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Well folks as you all may have noticed, we haven’t been picking many losers the last few years. Uncle Percy has slowed down a lot due some of those thingamegig ailments. Well, he has decided to retire. Thanks to Mr. Researcher’s Four Seasons Site, Uncle Percy has been working on how many different football teams he has seen play over the years. As of now it is at 120. This includes Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee in person and not that TV thing a lot of you watch. If winter and spring sports were included, the number would be much higher and include teams from several more states. However, the Pickin’ will continue with Cousins Claude and Delbert. Uncle Percy and I will be traveling to catch some teams he hasn’t seen. We’ll be in Hokiebird’s country the first weekend to mark off Floyd County. Remember, Common Sense is considered an oxymoron by the VHSL, BUT, you can decide who is the actual oxymoron is.

VaMatrix Website please click around and enjoy! I will be tracking power points here as well! feedback welcome!

That is interesting over a guy that's 122-23 with 3 state titles.

Yeah. My problem is that I'm older than tarnation, but still have a good memory. I especially don't forget when somebody does somebody else dirty. No hard feelings at all against CityofRaven....just that the city of Bluefield is in the rear view mirror and they can kick rocks.

So obviously they can’t kick LCA out of the VHSL because of their lawsuit but I don’t see why they can’t force them into Class 6 They used to make Maggie Walker compete in Class 6 since they’re a magnet school until they foolishly let them drop to Class 3 On a side note, I considered writing a letter to Jerry Falwell Jr about it but as well all know, he doesn’t like to get involved, he prefers to stand to the side and watch 🤔

That account is the Richlands satire page. It has nothing to do with WGTH, Ron or Ben Brown. It's just a joke account. And at some point, you gotta learn to laugh at the jokes. You will never hear the end of the fog the same way we've never heard the end of the cleats. Life is far too short to be this upset over a meme lol.

Maybe we can start a 7th class and put that coward in it by himself so he can have a trophy. What a pathetic weak little man.

Why? It’s making people dumber, taking away critical thinking and allowing scammers to fool so many people. It might not be going anywhere but it doesn’t mean anyone has to like what it’s doing to society. It certainly has positive uses but right now, it’s flooding the internet with absolute slop.

For God's sake don't say sex on Saturday! Geez!

Richlands Radio posted that Lebanon was shocked that the slightly foggy atmosphere did not end the game when they were ahead this time

Well it is a committee, so they have to have several discussions. Then they have to vote on who the official clown will be. After that, they will move to serious issues like where to eat lunch and dinner. Then they’ll get around to the appeals.

