Class 2, Region D Playoff
Ridgeview Wolfpack (9-1)
VS. 
Wise Central Warriors (4-6)
When: Friday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Ridge, Rose Ridge, Va.
Series all time: Series is even 2-2 (Last meeting Ridgeview defeated Wise Central 54-0 on September 7, 2018 in Rose Ridge, Va.)
A capacity crowd was on hand to watch Ridgeview vs. Central in September (photo by David Moore)
No matter the result on Rose Ridge Friday night, one thing is already set in stone before the Ridgeview Wolfpack and Wise Central Warriors face off. One young program will achieve their first ever playoff victory on the gridiron after 48 minutes have been played. Ridgeview is 0-2 all time in the VHSL playoffs with losses at Giles (2015) and at home against Grayson County (2017). Wise Central has playoff losses at Wilson Memorial (2011), at Glenvar (2014) and at Dan River (2015).
The Mountain 7 District foes have faced off once this year with the Wolfpack running away with the contest by a final tally of 54-0. Much has changed since that early September meeting between the two schools. Isaiah McAmis, who started the season behind center for the Warriors, suffered a season ending ACL tear in early October. Now calling the signals for the Warriors is freshman Ethan Mullins.
What the Warriors have been able to accomplish over the last month of the season is nothing short of remarkable. Facing a 1-6 record after a loss to Union on October 12, the Warriors reeled off three straight victories over Lee High, Gate City and Grundy to finish at 4-6 and narrowly edging Marion for the eighth and final seed in the playoffs in Region D.
Trenton Adkins will look to continue where he left off in September for the Pack. Adkins earned the CoalfieldSports.com offensive player of the week for his performance in the week three victory over the Warriors with 249 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. Tyler O’Quin also had a breakout night for the Pack in the earlier meeting, throwing for 166 yards and three scores.
The weather, as has been the case for several Wolfpack games this season, appears to be a factor once again Friday night as showers are in the forecast. The Pack has excelled in the elements so far this season, winning all four contests affected by the rain. The Warriors ball control will be key if there is even the slightest hope of an upset on Rose Ridge Friday night.
I was born a Haysi Tiger but unfortunately succumbed to a broken heart on a cold rainy afternoon in King William, Virginia on December 6, 2014.
However, I was reincarnated as a Wolf, and became a runner of the Ridgeview Wolfpack on August 28, 2015. You now hear me howling most autumn Friday nights high atop Rose Ridge in Dickenson County or anywhere else my Pack of hungry Wolves may be, from Grundy to Falcon Hill or from Ben Hur to Pikeville, Kentucky.
I never wolfed down (pun very intended) a Tiger Taco like Mr. Brady Hess, but I was and still am known to devour a pizza from Pizza Factory on Main Street in Haysi.
I have always wanted to write about sports and now I have the opportunity to thanks to those who have built this wonderful place on the world wide web. Hope y’all enjoy.
