The district is in the second year of a two-year cycle, so everyone's schedule should be the same as last year. Once again, with nine teams in the district, when the teams get into district play, that will involve four district games each week with the ninth team either having a bye or having a non-district game. Also just like last year, two of the expected top teams, Wilson and Alleghany, get their byes this first week and will not see action until the next week. So here is the slate for the first weekend of seven non-district season openers........
BROADWAY AT BUFFALO GAP: I have heard mixed reviews about the Bison, but mainly positive things about the Gobblers. I think I will go with the visitors in this one by 2-3 scores.
FORT DEFIANCE AT TURNER ASHBY: The Knights are picked in most circles to repeat as Valley District champs, whereas the jury is still out on the Fort. The home team should win this one comfortably.
RIVERHEADS AT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: The Gladiators have come out on the short end of both their scrimmages but those were against top-caliber opponents. Last year, the Big Red shut out SML in Greenville, so they should be favored again this time around. Might not be a shut out but should be a comfortable RHS win. As usual, expect the Gladiator fan base to travel well.
PARRY MCCLUER AT ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY: I am not sure how this backyard brawl compares to some of the others in this area but as close as they are to one another, a full house should be expected. Could be a close one, but look for PM to come out on top.
STAUNTON AT HARRISONBURG: This one features two teams who struggled last season and could use a confidence-building first win. Not sure why things are so tough up in the Burg since the enrollment is probably still high, but whatever the reason, Staunton should have enough horses to bring home a win.
CENTRAL AT STUARTS DRAFT: On paper, this looks like the best of the season-openers. Both were playoff teams last year and stand a good chance of being back again. The Cougars' season will depend on how they can adjust to Baylor Graber missing his senior year. They should still have plenty of other weapons, but until they hit their stride, I have to go with the Falcons in this one. However, it will be a shock if either team runs away with an easy win.
SPOTSWOOD AT WAYNESBORO: After some down years, things are looking up in the River City, so expect Waynesboro to be competitive this year. However, I don't think they are up to the Spotswood standard yet. Look for a fairly easy Blazer win in this one.
Risky business I know to go with wins by six out of seven visiting teams but that is my take on this first week.
BROADWAY AT BUFFALO GAP: I have heard mixed reviews about the Bison, but mainly positive things about the Gobblers. I think I will go with the visitors in this one by 2-3 scores.
FORT DEFIANCE AT TURNER ASHBY: The Knights are picked in most circles to repeat as Valley District champs, whereas the jury is still out on the Fort. The home team should win this one comfortably.
RIVERHEADS AT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: The Gladiators have come out on the short end of both their scrimmages but those were against top-caliber opponents. Last year, the Big Red shut out SML in Greenville, so they should be favored again this time around. Might not be a shut out but should be a comfortable RHS win. As usual, expect the Gladiator fan base to travel well.
PARRY MCCLUER AT ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY: I am not sure how this backyard brawl compares to some of the others in this area but as close as they are to one another, a full house should be expected. Could be a close one, but look for PM to come out on top.
STAUNTON AT HARRISONBURG: This one features two teams who struggled last season and could use a confidence-building first win. Not sure why things are so tough up in the Burg since the enrollment is probably still high, but whatever the reason, Staunton should have enough horses to bring home a win.
CENTRAL AT STUARTS DRAFT: On paper, this looks like the best of the season-openers. Both were playoff teams last year and stand a good chance of being back again. The Cougars' season will depend on how they can adjust to Baylor Graber missing his senior year. They should still have plenty of other weapons, but until they hit their stride, I have to go with the Falcons in this one. However, it will be a shock if either team runs away with an easy win.
SPOTSWOOD AT WAYNESBORO: After some down years, things are looking up in the River City, so expect Waynesboro to be competitive this year. However, I don't think they are up to the Spotswood standard yet. Look for a fairly easy Blazer win in this one.
Risky business I know to go with wins by six out of seven visiting teams but that is my take on this first week.
