The regular season has come to an end and the district tournament is nearly underway. I know what you're thinking... and yes, I will feed you baby birds.
3..2..1...
Amateur sportswriter hype! GO!
Bottom Bracket..
HOLSTON (0-21, 0-10)
GOOD: Whats good? Well, not much. However, I will say they have managed to keep some games close. Such as February 7ths bout against PH, (45-56 L).
BAD: Well nothing has gotten worse for the Lady Cavs. They play as hard as anyone.
COULD: Could they upset Chilhowie? Well most would say no. But that doesn't mean its not possible. Anything is possible in the realm of high school sports.
SHOULD: Keep the chins up. A young team like this shouldn't be discouraged and I hear the JV is winning games. The future doesn't look so grim.
CHILHOWIE (15-6, 7-3)
GOOD: Beating George Wythe in "The Dungeon". A very rare feat for any Hogo team on any year. Also, closing out the year with four straight wins will breed some confidence upon entering the postseason.
BAD: Not a lot is bad. Except maybe the offensive consistency. They have only scored 38 and 34 points in their most recent games and have scored under 40 several times this year. That won't get you postseason wins.
COULD: Win the tournament. Close losses to Northwood and beating George Wythe at home mean it is extremely possible.
SHOULD: Take one game at a time. Even if the selection committee elects Chilhowie to the regional tournament (which they likely will), a first round loss to Holston will drop them to the bottom of the seeding chart.
GEORGE WYTHE (12-10, 8-2)
GOOD: Ashley Buckhannon notched the 2000 point milestone. It is an honor above most other honors in the sense that it doesn't happen very often. Anywhere. The Maroons also ended the regular season by sending a powerful message to Northwood. It read, "64-40".
BAD: The loss to Chilhowie at home removed the possibility for the Maroons to even tie for a regular season championship.
COULD: Easily win the tournament. They have beaten every team they will likely face at least once, and each time, rather convincingly.
SHOULD: Win one if not two games in the district tournament and enter in the regionals as a middle-to-high seed. They have played most of the teams they'll face in the regional tournament during their regular season.
Top of the bracket...
RURAL RETREAT (6-14, 2-8)
GOOD: Snapping a seven game losing streak by beating Holston. Even if its over a team that hasn't won all season, a W prior to the postseason can fuel a lot of confidence.
BAD: Not getting a win over any other district team besides Holston. I called it and said they would... I was wrong. It happens, once or twice a year.
COULD: Their games with PH have been somewhat close this season. The Indians could advance to play Northwood, who they played a smidgen closer than they did GW.
SHOULD: If there is any hope for RR to advance to regionals, it would mean they have to win the tournament. They should put that on their priority list just below "beat PH, beat NW"
PATRICK HENRY (11-11, 4-6)
GOOD: Winning five of their last eight. The Rebels also took NW into overtime after being hammered by the Panthers at home earlier in the year.
BAD: Not too much is bad here; however, there is definitely room for improvement.
COULD: By beating RR, which they have done twice already, they could set up a rematch of the overtime game against NW from two weeks ago.
SHOULD: Beat RR and set up a rematch of the overtime game against NW from two weeks ago.
NORTHWOOD (16-6, 9-1)
GOOD: Winning the regular season district title outright, beating Chilhowie twice and George Wythe once, all in front of hostile crowds.
BAD: Getting dragged up and down the floor by George Wythe in the last regular season game of the year.
COULD: Win the tournament and be the #1 or #2 seed in the division 1 regionals.
SHOULD: Even with an early exit from the tournament, NW will still be sitting pretty in the regionals; however, by winning the district tournament, I don't have to make separate "Regular Season Champs" and "Tournament Champs" banners...
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Friday, February 13, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
HogoFAQ
Throughout the brief history of this website there have been numerous emails from people posing queries about what the site is about, what are my limits as far as dictating the types of information that is posted and what is omitted, and so forth. Here is a collection of queries posed to me throughout the days of HogoOnline..
