when they host Washington & Lee.
“Sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you,” Montgomery said. “Lately, we’ve been getting eaten by the bear.”
Brian T. Smith contributed to this report.
Emory & Henry 14 7 0 0—21
Catholic 7 10 14 0—31
Scoring Summary
E&H - Hawkins 48 pass from Booher (Hawk kick) CUA - Buis 34 pass from Ricca (Deluca kick) E&H - Friend 30 blocked punt return (Hawk kick) CUA - Saunders 5 pass from Ricca (Deluca kick) E&H - Assenat 1 run (Hawk kick) CUA - Deluca 28 FG CUA - Rogers 14 pass from Ricca (Deluca kick) CUA - Brown 3 run (Deluca kick)
Team Stats
First Downs: E&H 15, CUA 19; Rushing-Yards: E&H 37-124, CUA 39-71; Passing Yards: E&H 160, CUA 269; Comp-Att-Int: E&H 10-22-5, CUA 31-49-1; Fumbles-Lost: E&H 3-3, CUA 2-2; Penalties-Yards: E&H 7-47, CUA 4-40; Punts-Average: E&H 5-38.6, CUA 9-28.8.
Posted by Brian T. Smith Tennessee
Alcoa 48, Rockwood 7
Anderson County 42, Scott County 21
Bartlett 28, Memphis Central 6
Baylor 28, Pope John Paul II 20
Bearden 17, Sevier County 3
Beech 47, Clarksville NW 0
Brainerd 40, Hixson 0
CAK 48, Sweetwater 21
Camden 49, Stewart County 0
Cannon County 31, Bledsoe County 0
CBHS 37, St. Benedict 7
Centennial 31, Columbia 23
Cherokee 40, Cocke County 0
Clarksville 14, Mt. Juliet 9
Cleveland 35, Rhea County 34
Collinwood 55, Perry County 13
CPA 28, Stratford 15
David Brainerd 35, Copper Basin 14, OT
David Lipscomb 49, Marshall County 13
Dyer County 24, Dyersburg 21
East Ridge 41, Tellico Plains 6
Ensworth 28, Warren County 17
FACS 20, Davidson Academy 17
Fairview 28, Harpeth 21, OT
Farragut 17, Soddy Daisy 7
Friendship Christian 9, Trousdale County 7
Gatlinburg-Pittman 38, Cumberland Gap 21
Gleason 40, South Fulton 7
Goodpasture 43, Coffee County 30
Gordonsville 28, Watertown 21
Grace Baptist 35, Whitwell 12
Greeneville 14, Morristown East 7, OT
Hampton 45, Happy Valley 20
Hardin County 42, Central-Merry 0
Harding Academy 41, Rosemark Academy 6
Harriman 28, Coalfield 20
Haywood County 68, Obion County 7
Hickman County 41, East Hickman 13
Hillsboro 31, Tullahoma 3
Howard 42, Sequoyah 7
Hunters Lane 35, Glencliff 0
Independence 17, Brentwood 7
Jackson South Side 14, Crockett County 12
Jo Byrns 36, Cascade 6
Johnson County 21, Sullivan East 14
Karns 26, Science Hill 13
Kenwood 33, Springfield 13
Kingsport Dobyns Bennett 38, Campbell County 3
Knoxville Catholic 14, Kingston 6
Knoxville Central 43, Clinton 23
Knoxville Fulton 34, Austin-East 21
Knoxville West 27, Powell 7
Lawrence County 28, Whites Creek 14
Lewis County 49, Ezell-Harding 12
Lincoln County 16, Cookeville 10, OT
Livingston Academy 24, Stone Memorial 21
Lookout Valley 20, Silverdale Baptist Academy 14
Loudon 27, Boyd Buchanan 7
Macon County 24, Greenbrier 21, OT
Maplewood 40, Shelbyville 0
Maryville 38, Knoxville Halls 30
MBA 26, Father Ryan 0
McCallie 20, Tyner Academy 7
McEwen 27, Nashville Christian School 21
McGavock 20, Nashville Overton 16
McKenzie 50, Lake County 0
McMinn Central 42, Polk County 41, OT
McMinn County 28, Heritage 27
McNairy Central 28, Fayette Academy 13
Meigs County 30, Cumberland County 7
