Boy’s basketball has gone under four weeks of business and now it is time for some worthless blog hype. Who’s ready for it? Let’s boogie.
RURAL RETREAT (1-6) (HogoOnline #20)
The Indians finally broke a 27 game losing streak dating back to the 2006-07 season by clipping Narrows 66-61 back on December 5th. Since then, the Indians have amassed a five game losing streak including an overtime loss to district rival Holston in the opening round of the Greever Crouse Memorial tournament. Things are certainly looking up for Rural Retreat despite the 1-6 record. The district appears to be wide-open and the Indians are definitely in the mix to accrue some district wins this season and build the program back up. They start the New Year with a trip to Floyd on the 5th and then make the short trip to Wytheville the next night. This could be a rough way to kick off 2009.
CHILHOWIE (2-7) (HogoOnline #15)
The Warriors may be the most disappointing team to some spectators this year. Thus far winning only 2 of their first 9 games and only managing 32 points against Marion in their most recent contest could spell a long season of trouble for Chilhowie. The Warriors are typically a favorite for second best in the district for basketball and have been there for the past few seasons and most speculated that this season wouldn’t be any different with the return of Tuff Williams. Unfortunately, for Tuff, he’s surrounded by a new starting cast and they have been unable to fuse together as well as coaches and fans had hoped. As with any Chilhowie team, the potential is there as the team is filled with athletes, but not as many basketball players. The Warriors kickoff the New Year at home against county-rival, Marion, in a rematch followed by uninterrupted district play until their home game against Grayson County is rescheduled. The Warriors have shown the ability to score plenty of points averaging 54.4 ppg but fail to stop the opposition from scoring as only three of their seven losses have been within ten points.
PATRICK HENRY (3-5) (HogoOnline #14)
The Rebels have vastly improved over the course of the last two seasons. In 2006-07, the Rebels finished an abysmal 3-18 and last year improved to 7-17. Although not indicative by the 3-5 record, the Rebels are certainly in route to better seven wins. The Rebs kicked off the year with a nail-biting loss to Virginia at home followed by a strong win over Mountain Mission in the First Bank & Trust tournament held at John Battle. A four game losing streak overshadowed the success of the first two games, but three of the four losses were within five points, including an overtime loss to Saint Paul (56-53) and a defeat at the hands of Oak Hill Academy’s Red team (35-30). Johnny Thompson and company were clearly no-match for the Radford Bobcats in the opening round of the Wythe County Christmas Tournament but PH only let the whipping make them better by rallying off consecutive wins in the final two nights of the tournament, topping Bland County and Fort Chiswell. PH kicks off the New Year on the 6th at home against Chilhowie. This game is sure to show how each team will measure up in district play as Patrick Henry feels as though a Division 2 tournament appearance is within reach.
HOLSTON (3-3) (HogoOnline #12)
What is the best way to follow up a disappointing end to a tremendous football season? Take your emotion to the polished hardwood floor provided by your school’s gymnasium. Thus far the Cavs have done just that. Led by Travis Gray, the Cavs have been a factor in proving that the district is about as even as ever. With barely any practice under their belts and fresh out of the Field House, the Cavs were handed a hefty loss by Oak Hill’s red team in the opening round of the First Bank & Trust tournament but managed to collect themselves after the first two losses to route the tourney host, John Battle, 77-63. The Cavs collected three straight wins, topping Battle a second time and squeaking by Rural Retreat in overtime at the Greever Crouse Memorial tournament held at Northwood. There is quite a lay period between the Cav’s last game and their next game. Holston was smacked by Division 1 favorite, Galax, 64-48 on December 18th and don’t hit the court again until January 6th at Northwood. This could give them time to catch up on the practice they missed due to pigskin play, or get fat and lazy. I would opt for the second choice but I don’t play a high school sport.
NORTHWOOD (4-4) (HogoOnline #10)
Chad Bailey’s gents were not expected to factor heavily in the district race after losing several starters and key contributors from last year’s 11-15 squad. Graduation is a nasty beast but didn’t eat up Jeremiah Thompson, Ty Frye, or Dalton Combs among other key players from this season’s promising team. The Panthers have managed wins over John Battle twice, Fort Chiswell, and district foe Rural Retreat. Of their four losses (Grayson County, Marion, Bland County, & Lebanon) only one resulted in a ten point-plus margin and that was to Lebanon (67-39), a team many think will make plenty of noise in Region D’s Division 2 hunt. Using their big men down-low and the excellent shooting abilities of their guards, the Panthers have scored lots of points; However, not scoring quite as many points per game as they have in previous years in their first eight games but winning more games in that stint. In 2006-07, the Panthers averaged 59.1 ppg in their first eight followed by 56.6 last year. This year the Panthers are 56.6 again and off to their best start in the last three years at 4-4 versus 3-5 the previous two.
GEORGE WYTHE (5-4) (HogoOnline #9)
Joey Russell had waited fourteen years for the chance to coach the Maroons and thus far it is clear to all George Wythe fans, success will continue under Coach Russell. Were the fans ever worried? Doubtful. George Wythe has been producing top quality basketball players for years and this season is no different. Although the starting cast is all new faces, those boys are no strangers to the game atmosphere as all of those players had their fair share of playing time during last season’s tour of total domination. One thing is the same for George Wythe, they score a lot of points, really fast. They have eclipsed 80 points already four times this year and reached 78 twice in their first 9 games. Although only 5-4, the Maroons may take a while to gel together, but have all the makings of a typical Hogo champion. Thus far the Maroons have blasted Fort Chiswell twice, which is a team several other Hogo teams have struggled with in close games. The Maroons have been defeated by the Region C’s division 1 favorite, Galax, and the division 2 favorite, Radford. As well as by Pulaski County, the only team to beat GW last year in their state championship season. Next up for the Maroons is Giles, a team that took GW to the wire earlier in the season (84-82) followed by an at-home contest against Wythe County Rival, Rural Retreat. The Hogo better look out, this isn’t the rebuilding year for the Maroons many opponents were hoping for.
============GP ===PPG ===PAPG
George Wythe== 9 ==== 74.7===69.9
Northwood=====8 ====56.6=== 58.1
Holston =======6 ====55.0===58.2
Chilhowie======9 ====54.4 ===59.0
Rural Retreat===8 ====50.9===63.1
Patrick Henry ===8====47.0===52.5
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Girls start dribblin'
Girls basketball is underway and a few early season assessments are in order. What would a sports blog be without early unfounded and probably unnecessary hype? Well it would be a lame sports blog, if one at all.
Lets roll.
NORTHWOOD (2-1)
The Lady Panthers have high hopes for this season and rightly so. Kendra Nutter and several Buchanans, among others, propelled the Panthers deep into the Division 1 State Tournament last year and many of those players (Minus one Buchanan (Kasey) and Kimmy Boardwine) return this year. So far the Panthers have probably not met the expectations of many, but their early season schedule hasn't been the most forgiving. They kicked off the season with a low-scoring win at Lebanon over Allie Smith and Company. Smith's reputation might place her among one of the top players in the Clinch Mountain District. A day later the Panthers hosted last year's Mountain Empire season runner-up and tournament champion, Fort Chiswell. The Pioneers looked impressive and stumped the Panthers 81-54. On December 5th, Kendra Nutter and the gang edged out John Battle, 44-40 at home to move to 2-1. Coming up, Northwood travels to Marion to take on their Smyth County foe and then visit Chilhowie for a couple nights of Greever Crouse Madness. The Panthers are gearing up toward their meeting with Bland County on the 20th. The Panthers and the Bears could possibly meet again deep in the Region C, Division 1 tournament if all things go accordingly.
HOLSTON (0-6)
The Lady Cavs felt that this season would be a strong step in the right direction after losing only one senior (Megan Wilson) from last season's winless team. Unfortunately, Megan Wilson was a major part of Holston's game plan and her absence this year has been a direct result of the offensive struggles the Cavs have endured. Several Juniors from last season's team did not return to this season's squad except for lone senior, Autumn Lyon. The Cavs have endured losses to Galax, Marion, John Battle, and Saint Paul. The games won't get any easier from here on out, but the Cavs, led by Head Coach James Sullivan, never give up. Take last year's softball team for example. The Cavs were 0-13 at one point and as the season went along they only got better and better. Eventually the loses got closer until finally they won a game. Then Two. Then Three. Then a district tournament victory by upsetting Chilhowie, 5-4. Obviously basketball and softball are different sports, but the heart and determination remain a constant. Never give up and good things will happen.
PATRICK HENRY (2-2)
The Rebels had the honors of opening their season against defending Division 2, Region D champion Virginia High. Unfortunately for the Rebels, the Lady Bearcats were everything they were cracked up to be and left Glade Spring with a 63-43 victory over PH. The Rebs were a part of this years annual tournament hosted at Twin Valley High School. The Rebs opened up that tournament against a possible Division 1, Region D contender, Council, in which they lost 58-43 but took on Hurley in the next round and won convincingly 45-28 to finish third in the tournament. With a little confidence and one win under their belt, the Rebs went to Lebanon, their former Hogoheegee nemesis, and walked away with a 43-36 win. Now with consecutive wins, PH takes on a pair of AA, Southwest District teams, Tazewell and Marion. This should be a good warmup for district play, even though the Rebs have a lay period from December 19 until January 6 when they take on Chilhowie in "The Hot Box".
