Haysi @ Essex

[Sasquatch87_rivals711472]

Since the other game has a thread might as well have one for this game. What are your thoughts on the outcome? I don't know much about Essex but my prediction is 28-24 Haysi.

 

[UncleRonG]

I've laughed at the assertion the past two years that Essex would be beat in the semi's. This is the first year it is at least plausible. Don't know anything about Haysi, but I think Essex is going to be better defensively than Haysi may think. However, Essex is no where near as explosive on offense this year, so if Haysi is solid on D they can keep it close. If not, it'll be on to Salem for Essex.

 

[oltimer74]

This will be a really good game, two programs that don't know much about each other.The weather may play a role, if it is wet it will hurt the Haysi passing attack. I feel last year Haysi played Alta Vista better than Essex did. Most picked Galax over Haysi then Galax over Essex.
Haysi 28 Essex 27 another nail biter to keep the Haysi program going.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I don't know much about either team except that the Haysi Coach is a native from that area and is, and has been, know as an offensive genius for many years.

I hesitate to say this because someone may think that I'm saying the Essex kids aren't as tough, and I'm not saying that at all. But, that is a proud, unique part of our state. Made up of people that have persevered through a long history of some mighy tough times. Does this make them tougher? Maybe, maybe not. But one thing I can guarantee is there will be no quit in them. Best wishes for a great game to both teams and their fans.

This post was edited on 12/2 8:18 PM by DinwiddieProud

 

[TrojanFan0587]

With the rain forecasted on Saturday, this will probably be defense dominated, run heavy game. Essex will be fine if they're healthy but if not it could be a long game for the Trojans.

 

[kwhs95fan]

I think of the last three years in the state semis for Essex that this will be the toughest game. Haysi is very balanced with Sykes at qb and three very talented wrs plus a good rb and the horse Yates at FB. The one thing that I think could be the difference in the game is the speed of Essex. While not the dynamic passing game of the last couple years they still have playmakers all over the field and Rashaun Monroe is really starting to come into his own. Throw in Sterling Hammond, Malik Martin and if healthy Leo Gaskins and that's a whole lot of athleticism. And he's not getting the attention he did the last couple of years because Essex is more run oriented but don't forget Dominiek Davis is an all state qb who can beat you in a variety of ways. Also the Essex defense led by Hammond and Markius Lucas among others is very talented and fly to the ball. This Essex version might not be as high flying as the last couple years but I think this maybe their best team as far as the way the kids are. They're very focused, no attitudes and they play very well together. I'm looking forward to this game and to seeing Haysi too as I follow them and all the SWVA teams online through tricities.com. I think it'll be a good game but in the end Essex moves on 34-20

 

[FORT89]

If Essex has the basketball offense working this year, like last year. It might be a long day for them Haysi boys. Now that being said, IF Haysi can get up on Essex early, they will lay down and quit. So the formula for beating Essex is take the air out of the ball. No running game what so ever. Hey, Haysi don't be scared of the 7 footer playing tackle, you can run around him. Haysi will have a bigger crowd than KW. I mean Essex.
This post was edited on 12/2 9:40 PM by FORT89

 

[kwhs95fan]

Well obviously you haven't seen Essex this year since they run just as much if not more out of the double wing and have been very successful. One player with nearly a thousand yards and a couple more around 600 or so. Might not standout on paper but they're a whole lot more balanced this year. And no this Essex team won't lay down. They've been down in a couple games this year and came back and won. I think the calling card of this team unlike years past is their defense. And as for the big guy for Essex I see no sense in calling out someone like that. These are kids we're talking about and from what I've seen and heard he is a very smart and respectable young man and very popular amongst his peers. And there has been a lot of support this week not only in the Essex community but neighboring communities as well and we are all behind Essex and I look for a huge turnout on Saturday in support of the Trojans and I'm sure Haysi will have plenty of great fans as well. Come on down and enjoy a great game

 

[FORT89]

I made the trip last year and may never visit again. Not that I didn't enjoy it, just don't ever seeing us making it back.

