Week 3 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 5-0
Season: Dorothy 9-2


NORTHWOOD at FORT CHISWELL
The Panthers are struggling to overcome the obstacles of becoming a stable football team once again as they were handed a 41-0 defeat by Marion last Friday. A win against Fort Chiswell could be what Northwood needs to get back on track. Last season both of these teams finished a dismal 1-9 with Northwood winning their only game against the Pioneers. Fort Chiswell looked sharp in their season opener before being stymied by the hard-nosed play of Chilhowie last Friday. Northwood leads the last five games of this series dating back to 1989, 4-1.

• 1989: Northwood 28-16
• 1989: Fort Chiswell 17-16 (Region C Finals)
• 2005: Northwood 45-21
• 2006: Northwood 31-7
• 2007: Northwood 35-19
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Fort Chiswell 28-12

JOHN BATTLE at HOLSTON
This rivalry has had some thrilling victories over the years, including a 3-2 win by John Battle in 1996 and a 27-26 win by Battle in 1999. In recent years, the scores haven't been as close but the series has. Of the last eight, the series is tied 4-4. Holston won last year's contest in route to a long awaited return to the division 1 playoffs, this year looks to be much of the same.

• 1998: John Battle 21-14
• 1999: John Battle 27-26
• 2000: John Battle 41-6
• 2001: Holston 42-6
• 2002: Holston 20-14
• 2003: John Battle 50-24
• 2004: John Battle 41-0
• 2005: Holston 46-28
• 2006: John Battle 41-7
• 2007: Holston 49-28
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Holston 27-7

MARION at PATRICK HENRY
The Rebels played a good first half against Abingdon before giving up 26 unanswered points in route to a non-district loss. The Scarlet Hurricanes surpassed Northwood with ease, 41-0. This will be Marion's third helping of Hogoheegee this week as they are looking to come out of it with a winning record. Groves and company will need to play sharp defense for four quarters to come out with a win. Marion owns the last 8 games of the series dating back to 1989, 8-0.

• 1989: Marion 27-6
• 1994: Marion 27-12
• 1995: Marion 14-7
• 2001: Marion 40-0
• 2002: Marion 29-14
• 2005: Marion 31-7
• 2006: Marion 32-13
• 2007: Marion 48-19
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Marion 35-14

GEORGE WYTHE at RADFORD
Radford opened their season last week by topping MED hopeful Galax, 37-16. Although the Maroons had a bye week, their opponent from week one, Tazewell, continued to shock southwest Virginia by topping Region D favorite Gate City, 29-19. It will not erase the loss to the Bulldogs, but it should make the Maroons rest a bit easier. This bitter rivalry has been off and on for many years dating back to when both teams shared the same AA district. Radford leads the series since 2000, 7-5.

• 2000: George Wythe 12-3
• 2000: Radford 3-0 (Playoff)
• 2001: Radford 14-7
• 2002: Radford 26-21
• 2002: George Wythe 33-7 (Playoff)
• 2003: Radford 24-14
• 2003: Radford 23-22 (Playoff)
  
• 2004: George Wythe 33-0
• 2005: George Wythe 19-7
• 2006: Radford 14-13
• 2007: George Wythe 19-16
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says George Wythe 21-17

GRAYSON COUNTY at RURAL RETREAT
Both of these teams had it rough last week. Rural Retreat went up against Floyd County, who many think will win Region C, Division 2, and came out with a 47-0 loss. Grayson County lost to an over the border team from NC, 46-14. Each of these teams have been powerhouses in their own districts for the last several years; however, this year all of that looks to change but this game still looks to be as close as last year's. Rural Retreat leads the last ten meetings 8-2.

