When analyzing the current Region I football rankings, there appear to be few changes in terms of structure following last Friday’s matchups around the state.
Several teams did, however, make big strides towards bettering their postseason hopes, none more so than Tabb, which outlasted rival Grafton in a triple-overtime thriller last Friday.
The two sides both entered last week’s showdown within spitting distance of sixth-place Jamestown for the final berth in Division 4. Despite the victory paired with a Jamestown loss, the Tigers (4-4, 4-3 Bay Rivers) remain a half point behind the Eagles (4-4, 4-3 Bay Rivers), although a win this Friday against Warhill, currently ranked fifth in Division 4, could be enough to lift Tabb into the top six.
While the loss for Jamestown didn’t cost the Eagles too much given Lafayette’s record, it was a rather significant victory for the Rams, who kept pace with York (6-1 BRD) and Smithfield (6-1 BRD) atop the Bay Rivers District standings.
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Lafayette 16
Jamestown 14
Tabb 34
Grafton 28 (3 OT)
Smithfield 42
Warhill 7
Poquoson 48
New Kent 20
York 39
Bruton 7
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York and Lafayette will square off this Thursday for a matchup that should decide a first-round bye in Division 3 – not to mention keep the winner in contention for a district title – along with unbeaten James Monroe (8-0, 5-0 Battlefield) of the Battlefield District.
In fact, several matchups in the district this week carry significant playoff implications.
Warhill and Grafton square off for a showdown of Division 4 playoff hopefuls, although last week’s loss to Tabb put the Clippers in a must-win situation for the rest of the season if they hope to have even an outside shot of returning to defend their Division 4 title, a feat that most considered as good a bet as any back in August.
In Division 3, Bruton’s game against Poquoson will likely decide the sixth and final playoff berth. Both the Panthers and Islanders are tied with 16.75 points, although Poquoson would get the nod having more quality victories.
In Division 3, Brunswick’s upset of Southside District favorite Park View last week bumped the Bulldogs from eighth to fifth in this week’s rankings. That means Bruton’s playoff hopes could be decided this week when they take on Poquoson, which currently holds the sixth and final berth. The Islanders and Panthers are tied with 16.75 points this season, although Poquoson would get the nod via the new points system.
Below are the current Region I ratings according to the VHSL’s website, followed by this week’s slate of games in the area.
Region I
Division 3
1. James Monroe (8-0, 5-0 Battlefield), 27.25
2. York (7-1, 6-1 Bay Rivers), 24.375
3. Lafayette (7-1, 6-1 Bay Rivers) 24.375
4. Park View (7-2, 2-1 Southside), 20.777
5. Brunswick (3-4, 2-0 Southside), 19.14
6. Poquoson (3-5, 2-5 Bay Rivers) 16.75
Others: Bruton (16.75), Greensville (16.50), Southampton (15.00), Culpeper County (12.75), Prince Edward (12.50), New Kent (12.37)
Division 4
1. Smithfield (7-1, 6-1 Bay Rivers), 25.875
2. Chancellor (6-2, 4-1 Battlefield), 24.125
3. King George (6-2, 3-2 Battlefield), 23.00
4. Courtland (4-4, 3-2 Battlefield), 20.875
5. Warhill (4-4, 3-4 Bay Rivers), 20.125
6. Jamestown (4-4, 4-3 Bay Rivers) 19.75
Others: Tabb (19.25), Eastern View (18.875), Grafton (17.50), Caroline (17.625), Spotsylvania (14.375)
This Week’s schedule in the Bay Rivers:
Thursday
York vs. Lafayette, Bailey Field, 7 p.m.
Friday
Tabb vs.Warhill, Bailey Field, 7 p.m.
Jamestown vs. Grafton, Wanner Stadium, 7 p.m.
Poquoson vs. Bruton, Poquoson Middle School, 7 p.m.
Smithfield vs. New Kent, Smithfield High, 7 p.m.
