Tru Blue 72

Don't think that will happen. Could be wrong, but I think the school board is looking at consolidating with two schools, part of Tazewell and Graham in one and Part of Tazewell and Richlands in the other. A new facility will be build to house the Taz. + Graham with new stadium, and the Taz. + Richlands will use the Richlands facility with improvements to the stadium. I know we have all heard something like this before, so could just be a far fetched rumor, but it is something to think about.

Thanks, wasn't aware of that.

I've heard the same rumor, but even if it is itching, I'll not scratch it.

Are you talking about Anthony Cox at Richlands?

It doesn't matter how I feel, it's just a game. I'm an old fart that loves football and it doesn't matter to me who wins or looses. I think we all have our favorite team, but I learned a long time ago not to get upset over a game. Anyway, yeah you're right flip flops were comical, always had a hard time keeping them on my feet. Just having fun during the off season and love chatting with guys on the board with a sense of humor, lord knows we need it in this day and time. thanks for the comments.

You are correct, that did happen, and some of us True Blue fans shoveled snow from the bleachers before the game, it was fun times.

Sorry, but a former Salem player who participated in that game made a statement to me that when Coach White was informed that the cleats had been purchased by Richlands, by a close Salem supporter, he made sure Salem had the same. If I'm wrong about his statement then I'm wrong, but it was said. I don't think a 1/16 in. would have made any difference in that game. Salem was out powered on the LOS and couldn't stop Richlands. I think Richlands would have won even if they were wearing flip flops. Biased or not, Richlands won.

Hey, just want to wish everyone the Merriest Christmas ever. Be safe out there and enjoy the time we have with family and friends.

They need to check and see if coach Willis White left those same cleats, which Salem also had on that day, at the VHSL office, you can probably pick them up for nothing now that we have turf. LOL!!! BTW illegal cleats = 15 yard penalty for illegal equipment, called by the white cap, and the equipment has to be removed from the field. Evidently, the white cap was so frustrated by Richlands out powering Salem that he forgot to check, or maybe, just maybe, both teams had on the same length cleats, so he let it roll. Love the fact that you brought this into the fray. I love being a part of this board especially during the off season, we can always bring out the skeleton's and have a party. Love you guys

Would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone on the board a blessed Christmas and a very happy New Year. Don't always agree with everyone, but always enjoy the back and forth and just clean fun on this board. Thank God for each and everyone of you who post!!

How soon we forget when Richlands was accused of recruiting during their good run, especially with the Johnson's, and who knows maybe they did, but some of the stuff that was said has now come home to roost with the very ones that said it. It's odd how the times have changed, when back then everyone wanted the head of coach Mance on a silver platter for so called recruiting, but now that the shoe is on someone else's foot, it's not that big of a deal. Who cares if every coach is recruiting, and I suspect they all do to a certain degree. Players cannot change schools without the parent or guardian consent, so why blame the players. By the way, why even blame the coaches, most often the parents are contacting them. Who doesn't want their child to be on a winning team, Duh! As a Richlands fan, right now I wouldn't blame any player for wanting to transfer with the shape the program is in, and appears to be getting worse. As long as Daddyball is in action, it's going to be running down hill like a fast moving freight train with no brakeman. IMO and we all have one.

I don't think the Richlands HC is the problem. I think what it comes down to is the feeder programs, (Little League). A few years back, there were several teams in the program allowing many young and upcoming talented players to learn from their coaches. Then along comes a couple of guys who want to be known as the best coaches in the area, and wreck the program. They reduced the number of teams down to two, each having a multitude of players, and then, they only play a few, while the others get to watch from the sidelines. They made the program about their coaching ability rather than a learning experience for the players. Who wants their young child to go to practice everyday, do all that's expected, and never get into live action. Back in the day, little league was all about learning the game, not acting like you are the Dallas Cowboys rather than the Richlands Cowboys. Now we have very talented players walking the halls of our schools and never coming out to participate because they don't want to waste the time and energy to set on the bench, like they have been taught during their time in the feeder program. Fix the feeder program, and in my opinion, you fix the problem. Let the younger players play, no matter what level of talent, you are to teach them, not destroy their desire! Who cares if you don't win the championship on that level, it's what you have taught these young minds that is the important thing, not the fact that you are the winningest coach that ever came along. Who cares about you? It should be all about the players on the feeder program level, not the flamboyant coach on the sideline!!!!

Anyone heard of any area coaching changes coming down the line? Does anyone foresee any changes coming?