- Hey guy that does the website, can you take videos of all the football games? It doesn't seem fair that some get left out.
- No. There is only one of me and anywhere from 3 to 6 games for our Hogo teams. I welcome anyone who wants to help out and video the games and submit them to me. It would be amazing for the site and its viewers.
- Are you going to video any of the basketball games?
- Maybe some tournament games. I still don’t know yet. It would be difficult to do since I no longer live in the area, and it would be a threat to my anonymity as crowds are tighter in gyms. Not to mention I always sit behind the most obnoxious parents of anyone on either team. No matter where you go, there are obnoxious parents.
- How do you find the time to operate the website?
- I have never found the time to do it. I actually lose a lot of time, money, and wits. But I love high school sports. Specifically in our tight nit area. I want to do what it takes to get kids playing. Kids love internet, it’s a good means of getting them interested. The opportunity to see your name on a website for eternity for something that you’ve accomplished is sorta cool. It’s better than a lame MySpace page no one ever looks at. Everyone reads HogoOnline!! Right..??
- I hear there is supposed to be a HogoOnline basketball tournament. Is that something we can look forward to??
- No. But pray for it. It would be totally cool. A HogoOnline “anything” would be kick-A.
- Why don’t you cover wrestling, dude??
- If I attempted to cover wrestling at the same rate I cover the 9 other sports that I do reasonably well, I would be doing wrestling a disservice. Wrestling information doesn’t always get posted evenly for every team within the sources I have. There are currently sites (the one linked from HogoOnline) that provide a decent amount of information on Hogoheegee wrestling. I do not intend to ignore wrestling, it is a great sport. The Hogoheegee is laden with some awesome wrestling history. Maybe if someone were to offer the time to help out, the site would cover it full throttle. As of right now, no one has stepped up.
- Can I submit my photos?
- As long as they aren’t of your prom, I encourage it. I reserve the right to post only the ones I like though. But I’ll credit you, don’t worry.
- What is your real name and where are you from?
- Horace Orion Guillroy Ostlenburger from the Planet Hogotron.
- Did you play sports in high school?
- Did.
- The website looks like a kindergartner threw up in a box of crayons. Do you do it all yourself?
- I do. I have no training in web development. If you can do better, please lend me your services.
- Can I advertise with you?
- ENCOURAGED. I have some ideas in the making that I will need the money for. If you are interested in posting an ad on my site or on anything else the site produces (programs, etc). Email me at hogosportz@hogoheegee.com yesterday. I do not intend to make money from this website, but any sponsorship will only increase the opportunities that HogoOnline is looking to provide for all of the student-athletes.
- Why did you ban me from the message board?
- Because you’re an idiot.
- What program do you use to do the rankings and how do you determine the weightings?
- Excel and/or a four-function calculator. I wing it. You can even do your own rankings from home. Use newspaper sites and MaxPreps.com to get scores from any schools you cover. Record their wins and losses for them and whoever they play. And whoever they play. Make up your own recipe and go for it. It’s not that hard, just extremely time consuming. And you have to be prepared to take heat from people who don’t understand how numbers work. My excel sheet has never once seen a basketball or football game, but based on what I tell it, it knows exactly what’s up.
- It would be cool if you had a search database for all the scores so you could search a specific year and school. You should do that.
- Yeah it would and no. (Ok maybe one day.. but not anytime soon)
- How long do you plan to keep the site operating?
- For as long as there is a Hogo. Which may not be much longer or could be forever, we shall see. Hope for the latter.
- If the Hogo splits with the new divisional realignment, what will you do?
- I’ll stick with whatever teams are still in a district called the “Hogoheegee”. If there is no “Hogoheegee”, I’ll try to stick with where most teams are or yank it completely. The site will still be maintained as a historical reference.
- Can you do more for the JV?
- I would love to IF I was reported scores for all the JV teams. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. There is a section on the message board you can check out though. I report what I know.
- Whatever happened to the idea of getting a student from each school to report scores for their teams? It seemed like a good way to make sure all scores were reported. The students likely know someone on each team or could at least talk to them or the coaches.
