Hawks Catch Tigers by the Tail
32 game winning streak snapped
Chesapeake, VA - Freshman quarterback Philip Simms finally showed his age after a brilliant start since stepping in for injured senior Dexter Merritt. After throwing 10 touchdowns and no picks in his first three starts, Simms struggled last week against Kings Fork but the Tigers rallied from a 13-0 halftime deficit to stay unbeaten. Against Hickory however, the top team in the state could not survive 2 first half interceptions and a 17-0 hole at the break. Oscar Smith tried to come back, but fell short 23-15, ending the region's longest regular season winning streak at 32 games. All of the sudden, the Tigers need a win against upstart Indian River to clinch a playoff spot. The Braves are the same pesky team that knocked of top-ranked Hampton to start the season. It also means that the winner of next week's annual Western Branch-Deep Creek rivalry game will end the season in a tie for the southeastern district.
Playoff outlook:
Division 6: Salem is top team in the power rankings and will be the top seed. Oscar Smith is still in the second spot, but needs a win to secure a berth. The Western Branch-Deep Creek winner will be in the playoffs, and Tallwood should take the fourth spot with a win over First Colonial. Should the Lions falter, the Bruins-Hornets loser would have a shot, as would Landstown.
Division 5: Phoebus is in the top spot and should have no trouble with Bethel. Maury survived a battle in Great Bridge and with a win over (1-8) Granby the Commodores are in. Hampton and Woodside square off in an important match-up. The winner is in, but Lake Taylor is hoping for a Hampton win which should be enough to put the Titans in as long as they can beat Norview.