Midway 67, Greenback 38
Milan 35, Dresden 0
Millington 21, Bolton 14
Monterey 34, Red Boiling Springs 0
Moore County 34, Cornersville 14
Morristown West 31, Volunteer 14
Mt. Pleasant 34, Columbia Academy 0
Murray, Ky. 47, Franklin Road Academy 24
MUS 24, ECS 0
Oak Ridge 17, Ooltewah 7
Peabody 42, Jackson Christian 7
Red Bank 56, White County 0
Richland 20, Loretto 13
Riverdale 36, Smyrna 32
Rutledge 41, Union County 0
SBEC 28, Bishop Byrne 8
Seymour 41, Claiborne County 26
Smith County 12, Franklin County 6
South Doyle 41, Lenoir City 7
South Pittsburg 69, Temple 6
Station Camp 12, White House 10
Sullivan North 22, Unicoi County 7
Sunbright 28, Oakdale 20
Sycamore 9, DeKalb County 0
Taft Youth Center 36, Jackson County 30
Tennessee 28, Sullivan Central 0
Walker Valley 40, Chattanooga Central 24
Westmoreland 15, East Robertson 13
Westview 38, Humboldt 8
William Blount 41, Bradley Central 2
Wilson Central 24, LaVergne 21
York Institute 19, Marion County 7
Virginia
Abingdon 34, Graham 27
Amherst County 55, Staunton River 14
Appalachia 36, J.J. Kelly 32
Bayside 20, Princess Anne 0
Bethel 7, Hampton 0
Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot 10, Roanoke Catholic 7, 2OT
Brunswick 20, Greensville County 14, OT
Buffalo Gap 34, Stonewall Jackson-Mt. Jackson 0
Chilhowie 34, Rural Retreat 29
Christiansburg 30, Cave Spring 7
Churchland 8, Booker T. Washington 6
Colonial Beach 55, King & Queen 8
Courtland 27, Caroline 6
Franklin 48, Nandua 0
Grafton 52, Warhill 6
Great Bridge 27, King’s Fork 14
Hermitage 45, Douglas Freeman 0
Holston 34, Castlewood 7
Honaker 48, Hurley 8
Indian River 46, Lakeland 6
Isle of Wight Academy 54, Southampton Academy 13
J.I. Burton 21, Clintwood 18
Kenston Forest 37, Tidewater Academy 13
King William 38, Middlesex 0
Lake Taylor 26, Granby 14
Landstown 43, Kempsville 0
Liberty Christian 14, Flint Hill 12
Marion 24, Virginia High 21
Maury 21, Norview 0
Nansemond River 20, Hickory 13
Narrows 40, Pocahontas 8
Norcom 15, Woodrow Wilson 0
North Cross 28, Hampton Roads 8
Poquoson 14, New Kent 0
Powell Valley 50, Pound 18
Richlands 34, Carroll County 6
Riverheads 35, Luray 0
Salem 21, Hidden Valley 20
Salem-Va. Beach 20, Green Run 0
Sherando 34, Brentsville 14
St. Paul 32, Rye Cove 14
Surry County 42, Windsor 6
Tallwood 27, Kellam 21
Tazewell 21, Grundy 20
Wilson Memorial 21, Page County 8
York 28, Bruton 7 POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
Trinity Episcopal vs. Covenant School, ppd. to Oct 29.
Manassas Park vs. Madison County, ppd. to Oct 27.
Massanutten Military vs. William Monroe, ppd. to Oct 29.
Fluvanna vs. Monticello, ppd. to Oct 29.
Louisa vs. Orange County, ppd. to Oct 29.
Charlottesville vs. Western Albemarle, ppd. to Oct 29.
Parry McCluer vs. Covington, ppd. to Oct 29.
Liberty-Fauquier vs. Culpeper, ppd. to Oct 29.
Altavista vs. Dan River, ppd. to Oct 29.
William Fleming vs. Halifax County, ppd. to Oct 29.
Va. Episcopal vs. Hargrave Military, ppd. to Oct 27.
Franklin County vs. GW-Danville, ppd. to Oct 29.
Albemarle vs. Brooke Point, ppd. to Oct 29.
Riverbend vs. Colonial Forge, ppd. to Oct 29.