- Yeah. It’s an awesome idea. It just hasn’t been put into play yet. As of right now, I have a contact at each school for some of the sports. But they don’t always report to me and aren’t required to. The creed of this site is to not irritate the schools’ administration or coaches. These people deal with teenagers all day, the last thing they need is some faceless website manager badgering them about how their sports teams are doing. If they want to help out they are encouraged to come to me and often times do. AND IT RULES!! To the few coaches who lend a hand in providing information for the site, pat yourself on the back. You’re the reason the site is still operating and growing day by day.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Boy's Hoops: Midseason Assessment
The dudes have been playing basketball for a couple of months now. It's time we talk about the good and bad, and coulds and shoulds for each team. Ready!?? BREAK!
#16 NORTHWOOD (4-10, 0-4)
BAD: Northwood is winless in the district. In fact they have lost eight straight since winning both games at the Greever Crouse tournament back in mid-December.
GOOD: Their losses have been within reach. The Panthers suffered a close one-point loss to Chilhowie at home back on January 9th. Senior guard Jeremiah Thompson leads the district in scoring.
COULDS: Avenge all of their losses as they repeat games against Holston, Chilhowie, PH, and GW. Should they turn it around and beat any team remaining on their schedule that they lost to by less than ten points the first time as well as take two over RR, the Panthers could win five of their next 8 and be no lower than fourth come tournament time.
SHOULDS: Get on the ball. The season is much shorter now which leaves very little wiggle room for errors. Should the Panthers play to their potential, their season could get much brighter.
#20 RURAL RETREAT (2-10, 1-3)
BAD: The Indians have only won two games and lost nine straight before upsetting Chilhowie at home on Jan 16.
GOOD: The Indians upset Chilhowie at home on Jan 16. They have won 2 more games this season than all of last season.
COULDS: They could break out and redeem their early season struggles and make last season all but a distant memory by beating any of the teams remaining on their schedule. You can’t really call it an upset now since they beat Chilhowie, now everyone knows their potential and will be ready and waiting.
SHOULDS: Win one more. With NW struggling and RR having to play NW two times still yet, the Indians need every win they can get to secure a fifth place spot in the tournament. Which helps them avoid potentially playing GW in the semi-finals should they get that far.
#11 CHILHOWIE (6-7, 2-2)
BAD: The Warriors lost to RR, a team they haven’t lost to in several years. A team few Hogo teams have lost to in several years. The Warriors are also hampered by several injuries which may mean things get worse before they get better.
GOOD: A few roster switches got Chilhowie rolling on a four game winning streak which included avenging losses over Marion and Grayson County.
COULDS: Chilhowie could win five of their last 6 games, including avenging the upset loss to RR, going 7-3 and be second place in the tournament, in line for a first round bye.
SHOULDS: Get healthy. Stop twisting ankles and knees. Stop doing back-flips off the monkey bars. Losses to PH and NW in the coming days could really damage a season that isn’t far from redemption.
#10 HOLSTON (6-6, 2-2)
BAD: Losing to John Battle after beating them twice.
GOOD: Getting must wins over NW and RR. These wins, including a close loss to PH, mean that Holston is a three-pointer away from being second place in the district for the first time since… well for the first time in a while. I’ll get back to you on that once I complete my microfilm research on boys basketball.
COULDS: If Holston beats who they have already, learn a few things from playing high-caliber teams like Galax and George Wythe, and finish out the season by topping Chilhowie twice…AND avenge a close loss by beating PH at home, Holston could be 2nd place entering the district tournament. Which also includes a hefty seed in the Region C D1 playoffs too.
SHOULDS: Keep playing like they are… excluding the loss to JSB. Don’t play like that.
#14 PATRICK HENRY (6-8, 3-2)
BAD: Talk to Holston. STOP LOSING TO JOHN BATTLE. Stop losing close games period. (i.e. Virginia, Oak Hill (Red), Saint Paul, and Chilhowie) all by 5 or less.
