Baseball standings taking shape - GW flies to the top

It wasn't too long ago when the marquee match-up was between George Wythe and Patrick Henry for the top spot. Now the tables have shifted and Chilhowie, the defending district champs, reemerge into the picture. Let's talk numbers. Over the past two years - the course of HogoOnline's existence - Chilhowie and George Wythe have duked it out for the top spot several times. Boys Basketball two years ago, the teams played four times - GW won three out of the four. Girls Basketball two years ago, the teams played three times, GW won two out of the three. Last year Chilhowie took two regular season baseball wins over GW, only to fall to them in the district tournament. Last fall, GW took a thrilling 14-7 win over the Warriors on Pendleton Field. This year, the state champion GW team took three convincing victories over Chilhowie - although the Warriors only trailed the Maroons 25-21 at halftime in the Dungeon- one of the only interesting halves the Maroons had to play all season. This past winter, the Girls Basketball teams encountered each other four times, with Chilhowie taking three of those victories. If you're keeping count, when #1 is on the line in any sport, GW is winning the series 11 to 7. Quite a rivalry being brewed. Back to baseball -

Northwood: The Panthers have knotted a tie for fifth in the district with Rural Retreat by taking a hard earned 4-1 victory over the Indians last Tuesday. With seven games remaining, only three of them district games, the Panthers have an opportunity to grab fourth place should PH continue to slump, but more realistically they can solidify the fifth place slot upon entering the tournament. Northwood hosts Patrick Henry next in an attempt to erase the 14-4 beating they took two weeks ago - and now is the perfect time as the Rebels are in bad shape.

Patrick Henry: Speaking of the Rebels, they are in bad shape. After winning their first three district games and having everything in working order, the Rebels were struck out 21 times by Devin Smith of GW, one-hit by Aaron Clampitt of Chilhowie, and held to a single point by Wyatte Pickett of Rural Retreat. PH has a non-district baseball meet with Marion tomorrow night - it would be a perfect time to try to work on getting the bats going. The Rebs still have to face Holston twice - it will be interesting to see how the two rivals go after it.

Holston: Well, despite losing two of their last three, I would imagine the Cavs are pretty happy to be seated third in the district - but they should enjoy it now. They have been an up and down team, and mostly up from last season - but the schedule takes a wild twist in the coming weeks. Holston must make up the game with GW (ousted them 12-2 on April 11), face-off with Rural Retreat (convincing win over PH last night), they have Patrick Henry twice (who is probably really mad about now), and Chilhowie. Worst case scenario, they lose them all and have to enter the tourney from fifth place - maybe sixth in a more than worse case scenario. In the best case, they can win them all and go first or second - time will tell.

Rural Retreat: Wyatte Pickett and his Indian defense displayed quite a showcase with a convincing 10-1 victory over PH. It had appeared as though the Rebels would be taking the district by surprise this season, but Pickett would have none of that. The Indians may have decided to win big a bit too late - however, their remaining opposition (Holston, Northwood, and Chilhowie) were close games for the Indians the first time. Should this most recent win over PH provide the necessary spark for them, two wins out of those three games would make a huge dent in the district standings. Nowhere to go but up for Jamie Hughes' team.

Chilhowie: The Warriors seem to be back on track from last year's success. They have won six straight, dating back to the Coppinger Invitational, including five straight district wins. The defense and pitching have finally caught up for the Warriors who have allowed just seven runs in their last four games - opposed to the thirty they allowed in the four game stint prior. Chilhowie is probably used to this by now - having a good season, having a great season - and then having to defend it by facing the Maroons toward the season's end -not just baseball. Chilhowie travels to GW on Friday to defend a good season once again and try to even up the standings.