CHILHOWIE (3-2)
So the Warriors aren't the team they were last year, but they still bring a lot to the table. Krystal Patton and Heather Hash are two returning starters from last year's Final Four team and thus far this season have showed some potential. Neither Marion or Grayson county were matches for the Warriors defense, as Chilhowie held both teams under 30. However, a rematch from last year's state quarterfinals against Virginia High shed light on a different story, as the Bearcats stopped the Warriors 62-46. The Warriors returned to the Highlands Union Bank Tip-Off Classic at Virginia High again this year, and have already endured two close bouts. Some last minute poise by the Warriors aided them to a low-scoring one point win over Lebanon, 29-28. Their luck would change the next night as they suffered a close defeat at the hands of Sullivan Central, TN, a team the Warriors lost to last year by the same margin in the opening round of the tournament. Chilhowie is a team with a lot of promise and potential, but the inconsistency is a direct result of the new faces and lack of varsity experience presented by several of the starters and all of the bench. Chilhowie takes on the Bearcats again Saturday in a consolation round of the tournament and then hosts the Greever Crouse Tournament.
RURAL RETREAT (1-2)
If you've ever heard of the term Dark Horse, the Rural Retreat Indians are the ideal definition. They had a second place finish in the district two years ago, and last year, although with much fewer wins, still caused many close calls between themselves and the districts stiffer competition. This season the Indians return long-time starter, Charlotte Reasor, who had 26 points in the Indians lone win this season over Grayson County, 50-34, as well as 17 in their home-loss to Bland County (63-37). If your'e doing the math, Reasor is scoring almost half of RR's points every game. That is quite a contribution. Although the Indians were no match for Bland County either time this season, the Bears may be a favorite to win the Region C, Division 1 championship, so perhaps they were not a good measuring stick for the Indian's capability this season. Coming up is yet another strong Mountain Empire team, Fort Chiswell, then onto the Greever Crouse tournament at Chilhowie. Charlotte Reasor and her tribe of Indians can and will upset teams this year.
GEORGE WYTHE (2-3)
So far the Maroons have had the unfortunate privelege of playing some of the best teams in the area. The Maroons were blasted in their opening game against Radford, who looks to be a promising favorite in Division 2, Region C this year. The Maroons then dropped a close one to Auburn (53-50) and then a nail-biter to Pulaski County, 59-58. Strong schedules always pay-off in the end and the George Wythe athletic department knows this. Ashley Buckhannon and Lacey Price have propelled the Maroons in their two wins over Fort Chiswell and Galax. Buckhannon, a lock for a district player of the year nomination, has wrecked Hogoheegee defenses for years now and is no concealed weapon. She can lay points on in big, robust numbers, so far with 23, 23, 33, 21. Coming up, the Maroons have rematches with the three teams who beat them consecutively (Radford, Auburn, and Pulaski). It will be a tough stint for the Maroons but games against good teams will payoff once the district schedule starts on January 5th at Rural Retreat.
Lets roll.
NORTHWOOD (2-1)
The Lady Panthers have high hopes for this season and rightly so. Kendra Nutter and several Buchanans, among others, propelled the Panthers deep into the Division 1 State Tournament last year and many of those players (Minus one Buchanan (Kasey) and Kimmy Boardwine) return this year. So far the Panthers have probably not met the expectations of many, but their early season schedule hasn't been the most forgiving. They kicked off the season with a low-scoring win at Lebanon over Allie Smith and Company. Smith's reputation might place her among one of the top players in the Clinch Mountain District. A day later the Panthers hosted last year's Mountain Empire season runner-up and tournament champion, Fort Chiswell. The Pioneers looked impressive and stumped the Panthers 81-54. On December 5th, Kendra Nutter and the gang edged out John Battle, 44-40 at home to move to 2-1. Coming up, Northwood travels to Marion to take on their Smyth County foe and then visit Chilhowie for a couple nights of Greever Crouse Madness. The Panthers are gearing up toward their meeting with Bland County on the 20th. The Panthers and the Bears could possibly meet again deep in the Region C, Division 1 tournament if all things go accordingly.
HOLSTON (0-6)
The Lady Cavs felt that this season would be a strong step in the right direction after losing only one senior (Megan Wilson) from last season's winless team. Unfortunately, Megan Wilson was a major part of Holston's game plan and her absence this year has been a direct result of the offensive struggles the Cavs have endured. Several Juniors from last season's team did not return to this season's squad except for lone senior, Autumn Lyon. The Cavs have endured losses to Galax, Marion, John Battle, and Saint Paul. The games won't get any easier from here on out, but the Cavs, led by Head Coach James Sullivan, never give up. Take last year's softball team for example. The Cavs were 0-13 at one point and as the season went along they only got better and better. Eventually the loses got closer until finally they won a game. Then Two. Then Three. Then a district tournament victory by upsetting Chilhowie, 5-4. Obviously basketball and softball are different sports, but the heart and determination remain a constant. Never give up and good things will happen.
PATRICK HENRY (2-2)
The Rebels had the honors of opening their season against defending Division 2, Region D champion Virginia High. Unfortunately for the Rebels, the Lady Bearcats were everything they were cracked up to be and left Glade Spring with a 63-43 victory over PH. The Rebs were a part of this years annual tournament hosted at Twin Valley High School. The Rebs opened up that tournament against a possible Division 1, Region D contender, Council, in which they lost 58-43 but took on Hurley in the next round and won convincingly 45-28 to finish third in the tournament. With a little confidence and one win under their belt, the Rebs went to Lebanon, their former Hogoheegee nemesis, and walked away with a 43-36 win. Now with consecutive wins, PH takes on a pair of AA, Southwest District teams, Tazewell and Marion. This should be a good warmup for district play, even though the Rebs have a lay period from December 19 until January 6 when they take on Chilhowie in "The Hot Box".
CHILHOWIE (3-2)
So the Warriors aren't the team they were last year, but they still bring a lot to the table. Krystal Patton and Heather Hash are two returning starters from last year's Final Four team and thus far this season have showed some potential. Neither Marion or Grayson county were matches for the Warriors defense, as Chilhowie held both teams under 30. However, a rematch from last year's state quarterfinals against Virginia High shed light on a different story, as the Bearcats stopped the Warriors 62-46. The Warriors returned to the Highlands Union Bank Tip-Off Classic at Virginia High again this year, and have already endured two close bouts. Some last minute poise by the Warriors aided them to a low-scoring one point win over Lebanon, 29-28. Their luck would change the next night as they suffered a close defeat at the hands of Sullivan Central, TN, a team the Warriors lost to last year by the same margin in the opening round of the tournament. Chilhowie is a team with a lot of promise and potential, but the inconsistency is a direct result of the new faces and lack of varsity experience presented by several of the starters and all of the bench. Chilhowie takes on the Bearcats again Saturday in a consolation round of the tournament and then hosts the Greever Crouse Tournament.
RURAL RETREAT (1-2)
If you've ever heard of the term Dark Horse, the Rural Retreat Indians are the ideal definition. They had a second place finish in the district two years ago, and last year, although with much fewer wins, still caused many close calls between themselves and the districts stiffer competition. This season the Indians return long-time starter, Charlotte Reasor, who had 26 points in the Indians lone win this season over Grayson County, 50-34, as well as 17 in their home-loss to Bland County (63-37). If your'e doing the math, Reasor is scoring almost half of RR's points every game. That is quite a contribution. Although the Indians were no match for Bland County either time this season, the Bears may be a favorite to win the Region C, Division 1 championship, so perhaps they were not a good measuring stick for the Indian's capability this season. Coming up is yet another strong Mountain Empire team, Fort Chiswell, then onto the Greever Crouse tournament at Chilhowie. Charlotte Reasor and her tribe of Indians can and will upset teams this year.
GEORGE WYTHE (2-3)
So far the Maroons have had the unfortunate privelege of playing some of the best teams in the area. The Maroons were blasted in their opening game against Radford, who looks to be a promising favorite in Division 2, Region C this year. The Maroons then dropped a close one to Auburn (53-50) and then a nail-biter to Pulaski County, 59-58. Strong schedules always pay-off in the end and the George Wythe athletic department knows this. Ashley Buckhannon and Lacey Price have propelled the Maroons in their two wins over Fort Chiswell and Galax. Buckhannon, a lock for a district player of the year nomination, has wrecked Hogoheegee defenses for years now and is no concealed weapon. She can lay points on in big, robust numbers, so far with 23, 23, 33, 21. Coming up, the Maroons have rematches with the three teams who beat them consecutively (Radford, Auburn, and Pulaski). It will be a tough stint for the Maroons but games against good teams will payoff once the district schedule starts on January 5th at Rural Retreat.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
HogoOnline Exclusive: Interview with GW boys head coach, Joey Russell
An era of excellence has come to an end and a new face emerges as leader. Al Copenhaver has set an awfully high mark as long-time coach of the George Wythe Maroons, the Hogoheegee's boys basketball powerhouse. Now, Joey Russell takes the reigns on a program coming off of an epic state championship season. He was generous enough to take a time-out and lend some insight on just who this new head coach is for the Hogoheegee.com community. Check it out..
1. What is your high school and college alma mater?
H.S. – Chilhowie College – Mars Hill College
2. Thinking back on your high school sports career, what was your most memorable moment?
2. Thinking back on your high school sports career, what was your most memorable moment?
During my senior year, we defeated the first place ranked Castlewood Blue Devils in the second round of the Hogoheegee tournament to advance to the championship.
3. Is there a coach from your childhood or high school days who inspired you to become a coach?
3. Is there a coach from your childhood or high school days who inspired you to become a coach?
Jeff Smarr, John Goodwin, and Jack Henderson
4. Have you had any other coaching jobs and what were they?
4. Have you had any other coaching jobs and what were they?
Head Varsity Baseball at GW for 9 years, Assistant Football at GW for 14 years, Assistant Basketball at GW for 14 years
5. You’re now taking over a perennial powerhouse program following the great Al Copenhaver. What are your thoughts toward this opportunity and how long have you wanted this job?
5. You’re now taking over a perennial powerhouse program following the great Al Copenhaver. What are your thoughts toward this opportunity and how long have you wanted this job?
We graduated all our starters and we have a completely new staff. I guess I should be nervous but I am excited to begin the job I’ve been preparing 14 years for.
