Defense Rules Night as Lee-Davis Tops Hanover....

With six, count them, six red zone opportunities in a row from late in the second quarter to late in the fourth, Hanover expects to score more than six total points.

But tonight, that's exactly what happened.

A bad snap before halftime ended a drive at the Lee-Davis 1.  An early second half drive ended when Sam Rogers stepped out of bounds at the 16 before releasing a pass.

In the end, Rogers found the end zone once with 5:29 left in the game to cut a 10-0 Lee-Davis lead to four.  They opted to go for two rather than kick the extra point, and, Lee-Davis' defense on special teams came up big, stopping L.J. Jones, forcing Hanover to play for the touchdown in their subsequent final drive.

While Rogers rushed for 65 yards and passed for 41 in his first game back at quarterback since finger surgery and L.J. Jones scampered for 153 yards, the Hawks were stopped when it mattered most, and Lee-Davis picked up a huge win for their Division 5 playoff hopes, 10-6 over Hanover on a rainy night in Mechanicsville.

The rain began 10 minutes before kickoff, catching many by surprise with its intensity, not a downpour, but not the "sprinkle" that was forecast.  It affected ball control throughout the game, especially in the first half, where Hanover backup QB Travis Barton, who got the start ahead of Rogers, had trouble handling shotgun snaps on multiple occasions.

Incredibly, for as many times as snaps and other plays were muffed, there were no turnovers in the game.  Lee-Davis was flagged just once, on a holding penalty that Hanover declined in order to get the football back on downs in the second half.

Chris Simpson "only" ran 28 times for 127 yards.  Coach Zac Hayden's decision early in the fourth quarter to begin a drive with Deshaun Rogers at quarterback instead of Brandon Sulser proved masterful, as the subsequent drive ended in Lee-Davis' only touchdown of the night, a 22-yard run around left end by Jordon Prentiss on a misdirection handoff.

Lee-Davis (3-2, 5-3) hosts Senior Night next Friday against Armstrong and take a giant step closer to clinching a Division 5 playoff berth with the victory.

Hanover (3-2, 6-2) will likely stay at #1 in Division 5 VHSL rider points, but its margin will be trimmed by Hopewell, Lee-Davis and Dinwiddie, all who won tonight.  Now the Hawks must regroup and hit the road to face Varina next Friday.

OTHER COUNTY GAMES:

Atlee went back and forth with Armstrong, surprisingly, for most of the first half before pulling away behind four more Morris Jackson rushing touchdowns, defeating the Wildcats 51-24 to move to 3-2, 5-3.  The Raiders face an almost must win situation next week when they travel to Highland Springs to battle the unbeaten Springers.

ATLEE AT HIGHLAND SPRINGS is our Game of the Week next Friday, 6:30pm on WHAN Radio!

Patrick Henry dominated J.R. Tucker to celebrate Homecoming 2012 with a 41-7 Colonial District victory.  The Patriots move to 3-2 in the Colonial, 3-5 overall, and welcomes Mills Godwin for Senior Night next Friday before going to Hermitage in two weeks for their season finale.  Hermitage defeated Mills Godwin tonight 46-10.

LISTEN LIVE to Hanover/Lee-Davis!!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN to the Hanover County High School Football Game of the Week: Hanover at Lee-Davis, beginning tonight at 6:30pm!

Rob Witham brings you all the action, brought to you exclusively by:

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FOOTBALL FRIDAY!

Here's the schedule for Friday afternoon, Friday night and Saturday!

(Note: Bold and underlined teams in Division 5 Playoff Race)

Collegiate (4-3) at Norfolk Academy (5-3) (3:15pm on WHAN Radio)

Fork Union (7-2) at Benedictine (7-1), 4pm (winner clinches playoff berth)

Douglas Freeman (2-2, 4-3) at Thomas Jefferson (0-4, 1-6), 4:30pm

GAME OF THE WEEK: Hanover (3-1, 6-1) at Lee-Davis (2-2, 4-3), 6:30pm on WHAN Radio, 102.9 FM, 1430 AM or online on the link at the top of this page!!

Armstrong (0-4, 2-5) at Atlee (2-2, 4-3)

Varina (4-0, 6-1) at Glen Allen (1-3, 2-5)

Highland Springs (4-0, 7-0) at Henrico (0-4, 0-7)

J.R. Tucker (1-3, 2-5) at Patrick Henry (2-2, 2-5) (Homecoming)

John Marshall (1-3, 4-3) at Deep Run (3-1, 4-3)

Mills Godwin (3-1, 5-2) at Hermitage (4-0, 7-0) (home opener!)

Meadowbrook (4-0, 6-1) at Thomas Dale (2-2, 3-4)

Matoaca (2-2, 3-4) at Dinwiddie (3-1, 4-3)

Colonial Heights (0-4, 0-7) at Prince George (0-4, 2-5), 7:30

Petersburg (2-3, 3-5) at Hopewell (3-1, 5-2), 7:30

Monacan (4-2, 4-4) at L.C. Bird (6-0, 7-0), 7:30

Clover Hill (1-4, 1-6) at Midlothian (3-2, 4-3), 7:30

Huguenot (0-5, 0-7) at Manchester (3-2, 4-3), 7:30

George Wythe (0-5, 0-7) at James River (2-3, 2-5), 7:30

Chancellor at Caroline, 7:30

Louisa at Charlottesville, 7:30

New Kent at Smithfield

West Point at King William

Powhatan at Monticello, 7:30

Roanoke Catholic at Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot

Trinity Episcopal at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

NOTE: Cosby has a bye this week!

Saturday 10/27:

Woodberry Forest at St. Christopher’s (5-3), 1pm

Lee-Davis Captures Capital District Field Hockey Title....

Capital District Player of the Year Cameron Gibson scored the lone goal of the game in the first half, and stellar defense in the second half paced Lee-Davis to a 1-0 win over Hanover to claim their first Capital District Field Hockey Tournament Championship since 2009.

Madison Doss was credited with the assist on the Gibson goal.

Lee-Davis finishes their run through the district at 12-1 and advance to the Central Region Quarterfinals, where they will play the Colonial #2 seed, Douglas Freeman, who upset #1 Maggie Walker Governors School 2-1 in overtime in tonight's Colonial Tournament final.

Hanover finishes 9-5 in district play, and, as the #2 seed in the Capital, will face Maggie Walker Governors School in Monday's quarterfinal round.

Games are supposed to be played Monday at 5:30 at River City Sportsquest, subject, of course, to weather conditions....

FIELD HOCKEY PLAYOFFS, VOLLEYBALL ACTION....

Tuesday night was LOADED with action!

FIELD HOCKEY: Lee-Davis and Hanover advanced to the finals of the Capital District Tournament Tuesday night at River City SportsQuest in Chesterfield. Lee-Davis, the regular season champion, defeated fourth-seeded Atlee 2-0, thanks to back-to-back goals within a two-minute period late in the first half by Lauren Wolfgang and Cameron Gibson.

The Raiders, who started the season 6-0, finished 10-7 and a game short of reaching the Central Region Tournament next week.

The Confederates will face #2 Hanover, who needed double overtime to advance past #3 Henrico 1-0, as Miana Sebra scored the night's lone goal 6:37 into the second extra period.  Lee-Davis defeated Hanover twice in the regular season, 2-1 in September and 3-2 on strokes after playing to a scoreless tie just last week on October 17th.  The championship game begins at 7pm Thursday.

In the Colonial District, Brooke Flexon tallied the lone goal and Patrick Henry avenged two regular season losses to Mills Godwin by eliminating the Eagles in the tournament's first round, 1-0.  The Patriots, now 9-8 on the season, advance to the semifinals against #1 seeded Maggie Walker Governors School Wednesday at 5:30 at SportsQuest.

VOLLEYBALL: All three Capital District county teams were winners in three sets Tuesday night, continuing their march towards post-season play.

Atlee swept Henrico to remain unbeaten in the district with one game to play, while Lee-Davis swept Glen Allen to ensure themselves the #2 seed in next week's district tournament. Hanover swept Varina and will likely be the #4 seed behind Glen Allen.

The Raiders last hurdle to an undefeated regular season in the Capital is a trip to Hanover Thursday night at 7pm. Atlee has only lost two games this season, both in the Tournament of Champions in Roanoke two weekends ago.

Division 5 Playoff Watch: Week 8 Preview!!

Hanover stays on top, while Hopewell continues a steady climb into home field position in the semis, while John Marshall's hopes take a huge hit and Midlothian treads water.....

DIVISION 5 PLAYOFF STANDINGS: (last week's ranking in parenthesis)

1) Hanover                                    27.286  (#1, up 0.95 points)
2) Hopewell                                   25.714 (#3, up 1.88 points)
3T) Lee-Davis                               24.142 (#2, up 0.142 points)
      Dinwiddie                                24.142 (#6, up 1.142 points)
5) Midlothian                                 23.500 (#4T, up 0.333 points)
6) Atlee                                         23.429 (#7, up 1.596 points)
7) John Marshall                            22.714 (#4T, down 0.452 points)
8) Monacan                                   21.125 (not rated last week)
9) Glen Allen                                 20.667 (#8, down 0.5333 points)
10) Patrick Henry                          20.000 (not rated last week)

**--Please note with this week's standings list we are including the top ten teams, whether they have playoff aspirations or not, in light of Patrick Henry's stronger than expected rider point showing and to keep track of Glen Allen.

WEEK 7 WINNERS:

DINWIDDIE (4-3): In two short weeks, the Generals, who were expected to compete for home-field in the Division 5 Playoffs in most preseason prognostications, have jumped from #8 to tied for #3, in the playoff top four, raising their VHSL rating points by 3.142, a big accomplishment considering a win over winless Colonial Heights helped them as little as humanly possible.  What does help them are all the victories that teams which dotted their early season schedule continue to get, i.e.--Varina, Highland Springs, Meadowbrook.....the last legitimate bump in the Generals road to Week 11 is a Week 9 trip to Hopewell, a team ahead of them in the current standings.  If Hopewell can defeat them, it should give them a home game on November 16th, while Dinwiddie could compete for one with a win at Hopewell.  The fly in the ointment for both of them looking to grab that #2 seed resides in Mechanicsville....

LEE-DAVIS (4-3): It's a rare feat to lose on the field but win in the "overall scheme of things", but I believe this is the case for Coach Zac Hayden's hard-working crew, who quieted the naysayers by going triple overtime at Highland Springs before falling 19-16, holding the high-powered Springers to 13 points in regulation, and 6 of them came on a punt return.  For the Springers offense, it is most alarming with Varina looming on the horizon.  Although the game goes into the loss column and dropped Lee-Davis from #2 to a tie for #3 in the playoff standings, the accomplishment of slugging toe-to-toe with an unbeaten Highland Springs team on the road through three overtimes must give the CFeds inner confidence for the rest of their schedule, which remains daunting.  It begins Friday when they welcome Hanover to Mechanicsville Turnpike.  Twitter trash talk is already in full swing between the two schools, as personnel questions continue to swirl with the Hawks, while Lee-Davis seems to be healthy, if not banged up from their most recent Friday night battle.