Because of our consolidation, I've had a few people ask me about school enrollment numbers over the past year or two, like "how many schools in SW Va have GAINED kids in the past 30 years?" So I pulled the old ADMs from 2000 (WITH Mt. Rogers, before Twin Valley, and the first year Grundy became "A" eligible) and made a list, by county (with their city school included if they're small), compared to this year. Both years have the ADMs for grades 9-11 on March 31st. (SPOILER ALERT - here's the answer... Since 2000 - Roanoke & Montgomery Co., the city schools of Roanoke, Radford, Galax & Norton, plus Narrows have GAINED. The only ones west of 77 are +45 Galax & +12 JI Burton. The 4 counties served by SwVCC have gone from 4571 to 2729, a loss of 1842, or 40%.) 2026 vs. 2000 Buchanan (-572) *490 / 496,233,129,110,94 (1062) - Southern Gap / Gr,Hu,Ga,Co,Wh (*projected by combining the numbers from the involved HSs) Dickenson (-305) 405 / 302,258,150 (710) - Ridgeview / Cl,Ha,Er Grayson (-94) 318 / 273 - GALAX 344 / 468,15 - Grayson Co. / Gray,Mt. Lee (-213) 496 / 653 - Lee 169 / 225 - Thomas Walker Russell (-330) 160 / 241 - Castlewood 241 / 347 - Honaker 307 / 450 - Lebanon Scott (-41) 445 / 455 - Gate City 195 / 200 - Rye Cove 152 / 178 - Twin Springs Smyth (-415) 289 / 342 - Chilhowie 352 / 644 - Marion 135 / 205 - Northwood Tazewell (-635) 359 / 418,102 - Graham / G,Po 422 / 687 - Richlands 345 / 554 - Tazewell Washington (-234) 648 / 668 - Abingdon 176 / 238 - Holston 467 / 476 - John S. Battle 285 / 363 - Pat. Henry (GS) 467 / 532 - Va. High Wise (-483) 489 / 452,185 - Central / JJ,Pd 288 / 332,127 - Eastside / Co,St 412 / 432,156 - Union / PV,Ap 181 / 169 - J. I. BURTON Wythe (-158) 290 / 350 - Fort Chiswell 290 / 328 - George Wythe 223 / 283 - Rural Retreat 140 / 112,89 - Bland / B,RG 378 / 424 - Floyd 107 / 161 - Craig 112 / 176 - Bath 40 / 91 - Highland 568 / 641,191 - Alleghany / Al,Cov 658 / 891 - Rockbridge Co. 182 / 241 - Parry McCluer Giles (-64) 322 / 391 - Giles 176 / 171 - NARROWS Montgomery (+140) 288 / 253 - AUBURN 976 / 882 - B'BURG 768 / 711 - C'BURG 189 / 235 - E. Mont. / Shaws, 383 / 374 - RADFORD 759 / 1108 - Pulaski Co. - AA 728 / 814 - Carroll 449 / 614 - Patrick 1358 / 1471 - Franklin - AAA 888 / 1316 - Halifax - AAA 867 / 1090 - Amherst - AA 884 / 980 - Salem Roanoke Co. (+20) 768 / 1236 - CaVe SpRiNg- AAA 589 / * * - Hidden Valley 632 / 812 - Northside 844 / 864 - William Byrd 443 / 344 - GLENVAR Roanoke City (+679) 1538 / 1265 - PATRICK HENRY - AAA 1403 / 997 - WILLIAM FLEMING Botetourt (-45) 381 / 366 - JAMES RIVER 684 / 744 - Lord Botetourt Henry (-606) 811 / 529,505 - Bassett / B,F-C 821 / 591,398 - Magna Vista / M,LP 371 / 586 Martinsville 888 / 1316 Halifax County - AAA 864 / 1818 George Washington-Danville - AAA Lynchburg (+107) 863 / 1182 E.C. Glass - AAA 858 / 893 Heritage 461 / --- LIBERTY Christian Campbell (-277) 245 / 332 Altavista 699 / 670 BROOKVILLE 594 / 643 Rustburg 142 / 312 William Campbell Bedford (-318) 926 / 890 - JEFFERSON FOREST 519 / 724 - Liberty 585 / 734 - Staunton River ----- Then I looked for a few 'peak' years... In 2005... GW-Danville had 1859 (1394) to 864 now; -38%. Pulaski had 1521 (1141) to 759 now; -33%. Poquoson had 921 (691) to 476 now; -31%. Richlands had 795 (596) to 422 now; -29%. In 2009... Tazewell had 717 (538) to 359 now; -33%. In 2007... Halifax Co. had 1803 (1352) to 888 now; -42%. Marion had 821 (616) to 352 now; -43%. ---- In 2001... Group AA was 530 - 1111. The mid-point of 290 schools was 145 ... #145. LORD BOTETOURT - 744 The largest schools west of I-77 were Richlands w/687, Abingdon w/668 & Lee w/653. In 2027... Classes 3 & 4 will be 560 - 1172. The mid-point of 319 schools is 159.5 ... #159. LAKE TAYLOR - 877 #160. MECHANICSVILLE - 876 The largest schools west of I-77 are C3 Abingdon w/648 & C2 Lee w/496. Richlands has 422. ----- What schools around the C1/C2 line lost a TON over the last 4 years??? Amelia Co. 396 to 353, -43 Nelson Co. 396 to 351, -45 Tazewell 393 to 359, -34 Graham 393 to 345, -48 Page Co. 375 to 343, -32 Luray 371 to 301, -70 !!! Lebanon 363 to 307, -56 George Wythe 353 to 290, -63 The shocker to me is Page & Luray! 25 years ago, they decided not to consolidate b/c their numbers were climbing and they were afraid they'd end up as an 'island' school in AAA. Their 4 grade numbers in '09 were 582 & 532 - now it's 343 & 301 for 3 grades (or about 457 & 401 for 4 grades, -256 from '09) !!!