• 1996: Rural Retreat 40-28
• 1997: Rural Retreat 20-19
• 1998: Rural Retreat 21-20
• 1999: Rural Retreat 36-14
• 2000: Rural Retreat 20-16
• 2003: Grayson County 23-14
• 2004: Rural Retreat 28-14
• 2005: Rural Retreat 41-7
• 2006: Grayson County 38-28
• 2007: Rural Retreat 22-20
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Grayson County 14-6

CHILHOWIE at TWIN SPRINGS
Twin Springs is off to a rough start at no wins and two losses. They were downed in their season opener by visiting JJ Kelly 45-8 and Friday they were pounded by Holston, 29-12. The Titans are looking to get back on track to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2004, but Chilhowie won't be a good starting point. The Warriors took down county rival Marion, 21-14, and halted Fort Chiswell 24-2. The Warriors have shown they are not a one man show, as several players stepped up to take down the Pioneers last Friday. Twin Springs won the first two games of this series back in 1994 and 1995. Chilhowie has won every one since.

• 1998: Chilhowie 14-7
• 1999: Chilhowie 30-6
• 2000: Chilhowie 43-0
• 2001: Chilhowie 41-6
• 2002: Chilhowie 47-7
• 2003: Chilhowie 21-20
• 2004: Chilhowie 41-16
• 2005: Chilhowie 52-18
• 2006: Chilhowie 52-0
• 2007: Chilhowie 47-8
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Chilhowie 44-7
  

HogoExclusive: Interview with Coach Quinton Hensley

When deciding who to interview for this season, Quinton Hensley was a no-brainer candidate. Having a playoff berth attributed to every year he has coached at RR along with three consecutive Region C Division 1 championships, Hensley is one of the top coaches in not just the district, but in the region and state as well. He transformed an already solid program into a perennial regional power.

Hensley was born in Atlanta, GA and went to high school in Asheville, NC. One of his fondest high school memories was back during his senior year when his team won the conference tournament as a #7 seed in basketball. Being the head coach at Rural Retreat was Hensley's first and only head coaching job. What a way to start out!

HogoOnline: Obviously tradition plays a big part in why anyone would want to coach the Indians. What other reasons influenced you to accept the job at RR?

Coach Quinton Hensley: The challenge and the opportunity to continue the tradition. I did not want it to go to an outsider.

HogoOnline: Rural Retreat already had a successful program when you took the reins, but not quite a regional powerhouse. Did you foresee having the immediate success your team did in the beginning?

Coach Quinton Hensley: I thought we could be good by the end of that first year-knew our QB was going to be special.

HogoOnline: To many coaches in the region, and state for the matter, winning three consecutive regional championships would be considered the pinnacle of a coaching career. Obviously the next step is making it to a state championship. Is that a goal you set each year for your team or is it more of a game by game philosophy?

Coach Quinton Hensley: We try to focus on getting better every day and hopefully be playing our best football by the end of the year. Our players have great work ethic and if they work hard together that is all we can ask of them.

HogoOnline: You have had the pleasure of coaching some of the Hogoheegee's finest athletes over the last several years. Matt Heldreth, David Harrison, Wyatte Pickett, Jonathan Hawkins, Justin Stoneman, and Jared Dix to name a few. For this year's squad, a lot of those names are missing, how do you think your young team this year will fill those gaps?

Coach Quinton Hensley: We still have a lot of good football players in our program, they just haven't made a name for themselves yet-- hopefully by the end of the year they will.

HogoOnline: Since you've been the boss for the Indians, their schedule has really been the meat and cheese of much of the region. Do you have a lot of say in who the Indians schedule and do you prefer the stiff competition over a sure win?

Coach Quinton Hensley: We would rather play good teams- you can't get better playing inferior competition all the time. We may never go 10-0, but we will be battle tested come playoff time. I do have a say in who we play-it will probably change a little next cycle but the philosophy will be the same.

HogoOnline: Do any games on this years schedule excite you more than others?

Coach Quinton Hensley: First time at Radford

HogoOnline: What excites you or impresses you about your team this season?

Coach Quinton Hensley: Potential.

HogoOnline: Lastly, the Rural Retreat community has rallied behind the Indians for decades back when Coach Dean Rhea was the coach. Do you see yourself coaching the Indians for as long as Dean Rhea did?

Coach Quinton Hensley: I hope I can! He is a hard act to follow for sure.

HogoOnline: Thanks again for your time Coach Hensley,

Best of luck this Friday.

