2015 SOC 2 - Predictions, discussion, thoughts?

[Westfan]

I think it's good to go test yourself during the season at least once against a good Northern Ohio Team. This gives the coaches and players a way to judge where they are and how much they need to improve to advance in the playoffs. If they fair well the confidence gained can be huge. Plus to advance in the playoffs you are gonna have to travel and it is different playing a game after being on a bus for 2 or 3 hours. It can't hurt to practice that too.

[cghs82]

If im not correct, didnt Valley used to play Oak Hill? I think a good idea for Valley would be for them to pick up a couple of small or large KY teams on their schedule. Like Raceland, Russell, Fairview, Greenup County, Lewis County, Boyd County or even Ashland. (This has continuously helped Ironton in past seasons for Computer Points.)

Oak Hill and Valley played each other when Valley was SOC I, but I don't think they've played each other since Valley moved up.

[nutronron2012]

This will be a very competitive year. Will be exciting for sure. Could have 4 teams make the playoffs.

[Seops123]

Burg again is the favorite in the SOC 2 but that doesn't mean Valley or West might have something to say. Then Minford could sneak into that discussion and Waverly coming in last yet again.

[Jolly P(irate)]

Burg wins the gold football yet again. West right behind them with it's only SOC loss to Burg. Minford will be third losing to both West and Burg. Valley next losing to West, Burg and Minford. Finally Waverly, they get swept.

[nutronron2012]

Burg wins the gold football yet again. West right behind them with it's only SOC loss to Burg. Minford will be third losing to both West and Burg. Valley next losing to West, Burg and Minford. Finally Waverly, they get swept.

You sure are Jolly. That is funny. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I don't see anyway that Valley has fallen that far. Especially returning the same team that went to the final 4 last year (-2 starters). IMO, this will be the best team that the Indians have ever fielded. I have watch these same kids play and grow since pee wee and they have gotten even better ever year. If anyone thinks Valley skill or physicality has dropped off, they are going proven wrong. I believe Valley will prove the haters wrong again as they have to every year.
1. Valley
2. West/ Burg
4. Minford
5. Waverly

[BurgGrad6]

Man this is going to be a tough year in the socII! I am obviously pulling for the pirates and think they have a very good chance at winning it, but valley and west won't lay down and just let burg keep the title. Good luck to all of the teams this season and GO BURG GO!!

[wobycat]

Burg wins it.

[knightruner]

1. Valley
2. Burg
3. Mf
4. PW

[Badboy]

1.) Minford
2.) Valley
3.) Burg
4.) PW
5.) Waverly

My picks may be slightly biased.....

Valley returns a lot of talent. It would not surprise me a bit to see them win the league. Burg is Burg. No shocker if they went undefeated either.

Portsmouth West and Minford will be solid. If one of them gets a few breaks they could pull it off. Definitely could see 4 SOC II schools in the playoffs if things get crazy along the way. It should be a very good year to take in SOC II football games.

[Omega]

From the scant information available, Waverly is considered to be an improved and more competitive squad for 2015. Is there any chance the Tigers could come away with a win or two in the conference and a possible winning season?

[4thgoal]

Waverly always seems to be on the edge of maybe getting things moving in the right direction, but then always fall short. They typically have some big linemen and 1-2 skill guys that appear to be decent. From someone who sees them once a year, they appear to not be mentally tough enough and once 1 bad thing happens to them, the wheels start to fall off very quickly. If they can keep it together for a half against someone and gain a little confidence, you never know.

[4thgoal]

Of course it all depends on how their opponents do, but for Minford, West and Burg to all make the playoffs they would likely all have to beat at least 1 of the other 3, since they are all in R17. If all 3 were to end up at 8-2 with 1 win against that group, it could be done. If all that would happen, the SOC race would be very messy and likely be shared between 2-3 teams.

[Senatorz10]

My thoughts, If Valley keeps the momentum they had in the Playoffs last year AND Stays healthy and motivated... the SOC 2 Title is theirs.

1. Valley
2. Burg
3. West
4. Minford
5. Waverly

[Old Bulldog]

1. Burg
2. Valley
3. West
4. Minford
5. Waverly
The Burg wins their 30th gold ball.
Valley is senior laden and that usually wins championships.
BUT they are not deep and I can't see them staying healthy for the whole season.

[Jolly P(irate)]

Burg wins the gold football yet again. West right behind them with it's only SOC loss to Burg. Minford will be third losing to both West and Burg. Valley next losing to West, Burg and Minford. Finally Waverly, they get swept.

You sure are Jolly. That is funny. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I don't see anyway that Valley has fallen that far. Especially returning the same team that went to the final 4 last year (-2 starters). IMO, this will be the best team that the Indians have ever fielded. I have watch these same kids play and grow since pee wee and they have gotten even better ever year. If anyone thinks Valley skill or physicality has dropped off, they are going proven wrong. I believe Valley will prove the haters wrong again as they have to every year.
1. Valley
2. West/ Burg
4. Minford
5. Waverly

Anytime Jimmy. But let's all be very serious here. Even with Valley's entire team back it will be a struggle. Burg and now West have the best coaches in the conference. I think there are going to be some knock down dragouts along the way.

[wobycat]

Crabtree is a terrific coach. His winning % speaks for itself. Having said that, I can't see valley overcoming a 26 point difference from last year that fields the same team minus their outside threat. Burg will just fill in with what was lost. Minford is the X factor this year. I still have burg winning with west at home.

[Westfan]

How many linemen return for wheelersburg this year? They had good skill players but the line was the difference.

[toast]

This might just be the closest the SOC has been from top to bottom in some time. Valley is in a very strange position this year. I don't think I have ever seen a team so talented but so thin. They've had a nice run lately and should be considered the favorite this season. I hope things work out for them because after this season it will be a monumental challenge for them to field a competitive team for several years.

I don't see a nickels worth of difference between Burg, West and Minford. All very solid but I wouldn't think anywhere near one of their best teams. All three should have a shot at making the playoffs.

Waverly creeps back in the picture this season. Should be better than last year and better yet next year. Next year might just be the best team we have fielded since the 06-07 and 07-08 seasons where we went a combined 19 wins and 1 loss during the regular season. Both years we qualified for a home playoff game and both years we won that game. This years junior class is the strongest class to come through in a few years and has been fairly successful. The Tigers are going to get a shot in the arm from the facility upgrade and new turf field also. I think everyone will really be impressed with our sports complex when they travel to play in Waverly.

[smurray]

Not much respect for Da Tigers and I guess they haven't earned it yet. One poster couldn't even list them at #5, lol.
Until they put the pads on and start hitting somebody we won't know but Waverly is working very, very hard and looking pretty good. There is a brand new attitude with some pretty good athletes which hopefully translates to better results on Friday night. 4 returning starters on the line, two QB's who could start on other teams, 3 to 4 very good receivers including 6'5" senior Mason Chapman. Very talented junior tailback Drew Harris with a couple nice backups. The Tigers could very well surprise some people if taken lightly.