RichlandsAlum

Go Cougars! We lived in the Vance attendance zone the last few years that we lived in Charlotte. And although we didn't have a direct connection, we were counselors for our youth group at church and a lot of our kids there were part of the first classes at the school. Attended many games in the earliest days of the program, so it's nice to see them do well.

Great going, G-Men! You've done Tazewell County and the whole of God's Country proud.

Caught them last night against Liberty. My take is that the Bulldogs are very talented and extremely well coached. Can't gauge too much from that particular outcome -- a 39-28 Martinsville win -- because Liberty still isn't quite ready for prime time (the unexpected run in the football playoffs having impacted preseason training). But I do attach some significance to the Dogs' win over E.C. Glass. Even though they are breaking in a new coach, the Hilltoppers are still a tough out -- and a victory margin over 20 is a big deal. Expecting/hoping for a better outcome when the Minutemen play down in Martinsville in a couple of weeks. But I am pretty impressed with the Dogs overall -- and they should be even better within the next year or so.

Much as I like to take some good-natured shots at my Bedford County neighbors, I have to give Staunton River credit for ingenuity on a trick play based on a "granny style" backwards pass. Video is included in the attached link -- the play itself starts at the 1:50 mark. https://www.wdbj7.com/content/sports/Patrick-Henry-at-Staunton-River-499470191.html

Allow me to clarify. It's not that it had been 6 years since they beat Amherst. Last night's victory was apparently the first for Liberty (formerly Bedford) Middle School in ANY football game since 2012. My 2nd born son is a member of the team (mostly bench sitting WR/DB this year) and he was only in for a couple of plays. But he and his teammates are walking a little prouder this morning. I asked him what they did to commemorate a win the next day in school (like wearing their jerseys, for example). He obviously didn't know. Sorry that this isn't SW Virginia related or probably even of interest to very many people. Just wanted to indulge in my own little Moment of Zen.

Yep. I see it now. And that is a huge integrity gap within the ratings methodology. I would guess that it arose as a scheduling argument (to eliminate the statistical "penalty" associated with playing teams in lower classifications). But that's another really good reason for the VHSL to revisit classification overall, IMO. Seems like a 4 class system (or 5 at most) would work if districts were comprised completely of teams within the same classification.

Thanks, Union_Fan. That makes sense. So the difference between LB and Abingdon is presumably a result of LB playing 4A schools and gaining the associated benefits.

The existence of that kind of policy would be news to me. And if there were such a thing, it's hard to see how Abingdon could be allowed to benefit from it as there is no real argument for them being "required" to play down. Looking at the current VHSL rankings, Abingdon and Lord Botetourt have identifical records. But LB is outpointing them by a healthy margin (including bonus points). Guessing that margin is mainly due to the fact that Abingdon is playing teams in lower classification than Bottie.

Beginning by admitting my own ignorance.... but is that actually happening? I thought the ratings were calibrated in some manner corresponding to classification (whereby you get greater benefit by beating schools in higher classification).

Beginning by admitting my own ignorance.... but is that actually happening? I thought the ratings were calibrated in some manner corresponding to classification (whereby you get greater benefit by beating schools in higher classification).

"I hope that you have sons! Handsome, beautiful, articulate sons -- who are talented, and star athletes, and they have their legs taken away! I mean I pray you know that pain and that hurt!"

Very good chance, IMO. Would expect Hoos to be favored going in.

The announcer you reference would be the ubiquitous Paul "Slick" Cook -- local legend and former Mayor of Richlands. And although I can understand the consternation of opposing fans, I have nothing but love for the man. He even gave me a public shout out during the 2005 playoff game between Richlands and Liberty -- gained me a bit of grief from my Bedford neighbors, but I still appreciate the gesture. Oh, and I was present back in 1978 for Marion's victory over the Blues (along with Ernie Hicks and a few thousand other folks). I was all of seven years old, but I remember the shared sense of community disappointment in yet another 3 win season. Bright spots were few and far between for Richlands football back then. Truly these are the "good old days."

I'll participate here. 1979 Tijuana Brass vs. Phenix Horns (of Earth, Wind, & Fire) circa 1981. Who ya got? I'd put money on the support group for EWF, but I do think Herb Alpert's boys would fight dirty.

Right now might be an excellent time to declare allegiance to Virginia Tech -- if only because no one could accuse you of being a bandwagon fan. Now I know how Clark Griswold felt when he didn't get his Christmas bonus.