TONIGHT
Region IV, Division 3
Richlands at Cave Spring
These two teams represent the new age of football in Southwest Virginia. Instead of power and speed, Cave Spring relies on a high-tech passing offense with precise routes and intelligent play-calling. Richlands has won five straight regional titles behind its spread formation and active linebacker corps. Cave Spring has the home field advantage, but Richlands has more playoff experience. There will be some offensive fireworks at Dwight Bogle Stadium. Cave Spring quarterback Josh Woodrum makes the difference against the junior-dominated Blue Tornado.
Prediction: Cave Spring 28, Richlands 21
SATURDAY
Gate City vs. Lebanon
Region D, Division 2
This has one of the most compelling rivalries in Southwest Virginia the past two years, and all signs point to another classic. Gate City will try to pound away with junior fullback Joseph Vaughn, while Lebanon will look to utilize athletic 6-foot-2 receiver Jerome Cobb. Vaughn rushed for 133 yards and two scores as Gate City stopped Lebanon, 13-7, on Sept. 18. Lebanon was hurt by two fumbles in that loss and had a potential game-winning drive falter at the GC two-yard line. Both teams feature gritty hitters and solid quarterbacks. Lebanon quarterback Andrew Jessee will manufacture the decisive play in another thriller between the Clinch Mountain District heavyweights.
Prediction: Lebanon 14, Gate City 7
J.I. Burton vs. Clintwood
Region D, Division 1
For the third straight season, J.I. Burton and Clintwood will meet with the regional title at stake. Even though J.I. Burton cruised to a 36-0 win over the Greenwave at home on Oct. 30, it’s doubtful a similar scenario will unfold on the artificial turf of Carl Smith Stadium. Clintwood has looked good in its last two games and the offense has been more versatile, led by running back Justin Reed (112 carries, 768 yards, seven touchdowns). Meanwhile, Burton features perhaps the area’s top playmaker in senior Martinez Miles. The Clintwood defense, led by Cameron Vanover, must contain Miles. That’s easier said than done and Miles will be the difference maker on Saturday afternoon.
Prediction: J.I. Burton 26, Clintwood 20
Bath County at Holston
Region C, Division 1
Bath County head coach Will Fields and his team will board a bus and make the four hour trip to Damascus for the third straight season. Bath County beat Holston in the first round of the 2007 regional playoffs, but Holston exacted some revenge with a 13-3 victory over the Chargers in last November’s regional title game. Holston has rolled to a 10-1 record behind a powerful line, a stingy defense and the solid play of quarterback John Pratt. The Cavaliers made history last year with the first regional title in program history and look for them to successfully defend that crown this year.
Prediction: Holston 21, Bath County 13
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