WEEK 7 LOSERS:

JOHN MARSHALL (4-3): The Justices are in a free fall.  Two weeks ago they were ranked #2 with 24.2 VHSL rider points.  Fast forward to now and they are in the #7 slot, down nearly 1.5 rider points in the past two weeks. Not holding serve at home against Mills Godwin in Week 5 is turning out to be a turning point in their season, as it was followed by the 62-0 pasting they took at the hands of Hermitage, which included some players being ejected and thus ineligible to play this past Friday at Douglas Freeman.  This was a game where John Marshall was ahead by six and by five, and only down once by a point until Freeman's miracle touchdown pass with two seconds remaining to get the 13-12 win and possibly place a dagger in the Justice's hearts.  This has to be an extremely frustrating development for a program that has turned it around, unlike its city brethren, to have a .500 record or better three of the last five seasons, including a 7-3 mark last year that almost secured them a post-season berth.  Sadly now they must win out to match 7-3, and, with better seasons by Midlothian and Hopewell this year, it looks like, again, 7-3 won't get it done.  They finish at Deep Run, at Tucker, then at Thomas Jefferson,

MIDLOTHIAN (4-2): Their loss to Benedictine may sting them personally and help them discover some glaring issues that must be addressed before their final playoff push, but it will never count in the eyes of the VHSL Rider Point kings, and that will probably end up being a blessing in disguise.  The reason for the "losing" declaration, though, is a failed chance in scheduling to at least beat another VHSL opponent to gain some rider points.  How quirky is the Rider Point System?  Midlothian's game didn't count and they STILL GAINED 1/3 of one point thanks to other team results, but they slid out of that 4th place tie for the final berth in the post-season and are now in fifth.....with the #1 offense in the Central Region, Atlee, breathing down their necks.  The Trojans' final three games are not gimmes.  Their Senior Night this Friday against Clover Hill should be a win, but after that are trips to Monacan (who had they not lost their top 2 quarterbacks to injury so early in the year may, too, have had a say in this playoff race) and to Manchester for a Week 10 rivalry game.  Again, the question will loom, would a Lancer victory over Midlothian spoil the Trojans' playoff hopes?  Is that enough motivation for a Manchester team playing out the string, with no hopes of post-season at all?

JUST KEPT SWIMMING:

HANOVER (6-1): The last time a field general kept the condition of his army this close to the vest in Central Virginia was probably in 1864.  No one could get definitive word from Coach Josh Just as to the condition of the shoulder of senior quarterback/punter Andrew Knizner.  He did not play in Friday's 40-0 win over Armstrong, and that was the extent of details coming from Chamberlayne Road.  There's really no way to know whether Knizner will return to action at any point in 2012, and that is probably why the information flow is non-existent.  He could be in a position that if Hanover advances to a certain point in the playoffs, he would be cleared to play....maybe.  But a small setback in rehab and recovery could change it all.  Have we seen the last of #11 on the football field for the Hawks?  We simply don't know.  What we DO know is Travis Barton took the load at QB in the Armstrong game, relying on L.J. Jones' ground game (wouldn't you?) while enjoying the gift of two defensive touchdowns by, who else, Sam Rogers, on interception returns.  The cast over his healing finger on his throwing hand is SO huge, it looked like, on TV, one of his interception returns had a football in his left arm and a swaddling baby in his right....very surreal.

L.J. Jones will be the focal point of Hanover's hopes offensively when they come to Lee-Davis on Friday.  He will have to match the performance of Confederates star tailback Chris Simpson, as field position and time of possession are going to be major, major keys in the game, as well as turnovers.  For Lee-Davis to ensure a playoff berth and have hope for home-field in the semis, they must defeat either Hanover Friday or Atlee in two weeks.  If the Hawks can survive Lee-Davis, they then must travel to Varina, a team that, frankly, pounded them in 2011.  Realistically, the Hawks are hoping for 8-2, the top seed, and a healthy #10 OR #11 available to go under center come playoff time.

ATLEE (4-3):  The Raiders ended their two-game losing streak, as Morris Jackson broke loose again for a six touchdown performance against Glen Allen to give him 25 rushing TD's on the season, and close to 1,500 yards in rushing.  Kenner Berry and Chad Jacob continued to shine, but, again, the Atlee defense disappointed.  They allowed 33 points to a team that only earned seven on their home field against Lee-Davis a week earlier.  Atlee gets Armstrong this Friday at home to help them get to 5-3 with two huge games in early November.  First, they must travel to Highland Springs November 2nd.  Now, in Atlee's favor, the Raiders do have the weapons to score more points on the Springers than either Hanover (21) or Lee-Davis (16) did.  The huge question is, can their defense stop L.J. Johnson and company?  The Springers only scored 24 on Hanover, 19 on Lee-Davis.  If Atlee could at least keep Highland Springs in the 20s, they have a chance.  If the Raiders enter Week 10 at home against Lee-Davis at 5-4, it's a possible "play-in" game scenario, especially if Lee-Davis is also 5-4.  The good news for the Raiders is, in VHSL Rider Points,  they gained 1.596 points with their Glen Allen victory and other factors, bumping their position from #7 to #6.  They are in a position to extend their season, but only if they do it on the field.  If they have to rely on help, they'll likely find little.....

DIVISION 5 PLAYOFF WATCH: WEEK 8 GAME SCHEDULE:

--Hanover (6-1) at Lee-Davis (4-3) (to be heard LIVE on WHAN, 102.9 FM and 1430 AM and on the internet/on smartphones via HanoverCountySports.org)

--Armstrong (2-5) at Atlee (4-3)
--Matoaca (3-4) at Dinwiddie (4-3)
--John Marshall (4-3) at Deep Run (4-3)
--Clover Hill (1-6) at Midlothian (4-3 (4-2 in VHSL standings)
--Petersburg (3-5) at Hopewell (5-2)

GAME TO WATCH: Hanover/Lee-Davis, without a doubt. Lee-Davis will have home-field advantage, will know they can play with and defeat Hanover, simply by comparing the two teams' performances against Highland Springs.  It will be more than the running game (L-D's Chris Simpson vs. Hanover's L.J. Jones), so other players will have to step up (Hanover's Donte Haynesworth and Lee-Davis' Deshaun Rogers come to mind....).  Turnovers?  Huge.  Special teams scoring?  Could make the difference.

A Hanover win almost guarantees a home regional semifinal and possibly, even if they lost to Varina, the number one seed.  If Lee-Davis can win, they again vault into home-field consideration, setting off a wild scramble in the final two weeks of the regular season in not only WHO makes the playoffs, but WHO plays WHERE come November 16th!

Buckle up, fans.  :)

Monday's Schedule: Volleyball Night!

BOYS VOLLEYBALL:

Henrico at Atlee, 6pm
Mills Godwin at Patrick Henry, 6:45pm (we will LIVE TWEET from this game: @hanoversports)
Lee-Davis at Hermitage, 7pm
Hanover at Highland Springs, 7pm

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

Patrick Henry at Mills Godwin, 6:45pm
Highland Springs at Hanover, 7pm

FOOTBALL FRIDAY: Week Seven!

Lee-Davis lost a classic, while Patrick Henry, Atlee and Hanover rolled to home victories......

PH 64, TJ 7: Tyler Phelps threw three second quarter touchdown passes to Khalil Mock in the second quarter as Patrick Henry rolled to a 64-7 win over Thomas Jefferson in Ashland tonight.  The Patriots (2-2, 2-5) recovered two Viking fumbles in the first two minutes of the game, scoring off both turnovers on Otis Harris touchdown runs.  Harris rushed for 150 yards.

ATLEE 56, GLEN ALLEN 33:  Another big night for Kenner Berry and the Atlee offense as the Raiders roll over the Jaguars to improve to 2-2 in the Capital, 4-3 overall, as they try to keep pace in the Division 5 playoff race, entering the night in 7th place in VHSL rider points.

HANOVER 40, ARMSTRONG 0: Sam Rogers would take not one, but two interceptions in for defensive touchdowns as the Hawks improved to 3-1 in the Capital, 6-1 overall heading into a Division 5, Capital District, AND county showdown in Mechanicsville next Friday at Lee-Davis......

HIGHLAND SPRINGS 19, LEE-DAVIS 16 (3 overtimes): What a game!  The Confederates, on the road, take an early 7-0 lead, but fell behind on a 3rd quarter Highland Springs punt return 13-7 before Brandon Sulser found Jordon Prentiss in the end zone for the tying touchdown.  Stephen Hall's extra point was blocked, forcing overtime.  Neither team scored in the first two overtimes, as Lee-Davis went for the win on fourth down at the end of the second overtime and failed to reach the end zone on a Prentiss run up the middle.  In the third overtime, Hall connected on a field goal for a 16-13 lead, but, on the game's final play, D.J. Johnson's, whose eight-yard touchdown run at the end of regulation ripped the heart out of Hanover three weeks ago, snuck in off right tackle, breaking the plane and securing the 19-16 victory.  Highland Springs stays unbeaten at 4-0, 7-0, and will go to winless Henrico next week before hosting high-scoring Atlee in two weeks (a game to be heard on WHAN Radio and here at HanoverCountySports.org on November 2nd.....)

Meanwhile, Lee-Davis (2-2, 4-3) comes home next Friday to battle Hanover in the Game of the Week on WHAN Radio (102.9 FM/1430 AM) and here at HanoverCountySports.org!

Division 5 Playoff Watch: Week 7 Preview!

Hanover's win solidifies their number one position in the Division 5 playoff standings, while John Marshall, Midlothian, and Atlee must bounce back after big losses last Friday night.

DIVISION 5 PLAYOFF STANDINGS: (last week's standings in parenthesis)

1) Hanover                                     26.333   (1)
2) Lee-Davis                                  24.0       (5)
3) Hopewell                                   23.833   (4)
4T) John Marshall and Midlothian   23.166   (2 and 3)
6) Dinwiddie                                  23.0       (8)
7) Atlee                                         21.833   (6T)
8) Glen Allen                                 21.2        (6T)

WEEK SIX WINNERS:

Lee-Davis: The easier-than-expected 31-7 win over Glen Allen was a must win, but came on a night where no less than four of the teams they're fighting against for playoff position lost.  Moving from outside the playoffs to home-field advantage in the Regional Semis has to give the Confederates more positive momentum.  A 1.6 point gain overall, but the rest of the way is brutal, beginning this Friday at Highland Springs.  Home dates follow with #1 Hanover and Armstrong, then they finish at Atlee, a place where they came, as Lee-Davis head coach Zac Hayden noted this summer, "three plays short" of winning a regional semifinal last November.  The Confederates/Raiders showdown November 9th could be a play-in game.

Dinwiddie: The Generals weren't sure what Thomas Dale team to expect last Friday in Chester.  It ended up being one playing for more than just pride, but Dinwiddie did what playoff teams do, win the must-win game. Their remaining schedule includes an intriguing trip to Hopewell November 2nd, but with wins against Colonial Heights, Matoaca and Petersburg expected, even a loss to Hopewell may not be enough to derail the Generals drive to the playoffs.  One big reason?  Those extra rider points Dinwiddie will get from playing the likes of Varina and Highland Springs in September.