George Wythe: 21. The legal-drinking age, the atomic number of scandium, Tim Duncan's number, a street-basketball game, 1921 was the year Charles Bronson was born, and it is the total number of outs in a standard seven inning high school baseball game. Lets face it, until Devin Smith struck out 21 PH batters, the number didn't have a whole lot going for it. Now the 'Roons are in sole position of first place and have been granted the right to defend that position by allowing Chilhowie to travel up on Friday and wager it all on a game of baseball. They have won six of their last seven and have the most left on their schedule of anyone else in the district with eight games. Don't forget, May 2nd, Wytheville.

Two #1's to meet - Hogo softball gets interesting

On May 1st, in the quiet college community of Emory, VA, just on the edge of Glade Spring, a clash of the titans will take place. The 6-0 Northwood Panthers will visit the highly revered home-standing Patrick Henry Rebels (5-0) to decide the top spot in the district standings. They'll probably have to play a game of softball to actually figure it out.

Holston: Other than the fact that retrieving scores from Holston games remains difficult - it is clear that in almost every game this season that has been reported to HogoOnline, the buzzword is "almost". They have almost or at least, had a chance, to notch a win in every game - but have failed to do so. But whatever. Head Coach Lisa Blackburn and company aren't backing down just yet - they have six district games remaining and have a shot at beating - not upsetting - every team they play. Solid play of Megan Wilson, Hannah DeArmond, and Autumn Lyon have contributed to the spark this season and it would not be an upset for them to post a win over George Wythe, Chilhowie, or anyone left on their schedule. Holston is a solid team that has played solid teams - their record is no indicator of their skill.

Chilhowie: The Warriors, led by senior Nikki Sage, have stormed their way to a hard earned third place spot just behind Northwood and Patrick Henry, the district's leaders. Chilhowie has shown they can play with the big-dogs, having held PH to 4 runs in a defeat and nearly topping NW twice this year. The Warriors are improving game by game and should they remain in third come tourney time, they have a strong shot at making a run to regionals should they pull off an upset. We will have to see.

George Wythe: There was a time this season (April 10-April 21) when the 'Roons were unable to score runs. They only managed 5 runs in a five game stint that only notched one win and included three district losses. The Maroons hoped to get back on track last Wednesday against home-standing Bland County and did so with a 16-11 track-meet victory over the Bears. George Wythe has four district games left, all against teams they have struggled with already - should the Maroons lose all four, they could possibly plummet into the dreaded 5th place spot.

Northwood: You may have heard of Kendra Nutter. She is a multi-sport, multi-talented athlete who led the Northwood girls basketball team to a regional appearance this past winter. Oh yeah, she's also on the Panther's softball team who appears to be in route to a regional appearance as well. Northwood has won nine consecutive games, is 6-0 in the district, and can't wait to face off against rival PH on May 1st. Softball in the Hogo hasn't been this hyped since aliens landed a spacecraft in left-center of Rural Retreat's field seven years ago - and that never even happened.

Patrick Henry: The Rebels haven't won eight straight and they are only 5-0 but good luck scoring on them. In their twelve reported games of thirteen played this season, the Rebels have managed five shutouts and have only allowed 16 runs total. That is less than two runs per game (1.23 runs per game to be exact). Coach Tami Counts has led her Lady-Rebels to being revered as one of the top teams in the region and we shall see soon - very soon, actually. Thursday, May 1st, the Rebels play host to their district-leading counterpart, Northwood. Have I said that already?

Rural Retreat: This team appears to be rebuilding their program and unfortuantely not many scores from Rural Retreat have been reported this season making it difficult to determine whether improvements throughout the season are actually being made. They have 5 games remaining including four district games and one game against county rival Fort Chiswell.

Traditional power, GW, heads district soccer and tennis

Boys, Girls, Soccer, Tennis - it doesn't matter, the Maroons head it all.

So maybe they are the only boys tennis team in the district - but that does not imply the Maroons haven't earned their ascent into the Regionals. Since falling to Grayson 5-4 on Saint Patty's day, the Roons have knocked off 6 consecutive opponents - including two shut outs. The Maroons have taken 8-1 victories over Fort Chiswell, Floyd, and Oak Hill academy. They've only had one match closer than 8-1 since March 17th and that was a 5-4 defeat of Giles in Pearisburg. With Bland, Floyd, and Fort Chiswell all left to match against one more time - the Maroons are pretty confident they can run the table. May 8th, the final match of the regular season against Grayson County comes at a fitting time - the Blue Devils topped the Maroons in the first match of the year. The Maroons want to get in the last word.

