Now that most of the teams have their two non-district games out of the way, it is time for the Shenandoah District teams to start battling each other. In most of the weeks ahead, that will involve four district games each Friday night with the ninth team either playing out of conference or having the night off. Here is the slate for this first week of district action.........
GREENBRIER EAST AT ALLEGHANY: Although they are in different states, this is a backyard brawl because the two counties adjoin one another. Greenbrier is a West Virginia powerhouse more often than not, so who knows this might be as bitter a rivalry as the more notorious Graham/Bluefield war. Hard to predict this one, but why don't we give the Cougars some confidence and predict that they will pick up their first win of the season?
BUFFALO GAP AT WILSON: The Hornets are everybody's pick to win the title this year, whereas the Bison are picked to be middle of the pack. Wilson only has its one game played so far, a hard-fought win at Spotswood. The Bison were shut out by Broadway and then pounded Bath County Friday night. Although that 27-0 loss to Broadway doesn't look or sound good, let's not forget that Broadway is a mighty fine team. For that reason, I will not be surprised if the Bison give Wilson a tough game. I still think the Hornets will win this home opener, but I doubt very seriously if the Bison will go quietly.
WAYNESBORO AT FORT DEFIANCE: All indications are that the Little Giants are going to struggle again. The Indians on the other hand are 1-1 in their second year under Coach Yew. The Fort should win this one easily but I am still not sold on them as possible contenders.
STUARTS DRAFT AT RIVERHEADS: To say that this game is a pivotal one for both teams would be an understatement. Riverheads is certainly getting the job done on offense and has its usual stable of running backs, some of which can break away at any time. However, their defense has given up far too many big plays and we can only hope the coaches have made some needed adjustments. The Cougars were impressive in their opening win over Central but had their own defensive problems up at Luray. I will have faith that the Big Red can get the job done and go 3-0, but this one could be a toss-up.
STAUNTON AT ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY: The Storm is off to an encouraging 2-0 start whereas it looks like the Wildcats are in for another tough campaign. Having the home field advantage at their very nice facility will help this week, but Staunton will likely roll in this one. Maybe not as big as they did over Harrisonburg, but expect a "storm" to be brewing down in Lexington Friday night.
GREENBRIER EAST AT ALLEGHANY: Although they are in different states, this is a backyard brawl because the two counties adjoin one another. Greenbrier is a West Virginia powerhouse more often than not, so who knows this might be as bitter a rivalry as the more notorious Graham/Bluefield war. Hard to predict this one, but why don't we give the Cougars some confidence and predict that they will pick up their first win of the season?
BUFFALO GAP AT WILSON: The Hornets are everybody's pick to win the title this year, whereas the Bison are picked to be middle of the pack. Wilson only has its one game played so far, a hard-fought win at Spotswood. The Bison were shut out by Broadway and then pounded Bath County Friday night. Although that 27-0 loss to Broadway doesn't look or sound good, let's not forget that Broadway is a mighty fine team. For that reason, I will not be surprised if the Bison give Wilson a tough game. I still think the Hornets will win this home opener, but I doubt very seriously if the Bison will go quietly.
WAYNESBORO AT FORT DEFIANCE: All indications are that the Little Giants are going to struggle again. The Indians on the other hand are 1-1 in their second year under Coach Yew. The Fort should win this one easily but I am still not sold on them as possible contenders.
STUARTS DRAFT AT RIVERHEADS: To say that this game is a pivotal one for both teams would be an understatement. Riverheads is certainly getting the job done on offense and has its usual stable of running backs, some of which can break away at any time. However, their defense has given up far too many big plays and we can only hope the coaches have made some needed adjustments. The Cougars were impressive in their opening win over Central but had their own defensive problems up at Luray. I will have faith that the Big Red can get the job done and go 3-0, but this one could be a toss-up.
STAUNTON AT ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY: The Storm is off to an encouraging 2-0 start whereas it looks like the Wildcats are in for another tough campaign. Having the home field advantage at their very nice facility will help this week, but Staunton will likely roll in this one. Maybe not as big as they did over Harrisonburg, but expect a "storm" to be brewing down in Lexington Friday night.