 

[TrojanFan0587]

Essex is 11-2 with their opponents combined record being 94-60. Essexs two losses were to Goochland and James Monroe. Notable wins are King William, Colonial Beach and Washington and Lee. Essex averages 39 points per game while giving up 14 ppg. Haysi is 11-2 with their opponents combined record being 78-67. Hays is two losses were to Tug Valley and Honaker. Notable wins are Galaxy and Clintwood. Haysi averages 37 ppg while allowing 11 ppg. It looks like both teams run multiple sets on offense and have stout defenses. The weather will likely neutralize both teams passing game so whoever can run the ball best will likely win. I'd expect a turnover or big play on special teams to be a factor as well. I don't usually make predictions in these type games but...Essex 24-Haysi 17.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I was looking at the Google Earth view of Essex HS. Is the construction finished and those parking lots available to park in?

Will umbrellas and lawn chairs be permitted?

 

[VHSL-helper]

hold on there

game isn't at Essex - it's at King William

KWHS

 

[riversportsfan]

Best methodical passing team Essex has seen all year. I would say best passing team overall, but JM is probably better. Looks like a rematch brewing to me.

 

[ESSEX84]

With the talk of a possible rematch, I hope Essex does not over look Haysi. This Haysi team looks well balanced on both sides of the ball. Essex will need to bring their "A" game Saturday.

 

[riversportsfan]

Oh yeah! If Essex comes out flat then it will be the end of their season. But the thread was asking for predictions...I predict Essex comes out ready to play. Don't need much to fuel this fire, this game only means a trip to the State Championship!

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Thanks VHSL helper. I guess that was to meet seating requirements?

 

[Lord Gold]

People complained to VHSL about the facilities in Essex (seating, restrooms, ect.) so they forced the game to be held elsewhere.

It will be a tough game. People forget how well Essex played at W&L in the rain. This team will not lay down, they are hungry. If Leo Gaskins is healthy and Sterling Hammond plays at the top of his game then don't count Essex out. Haysi will be a tough test, but when Essex plays their game it takes a Hell of a lot to compete with them.

 

[MrJ82]

I think Essex is most likely the better team here but I think Haysi pulls the upset on the road. It's just a gut feeling I have. A combination of being under the radar all season and then the long road trip and it being Coach Colley's final year, I've got Haysi finding a way to win.

 

[WhoopyCushion]

Would like to wish our Rival Tigers good luck and safe travels over to King William this weekend. Show em what the WEST is all about boys!!!!!! BDD PRIDE!!!!! Essex is tough, but I think Haysi pulls out the win! Man if Honaker and Haysi could pull off wins and play for the VHSL 1A championship, could you imagine the gate for that game? ChaChing!!!!!! As for Essex, good luck fellas and it's a bummer but yall be safe travelling the short distance to KW. And for that matter all y'all going to games this weekend, thanks for all the discussions on the games and safe travels to you!!!!

This post was edited on 12/4 1:40 PM by WhoopyCushion

This post was edited on 12/4 1:44 PM by WhoopyCushion

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I question whether "people complaining to the VHSL" had anything to do with moving the game site. The primary requirement to host a state semi-final football game for 1a is seating for 2000. Other than that it is playability of the field that could be a factor, but that is a judgement call and almost never a factor. The minimum restroom requirement is only two bathroom stalls for each gender, and that is the standard for all six classes.

I am almost certain it was a decision made by the school administration. And probably with nothing but the best of intentions to provide the best venue possible for such an important event.

Certainly the Essex coach, and his players would probably prefer to be at their own field, and I know I would prefer that if it was me in that position. But, I know from past experience, there are a lot of factors that have to be considered and evaluated. I'm sure the decision to move the site was not done without carefull consideration.

Best of luck to both teams, and rain, rain, go away!

 

[NND Sports Fan]

WRONG

It's been publicized in these parts that Essex was sent a letter from the VHSL indicating the facility's seating did not meet the state standards despite Essex hosting semifinals four previous times via waivers. The way the story read is the portable bleachers brought in to the venue were not ADA compliant and there were complaints last year from the visiting side regarding crowd control.

 

[VHSL-helper]

there.. there... did you see that????

waivers.
WAIVERS.
I went back and looked at some old threads on the SW board and saw complaints about not having enough visitor bleachers in 12 (someone even said some were moved from the home side b4 kickoff), then bleachers from the 10 to the 10 last year also wasn't enough.
Maybe the VHSL got tired off all the egg on it's face the past couple of years ???

 

[blue bomber_rivals284592]

We keep hearing about the vhsl being concerned about travel expense, but just how far is it from Haysi to Essex? isn't that like seven hours or so.

 

[radcats]

Yep 7hrs. Should final four be at a neutral site as a rule? Its not fair to the high seed, but seven hour ride for a 2 seed?