6. A state championship will be hard act to follow. Minus several key players from last year’s team, what are your expectations for this upcoming season?
6. A state championship will be hard act to follow. Minus several key players from last year’s team, what are your expectations for this upcoming season?
We aren’t worried about last year. In fact, we don’t talk about it. We are preparing for this year. We have plenty of experience on the team and hope to make a run in the district and the region.
7. If you could put one team on the schedule that isn’t there now, who would it be?
7. If you could put one team on the schedule that isn’t there now, who would it be?
I don’t know – I wonder who the Hogoheegee.com visitors would like to see?
8. Thinking back on the last several years of the Hogoheegee, are there any specific players or coaches that stand out in your mind?
8. Thinking back on the last several years of the Hogoheegee, are there any specific players or coaches that stand out in your mind?
Well, Al Copenhaver and the George Wythe Maroons, of course. Beyond that – the Hogoheegee has quality coaches; I respect each of them and what they are trying to do with their teams.
9. The competitiveness in boys basketball (top to bottom) in the Hogoheegee has somewhat dropped off from the last six or seven years. Do you see it regaining that competitiveness any time soon?
9. The competitiveness in boys basketball (top to bottom) in the Hogoheegee has somewhat dropped off from the last six or seven years. Do you see it regaining that competitiveness any time soon?
I would like to see it get more competitive again. I can’t predict when that will happen; the VHSL is going to re-align the size classifications soon. That change will really shake things up – it will be interesting.
10. Finally, since we are now in the information age, what online sources or internet websites do you use (if any) for high school sports?
10. Finally, since we are now in the information age, what online sources or internet websites do you use (if any) for high school sports?
I stay away from most online websites due to the negative postings regarding players and coaches. GW’s schedules (including changes due to weather, etc) are posted on highschoolsports.net by our athletic director and I refer to it often; that is probably the only one.
Thanks Coach, and good luck this season!
Monday, December 1, 2008
HogoOnline Exclusive: Interview with NW Coach, Chad Bailey
When it comes to good basketball coaches in the Hogoheegee, its hard to overlook Chad Bailey. Bailey, a graduate of Holston High School, has taken the Panthers from the Hogo's cellar and turned the program around by providing the building blocks for success with consecutive 10+ win seasons and a Region C tournamnet win. Instilling confidence in his players has been his primary goal for building up the program, and so far the results speak for themselves. Coach took time out of his coaching routine to share a little bit with the Hogo-Online community. Check it out.
1) You graduated from Holston High School, what was your most memorable sports moment from there?
I remember playing with some really good teammates. Guys that were fun to play with and we all got along well. The one moment that stands out is beating Rural Retreat late in the season at their place. We avenged a lost from earlier in the season at home and although I don’t remember stats I do remember feeling like I played well and contributed.
2) Was there any significant figure in your childhood or high school years that inspired you to become a coach?
The one person that stands out is my father. Even to this day I seek his advice and value his opinion. Growing up my dad always supported me and pushed me to be the very best I could be. My dad has always worked very hard and I will always remember that. I believe that you lead by example and watching how hard my father worked to support our family reinforces that principle.
As I got into coaching Dyer Jackson and Doug Reavis really impacted my coaching style. Coach Reavis was the football coach at Ft. Chiswell and I just remember his intensity and discipline. Coach Jackson helped to influence some of my basketball philosophy, especially when it comes to full court pressure. Today I look at what Bruce Pearl has done at the University of Tennessee and how he has taken an underachieving program and now has made them a consistent top 20 program. I have been fortunate to work camps and talk with Coach Pearl and his staff. They have a great family atmosphere and a dedication to hard work that is worth emulating.
3) What other coaching jobs have you had and how did you fare?
My first coaching job was as an assistant football coach in Halifax County Virginia. I was an assistant on the middle school football team and we ended up going 8-2. We had some great athletes, of course our high school had 1700 students and our middle school had about 1200. I then moved back to southwest Virginia and became the head 8th grade basketball coach at Ft. Chiswell Middle School for two years, also assisting with the varsity. Danny Jonas, the AD at Ft. Chiswell gave me my break in basketball and I will always be grateful. As far as my two years as an 8th grade coach we were a sub .500 team but I tried to get all of the guys fundamentally sound so when they went to the varsity level they would be more prepared. I do remember my last year at Ft. Chiswell the varsity had a pretty good season. We won eighteen regular season games but fell in the MED Finals which kept us from going to regionals.
4) What attracted you to the coaching job at Northwood?
I felt I was ready to take over as a head coach at the varsity level and actually saw a story by Tim Hayes in the Bristol Herald Courier that Coach Dunham had resigned. I remember dreading playing Northwood when I was in high school so there is some basketball tradition and we are very fortunate to have great facilities, some of the best in Virginia.
5) Is there one team you wish you could place on your schedule that you have not yet had an opportunity to?
Twin Valley would have to stand out. We played Twin Valley my first year and got drilled but that was around my fourth game as coach at Northwood. I believe Twin Valley is the measuring stick when it comes to Division 1 basketball in southwest Virginia (not taking anything away from Galax). There is a clear dedication to basketball and they are very well coached.
6) What opportunities do you see for this year's varsity Panther team?
I am very excited about this year’s team and think we have a chance to be special. The initial problem is that we are very young. We return only three players from last years’ team and NO starters. I see some growing pains early in the season but it will all depend on how this crop of juniors step up and play with the big boys. We have good ball-handling, really good shooters, and a two post players that are 6”7. However, when you deal with teenagers confidence is a huge factor. So far I like what I see out of our guys in practice. I can tell them how good they can be but until they see it and believe it themselves we are a big question mark. My job as coach is to show these guys how successful they can be and once they see that I believe this team can be the most successful team I have had here at Northwood. We want to compete, period. Whether it is in our non-district schedule, district, or regionals we want to show that we belong. I believe the hogoheegee will be very competitive. George Wythe will reload, Chilhowie will compete and is talented. Patrick Henry, Holston, and Rural Retreat will be better as well so we know that we will have to bring our A game every night. We hope to be back in the Regions this year and go farther than we did last year (won our first regional game but lost in regional semis)
7) Do you have any feelings toward the playoff structure adopted last year?
I like the playoff structure adopted last year but would like to see some changes, some of which we have already seen. It is tougher for smaller schools to compete and with the splitting of divisions I like the parity that is in single A basketball. I did not agree with the premise that everyone makes the regional tournament. I believe that is an honor that should be earned. I would also like to see more clarification when it comes to seeding. We were seeded 8th last year and felt due to our accomplishments we were higher than 8th. I am also watching to see if the VHSL adopts a five or even six division classification. Although I am a supporter of the current playoff system I would like to see closer numbers statewide. In the current system you may have a school from Region D like St. Paul with 200 students playing a school from Region A or B with 650 students. However, I am glad to see the VHSL addressing these issues
8) What is the single greatest coaching moment you've had at Northwood?
There are three that stand out for me. The first is beating Pocahontas to snap a 26 game losing streak. As I mentioned before confidence is one of the hardest things to instill in high school athletes and I was so proud of those guys that night to overcome what we faced the previous year. The second moment was beating Lebanon 68-55 at their place. It was only the third time Northwood had beaten Lebanon and the first time to ever win at their place. The last would have to be our victory over Bath County in the regionals last year. It was the first time Northwood has ever won a regional boys basketball game and it was very special to me and our team.
9) When you think of southwest Virginia or Hogoheegee basketball from years past, what players, coaches, and moments stick out in your mind?
Calvin Talford would definitely have to be number one. He was amazing to watch and see the things he accomplished on the basketball court. There are too many other athletes to mention although another stands out in my mind and this is Stephen Fields from Chilhowie. I remember being at Holston one night heckling him and he just smiled and started talking with us. I looked at a buddy of mine and we both agreed we couldn’t give him a hard time. That really stood out to me.
10) And, of course, what is your favorite website for high school sports?
I remember playing with some really good teammates. Guys that were fun to play with and we all got along well. The one moment that stands out is beating Rural Retreat late in the season at their place. We avenged a lost from earlier in the season at home and although I don’t remember stats I do remember feeling like I played well and contributed.
2) Was there any significant figure in your childhood or high school years that inspired you to become a coach?
The one person that stands out is my father. Even to this day I seek his advice and value his opinion. Growing up my dad always supported me and pushed me to be the very best I could be. My dad has always worked very hard and I will always remember that. I believe that you lead by example and watching how hard my father worked to support our family reinforces that principle.
As I got into coaching Dyer Jackson and Doug Reavis really impacted my coaching style. Coach Reavis was the football coach at Ft. Chiswell and I just remember his intensity and discipline. Coach Jackson helped to influence some of my basketball philosophy, especially when it comes to full court pressure. Today I look at what Bruce Pearl has done at the University of Tennessee and how he has taken an underachieving program and now has made them a consistent top 20 program. I have been fortunate to work camps and talk with Coach Pearl and his staff. They have a great family atmosphere and a dedication to hard work that is worth emulating.
3) What other coaching jobs have you had and how did you fare?
My first coaching job was as an assistant football coach in Halifax County Virginia. I was an assistant on the middle school football team and we ended up going 8-2. We had some great athletes, of course our high school had 1700 students and our middle school had about 1200. I then moved back to southwest Virginia and became the head 8th grade basketball coach at Ft. Chiswell Middle School for two years, also assisting with the varsity. Danny Jonas, the AD at Ft. Chiswell gave me my break in basketball and I will always be grateful. As far as my two years as an 8th grade coach we were a sub .500 team but I tried to get all of the guys fundamentally sound so when they went to the varsity level they would be more prepared. I do remember my last year at Ft. Chiswell the varsity had a pretty good season. We won eighteen regular season games but fell in the MED Finals which kept us from going to regionals.
4) What attracted you to the coaching job at Northwood?
