My football preview

Well, it's August and that means football practice and the first games of the season for area high school teams. Up in Wise the Highland Cavs are trying to improve on a season that started out with so much promise and ended in so much dissapointment.

LPD Preseason Predictions
7. Coeburn: Talent, but that attitude to win just doesn't seem to be there right now. Losing in the last game of the season to Wise last year seemed to show that.

6. Appalachia: Never ever in my life did I ever think I'd have Appalachia this low in my preseason predictions. After losing a legend and losing former Appalachia great Travis Turner in the same season the Bulldogs look to move on. After Riggs there was Turner who's next?

5.Pound: Talent wins the Wildcats games but lack of any sense of defensive schemes leaves the Wildcats stuck in the middle of the pack. Look for Pound to beat up on Coeburn, Appalachia, and Wise plus knock down a couple out of conference wins to be on the verge of a playoff berth.

4. Clintwood: Once again another talented team who in my opinion needs to quit worrying about why they dont make the playoffs and take care of business themselves. After beating PV last year Clintwood needed to just beat either GC or Norton to make the playoffs. Not only did the Wave fail to do that they let Pound beat them for the first time in years.

3. Norton: Speed, Speed, and more Speed. The Raiders are quick and coming off arguably their best season since the state championship team of the 1970's. Can Norton make the next step and beat both PV and GC in the same season to claim the LPD Crown? The talent is there but for some reason GC seems to hold a huge intimidation factor over every single team in the LPD outside of PV.

2. GC: The Blue Devils are coming off another LPD Championship. The third in five years, GC returns a core group of players including Anderson and Parks. For years these two players were looked upon as the future. The future is now, it's time to step up. In Gate City's last season in the LPD more than bragging rights are on the line the only thing that stands between them and a trip to the State Semi's is rival Powell Valley.

1. Powell Valley: The Vikings are coming off a season in which they lost by a field goal in the Regional Championship Game. Returning all but three startes from that team means big things are expected in the Gap. The biggest weakness on this team is the offensive line, outside of all state center Jason Neely no player has nailed down a starting spot. Pressure will also be huge, will PV be up to the test? Anything less than a trip to JMU will bring back the painful memories of 2001, which in my opinion is still the best PV team since 1998.




UVA-Wise football


Where to start? We've went out and recruited this year. Well so I think, of course everyone knows about the addition of Brad Robbins to the Cavs. Regardless of who starts for us this season at least we have depth at the QB position. After Randy went down last year we paraded out every single QB on our team with no success what so ever. To me the heart of this team is in our running game though. If we do not run the ball at least 25 times a game we have very little chance of winning against a good team. Returning a powerful runner in Hakeem Abdul Saboor who opened up some eyes as a freshman should get the bulk of the carries. Treymayne Edwards could also get some carries from the fullback spot. Our defensive line is the weak spot, at least this year were going down to 4-3 in effor to shore up some of the problems we've had stopping the run over the years. If we can keep everyone healthy the Cavs could churn out a winning season, the offensive line is very strong but is nt very deep at all. We do return some of our top tacklers from last season one that comes to mind that played well last year is Wheeler. I'm hoping the change in scheme will allow for more pressure on the quarterback we averaged a little over one sack a game last year. All in all I look for a mediocre season, just for a winning season I'm predicting six wins and hopefully a win on homecoming this year.

Anyway, I'm out it's time for me to head to Hardess and get my breakfast. I'll try to add some other teams from around the state later, I need to talk to a few people first. Good luck to everyone this season and hopefully no serious injuries will happen. Also, who all is heading over to Bristol on the 11th for the PV/TN High scrimmage?

No mention of the Indians? I assume you have them at #8?

I though PV had both OT's back, plus 2 other kds with starting experience on the OL besides Neely?

I think Appy will do a little better than that.

depending on a test score Hakeem may be inelgible

Brandon Anderson, Ceasar Burton, and two others have left the team

one was a linebacker and the other was an offensive lineman but the names aren't coming to me.. I also read in the news paper that UVA Wise will have 110 players on the roster this year coming off of landing something like 70 recruits

I mean ive felt insulted sometimes when people rank JJK 8th but to leave them off the list?