Rural Retreat's co-ed soccer team has had a good thing going this year. Posting wins over Fort Chiswell, Patrick Henry, Grayson, and Narrows has earned the lone Hogheegee co-ed team a decent record on the year. Everyone is excited on the up and coming program as spectators are in a push for Rural Retreat to develop it's own boys and girls teams.

Despite losing both district matches thus far this season, Patrick Henry's boys soccer team has still earned some credit with two wins apiece over Lebanon and Fort Chiswell. Despite a 4-0 shutout against district leader George Wythe on April 8th, the Rebels are confident that a victory over the Maroons will be within reach on the April 22nd rematch in Glade Spring.

George Wythe's boys soccer team has rolled in a predictable fashion. Despite losing a close one at the hands of the Three River's Glenvar and a tough fought match against Galax on April 9th- the Maroons have notched a 5-2 record. Thus far defense has been the key as the Roons have managed to hold district competition scoreless and have only allowed 1 goal in their 5 wins this season. On April 25th and 28th, George Wythe's boys team will attempt to avenge earlier season losses to Galax and Glenvar, respectively. Should be exciting.

PH & NW atop standings thus far in softball

Back in the day, Northwood and PH were consistently atop the Hogo standings - and that day has returned. It's safe to say that every team has shown some improvement from last season.

Northwood: The first three games of the year had "dreadful season" written all over it for the Panthers. But since their one point loss to Marion on March 25th, the Cats from Panthertown have outscored their opponents 45-14. Including avenging a loss to JI Burton from earlier in the year and a whop over Region D's Honaker, the Panthers have won 5 straight and currently hold an unblemished district record. But they aren't the only ones undefeated in the district. Should both teams hold steady until May 1st, Patrick Henry and Northwood will battle it out for the top spot. Bring the kids, the baby sitter is going too.

Holston: Of 17 reported games last year, the Cavs allowed 10 or more runs in 10 of those games. And in 8 of those 10, they allowed 15 or more runs. No good. But thus far this season, despite not nabbing a win, the Lady Cavs have yet to allow over 8 runs and lost 3 of their 5 games by 2 or less points. Sure, it only matters if you win, but note that the Cavs softball team will be no push over. They've made close games out of losses to George Wythe, AA Abingdon (twice), and Hogo front-runner Northwood. Expect the Cavs to grab an upset soon and maybe even a 3 seed in the tournament.

Chilhowie: This year's Chilhowie team appears to be improved from last year but still middle-row in the Hogo. They were hammered in their district opener to PH 16-2, but since then have played well on defense and moved to 3-2 in the district. The Warriors have Holston next (April 21st) which is sure to be a closer game than most would expect.

George Wythe: G-Dub is the name, Inconsistency is the game. In their first three games, the Roons gave up a combined 39 points to Auburn, Fort Chiswell, and Pulaski County - and even won one of those games. In the last 5 games, despite going 2-3, the Roons have only given up 20 runs. Definitely a steady improvement, but not good enough. It's appearing as though George Wythe, Chilhowie, and Holston will be duking it out for that third spot - the Maroons could get ahead of the group early with an upset win over PH in Wytheville on April 21.

Patrick Henry: With 10 games remaining on their season schedule, the Rebels are just 2 wins shy of matching their win total from last season and find themselves in a good position nested in the top of the standings. Northwood sits a little higher for having posted 3 district wins, PH has only 2. One would have to think PH is the better team given the stiffer competition. Thus far the Rebels have nabbed wins over always dominant Virginia High, much larger Tennessee schools Sullivan North and Morristown West, and rivals John Battle and Abingdon. The Rebels are for real and it probably has a lot to do with those Haynes sisters I keep hearing about. Needless to say, this season isn't over yet - the Rebels still must face George Wythe and Northwood twice.