Hopewell: The win over winless Colonial Heights was expected, but moving up to 3rd in playoff positioning, leap-frogging two of their closest competitors, John Marshall and Midlothian, makes it a good week.  What would have made it a great week?  Had they beaten Lee-Davis at home back in week two, they'd likely be in that #2 position.  By the way, Hopewell's last home playoff game?  A 14-13 win over Henrico on November 20, 2004.

WEEK SIX LOSERS:

Atlee: They were faced with a monster task, even at home, facing Varina.  For the second straight year, they gave up over 50 points to the Blue Devils.  Now 3-3, the Raiders welcome Glen Allen Friday in what should be a bounce back win for the Raiders, followed by a home date with Armstrong.  Their only road trip is week nine at vaunted Highland Springs, then it's back to the Rage Cage to host Lee-Davis in their all-important week ten matchup.  That upset loss to Douglas Freeman in week 3 is looming bigger and bigger all the time.  But note, they only lost 1/6 of a rider point.

John Marshall: We list Atlee before John Marshall, not because of what has been, but more due to what will be.  The Justices' road down the stretch is much more favorable now that they can put their 62-0 disaster at the hands of Hermitage behind them.  It IS conceivable for this team to get back on track and win at least three of their last four, all on the road (Freeman, Deep Run, Tucker, Thomas Jefferson).  We believe, though, that due to the weakness of their schedule (Colonial District plus Huguenot, Armstrong and Prince George in non-district play), Jayem probably has to win the rest of their games to absolutely insure an 11th game this year.  Their 7-3 finish last year wasn't good enough, and this year's playoff race has more horses in it.  The Hermitage game cost them over one rider point.

Midlothian: Remember last year before week 10 when the Central Region collectively looked at the VHSL rider point sheet and realized, "Midlothian's got a shot!"?  Well, that's why we've followed the Trojans from day one this season in our "group of seven" we've discussed on the Game of the Week on WHAN Radio. This week's 33-6 loss to L.C. Bird was tough, but they lost all of .034 rider points.  They share the same overall record as John Marshall (4-2), and their schedule down the stretch is, well, intriguing.  They finish a long homestand with Benedictine this Friday (a game which won't exist in the world of VHSL rider points), followed by Senior Night against disappointing Clover Hill.  In early November, they hit the road at Monacan, then at Manchester.  They should be, in VHSL-speak, 6-2 going to Manchester, a team that saw their slim playoff hopes slip away with the loss last week to Cosby.  Will they be playing out the string, or would the Lancers get some satisfaction in taking the Trojans out of the playoff picture?  It may come down to this: November 9th, Lee-Davis, Atlee, Hopewell, and John Marshall fans may all suddenly have a soft spot in their heart for those Lancers.

JUST KEPT SWIMMING:

Hanover:  It wasn't exactly easy, in fact, it was a three-hour emotional rollercoaster.  But the expected win did materialize, even if it wasn't in the way Hawk fans imagined it.  L.J. Jones went berserk, Sam Rogers returned in the nick of time, and Travis Barton held steady once Andrew Knizner went out with injury.  Their last two home games are Armstrong this Friday and Glen Allen on finale night.  In between are trips to Lee-Davis and Varina.  The Hawks probably have enough already laid away in the VHSL bank that, if they happened to lose to both Lee-Davis and Varina, they would probably still enter the post-season at 7-3.  The Hawks, now, are playing for home field advantage.  Three wins in the last four weeks should do that, as an 8-2 Hanover record would most certainly outpoint an 8-2 finish by John Marshall, Hopewell or Midlothian.  With Lee-Davis at Highland Springs this week, chances for the Confederates finishing 8-2 are marginal, but if they did, it would include a win over Hanover.  Just keep that in the back of your mind.

By the way, to tell Hanover fans and all readers, the "Just Kept Swimming" category is meant as a compliment, not a detriment.  It means a team did what they needed to do and expected to do, holding steady in their current position.  They even increased their rider point lead over second place from 2 to 2 1/3.

DIVISION 5 PLAYOFF WATCH GAMES--WEEK SEVEN:

Armstrong at Hanover
Lee-Davis at Highland Springs
Hopewell at Matoaca
John Marshall at Douglas Freeman
Midlothian at Benedictine (game will not count in VHSL rider points)
Dinwiddie at Colonial Heights
Glen Allen at Atlee

GAME TO WATCH: Lee-Davis at Highland Springs...a Confederate upset could turn the Division 5 home field picture upside down....

UPSET ALERT: Hopewell at Matoaca....Matoaca is not playing poorly, and, with rivalry games with Petersburg, Dinwiddie and at Prince George looming, will this young Blue Devil squad end up in a "trap game" situation that could put their post-season hopes at risk?

Field Hockey Results

Maggie Walker Governors School ended Patrick Henry's five-game winning streak with a 7-0 shutout win in wet Ashland Monday afternoon.  The Patriots move to 5-6 in the Colonial, 8-7 overall while the Green Dragons roll along at 11-1, 14-1.

The Atlee at Henrico game, scheduled for Monday at 6pm, was postponed to Tuesday at the same time.

FOOTBALL FRIDAY!! LISTEN LIVE!!

CLICK HERE to listen to the Hanover County High School Football Game of the Week as Lee-Davis battles Glen Allen!  Broadcast begins at 6:30 with kickoff at 7pm!  The game is also available in Metro Richmond on WHAN, 102.9 FM and 1430 AM!

WEEK SIX SCHEDULE: (all games at 7pm unless otherwise noted)

St. Anne's Belfield (0-6) at Collegiate (3-2), 3:45pm on WHAN, 102.9 FM and 1430 AM!

Lee-Davis (1-1, 3-2) at Glen Allen (1-1, 2-3)
Deep Run (2-0, 3-2) at Patrick Henry (1-1, 1-4)
Varina (2-0, 4-1) at Atlee (1-1, 3-2)

J.R. Tucker (1-1, 2-3) at Douglas Freeman (0-2, 2-3)
Hermitage (2-0, 5-0) at John Marshall (1-1, 4-1), 7:30pm at Hovey Field
Thomas Jefferson (0-2, 1-4) at Mills Godwin (1-1, 3-2)
Colonial Heights (0-2, 0-5) at Hopewell (1-1, 3-2)
Dinwiddie (1-1, 2-3) at Thomas Dale (1-1, 2-3)
Petersburg (2-1, 3-3) at Matoaca (1-1, 2-3)
Prince George (0-2, 2-3) at Meadowbrook (2-0, 4-1)
L.C. Bird (4-0, 5-0) at Midlothian (3-1, 4-1), 7:30pm
Manchester (3-1, 3-2) at Cosby (3-1, 4-2), 7:30pm
Clover Hill (1-2, 1-4) at James River (1-2, 1-4), 7:30pm
Huguenot (0-2, 0-5) at Monacan (2-2, 2-4), 7:30pm
Greensville (1-5) at George Wythe (0-5), 7:30pm
Courtland at Caroline, 7:30pm
Fluvanna at Powhatan, 7:30pm
King & Queen at West Point
New Kent at York
Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot at Fuqua
Trinity Episcopal at Maret, 4PM

SATURDAY:

Benedictine (5-1) at Bishop Ireton (0-6), 1pm
St. Christopher's (3-3) at Pope John Paul the Great (1-5), 1pm

Thursday Scores!

Field Hockey: Glen Allen 1, Atlee 0

JV Football:
Patrick Henry 20, Deep Run 3
Hanover 13, Henrico 0
Glen Allen 6, Lee-Davis 0
Varina 22, Atlee 13

Girls Volleyball:
Lee-Davis 3, Henrico 0

Tuesday Results/Wednesday Slate of Action!

TUESDAY'S SCORES:

Field Hockey: Patrick Henry 7, Hermitage 1 (PH has won four in a row!)

Boys Volleyball: Atlee 3, Lee-Davis 0
                         Hanover 3, Highland Springs 0
                        Patrick Henry at John Marshall, cancelled

Girls Volleyball: Atlee 3, Lee-Davis 0 (Atlee is unbeaten, 8-0 in Capital, 15-0 overall)
                         Hanover 3, Highland Springs 0
                        Patrick Henry at John Marshall, cancelled

WEDNESDAY'S SLATE:

Cross Country: Patrick Henry vs. Hermitage and Godwin at Tuckahoe Little League Park, 4:30pm
                       Lee-Davis vs. Glen Allen, Highland Springs, & Varina at Pole Green Park, 5pm

Field Hockey: Patrick Henry at J.R. Tucker, 5:30pm
                      Highland Springs at Hanover, 6pm
                      Glen Allen at Lee-Davis, 6pm

Boys Volleyball: Colonial Heights at Patrick Henry, 6:45pm

Division 5 Football Playoff Standings After Week 5

1) Hanover-----26.2
2) John Marshall-----24.2
3) Midlothian-----23.2
4) Hopewell-----22.6
5) Lee-Davis------22.4
6) Atlee and Glen Allen (tie)-----22.0
8) Dinwiddie-----21.0

A few notes:

Hanover certainly controls their destiny, and with really only two tough games in their last five (at Varina, at Lee-Davis), 8-2 would probably clinch top seed, while 7-3 would probably mean playoffs, but no certainty on seeding.

Both Atlee and Lee-Davis have work to do. Lee-Davis suddenly realizes a win over Glen Allen is a necessity Friday night on the road to keep the momentum up for playoff hopes, with the Jaguars just four-tenths of a point behind them in the race.  Glen Allen's VHSL schedule is only nine games, as the loss to Fredericksburg Christian, a private school, doesn't count.

Neither will Midlothian's game on October 19th against Benedictine. An upset over L.C. Bird at home this week would not only help them in gaining a top two playoff seed, it would suddenly catapult them into Dominion District title talk.  But, first things first, they have to knock off the Skyhawk juggernaut.

John Marshall has to face #1 Hermitage in the Willie Lanier Classic at Hovey Field on the campus of Virginia Union Friday night.  If they fall, as expected, then expect the gap in points between #2 and #6 to tighten rather significantly.  This would probably put JM into a position where, to assure a playoff berth, they'd better win out (all road games against Deep Run, Freeman, Tucker, and Thomas Jefferson).  Last year, they finished 7-3 and missed the playoffs.  They certainly don't want that to happen two years in a row.

Finally, expect Dinwiddie's rise in the point standings to begin this week, even though they have to face an embarrassed Thomas Dale on the road. The Generals should win this game, BUT, the Knights are ultra-talented, very disappointed in their 2-3 record thus far, and, if they can light the fuse, they could take their frustrations out on Dinwiddie, severely damaging the playoff hopes of the team thought to be, in September, the biggest threat to Hanover's hope to repeat as Division 5 Regional Champions.

Saturday Score, Division 5 Playoff Update

In the Colonial District Saturday, a big day for Mills Godwin's quarterback Dane Forlines as the Eagles handed John Marshall their first loss of 2012, 28-6.  Forlines threw three touchdown passes and added another score on special teams with a punt return.

The lone John Marshall score was on a kickoff return by John Thompson.  The Justices offense failed to score for the first time this season.