GOOD: Defense baby. Keeping teams in the 40's and low 50's will get you W's. Thompson has really solidified himself as a true paint man and with Ronnie Groves running around outside the paint with reckless abandon, good things will happen for the O too.
COULD: Win their next 6. Including avenging a loss to Chilhowie and then taking on RR, Holston, and NW (teams they have already beaten). Just have to beat the county rivals, and PH sets up a good showdown at the end of the year against GW and quite possibly have a first round bye in the district tournament or a coin flip for it nonetheless.
SHOULD: Take it one game at a time. Now is no time to get big-eyed at some fine print written on some loser's sports blog. The games are won on the court.
#6 GEORGE WYTHE (10-5, 5-0)
BAD: Losing five games this season. You should be ashamed! In all seriousness, GW’s defense is of some concern. They are having very little trouble scoring points but when it comes to stopping the other team, well that’s a different story. PH scored a season high 76 points against them, in a loss, mind you. The Maroons have allowed 74 and 82 against Giles, 89 against Radford, 76 against Fort Chiswell, 87 and 82 against Pulaski.
GOOD: Winning five straight district games. And the offense. Need I say it? They have scored tons of these "point" things. It’s almost as if they’re trying to score points or something. 89, 84, 78, 96, 78, 81, 86, 83, 79, 80, 93… the LA Clippers can’t even do that. When scoring more than 70 points, GW is 10-1.
COULDS: Win out, go 17-5, undefeated in the district, and host a first round Region C game.
SHOULDS: Keep scoring points and keep the other teams from scoring points. The current game plan has worked thus far, but further down the road, the tides may change.
#16 NORTHWOOD (4-10, 0-4)
BAD: Northwood is winless in the district. In fact they have lost eight straight since winning both games at the Greever Crouse tournament back in mid-December.
GOOD: Their losses have been within reach. The Panthers suffered a close one-point loss to Chilhowie at home back on January 9th. Senior guard Jeremiah Thompson leads the district in scoring.
COULDS: Avenge all of their losses as they repeat games against Holston, Chilhowie, PH, and GW. Should they turn it around and beat any team remaining on their schedule that they lost to by less than ten points the first time as well as take two over RR, the Panthers could win five of their next 8 and be no lower than fourth come tournament time.
SHOULDS: Get on the ball. The season is much shorter now which leaves very little wiggle room for errors. Should the Panthers play to their potential, their season could get much brighter.
#20 RURAL RETREAT (2-10, 1-3)
BAD: The Indians have only won two games and lost nine straight before upsetting Chilhowie at home on Jan 16.
GOOD: The Indians upset Chilhowie at home on Jan 16. They have won 2 more games this season than all of last season.
COULDS: They could break out and redeem their early season struggles and make last season all but a distant memory by beating any of the teams remaining on their schedule. You can’t really call it an upset now since they beat Chilhowie, now everyone knows their potential and will be ready and waiting.
SHOULDS: Win one more. With NW struggling and RR having to play NW two times still yet, the Indians need every win they can get to secure a fifth place spot in the tournament. Which helps them avoid potentially playing GW in the semi-finals should they get that far.
#11 CHILHOWIE (6-7, 2-2)
BAD: The Warriors lost to RR, a team they haven’t lost to in several years. A team few Hogo teams have lost to in several years. The Warriors are also hampered by several injuries which may mean things get worse before they get better.
GOOD: A few roster switches got Chilhowie rolling on a four game winning streak which included avenging losses over Marion and Grayson County.
COULDS: Chilhowie could win five of their last 6 games, including avenging the upset loss to RR, going 7-3 and be second place in the tournament, in line for a first round bye.
SHOULDS: Get healthy. Stop twisting ankles and knees. Stop doing back-flips off the monkey bars. Losses to PH and NW in the coming days could really damage a season that isn’t far from redemption.
#10 HOLSTON (6-6, 2-2)
BAD: Losing to John Battle after beating them twice.
