FOOTBALL: BHC's Prep Picks

BHC Prep Picks for September 18

Big Eight Conference
Science Hill at Tennessee High
The much lauded Viking offense has not disappointed early in the season. In terms of total yards, THS is out performing the opposition 1,244 to 702. However, it is not the much hyped passing game that is doing the most damage. The Vikings, behind senior running back Keenan Shepard, are out rushing their opponents 810 to 247. Look for much of the same against the Hilltoppers who ran for only 81 yards last week against Morristown West, while allowing 238.
Prediction: THS 31, SH 28

Sullivan South at Sullivan Central
The Cougars are stilling looking for their first win of the young season, and things don’t look to improve any tonight. Central was dominated by Dobyns-Bennett in week two, 41-7. The Indians are considered top of the Big Eight, but the Rebels aren’t far behind. South will have to wait at least one more week for their first win.
Prediction: South 48, Central 14

Clinch Mountain District
Gate City at Lebanon
This has been the marquee game in the CMD since the district was created two years ago. The teams actually split a pair of games in 2007, with Gate City taking a 31-22 first round playoff victory en route to a berth in the state finals. Lebanon lost to GC in the regular season last year, then defeated the Blue Devils 19-13 in the regional finals. Once again, this matchup will likely decide the CMD title. With the passing of senior quarterback Andrew Jessee, Lebanon has more balance on offense. That will make the difference.
Prediction: Lebanon 16, Gate City 14

Cumberland District
Thomas Walker at Ervinton
Thomas Walker is poised repeat as Cumberland District champions and the Pioneers should take another step toward reaching that goal tonight in Nora. TW running back Steven Escobar should feast on overmatched Ervinton’s weak defense.
Prediction: Thomas Walker 43, Ervinton 8

Southwest District
Abingdon at Richlands
Richlands displayed a mix of grit and quickness en route to a 19-14 win at Powell Valley last week. It was a breakthrough performance for 5-10 senior Cody Johnson, who collected 196 total yards on offense and added two sacks on defense. Linebackers Zack Frazier and Cody Thomas are players to watch on the Richlands defense. Five-foot-seven junior Zac Crosswhite leads Abingdon with 238 yards rushing. Abingdon has staged some close games with Richlands in recent years, and the AHS passing game could keep things interesting again.
Prediction: Richlands 32, Abingdon 14

Tazewell at Carroll County
Tazewell’s Lathel Mountain has emerged as one of the most exciting players in Southwest Virginia. The speedy 5-foot-7, 135-pound senior excels on kick returns, returning two punts for scores in last week’s impressive win over Lebanon. Carroll County averages 18 points per game, while Zach Surratt and 180-pound junior linebacker Aaron Willard leads the team in tackles. The Cavaliers lost 23-7 to Christiansburg last week.
Prediction: Tazewell 28, Carroll County 13

Three Rivers Conference
Johnson County at Sullivan East
After winning their opener, the Patriots have dropped their last three games. Although first-year quarterback Chase Depew has looked sharp, injuries in the running game have slowed East’s rushing attack (15 total rushing yards last week against Gatlinburg Pittman), which was supposed to be the backbone of the team. The Patriots’ defense, which has given up 39, 42, and 33 points in the team’s losses, isn’t strong enough to stop East’s slide.
Prediction: Johnson County 28, East 21

Non-District
John Battle at Honaker
Both teams are 1-2, but Honaker broke a two-game losing streak with a convincing 34-13 victory over Coeburn last week. The running back combo of Jared Honaker and Blake Gent combined for 233 rushing yards in the win and the Tigers’ offense overwhelmed the Blue Knights. Battle played well for in the first half last week against Holston, before falling apart in a 33-6 loss. The Trojans must play a complete four quarters if they hope to win at Honaker.
Prediction: Honaker 24, John Battle 15

Graham at Virginia High
Graham has been outscored 103-19 in two challenging non-district games against Bluefield and Cave Spring. While Graham lacks its usual team speed, sophomore Aderrius Jackson offered a spark against Cave Spring with 41 yards rushing. Virginia High allowed 470 total yards last week against Bristol rival Tennessee High, but senior running back Damon Dock has rushed for 313 yards and scored five touchdowns. There will be a fireworks presentation after the game.
Prediction: Virginia High 21, Graham 20

Chilhowie at Fort Chiswell
Chilhowie has played well the past two weeks and quarterback Cody McMahan has been solid, passing for five touchdowns and throwing just one interception in the first three games. However, this will be the Warriors’ toughest test to date. Fort Chiswell has outscored its first three opponents, 118-7, en route to a 3-0 start. This will be a tough test for the Chilhowie defense, which has been led by Jacob Shuler.
Prediction: Fort Chiswell 33, Chilhowie 14