Back to HogoOnline http://www.hogoheegee.com/

Week 2 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 4-2
Season: Dorothy 4-2


PATRICK HENRY AT ABINGDON
Last week, the Falcons breezed by the John Battle Trojans without so much as a blemish. Abingdon's offense found ways to score quickly as well as score quickly in several different ways. PH managed to get first year head coach Mike Compton his first ever head coaching win by topping Pound, 25-8. The Rebels actually trailed the Wildcats in the third quarter before Ronnie Groves took matters into his own hands. Groves is a tremendous athlete, but Abingdon is a solid team. Abingdon has won six of the last ten meetings in this Washington County rivalry. The Falc's are also going for their fourth straight.

• 1998: Patrick Henry 24-7
• 1999: Patrick Henry 32-8
• 2000: Patrick Henry 27-7
• 2001: Abingdon 27-6
• 2002: Abingdon 16-13
• 2003: Abingdon 37-8
• 2004: Patrick Henry 21-14
• 2005: Abingdon 21-6
• 2006: Abingdon 43-6
• 2007: Abingdon 35-7
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Abingdon 42-7

FORT CHISWELL AT CHILHOWIE
Fort Chiswell shocked the residents of Rural Retreat and probably even most of Virginia last week when they beat the Indians on their own turf 34-0. It's the first time since 1989 that Fort Chiswell has been 1-0 while the other traditionally dominant Wythe County schools have started out 0-1. Chilhowie showed defensive weaknesses as they allowed Marion standout Brock Hannah to rush for over ten-yards a carry. However, "Tuff" Williams and his fellow Warriors showed resilience and came from behind to seal the victory. The Warriors lead this series 6-1 since it started back in 2001.

• 2001: Chilhowie 13-6
• 2002: Chilhowie 34-7
• 2003: Fort Chiswell 28-25
• 2004: Chilhowie 34-26
• 2005: Chilhowie 20-13
• 2006: Chilhowie 48-20
• 2007: Chilhowie 34-13
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Chilhowie 28-12

RURAL RETREAT AT FLOYD COUNTY
The Indians were shutout on their home field by their long-time Wythe County rival Friday. Rural Retreat shows a lot of inexperience and a leader has yet to emerge for the Region C, Division 1 powerhouse. Floyd County did not play last week but is picked by many to be the best Region C, Division 2 has to offer this season. The Buffs have one of the best quarterbacks around in Luke Harris (5'11, 187lb, Sr). Floyd County leads this series 6-1 since it started back in 2001.

• 2001: Floyd County 27-0
• 2002: Floyd County 50-6
• 2003: Floyd County 32-19
• 2004: Floyd County 30-13
• 2005: Rural Retreat 40-0
• 2006: Floyd County 28-21
• 2007: Floyd County 22-20
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Floyd County 45-14

NORTHWOOD AT MARION
Marion got off on a good start last week as Brock Hannah scampered into the endzone early for the Hurricanes to notch a 7-0 lead over Chilhowie. The Hurricane offense can be a machine when clicking on all cylinders. If Marion can avoid penalties and turnovers and continue to gain 8-10 yards per carry as they did against Chilhowie, they will be very difficult for any team to stop. Northwood's struggles have carried over from last season as they showed a tendency to give up the big play, allowing Galax's Tyler Houk to score on 48 and 97 yard runs and an 82 yard kickoff return. Marion leads the last ten games of this Smyth County series 7-3.

• 1998: Marion 33-6
• 1999: Northwood 21-0
• 2000: Marion 26-0
• 2001: Marion 41-6
• 2002: Marion 30-14
• 2003: Northwood 20-19
• 2004: Marion 22-19
• 2005: Northwood 35-0
• 2006: Marion 30-13
• 2007: Marion 35-6
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Marion 44, Northwood 7

HOLSTON AT TWIN SPRINGS
Holston started right where they left off last year. Jeffrey Bramlett, John Pratt, and Eric Mefford (all leaders from last year's playoff team) had a hand in the 42-7 beatdown of Saint Paul last Friday. The Titans were demolished by a steadily improving JJ Kelly squad 45-8 last week. Holston leads this series that started back in 1999, 6-3.