GOOD: Getting must wins over NW and RR. These wins, including a close loss to PH, mean that Holston is a three-pointer away from being second place in the district for the first time since… well for the first time in a while. I’ll get back to you on that once I complete my microfilm research on boys basketball.
COULDS: If Holston beats who they have already, learn a few things from playing high-caliber teams like Galax and George Wythe, and finish out the season by topping Chilhowie twice…AND avenge a close loss by beating PH at home, Holston could be 2nd place entering the district tournament. Which also includes a hefty seed in the Region C D1 playoffs too.
SHOULDS: Keep playing like they are… excluding the loss to JSB. Don’t play like that.
#14 PATRICK HENRY (6-8, 3-2)
BAD: Talk to Holston. STOP LOSING TO JOHN BATTLE. Stop losing close games period. (i.e. Virginia, Oak Hill (Red), Saint Paul, and Chilhowie) all by 5 or less.
GOOD: Defense baby. Keeping teams in the 40's and low 50's will get you W's. Thompson has really solidified himself as a true paint man and with Ronnie Groves running around outside the paint with reckless abandon, good things will happen for the O too.
COULD: Win their next 6. Including avenging a loss to Chilhowie and then taking on RR, Holston, and NW (teams they have already beaten). Just have to beat the county rivals, and PH sets up a good showdown at the end of the year against GW and quite possibly have a first round bye in the district tournament or a coin flip for it nonetheless.
SHOULD: Take it one game at a time. Now is no time to get big-eyed at some fine print written on some loser's sports blog. The games are won on the court.
#6 GEORGE WYTHE (10-5, 5-0)
BAD: Losing five games this season. You should be ashamed! In all seriousness, GW’s defense is of some concern. They are having very little trouble scoring points but when it comes to stopping the other team, well that’s a different story. PH scored a season high 76 points against them, in a loss, mind you. The Maroons have allowed 74 and 82 against Giles, 89 against Radford, 76 against Fort Chiswell, 87 and 82 against Pulaski.
GOOD: Winning five straight district games. And the offense. Need I say it? They have scored tons of these "point" things. It’s almost as if they’re trying to score points or something. 89, 84, 78, 96, 78, 81, 86, 83, 79, 80, 93… the LA Clippers can’t even do that. When scoring more than 70 points, GW is 10-1.
COULDS: Win out, go 17-5, undefeated in the district, and host a first round Region C game.
SHOULDS: Keep scoring points and keep the other teams from scoring points. The current game plan has worked thus far, but further down the road, the tides may change.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Girl's Hoops: Midseason Assessment
Girl's basketball is in full force this season and it has been interesting predominantly because it has been unpredictable. Lets go through each team and talk about the goods and bads and the coulds and shoulds.
HOLSTON (0-13, 0-4)
BAD: Well the bad is clear. The Cavs are winless and have been for quite some time. This not only affects their current season, but seasons to come will deter athletes from the program. It is always frustrating for coaches when they see talent in the halls and not on the court.
GOOD: Closer games and more points. The Cavs have lost in margins of 13 against NW and 19 against GW, teams who traditionally blow out the Lady Cavs. Improvment, no matter how infinitesimal and no matter how unaffecting it is on their record, is good improvment.
COULDS: The Lady Cavs are not outside the realm of upsetting any teams remaining on their schedule.
SHOULDS: The other seven juniors from last year's team should've come out for their senior season to help provide a spark.
RURAL RETREAT (5-8, 1-3)
BAD: The bad news for RR is that Charlotte Reasor is a senior. Reasor has had a habit of keeping the Indians in all their games this season with double-double after double-double. The other bad news is that their only district win is over Holston.
GOOD: Reasor eclipsed 1000 points against Chilhowie on 1/16/09 with 31 points in the loss.
COULDS: If RR can get it together for the home stretch of district games, they have a good shot at nabbing away the fourth spot in the tournament, if not the third spot.
SHOULDS: The Indians should realize their potential. They are a darkhorse favorite to upset anyone on their schedule. Anyone.