DIVISION 5 PLAYOFF CONTENDERS:

The following seven teams are on our radar as teams most likely to earn a Division 5 Wild Card playoff berth.  Hanover and Dinwiddie, the two teams most thought to have a chance at winning their respective districts, have already lost one district game each, and would need outside help to win the Capital or Central, thus getting an automatic berth.  That would shift a wild card berth to Division 6, though it is likely that all four Division 6 playoff berths will be clinched by teams winning their districts.

The teams are listed in order by our belief in their realistic chances of making the playoffs:

1) HANOVER:
        ---4-1 overall, 1-1 in the Capital after barely escaping 35-32 over Atlee at home Friday night.  They should get Sam Rogers and Brennan Gary back from injury soon.  Their next two weeks are against Henrico and Armstrong, with their next stiff test on the road in week eight at Lee-Davis October 26th.  Then they must travel to Varina before finishing at home with Glen Allen, where they'll be heavily favored.  The biggest issue for the Hawks in the second half is, simply, to win the games they're supposed to win to ensure a high playoff seed, and MORE importantly, stay healthy.  They overcame the injury bug through creative solutions to get to the State Semis last season.  They'd rather not have to get creative by force again this year, wanting all hands on deck for this, the final run of this celebrated football class of 2013 from Hawk Nation.

2) DINWIDDIE:
        ---2-3 overall, 1-1 in the Central after falling at home to Meadowbrook 41-27.  The Generals have faced a brutal first half schedule, losing to Varina by 7, Highland Springs by 2, and now to the Monarchs, putting them at a disadvantage in the Central District race.  The road gets easier for the young Generals in the second half, playing at a disappointing Thomas Dale, at winless Colonial Heights, home to Matoaca, at Hopewell in what will be a key game in the playoff race, and finishing at home against Petersburg.  A 6-4 or 7-3 record, combined with all the extra VHSL rider points they'll rack up from playing Varina and Highland Springs, who may finish the season a combined 18-2, should get the Generals a return trip to the postseason, though maybe without the home-field advantage they've enjoyed in some past seasons.

3) MIDLOTHIAN:
        ---4-1 overall, 3-1 in the Dominion after coming from behind to clip James River 20-10.  Their lone first half loss was to Cosby.  They continue a six-game homestand this week when Dominion favorite L.C. Bird comes to face the Trojans, in what will likely be the last legitimate chance for a team to hand the Skyhawks a Dominion District loss, though having to come from behind to defeat James River doesn't bode well for a battle with L.C. Bird, who seemingly has won the Dominion District since 1956, even though the school didn't open until 1978.  But, back to Midlothian.  After Bird, the Trojans play Benedictine and Clover Hill at home before finishing on the road at Monacan and Manchester.  The Benedictine game will not count in the VHSL playoff race, so, if they come into week 10 at 6-2 (not counting Benedictine), a win over Manchester may clinch a playoff berth, while a loss could endanger their chances, depending upon the fortunes of the next four teams.....

4) ATLEE:
        ---3-2 overall, 1-1 in the Capital.  They've gained a ton of yards, scored a ton of points, given up a ton of points and had their hearts broken twice, losing two games in the final seconds by a combined four points.  That stretch included four road games, so they'll enjoy four home games in the final five weeks, the only road trip in week 9 November 2nd to Highland Springs.  They tangle with Varina this week, a team that embarrassed them in 2011, 54-11, but afterwards they face Glen Allen and Armstrong at home, at Highland Springs, and finish welcoming Lee-Davis, another week 10 game that may decide playoff participants.  I mentioned during our radio coverage of Atlee/Hanover this weekend that if the Atlee defense can show serious improvement in the second half of the season while keeping the pedal down on offense, the Raiders could make serious noise in the D-5 playoff race.

5) LEE-DAVIS:
        ---3-2 overall, 1-1 in the Capital.  The no-nonsense, blue collar Confederates, too, have had a tough first half schedule, beginning with Hermitage, then a comeback win at Hopewell, holding off Patrick Henry at the Tomato Bowl, then losing convincingly to Varina before Friday's homecoming win against Henrico.  Their second half sees them going to Glen Allen, then to Highland Springs, before back-to-back home games with Hanover and Armstrong before going to Atlee for their traditional week 10 showdown.  To finish 6-4 like they did in 2011, they must beat Glen Allen, Armstrong, and one of the big three left on their schedule: Highland Springs, Hanover, or Atlee.  Last year, it was the upset of Atlee in the season finale that clinched a playoff berth.  Which game will decide their fortunes this year?  And will that game even involve them?  One important note: the Confederates week two win over Hopewell may come back to haunt the Blue Devils...

6) HOPEWELL:
        ---3-2 overall, 1-1 in the Central. The Blue Devils dug a hole early letting their lead against Lee-Davis at home September 14th slip away, but regained their confidence in a big way this past Friday, traveling to Thomas Dale and pulling the last-second upset, 14-7.  The second half of their schedule is favorable, hosting winless Colonial Heights this week, then to Matoaca, back home for Petersburg and a week 9 showdown with Dinwiddie, suddenly a winnable game for Hopewell, then finishing at traditional rival Prince George.  A 7-3 record isn't out of the question, though if week 10 at Prince George is a "win and you're in" situation, the Royals would love nothing more than make sure their arch rivals sit on the playoff bench with them.  A 6-4 finish may not be enough, especially since Lee-Davis gets more points from Hopewell wins than Hopewell gets for Lee-Davis wins.  Head-to-head matchups do not determine playoff spots, but can certainly affect them.

7) JOHN MARSHALL:
        ---4-1 overall, 1-1 in the Colonial. Before Saturday, John Marshall would have been listed in either the #3 or #4 position here.  But after their disappointing home performance against Mills Godwin, suddenly questions are raised about the Justices.  Their wins so far don't produce many VHSL rider points (Huguenot, Armstrong, Prince George, Patrick Henry).  Still to come are Hermitage at VUU's Hovey Field Friday night in the first Willie Lanier Classic, then trips to Douglas Freeman, Deep Run, J.R. Tucker, then their city showdown in week 10 at Thomas Jefferson, a rare home game for the Vikings.  Having almost lost to PH and then the Godwin loss, suddenly we question how many wins the Justices can muster in their last five games.  We think anything is conceivable from 4-1 to 1-4.  They should beat Thomas Jefferson, and they won't beat Hermitage.  An 8-2 record would probably get them into the playoffs.  Last year, a 7-3 record couldn't outpoint a 6-4 Lee-Davis team.  Yes, this year, the Colonial District grabbed a couple of key head-to-head non-district wins over Capital teams (J.R. Tucker over Henrico, Douglas Freeman over Atlee) which could make that similar scenario much closer this season.  The Justices have to hope Lee-Davis finishes 5-5.

Hanover wins a classic, relive it Saturday!

A back and forth titanic struggle between arch rivals Hanover and Atlee came down, as it should, to the game's final play.

Last season, the kicking and punting of Joseph Pulisic was instrumental in Atlee's 24-14 win over Hanover, a signature victory in the tenure of head coach Roscoe Johnson.

A year later, special teams came back to haunt the Raiders.  Multiple two-point conversion tries failed, and, with three seconds left, Chandler Crescentini pushed a 26-yard field goal attempt to send the game into overtime wide right, and the Hanover Hawks survived 35-32 over Atlee.

The Hawks (1-1, 4-1) were again without Sam Rogers, recovering from finger surgery last week.  The Raiders (1-1, 3-2) fell just short of a second straight regular season win over Hanover.

Both teams are and will be in the thick of the Division 5 playoff race over the next five weeks.

REMINDER: You can relive this classic by listening to the special delayed broadcast of Atlee/Hanover Saturday at 12Noon on WHAN Radio, 102.9 FM and 1430 AM.  After the game, stay tuned for a special LIVE postgame show, where Rob Witham, the voice of Hanover County High School Football, will break down the first half of the season, and the Division 5 playoff race and we get set for the homestretch of the regular season!

OTHER SCORES!

Patrick Henry 45, Douglas Freeman 28 (BIG road win, Patriots' first victory of 2012!)
Lee-Davis 42, Henrico 12 (homecoming romp as the Confederates move to 3-2!)

FOOTBALL FRIDAY! Listen LIVE to Atlee/Hanover Tonight!

CLICK HERE to listen to tonight's showdown between Atlee (1-0, 3-1) and Hanover (0-1, 3-1) LIVE from Hanover High School!

NOTE: Tonight's broadcast will start at a special time of 6:45PM.  Due to Randolph-Macon Football, the game will not be heard live on WHAN Radio, but a special rebroadcast of the game WILL air Saturday at 12 Noon on WHAN, 102.9 FM and 1430 AM in Metro Richmond!

OTHER WEEK FIVE GAMES (games start at 7pm unless otherwise noted):

Collegiate (3-1) at Woodberry Forest (2-2), 3:15pm on WHAN Radio

Henrico (0-1, 0-4) at Lee-Davis (0-1, 2-2), homecoming in Mechanicsville!
Patrick Henry (0-1, 0-4) at Douglas Freeman (0-1, 2-2)
Glen Allen (1-0, 2-2) at Highland Springs (1-0, 4-0)
Hermitage (1-0, 4-0) at J.R. Tucker (1-0, 2-2), 7:30pm
Thomas Jefferson (0-1, 1-3) at Deep Run (1-0, 2-2)
Matoaca (0-1, 1-3) at Colonial Heights (0-1, 0-4)
Hopewell (0-1, 2-2) at Thomas Dale (2-0, 2-2)
Meadowbrook (1-0, 3-1) at Dinwiddie (1-0, 2-2)
Prince George (0-1, 2-2) at Petersburg (1-1, 2-3)
Cosby (3-0, 4-1) at L.C. Bird (3-0, 4-0), 7:30pm
James River (1-1, 1-3) at Midlothian (2-1, 3-1), 7:30pm
Manchester (1-1, 2-2) at Clover Hill (1-1, 1-3), 7:30pm
George Wythe (0-3, 0-4) at Monacan (1-2, 1-4), 7:30pm
Powhatan (0-0, 3-2) at Western Albemarle (1-0, 5-0)
Nottoway (1-1, 2-3) at Goochland (2-0, 3-2)
Northampton (0-4) at King William (4-1)
Caroline at James Monroe
Fork Union Military Academy (5-1) at St. Christopher's (3-2), 4pm
Paul VI (3-2) at Benedictine (4-1), 4:30pm

SATURDAY:
Mills Godwin (1-0, 2-2) at John Marshall (1-0, 4-0), 1pm
Trinity Episcopal (3-2) at Bishop Sullivan (3-2), 12:30pm

Bye: Huguenot (0-3, 0-5)

Thursday Night Volleyball and JV Football!

The Atlee Raiders boys volleyball team remained unbeaten in the Capital District with a hard-fought 3-0 win over second-place Glen Allen. Game scores were 25-15, 25-20, 25-22.  The second game saw the Jaguars (5-2, 10-5) in the lead most of the way, as the Raiders didn't go out in front until grabbing a 16-15 advantage.

Atlee (7-0, 12-2) was led by Justin Luu's 21 digs, while Matt Rohr had 11 kills, 3 aces and 8 digs. The Raiders host Hanover on Monday night at 7pm.