There are 3 different options in the VHSL that count as scrimmages in football and similar for other revenue producing sports. Scrimmage - by rule no admission charged, no live kicks, team often get 10 plays on offense and rotate, officials not paid Benefit Game - admission charged, 2 teams playing, timed for 4 quarters, no live kicks, proceeds after expenses split 3 ways: 1/3 to the VHSL, 1/3 to each team. Officials are paid a normal game rate if I'm not mistaken. Jamboree - no limit to the number of teams playing, play different opponents for one half, no live kicks, VHSL gets 10%, then proceeds after expenses split equally among the teams playing, unless host tells the others up front the payout will be something different. Officials are not paid their normal rate. The best option financially for teams is playing a benefit game. Burton played in an away benefit game tonight, and host a 4-team jamboree next week. Those are their two allowed scrimmages. They will make money from both so it brings money to their program that a traditional scrimmage will not.

Wise County review: Closed the newest school St. Paul and stupidly ASS-U-MED that SP kids would drive all the way to Coeburn, when Castlewood was 2 miles away. Threw green paint on a worn-out Coeburn High School and attempted to pass it off as a "new" school. Spent around 2 million on a plan to stick PV and Appy students in trailers waiting on the new school being built, finally built 2 schools in Union and Central that were cheaply done and both had cracks in structure 2 yrs after opening. Then again this from the county that had a supervisor throw a fit when Taco Bell was approved saying and I quote "We don't need another phone company in Wise County!". I can go on if ya like. Hold my beer!

Oh I believe every word he says....I believe they are all lies

That's because he couldn't enroll and was ineligible at both schools. His name is Chad Powers.

I wouldn’t consider anything equal about one team being without a QB. But to your point , I’ll take Tony Palmer, Snake, & his other assistants if talent & injuries are equal.

Disagree 100 percent. That HC has played in 7 state title games between 2 different schools and has won 3. Heritage lost 16 starters and has an inexperienced team.

The ai hate is a little forced IMO. It’s not going anywhere so you might as well embrace it

I believe Coach Simon has the Beavers full attention this week and they roll. No offense to Princeton but Capital might be the worst team I've seen in 2026 so far.

Wise lost 44 to 0 last year to Eastside and won one game the whole season. I say celebrate all you want Central fans. No one expects this team to be contending for a district championship in year one but winning 4 to 5 games in Saunder's would be an amazing turnaround.

It's all cyclical. Every program that was on top will one day NOT be on top. Richlands was on top and we see what they are now. Powell Valley at the end was down. Clintwood had its down moments. Burton hasn't been their dominant selves in a while. Graham was "mid-at-best" 10 years ago. It's all a cycle.

So you’re saying Eastside was a………. little…………… ……………giant?

Congrats to Columbia, Alabama on breaking a 101-game losing streak. TEN years with no wins:(. They are expected to win more with experienced squad. You have to feel good for those kids. They sure deserve this. Facebook

It wasn't a joke or satire. It was making fun of a sexual assault victim.

You sir, have obviously served on a committee before!

Coolbreeze @coolbreeze024 PA announcer, “please turn off your lights on hill facing the field.” Lee High General fan:,” BUDDY THEY ARE PROBABLY LEAVING THEY’RE PROBABLY TIRED OF SEEING THIS CRAP”

This game between Richlands and VA High, it is like watching a game of who wants to lose it more.

Not that my opinion matters but Week 0 games are dumb for lack of a better word. Also, not that my opinion matters but since the question was posed, Southern Gap/Holston.

Storms dying down in SWVA just in time for kick-off. Let's hope for great, injury-free games!!

I’ve seen 27 consecutive classes of kids come and go, and I can assure you that critical thinking skills are lower now than they’ve ever been in those 27 years. It seems that around 2010 is when it really started going downhill, and that happens to coincide with the same time frame that Facebook went from the edu domain into the public domain. Make of that what you will.

Let's try this....