PATRICK HENRY (6-6, 2-2)
BAD: Only scoring 24 points against Northwood. It was their poorest offensive output of the season, ableit it was against the current leader of the district.
GOOD: Although it was a loss, the Lady Rebs kept it close against Chilhowie back on January 6 in a one point defeat. They also have more games left on their schedule than any other Hogoheegee team, so they have plenty of time to get it in the right gear for the district tournament.
COULDS: Depending on how they play GW, PH could get runner-up in the district because they've already shown they can play with and possibly beat Chilhowie.
SHOULDS: PH should win at least half of their remaining games. Should they do this, and get wins over RR, Holston, and Chilhowie they are a coin-flip away from third place heading into the tournament.
CHILHOWIE (10-5, 2-2)
BAD: The Warriors are showcasing youth and inexperience and its shown in the big games. Especially against NW and GW, teams that Chilhowie played with but could not beat.
GOOD: Even with three new starters and a new supporting cast, the Warriors have won 10 games and are currently third in the district.
COULDS: If the Warriors avenge a close loss to NW and fend off PH the second time around they are in a good position. If they do all that and get revenge over GW, they could be runner-up and get a first round bye into the district tournament.
SHOULDS: The Warriors should beat who they are ahead of. If they maintain homeostasis, they will be right where they want to be come tournament time. If the tournament started today, they would be in NW's bracket and play Holston first round.
GEORGE WYTHE (7-9, 3-1)
BAD: Whether or not they overlooked the likes of the Lady Panthers, they lost a game that could have major implications on the district battle.
GOOD: They have won soundly over their other district opponents. Ashley Buckhannon has already scored 98 total points against Hogo competition in GW's four district games this year.
COULD: Depending on how NW plays out, if GW wins the rest of their games they are at least district co-champions and a playoff or coin flip will decide their fate for the tournament.
SHOULD: Give the ball to Ashley Buckhannon. Or Lacey Price. Or Chelsea Corbin. Or Kari Eubanks. A tough non-district schedule has toughened these Maroons
NORTHWOOD (11-4, 4-0)
BAD: Two losses to Bland County might shed some light on how the Region C finals might play out.
GOOD: 5 straight W's. Over teams such as Chilhowie and George Wythe. Northwood is playing their best ball all year. Thank Kendra Nutter and more recently, Chelsey Cardwell.
COULDS: Win out and go undefeated in the district and have a high seed in the regional tournament. Bland may be their only obstacle and even then, depending on the bracket, a consecutive D1 state tournament appearance may be in order.
SHOULDS: Not get ahead of theirselves. They should focus on Chilhowie and George Wythe, along with the rest of the district. Those wins were no gimmes afterall.
HOLSTON (0-13, 0-4)
BAD: Well the bad is clear. The Cavs are winless and have been for quite some time. This not only affects their current season, but seasons to come will deter athletes from the program. It is always frustrating for coaches when they see talent in the halls and not on the court.
GOOD: Closer games and more points. The Cavs have lost in margins of 13 against NW and 19 against GW, teams who traditionally blow out the Lady Cavs. Improvment, no matter how infinitesimal and no matter how unaffecting it is on their record, is good improvment.
COULDS: The Lady Cavs are not outside the realm of upsetting any teams remaining on their schedule.
SHOULDS: The other seven juniors from last year's team should've come out for their senior season to help provide a spark.
RURAL RETREAT (5-8, 1-3)
BAD: The bad news for RR is that Charlotte Reasor is a senior. Reasor has had a habit of keeping the Indians in all their games this season with double-double after double-double. The other bad news is that their only district win is over Holston.
GOOD: Reasor eclipsed 1000 points against Chilhowie on 1/16/09 with 31 points in the loss.
COULDS: If RR can get it together for the home stretch of district games, they have a good shot at nabbing away the fourth spot in the tournament, if not the third spot.
SHOULDS: The Indians should realize their potential. They are a darkhorse favorite to upset anyone on their schedule. Anyone.