Chancellor vs. King George, ppd. to Oct 27.
Stafford vs. Massaponax, ppd. to Oct 29.
Spotsylvania vs. James Monroe, ppd. to Oct 29.
Rappahannock vs. Washington & Lee, ppd. to Oct 29.
Gretna vs. Appomattox, ppd. to Oct 29.
Goochland vs. Buckingham County, ppd. to Oct 29.
Nelson County vs. William Campbell, ppd. to Oct 27.
Brookville vs. Heritage-Lynchburg, ppd. to Oct 27.
Bassett vs. Jefferson Forest, ppd. to Oct 27.
Rustburg vs. Liberty-Bedford, ppd. to Oct 27.
Woodbridge vs. C.D. Hylton, ppd. to Oct 29.
Loudoun Valley vs. Osbourn, ppd. to Oct 29.
Stonewall Jackson-Manassas vs. Osbourn Park, ppd. to Oct 29.
Potomac vs. Forest Park, ppd. to Oct 29.
Carrboro, N.C. vs. Carlisle, ppd. to Oct 27.
Tunstall vs. Martinsville, ppd. to Oct 29.
Magna Vista vs. Patrick County, ppd. to Oct 29.
Woodside vs. Gloucester, ppd. to Oct 29.
West Point vs. Mathews, ppd. to Oct 29.
Greenbrier Christian vs. Norfolk Christian, ppd. to Oct 27.
First Colonial vs. Ocean Lakes, ppd. to Oct 29.
Deep Creek vs. Oscar Smith, ppd. to Oct 29.
Smithfield vs. Southampton, ppd. to Oct 29.
Meadowbrook vs. Colonial Heights, ppd. to Oct 29.
Petersburg vs. Thomas Dale, ppd. to Oct 29.
Matoaca vs. Hopewell, ppd. to Oct 29.
Dinwiddie vs. Prince George, ppd. to Oct 29.
Cumberland vs. Amelia County, ppd. to Oct 29.
Henrico vs. Armstrong, ppd. to Oct 29.
Hanover vs. Atlee, ppd. to Oct 27.
Grassfield vs. Western Branch, ppd. to Oct 29.
Randolph Henry vs. Central Senior, ppd. to Oct 29.
Sussex Central vs. Charles City, ppd. to Oct 29.
TJ-Richmond vs. Patrick Henry-Ashland, ppd. to Oct 29.
Essex vs. Lancaster, ppd. to Oct 29.
James River-Chesterfield vs. Manchester, ppd. to Oct 27.
Midlothian vs. Monacan, ppd. to Oct 27.
Powhatan vs. Park View-South Hill, ppd. to Oct 29.
John Marshall vs. J.R. Tucker, ppd. to Oct 27.
Huguenot vs. George Wythe-Richmond, ppd. to Oct 29.
Mills Godwin vs. Deep Run, ppd. to Oct 27.
Glenvar vs. Auburn, ppd. to Oct 27.
Galax vs. Bland County, ppd. to Oct 29.
Northside vs. William Byrd, ppd. to Oct 27.
James River-Buchanan vs. Craig County, ppd. to Oct 29.
Floyd County vs. Giles, ppd. to Oct 29.
Fort Chiswell vs. Grayson County, ppd. to Oct 29.
Alleghany vs. Lord Botetourt, ppd. to Oct 29.
Blacksburg vs. Pulaski County, ppd. to Oct 29.
Eastern Montgomery vs. Radford, ppd. to Oct 29.
Centreville vs. Chantilly, ppd. to Oct 29.
Fairfax vs. Falls Church, ppd. to Oct 29.
Battlefield vs. Fauquier, ppd. to Oct 27.
South County vs. Hayfield, ppd. to Oct 29.
James Robinson vs. Herndon, ppd. to Oct 27.
W.T. Woodson vs. Langley, ppd. to Oct 29.
Freedom (South Riding) vs. Loudoun County, ppd. to Oct 29.
South Lakes vs. George Marshall, ppd. to Oct 29.
James Madison vs. McLean, ppd. to Oct 27.
Yorktown vs. Mount Vernon, ppd. to Oct 29.
Westfield vs. Oakton, ppd. to Oct 27.