Rural Retreat: While not much is known on the Indians this season, having only three games reported, they are indeed struggling. However, the season is long and they still have a good portion of district play remaining. An upset here and a close game there will be enough to build the team's character and help rebuild the program. The season is already long enough, make the most of it.

2008 Hogo baseball kicks into high gear

So far this season, the within district match-ups have only had two blowouts (games cut short due to mercy rule) out of 10 games. That's pretty good. It could be because there are no Battle's or Lebanon's to prepare for and play against, but either way, it has made the district more exciting than ever. Upon entering the season, the district race was a mystery and in large part, still is.

George Wythe: After starting out the season 0-2 due to a one point defeat at the hands of MED front-runner Fort Chiswell and being slammed by much larger AA rival Pulaski, the Maroons have won three straight games. All of those games were district games, which lets face it, are the only ones that matter. After hosting Pulaski County on April 21st, the Maroons will then travel to Glade Spring, VA, a.k.a. Rebel Country, to duke it out for the top spot in the district. This will be George Wythe's true assessment leading into the heart of their schedule.

Rural Retreat: The Indians are much improved from last season although it has yet to show on the W column on the district side of the standings. The Indians have suffered close, heartbreaking defeats to county and district rival George Wythe, private Oak Hill Academy, and district rivals Patrick Henry and Holston. Not to mention a solid performance against Chilhowie on April 18th, despite the loss. The Indians are still in the thick of things and Coach Jamie Hughes has no reason to panic. The next two games on the schedule are against two slumping clubs, Northwood and Galax. The Indians need those wins, not only rebuild confidence, but earn a decent seed come tournament time.

Holston: Another much improved squad from last season, the Cavaliers have been on fire recently. Since dropping their first three games in lopsided fashion to Fort Chiswell and Region D powers Lebanon and Honaker, the Cavaliers have gone 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the district. The Cavs will continue their tour Aprill 22nd as they travel to Chilhowie to battle it out with the defending district champs - I am almost certain the Cavs have been waiting for it all season long.

Patrick Henry: Ronnie Groves, Ronnie Groves, Ronnie Groves. If SWVA had it's own ESPN, we'd be sick of the kid already because Skip Bayless loves raw talent and he loves to talk about it, constantly. Fortunately we don't have to listen to Skip Bayless talk about Ronnie Groves because Ronnie is just a high school kid in the mountains of Virginia. However, with the help of Ronnie Groves and several other Rebel notables including Marcus Montgomery, Patrick Henry finds itself atop the Hogo standings with a 7-2 record overall. Their only 2 losses coming from Black Diamond District favorite and Region D hopeful Honaker. An exciting rematch of the 8 inning, one run defeat of Chilhowie is scheduled for April 25th in Glade Spring. I suggest you be there.

Chilhowie: Although the Warriors have struggled to find their pitching core this season, they have managed to squeak out a decent record. Losing nine seniors is never a good thing, but Coach Jeff Robinson has had Chilhowie's program on the ups since he took over in 2002. The Warriors definitely don't have the same group it did last season, but this year's Warrior edition includes some new and young faces and to the surprise of many, they have gotten the job done - for the most part. Sloppy play on defense has been the major weakness of the Chilhowie team and has resulted in some tough losses. If the Warriors find their groove soon enough, they'll re-assume the top spot in the district in no-time. April 25th will decide about 80% of the Warriors' destiny entering the district tournament.

Northwood: The Panthers managed to sweep AA county rival Marion in their first two games and looked to be turning some heads. However, since March 25th, the Panthers have gone 1-6, losing all four district games they have played. Rural Retreat, Holston, and Bland are next on the pecking order and if Northwood doesn't win at least two of those three games, their confidence and chance to escape the 6th seed could fade away. That's not a good situation to be in.