PREP FOOTBALL: BHC's Prep Picks

Northeast Tennessee
TSSAA Class 5A Playoffs
Seymour at Tennessee High
After earning the top spot in the Associated Press Class 5A state poll and rolling through the regular season with a 10-0 record, the real test begins tonight for Tennessee High. The Vikings got a favorable draw for their first round game and many are already penciling in THS to reach the state quarterfinals. They first must get past a scrappy Seymour team that is 4-6, but has lost several close games. The Stone Castle will be rocking as THS advances tonight.
Prediction: Tennessee High 30, Seymour 13

Southwest Virginia
Black Diamond District
Honaker at Haysi
Plenty of drama surrounds this one. The Black Diamond District title and a playoff berth are on the line and the outcome will also affect several other area teams in their bid to join the postseason party. Haysi has improved significantly since an 0-4 start, while Honaker has been toughened up by a tough schedule. This game will likely come down to the wire.
Prediction: Haysi 22, Honaker 20

Hurley at Twin Valley
Hurley head coach Greg Tester deserves a tip of the hat for helping the Rebels improve tremendously from a year ago. Hurley still has an outside shot at the playoffs and will have no problem tonight.
Prediction: Hurley 39, Twin Valley 12

Clinch Mountain District
Lebanon at John Battle
John Battle celebrated homecoming in style last week with a 42-35 win over Castlewood. The Trojans collected 428 total yards as powerful junior Jeremiah Denton continued his sterling season. Lebanon lost three fumbles and was held to 36 yards rushing last week in a 14-7 loss to Marion. The Pioneers were slowed by illness against Marion, but quarterback Andrew Jessee and company will leave Bristol with good vibes.
Prediction: Lebanon 35, John Battle 10

Virginia High at Lee
Lee has passed for a total of 328 yards on just 19 completions. Tyler Graham is the leader for the Generals, collecting 1,008 yards in total offense. The Lee defense allows 39 points per game, and that spells trouble against the prolific Virginia High offense. The Bearcats face a must-win situation. To qualify for the playoffs, VHS needs help from several teams. VHS averages 32 points per game.
Prediction: Virginia High 38, Lee 14

Cumberland District
Castlewood at Coeburn
Last year, these teams combined for 78 points and 695 rushing yards in the season finale, which was capped with a Castlewood win. Don’t expect similar offensive fireworks tonight, as both teams have struggled at times to put points on the board. Castlewood did score 35 points in a loss to John Battle last week and the Blue Devils have improved since August.
Prediction: Castlewood 20, Coeburn 14

Rye Cove at Twin Springs
This Scott County rivalry game used to always have Cumberland District title implications attached, but that’s not the case this year as both teams have struggled. Rye Cove gets bragging rights tonight.
Prediction: Rye Cove 31, Twin Springs 29

St. Paul at Thomas Walker
The Cumberland District title is up for grabs as St. Paul makes the long trip to Ewing. Thomas Walker quarterback Ryan Scott has been impressive and the Pioneers’ offense has been hard for Cumberland District foes to stop. St. Paul has both a strong rushing and passing attack, but the Deacons will be the underdogs tonight.
Prediction: Thomas Walker 26, St. Paul 23

Hogoheegee District
Rural Retreat at Chilhowie
Chilhowie suffered a tough 23-14 loss to Holston last week, falling behind early and never recovering. The Warriors did get another strong performance from running back Aaron Conley, who has emerged as a viable threat as a runner and receiver. Conley will have another strong outing tonight and the Warriors will enter the Region C playoffs with some momentum.
Prediction: Chilhowie 26, Rural Retreat 8

Northwood at George Wythe
George Wythe can clinch its third straight Hogoheegee District title with a win tonight at Pendleton Field. The Maroons have been impressive and have continually improved since the season began back in August. Look for Brandon Atwell, Drew Lester and the rest of the GW crew to have a nice finish to the regular season.
Prediction: George Wythe 48, Northwood 6

Holston at Patrick Henry
The annual Shrine Bowl pits these two Washington County rivals against once another and Holston is poised to close out an impressive regular season. The three-headed rushing attack of John Pratt, Cody Blevins and Jeffrey Bramlett will run wild again.
Prediction: Holston 33, Patrick Henry 12

Lonesome Pine District
Appalachia at Powell Valley
This rivalry is so intense that the New York Times wrote a feature earlier this fall on the series between the schools and how looming consolidation would affect the schools. While it is an intense feud and dramatic games have been played, Appalachia hasn’t beaten Powell Valley since 1996. The Vikings’ win streak will continue tonight at Bullitt Park.
Prediction: Powell Valley 24, Appalachia 13

Pound at Clintwood
Clintwood must respond from its worst beating in some time after the Greenwave were outplayed in a 36-0 loss to J.I. Burton last week. Pound has improved mightily under head coach Chris Crabtree, but Clintwood will come into this contest on a mission.
Prediction: Clintwood 38, Pound 16

J.J. Kelly at J.I. Burton
J.I. Burton posted the most impressive victory in Southwest Virginia last week, dominating in all phases of the game in a 36-0 beatdown of Clintwood. Kelly was impressive as well, putting up 62 points in a blowout of Appalachia. Burton’s Martinez Miles is the best player Kelly has faced all season and he will have another superb performance.
Prediction: J.I. Burton 27, J.J. Kelly 14

Southwest District
Abingdon at Marion
Abingdon has been forced to retool its offense since the injury of proven quarterback Jacob Hess at midseason. The Falcons have rushed for at least 158 yards the past three games, but could not capitalize on a 10-point fourth quarter lead against Graham last week. Defense has been the story for Marion. The Scarlet Hurricane is allowing just 14.6 points per game, including a 14-7 upset victory at Lebanon last week. Shaun Brown, Micky Holamn and Princeton Graham are defensive leaders for Marion.
Prediction: Marion 21, Abingdon 10

Carroll County at Graham
Graham, which has qualified for the playoffs every year since 1997, has been one of Southwest Virginia’s most improved teams over the second half of the season. The G-Men compiled 407 total yards en route to a 25-22 win last week at Abingdon. Graham quarterback David Marrs doubles as one of the top punters in the area. Carroll County must recover from last week’s 21-13 loss to Richlands in a battle for the SWD title. The Cavaliers actually led that game 13-7 at halftime. The Cavaliers have accumulated 460 yards rushing the past two weeks
Prediction: Carroll County 28, Graham 13

Grundy at Richlands
Grundy used an aggressive defense and another solid effort from quarterback Jon Kelly to end its 23-game SWD losing streak last week against Tazewell. The Golden Wave recorded 10 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Richlands has won nine straight games since opening the season with a 10-7 loss to Gate City. The Blue Tornado will celebrate their sixth SWD title tonight. Look for the party to begin early at Ernie Hicks Stadium.
Prediction: Richlands 42, Grundy 0

Non-District
Montcalm (W.Va.) at Ervinton
Ervinton head coach Ethan Owens has gotten a gusty effort from his outmanned and undersized team this fall. Look for the Rebels to finish with a respectable 4-6 record.
Prediction: Ervinton 28, Montcalm 20