In the Colonial District, Mills Godwin held off Patrick Henry in four sets, 25-18, 25-19, 16-25, 25-22. The Patriots, now 7-3 in the Colonial (as is Godwin), 9-3 overall, was led by Scott Brigham with 22 kills, 10 digs and 4 aces.  Patrick Henry is next set to face John Marshall on the road Monday afternoon.

Highland Springs defeated Lee-Davis in four sets Thursday night, 26-24, 21-25, 25-19, 25-15 to up their record to 4-2 in the Capital, 5-5 overall.  Lee-Davis fell to 3-5 in the Capital, 6-6 overall, and next must face Atlee, at Lee-Davis, on Monday.

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Atlee's unbeaten girls volleyball team rolled on with a 3-0 sweep at Glen Allen, 25-16, 25-15, 25-13, to advance to 7-0 in the Capital District, and 14-0 overall. The rematch with #2 Lee-Davis will be held this Tuesday night at Atlee at 7pm.

Mills Godwin stayed unbeaten in the Colonial by virtue of a 3-0 sweep of Patrick Henry Thursday, 25-16, 25-9, 25-15.  Ellen Davidson had 16 digs for the Patriots, who are now 4-5 in the Colonial, 4-8 overall.  Mills Godwin is 10-0, 15-1.

Hanover disposed of Henrico in Capital District play in a three-game sweep, with scores of 25-23, 25-11, 25-12. Kendall Pully led the Hawks with 18 assists, 2 digs, 2 kills and an ace, while Rebecca Hoover had 9 aces plus 12 digs.  Hanover advances to 4-3 in the Capital District, 8-5 overall.

---------------------------
JV FOOTBALL:

Douglas Freeman scored 36 points in the first half en route to a 43-0 shutout win over Patrick Henry in Ashland Thursday night.

Meanwhile the Hanover Hawks took the lead for good on a touchdown with less than seven minutes remaining, then the defense sealed a win with two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, as Hanover beat rival Atlee on the road, 26-14.

Dwayne Holmes intercepted Atlee's first pass after taking possession after the lead change, and the Hawks drove to the Atlee 12.  Their drive stalled, but they took precious time off the clock, as Atlee took over at their own 12 with one timeout and only two minutes to play.  Faced with a fourth down with 1:10 to go, the Raider pass was tipped and intercepted by Kevin Sesson who returned the ball all the way for the insurance score.

Hanover Survives Atlee in Field Hockey....

A quick start, a long time of defense, and a second wind.

That was the winning formula for Hanover at home Wednesday evening as they defeated Atlee in field hockey.

A 2-2 tie was not settled in overtime, and Hanover won 2-1 on strokes.

The Hawks scored both their goals within the first ten minutes of regulation, holding a 2-0 lead at halftime.  But the Raiders (7-2, 9-3) came out with a much higher level of energy and intensity, scoring early in the second half, then tying the game in the final 10 minutes, forcing extra time.

It was the Hawks with the surge in overtime, spending most of the period in their offensive zone, but unable to score the winning goal.

The Hanover win gives Lee-Davis an advantage in the Capital District regular season title race with two weeks left in the schedule.

Tuesday Events!

Have you followed us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook??

PLEASE DO!

We break news, post scores, and schedule changes on our Facebook and Twitter pages, then give you scores and details right here on our web site.

Click the Courthouse picture to the right for our Twitter page!

And, go to Facebook and search "HanoverCountySports.org" to "like" our page and be in the know!

Other Monday Scores....

Central Region Golf Tournament, Day One (Jefferson/Lakeside CC):

Team Standings (after day 1):
1) Matoaca 306
2T) Mills Godwin 308
2T) James River 308
4) Deep Run 309
5) Thomas Dale 313

Weather permitting, day two tees off at 8am at Stonehenge Country Club in Midlothian.  The Lee-Davis and Atlee teams will tee off in the 8am hour.  The leaders (Matoaca, Godwin, James River, Deep Run) tee off in the 9am hour.  Other individuals attempting to qualify for the state tournament next weekend will tee off in the 10am hour.

Stonehenge Country Club is in Midlothian.  Take Midlothian Pike west past Huguenot, then turn left on Farnham Road.

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GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

Glen Allen defeats Hanover 3 sets to 1 (25-16, 34-36, 25-18, 25-17)

Mary Dustin had 8 kills, 5 aces, and 4 digs for the Hawks, joined by her teammate Rebecca Hoover with 2 aces and 14 digs, plus Katie Wolfram contributed with 4 kills, 3 digs, and 3 blocks.  Lauren Wells led Glen Allen with 15 digs, 29 assists, and 4 aces.

Hanover is now 3-2 in the Capital, 7-5 overall, while Glen Allen falls to 4-2 in the Capital 10-5 overall. Hanover next must battle the unbeaten Atlee Raiders on the home Tuesday night in a 7pm game.

Atlee Senior Day Goes Well in Field Hockey!

Due to the absence of lights, the Atlee field hockey team have to play their final home game a little earlier in the season than they'd like.  But, tied atop the Capital District going into the homestretch of the season, this veteran squad knows exactly what it has to do.

Seniors Ally Ritchie and Paige Brazee each scored 90 seconds apart early on, as the Raiders took a 2-0 advantage over Highland Springs.  Atlee added a third goal before halftime off the stick of fellow senior Hayley Smith.

Head Coach Alyssa Farling did take opportunities to give players time at different positions, as, down the road, one never knows who may be pushed into a sudden, important role on the team.

Highland Springs never quit, and, with less than two minutes left, Jasmine Cousins got the lone goal for the Springers. Sarah Scaplehorn and Lauren Maimone tallied second half goals for Atlee for the 5-1 final.

Numa Rehmeni and Lexa Roland split goaltending duties during the match.  Combined they faced five Highland Springs shots on goal and had three save.  Meanwhile, Highland Springs senior goalkeeper Alisha Banks had 16 saves.

Now the Raiders, still tied for first in the Capital District with Lee-Davis, have to hope to win their final five and have the Confederates lose one.  Otherwise, a tie in the standings at season's end would force a one-game playoff for the regular season crown and the top berth in the Field Hockey tournament.

Atlee is currently 7-1 in the Capital District, 9-2 overall.  They next battle Hanover at Hanover Wednesday at 6pm, followed by a date at Glen Allen next Monday, October 8th.

FOOTBALL WEEK 4: Heartbreak for Hanover, Jackson Amazes....

The Hanover Hawks arrived at Highland Springs Friday afternoon already with a disadvantage: the absence of Sam Rogers.

Rogers dislocated his finger in practice Monday, had surgery, and is expected to miss at least one more game (October 5th vs. Atlee).  This is a story first reported by HanoverCountySports.org on Twitter.

Andrew Knizner played the whole way at quarterback, Hanover built a 21-6 third quarter lead, and Donte Haynesworth did a bit of everything, catching two touchdown passes, blocking an extra point, intercepting a pass, and recovering a fumble to race 35 yards for a defensive touchdown.  That made the score 21-6.

Then the resurgence of Highland Springs began.

The Springers scored 18 unanswered points, including the winning touchdown with no time remaining to storm back for a 24-21 win over the Hawks in the Capital District opener for both teams.

Highland Springs found a way to stop the Hanover running attack of L.J. Jones, held to under 100 yards, with most of those yards gained in the first half.  Slowly but surely, Highland Springs whittled away at the lead until they forced a Hanover punt, taking over at their 47 yard line with 1:47 left in the game.

In the final minute, reaching the Hanover 23, Springers quarterback D.J. Johnson connected across the middle on a 15-yard completion.  Highland Springs hurried to the line of scrimmage to spike the ball, and there were only three seconds left in the game.

Highland Springs sent the field goal unit out to attempt to tie the game, but Hanover called time out.  This gave Highland Springs head coach Loren Johnson time to reconsider.

After the timeout, D.J. Johnson and the offense returned to the field, and it was all or nothing for Highland Springs.  From the 8, Johnson took the snap, rolled left looking to pass.  Seeing no one open, he made a beeline to the left corner pylon of the end zone, just beating Ryan Mallory's attempted tackle, and the Springers had completed the comeback.

The heartbreaking loss puts Hanover at 0-1 in the Capital District, 3-1 overall, but still in great shape for reaching the Division 5 playoffs.  To not have Sam Rogers on the field and lead a game at Highland Springs for 31 1/2 minutes is a fantastic accomplishment.  But they couldn't make that one final stop.

Hanover returns home next Friday for a rivalry matchup in the Capital against Atlee.

-----------------

Atlee moved to 3-1 tonight as Morris Jackson continues to rack up incredible rushing numbers.  343 yards and five more rushing touchdowns for Jackson tonight as the Raiders defeated Henrico 59-34.  Jackson now has rushed for 1,035 yards and scored 18 rushing touchdowns in just four games.

The bad news for Atlee is the defense, again, allowed a large amount of points, albeit some of them when the game was no longer in doubt.  The Raiders now prepare for Hanover next Friday on the road.

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Lee-Davis fell in their Capital District opener at home to Varina, 27-0.  Chris Simpson ran for 136 yards for the Confederates, now 0-1 in the Capital, 2-2 overall. Lee-Davis next faces Henrico at home next Friday.

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Three touchdown passes from Tyler Phelps to Travis Phillips weren't enough as John Marshall outlasted Patrick Henry in Ashland 27-21 in their Colonial District opener. The Patriots fought back from an early 12-0 deficit but could never take the lead, falling to 0-1 in the Colonial, 0-4 overall.  Patrick Henry hopes to get their first win next Friday when they travel to Douglas Freeman, who lost Friday night to Hermitage 55-21.

Listen to Hanover/Highland Springs LIVE ONLINE TONIGHT!

CLICK HERE to listen to WHAN Radio's LIVE coverage of 3-0 Hanover opening Capital District play at 3-0 Highland Springs, beginning tonight at 6:30!

Tonight's game broadcast is brought to you by:

Sheehy Ford
Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center
Crown Limousine Service (www.crownlimousineva.com)
Ben Rogers at Hometown Realty (www.bigbenrealestate.com)
EVB, Community Banking Since 1910
SW Vending Corporation
Cavalier International

FOOTBALL FRIDAY! WEEK 4 SCHEDULE:

THE HANOVER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK:

Hanover (3-0) at Highland Springs (3-0), air time 6:30PM on WHAN Radio, 102.9 FM and 1430 AM, and online HERE on the link at the top of the page!

Varina (2-1) at Lee-Davis (2-1)
John Marshall (0-3) at Patrick Henry (3-0)
Atlee (2-1) at Henrico (0-3)

Armstrong (2-1) at Glen Allen (1-2)
Mills Godwin (2-1) at Deep Run (1-2)
Hermitage (3-0) at Douglas Freeman (2-1)
Thomas Jefferson (1-2) at J.R. Tucker (1-2)
Petersburg (0-1, 1-3) at Colonial Heights (0-3)
Thomas Dale (1-0, 1-2) at Matoaca (1-2)
Dinwiddie (1-2) at Prince George (2-1)
Hopewell (2-1) at Meadowbrook (2-1)
L.C. Bird (3-0) at James River
George Wythe (0-2, 0-3) at Clover Hill (0-1, 0-3)
Monacan (1-1, 1-3) at Cosby (2-0, 3-1)
Huguenot (0-2, 0-4) at Midlothian (1-1, 2-1)
Eastern View at Caroline
Louisa at South Lakes
Prince Edward at Powhatan
Bluestone at Goochland
King William at Nandua
Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot (2-3) at Trinity Episcopal (2-2), 4PM

SATURDAY:
Episcopal (2-1) at Collegiate (2-1), 1:30pm
St. Christopher's (3-1) at Benedictine (3-1), 1pm

Hanover Volleyball Sweep, Hanover JV Football Shut Out...