• 1999: Holston 14-8
• 2000: Holston 32-6
• 2001: Holston 41-12
• 2002: Holston 21-6
• 2003: Twin Springs 14-12
• 2004: Twin Springs 24-0
• 2005: Holston 35-34
• 2006: Twin Springs 18-14
• 2007: Holston 40-14
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Holston 33-14
  

Week 1 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) which 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, their just silly predictions, right?

NORTHWOOD AT GALAX
Coming off of a trying and difficult year, Northwood looks to get back to their recent ways of making it to the Region C Division 1 playoffs. The recovery process for the Panthers will not be easy as they lost a handful of key athletes to graduation this past spring. Northwood leads the series 5-4 since it began in 1999.

• 1999- Northwood 23-14
• 2000- Northwood 35-18
• 2001- Galax 27-0
• 2002- Galax 19-0
• 2003- Northwood 40-14
• 2004- Galax 33-14
• 2005- Northwood 33-14
• 2006- Northwood 38-26
• 2007- Galax 27-6
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Galax 28-8

TAZEWELL AT GEORGE WYTHE
George Wythe continues to ride the lightning of many talented classes although they've had to give up a few seniors along the way. Jacob Sharitz, last season's All-Hogo quarterback and George Wythe record-breaker, returns behind the center for his senior season and looks to continue his remarkable career. Tazewell has looked much improved from last season's rare one win finish. They found success in a scrimmage against Patrick Henry and earned the respect of a top 5 AA ranked Pulaski County team. Tazewell leads the off and on series since 1999, 4-3.

• 1999- Tazewell 14-7
• 2000- Tazewell 14-13
• 2001- Tazewell 15-14
• 2002- George Wythe 28-0
• 2005- George Wythe 10-0
• 2006- Tazewell 37-7
• 2007- George Wythe 48-6
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says: George Wythe 27-7

SAINT PAUL AT HOLSTON
Holston and St. Paul are each coming off of a landmark season. The big difference between the two is that Holston returns much of their personnel from last year's playoff team while the defending Cumberland champ lost many key stars. John Pratt, Eric Mefford, and Jeffrey Bramlett return to lead the way for the Cavs who hope to once again make a Division 1 Region C playoff appearance. The Cavs have won 8 of the last 10 meetings between these two teams dating back to 1994.

• 1994- Holston 18-8
• 1995- Holston 28-14
• 1996- Holston 24-20
• 1997- Holston 42-26
• 1998- Holston 6-0
• 1999- St. Paul 20-10
• 2000- St. Paul 24-14
• 2005- Holston 16-0
• 2006- Holston 42-41
• 2007- Holston 27-20
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Holston 35-13

CHILHOWIE AT MARION
Chilhowie and Marion are each boasting good teams this season and although both had to replace a few key positions, the word of choice may be "reload". Last year Marion managed to surprise a few spectators by making it to the Division 3 Region IV finals; whereas, Chilhowie felt shunned having to sit at home during the playoffs with a respectable 8-2 record. Josh Jackson and Curtis Williams return to lead the Warriors into battle while Marion hopes to defend their home turf and avenge last season's loss to their bitter rival. Marion leads the last 10 meetings of this "beginning-of-time" rivalry 6-4.

• 1998- Marion 10-8
• 1999- Chilhowie 12-7
• 2000- Marion 6-0
• 2001- Marion 20-16
• 2002- Marion 28-6
• 2003- Marion 28-7
• 2004- Chilhowie 21-20
• 2005- Chilhowie 34-21
• 2006- Marion 31-20
• 2007- Chilhowie 21-13
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Chilhowie 22-19

POUND AT PATRICK HENRY
Pound's football program appears to be undergoing a long rebuilding process. The Wildcats have only had one winning season in the last seven years and has only won 18 games in that stint. Patrick Henry, on the other hand, has undergone quite a few changes to an otherwise dismal team of this decade. A new coach, Mike Compton, hopes to steer the Rebels back to their first playoff appearance since 1999. Athletes Ronnie Groves and Robert Gonzalez have transferred back to PH and give the Rebels quickness, strength, and speed on both sides of the ball. This series is young as last year was the first meeting between the two schools.