PATRICK HENRY (6-6, 2-2)
BAD: Only scoring 24 points against Northwood. It was their poorest offensive output of the season, ableit it was against the current leader of the district.
GOOD: Although it was a loss, the Lady Rebs kept it close against Chilhowie back on January 6 in a one point defeat. They also have more games left on their schedule than any other Hogoheegee team, so they have plenty of time to get it in the right gear for the district tournament.
COULDS: Depending on how they play GW, PH could get runner-up in the district because they've already shown they can play with and possibly beat Chilhowie.
SHOULDS: PH should win at least half of their remaining games. Should they do this, and get wins over RR, Holston, and Chilhowie they are a coin-flip away from third place heading into the tournament.
CHILHOWIE (10-5, 2-2)
BAD: The Warriors are showcasing youth and inexperience and its shown in the big games. Especially against NW and GW, teams that Chilhowie played with but could not beat.
GOOD: Even with three new starters and a new supporting cast, the Warriors have won 10 games and are currently third in the district.
COULDS: If the Warriors avenge a close loss to NW and fend off PH the second time around they are in a good position. If they do all that and get revenge over GW, they could be runner-up and get a first round bye into the district tournament.
SHOULDS: The Warriors should beat who they are ahead of. If they maintain homeostasis, they will be right where they want to be come tournament time. If the tournament started today, they would be in NW's bracket and play Holston first round.
GEORGE WYTHE (7-9, 3-1)
BAD: Whether or not they overlooked the likes of the Lady Panthers, they lost a game that could have major implications on the district battle.
GOOD: They have won soundly over their other district opponents. Ashley Buckhannon has already scored 98 total points against Hogo competition in GW's four district games this year.
COULD: Depending on how NW plays out, if GW wins the rest of their games they are at least district co-champions and a playoff or coin flip will decide their fate for the tournament.
SHOULD: Give the ball to Ashley Buckhannon. Or Lacey Price. Or Chelsea Corbin. Or Kari Eubanks. A tough non-district schedule has toughened these Maroons
NORTHWOOD (11-4, 4-0)
BAD: Two losses to Bland County might shed some light on how the Region C finals might play out.
GOOD: 5 straight W's. Over teams such as Chilhowie and George Wythe. Northwood is playing their best ball all year. Thank Kendra Nutter and more recently, Chelsey Cardwell.
COULDS: Win out and go undefeated in the district and have a high seed in the regional tournament. Bland may be their only obstacle and even then, depending on the bracket, a consecutive D1 state tournament appearance may be in order.
SHOULDS: Not get ahead of theirselves. They should focus on Chilhowie and George Wythe, along with the rest of the district. Those wins were no gimmes afterall.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Celebrating the Top Hogoheegee Coaches All-Time, Ever...
.. in the history of the Hogoheegee.
In 2010, I'm going to do it. It is going to be quite a task but a fun one and I hope readers, coaches, fans, former and current players, all chip in on what I'm about to describe to you.
Few of you may know (or most of you may know, whichever) that the school year beginning in 2010 will be the Hogoheegee's 40th anniversary. You consider kids were 17 or 18 when they graduated in June of 1971, so hug anyone that is 57 or 58. Or don't, that is creepy and entirely up to you. But to celebrate this 40 years of Hogo-awesome..ness, I would like to contrive a list of the 15 most notable standout coaches in 40 years across all sports, and conduct a small documentary.
"A documentary?!" you stammer. "But HogoOnline, that is for A&E or MICHAEL MOORE!! But, not for you!!"
Anyone willing to volunteer their time and energy into making this possible please contact me. Anyone willing to sponsor this endeavor for making this possible please contact me.
We have 18 months to do it, I'm sure it can be done.
TASK OVERVIEW
Step 1: Contrive a list of 15
Step 2: Obtain any pictures, videos, former players, family members, coach him/herself and have them agree to be interviewed even if we have to bribe them with candy
Step 3: Based on the opinions of current/former school administrators and myself, generate an ascending list
Step 4: Interview as many fans, coaches, fellow coaches, and former/current players of these coaches for documentary purposes
Step 5: Edit, produce, and release film in Fall 2010.