Sarge Reed would have the officials relay to the other team, I will pull mine if you pull your when winning by a large margin. That was before the running clock rules. Always laughed when Sarge done it.

They can suck a fat one too

He is very impressive for sure and just a sophomore. Calm under pressure, very accurate throwing the ball and has good wheels. He had a superb game.

Side note for Union. believe I counted 117 members in their marching band this year. they put on an outstanding show last night as well. While we all commend football coaches, players, fans & staff, I also want to commend their band director, instructors and students, because they put in a ton of work as well. keep up the great work Union Marching Band that number may be +/- a few but either way, remarkable turnout for that program as well

Congratulations Bears on finding your guy. In all fairness, half the equation is making it desirable to get that guy. For you guys, I’m certain it’s both athletic talent and community support. Stability is really a credit to you guys. On the flip side, this is the worry with Richlands. There was something years ago that made Vaught want to come to Richlands. Maybe it was a lack of options due to controversies that proved to be a trend, but we lucked out in the short term. Mance was already on staff within the system and we very fortunate not to ruin it during the first 4-5 seasons. Lately, while we need someone great with no ties, why would anyone want to come from fear of what appears to be a lack of talent (I’m not saying this is the case, just a coach who would look at wins and losses for a evidence) and no job security? I am afraid we may just have to get lucky finding a diamond in the rough with Richlands history and/or family and just not ruin it.

I don’t care who you are this is funny. Miss the days when people had a sense of humor. Those were some good times.

Honestly for as little reps with the preseason stoppages to be where we are in week 1 is remarkable.

Liam is definitely not banned. But, he also hasn't logged into his account since February 2nd. So, yeah, he hasn't. been on here in a while. Not sure why. EH31 is also not banned. He hasn't logged on since before Christmas.

Good friends with the Lomax family. Elijah Lomax eats, drinks, and sleeps football. He has been that way since as long as I can remember. Kid scored 3 touchdowns(should’ve been 4 but one got called back.) Just like Abe Hall he had sat back and waited for his name to be called, and when it did he hasn’t disappointed.Mark my words he is the next great Union running back.

One thing I always keep in mind is 8th and below are mostly relying on raw speed and athletic ability. Most little league teams just pitch the ball to the fastest kid and try to get him around the end. Would not surprise me at all to see a team like Va High have a great middle school team. Varsity still relies on raw speed and athletic ability, but by then it's been fine tuned. 90% or more of ms kids haven't reached or at least finished puberty and their growth spurt. That 6'4" lineman that can bench 300lbs in 11th grade might have been 5'7" and 160 lbs in 7/8th grade. I think this physical growth/football IQ difference between varsity and ms is the reason success doesn't always follow successful ms kids to varsity. Simply put, they aren't the same kids.

Nope. We ain't doing this.

Let’s let the kid get a game or two under his belt before putting him in the same realm as kids who’ve started multiple years and let their teams to playoff runs. There’s no shot he matches Lowe’s numbers regardless, extremely different offenses. Under Harless, what was the best season any of his QBs had throwing the ball? I doubt it’s anywhere near what Honaker does.

I'm going to post this here because it's a follow-up to the scrimmage against Elizabethton. Union coaches' show since 6pm. Football last. Asked Harless about the scrimmage. He basically said that Elizabethton had to take a timeout because they couldn't handle the physicality. "It's like watching someone tapping out." He was asked what he brought to the offensive line that may have been missing. His one word answer...."violence." Man, plain spoken and straight to the point.

I understand that in reference to KY officials dealing with WV officials when Graham plays Bluefield & Princeton. You walk in 14 points behind. 😂😂😂😂

I mean if they were pulling in a huge profit from their coverage of HS sports yea they should probably have to have a pass. But for a jamboree that’s a little ridiculous. UVA wise gave them special privileges for covering the PVNB tourney. I know you’ve been on a “prove everyone wrong” kick here recently but it’s not cute

In college I dated a girl from Castlewood, she went to St Paul while her sister went to Castlewood... or maybe it was the other way around 🤔 They lived down Mew Road, theoretically a 3rd sibling could have went to Twin Springs. SWVAs failure to look at a regional school system 30 years ago is so short sighted, its nothing short of incompetence by our leadership