Thursday Night Scores:

BOYS VOLLEYBALL:

Hanover 3, Varina 0 (Hawks move to 4-0 in Capital, 4-4 overall)
Glen Allen 3, Lee-Davis 0 (C-Feds fall to 2-4 in Capital, 5-5 overall)
Patrick Henry 3, Maggie Walker Gov School 0 (PH now 6-2 in Colonial, 8-2 overall)


GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

Hanover 3, Varina 0 (Hawks now 3-1 in Capital, 7-4 overall)
Maggie Walker Gov School 3, Patrick Henry 0 (PH falls to 3-4 in Colonial, 3-7 overall)

JV FOOTBALL:

Highland Springs 36, Hanover 0
Varina 30, Lee-Davis 0

Tuesday Results

BOYS VOLLEYBALL:

Douglas Freeman 3, Patrick Henry 0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-20)
              --Patriots move to 5-2 in Colonial, 7-2 overall

Atlee 3, Highland Springs 0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-15)
              --Raiders remain unbeaten in Capital (4-0), are 9-2 overall

Hanover 3, Armstrong 0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-14)
              --Hawks still unbeaten in Capital at 3-0, 4-3 overall

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

Atlee 3, Highland Springs 0 (25-4, 25-11, 25-7)
              --The top girls team in the region now 4-0 in Capital, 11-0 overall

Douglas Freeman 3, Patrick Henry 0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-16)
              --Ellen Davidson had 22 digs for PH, now 3-3 in Colonial, 3-6 overall

Lee-Davis 3, Varina 0 (25-13, 25-13, 27-25)
              --Jordan Martin with a monster 34 assists for the C-Feds, now 3-1 in Capital, 9-3 overall

Hanover 3, Armstrong 0 (25-5, 25-6, 25-7)
              --Hawks move to 2-1 in Capital, 6-4 overall

Lee-Davis Wins Capital District Golf Tournament

The Lee-Davis Confederates rose to the occasion Monday at The Hollows, capturing the 2012 Capital District Golf Tournament team title.  Lee-Davis finished with a score of 317, followed in second by Hanover, six strokes back at 323. Glen Allen had a strong showing, finishing third with a 324, just a shot away from tying for second.

Atlee, who won the regular season team title, finished fourth with a score of 328.  Varina, Henrico, and Highland Springs rounded up the team standings.

Hanover's Justin Lynn was the medalist today, shooting a 5 over par 75 for the best individual score of the day.  Lynn's teammate, Chris Melton, who shot a 77 Monday, was named Capital District Player of the Year.  Jamie Edwards of Atlee was named Coach of the Year.

SCORES:

LEE-DAVIS (317): Eric Ashby 83, Austin Diehr 79, Bryan Hare 76, and Zak Lewis 79
HANOVER (323): Chris Melton 77, Justin Lynn 75, Matt Alexander 83, Evan Wright 88
GLEN ALLEN (324): Holden Davis 77, Patrick Fernandez 77, Matthew Cox 85, Matthew Shaw 85
ATLEE (328): Thomas Moore 81, Matt Sweeney 83, Levi Brizendine 82, and Ben Crowe 82
VARINA (387): Troy Fiorillo 91, Bryce Conway 96, Billy Stoneman 98, Matthew Hanvey 102
HENRICO (400): Blake Bombere 90, Samuel Schmidt 111, Henry Weber 96, John Weber 103
HIGHLAND SPRINGS (459): Brad Anderson 117, Colie Hudgins 121, Thomas Schill 111, Jacob Trueman 110

INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIERS (REGIONALS):
Justin Lynn, Hanover
Chris Melton, Hanover
Holden Davis, Glen Allen
Patrick Fernandez, Glen Allen
Matt Alexander, Hanover
Matthew Cox, Glen Allen

All District/District Medalists:
Justin Lynn, Chris Melton--Hanover
Bryan Hare, Austin Diehr, Zak Lewis--Lee-Davis
Holden Davis, Patrick Fernandez--Glen Allen

Capital District All-Academic Team 2012:
Atlee--Thomas Moore, Sam Bean, Matt Sweeney, Levi Brizendine, Phillip Sening, Ben Crowe, Ariana Martin and Garrett Palmer
Hanover--Chris Melton, Justin Lynn, Matt Alexander, Danny Polk, Evan Wright, Ben McIlwaine, James Pollard and Lacey Sullivan
Lee-Davis--Eric Ashby, Austin Diehr, Owen Knollenberg, and Joe Wilson
Glen Allen--Matthew Cox, Patrick Fernandez, and Daniel Willis
Varina--Matthew Hanvey, D.J. Hunsucker and Abbie Carroll
Henrico--James Bellows, Samuel Schmidt and John Weber
Highland Springs--Brad Anderson, Austin Armstrong, Colie Hudgins and Thomas Schill

Monday: Golf Tournaments, Field Hockey and More!

Here's Monday's schedule:

GOLF:
--Colonial District Tournament gets underway Monday morning at Belmont Golf Course. Mills Godwin was the regular season champion.
--Capital District Tournament tees off at 10am at The Hollows in Montpelier. The Atlee Raiders captured the regular season title.

FIELD HOCKEY:

Patrick Henry (1-3, 3-4) at Deep Run, 5:30pm
Varina at Atlee (5-0, 7-1), 5pm
Lee-Davis (4-1, 4-2) at Hanover (2-2, 2-5), 6pm

BOYS VOLLEYBALL:

Hanover (2-0, 4-4) at Patrick Henry (5-1, 6-1), 6:45pm
Highland Springs at Lee-Davis (1-2, 4-4), 7pm

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

Lee-Davis (1-1, 7-3) at Highland Springs, 7pm
Patrick Henry (2-2, 2-4) at Hanover (1-1, 4-4), 7pm

Week 3 Football: Lee-Davis Survives, Hanover Rolls, Atlee Stunned...

The latest edition of the oldest Hanover County football rivalry, The Tomato Bowl, looked as if it would break two recent trends.  In the end, it only broke one.

Lee-Davis became the first home team to win the Tomato Bowl since 2006 with a 27-20 win over Patrick Henry.  The Confederates rolled out to a 20-0 lead by early in the second quarter, and it seemed there would not be a close contest, as had been the case each of the past four years.

But Patrick Henry would score before halftime to cut the lead to 20-7, and overcome a special teams mistake on the opening kickoff of the second half, giving Lee-Davis the ball in Patrick Henry territory en route to their final score of the game, to provide yet another nail biting finish to the storied rivalry.

In a 13 minute stretch, Patrick Henry scored two touchdowns to make it 27-20.  Lee-Davis played ball control, chewing up clock until their drive stalled due to penalties and the Patriots took over with 50 seconds left at their own 29 yard line, with no time outs.

Miraculously, the Patriots were able to move the chain twice, the second time on a 29-yard pass completion from Tyler Phelps to Travis Phillips.  The clock stopped with :00.2 left.  The Patriots raced to the Lee-Davis 15 to get ready to snap the next play before time expired, giving them one last shot at the end zone and a tying touchdown.  But Phelps' last pass was knocked down by a Confederate defender, and the thousands of Lee-Davis fans in attendance breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Chris Simpson led all rushers with 251 yards on 35 carries for Lee-Davis (2-1).  The Confederates begin Capital District play Friday night at home against Varina.

Patrick Henry, now 0-3 for the third time in the past four seasons, has lost 11 of their last 12 games against county opponents.  The Patriots open Colonial District play Friday night at home against 3-0 John Marshall, a team extremely hungry to reach the Division 5 playoffs after finishing 7-3 last year but missing out on VHSL rider points to a 6-4 Confederates team.

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Hanover welcomed Deep Run to their Chamberlayne Road campus Friday, and played like they weren't being paid by the hour.

In a performance packed with precision, Hanover dispensed of the Wildcats 47-0 in a game that took only an hour and 45 minutes in real time, some 30 minutes quicker than an average high school football game.

L.J. Jones continued his great start to the season rushing, gaining 140 yards on just 12 carries, scoring three touchdowns.  Sam Rogers ran for two scores, one in each of the first two quarters, to open the scoring. It was 27-0 by halftime.

NOTE: Hanover (3-0) begins its Capital District schedule with a huge road test at Highland Springs on Friday night.  WHAN Radio (102.9 FM/1430 AM) will broadcast the Hanover/Highland Springs game LIVE on Friday beginning at 6:30pm.  The game will also be available online and on your smartphone at www.hanovercountysports.org.

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The Atlee Raiders suffered a stunning loss in their home opener, falling to 2-1 after a 49-48 loss to Douglas Freeman Friday.  Both teams pummeled their opponents' defense, trading touchdown for touchdown throughout the game. Freeman led to begin the 4th quarter 42-35, but the Raiders stormed back with Morris Jackson tying the game with a four-yard touchdown run, his fourth of the game and 13th of the year. Then, as the final minutes began, Kenner Berry found Chad Jacob for a 30-yard touchdown pass for a 48-42 lead.

The play of the game occurred when the extra point attempt failed, opening the door for one final Freeman comeback.  The Rebels succeeded, driving down the field, tying the game with three seconds remaining when Eli Farinholt caught a nine-yard TD pass from Rebels quarterback Kyle Farkas.  The extra point gave Freeman the winning margin.

The Atlee offense has been prolific, scoring 145 points in their first three games.  But their defense has been very suspect, allowing 121 points in those three contests (Deep Run, Patrick Henry, Douglas Freeman).  The Raiders open Capital District play Friday at Henrico, a team that mirrors Atlee so far this year, capable of scoring lots of points, but also likely to allow a lot of points to their opponent.  The team that can turn their defensive fortunes around will take this Capital opener.

Listen To The Tomato Bowl! Click "Listen Here" Below!

Click LISTEN HERE to enjoy live coverage of the 53rd Tomato Bowl between Patrick Henry and Lee-Davis beginning at 6:30pm!  Rob Witham will bring you all the action on your PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone!

The game will also be heard in Metro Richmond on WHAN Radio, 102.9 FM and 1430 AM!

Football Friday!!

Here's the rundown of Week 3 action going on today and tonight!

RADIO GAMES:

Collegiate (2-0) at Landon School (Bethesda, MD) (2-1), 4pm
    (COVERAGE at 3:45pm on WHAN, 102.9 FM and 1430 AM!)

The 53rd Tomato Bowl: Patrick Henry (0-2) at Lee-Davis (1-1), 7pm
    (LIVE coverage begins at 6:30 on WHAN Radio and at above link for computer/smartphone users!)

