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Granted it was Montcalm but like Bulldogs52 said it doesn't matter who it is. I'm a GW fan but all of us have to respect Tazewell this year. Those 24 young men came out to play. In the mist of numerous coaching changes. So those kids are showing pride in their school and a respect for their program by coming out. Even if they don't win a game oh well they are still busting ass to play the game they love. Best of luck to the Bulldogs this season.

At this time it don't matter who it is! It gave these young kids a lot of confidence that they need right now! We know it's gonna be a long tough season for the Dogs... The youth will show but the future looks bright!

Blacksburg definitely improved after game 5 last season but so did Giles. A few position changes completely changed the single wing attack. Not saying that Giles would've beaten Bburg later in the season, but I think it would've been another game that came down to the last few minutes... but anyways, last season is over and while I'm a train wreck about this Friday, I'm still excited!!

Tazewell is very young this year. Better defense from last year but O-Line is small. They could go anywhere from 0-10 to 4-6. These Freshmen and Sophomores are very talented and smart. Next few years could be looking up for the Dawgs!!

Here's my opinion on the Tazewell County teams Richlands: Best: 10-0 Worst: 5-5 Expectation: 7-3 Believe it or not, I'm not taking being facetious when I say 5-5. RHS should have the best lineplay in the area but graduated basically every skill position. That inexperience could hurt, especially in the early part of the season. I don't see them dropping the game against Gate City but @Union, Byrd, Blacksburg, @Bluefield, & Graham all have the potential to beat the Blues. But in the end I think they'll end up only dropping 2/3 out of the 5. But hey, at the same time I know Mance could take them to 10 wins. Graham: Best: 10-0 Worst: 5-5 Expectation: 8-2 I think Graham has a favorable schedule that they could possibly run the table. They get Giles at home and they're farthest away game will be at Marion. Richlands on the road, of course, will be the toughest test but I wouldn't overlook Bluefield, Giles, Princeton, & Marion. I've yet to hear the extent of Jaz. Reed's injury which will play a big role in wins/losses but with Taymon & Cam Allen they still have the weapons to score against most. I've read some hype on VAPreps that this team may be better than last years team and I don't agree, but like I said, the schedule is favorable. Tazewell: Best: 5-5 Worst: 0-10 Expectation: 2-8 The Dawgs are few in numbers, but the talent is there. The problem is that the talent is mostly 14/15 year olds. In a few years if they can stay the course with this new coach I think they'll be alright but there's going to be some growing pains in 2017. Tazewell as a community is usually pretty good about supporting the team with high expectations, at least early in the season. I feel like the 5 away games to begin the season are really going to hurt the town. If they're 0-5 after those games not as many people are going to want to come through the gate.. But that's a separate issue. Riverview, Hurley, & Lebanon could be games I could see them maybe pulling out. Grundy, Fort Chiswell, & Virginia High could be 1 or 2 more wins if they really surprise us all.

Ok, this is what I think--revelatory, nope, but hope for this young team, yes. The Dawgs with their football program the last few years, have faced more adversity than all other local programs combined. They are young, they are few, but if they combine their determination with commitment over the next few years, they can bounce back. I know several wonderful people from T-Town and I think they rank right up there with the best of our local communities. Are there some fans and vocalists who have contributed in this downward spiral, certainly, but I am reminded of the scripture "he who is without blame cast the first stone." Do we want to be "stone throwers" to this young team, or be honorable and say "out of ashes these young pups can grow into awesome Dawgs." This is what I hope for this team, and I believe it can happen with time.

Injuries like Reed's and Justus's are why I think these benefit games aren't a good idea for the sake of the kids. I know that money is generated and split between the two schools, but it seems like every year there's some backbreaking injury for some teams in these glorified scrimmages.

statistics are for the media and message board junkies. Only 2 really count Ws and Ls

Statistics fully support what Wells tried to do last year. The only problem is, statistics doesn't account for the severe risk for little reward of that strategy.

I don't hate anyone but one that lets his team become arrogant as hell after 2 years when previous coach of 40 years never let it happen I have a problem with it

As long As Appomattox still has Graves, they should be considered the team to beat IMO

You just described to a T last year's game. You are probably correct, but that's why they play the game, to find out who won. Of course I would like to see a win, but a close or respectable loss would give GC alot of confidence against a program of Richlands' caliber. And I agree with GC1, if GC has some key injuries early, it will be tough to earn wins.

I don't really put much stock into VirginiaPreps. I have heard different stuff on Appomattox. I have heard that they have lost a lot of players but should still be one of the tougher ones still. Though Graham versus Appo may be what it is. Plus, I don't really put much stock in these games. As GC1 said, we will know what Gate City's record is in 11 weeks.

All that stuff was just showing the arrogance of the bburg coach...and it wasn't all him turning the season around it was the older bburg coaches telling wells we can win doing that stupid crap...so give the long time assistants more credit....THEY turned your season around I've watched bburg scrimmage with Northside and WOW...players are so arrogant this year...something I NEVER saw out of a Dave Crist led team...all goes back to the man in charge Oh well see ya Friday night bburg people

I've been watching the game on YouTube from last year (doing my homework for Friday night) and Beck doesn't get any consistency running the ball. It's a committee of 3, and none of them seem to have gotten a rhythm (I'm through halftime). Just my thoughts of the first half of that game.

hmmmm

I agree...that game was over 4 minutes into the game

I hate to say it, because I have all the respect in the world for Gate City, but I see no more than 4 wins in that schedule. I think Abingdon and Ridgeview are L's, and you may be underrating Marion and Central this year.

That's terrible. In recent years how many kids have been hurt for Richlands in the benefit games? At this point if I'm Mance I say no more Benefit games. Hopefully this kid will make a good recovery.

I hate it to. He had potential for small ball at next level. I hope this doesn't ruin it for him. Good luck to the blues

Are all Gate City fans this bipolar? You'll be OK. You're rebuilding.