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Or maybe…just maybe…he figured out that (1) he could draw full VRS while (2) teaching gut HS classes and coaching football while (3) living 20 minutes from the ocean and (4) being within 30 minutes of several world-renowned golf courses. You show me a soul alive that wouldn’t make that trade in a heartbeat, and I’ll show you a liar. Mance wasn’t scared of Palmer. If he were scared of challenges, he wouldn’t have gone to Loris, which was a doormat before him and now is competitive.

Yes Walton

I'll take any addendum that helps make my point stronger, LOL. As an aside, I vacation at the southern NC beaches, about 35 miles as the crow flies from Myrtle Beach. The development that's going on, even with price tags of $500K+ for modest homes, is mesmerizing to me. I wonder where this money's coming from. I remember as a young child, being awestruck by a $900K price tag on a beachfront 3-story development. That same home would run $3M+ today.

When it was Richlands it was clearly recruiting -- but when it's Graham is just the Tony Palmer effect. Can't you see the difference?!?!

It's recruiting at both places...I know for a fact Graham recruited a certain person the last year plus....coaches made calls 2-3 times a week....so don't act like palmer is attracting all these players....some yes bur there is recruiting going on too

Mance appears to be successful in building a struggling Loris program. A dream scenario, but a Graham-Bluefield series with Mance at the helm of the Beavers would be interesting. No slight to Simon, he’s had the luxury of “out-talenting” most WV schools.

I can’t speak to this specifically, but with a similar formula for success (recruiting or otherwise), it can be argued the greater Bluefield area possesses much more local talent than Western Tazewell, Russell, Buchanan, or even southern McDowell County. Specific criticism aside, I think Mance and staff consistently exceeding talent expectations is just as impressive as Palmer and company maximizing the talent at his disposal. (See other thread). While thinking about it, it really impresses me how Vaught won titles at Lexington and Richlands despite controversy.

Wasn't recruiting. He and the coach up there had an issue I was told and he left. And he is establishing residency which is why he didn't play saturday.

I have no idea who it was but Bluefield definitely played someone the other day at Mitchell.

Something took place... https://www.hudl.com/video/2/38708/64da834b32e6d00d706749cc

Probably like Sasquatch, it may have existed, but finding supported evidence and eyewitnesses are challenges.

You know if snide comments weren't made then I'd had never made that comment. It's not like I start threads bashing Mance. It comes from jealousy from others. When they stop I will simple as that. I'd love for us to all get along but that's just not going to be possible. This started with a question about a kid who had a problem with a coach from Beaver and transferred to Graham. Then it turned into recruiting. I didn't do that. Others did. You can chastise them like you did me.

CPF it seems there has always been an undercurrent of bitterness when Coach Mance is mentioned, not against the Blues program as much, but against Coach Mance. I was on the bandwagon rooting for a return of Coach Carlock football when the Gmen were soundly thrashed by Gate City a few years ago 70-0. Was happy to see the resurgence of Gmen football. I won't hold grudges and as a Christian cannot, but your posts at times, makes it hard for my heart to be 100% committed to the Gmen success. In saying that, I still want the program to do well (and they have). It seems there's been a two-tier rating system on here when it came to the success the Blues had, and now the Gmen. The Blues recruiting, free housing, when players transferred. Now that the scenario seems quite similar, with players transferring in to play for Graham, the portrayal is painted with a different brush. I'm very invested in Coach Mance and his success while at Richlands, and now at Loris. As others have said he took a program that was in decline. When first arriving the players were in the weight room with crocs lifting weights. His success has come with a strong work ethic and countless hours making his football programs a success. He has always given credit to his assistants and had the knack to be able to see the abilities of his players and utilize their talents to the maximum. I want all the Tazewell County schools not just be a showcase of talent, but a brotherhood of communities pulling for each other. First and foremost always a Blues fan, second a Bulldog fan and I want the Gmen to do well. May the upcoming season be great with each team doing well, no career ending injuries, and sportsmanship for all teams.

Yeah, Real Estate in this area is selling like hot cakes.

I’m equally mesmerized by some of the real estate prices in Tazewell County at the moment. Real estate market in general is way overpriced according to a realtor friend of mine. If people can pay it though, the prices will continue to rise especially in places like Myrtle.

Nailed it.

He has. Loris wasn't any good. He's turned that around in fairly quick time. He just plays a ridiculous schedule.

Not all coaches who make that jump have success. I think Mance would be successful anywhere he went. Sounds like he has brought much success to his current team in South Carolina.

Tony Palmer is in the middle of a great run. Not the sole reason, but there is a common denominator that has greatly contributed to both or at least somewhat all 3 examples. I guess that can be a testament to his timeliness. I doubt assistant coaches are in the Hall of Fame, but if they are eligible he would be my nominee.

All I know is that when Tony got his program right Mance ran off to the beach. He could've stayed and competed but he was fighting a losing battle and he knew it.

Probably Bluefield University. They practice there everyday.

https://imgflip.com/i/7vq6mv

True, regardless of where you live.

Great programs attract athletes that want to be part of a winning culture.

Great programs attract the best players.

Effect or recruiting? There is a difference lol

Tony Palmer effect.

Ah yes, the West Roanoke All-Stars!!!

The historical perfect program already exists! 5 state titles and Highway 23 runs a quarter of a mile from campus and invented artificial noise! Intimidating and cozy home stadium and the colors are navy blue and white!

Maybe it was a phantom scrimmage 😂

For the peeps in the Bluefields, any word on the Beavers with their scrimmage against Lee or Staunton (whatever their name is now.) I got a sister up on 81 and her hubby (my brother in law) keeps up with Valley area football. He said he can't find anything either. I talked to 2 Bluefield guys today and they didn't know. Hel%, did they scrimmage? If they did, how did Bluefield and Staunton look? P.S bro in law told me Riverheads just took T.Ashby completely apart in their scrimmage. He also said what I've heard and read from other people. He said Stuart's Draft will be as good or better than Central this year and will give Riverheads all they want. Time will tell if that's true or not.

Colors would be Fire Engine Red with a perhaps a touch of Baby Blue. Location would be hopefully close to the New River, easy drive to Blacksburg and Mountains. I would hope for lots of state titles, history, and a unique offense.

Perfect fit for the University of No Classes. 🤣 The Carolina Way never changes.

Precisely. The talent’s there and the schemes are effective when executed well. I would presume that the offensive gameplan will be “bread and butter” type plays, focusing on (1) executing correctly; (2) making the best reads; and (3) lack of penalties. Defensively, focus on keeping contain and improvement within the secondary. Chilhowie has some raw, but talented athletes last season. Just 6 days away!

It’s the collateral damage. He’s a disgusting prick that shouldn’t set foot in a high school setting, he deserves scrutiny and humiliation, his family does not. Nor does the impressionable teenage girl he took advantage of, but you can bet your ass he will be there bright and early Thursday. That is just wrong. Honestly, if it would make a difference, I’d start a thread with his name as the topic, but like I said, it’s common knowledge and he is walking away with no consequences. Shameful.

The Beavers were forced to touch their toes. I just can't fathom how one would want to make any Beaver touch its toes; nevertheless, Staunton chose yes. A taste unlike my own, yet Staunton made the solution to force a Beaver for embracing impact. A Mercer Street Tiger would never touch its toes.