8. Coeburn
7. Kelly
6. Appalachia
5. Clintwood
4. Pound
3. Gate City
2. Powell Valley
1. Burton

Look for Burton to beat PV again, and take gate city, Burton may go 10 and 0 this season, but PV will be stacked, should be another great game between these 2.

1. PV
2. Burton
3. Gate City
4. Clintwood
5. Appalachia
6. Pound
7. Kelly
8. Coeburn

Burton may play GC tough, but I don't see them or anybody else in this area beatin PV.

Sorry, my mistake I actually think they will finish higher than Appy and Coeburn. I cant edit it now for some reason. Anyway I actually think Wise will finish 6th.

As a PV fan I have to point out last years Haysi game. The OL was the entire reason PV lost that game, how could you not say the OL is the weakest part of the team? Other than the Seymour game the OL was the fault of every loss especially the Burton and Haysi game.

The line in general seemed to be a problem for PV. Our guys blew them off the line on both sides of the ball despite our line being the weakest it's been for a while (besides Josh Big Bear Yates of course). But if PV's line get's their heads on straight PV should run right over top of a lot of people.

If Burton could get past there fear of GC they would be in good shape.

1. Powell Valley- an experienced Viking team returns and they can only beat themselves they will dominate in the district having maybe 1 to 2 tough conference games. having beat Gate City 4 times in a row Helps too.. 9-1 (7-0)

2. JI Burton- In my opinion JImbo Adams have established himself as an elite coach in not only the LPD but in the state, the raiders had one of the better seasons in school History and they will have another one to complement it. they will get over the fear of gate city and pick up the W on senior night.. 9-1 (6-1)

3. Gate City- The Devils arent as dominate as when they first entered maybe a factor of 1 to 2 things 1. People have figured out how to play them better and 2 their talent level has went down... but still they are a good team and will win a majority of the games.. 7-3 (5-2)

4. Clintwood- The wave had its ups and downs last season with a victory over Powell Valley but a loss to Pound it left wave fans asking questions. but Clintwood had some talented Freshman and they will be playing for a Division 2 playoff spot... 6-4 (4-3)

5. Pound- The Wildcats had one of the better seasons in a while posting a 6-4 record with a victory over Clintwood to cap the season, last years Pound team missed the playoffs due to the "Rye Cove Rule" This years squad has some playmakers back but the question mark will be the offensive and defensive line, but they will win just enough to make a division 1 playoff appearance.. 6-4 (3-4)

6. JJ Kelly- The Indians have had their share of bad fortune but they will be looking to change that this year, they were much improved last season expect more progression but not enough for break into the top half, they won't win every game but they will be in them... 3-7 (2-5)

7. Appalachia- A tough year for the Bulldogs, they lost their beloved coach.. The Dogs have a new guy at the helm and he won't get the same response as Tom it will be tough for the Dogs to stay focused.. 4-6 (1-6)

8. Coeburn- The Blue Knights will have another struggling year for their last year in the LPD, I think things will pick up for them after they move out. Best thing for the Knights to do is play hard and don't give up you never know what will happen.. 3-7 (0-7

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5. Pound- The Wildcats had one of the better seasons in a while posting a 6-4 record with a victory over Clintwood to cap the season, last years Pound team missed the playoffs due to the "Rye Cove Rule" This years squad has some playmakers back but the question mark will be the offensive and defensive line, but they will win just enough to make a division 1 playoff appearance.. 6-4 (3-4)


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How did the RC Rule keep them from the playoffs? It actually gave them a chance because they would have been D2 had the RC Rule not been in place.

Exactly.

Stripes, what's the deal in the CD this year? RC still #1?

I don't know. They have the skill people to be, but only have 20 out. Something needs to be done to get the kids out. I don't know if it is an issue with the LL program or what, but numbers have been dwindling the last 3 years. They hope to have 24-25 out if they can talk a few into coming out late. They will be real young in the trenches, but I hear they have some pretty good young freshman at OG who will pull out and lay a lick. This year and next should be their leanest in a while, but I hear good things from their upcoming 7th grade classes and such.

