For example, video could make the level of competition of HS football in SWVA appear to be on par with the level of competition in the 757 or even NOVA. At least to a non-VA watching the video. However, most (maybe all?) Virginians would agree that HS football in SWVA is not on the same level as the 757 or NOVA.

That is not a knock on HS football played in other regions within VA. It just shows that HS played within VA is not played at the same level for the entire state. I would say that is true for majority of the states. I played HS football in VA during the early 90s (Valley District) and back then I knew the Valley District, even though it was one of the better AA districts, wasn't as deep as the districts in the 757 or Richmond area.