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