With the shakeup of realignment, I'm just going to give a brief preview for this year, as some of the teams are unfamiliar. I am listing them in the order I predict the team will finish.
1. Mitchell
The Mountaineers lose most of their offensive backfield, but return their star quarterback, the entire lines, and a gnarly core of linebackers, including 1st team All-State linebacker Carter Hoyle. As in years past, the conference will likely come down to Mitchell and Mountain Heritage, so for the sake of being a homer, I'm picking the Mountaineers.
2. Mountain Heritage
The Cougars return 15 seniors from a state championship appearance this year, including their QB, RB, a good core of linebackers, and linemen, along with their typical "Try and stop me" attitude. After Mitchell ended their win streak last year, in dominating fashion, look for the Cougars to be out for blood. Stay tuned...
3. Draughn
The Wildcats are coming off a respectable 5-2 season, and have an excellent rising RB in Nigel Dula. I'll be honest, I don't know much about Draughn, but I think their transition into the WHC will be acceptable in their maiden season. I dont think a top 2 spot is in the cards, but I dont see anyone else beating them this year.
4. Owen
I'm not sure what the Warhorses will bring to the table this year. I know they lost their starting QB, who seemed to be the sparkplug for last year's squad. They have been steadily improving under Coach Padgett, but have struggled with physical teams, and getting defensive stops. Owen could challenge Draughn for 3rd, but I don't foresee them knocking off either of the Toe River teams.
5. Avery
The Vikings have shown life again, under Mac Bryan, now in his 4th season as head coach up in Newland. Avery loses almost all their high powered offense from last year, but return most of their line, who with an extra year and time in the weight room, should have improved greatly from last season. While this could be Avery's breakout year to return to former glory, I don't really think so. They should give Draughn and Owen a good fight, but still coming up short to their High-Altitude brethren.
6. Madison
Oh Madison. Not much to say here. The Patriots have shot blanks for back to back seasons, and won just one game 3 years ago. Head Coach James Extine is now in his 2nd year, so hopefully he can get the program headed in the right direction. I do, however, have the Pats winning at least one game this year.
7. Rosman
The other new addition to the WHC, Rosman brings with them a slim roster full of sophomores, and a first year head coach. Coming off a winless season, and a 1 win season prior, the Tigers aren't offering a lot out of the gate. The battle for the basement should be a good game though, as Madison and Rosman have had some pretty god matchups in recent years.
1. Mitchell
The Mountaineers lose most of their offensive backfield, but return their star quarterback, the entire lines, and a gnarly core of linebackers, including 1st team All-State linebacker Carter Hoyle. As in years past, the conference will likely come down to Mitchell and Mountain Heritage, so for the sake of being a homer, I'm picking the Mountaineers.
2. Mountain Heritage
The Cougars return 15 seniors from a state championship appearance this year, including their QB, RB, a good core of linebackers, and linemen, along with their typical "Try and stop me" attitude. After Mitchell ended their win streak last year, in dominating fashion, look for the Cougars to be out for blood. Stay tuned...
3. Draughn
The Wildcats are coming off a respectable 5-2 season, and have an excellent rising RB in Nigel Dula. I'll be honest, I don't know much about Draughn, but I think their transition into the WHC will be acceptable in their maiden season. I dont think a top 2 spot is in the cards, but I dont see anyone else beating them this year.
4. Owen
I'm not sure what the Warhorses will bring to the table this year. I know they lost their starting QB, who seemed to be the sparkplug for last year's squad. They have been steadily improving under Coach Padgett, but have struggled with physical teams, and getting defensive stops. Owen could challenge Draughn for 3rd, but I don't foresee them knocking off either of the Toe River teams.
5. Avery
The Vikings have shown life again, under Mac Bryan, now in his 4th season as head coach up in Newland. Avery loses almost all their high powered offense from last year, but return most of their line, who with an extra year and time in the weight room, should have improved greatly from last season. While this could be Avery's breakout year to return to former glory, I don't really think so. They should give Draughn and Owen a good fight, but still coming up short to their High-Altitude brethren.
6. Madison
Oh Madison. Not much to say here. The Patriots have shot blanks for back to back seasons, and won just one game 3 years ago. Head Coach James Extine is now in his 2nd year, so hopefully he can get the program headed in the right direction. I do, however, have the Pats winning at least one game this year.
7. Rosman
The other new addition to the WHC, Rosman brings with them a slim roster full of sophomores, and a first year head coach. Coming off a winless season, and a 1 win season prior, the Tigers aren't offering a lot out of the gate. The battle for the basement should be a good game though, as Madison and Rosman have had some pretty god matchups in recent years.