• 2007- Patrick Henry 48-7
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Patrick Henry 40-12

FORT CHISWELL AT RURAL RETREAT
Rural Retreat has to replace the best running-back duo the region has seen in quite some time. With Wyatte Pickett and David Harrison gone, it's tough to tell how Coach Quinton Hensley will generate an offense than can score points. Last year's quarterback Justin Stoneman and long-time starter Jared Dix will also need to be replaced. There's no question Rural Retreat will have enough kids try out who want to compete, the question is whether or not their inexperience can reassume the Indians' place atop the Region C Division 1 standings. Rural Retreat has won 9 of the last 10 meetings of this long-time Wythe County rivalry.

• 1998- Rural Retreat 20-6
• 1999- Rural Retreat 29-7
• 2000- Rural Retreat 49-21
• 2001- Rural Retreat 38-20
• 2002- Rural Retreat 36-6
• 2003- Rural Retreat 42-6
• 2004- Fort Chiswell 36-22
• 2005- Rural Retreat 41-0
• 2006- Rural Retreat 53-7
• 2007- Rural Retreat 25-14
• 2008 Prediction: Dorothy says Rural Retreat 20-7
  

HogoExclusive: Interview with Coach Jason Matlock

Last season marked the first season of Coach Jason Matlock's career as head coach of the Holston Cavalier football team and doubled as the first season since 1995 that the Cavs made it to the Region C Division 1 playoffs. Although his sideline presence for the team has had a clear positive impact on the school's program, it is the players who deserve the honor for giving the football program and the Damascus community a taste of gridiron success and expectations to carry over into seasons to come. Because HogoOnline can't interview each and every Cav football player from last season, we had to go to the next best thing..Coach Matlock himself.

Coach Matlock is a graduate of Holston High School in 2001. He was a four year starter in baseball, basketball and football. He won accolades such as All-Hogoheegee and All-Region C in each sport including All-State baseball in 2001.

After high school, Matlock went on to UVA-Wise to play baseball for another team of Cavs there. After a coaching stint at Abingdon High School, the next step for Matlock was returning to his alma-mater to be a head football coach. Fortunately for Jason, his arrival was just in time to catch the wave as a group of determined athletes from Holston High School set out to raise the bar a few notches for Cavalier teams to come and were ultimately successful.

This season is a clean slate for the Cavs who ended last season (6-5) with a tough loss to eventual Region C Division 1 Champion, Bath County. Matlock and his Cavs look to build on last year's success and revisit the division one playoffs for a consecutive year.

HogoOnline: In your high school football career, what is one single game or moment that stands out the most to you?

Coach Matlock: I don't think I can pin point one single moment that stands out. When I think about my high school football career I think about the camaraderie that comes with playing on a team and the drive to compete. Also perseverance and how to deal with tough times and overcome them are things that stand out the most to me about my playing career.

HogoOnline: When did you decide you wanted to coach football? You went to UVA-Wise and played baseball there, do you foresee coaching baseball in your future?

Coach Matlock: I did go to UVA-Wise and play baseball, and I will always love baseball, but there is something about Friday night high school football that has always excited me. When I graduated from college I first taught at Abingdon High and initially was going to just coach baseball under SWVA Coach of the year Mark Francisco. But I ended up coaching football as
well, and at that point I was hooked! I had the oportunity to be the offensive coordinator at Abingdon during my 2nd year and gained valuable experience, at that point I knew that I wanted to become a head football coach. When the job at Holston came open I felt like it was God opening the door for me, so I applied and was fortunate to get the position. I have always wanted to coach at my home school because there it is a real sense of pride for me and I felt like God could use me to make a difference.

HogoOnline: Last season was monumental for the folks in Damascus, when you took the job did you foresee having the successful season you did?

