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.   

Posted by The Continuous News Desk
High School Sports Football

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

Posted by From the Archives
High School Sports Football

Quick audible ... now that Matt Ryan’s Heisman hopes haven’t yet faded in the Blacksburg rain. All you can say about his last four minutes is wow. Who knew he had that kind of scrambling ability to get away from defensive linemen and make plays?
The big arm’s never been a question and his stats going into this game couldn’t be doubted. But when you bring a team back from certain defeat against a really good defense on the road, that creates a lasting memory with the voters. 

Posted by The Continuous News Desk
College Sports

Long-time Virginia Tech running backs coach Billy Hite is fond of saying that you never have too many tailbacks.
If Kurt Roper feels differently, there’s a good reason.
Roper, the running backs coach at Tennessee, has three SEC-quality veteran tailbacks and a freshman who could take snaps at several places now. What he doesn’t have are enough snaps to accommodate them all.
That leads to situations like last week, when backup Montario Hardesty was none too pleased with never seeing the field in a 41-17 loss at Alabama.
You couldn’t blame Hardesty, who had rushed for 146 yards on 30 carries in the previous two games—wins over Georgia and Mississippi State. And to an extent, Roper couldn’t blame him.
“I’m OK with him being unhappy [about not playing],“ Roper said. “He should have played.“
It became more of an issue when Hardesty missed a rare Sunday practice and at first, didn’t appear to tell anyone. But he had left a text message with Roper before the 7:30 p.m. workout started and Roper didn’t check his messages until after practice.
Count on Hardesty getting at least one play from scrimmage Saturday night against South Carolina. The Gamecocks allow more than 177 yards per game on the ground and the Volunteers have been running the ball well for a month.
But Roper isn’t changing his rotation to appease Hardesty. Arian Foster, who is quietly having a terrific season, will start, with LaMarcus Coker first off the bench. Then it will be Hardesty, with maybe a dose of freshman Lennon Creer.
“Arian, Coker and Hardesty could all start and play a whole game if they were healthy and fresh,“ Roper said. “Lennon’s behind those guys, but I’m very pleased with what he’s done. We have good football players in that room.“
Unless an injury or two strikes, you could almost say there are too many. Certainly more there than in any of the defensive rooms.
The Weekly Guessing Game
Time for another week of SEC picks, always a risky proposition in any year but especially this crazy season.
We were 4-2 last week, missing on Alabama’s dumptrucking of the Vols and Vanderbilt’s stunning domination of South Carolina. It would have been 3-3 were it not for Les Miles’ brassy play call in the last seconds that enabled LSU to survive Auburn.
Mississippi State at Kentucky
If the Wildcats have a letdown after consecutive games against South Carolina, LSU and Florida, it’s understandable. But even though the Bulldogs were good enough to win at Auburn, they’re lacking in offensive firepower even if Kentucky is a little flat. Hard as it is to believe, the start of Billy Gillespie’s basketball era at UK might fly as under the radar as hoops ever flies in Lexington. Andre Woodson’s Heisman chances look better with Matt Ryan’s predictable fadeout in the Blacksburg rain. Kentucky 34, Mississippi State 20.
Florida International at Arkansas
The less said about this one, the better. Just suffice it to say Darren McFadden and Felix Jones should have a field day—for however long they stay on the field—against perhaps the worst team in Division I-A. Arkansas 49, Florida International 7.
Miami (Ohio) at Vanderbilt
Impartiality aside, you had to feel good for Vandy coach Bobby Johnson, a nice guy who is two wins away from taking the Commodores to their first bowl game in 25 years. Not only did Vandy beat South Carolina, it controlled the game wire-to-wire. While there will be somewhat of a letdown this week, the Commodores should still have enough to beat their Mid-American Conference foe and get to five wins. Vanderbilt 24, Miami (Ohio) 7.
Florida vs. Georgia
On paper, the Bulldogs don’t look like a good bet against the explosive Gators. But Florida has a lot of injuries, including QB Tim Tebow, who will play despite a sore shoulder. What’s more, Georgia has had a week off to recharge. An open date before a big game worked pretty well for Tennessee and Florida earlier this month. Why can’t it work as well for a solid coach like Mark Richt? Besides, why not one more crazy upset in the craziest division in college football? Georgia 23, Florida 21.
Mississippi at Auburn
Even the Tigers’ pedestrian offense should rack up some big numbers against this sorry Rebels defense. Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron is probably in the last month of his three years in Oxford. Think they’d like David Cutcliffe back there about now? Auburn 38, Mississippi 17.
South Carolina at Tennessee
Think ESPN would like to have a mulligan on its choice for the prime-time game after the tank jobs these teams pulled a week ago? The loser is pretty much out of the East race and if that loser is Tennessee, you think the fire under Phillip Fulmer’s chair will be hotter than Memphis in August? However, the trends point to a Vols win. They’ve played much better at home and the Gamecocks have issues on offense. Tennessee 27, South Carolina 20.       

Posted by The Continuous News Desk
College Sports