I reckon TS has 33 out, and Cwood has 36. Not sure about SP, TW, or Ervinton. There are some good single athletes at a few of the schools. RC has Shupe and Franklin who could play for anyone. TS has Dockery back out at WR. The Kiser kid at Ervinton is a fine ball player, and Cwood's coach said they talked Drew Justice into playing. Him and Dockery would be tough matchups for about anyone at WR. If I was to pick I would go:

1. RC - Go with them till someone knocks them off.
2. TS - If they can get the ball to Dockery, he proved last year he can pick on about anyone in the CD.
3. CW - I thought they would do better last year after watching them scrimmage. They just have too much bball on the brain.
4. Ervinton - How Kiser goes, they go.
5. SP - Have a good coach in Palmer, I just don't know if they have much talent right now.
6. TW - They were young last year, and will be again this year. Plus, they just don't have the fundamentals, or X's and O's and thats a bad combination.

No reason why the Cove shouldn't be getting at least 30 or so each season.

btw...There will be no tie (at least, I think we tied) this year in the Pickem' contest, I will clearly destroy you. [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

In the words of Lee Corso, "Not so fast my friend!"

You dropped a game last year to finish behind fastang and myself. Speaking of that, I need to get on the ball and decide what games will be on schedule for the season.

Also, I agree about the 30 player deal. RC's enrollment is dropping a little, but not that significantly. We had 40 out my SR year and that was one of RC's largest teams in a long time. I think there may be some issues with the HC, but I don't know.

Gate City only has 43 or so out. A far cry from the 60+ from last year.

Hey Stripes, just so you know. I am fastang on the CD board.

Ah....I must have let you have that one there at the end Stripes. I couldn't have you being dominated by the LPD in everything. [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] I take no prisoners this year.

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Hey Stripes, just so you know. I am fastang on the CD board.

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I thought so, but wasn't sure.


And lung, give me your best shot. I am the only two-time, yes two-time Pigskin champ!! [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Is it just coincidence that you're the mod over there and can do some "funny stuff" when nobody's looking? I'm smell a rat. [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

It might have something to do with it. Whatcha gonna do about it?! [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

And if anyone doesn't know what were talking about come over the the CD Forum and join in with our Pigskin Picks for the season.

You have the upper hand for now, I'll get you though. [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

That's Ok... numbers mean nothing if you have talent to showcase.

I don't care if you have 11 players. As long as everyone works together and gets the job done, you've got yourself a worthy team.

I wouldn't take any 43 different than what we have. They're putting forth the effort and bustin their humps.

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I wouldn't take any 43 different than what we have. They're putting forth the effort and bustin their humps.

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How was the Blue and White game?

Some how Hurley got into the playoffs wit only like 3 or 4 wins, i should have reworded that, Rye Cove had nothing to do with it.. It was similar when RC made it in with 4 wins opposed to Clintwood's 8-2 record.. I just dont understand how that happened?

Hurley was 7-3 last year if I am not mistaken. They were the 3 seed, and out pointed Pound.

Wow, my bad I wasn't aware I must be thinking of a past Hurley team [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

RC was the team that kept Pound out of the playoffs and was the 4 seed. Their power points were pretty similar, but RC was a district champ. I think that with the CW win, they may have outpointed RC actually.

ok there we go I knew it was somthin couldn't quite put my finger on it.. Im in no way saying that RC didn't deserve to be in. im just saying that with RC being District Champs gave them the edge

That is the case. Definitely so. Pound and RC were pretty even IMO. Either way, it wouldn't have impacted the playoffs a whole lot I don't believe.

I agree with ya.. but making it in and playing that extra game is very important on building a program

I would agree.

Watched PVHS practice this weekend--wow!!! I went to see their offense, but watched their defense in awe. Simply amazing. To beat the Vikings, a team is going to need to pass short. Without quick passes, that defense should shut down most running games.

Sorry guys, I'm a card carrying member of the AFCA, and they dont permit us to answer such questions that ask to predict rankings, wins/losses. etc.