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It would be downright comical if this Hurley team made it to the 3rd Round while last year’s inhuman unstoppable juggernauts faded in Round 2.

Graham wouldn’t have won theirs in 1995 and Gate City wouldn’t have won theirs in 1997. I don’t think Phil would have left as many on the table as y’all think...

I have a piece of the grass field from Ernie Hicks planted in my grandparents yard. Dug a square deep enough to grab the roots and replanted it. It’s from the endzone nearest the softball field.

Grahsm has to get by grayson first

Yes I am kidding buttttttt someone said they overheard Mance talking to a coach about planting some Bullitt Park grass in a 2 foot x 2 foot strip on the Richlands field , he said he was going to get some of its magic

42-14 Graham.

Marion really impressed me 2 weeks ago. They're not flashy but very fundamentally sound. Ford is one of the better RB's I've seen in the last few years...He just won't go down. I don't think Marion will win but I believe they can and hope they will. Canes 24-21

Marion 13 Union 7

Graham is the obvious favorite over Grayson. But so was Galax. Wasn’t Ridgeview also? People are right. It may be time to show Grayson some respect. However: I think Graham and Union beat Grayson and Marion respectively to set up for a nice showdown at the Park during Thanksgiving Break.

Actually, the feeder programs were already at a high level when Phil arrived...he actually names that as one of the reasons he took the job. But, you’re right...anyone who implies that Phil was only successful because of Coach Jones clearly lives in a dream world. Both were great coaches. Barry was a great motivator, Phil was great with game planning and preparation. Together, they are arguably the greatest tandem to coach on the same staff in SWVA (without argument the most decorated)...but separately, both were still excellent coaches. Contrary to claims in this thread, I never once in my years as a player heard Phil trash any of his players to other players. That claim sounds more to me like hurt feelings and sour grapes on behalf of the guy that posted it. I did however hear him on several occasions call out players who exhibited a lack of leadership or those whose actions provided a bad example for the younger players...as he should have. As far as the comment in the article goes, from a competitive standpont, that is the truth. We always wanted to beat Appy, but more times than not, that wasn’t a game we had any doubts about winning. In the eyes of Appy, PV was their biggest challenge and rival...but that wasn’t always the case in the eyes of the players at PV. It held true more amongst the older fans than it did with the younger folks who hadn’t seen Appy be consistantly competitive with PV over a span of several years. Maybe it’s not gracious to say that to the press, but that doesn’t make it any less true.

I think Grayson Co. upsets are over when they travel to Mitchell. The players & coaches do deserve a lot of respect & praise after those comeback wins & never giving up against Galax & Ridgeview! Really this game just depends on what Graham team shows up. If Graham comes out firing on all cylinders, the speed will kill Grayson. But if a flat Graham comes out & makes a lot of mistakes then it may be close, but I think Graham will still win. Its Graham's game to loose.

Back to the original topic of this thread. Richlands Vs Union. For a rivalry to exist both sides need victory. For a rivalry to grow both sides need close wins. For a rivalry to be defined both sides need to have suffered lose. Richlands Vs Union has become a rivalry that can be at the top of the list for any rivalry in swva. Union rolled every team this season except Richlands. We faced them two times and both times it was a hard fought win for Union. I give my utmost respect go every young man that strapped on a helmet for the blues this season. They came to our house with no fear in their heart and victory on their mind. They damn near grabbed the W. Be proud blues you all are an impressive and worthy opponent. Can't wait to meet y'all again next season on the gridiron.

I think union has a tougher time than Graham will but think both will win but honestly it don't matter to me who wins...just want someone to knock off Appomattox lol

The more pressing question is will Mance really retire? Oh wait, it's probably in God's hands.

I think Graham wins 45-21. Could see it being 31-21 going into the 4th and then Graham pulling away.

That is much harder to argue against lol, and I love Phil.

There probably are bigger jerks but idk if anyone on Earth is more arrogant.

Excellent article and Phil proves again why he's the biggest jerk in SWVA

Georgia Tech - 28 No. 17 Virginia Tech - 22 FINAL

I am going to pick Union 28, Marion 20. Setting up the Bears for a nice showdown with Graham at Bullitt.

You are right. Union did get a transfer from Wise. MY SON. He’s always wanted to go to Union. Things finally worked out for him to transfer back in feb. not that it’s any of your business. Not every transfer is a sports related one. So before you run your mouth, check your facts. If you want any more of the story, I’ll be glad to talk to you about it. I’m from Appy. My mom works at Union. Our family is there. He is were he belongs. If that bothers you, don’t come to our games.

I'm not so sure Richlands is better up front than Marion. As a matter of fact, I think Marion is the best team up front that Union has played until this point. The dude at Marion may also be the best coach in SWVA AA ball. I'm not saying he's the absolute best, but he's up there among the best. Marion is a very well coached football team.

The defense of the Canes will keep them in it but Mitchell will be the difference