Broad Run vs. Potomac Falls, ppd. to Oct 29.
Wakefield vs. J.E.B. Stuart, ppd. to Oct 29.
Annandale vs. West Potomac, ppd. to Oct 29.
Lake Braddock vs. West Springfield, ppd. to Oct 27.
Briar Woods vs. Heritage (Leesburg), ppd. to Oct 29.
Park View-Sterling vs. Dominion, ppd. to Oct 29.
Randolph-Macon vs. Fishburne Military, ppd. to Oct 29.
TJ-Alexandria vs. Stone Bridge, ppd. to Oct 29.
Handley vs. Warren County, ppd. to Oct 29.
Skyline vs. James Wood, ppd. to Oct 27.
Woodstock Central vs. Millbrook, ppd. to Oct 27.
Lee-Davis vs. Highland Springs, ppd. to Oct 29.
Northwood vs. George Wythe-Wytheville, ppd. to Oct 29.
Rockbridge vs. R.E. Lee-Staunton, ppd. to Oct 29.
Fort Defiance vs. Stuarts Draft, ppd. to Oct 29.
North Stafford vs. Mountain View, ppd. to Oct 29.
Lloyd Bird vs. Cosby, ppd. to Oct 27.
Posted by Brian T. Smith Before Friday night’s Graham-Abingdon game, I ran into new Patrick Henry baseball coach Jon Boyd and he asked what I thought would happen.
“I’m not sure,” I told him, “but I just hope someone’s throwing the ball into the end zone on the last play to win it.”
Two hours and 45 minutes later, I got my wish. Graham’s David Marrs tried to hit J.K. Goins amid a sea of humanity in the back of the end zone and didn’t come close, allowing Abingdon to escape with a 34-27 win.
The biggest beneficiaries were riding back to Richlands on school buses. The Blue Tornadoes, which won 34-6 at Carroll County, can now win the Southwest District title on the Virginia High School League Rating Scale by beating Grundy next week at home.
Richlands’ win also damaged Abingdon’s wild card playoff hopes in Division 4, but it’s hard to play party-pooper on the Falcons’ celebration. For at least one night, the good old days were back in Abingdon.
Adam Henderson, who is making a serious push to be the first team All-Southwest Virginia quarterback, threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns. His offensive line was impressive against constant Graham blitzing, allowing just one sack.
The O-line also run-blocked a lot better after halftime, when Braden Coleman rushed for 106 of his 122 yards.
“We thought we could move the ball on them,” Falcons coach John Bowles said.
The G-Men had permitted just 28 points in winning their first four SWD games, but Abingdon is by far the district’s most dynamic offense. With an experienced QB, a slew of solid to excellent receivers and an improving running back, the Falcons can light up anyone for 30-plus.
It was a good thing they did, because their defense didn’t stop a soul. Graham is not known for its explosive offense, but looked unstoppable most of the night, gaining 373 yards on the ground and rolling up a preposterous 25 first downs.
Abingdon must win at Marion next week and hope against hope that Richlands loses to a team which is 0-5 in the SWD or its season will be over. Regardless, the Falcons earned last night’s postgame celebration.
And in the process, I got to see what I wish for every Friday night.
Here’s a look at Friday night’s games and predictions, made by the Bristol Herald Courier sports staff:
NORTHEAST TENN.
Mountain Lakes Conf.
Sullivan Central
at Tennessee High
The Cougars are hoping to rebound. The Vikings want one more win before they meet up with Sullivan South. Central’s hope: Tennessee High overlooks this game and has visions of Curt Phillips dancing in its head. It’s not likely, however. The Vikings are well-coached, charged-up and can smell the Mountain Lakes Conference title. TH running back Keenan Shephard ran wild last week, and is second in the conference only to Phillips in rushing yards per carry (8.81).
Prediction: Tennessee High 30, Sullivan Central 13
Sullivan East at Johnson Co.
The Longhorns have quietly put together another solid year, while the Patriots are coming off last week’s double-overtime win over Unicoi County. Third place in the conference is at stake in this game, and both squads match up well. The difference should be Johnson County’s defense, which is ranked next-to-last in the MLC in total defense (286.9 yards per game). If East quarterback Tyler Gaby can put together a strong outing, the Patriots’ running game and tenacious defense should carry East.