I felt I was ready to take over as a head coach at the varsity level and actually saw a story by Tim Hayes in the Bristol Herald Courier that Coach Dunham had resigned. I remember dreading playing Northwood when I was in high school so there is some basketball tradition and we are very fortunate to have great facilities, some of the best in Virginia.
5) Is there one team you wish you could place on your schedule that you have not yet had an opportunity to?
Twin Valley would have to stand out. We played Twin Valley my first year and got drilled but that was around my fourth game as coach at Northwood. I believe Twin Valley is the measuring stick when it comes to Division 1 basketball in southwest Virginia (not taking anything away from Galax). There is a clear dedication to basketball and they are very well coached.
6) What opportunities do you see for this year's varsity Panther team?
I am very excited about this year’s team and think we have a chance to be special. The initial problem is that we are very young. We return only three players from last years’ team and NO starters. I see some growing pains early in the season but it will all depend on how this crop of juniors step up and play with the big boys. We have good ball-handling, really good shooters, and a two post players that are 6”7. However, when you deal with teenagers confidence is a huge factor. So far I like what I see out of our guys in practice. I can tell them how good they can be but until they see it and believe it themselves we are a big question mark. My job as coach is to show these guys how successful they can be and once they see that I believe this team can be the most successful team I have had here at Northwood. We want to compete, period. Whether it is in our non-district schedule, district, or regionals we want to show that we belong. I believe the hogoheegee will be very competitive. George Wythe will reload, Chilhowie will compete and is talented. Patrick Henry, Holston, and Rural Retreat will be better as well so we know that we will have to bring our A game every night. We hope to be back in the Regions this year and go farther than we did last year (won our first regional game but lost in regional semis)
7) Do you have any feelings toward the playoff structure adopted last year?
I like the playoff structure adopted last year but would like to see some changes, some of which we have already seen. It is tougher for smaller schools to compete and with the splitting of divisions I like the parity that is in single A basketball. I did not agree with the premise that everyone makes the regional tournament. I believe that is an honor that should be earned. I would also like to see more clarification when it comes to seeding. We were seeded 8th last year and felt due to our accomplishments we were higher than 8th. I am also watching to see if the VHSL adopts a five or even six division classification. Although I am a supporter of the current playoff system I would like to see closer numbers statewide. In the current system you may have a school from Region D like St. Paul with 200 students playing a school from Region A or B with 650 students. However, I am glad to see the VHSL addressing these issues
8) What is the single greatest coaching moment you've had at Northwood?
There are three that stand out for me. The first is beating Pocahontas to snap a 26 game losing streak. As I mentioned before confidence is one of the hardest things to instill in high school athletes and I was so proud of those guys that night to overcome what we faced the previous year. The second moment was beating Lebanon 68-55 at their place. It was only the third time Northwood had beaten Lebanon and the first time to ever win at their place. The last would have to be our victory over Bath County in the regionals last year. It was the first time Northwood has ever won a regional boys basketball game and it was very special to me and our team.
9) When you think of southwest Virginia or Hogoheegee basketball from years past, what players, coaches, and moments stick out in your mind?
Calvin Talford would definitely have to be number one. He was amazing to watch and see the things he accomplished on the basketball court. There are too many other athletes to mention although another stands out in my mind and this is Stephen Fields from Chilhowie. I remember being at Holston one night heckling him and he just smiled and started talking with us. I looked at a buddy of mine and we both agreed we couldn’t give him a hard time. That really stood out to me.
10) And, of course, what is your favorite website for high school sports?
Two websites stand out. The one that I have followed since I have been coaching is Virginia Preps. I am impressed with what Zirkle and Robert Blakey have done with reporting high school athletics in Virginia. I was honored last year to be a part of the “Coaches Corner” segment and I have been able to follow certain teams and even get scouting reports from this site. The second would have to be Hogoheegee.com. It is great to see our district get further exposure and I like the way the site is laid out. I check both of these sites daily and am honored that you would choose me to do this interview.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Division 1 State Semi-Finals Preview
The following predictions do not reflect bias or favoritism of HogoOnline. All scores are generated using formulas, rankings, and algorithms (which I named Dorothy) that are still in their infant stages. Please be kind to all predictions and remember, if you don't like it, the computer did it. After all, they're just silly predictions, right?
Last week: Dorothy 2-0
2008 Season: Dorothy 43-7
Season Grade: B- (86%)
HOLSTON (10-2) vs CLINTWOOD (11-1)
The Cavaliers remain as the only Hogoheegee football team still in practice as Chilhowie was stampeded last week by the Buffaloes of Floyd County in convincing fashion. Last Friday’s game between Holston and Bath County had the setting of the Green Bay Packers battling upon the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field in Wisconsin… except this was in Damascus, Virginia in front of a few thousand less people. Bath came out strong on defense, halting the Cavs the entire first half and entered halftime with a 3-0 lead but Matlock’s men returned after the half to score twice and shutdown the Charger offense. Jefferey Bramlett got it started with a 25 yard jaunt in the third quarter. John Pratt found Jordan Blevins for a 30 yard pass in the fourth to seal the deal and the Cavs were on their way. Holston won their first ever Region C championship, finally.
Clintwood and Bath County don’t compare. Many would go as far as saying the GreenWave could fight for the Region C Division 2 crown and in fact beat the Region D Division 2 champion, Lebanon, handily already this season. The GreenWave boast a lot of speed, power, hard hitting, and size; something many schools their size fail to have all of. That’s not to say that the Cavs don’t stand a fighting chance. The Cavs have answered all critics with ten wins, regardless of what some may claim as an easy schedule, it’s hard to argue with a Region C championship. All of the pressure is on Clintwood, who is trying to get back to the state championship game where they fell last year to Buffalo Gap. Holston, the underdog, has to take advantage of every mistake Clintwood makes (and it’s fair to say, they don’t make very many).
Dorothy Says: Clintwood 30, Holston 14
Last week: Dorothy 2-0
2008 Season: Dorothy 43-7
Season Grade: B- (86%)
HOLSTON (10-2) vs CLINTWOOD (11-1)
The Cavaliers remain as the only Hogoheegee football team still in practice as Chilhowie was stampeded last week by the Buffaloes of Floyd County in convincing fashion. Last Friday’s game between Holston and Bath County had the setting of the Green Bay Packers battling upon the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field in Wisconsin… except this was in Damascus, Virginia in front of a few thousand less people. Bath came out strong on defense, halting the Cavs the entire first half and entered halftime with a 3-0 lead but Matlock’s men returned after the half to score twice and shutdown the Charger offense. Jefferey Bramlett got it started with a 25 yard jaunt in the third quarter. John Pratt found Jordan Blevins for a 30 yard pass in the fourth to seal the deal and the Cavs were on their way. Holston won their first ever Region C championship, finally.
Clintwood and Bath County don’t compare. Many would go as far as saying the GreenWave could fight for the Region C Division 2 crown and in fact beat the Region D Division 2 champion, Lebanon, handily already this season. The GreenWave boast a lot of speed, power, hard hitting, and size; something many schools their size fail to have all of. That’s not to say that the Cavs don’t stand a fighting chance. The Cavs have answered all critics with ten wins, regardless of what some may claim as an easy schedule, it’s hard to argue with a Region C championship. All of the pressure is on Clintwood, who is trying to get back to the state championship game where they fell last year to Buffalo Gap. Holston, the underdog, has to take advantage of every mistake Clintwood makes (and it’s fair to say, they don’t make very many).
Dorothy Says: Clintwood 30, Holston 14
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Region C Finals Preview
The following predictions do not reflect bias or favoritism of HogoOnline. All scores are generated using formulas, rankings, and algorithms (which I named Dorothy) that are still in their infant stages. Please be kind to all predictions and remember, if you don't like it, the computer did it. After all, they're just silly predictions, right?
Last week: Dorothy 3-0
2008 Season: Dorothy 41-7
Season Grade: B- (85.4%)
I never thought in a million years that some type of rankings system that I drew up in my spare time would amount to much. It may be just coincidence and luck, but for this season my rankings system, coupled with Dorothy's creepy ability to pick a winner resulted in HogoOnline predicting the #1 and #2 team in region at the end of the year. Wow.
Lets get some hype up, shall we?
BATH COUNTY (8-3) at
HOLSTON (9-2)
Well, it has come down to this. A rematch from last season’s thrilling semi-final game of which Bath County was crowned victors in a 27-20 slug fest in Damascus. This year, Bath County once again makes the longest trip possible in Region C with a trip from Hot Springs, down 81 for a couple of hours, to Damascus. The Cavs were a bit sluggish in their first round game against the Mustangs. Understandably so with a two week layoff from the gridiron, but Pratt, Mefford, Blevins, and company were able to tough it out and advance one more round to the Region C Finals. The Cavs made history by breaking a double-decade and a half streak of zero playoff wins and look to make further history with their first ever Region C Championship. East Mont likely warmed the Cavs back up and got them back into the swing of things, at least Cav fans hope so. Bath County is an experienced playoff contender. Their coaching staff, community, and players are pretty accustomed to playoff contention and know how to handle the pressures involved. Damascus is reeling and rightly so, their Cavs have made history and have a clear-shot opportunity to make more. Minimize mistakes, play hard, and make every play count and the Cavs will be the 2008 Division 1, Region C Champs. Play like you’re nervous and have never been there, and the Cavs take a back seat in a remarkable season with very little to show for it.
