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 FLOYD COUNTY (10-0)

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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 Floyd County almost two months ago, others would say their late schedule was light. But there is no doubt that the Maroons are clicking together on both offense and defense and could redeem their early season loss to the Buffs. Meanwhile, the Buffs themselves have shown signs of weakness against East Mont but have also exhibited resilience in close wins over strong teams like Radford and Giles. Luke Harris and Jacob Sharitz are sure to put on a great show in Floyd, but can it top a 40-39, OT game from September? We shall see.

Dorothy Says: Floyd County 26-14

EASTERN MONTGOMERY (5-5)

at HOLSTON (8-2)

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Holston has had a while to think about it. After two bye weeks to round out the end of their regular season, the Cavaliers are either bored and stale or rested and hungry. If you’re a Cavs fan, you’re wishing for the latter. Last season’s first round playoff game against Bath County held the same implications with Holston losing that game 27-20; a game they felt they should have won. Now, with Eastern Montgomery on the forefront, other than film and one common opponent, these teams couldn’t be more disconnected. They have never played each other and it is likely that no player from either team has even been to others’ town. Ever. Holston has one quality win on the year, a 42-26 drubbing over Mountain Empire District Champ, Bland County (9-1). The same Bland County team knocked out the EM Mustangs, 21-0. EM, however, shocked southwest Virginia with a 32-10 beat-down of Three Rivers rival and at the time, Region C front-runner, Radford. EM should be taken seriously as they boast some size, speed, quickness, and experience. They held Floyd County to 14 points and only lost to Giles by a touchdown, which speaks heavily for the resilience of the East Mont Mustangs.

Dorothy says: Holston 28-20

GILES (6-4)

at CHILHOWIE (9-1)

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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