Prediction: Sullivan East 24, Johnson County 14
SOUTHWEST VA.
Black Diamond Dist.
Hurley at Honaker
Even on three days rest, this should be easy for the Tigers, who can officially wrap up a Division 2 playoff berth by beating the Rebels. Honaker’s coming off an emotional 28-27 win Monday night at Haysi, a game it had to have to win the BDD, as its 4-4 overall record wasn’t going to win it a wild card bid. Barring a shocking turn of events against an opponent which has lost six straight games, the Tigers will enter the postseason tonight.
Prediction: Honaker 48, Hurley 6.
Clinch Mountain Dist.
Lebanon at John Battle
It will be a night to remember for Lebanon, which can clinch the first Clinch Mountain championship with a win. The Pioneers average 32 points and have three players with over 416 yards rushing. Brandon Phillips and Daniel McClanahan have been among the unsung heroes for John Adams’ efficient squad. John Battle is coming off an emotional win over Pound on homecoming. The Trojans can make things exciting with their passing game, but Skyler Musick will run wild as Lebanon celebrates a CMD title.
Prediction: Lebanon 42, John Battle 7.
Lee at Gate City
This game is vital for the Division 2 playoff race. While Lee has played four games against non-Virginia teams, it might be the most improved team in Southwest Virginia. Lee, which is outscoring foes by a 24-14 margin, led Lebanon 22-7 at the half last week. Gate City averages 26 points and has a physical defense, yet the Blue Devils are in danger of missing the playoffs for the second straight year. The mystique of Legion Field makes the difference here.
Prediction: Gate City 21, Lee 20.
Cumberland District
Rye Cove at St. Paul
The mission is clear for St. Paul. If the Deacons win their last two games they will be Cumberland District champions and will earn an automatic berth to the Region C, Division 1 playoffs. The first hurdle comes tonight as they host Rye Cove. St. Paul’s defense has been suspect at times and the Deacons did allow 33 points in a win over Coeburn last week. But when you have offensive weapons like Josh Brooks, Cory Ellis and Tyler Phillips at your disposal that’s easy to overcome.
Prediction: St. Paul 37, Rye Cove 22
Twin Springs
at Thomas Walker
You have to hand it to Twin Springs head coach Jody Wolfe, as his team has improved. After winning consecutive games and eclipsing last season’s win total, the Titans almost pulled off an upset of Castlewood last week, before falling in overtime. Quarterback Michael Salyer continues to improve for Twin Springs under center. Thomas Walker has also improved, but the Pioneers have been inconsistent. This one will come down to the fourth quarter.
Prediction: Twin Springs 13, Thomas Walker 11
Hogoheegee District
Rural Retreat at Chilhowie
This is the headliner in the Hogoheegee tonight. Both teams are in the thick of their respective playoff races. Rural Retreat leads the Region C, Division 1 rating scale, while Chilhowie is fourth in a loaded Region C, Division 2 field. While Rural Retreat is in good shape, Chilhowie must basically win out to play an 11th game. This is sure to be a physical game and Chilhowie appears to be stronger up front.
Prediction: Chilhowie 20, Rural Retreat 16
Northwood at George Wythe
George Wythe has been clicking on all cylinders since opening Hogoheegee District play, outscoring three district opponents by a combined score of 108-13. GW received a scare from Rural Retreat last week, but behind the receiving of Brandon Davis, defense of Devin Smith and passing of Jacob Sharitz, the Maroons held on for a 28-13 decision. Northwood has struggled on both sides of the ball and it could be a long night in Wytheville for the Panthers.
Prediction: George Wythe 44, Northwood 12
Lonesome Pine Dist.
J.J. Kelly at Appalachia
Simply put, this is a must-win for both teams if they want to reach the postseason. Appalachia has won three in a row and the Bulldogs have a strong running back combination in Brett Leedy and Morgan Ireson. J.J. Kelly is reeling after consecutive losses to Powell Valley and Clintwood, but the Indians should still give Appalachia a stiff challenge tonight.