Congrats to the G-men Great game! Enjoy the celebration, you deserve it. Good season especially for all those seniors.

From the film it looks like Graham by 10 or more. If G-men can cut down the penalties, and play position defense, they should be bringing back the trophy. Hope all who travel to the game are safe and all players escape injury. From a True Blue Richlands fan, I'm saying, "Come on G-men, go get that championship!!!"

Good luck to both teams, pull your chin strap one notch tighter, it's goin to be a good one. Go G-men bring your best and get that win for SWVA football.

Good luck to both teams, and safe journey to all the Appo fans. Two ways of looking at this game, if it is nasty weather, G-men grinding out the win 28 to 21, if the weather is anywhere near good, Appo wins by 7. hope I'm wrong but think they have to much speed and talent. I'm pulling for the G-men, and a nasty weather day, but Appo is a tough out. May all the players escape without injury.

Going to post this, and if you disagree with or have negative things to add, that's okay. I'm just and old guy that graduated in 1972 from Richlands and I may be out of the loop with many of the younger fans, but I do have an opinion on a situation I think has to be pointed out. Did anyone notice that Richlands has some players who have been at practice, and in the weight room, and attended every team function throughout their high school years, giving all they can. Their parents have sacrificed along with all the parents, and supported the program, yet these players never had the chance to be on the field during a home game, their entire time with the team. Come on guys, at least the coaches could have let these dedicated players in one or two plays, especially the last time they would ever be able to play on the home field. Shame on the coaches who think that it doesn't matter. Shame on the coaches who don't have the decency to allow these kids to at least be in live action. I mean the season is over with this 2 win team, so why does it matter if they win or loose the last home game. Have we migrated back to the day that only a select few are chosen to play regardless of the effort and hard work of all players. I agree, the most talented players should be on the field, but when do you show the bench riders they are appreciated. I may never post again after this, but this situation is just shameful on the coaches and this is just my old fart opinion, but if I was one of these players parents, I would be greatly dissapointed that my child had put forth the effort only to be shown by those in charge that their effort is not appreciated by getting on the field for one stinking play. I mean they will never have another oportunity to be active in a game on the RHS field in front of family and friends again in their life, and this is good coaching? B.S.!!! Coaches have to be better than this. SHAMEFULL!!!!

Ball control game for Richlands, Big play game for Tazewell. If Richlands can move the chains and control the clock they have a slim chance of keeping this close and maybe get the win. If Tazewell gets the big plays, they probably will win, it's going to come down to how well Tazewell's line holds up on both sides of the ball. Hope all players have a injury free game and everyone enjoys some good high school football. Go Blues!!!

I work with several hard core Tazewell fans and they have made that statement many times this week, so to clear this up, it's not just the Richlands fans that are saying this. I don't have anything against Tazewell football, and hope both teams do well, but if you think this is just being stated by Richlands fans, you are wrong.

Talent has always ran in cycles in SWD. 5 to 10 years of good talent, 2 to 3 years less talent, and then sommetimes 3 to 5 years no talent. High school Football is great, but it can break your heart as a fan. Everyone wants to reach the top of the mountain and then stay there forever, but someone always comes along and knocks you off the mountain. Good competetive football will always be part of SWD and the school of Hard Knocks will always keep things in check. Hope all the teams do good, and if Tazewell can find a way to loose they will, it's something that happens to them at the Ernie. God Blues!!!

Tazewell should win, but don't think its a blow out. Tazewell always seems to find a way to loose at the Ernie for whatever reason. Hope all the players have an enjury free game, and both teams and fans show good sportsmanship. Go BLUES!!!

RV 42 Blues 10

Richlands hasn't scored a TD since the GC game with 14 quarters of play. My hats off to the players for hanging in there and giving it their best effort. I think Bluefield wins 27-10. I'm giving the Blues 10 points thinking things will have improved that much but would love to see a win, just don't think it will happen. GO BLUES!!!!

I do apoligize to anyone who thinks I am finger pointing, but I believe most true blue fans are seeing the same thing I am seeing. Not blaming anyone or anything but looking at reality. There is good players on this team, and I respect the coaches, but in reality the team was not prepared to even run the first series of plays without multiple problems. Yes I call that unpreparedness a coaching problem. The first couple series of offense plays should be scripted and ran without interuption, but in this game it didn't happen and that's not a lack of talent, it's called unprepardness and to me that is the responsibility of the coaches. If I'm the only one that feels that way, then so be it, but that's my opinion. Not finger pointing, just being truthful as I see it.