Rural Retreat at Marion
The big news in Rural Retreat centers around Tyler Caudill. The freshman rushed for 226 yards on 19 carries last week as the Indians defeated Grayson County. Rural Retreat accounted for 354 rushing yards as a team, but the Marion defense provides a stiffer test. Behind hitters such as Micky Holman, Eric Bane and Jacob Wolford, the Scarlet Hurricane allows just 6.5 points and under 50 yards rushing per game.
Prediction: Marion 24, Rural Retreat 7

Haysi at Grundy
Grundy has averaged 40 points per game en route to three straight non-district wins. Tyler Berglowe, a 140-pound sophomore, has rushed for 457 yards and scored six touchdowns for creative Golden Wave coach Greg Rowe. Haysi (0-2) features proven senior quarterback Chris Fleming, who threw for two scores last week against Giles. Haysi compiled 287 total yards in a 32-18 victory over Grundy last season.
Prediction: Haysi 28, Grundy 21

Twin Springs at Northwood
Expect a high-scoring affair in this battle of struggling defensive units. Twin Springs has allowed 16, 35 and 32 points in its three losses, while Northwood (1-2) has given up 38, 56 and 39 points in three games. Versatile Twin Springs senior Kris Jordan and Northwood running back Ty Frye should put up some big numbers tonight, but whatever team steps up and makes some stops on defense will prove victorious.
Prediction: Twin Springs 44, Northwood 33

Bland at Holston
Holston features one of the area’s top all-around players in senior linebacker/wide receiver Jordan Blevins. Blevins had another strong showing last Friday, picking off a pass and making a key catch on a scoring drive in the second half of a 33-6 victory over John Battle. Holston quarterback John Pratt, who was injured last week and missed the second half against the Trojans, is expected to return tonight, so it should be business as usual for the Cavaliers against rebuilding Bland.
Prediction: Holston 31, Bland 6

George Wythe at Floyd County
Look for a big crowd tonight between these two old rivals. Floyd County posted a 40-39 regular-season win over GW last year and then survived for a 15-14 playoff victory over the Maroons. Those were just the latest great games between the traditional Region C powers. George Wythe gave H.S. Ingo his first victory as the Maroons’ head coach last week and will look to carry that momentum into the hostile confines of Floyd County.
Prediction: Floyd County 16, George Wythe 15

East Ridge (Ky.) at Hurley
This one has mismatch written all over it. Hurley is off to an unbeaten start and has earned rave reviews for its hard-hitting defense. The Rebels roll to 4-0 tonight.
Prediction: Hurley 26, East Ridge 6

Rye Cove at Appalachia
After finishing last season a woeful 1-9, the Bulldogs are off to a hot start. They drummed Castlewood and held with a highly regarded John I. Burton squad. Rye Cove, on the other hand, is going nowhere fast. The Eagles have dropped their first two games by a combined total of 66 points. This week they become another speed bump on the Bulldogs’ trip back to respectability.
Prediction: Appalachia 41, Rye Cove 13

Coeburn at J.J. Kelly
The Indians’ defense has been nothing short of dominating this season, surrendering a total of 14 points in three ball games. Much overlooked, however, has been the productive Kelly rushing attack, that was supposed to struggle after losing their two top runners from 2008. Just last Friday, Lucas Kern piled up 143 yards. The week before it was Ronnie Matney earning 97 yards, while the Indians amassed 389 rushing yards. Last Friday, Coeburn gave up almost 300 rushing yards to a mediocre Honaker team. It’s going to be a long night for the Blue Knights.
Prediction: Kelly 52, Coeburn 14

Powell Valley at Harlan Co. (Ky.)
Most of the time, when the boys from Southwest Virginia venture into Kentucky we’d pencil them in for an easy victory. This trip is another story. The Black Bears have two runners with close to 300 yards rushing. Against Lee County, Harlan gained 417 yards on the ground in a 44-21 whipping. Although Powell Valley is a disappointing 1-2, Phil Robbins’ team hasn’t shied away from tough competition. The Vikings may not have as much offensive talent as the Bears, but they’ve got a defense Kentuckians rarely see.
Prediction: Powell Valley 21, Harlan Co. 14

Pound at Jenkins (Ky)
The Wildcats are a surprising 2-1 to start the season, and they have one Aaron Balthis to thank. The do-it-all junior is totaling 111.7 rushing yards per game in Pound’s first three games. Look for him to improve that number tonight against a Green Dragons team that’s allowing more than 34 points per contest.
Prediction: Pound 20, Jenkins 13