Other County Schools:

Deep Run (1-1) at Hanover (2-0)
Douglas Freeman (1-1) at Atlee (2-0) (Atlee's home opener!)

Other Central Region Games:

Hermitage (2-0) at Varina (2-0)
Highland Springs (2-0) at Dinwiddie (1-1)
Glen Allen (1-1) at Mills Godwin (1-1)
Henrico (0-2) at J.R. Tucker (0-2)
Thomas Dale (0-2) at Petersburg (1-2) (Central District opener for both teams)
Manchester (1-0, 2-1) at L.C. Bird (1-0, 2-0) (Winner w/inside track for Dominion title)
John Marshall (2-0) at Prince George (2-0)
Armstrong (1-1) at Colonial Heights (0-2)
Clover Hill (0-0, 0-2) at Monacan (0-1, 0-3) (Cavaliers' first Dominion game)
Huguenot (0-1, 0-3) at Cosby (1-0, 2-1)
Hopewell (1-1) at Brunswick (1-2) (Hopewell won last year 41-18, Brunswick is Division 3)
Benedictine (2-1) at James River (1-1)
George Wythe (0-1, 0-2) at Midlothian (0-1, 1-1)

Byes This Week: Thomas Jefferson, Matoaca, Meadowbrook

Other Area Games:

St. Christopher's at Norfolk Academy, 4pm
Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot at Greenbrier Christian
Trinity Episcopal at St. Anne's-Belfield
Caroline at Spotsylvania
Monticello at Louisa
Warhill at New Kent
Greensville at Powhatan
Buckingham at Amelia

Thursday Night Scoreboard.....

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

Deep Run 3, Patrick Henry 0 (25-10, 25-6, 25-13)
       ---Patrick Henry falls to 2-2 in Colonial, 2-4 overall.  They miss standout Hannah Herbert, on crutches and out with an injury....
Atlee 3, Varina 0 (25-8, 25-21, 25-23)
       ---Atlee now 3-0 in Capital, still unbeaten at 10-0 overall.
Lee-Davis 3, Hanover 0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-19)
       ---Lee-Davis improves to 1-1 in Capital, 7-3 overall while Hanover is now 1-1, 4-4


BOYS VOLLEYBALL:

Hanover 3, Lee-Davis 0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-12) Hanover 2-0 in Capital, 4-4 overall, L-D now 1-2 in Capital District, 4-4 overall....
Atlee 3, Varina 0 (25-11, 25-11, 25-11)
       ---Atlee now 3-0 in Capital, 8-2 overall
Deep Run 3, Patrick Henry 1 (25-22, 16-25, 25-15, 25-13)  PH now 5-1 in Colonial, 6-1 overall, 1/2 game behind Deep Run in Colonial (6-1, 7-2)

FIELD HOCKEY:

Cosby 3, Hanover 0 (Hawks fall to 2-2 in Capital, 2-5 overall)
Atlee 4, Henrico 2 (Raiders move to 5-0 in Capital, 7-1 overall)

JV FOOTBALL:

Patrick Henry 7, Lee-Davis 6 (both teams are now 1-2)


GOLF:

Mills Godwin clinches Colonial District regular season title with 147-161 win over Patrick Henry in a nine-hole match at Hanover Country Club.
Hanover defeated Capital rivals Varina and Henrico at Meadowbrook CC, 181-202-203.

The Colonial and Capital District Golf Tournaments are scheduled for Monday

Week Two Football!!

It was a memorable night for high school football in Hanover County, especially if you were starting at tailback.

Atlee traveled to Ashland to face Patrick Henry in the Patriots' home opener.  The Patriots struck first early on a 75-yard touchdown pass from Chesdin Harrington to Travis Phillips.  The Raiders responded, and the teams went back and forth, going to the half in a 21-21 tie.

The third quarter belonged to Atlee, as Morris Jackson took over the game, winning the time of possession and driving down the field for score after score.  The Raiders scored 22 unanswered in the 3rd for a 43-21 lead, and extended it to 50-21 early in the 4th.

The Patriots did not quit, with Bryson Wong scoring his second rushing touchdown to finish the scoring, producing the 56-35 final.  Atlee moves to 2-0, while Patrick Henry fell to 0-2.  Atlee simply wore out the Patrick Henry defense in the third quarter, enabling the Raiders to finally break away in a game that ended up much closer than many expected.

PH quarterback Chesdin Harrington markedly improved from his week one performance at Hanover, throwing for 177 yards and three touchdowns, two to Travis Phillips and one to Jim Huber.  Otis Harris ran for 87 yards.

THE star of the night, by far, was Atlee tailback Morris Jackson, who rushed 34 times for 284 yards and an amazing SEVEN rushing touchdowns.  Kenner Berry passed for 241 yards and one touchdown, plus he completed two two-point conversion pass attempts in the second half.

Atlee has their home opener next Friday against Douglas Freeman while Patrick Henry now travels to Mechanicsville for the 53rd Tomato Bowl against Lee-Davis.

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LEE-DAVIS COMEBACK: Chris Simpson continued his stellar rushing, with 125 yards tonight and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score with 1:18 left in the game as Lee-Davis came from behind to defeat Hopewell 21-20.  This game could have huge Division 5 playoff implications later in the season, as both teams have hopes of the playoffs.  Both teams are now 1-1.  It cannot be understated how important this win was for the Confederates...

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HANOVER ROLLS: As expected, Hanover had an easy road win tonight, 42-8 over J.R. Tucker.  L.J. Jones rushed for 213 yards and 3 touchdowns for the 2-0 Hawks, who return home next Friday for their final non-district matchup when they welcome 1-1 Deep Run to Chamberlayne Road.  The Wildcats defeated Henrico tonight.

FOOTBALL FRIDAY: LISTEN LIVE!!!

Listen HERE to tonight's Atlee/Patrick Henry clash, heard in Richmond on WHAN Radio, 102.9 FM and 1430 AM beginning at 6:30pm.

OTHER KEY GAMES TONIGHT:

Hanover at J.R. Tucker
Lee-Davis at Hopewell (7:30pm)
Varina at Thomas Dale
Fredericksburg Christian at Glen Allen
Douglas Freeman at Highland Springs
Meadowbrook at Mills Godwin
Midlothian at Cosby
Deep Run at Henrico
John Marshall at Armstrong

THIS AFTERNOON: Benedictine at Collegiate, 4pm, LISTEN LIVE on WHAN Radio!

Other Thursday Scores....

GOLF:

Lee-Davis 166, Hanover 174
Patrick Henry 167, Douglas Freeman 181

FIELD HOCKEY:

Henrico 2, Hanover 0
Lee-Davis 5, Varina 0
Douglas Freeman 3, Patrick Henry 0

BOYS VOLLEYBALL:

Patrick Henry 3, Hermitage 0 (Patriots unbeaten at 5-0 in Colonial, 6-0 overall)
Atlee 3, Lee-Davis 0

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

Atlee 3, Lee-Davis 0 (Raiders are 2-0 in Capital, 9-0 overall; Lee-Davis is 0-1, 6-3)

Atlee Girls Volleyball passes stiff road test.....

If there was going to be a hiccup, a bump in the Capital District road for the Atlee Raiders girls volleyball team, it was probably going to be tonight when they traveled to face Lee-Davis.  The Confederates are considered the team with the most talent and best opportunity to knock off Atlee in regular season play.

Atlee passed another early season test with flying colors tonight, sweeping Lee-Davis Thursday night 25-18, 25-16, 25-8.

Head Coach Curtis Carpenter was happy to have this one behind him. Senior Hailey Brooks took over the game for good with seven aces in the first ten points of the third game to give the Raiders a 10-1 advantage, cruising to the final set win.

Atlee next plays at Armstrong Tuesday night.....

Tuesday Schedule....

GOLF: Patrick Henry vs. J.R. Tucker, 3:30pm at The Hollows

VOLLEYBALL:

Boys--Atlee at Glen Allen, Highland Springs at Lee-Davis, 7pm
Girls--Glen Allen at Atlee, Lee-Davis at Highland Springs, 7pm

Field Hockey: First Atlee Win Over Hanover In 2 Years

Yes, Hanover lost 17 players to graduation from their 2011 Group AAA state runner-up team.  But with some 40 players on the roster last year, the Atlee Raiders were taking nothing for granted Monday afternoon.

The goal: play their game.  And they did. A first half goal by Anna Maimone and a second half tally by Hayley Martin, coupled by stellar goaltending by Hayley Smith pushed Atlee to a 2-0 win over the Hawks at home Monday afternoon.

The Raiders improve to 3-0 in the Capital, 5-0 overall with their first win over Hanover since 2009.  The Hawks are now 1-1 in the Capital, 1-3 overall.

---Meanwhile, Lee-Davis creeps up in the Capital District with an easy 8-0 win over Highland Springs Monday evening.  The C-Feds are now tied with Hanover in the district at 1-1 and are 3-1 overall.

WEEK ONE FINALS:

Atlee, in a classic season opener, gets a huge road victory over Deep Run on opening night.  Down 24-14, Atlee scored two touchdowns to take a 28-24 lead.  The Wildcats later took the lead late, 37-35, but Atlee scored a winning touchdown to take the 41-37 triumph.

This win may turn out to be a much bigger victory for the 2012 Raiders than their 55-14 thumping of Deep Run was for last year's team.  This team is young, hungry, and has proven they can come back on the road and get a win.

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Bad news for Patrick Henry, who host Atlee next Friday, and are smarting after a 41-0 loss in their opener at Hanover.  The Patriots threw five interceptions in the first half alone, seven for the game, and the Hawks took full advantage.  All 27 first half Hanover points came off turnovers.

L.J. Jones rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns.  Andrew Knizner took about 75 percent of the quarterback snaps, with Sam Rogers spending most of the night at H-Back, completing his only two pass attempts.  The Hawks begin strong in this, the most highly anticipated season in school history.

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Lee-Davis had a tall task, hosting Hermitage in their opener, and they fell, as expected, 35-7.  They did get on the scoreboard on the Panthers, something Fork Union cannot say they did two weeks ago.  The Confederates will travel to Hopewell for a good test against an improved Blue Devils team next Friday.

FINALS:

Hanover 41, Patrick Henry 0
Atlee 41, Deep Run 37
Hermitage 35, Lee-Davis 7
Glen Allen 39, J.R. Tucker 15
Douglas Freeman 18, James River 6
Mills Godwin 20, Monacan 7
Armstrong 24, Thomas Jefferson 12
L.C. Bird 14, Thomas Dale 7
Manchester 45, Matoaca 30
Prince George 14, Clover Hill 7
Collegiate 28, Trinity Episcopal 0
Midlothian 29, Powhatan 7
Highland Springs 48, Meadowbrook 28
Varina 14, Dinwiddie 7
Monticello 51, George Wythe 12
Petersburg 29, Huguenot 16
Benedictine 28, Woodberry Forest 19
FUMA 28, Goochland 10

LISTEN TO GAME OF THE WEEK LIVE!

Click HERE to listen to Hanover battle Patrick Henry TONIGHT at 6:30pm from WHAN Radio!

Follow us on Twitter (@hanoversports) for score updates all night from all the action throughout the Central Region, including Hermitage/Lee-Davis and Atlee/Deep Run!!