Dorothy says: Holston 22-19
CHILHOWIE (10-1) at
FLOYD COUNTY (11-0)
This one is also a rematch of an epic contest held back in 2001, the last time the Warriors advanced to the Region C Finals. That year the records were similar and the hype was the same. Chilhowie actually led 14-10 late in the fourth but came up a foot short of a first down with under a minute to go and eventually lost the Region C Championship game 17-14 to eventual Group A Runner-Up, Floyd County. The players now were in the 5th grade then and probably don’t remember the game because they were busy playing football behind the bleachers. But that’s not to say they have not already been compared to and reminded of Chilhowie’s memorable, out-of-nowhere, 2001 team. But that was then. This is now. Chilhowie did the unthinkable. They did something no other Chilhowie team has ever done. Dominate Giles. Even in a Giles down year, the Warriors were never expected to win but ultimately found a way to halt the single-wing in its tracks. Floyd, meanwhile, managed to squeak by GW for the second time this year; something the Warriors were unable to do in their lone attempt. Chilhowie and Floyd match-up well on both sides of the ball. This one will come down to who makes the most errors and who gives up the most big-plays. Neither team, statistically, sets itself apart from the other. The Warriors are in for quite a contest; Floyd is much better than Giles, and only a little better than GW.
Dorothy says: Floyd County 30-21
Last week: Dorothy 3-0
2008 Season: Dorothy 41-7
Season Grade: B- (85.4%)
I never thought in a million years that some type of rankings system that I drew up in my spare time would amount to much. It may be just coincidence and luck, but for this season my rankings system, coupled with Dorothy's creepy ability to pick a winner resulted in HogoOnline predicting the #1 and #2 team in region at the end of the year. Wow.
Lets get some hype up, shall we?
BATH COUNTY (8-3) at
HOLSTON (9-2)
Well, it has come down to this. A rematch from last season’s thrilling semi-final game of which Bath County was crowned victors in a 27-20 slug fest in Damascus. This year, Bath County once again makes the longest trip possible in Region C with a trip from Hot Springs, down 81 for a couple of hours, to Damascus. The Cavs were a bit sluggish in their first round game against the Mustangs. Understandably so with a two week layoff from the gridiron, but Pratt, Mefford, Blevins, and company were able to tough it out and advance one more round to the Region C Finals. The Cavs made history by breaking a double-decade and a half streak of zero playoff wins and look to make further history with their first ever Region C Championship. East Mont likely warmed the Cavs back up and got them back into the swing of things, at least Cav fans hope so. Bath County is an experienced playoff contender. Their coaching staff, community, and players are pretty accustomed to playoff contention and know how to handle the pressures involved. Damascus is reeling and rightly so, their Cavs have made history and have a clear-shot opportunity to make more. Minimize mistakes, play hard, and make every play count and the Cavs will be the 2008 Division 1, Region C Champs. Play like you’re nervous and have never been there, and the Cavs take a back seat in a remarkable season with very little to show for it.
Dorothy says: Holston 22-19
CHILHOWIE (10-1) at
FLOYD COUNTY (11-0)
This one is also a rematch of an epic contest held back in 2001, the last time the Warriors advanced to the Region C Finals. That year the records were similar and the hype was the same. Chilhowie actually led 14-10 late in the fourth but came up a foot short of a first down with under a minute to go and eventually lost the Region C Championship game 17-14 to eventual Group A Runner-Up, Floyd County. The players now were in the 5th grade then and probably don’t remember the game because they were busy playing football behind the bleachers. But that’s not to say they have not already been compared to and reminded of Chilhowie’s memorable, out-of-nowhere, 2001 team. But that was then. This is now. Chilhowie did the unthinkable. They did something no other Chilhowie team has ever done. Dominate Giles. Even in a Giles down year, the Warriors were never expected to win but ultimately found a way to halt the single-wing in its tracks. Floyd, meanwhile, managed to squeak by GW for the second time this year; something the Warriors were unable to do in their lone attempt. Chilhowie and Floyd match-up well on both sides of the ball. This one will come down to who makes the most errors and who gives up the most big-plays. Neither team, statistically, sets itself apart from the other. The Warriors are in for quite a contest; Floyd is much better than Giles, and only a little better than GW.
Dorothy says: Floyd County 30-21
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Region C Semi-Finals Preview
The following predictions do not reflect bias or favoritism of HogoOnline. All scores are generated using formulas, rankings, and algorithms (which I named Dorothy) that are still in their infant stages. Please be kind to all predictions and remember, if you don't like it, the computer did it. After all, they're just silly predictions, right?
Last week: Dorothy 2-1
2008 Season: Dorothy 38-7
Season Grade: C+ (84.4%)
GEORGE WYTHE (6-4)
at
<<Download Game Program Here>>
George Wythe did what George Wythe had to do. In a rare season when the odds were against them in the final game of the year to clinch the Hogoheegee District Championship to advance to the Region C Semi-Finals, the Maroons capitalized. A superb performance by Brandon Atwell and his big play capacity propelled the Maroons over the Chilhowie Warriors two Fridays ago, 23-21. Atwell kicked off the Maroon’s scoring with a FG in the first quarter followed shortly by a pass to him over the middle by the ‘Roons slinger, Jacob Sharitz. Following a Chilhowie score on a Tuff Williams run and catch from QB Josh Jackson, Atwell recovered and raced back an Alex Russell fumble to stifle the Warrior momentum. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the score was 23-7 and Chilhowie was all but finished. The Warriors made things interesting on two quick scores with under four minutes left but the curse lives on as Chilhowie eventually fell short, 23-21. One could argue that the Maroons have gotten better since they last played
Dorothy Says:
at
<<Download Game Program Here>>
Dorothy says:
GILES (6-4)
at CHILHOWIE (9-1)
<<Download Game Program Here>>
The Warriors fell short, 23-21. But perfect seasons are overrated anyway, right? Don Shula wouldn’t think so. The late season loss to rival George Wythe could have many different implications for this Warrior football team. The route they choose simply just depends on which path Chilhowie takes. The first road is to get angry, be more physical, and try to get a chance for a rematch with them in the Region C finals. The second is to realize that maybe you aren’t invincible and lie down now, all you really wanted was to beat George Wythe anyway. The Warrior faithful, players, fans, and coaches are likely to choose option one, and if that is the case, they give themselves a great opportunity to win. All of the numbers lean toward Chilhowie, but to Warrior fans of all ages, beating the Giles Spartans would certainly be an upset considering the Warriors really have never even come close. Either way, it won’t be easy against the Spartans and it likely never will. Chilhowie boasts a lot of things throughout the history of its program, but playoff wins in the last 25 years isn’t one of them. If Chilhowie wants to set themselves apart and be recognized as a perennial power within the region, they need to start Friday night when they meet the Spartans.
Dorothy says: Chilhowie 20-14
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Halloween aftermath and more...
I promised a video of the Chilhowie vs George Wythe game that was played on Halloween night and I WILL get it up as soon as possible.. which may be another week.
Here is the scenario:
1) The batteries in my camera died a little before midway through the third quarter. So, for those of you who were at the game and know, I perhaps missed the most interesting parts of the entire night. The score was 10-7 when the camera deceased. The batteries were brand-new that I had bought from a gas station in Chilhowie just moments before. Who do I blame?
RAYOVAC BATTERIES
My performance was not guaranteed
and I did not get my money back.
2) My computer also took a turn for the worse this week. And with that turn, my movie making software (it's not fancy, it came standard) is gone. So now I'm relying on my 2001 Dell Desktop computer which puffs smoke when I turn it on. Needless to say, updating the website over the past week has been interesting, but beyond that, I cannot make a compressed video for the Chilhowie vs George Wythe clips that I have until Compaq returns my computer. Who do I blame?
COMPAQ
The mutant Q symbol
does not stand for Quality.
So what to look out for in coming weeks on HogoOnline? Well, more videos. For those of you who frequent the message board, you have likely noticed an announcement seeking individuals to assist in taking some video clips of the playoff games in your area because I can't. Once you start something and keep it consistent throughout the season, it is only appropriate that it is continuued through the playoffs and unfortuantely I have other things I have to do next Friday. Please help out if you can and refer to the message board for more information.
I am also creating PDF Programs for each of the playoff games involving a Hogo Team. Feel free to download these, print them, and tote them to the game for free. They will include rosters, schedules, and other statistical information from competing schools. Enjoy my spare time and hard work.
For the Hogo schools that did not quite make the playoffs this football season, HogoOnline urges you to get out and support your fellow district teams. The further they go, the better we all look.
Good luck to all! Dorothy will hit the scene Sunday afternoon with some playoff hype, be ready.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Week 11 Preview: Juggernauts Collide
The following predictions do not reflect bias or favoritism of HogoOnline. All scores are generated using formulas, rankings, and algorithms (which I named Dorothy) that are still in their infant stages. Please be kind to all predictions and remember, if you don't like it, the computer did it. After all, they're just silly predictions, right?
Last week: Dorothy 3-0
2008 Season: Dorothy 36-6
Dorothy had a good one last week: Prediction 27-13, actual score: Holston 28, Castlewood 12.
Way to go Dorothy!...
Last week: Dorothy 3-0
2008 Season: Dorothy 36-6
Dorothy had a good one last week: Prediction 27-13, actual score: Holston 28, Castlewood 12.
Way to go Dorothy!...
DorothyNORTHWOOD (0-9, 0-5)
at JOHN S. BATTLE (0-9, 0-4)
Despite power outages and swampy field conditions in Saltville on Friday, the Panthers were unable to muster anything positive against the ‘Roons. The Trojans endured problems of their own last week against Lebanon in a 48-13 mopping. The lone bright spot for each of these teams all season has been seeing each other on the end of the schedule. 1-9 is admittedly better than 0-10 and it is always good to end a season on a positive note. In the past, these two teams have done everything from landing in the record books in highly offensive scoring affairs to being escorted out of each other’s stadium by the police. Hopefully this game avoids the latter. This game will cap the season for these two struggling programs currently in the middle of rebuilding (Northwood) and building (John Battle). Northwood fans travel well to support their Panthers no matter their record. Look for Northwood to avoid the goose-egg in the win column and avenge a loss from last year. Bodie Keesee and company have their work cut out for them; Michael Johnson is a tough one to catch. Northwood leads this old Hogoheegee rivalry 6-4 in the last ten skirmishes.