Prediction: Appalachia 20, J.J. Kelly 19
Clintwood at J.I. Burton
Southwest Virginia’s only unbeaten team will meet a team that has perhaps played the toughest schedule in Southwest Virginia tonight in Norton. Clintwood is 4-3 and earned an impressive victory over J.J. Kelly last week. The Greenwave’s non-district schedule has included the likes of Volunteer, Gate City and Lebanon, while head coach Rick Mullins’ team still has a matchup with perennial D1 power Appalachia left after tonight. Nick Robinson leads the Clintwood defense with 61 tackles, but the defense will get a tough test in the Raiders.
Prediction: J.I. Burton 29, Clintwood 16
Powell Valley at Pound
Powell Valley finds itself in a much different predicament than it did just seven days ago. The Vikings’ playoff hopes were unclear entering last week’s game against Gate City, but after a 38-14 victory, Powell Valley is sitting pretty in the Region D, Division 2 playoff race. Pound has shown improvement under first-year head coach Chris Crabtree, but this one has mismatch written all over it.
Prediction: Powell Valley 57, Pound 16
Southwest District
Graham at Abingdon
What a great contrast of styles here. The G-Men are a throwback to the 1970s with their wishbone offense and eight-man front which blitzes constantly, while the Falcons are wide open on offense. Yet Abingdon has improved in large part because it has become a much more physical team this year. Tonight is its truest test in that regard. If the Falcons can match Graham’s physical play and not crumble under the pressure of their biggest game in several years, they could play for at least a share of the SWD title next week.
Prediction: Abingdon 20, Graham 14.
Richlands at Carroll County
Back in August, it was thought this would be the game to determine the SWD champion. The winner still has a chance to gain at least a share, although the Cavaliers’ slow start cost it any shot at a playoff berth. But their Wing-T offense might cause problems for the Blue Tornadoes, which struggled with Marion’s version of the Wing-T earlier this month. Plus Carroll County is historically a tough place for Richlands to play. An upset isn’t out of the question, but the Blues haven’t lost on the road in three years.
Prediction: Richlands 17, Carroll County 15.
Tazewell at Grundy
The winner finishes sixth in the SWD and the loser will be seventh. Both teams are looking to build some confidence, which they hope will carry over into next year. Playing at home, the Golden Wave should be able to snap a five-game losing streak against the winless Bulldogs.
Prediction: Grundy 28, Tazewell 14.
Non-District
Castlewood at Holston
Holston appears headed for the Region C, Division 1 playoffs. If the Cavaliers win tonight they would be all but a lock for the postseason. The Cavaliers have lost four in a row since a 5-0 start, but the schedule has included some Hogoheegee District heavyweights. Castlewood foiled a two-point attempt in overtime to hold off Twin Springs 26-25 in a Cumberland District overtime thriller last week. Castlewood took the lead on an 18-yard TD reception by Brad Robinson in overtime. Adam Gillenwarter scored on a 6-yard run, his third TD of the game, to bring Twin Springs within one, but the Blue Devils (5-2, 4-1) turned away a run on the 2-point attempt. Cory Davis led Castlewood with 102 yards on eight carries. He also threw for 126 yards and three scores, all to Robinson. Robinson had 97 yards on four receptions, and added 15 tackles and an interception on defense. One thing to take into consideration tonight is Holston is 2-0 against Cumberland District opponents this fall.
Prediction: Holston 28, Castlewood 21
Twin Valley at Ervinton
Two of the three winless teams in Southwest Virginia will square off tonight in Nora. Both teams have struggled defensively and that was evident last week as Twin Valley surrendered 47 points to Big Creek (W.Va.) and Ervinton watched Rye Cove roll to 50 points last Friday. You can bet the winner of tonight’s game will relish the victory and celebrate into the night.
Prediction: Ervinton 10, Twin Valley 8
Marion at Virginia High
Virginia High has been haunted by a deadly combination of injuries, inexperience and a one-dimensional offense. The Bearcats used three quarterbacks last week, including junior varsity sensation Andy Bowers. Marion, which nearly upset Richlands earlier this season, is led by the gritty trio of Wesley Croson (76 tackles), Michael Briscoe (6 tackles for loss) and powerful fullback Tommy Lyon. VHS tailback Anthony Jones will break a couple big runs with his speed, but Marion is working for a Division 3 playoff berth.
Prediction: Marion 28, Virginia High 21