FOOTBALL FRIDAY IS HERE!

High school football fans, your wait is OVER!

The first full week of football in the Central Region, and for Hanover County schools is Friday night!  Atlee opens the season on the road with a tough test against running back Evan Hinkle and the Deep Run Wildcats.  Lee-Davis is at home, but with an even tougher opening test, welcoming two-time Division 6 regional champion Hermitage to Mechanicsville.  The Panthers are 1-0 after a 38-0 pasting of Fork Union Military Academy on ESPNU two weeks ago.

OUR RADIO GAME OF THE WEEK: PATRICK HENRY AT HANOVER

The Patriots look for their first win over Hanover since 2007, while the long-anticipated senior season of Sam Rogers, Andrew Knizner, L.J. Jones and others begins on Chamberlayne Road.  In their decade-long history, the Hawks have already captured three Division 5 regional titles, but have never won the crown in back-to-back years (2007, 2009, 2011).  The Hawks were not sharp in their lone scrimmage two weeks ago against Eastern Region power Lake Taylor.  Will they be ready?  Will they have too much for Patrick Henry?

ON THE AIR: WHAN Radio, at 102.9 FM and 1430 AM, beginning at 6:30pm.  Not near a radio or going to the game?  Listen online OR on your smartphone!  We'll have a link to game audio HERE at HanoverCountySports.org at the top of our page!

Volleyball, JV Football.....

Thursday nights in the fall!  Here's the latest from the first Thursday of the 2012-13 school year....

JV FOOTBALL:

Hanover 7, Patrick Henry 2 (PH drove to the Hanover 5 yard line in the final minute before the Hawks intercepted a pass in the end zone to preserve the win....)
Hermitage 44, Lee-Davis 0 (The Panther assembly line doesn't seem to be slowing down...)
Atlee defeated Deep Run (still looking for a final score....)

VOLLEYBALL:

The Patriots and Confederates went head-to-head tonight; the boys in Ashland and the girls in Mechanicsville.  The home teams prevailed, both in three-set sweeps.

Patrick Henry boys were led by a strong performance by senior Scott Brigham, especially with his serving.  The Patriots remain unbeaten as they enter Colonial District play, while Lee-Davis falls to 2-2 with the Capital District on the horizon.

The Lee-Davis girls, coming off a good showing at the Virginia Volleyball Classic Labor Day weekend, swept the Patriot girls at home.....

Patriots Win In Colonial District Girls Volleyball Action....

Hannah Herbert led Patrick Henry with three aces, four blocks, twelve digs and sixteen kills as the Patriots swept J.R. Tucker Tuesday night in three sets for their first win of the 2012 season.

Patrick Henry (1-1, 1-2) also received good play from Kayla Hall (two aces, two blocks, four assists and seven digs) and timely serving from Alexis Tew.

The Patriots step out of district Thursday night to face arch rival Lee-Davis in Mechanicsville at 7pm.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL:

Patrick Henry 3, J.R. Tucker 1 (24-26, 25-19, 25-12, 30-28)
       Scott Brigham had 20 kills for the Patriots now 2-0 in the Colonial and overall....

Atlee 3, Mills Godwin 0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-19)
       Davis Ellenberger led the Raiders with 11 kills and 11 digs...Atlee now 5-2....

Five County Volleyball Teams At Virginia Showcase!

The place to be Labor Day Weekend for volleyball fans is Richmond Volleyball Club in the near West End of Richmond, where over 50 boys and girls teams converged for the two-day Virginia Volleyball Showcase.

Each team plays three three-set games, then will be seeded into championship brackets, which get underway at noon Saturday.

As expected, the Atlee girls team won all six of their competitive sets today, defeating Midlothian and First Colonial....

Lee-Davis' girls squad swept three sets from the Appomattox Regional Governor's School, then played three VERY tight sets against Annandale, losing two of three.

The Hanover girls went 1-5 on the day, while in boys play, Atlee was swept in three sets by Frank Cox of Virginia Beach.....

NOTE:  Follow @hanoversports on Twitter for LIVE updates from the Virginia Volleyball Showcase on Saturday!

Golf Score Update.....

Late word from Wednesday's matchup involving Atlee at Belmont Golf Course on Hilliard Road...

Atlee 165, Varina 207, Highland Springs 249

Thomas Moore shot a 38 for nine holes to lead the Raiders.....

Wednesday Scores and News!

FOOTBALL: In front of a large crowd under the lights at Day Field on the campus of Randolph-Macon College, Glen Allen outpointed Patrick Henry in scrimmage play, 27-19. Two fourth quarter touchdown passes by Tyler Phelps weren't enough to complete a comeback.  The Patriots were down 20-6 at halftime.

FIELD HOCKEY: Atlee topped Lee-Davis Wednesday 2-1 to stay unbeaten early in the season.  It was the Capital District opener for both teams, as the Raiders improved to 1-0, 3-0, while Lee-Davis is 0-1, 0-2.

VOLLEYBALL: The Patrick Henry girls team began Colonial District play with a 3-0 loss to Maggie Walker Governor's School, 25-15, 25-22, 25-20.  The Patriots are 0-2 overall.  In boys action, Lee-Davis fell in four sets to J.R. Tucker and are now 1-1 on the young season.....

ON THURSDAY.....

Golf: Patrick Henry is scheduled to host Deep Run at 3:30pm at Hanover Country Club....
Football: Lee-Davis travels to Chester to scrimmage L.C. Bird at 6:30pm....
              Patrick Henry's JV team scrimmages at Glen Allen at 7pm.....

Monday's Field Hockey Results....

Patrick Henry 2, Hanover 1
Atlee 4, Mills Godwin 1

Atlee is now 2-0, Patrick Henry is 2-1, while Hanover is 0-1.

Lee-Davis was idle and practicing in Mechanicsville today....

Atlee wins field hockey opener against PH....

A first-half goal holds up as the Atlee Raiders open their 2012 field hockey season Friday afternoon with a 1-0 win over Patrick Henry.

The Patriots, winners over Lee-Davis in their opener earlier this week, move to 1-1.

Strong Start For Atlee Girls Volleyball.....

The Raiders held serve easily on opening night at home against county rival Patrick Henry, sweeping the Patriots in three sets.

Scores were 25-4, 25-5 and 25-8.  Hailey Brooks had 4 kills and 4 aces on the evening as the Raiders move to 1-0.  Brooks has committed to play college volleyball at the University of South Florida.

In boys action, Lee-Davis took a four-set victory over the Maggie Walker's Governors School Thursday night, winning the fourth set 25-22 after taking the first two and losing the third.

The Confederates are 1-0.

FOOTBALL:

Hanover's only scrimmage of the preseason was Thursday night at home against Eastern Region powerhouse Lake Taylor.  The Titans outscored the Hawks 27-7 in the first half of the scrimmage, finishing with a 48-7 score.  The Hawks played backups liberally in the second half.  Both Sam Rogers and Andrew Knizner saw time at quarterback in the first half.  The Hawks open their season at home September 7th against Patrick Henry, in a game to be heard on WHAN Radio (102.9 FM/1430 AM) and LIVE ONLINE HERE at HanoverCountySports.org.

Atlee battled Manchester in their opening scrimmage tonight, with the Lancers "winning" on the scoreboard, but, again, in scrimmage play, the takeaways are strictly on the field.  Atlee begins their 2012 regular season also on September 7th on the road at Deep Run, a team expected to finish second behind Hermitage in the Colonial District this season....

Patrick Henry scrimmaged at home against Colonial Heights....no word on how the event went.

More Fall Sports Get Underway!

In field hockey action, Patrick Henry held off Lee-Davis in a defensive battle, 1-0, to take the opening match of 2012 for both teams on Wednesday night.

The Patriots are 1-0, while the Confederates are 0-1.

In volleyball, three county girls teams begin 2012 play Thursday night!  Lee-Davis travels to Douglas Freeman while Patrick Henry is at Atlee.

Football Is Almost Here!!!

Three weeks from tonight, we'll be streaming WHAN Radio's coverage of Patrick Henry vs. Hanover on opening night of the 2012 high school football season!

In the coming weeks, HanoverCountySports.org, in conjunction with the Hanover Herald-Progress, will be presenting extensive team previews of all four county schools.

After a season where three teams made the playoffs and one ascended all the way to the state semifinals (and that team returns its core!), what will our county's student-athletes do for an encore?

What we'll be watching early....

1) Who plays at quarterback for Hanover?
2) Who replaces Israel Vaughan under center for Lee-Davis?
3) How will Kenner Berry's time at QB in the 2011 playoffs help his development for 2012?
4) Is the loss of Raymon Minor too much for a possibly thin Patrick Henry team, or is it addition by subtraction?  Depends upon your perspective.....

There's no doubt the most pressure is found west of Ashland, since Patrick Henry hasn't recorded a winning season since 2008.  Patriot faithful are not used to a significant down period, something that hasn't happened at PH since the late 1970s/early 1980s before the arrival of Ray Long in the fall of 1982.

There's no doubt also that the highest expectations are found on Chamberlayne Road, where Sam Rogers enters his fourth and final year as the heart of the Hawks team.  Add Andrew Knizner's versatility, a third quarterback option coming from JV, the return of L.J. Jones at tailback, and pieces of last year's defense returning, and it's obvious to see that this is "THE" year for Hanover if they want to achieve new heights of success. Ending their first decade as a football program, Hanover already has three Division 5 Regional Titles to their credit, but, in each season they won it, they would hit the road and lose in the state semifinals, sometimes in heartbreaking fashion (see Phoebus, 2009).....

Rogers, Knizner, Jones and other returnees plus a new influx of talent.  Can Hanover finally win a Division 5 Regional Title in an even year, getting a home game in the state semifinal round?  Can Hanover finally play at Scott Stadium for a state championship?

Or....will something unforeseen derail everything, such as the injury to Rogers in mid-season 2011?

Our first stop on the pre-season football tour is Saturday morning for the Green/White Scrimmage at Hanover.  Practice is at 7:30, scrimmage begins at 9am.

Monday Golf Result.....

Tough day for the Hanover Hawks as they bring up the rear at a quad meet at River's Bend Country Club in Chester....

Thomas Dale 299, Mills Godwin 309, Manchester 337, Hanover 360


Justin Lynn was best scorer for the Hawks, shooting an 81.

VHSL Reclassification Update

The VHSL released its latest proposals for realignments statewide to a six-classification system.

The latest has Atlee, Lee-Davis, and Patrick Henry in 5A, and Hanover in 4A.

Click HERE to go to the VHSL web page that contains the latest information.  Scroll down to find the two PDF files dated 8/9/12 for the latest proposals.

What do you think?  Are you as confused as we are?  :)

Fall Sports Are Underway!

We are back from summer hiatus with our first results of the 2012-13 athletic season!

At The Crossings Golf Course yesterday, Hanover's golf team fell to Douglas Freeman by a single stroke, 182-183.

Atlee's golf team is scheduled for a quad meet in the Capital District tomorrow at 1pm at The Hollows, facing Glen Allen, Varina, and Henrico.

Coming soon: 2012 Fall Sports Previews, especially FOOTBALL!  :)