PREP FOOTBALL: BHC’s Prep Picks

NORTHEAST TENNESSEE

Big Eight Conference
Tennessee High at Sullivan South
The showdown in Death Valley will be contested tonight as THS makes the trip to the hostile confines of the Colonial Heights school. South posted a 21-0 win over Tennessee High earlier this season in the Big Eight Jamboree, but the Vikings have improved immensely since then. It’s doubtful South will be able to stop the most prolific offense in Northeast Tennessee, but the THS defense must step up against South’s vaunted rushing attack. A win would secure Tennessee High’s first unbeaten regular season since 2001.
Prediction: Tennessee High 33, Sullivan South 28

Black Diamond District
Hurley at Honaker
Hurley was humbled last week, suffering a 31-0 loss to Haysi and seeing its Black Diamond District title chances take a major hit. It will not get any easier for the Rebels this week as they face another battle-tested team in Honaker. Look for Honaker to come ahead and set up a showdown with Haysi next week for the BDD crown.
Prediction: Honaker 28, Hurley 20

Twin Valley at Haysi
A tough early-season schedule has paid dividends for Haysi, which rolled past Hurley last week behind a strong defense and the passing of quarterback Chris Fleming. Winless Twin Valley will be overwhelmed tonight.
Prediction: Haysi 52, Twin Valley 12

Clinch Mountain District
Lee at Gate City
Gate City can clinch the CMD title for the second straight year with a win. The Blue Devils have averaged 34 points in their previous three district games. While prep teams across the nation have turned to passing offenses, GC has passed for just 148 yards this season while rushing for 2,463. Lee has struggled to find balance on offense and allows an average of 37 ppg.  The Generals still have two games remaining.
Prediction: Gate City 42, Lee 6

Cumberland District
Rye Cove at St. Paul
Rye Cove finally got on the board last week against Ervinton, getting three touchdowns from running back Stephen Vikara to end a season-opening seven-game losing skid. St. Paul appears poised to earn a playoff berth and the Deacons posted an impressive 29-point victory over Coeburn last week. Look for St. Paul quarterback Tyler Phillips to exploit the Eagles’ questionable defensive secondary.
Prediction: St. Paul 34, Rye Cove 18

Twin Springs at Thomas Walker
Don’t look now, but Twin Springs has played its way back into contention for the Cumberland District title. The Titans trail TW and St. Paul by one game in the standings and can make a major impact tonight. This might be the upset special in Southwest Virginia and Twin Springs hasn’t forgotten the gut-wrenching loss they suffered to the Pioneers last fall that kept them out of the playoffs.
Prediction: Twin Springs 16, Thomas Walker 12

Hogoheegee District
Holston at Chilhowie
This game might not be for the district title, but the impact it could have on both teams’ playoff chances makes it a marquee game. The winner will get a ton of playoff points and be sitting pretty on the VHSL’s rating scale. Holston suffered its first loss last week to George Wythe, getting outplayed in the second half in falling. Chilhowie has also lost to George Wythe, but the Warriors offense has proved to be balanced the past few weeks. Look for this one to provide plenty of excitement.
Prediction: Chilhowie 22, Holston 20

Patrick Henry at Northwood
These teams are very similar. Both posted season-opening wins, but have since been mired in a losing streak that has reached seven games. Both squads have also been hit hard by the injury bug. But only one of them can claim the victory tonight. Look for the PH duo of Josh Compton and Aaron Fullen to up big offensive numbers against Northwood’s struggling defense.
Prediction: Patrick Henry 27, Northwood 18

Rural Retreat at George Wythe
The task is simple for George Wythe. The Maroons must win their last two games to take home the Hogoheegee District title for the third straight year. Behind an assortment of stars, George Wythe claimed an important win over previously unbeaten Holston last week. GW running backs Brandon Atwell, Mitch Castanon and Aaron Wheeler should churn out the yards tonight against their Wythe County rivals.
Prediction: George Wythe 41, Rural Retreat 18

Lonesome Pine District
J.J. Kelly at Appalachia
J.J. Kelly has suffered two straight emotional defeats, but the Indians can’t dwell on their previous bad luck as they make the trip to Riggs Stadium tonight. Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives and must win. Look for Kelly to get back on track and for speedster Brandon Osborne to have a breakout performance.
Prediction: J.J. Kelly 27, Appalachia 19

Clintwood at J.I. Burton
The latest chapter in this long-running rivalry takes place tonight in Norton. These teams have put on several classics in both the regular season and postseason the last three years and tonight figures to be no difference. Will Clintwood be able to stop explosive J.I. Burton playmaker Martinez Miles? Will Burton’s defense turn back Clintwood’s power running game? Those questions will be answered tonight in the first of possibly two matchups between the teams this fall.
Prediction: Clintwood 20, J.I. Burton 18

Powell Valley at Pound
Powell Valley has not posted consecutive wins this season, a testament to the Vikings’ lack of consistency and tough schedule. Pound has struggled as well and will not have enough to contain powerful Powell Valley, which is still in the hunt for a possible playoff berth.
Prediction: Powell Valley 26, Pound 14

Southwest District
Graham at Abingdon
Abingdon was forced to use its third string quarterback last week due to injuries, but the Falcons stayed close to potent Virginia High. Clark Case, a 6-foot-5 senior lineman, leads the AHS defense while Corey Spencer is a playmaker on offense. The Falcons, who have also been slowed by illness, average 19 points per game. Graham relies on the powerful trio of David Marrs, Tanner Howell and Zack Mickel.
Prediction: Graham 24, Abingdon 14

Tazewell at Grundy
Tazewell has been a hard team to read. One week after allowing 376 yards rushing in a 46-20 loss to Graham, the Bulldogs limited Marion to one first down in the first half en route to a 17-7 victory. Tazewell averages 22 points, but allows 26 ppg. Running back Tyler Berglowe and quarterback Jon Kelly are having big seasons for Grundy. The Golden Wave has allowed an average of 34 points en route to four straight SWD losses.
Prediction: Tazewell 31, Grundy 7

Richlands at Carroll County
This is the game of the year in the SWD. Both teams have 4-0 district records and high-scoring offenses.  Richlands relies on big plays. The Cavaliers can grind out long drives behind the combination of Dillon Caviness and Zack Surratt. The difference maker will be Richlands quarterback Cody Johnson, who has accounted for 1,377 yards and 21 scores through the air and ground. Richlands closes out SWD play next week with a home game against Grundy, while Carroll County travels to Graham.
Prediction: Richlands 32, Carroll County 14

Non-District
Castlewood at John Battle
Injuries and inconsistency have been doomed John Battle to a losing record for the 11th straight year. The Trojans have allowed an average of 47 points en route to three losses against Clinch Mountain District foes, but emotions will be high for this homecoming contest. Castlewood features Elliott Wohlgamuth, who accounted for 164 yards and two touchdowns in a 22-14 loss to Cumberland District rival Twin Springs last week. Castlewood is coached by former Grundy and Emory & Henry football standout running back David Scammell.
Prediction: Castlewood 14, John Battle 13

Marion at Lebanon
After opening the season with five straight wins, Marion has dropped three straight games against SWD teams. The Scarlet Hurricane was held to 146 total yards against Tazewell last week. Lebanon has one of the most diverse offenses in Southwest Virginia. For example, the Pioneers rushed for 267 yards and passed for 164 last week against Lee. Marion will be challenged to matchup with Pioneer senior Jerome Cobb, a 6-2 athlete with speed and jumping ability.
Prediction: Lebanon 35, Marion 10