· 1998: John Battle 30-6
· 1999: Northwood 21-6
· 2000: Northwood 28-0
· 2001: Northwood 32-6
· 2002: John Battle 19-7
· 2003: Northwood 42-7
· 2004: John Battle 33-26
· 2005: Northwood 66-58
· 2006: Northwood 46-31
· 2007: John Battle 43-19
· 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Northwood 28-26
RURAL RETREAT (2-7, 1-3)
at PATRICK HENRY (3-6, 1-3)
PH is coming off of an open week in their schedule and without any hopes of a Region C, Division 2 playoff berth, they took the opportunity to rest up, become healthy, in preparation to duke it out with the Indians for the number four spot in the district’s final standings. RR, despite an enormous early effort by running-back Adam Evans, was eventually unable to capitalize Friday against Chilhowie. Jake Whalen and Tyler Hash gave a great effort down the stretch and strongly illuminated the amazing strides the team has taken since the first few weeks of play. Coach Quinton Hensley must be awfully proud of his bunch of Indians who looked as though winning a game at all this season could be a challenge. Since the win over Northwood, the Indians have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with against GW and Chilhowie, despite the losing outcomes. Ronnie Groves, Robert Gonzales, and Johnny Thompson are among the senior leaders on the Rebels team looking to end the season and their high school football careers on a positive note. The Indians lead the last ten meetings in this Hogoheegee matchup, 8-2.
· 1998: Rural Retreat 34-22
· 1999: Patrick Henry 27-19
· 2000: Rural Retreat 34-14
· 2001: Rural Retreat 67-22
· 2002: Patrick Henry 28-0
· 2003: Rural Retreat 27-9
· 2004: Rural Retreat 27-21
· 2005: Rural Retreat 41-13
· 2006: Rural Retreat 35-28
· 2007: Rural Retreat 39-13
· 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Patrick Henry 21-20
GEORGE WYTHE (5-4, 4-0)
at CHILHOWIE (9-0, 4-0)
It was 2001. The Trade Towers of New York had been struck just a month before. The Arizona Diamondbacks were in route to a World Series appearance and eventual win. Not to mention, Paul Walker's Joy Ride had already been in theaters for two weeks. October 19, 2001, the Chilhowie Warriors found out exactly how good they were when they toted a 6-1 record into Wytheville on GW’s homecoming. The Warriors jumped out to a 27-7 lead before the fourth quarter when the Maroons made a surge but fell short 27-20. That was the last time Chilhowie beat the Maroons. Since then, it has been a sad sight for Chilhowie against their district nemesis. Since October 19, 2001, Chilhowie has only scored three touchdowns against GW, only lead once (for the 1st quarter in their meeting in 2002 against GW’s eventual Group A State Championship team), and has only scored 8 points at home against GW in the last ten years. Last season was perhaps the most interesting as the last second heroics of GW’s Seth White put the Maroons on-top with only a few seconds left on the game clock that kept the Warriors in their living rooms for the post-season. This year the records are a little different but the game is the same. Nostradamus must have foreseen this one coming when schedules pitted these two teams against each other at the end of the year. No complaints here, it certainly lends a good amount of suspense before the heavy-weight bout.
Last week Chilhowie put together several offensive strikes after a slow start against RR to score 35 unanswered points before the Indians were able to respond. GW went to Saltville and waxed the Panthers in the dark after a power-outage delayed the game for an agonizing amount of time in the poor weather. The Maroons were the eventual victors in more than convincing fashion, 49-6 with a 42-0 halftime lead.
What’s new? Chilhowie and George Wythe, #1 and #2, entering the ring for another bout certainly isn’t if you consider all of the recent meetings in boys and girls basketball, baseball, and of course football. These squads bring a lot of fans, a lot of heart, and a lot of excitement and the coals have been fueled for this newly endowed rivalry among the district’s best. This certainly will not be the last of highly anticipated matchups between these two schools. The rivalry goes even deeper if you consider that both head coaches were star athletes at Chilhowie and both head coaches eventually went on to be the head coach of George Wythe and each have won district championships at George Wythe. Wow.
GEORGE WYTHE:
PF-PA=222-184
Opponent record=51-33 (not counting Floyd vs Giles)
CHILHOWIE:
PF-PA=268-75
Opponent record=39-51
George Wythe dominates this series for the last ten meetings, 9-1.
· 1998: George Wythe 28-2
· 1999: George Wythe 35-26
· 2000: George Wythe 13-0
· 2001: Chilhowie 27-20
· 2002: George Wythe 45-6
· 2003: George Wythe 42-6
· 2004: George Wythe 39-0
at JOHN S. BATTLE (0-9, 0-4)
Despite power outages and swampy field conditions in Saltville on Friday, the Panthers were unable to muster anything positive against the ‘Roons. The Trojans endured problems of their own last week against Lebanon in a 48-13 mopping. The lone bright spot for each of these teams all season has been seeing each other on the end of the schedule. 1-9 is admittedly better than 0-10 and it is always good to end a season on a positive note. In the past, these two teams have done everything from landing in the record books in highly offensive scoring affairs to being escorted out of each other’s stadium by the police. Hopefully this game avoids the latter. This game will cap the season for these two struggling programs currently in the middle of rebuilding (Northwood) and building (John Battle). Northwood fans travel well to support their Panthers no matter their record. Look for Northwood to avoid the goose-egg in the win column and avenge a loss from last year. Bodie Keesee and company have their work cut out for them; Michael Johnson is a tough one to catch. Northwood leads this old Hogoheegee rivalry 6-4 in the last ten skirmishes.
· 1998: John Battle 30-6
· 1999: Northwood 21-6
· 2000: Northwood 28-0
· 2001: Northwood 32-6
· 2002: John Battle 19-7
· 2003: Northwood 42-7
· 2004: John Battle 33-26
· 2005: Northwood 66-58
· 2006: Northwood 46-31
· 2007: John Battle 43-19
· 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Northwood 28-26
RURAL RETREAT (2-7, 1-3)
at PATRICK HENRY (3-6, 1-3)
PH is coming off of an open week in their schedule and without any hopes of a Region C, Division 2 playoff berth, they took the opportunity to rest up, become healthy, in preparation to duke it out with the Indians for the number four spot in the district’s final standings. RR, despite an enormous early effort by running-back Adam Evans, was eventually unable to capitalize Friday against Chilhowie. Jake Whalen and Tyler Hash gave a great effort down the stretch and strongly illuminated the amazing strides the team has taken since the first few weeks of play. Coach Quinton Hensley must be awfully proud of his bunch of Indians who looked as though winning a game at all this season could be a challenge. Since the win over Northwood, the Indians have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with against GW and Chilhowie, despite the losing outcomes. Ronnie Groves, Robert Gonzales, and Johnny Thompson are among the senior leaders on the Rebels team looking to end the season and their high school football careers on a positive note. The Indians lead the last ten meetings in this Hogoheegee matchup, 8-2.
· 1998: Rural Retreat 34-22
· 1999: Patrick Henry 27-19
· 2000: Rural Retreat 34-14
· 2001: Rural Retreat 67-22
· 2002: Patrick Henry 28-0
· 2003: Rural Retreat 27-9
· 2004: Rural Retreat 27-21
· 2005: Rural Retreat 41-13
· 2006: Rural Retreat 35-28
· 2007: Rural Retreat 39-13
· 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Patrick Henry 21-20
GEORGE WYTHE (5-4, 4-0)
at CHILHOWIE (9-0, 4-0)
It was 2001. The Trade Towers of New York had been struck just a month before. The Arizona Diamondbacks were in route to a World Series appearance and eventual win. Not to mention, Paul Walker's Joy Ride had already been in theaters for two weeks. October 19, 2001, the Chilhowie Warriors found out exactly how good they were when they toted a 6-1 record into Wytheville on GW’s homecoming. The Warriors jumped out to a 27-7 lead before the fourth quarter when the Maroons made a surge but fell short 27-20. That was the last time Chilhowie beat the Maroons. Since then, it has been a sad sight for Chilhowie against their district nemesis. Since October 19, 2001, Chilhowie has only scored three touchdowns against GW, only lead once (for the 1st quarter in their meeting in 2002 against GW’s eventual Group A State Championship team), and has only scored 8 points at home against GW in the last ten years. Last season was perhaps the most interesting as the last second heroics of GW’s Seth White put the Maroons on-top with only a few seconds left on the game clock that kept the Warriors in their living rooms for the post-season. This year the records are a little different but the game is the same. Nostradamus must have foreseen this one coming when schedules pitted these two teams against each other at the end of the year. No complaints here, it certainly lends a good amount of suspense before the heavy-weight bout.
Last week Chilhowie put together several offensive strikes after a slow start against RR to score 35 unanswered points before the Indians were able to respond. GW went to Saltville and waxed the Panthers in the dark after a power-outage delayed the game for an agonizing amount of time in the poor weather. The Maroons were the eventual victors in more than convincing fashion, 49-6 with a 42-0 halftime lead.
What’s new? Chilhowie and George Wythe, #1 and #2, entering the ring for another bout certainly isn’t if you consider all of the recent meetings in boys and girls basketball, baseball, and of course football. These squads bring a lot of fans, a lot of heart, and a lot of excitement and the coals have been fueled for this newly endowed rivalry among the district’s best. This certainly will not be the last of highly anticipated matchups between these two schools. The rivalry goes even deeper if you consider that both head coaches were star athletes at Chilhowie and both head coaches eventually went on to be the head coach of George Wythe and each have won district championships at George Wythe. Wow.
GEORGE WYTHE:
PF-PA=222-184
Opponent record=51-33 (not counting Floyd vs Giles)
CHILHOWIE:
PF-PA=268-75
Opponent record=39-51
George Wythe dominates this series for the last ten meetings, 9-1.