In 2010, I'm going to do it. It is going to be quite a task but a fun one and I hope readers, coaches, fans, former and current players, all chip in on what I'm about to describe to you.
Few of you may know (or most of you may know, whichever) that the school year beginning in 2010 will be the Hogoheegee's 40th anniversary. You consider kids were 17 or 18 when they graduated in June of 1971, so hug anyone that is 57 or 58. Or don't, that is creepy and entirely up to you. But to celebrate this 40 years of Hogo-awesome..ness, I would like to contrive a list of the 15 most notable standout coaches in 40 years across all sports, and conduct a small documentary.
"A documentary?!" you stammer. "But HogoOnline, that is for A&E or MICHAEL MOORE!! But, not for you!!"
(Sorry, no image of Michael Moore would fit..)
Well, nay-sayers, I'm doing it anyway. And if the documentary idea falls through, you will each get to read a pretty sweet write-up about it at the very least.
"HogoOnline, listen. Documentaries bore me unless it's Shark Week or Armageddeon Week on Discovery Channel. Is there anything I can do to help that won't bore me or require me to talk to people or reveal my identity? I'm a retired storm-trooper from the Death Star, and I'd like to keep that a secret."
Of course! Anyone can help out!
What do you need to do to help out? Well, I'm glad you asked. I need: (email this info to: hogosportz@hogoheegee.com OR hogo_sportz@yahoo.com)- Recommendations for top coaches
- Pictures- Can be of players that they coached, the coaches themselves or anything else relevant (scan your yearbooks PLEASE)
- All-time records - Wins/Losses (Tim Hayes, I hope you're reading this.. you too Bucky Dent)
- Histories - Other schools or coaching experiences
- Greatest sports moments - championships won, etc.
- Email addresses, mailing addresses, contact information - Will they agree to a video interview?
- Anyone with semi-expensive video equipment and time (preferably video equipment more expensive than my digital Kodak Wal-Mart special) - This is low budget, obviously, but I will be willing to pay for your help to make this a quality masterpiece. Anyone looking to gain some experience in journalism? This is your chance. Contact me NOW, this is will be a great experience. Anyone already have experience in journalism? Contact me NOW, that would be excellent.
- Some coaches to get info, pictures, etc. of are:
- John Adams
- Duane Alderman
- Ron Bales
- Al Copenhaver
- Mary Copenhaver
- Jean Gillespie
- John Goodwin
- Jimmy King
- Randy Poole
- Donnie Pruitt
- Dean Rhea
- Larry Russell
- (Please note that this list is a list of suggestions off the top of my head. Head Wrestling, Volleyball, Track & Field, Tennis, Soccer Coaches, etc. should not be ignored)
- These coaches may or may not be a deadlock for the list, but it would still be great to have this information and any relics of them
- Please consider great coaches from schools of the Hogoheegee past and present. Castlewood, Chilhowie, George Wythe, Holston, Honaker, John S. Battle, Lebanon, Northwood, Patrick Henry, RB Worthy, Rich Valley, and Rural Retreat
- Guess what. If you help in any way, you get your name on the rolling credits at the end. It may not be much but its all part of the documented history I'm attempting to preserve.
Anyone willing to volunteer their time and energy into making this possible please contact me. Anyone willing to sponsor this endeavor for making this possible please contact me.
We have 18 months to do it, I'm sure it can be done.
TASK OVERVIEW
Step 1: Contrive a list of 15
Step 2: Obtain any pictures, videos, former players, family members, coach him/herself and have them agree to be interviewed even if we have to bribe them with candy
Step 3: Based on the opinions of current/former school administrators and myself, generate an ascending list
Step 4: Interview as many fans, coaches, fellow coaches, and former/current players of these coaches for documentary purposes
Step 5: Edit, produce, and release film in Fall 2010.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Boys basketball 4 weeks in
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
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
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
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