September 28, 2012

Marsel T. Mason
VirginiaPreps.com Senior Writer

	Travis Brown of Franklin get ready for West Point

The Trojans have the talent to get very far this season.  Quarterback Domenik Broaddus is doing an excellent job running the squad's spread attack.  The 4-7 record of last season is going to be quickly forgotten as the team has their sights on a championship.  Sterling Hammond is an explosive receiver who like his qb is only a sophomore.  Coach John Fulks has something special brewing in Tappahannock so keep your eye on Essex.

Another Division 2 surprise has been John Battle out of Southwest Virginia. The Trojans out of the Clinch Mountain district have so far been smash mouth gold putting up a 5-0 record with only one team with a winning record remaining on their schedule, Honaker.  Cody Rogers has been consistent running the ball and the defense has been solid.  Both John Battle and Essex currently seat at the #2 positions in their prospective sections.  

The G-Men of Graham have the top spot in the Western Section of Division 2 while Buckingham sits a top the Eastern.  Graham has 3 tough games remaining on their schedule to overcome if they want to hold on to their position heading into the playoffs.  Buckingham County will get their first major test in two weeks with they face an improved Central Lunenburg who will be battling for a share of the James River District title.  

Other teams to watch that should be tough come the post season include Fort Chiswell, traditional power Riverheads, and Union out west.  While in the east get ready for Strasburg, East Rockingham, and Washington & Lee are projected to be post season nightmares for many to match up against. 

Central Lunenburg's speed on defense could be a factor come playoff time.

In Division 1 there has been much of a surprise as Clintwood is exactly what we thought they would be.  Strong, big, and physical pounding their way with the toughest backs in Group A Gavan Meade and Robbie Mullins.  The Greenwave get ready for a scrappy Union squad who will try to stand up to the punishing attack of the defending champs.  Clintwood doesn't have the top spot as that belongs to the Tigers.

Honaker controls their destiny and if they can take out Richlands tonight then the top spot and homefield advantage could be a lock.  Quarterback Ty Hall will need to be able to deliver when the Tigers need to go up top as they look to prove to be legitimate challengers to Clintwood's reign.  

Out east Franklin gets ready to face undefeated West Point as they control their own destiny behind the running of backs Travis Brown, Marcus Stephens, and Latrell Lane.  The Broncos rely on speed and a hard hitting defense which had little challenging moments until this past Friday versus Rappahannock.  Coach Darren Parker has won a title the last 2  presidential election years and hope the ballot goes his way again.

The greatest threat to the Broncos attempt to get to Salem is their rival Sussex Central. The Tigers have the size and speed to match up with any other team in Division 1.  The Tigers have their most balanced attack since their 2003 squad which was the last time they won a state championship. Running back Darian Curley has been sensational along with speedy receivers John Jones and Trayvond Wooden.

Central Lunenburg had a set back at home when they out played Goochland but couldn't get the points to show for it.  The Chargers will get one more shot when they host the Knights of Buckingham to get back into the home field race.  Quarterback Graham Smith has all the talent to make Lunenburg a team to watch in the post season.

Altavista is also looking great this season lead by dual threat jewel Juan Thornhill the Colonels are favored to be the team to beat as this point.  They finally defeated Gretna for the first time since 2000 and appear ready to go deep into the post season unless something happens to change that. 

Anything can change over the next 5 weeks but circle 10/26-27 which features the most playoff effecting contests to see including:  Essex at Washington & Lee 10/27, Buckingham County at Goochland, Dan River at Altavista, and Sussex Central at Franklin just to name a few.  Stay up with VirginiaPreps.com as the playoff picture gets into view!