Saturday's state semifinal preview capsules

Group A, Div. 1, semifinal
West Point at Altavista
w KICKOFF: 1:30 p.m.
w RADIO: WKDE, 105.5-FM
w RECORDS: West Point 11-1, 3-1 Tidewater; Altavista 11-1, 5-1 Dogwood
w LAST WEEK: West Point beat Sussex-Central 21-20; Altavista beat Riverheads 20-17
w FACTS: West Point is making its first appearance to the state playoffs since 1972 after being knocked out of the postseason in the Region A semifinals the past two seasons. The Pointers have outscored opponents 499-182 this season, but have played their last three opponents dead even at 66-66, losing to King William 22-18 for the Tidewater District championship before edging Franklin (27-24) and Sussex-Central (21-20). Altavista, which qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1990, earned its first state berth since 1970. The Colonels have outscored opponents 365-144, with their aggressive 3-5-3 defense allowing just 12 points per game and forcing numerous turnovers, recovering three fumbles in both their Region B playoff wins.

Group A, Div. 2, semifinal
Gretna at Essex
w KICKOFF: 1:30 p.m.
w RECORDS: Gretna 10-2, 5-1 Dogwood; Essex 11-0, 5-0 Northern Neck
w LAST WEEK: Gretna beat Appomattox 28-13 in the Region B final; Essex beat King William 42-12 in the Region A final
w FACTS: The Hawks, winners of four state titles in the past six seasons including the past two at Group A, Division 2, held off Essex in last year’s semifinal 45-40. The Trojans, who have outscored opponents 493-106, feature senior QB Lyndon Garner, who has thrown for 40 touchdowns and nearly 3,000 yards this fall. He threw for five TDs in last week’s rout of King William, which had beaten Essex in the 2007 regional final.

Group AA, Div. 4, semifinal
Christiansburg at Amherst
w KICKOFF: 1:30 p.m.
w RADIO: WAMV, 1420-AM
w RECORDS: Christiansburg 10-3, 2-3 River Ridge; Amherst 12-0, 6-0 Seminole
w LAST WEEK: Christiansburg beat Salem 13-0 in the Region IV final; Amherst beat Harrisonburg 47-22 in the Region III final
w FACTS: Amherst, winners of four consecutive Region III titles, has won 50 of its past 52 games and outscored opponents by a 569-114 margin this fall. The Lancers showcase multiple offensive threats, including Kirby Anderson, who completed two passes, both for touchdowns, rushed for a 61-yard TD and returned a fumble 92 yards for another score last week. Anderson replaced Anthony Rose at QB early in the season, with Rose returning to his natural position of receiver and standing out along with Anderson, Damien Carter, Anthony Fletcher, Devonte Brown, Antjuan Harvey and Greg Ware at linebacker. Christiansburg, which has avenged regular-season losses to Hidden Valley and Salem in the postseason, runs nearly identical Wing-T and 3-5-3 defensive formations as those used by Amherst.