· 1998: George Wythe 28-2
· 1999: George Wythe 35-26
· 2000: George Wythe 13-0
· 2001: Chilhowie 27-20
· 2002: George Wythe 45-6
· 2003: George Wythe 42-6
· 2004: George Wythe 39-0
2005: George Wythe 27-0
· 2006: George Wythe 7-0
· 2007: George Wythe 14-7
· 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Chilhowie 27-14
· 2006: George Wythe 7-0
· 2007: George Wythe 14-7
· 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Chilhowie 27-14
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Reclassification. The end of the Hogo?
In 1970, reclassification for the Virginia High School League meant one thing: order and unity. In 1970, all high school districts could operate under one massive umbrella of rules, regulation, scheduling, and championships. That has been the way for every bit of 38 years with changes here and changes there, but never veering far from the path laid out in 1970. In 1986, the VHSL proposed the idea of adding divisions to the football playoffs so to give smaller schools a chance to compete. That has been our standard for 22 years and has been working fairly well with few complaints. The same thing was added to basketball this past year where there were two A champions for the first time.
Now under this order, the laws laid out 40 years ago are becoming more rigid. Teams are finishing 9-1 and 8-2 and not getting to advance to playoffs. Division 2 schools that win state championships from southwest Virginia are now smaller than Division 1 schools from elsewhere that win. Reclassification is in order.
5A's of them.
Under the new umbrella, the breakdown would look similar to this for our region.
2A = 451-800 students
1A = 450 students and under
The current Pioneer district would lose James River:
James River, 2A
Parry McCluer, 1A
Bath County, 1A
Covington, 1A
Craig County, 1A
Highland, 1A
The current TRD would be mutilated:
Floyd, 2A
Giles, 2A
Glenvar, 2A
Radford, 2A
Auburn, 1A
East Mont, A1
The current MED would be spliced:
Grayson, 2A
Fort Chiswell, 2A
Bland, 1A
Galax, 1A
Narrows, 1A
The Hogoheegee would also be damaged:
Patrick Henry, 2A
George Wythe, 2A
Chilhowie, 1A
Holston, 1A
Northwood, 1A
Rural Retreat, 1A
This reclassification proposal suggests that the districts would be erased. Whereas I may be biased because I spend a lot of my time dedicated to the preservation of this district, its history, and its future... I don't like the idea. However, this reclassification would call for a new redistricting...in which case, this website would be likely to follow the original Hogoheegee cast (the remaining 1A schools).
New possible redistricting:
2A (District 1)
James River
Glenvar
Giles
Floyd
Radford
2A (District 2)
Grayson
Fort Chiswell
George Wythe
Patrick Henry
Lebanon
2A (District 3)
Gate City
Virginia
John Battle
Powell Valley
JJ Kelly
1A (District 4)
Parry McCluer
Bath County
Highland
Craig County
Covington
1A (District 5)
Narrows
East Mont
Auburn
Bland
Galax
1A (District 6 or Hogoheegee)
Chilhowie
Northwood
Holston
Rural Retreat
Honaker
Castlewood
1A (District 7)
Haysi
Hurley
Ervinton
Twin Valley
Rye Cove
Saint Paul
Twin Springs
1A (District 8)
Coeburn
Appalachia
Clintwood
JI Burton
Thomas Walker
Pound
WHO KNOWS!?
Now under this order, the laws laid out 40 years ago are becoming more rigid. Teams are finishing 9-1 and 8-2 and not getting to advance to playoffs. Division 2 schools that win state championships from southwest Virginia are now smaller than Division 1 schools from elsewhere that win. Reclassification is in order.
5A's of them.
Under the new umbrella, the breakdown would look similar to this for our region.
2A = 451-800 students
1A = 450 students and under
The current Pioneer district would lose James River:
James River, 2A
Parry McCluer, 1A
Bath County, 1A
Covington, 1A
Craig County, 1A
Highland, 1A
The current TRD would be mutilated:
Floyd, 2A
Giles, 2A
Glenvar, 2A
Radford, 2A
Auburn, 1A
East Mont, A1
The current MED would be spliced:
Grayson, 2A
Fort Chiswell, 2A
Bland, 1A
Galax, 1A
Narrows, 1A
The Hogoheegee would also be damaged:
Patrick Henry, 2A
George Wythe, 2A
Chilhowie, 1A
Holston, 1A
Northwood, 1A
Rural Retreat, 1A
This reclassification proposal suggests that the districts would be erased. Whereas I may be biased because I spend a lot of my time dedicated to the preservation of this district, its history, and its future... I don't like the idea. However, this reclassification would call for a new redistricting...in which case, this website would be likely to follow the original Hogoheegee cast (the remaining 1A schools).
New possible redistricting:
2A (District 1)
James River
Glenvar
Giles
Floyd
Radford
2A (District 2)
Grayson
Fort Chiswell
George Wythe
Patrick Henry
Lebanon
2A (District 3)
Gate City
Virginia
John Battle
Powell Valley
JJ Kelly
1A (District 4)
Parry McCluer
Bath County
Highland
Craig County
Covington
1A (District 5)
Narrows
East Mont
Auburn
Bland
Galax
1A (District 6 or Hogoheegee)
Chilhowie
Northwood
Holston
Rural Retreat
Honaker
Castlewood
1A (District 7)
Haysi
Hurley
Ervinton
Twin Valley
Rye Cove
Saint Paul
Twin Springs
1A (District 8)
Coeburn
Appalachia
Clintwood
JI Burton
Thomas Walker
Pound
WHO KNOWS!?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Week 10 Preview
The following predictions do not reflect bias or favoritism of HogoOnline. All scores are generated using formulas, rankings, and algorithms (which I named Dorothy) that are still in their infant stages. Please be kind to all predictions and remember, if you don't like it, the computer did it. After all, they're just silly predictions, right?
Last week: Dorothy 3-0
2008 Season: Dorothy 33-6
HOLSTON (7-2, 3-2)
at CASTLEWOOD (6-2)
Both of these teams are coming off of gut-wrenching, yet still heart-breaking district defeats. Holston let go of a late lead to Chilhowie in Damascus which banished all hope of a district championship for the Cavs. The Blue Devils took it to the wire against Twin Springs for the Cumberland lead, but a late fumble sealed the deal and Castlewood lost 28-27. Eric Mefford and Jefferey Bramlett have looked sharp in their recent defeats to powerful division 2 teams (Chilhowie and George Wythe). This week the competition is a bit lighter with Castlewood, although the Devils should be taken seriously...a 6-2 record may be easy to come by in the Cumberland but it can be awfully deceiving late in the year. If the Cavs continue to play hard, this game will be a simple tune-up for the Region C playoffs. Castlewood actually leads this old Hogoheegee rivalry, 6-4, in the last ten seasons with Holston winning three of the last four.
- 1998: Holston 8-7
- 1999: Castlewood 18-8
- 2000: Castlewood 39-13
- 2001: Castlewood 41-28
- 2002: Castlewood 29-19
- 2003: Castlewood 16-14
- 2004: Holston 35-12
- 2005: Holston 15-14
- 2006: Castlewood 40-0
- 2007: Holston 34-7
- 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Holston 27-13
CHILHOWIE (8-0, 3-0)
at RURAL RETREAT (2-6, 1-2)
The quality of play for the Warriors has been in question in recent weeks but one thing is for certain...they're still winning. So maybe it's not pretty all the time but that is ok for them, this is not a beauty pageant. The Warriors managed a late comeback to eek by the Cavs 22-12 in Damascus last Friday, while Rural Retreat outplayed and almost managed an upset against Wythe County foe, George Wythe. The Indians were a 4th down conversion away from perhaps taking the lead late in the fourth quarter but a penalty and an incomplete pass ended the drive. The Indians have certainly improved since the beginning of the year and Coach Quinton Hensley has shaped his young group into an experienced team in just 8 games. The Indians are headed in the right direction and will certainly contend again in the near future. If Chilhowie is not ready, Hensley's Indians, led by QB Jake Whalen, could knock the Warriors clean out of a playoff spot for the second straight season. It won't take much to stall the Warriors' season as tight as Region C D2 is. This orange and black, Native American, Hogoheegee rivalry is older than dirt, but Rural Retreat leads the last ten bouts, 7-3.
- 1998: Rural Retreat 24-21
- 1999: Rural Retreat 35-13
- 2000: Rural Retreat 28-0
- 2001: Chilhowie 22-20
- 2002: Rural Retreat 12-0
- 2003: Rural Retreat 41-14
- 2004: Chilhowie 20-16
- 2005: Rural Retreat 34-6
- 2006: Rural Retreat 24-6
- 2007: Chilhowie 34-29
- 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Chilhowie 32-7
GEORGE WYTHE (4-4, 3-0)
at NORTHWOOD (0-8, 0-4)
The Maroons almost slipped. Sure, the ground was wet from a rainy Friday afternoon, but nothing prepared the 'Roons for the amount of determination they were going to be struck by at Community Stadium in Rural Retreat. The Maroons season of early struggle with hope was met by an Indians season of struggle and nothing to lose. The Indians outplayed the Maroons on offense and even defense for most of the game but the big plays of Brandon Atwell, Jonathan Turpin, and Will Sawyers demonstrated why the Maroons are still playoff contenders. Northwood was unable to stop Ronnie Groves last week as he lead PH with three TDs over the Panthers. NW did find the endzone three times and have improved on offense over the course of the year. If the Panther D can emulate Rural Retreat's game plan, there is an ounce of hope. The Maroons offense acts like a tug-boat fueled off of big plays. Sometimes it sputters, sometimes it goes 70 yards down the sideline. The Maroons own the last ten years of this one, 10-0.