Coach Matlock: Basically what I wanted to do was raise the level of expectation. I knew that with the type of kids that were there and the administration and support that was there, that with the right work ethic success was not far away.

HogoOnline: Would you say your coaching style differs from the one you were brought up in during your playing era?

Coach Matlock: I would say that the core values of what I was brought up with is the same, but the manner in which I deliver it is kind of an eclectic mix. In today's changing game and society you have to be able to adapt while still holding true to your core values and non-negotiables.

HogoOnline: Would you say the competition level or level of athletecism has changed in the Hogo since you played?

Coach Matlock: It's hard to say, I'd say it is about the same. The Hogo has always been a
competitive district.

HogoOnline: What about your style of coaching has brought an immediate success to the Cav football team?

Coach Matlock: I don't know if it is really anything that I do. My coaching staff and I just try to bring intensity and enthusiasm everyday and try to instill a good work ethic to put in the work you need to in order to be successful. Mostly the credit can be given to the players for picking it up and working hard. We can only take them to a certain point, and it is up to them to carry it out, and they have done so.

HogoOnline: I know the Bristol Herald has probably already interrogated you on the upcoming season, but for HogoOnline, what excites you about your Cavs this fall? How do you feel about the rest of the district's teams?

Coach Matlock: What excites my about my team this year is that they are a very hardworking bunch of guys. I feel like the district is pretty balanced this year top to bottom. It is probably the most balanced it has been in several years.

HogoOnline: Do you see yourself coaching the Cavs in the next 5-10 years?

Coach Matlock: I'm not planning on going anywhere. This is the job that I want.

HogoOnline: Can the Region C expect Holston to be a playoff possibility every season?

Coach Matlock: I think that is the ultimate goal for any football team, to build tradition and perennially be in the playoffs.


Thanks to Coach Jason Matlock for helping us out! HogoOnline wishes the Cavs a safe and successful season in 08!

Preseason Rankings

MASSEY
RANKINGS

HOGOHEEGEE (6)

1) George Wythe

2) Rural Retreat

3) Chilhowie

4) Patrick Henry

5) Holston

6) Northwood

REGION C (22)

2) George Wythe

5) Rural Retreat

7) Chilhowie

11) Patrick Henry

16) Holston

18) Northwood

DIVISION 2 (42)

9) George Wythe

26) Chilhowie

34) Patrick Henry

DIVISION 1 (46)

13) Rural Retreat

28) Holston

31) Northwood

CLASS A (88)

14) George Wythe

33) Rural Retreat

44) Chilhowie

55) Patrick Henry

66) Holston

69) Northwood

VIRGINIA ALL (322)
204) George Wythe

249) Rural Retreat

272) Chilhowie

291) Patrick Henry

306) Holston

311) Northwood

PROJECTED W/L

1) George Wythe (9-1, 5-0)
2) Rural Retreat (9-1, 4-1)

3) Chilhowie (6-4, 3-2)

4) Patrick Henry (3-7, 2-3)

5) Northwood (2-8, 1-4)

6) Holston (2-8, 0-5)

VHSL REFERENCE
RANKINGS

HOGOHEEGEE (6)

1) George Wythe

2) Rural Retreat

3) Chilhowie

4) Patrick Henry

5) Holston

6) Northwood

REGION C (22)

2) George Wythe

4) Rural Retreat

5) Chilhowie

15) Patrick Henry

20) Holston

21) Northwood

DIVISION 2 (42)

11) George Wythe

20) Chilhowie

33) Patrick Henry

DIVISION 1 (46)

11) Rural Retreat

40) Holston

41) Northwood

CLASS A (88)

17) George Wythe

30) Rural Retreat

31) Chilhowie

59) Patrick Henry

82) Holston

83) Northwood

VIRGINIA ALL (322)

200) George Wythe

218) Chilhowie

219) Rural Retreat

268) Patrick Henry

292) Holston

293) Northwood

PROJECTED W/L

1) George Wythe (9-1)

2) Chilhowie (8-2)

3) Rural Retreat (7-3)

4) Patrick Henry (4-6)

5) Holston (1-9)

6) Northwood (0-10)