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I will go with Bluefield 24, Graham 21. I think this game is a lower scoring game and think Graham will have much more total yards, but I have to go with Bluefield (haven't seen them this year though) over Graham (seen them at GC) because of coaching. I'm not trying to be offensive here and apologize if offending anyone when writing this, but I am not sold a bit on Graham's coaching. I see a team with great talent, but also a team that loves to talk trash to the opponents which was witnessed at GC and I saw it last year against Richlands in the playoffs. This shows lack of class in my opinion and this is a direct reflection of the Head Coach who allows it. Last year, I recall folks talking about Graham trash talking and taunting opponents before coming onto the field and I didn't believe it until seeing them play Richlands in the playoffs. It's one thing if it happens a couple of times with only a few players and the coach gets on them, etc, but this seems like something the coach is well aware of because it's gone on longer than just a few times. It is actually being allowed and supported by the coaching staff. This falls into the category of lack of mental toughness and concentration. Graham had the same self inflicted issues in the scrimmage against GC with snap issues, unforced turnovers, personal fouls, etc. Lack of mental toughness will cost Graham at least 2 losses this year. When Graham gets into a contest where the overall talent and skill level of the opponent is close, the mental toughness issue will often tip the scales in favor of the opponent. This is why I'm picking Bluefield. The Bluefield Coach has been around a long time and he's had great success. He wouldn't be there this long if he were not a very good coach. I can assure you that Coach Fry always had teams that were mentally tough and so did Coach Carlock who was another legend in double A ball in Virginia. They were classy men and their teams had a sharp mental focus. I just don't see the mental toughness with the Graham team of this year or last year and I think that coaching is directly responsible for this. I'm just calling it like I see it. When watching Appo against Richlands in the finals, I saw two very mentally tough teams. Appo was not just super talented, but man oh man, they were sharp and detail oriented which stems from their Coaching. In Graham, I am sensing a team with great talent that won last year, and will win this year with that talent, but in 50-50 games where the opponent is close in talent and skill, this issue could cost Graham.

I can assure that Bluefield's players talk way too much trash too and it isn't because the coaches approve. It is what kids see and copy. Coach Palmer does not approve either and tries to prevent it but you have social media to deal with these days and it is hard to keep young men from doing what they want.

I think it's our turn from the script I saw. After all, the writers gave Union 3 straight wins.....

I have done some investigating and I have found the script for the game. It's going to be a doozy! The people in Big Stone and Appalachia will be very happy. It's going to be a long drive for the Richlands faithful! lol (totally kidding) :D

Thank you for the heads up. :) Since its Unions turn to win, that will save me quite the drive to Bullitt Park for the game!!! :) lol

Rumors are that the Union vs Richlands games are staged. Any truth to that?? Jk ? I would love to see this game!

4 straight years! The first game wasn't decided until 1:27 left in the 4th and the 2nd game was still in play with under 5 minutes.

Just wait a week and drive down to Union and watch Richlands @ Union. 6 games decided by a combined 13 points, I believe. And three straight games decided on the last play. There is no better rivalry.

I know what I witnessed last year at two Graham games. The first against Tazewell is expected to be some trash talking back and forth for a rival so I'll let that one go a bit. In the playoffs against Martinsville, Graham comes out and goes halfway across the field barking and jawing at their players. I know I was told that it is good to have that kind of spirit back in the team but there is a limit and always let your actions speak louder than words.

Somebody send me a script. These games get me so wired up I can't go to sleep till about 3 in the morning. I'm getting to old for this. Going to have to find something less stressful.

Yes, and it's our turn to win. Just hope that Richlands doesn't go off script. :)

Just basing it off what I seen last Friday at Bluefield and what I "hear" about Graham, I'm going with the G-Men 35-21

Game will be live streamed again at www.greatamericanrivalry.com

My gut feeling ... Bluefield wins this one ... and I hope that I am wrong! Bluefield 24 Graham 17

If you want to watch this game for scouting/future reference, I'm sure you will enjoy the atmosphere. If you just want an exciting game to go to....head to Pearisburg and watch Giles/Blacksburg.

It's only fun when you win and they did

I will say Richlands 24-21 with a 42 1/2 yard field goal by Forrest as time expires!! :)

It wasn't fun when a 6-5 Graham team was tied 28-28 with your 11-0 Union team heading into the 4th quarter. It became much more "fun" for you after Cousin fell injured and Union rattled off 21 straight.

School system should have saved up for field work While being a current athlete and coach, I am excited about the possibility of having a smooth surface to play on, however the priorities of the city has been to increase education, create jobs and grow tourism. A revamped field does not address these concerns. While discipline and physical education is a byproduct of athletics, the current field has not prevented our football team and soccer team from winning state titles. Also, while the city is already having to refinance debt in order to pay for an elementary school renovation, oftentimes one has to borrow money for a need, but it is never a good idea to borrow money for a want. Attempts have been made to get money from the NFL, and athletic boosters have not garnered much traction. The lesson we often teach our kids in the community is if you want something, you should save up for it. Ches R. Helmick Galax This was a letter to the editor of the Galax Gazette printed in yesterday's edition. Mr. Helmick is a city councilman and very successful financial adviser with Edward Jones in Galax. This letter is quite tame compared to a lot of other sentiment around town!

No horse in the race, but I remember Graham talking some hardcore trash to the union players as they arrived. That was some of the most trash talk I had seen at the high school level. I think it was in 2015, but someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Either way, it made for a very fun night.

I hope we can pull it out but going to be tough to beat them again this year.....I just hope for no injuries on either side and of course a Giles win

Lol. I would LOVE for this to happen, just to see Jimbo cry.

If Battle beats Abingdon, then the Falcons season will be very bleak. Lol

Union-87 Burton- -14

The reason the Burton game was close for so long last year was due to the fact that the game was used as a scrimmage in the first half. Trying several players at different positions. I was a little worried myself for a while, but the team had a different look and intensity level the following week at Richlands. Unless they do they same thing this year, I look for the game to be decided early.

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.