- 1998: George Wythe 51-19
- 1999: George Wythe 41-0
- 2000: George Wythe 26-6
- 2001: George Wythe 17-6
- 2002: George Wythe 30-0
- 2003: George Wythe 24-8
- 2004: George Wythe 52-14
- 2005: George Wythe 15-6
- 2006: George Wythe 35-14
- 2007: George Wythe 46-0
- 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says George Wythe 28-7
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Blogs, Videos, & Blogs About Videos
I thank each of you who have given me positive feedback about the videos and blogs. Unlike the website stats, in which I can peek and see how many people actually view the site, I can't do the same for the videos or blogs. Henceforth, I'm just glad a few of you like them.
If you are interested in how many hits the site receives, there have been 9,600 so far just this month. Close to 66,000 this year.
The Blogs are a bit of a side idea. I originally started them last spring to give weekly updates about softball and baseball season; and again, I have no idea how many people actually read them but I had fun writing them. Then for football season, to make the site stick out (because lets face it, there are probably too many high school football websites out there) I put some weekly Hogoheegee previews in here with some lame-o predictions I came up with in my nerd-time. A few of you have offered some good words about them so I'll keep them coming.
The videos are a monster of my time, money, and sleep. It involves me packing up the Kodak and a friend and driving no less than 50 minutes to the "closest" and "most hyped" game I can. This takes up a majority of my Friday, my gas money, and sometimes when I go alone to a high school football game with a camera, my dignity. But hey, I love doing it. So with that being said, there will not be a video for a couple of weeks. A guy has priorities and school happens to be on top of mine. Don't worry though, the website... and my family... are a tight second.
Some of you want to know who I am and what I look like...
I really wish I could put a hit counter on these blogs so I could really know how many people are actually appreciating my spare-time. But then again, it would probably only turn out to be 3 per day and one of them would be me. So if that's the case, to the other two of you, get a life. Nah, I'm just kidding, please don't...seriously.
Does anybody have any ideas on how to spice up basketball season? Last year I did rankings for boys basketball and that was a HUGE hit. I was appalled. I didn't do girls because it is hard enough for me to get girls scores from the district, much less the region. Maybe one day, but as of now, reporting for female sports is really sad. I hope that inspires some of you, but anyway.. I'll be doing that again for boys ball and I'm also trying to get some coaches in some interviews like I did for football. Coaches are hermits though and don't like to venture far from their caves to lend time to sweet gentlemen like myself, so we'll see how it goes.
But with that being said, please pass the word around to any Coach, Fan, Parent, Player, or Team Manager.. it is YOUR responsibility to give me the scores if you want them on here. So if your son or daughter is hitting the court this winter and you plan to make it to a lot of games, then you're going to need to add this email address (hogosportz@hogoheegee.com OR hogo_sportz@yahoo.com) to your phone or Outlook and report those scores. Don't worry if you think it has already been reported, I would rather have too many reports than none which is sadly the case much of the time and it's frustrating for myself and fans who enjoy the site. I know people go to all the games and I know 97% of people have the internet or some means of communicating with me...no excuses.
Uncle Hogo Needs YOU!
Until next time..
If you are interested in how many hits the site receives, there have been 9,600 so far just this month. Close to 66,000 this year.
The Blogs are a bit of a side idea. I originally started them last spring to give weekly updates about softball and baseball season; and again, I have no idea how many people actually read them but I had fun writing them. Then for football season, to make the site stick out (because lets face it, there are probably too many high school football websites out there) I put some weekly Hogoheegee previews in here with some lame-o predictions I came up with in my nerd-time. A few of you have offered some good words about them so I'll keep them coming.
The videos are a monster of my time, money, and sleep. It involves me packing up the Kodak and a friend and driving no less than 50 minutes to the "closest" and "most hyped" game I can. This takes up a majority of my Friday, my gas money, and sometimes when I go alone to a high school football game with a camera, my dignity. But hey, I love doing it. So with that being said, there will not be a video for a couple of weeks. A guy has priorities and school happens to be on top of mine. Don't worry though, the website... and my family... are a tight second.
Some of you want to know who I am and what I look like...
I really wish I could put a hit counter on these blogs so I could really know how many people are actually appreciating my spare-time. But then again, it would probably only turn out to be 3 per day and one of them would be me. So if that's the case, to the other two of you, get a life. Nah, I'm just kidding, please don't...seriously.
Does anybody have any ideas on how to spice up basketball season? Last year I did rankings for boys basketball and that was a HUGE hit. I was appalled. I didn't do girls because it is hard enough for me to get girls scores from the district, much less the region. Maybe one day, but as of now, reporting for female sports is really sad. I hope that inspires some of you, but anyway.. I'll be doing that again for boys ball and I'm also trying to get some coaches in some interviews like I did for football. Coaches are hermits though and don't like to venture far from their caves to lend time to sweet gentlemen like myself, so we'll see how it goes.
But with that being said, please pass the word around to any Coach, Fan, Parent, Player, or Team Manager.. it is YOUR responsibility to give me the scores if you want them on here. So if your son or daughter is hitting the court this winter and you plan to make it to a lot of games, then you're going to need to add this email address (hogosportz@hogoheegee.com OR hogo_sportz@yahoo.com) to your phone or Outlook and report those scores. Don't worry if you think it has already been reported, I would rather have too many reports than none which is sadly the case much of the time and it's frustrating for myself and fans who enjoy the site. I know people go to all the games and I know 97% of people have the internet or some means of communicating with me...no excuses.
Uncle Hogo Needs YOU!
Until next time..
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Week 9 Preview
The following predictions do not reflect bias or favoritism of HogoOnline. All scores are generated using formulas, rankings, and algorithms (which I named Dorothy) that are still in their infant stages. Please be kind to all predictions and remember, if you don't like it, the computer did it. After all, they're just silly predictions, right?
Last week: Dorothy 2-1
2008 Season: Dorothy 30-6
I just want to point out that Dorothy predicted RR to win 26-20. Final was 27-20. I’m just saying.
George Wythe (3-4, 2-0)
at Rural Retreat (2-5, 1-1)
So the hype has now come to pass. George Wythe delivered Holston their first loss of the year and reminded the rest of the district that their record means nothing in this last leg of district play. The Maroons got 100+ yards rushing out of Jonathan Turpin and Will Sawyers as well as the usual superb passing performance from Jacob Sharitz. Rural Retreat had a 27 point fourth quarter lead dwindle down to 7 as NW mounted a furious comeback. The Indians managed to win the game but were reminded that football games are still four quarters long… not three. If RR plays defense all four quarters against the Maroons, they give themselves a chance to upset their Wythe County foes. No road win in Community Stadium is ever easy regardless of RR’s record. On a side-note, the Maroons have scored 192 points this season as opposed to RR’s 73. GW leads this Wythe County rivalry 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.
- 1998: George Wythe 28-20
- 1999: Rural Retreat 28-21
- 2000: George Wythe 22-19
- 2001: George Wythe 14-12
- 2002: George Wythe 44-12
- 2003: George Wythe 24-7
- 2004: George Wythe 20-6
- 2005: George Wythe 22-14
- 2006: Rural Retreat 41-14
- 2007: George Wythe 28-13
- 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says George Wythe 27-19
Northwood (0-7, 0-3)
at Patrick Henry (2-6, 0-2)
Both the Panthers and Rebels are coming off of district losses with very different finishes. NW almost completed one of the most exciting comebacks in Hogo history with a twenty point fourth quarter that put them within one score late in the game. PH held it close with Chilhowie, 12-6 just before halftime before eventually falling 46-6 to the Warriors. Bodie Keesee has found the end-zone several times in several different ways for the Panthers and has proven to be a reliable playmaker for a team lacking luster. Coach Compton consistently gets a strong first half effort out of his Rebels but the second half has become a trend of poor play. If the Rebels come out flat in the second half against the Panthers, a Northwood rally might get them their first win. This district rivalry leans in favor of NW, 6-4, in the last ten.
- 1998: Patrick Henry 49-0
- 1999: Patrick Henry 20-13
- 2000: Northwood 14-0
- 2001: Northwood 18-2
- 2002: Northwood 28-0
- 2003: Northwood 27-7
- 2004: Patrick Henry 31-13
- 2005: Northwood 45-25
- 2006: Northwood 41-14
- 2007: Patrick Henry 28-13
- 2008 Prediction: Patrick Henry 34-27
Chilhowie (7-0, 2-0)
at Holston (7-1, 3-1)
The Cavs attempted to redeem several years of abuse by the Maroons as they have done so far this year against the likes of Patrick Henry and Rural Retreat but came up short after a respectable effort against one of the area’s perennial powerhouses. Coach Matlock was certainly proud of his Cavs who, despite the loss, are still eyeing a division one Region C championship which is theirs to lose in the eyes of many. The Warriors of Chilhowie came out flat and then rallied off 46 unanswered points against Patrick Henry. Josh Jackson threw for over 200 yards and four touchdowns, three of which were to Curtis Williams, as if to make a statement that the Warriors are indeed a multi-dimensional squad contrary to the beliefs of several. If the Holston defense, who allowed two GW players to grind out 100 yards apiece, can put the clamps on the Warriors running game and contain the passing attack, they will have a great shot at an upset. Otherwise, the Warriors are likely to nickel and dime it down the field. It is also worth noting that the Chilhowie starting defense has only allowed four touchdowns this year and only two since week one. Holston hasn't beaten Chilhowie since 1995.
- 1998: Chilhowie 28-18
- 1999: Chilhowie 35-20
- 2000: Chilhowie 40-14
- 2001: Chilhowie 7-0
- 2002: Chilhowie 29-6
- 2003: Chilhowie 7-6
- 2004: Chilhowie 49-16
- 2005: Chilhowie 50-13
- 2006: Chilhowie 36-7
- 2007: Chilhowie 39-18
- 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Chilhowie 20-13
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