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In addition to what @cityofRaven said, there are a lot of traits particular to SWVA that aren't seen in other parts of the state, or country for that matter. We are bonded by a common heritage, and more like family than acquaintances. Take the flooding that devastated the Hurley community in Buchanan Co for example. That town is over 2 hrs away from BSG, but the town/high school organized a food/supply/money drive at the football games to take up donations. This same scene was duplicated at other towns all over SWVA. As for HS football in particular, it's a part of that shared heritage, and while we may be rivals on the field, nobody wants to see another community in a bad situation. When Chris Akers was relieved of his duties at GC, that thread was bigger than this one. We want to see all teams competitive...just not TOO competitive. haha

Some of it is good-natured interest, some of it is worry that a good hire will bring back some magic that was present in the early '00's-'10's, and most of it is folks who had their head beat in for years by Richlands finally getting some satisfaction in the fact that the Blue Tornado are down at the moment.

Because we all have each other's backs when we're not playing each other. We all have a vested interested in the situation, really.

Congratulations to Liberty Christian, Maury, And Freedom Woodbridge on their state championships.

Finally someone with some sense. I agree 100% with all of this. Great year for Radford, can’t take anything away from them, but end of the day RH is better and has been preparing for state games almost a decade, this week will be like any week this time of year for RH. In Radford it’ll be all kinds of commotion and people talking about this and that and what ifs. In RH it’s just practice as normal and greasing the wheels. Been there done that.

If Riverheads wins an 8th straight title NBC is bringing back “Friday Night Lights” featuring the Big Red Machine

Riverheads offense is really hard to defend for 4 quarters, they start making small blocking adjustments and the other team seems to get frustrated and starts having kids being out of place and then they break one. People always talk about their offense but the defense is usually on point as well and rarely gets the credit it deserves. They will have their hands full trying to defend Radford but I'd say the coaches will have a good game plan and I wouldn't be surprised if they don't have another ring after Saturday.

Mike is one of the best guys you’d ever meet. His appearance is deceiving. He’s not at all the type that wants everyone to see him although one can’t help but notice him. He’s as humble and good hearted as they come. He truly cares about the kids. He does a great job as strength and conditioning coach and is a great motivator.

Those facts did not fit my narrative.

I heard something totally different...lol. We will all find out soon enough.

Graham held Radford to less rushing yardage, passing yardage, and less points than any other opponent if I’m not mistaken. The “whatifs” are never fun to dwell on but we have to remember those are kids on the field and sometimes they mess up. Unfortunately, mess ups can cost you a game with a team that’s about as evenly matched. Taking nothing away from Radford and totally biased opinion, I think Graham is the better team but Radford did what they needed to do to get the win, Graham didn’t. I hope Bobcats can get the win this Saturday in Salem.

Union gave up 10 points a game and had 4 shut outs. I don't think defense was the problem.

Talk about a program that has fallen into disarray, JI Burton. Geez!

I think it’s awesome that this sense of community still exists.

Not for long hahaha. This one may just beat it somehow... The biggest difference is that thread took 67 twists and turns, and this one has stayed fairly on point for the most part lol.

This is spot on.

There have been a number of botched athletic hires/decisions at RHS over the past 25 years, will this decision be different???

Just an outsider looking in on Saturday and the 2019 game against Appo, I thought Graham was the better team both times. I thought Appo benefited from shear luck, and Radford benefitted from Graham's mistakes and poor offensive schemes. I will say that Radford was way closer to Graham than I expected. This is where video never tells the whole story when trying to gauge a team I've never seen in person. As I watched on Saturday, I was thinking that Graham fans know how Union people have felt in several big games over the years. I would rather get beat 40-0 and know we didn't have a chance than lose a close one and continue to wonder "what if?"

Radford had a very good defense. I still feel like in 2019 against Appomattox we let another one get by us. It happens can't win them all. Daniel Jennings will become the next big star for Graham only if he can learn to hold onto the ball. He coughs it up way too much but he is young I understand that. Graham should be in the mix next season, it will be fun to watch.

Should be interesting for sure. I'm pulling for Radford to carry the 2A banner. Having somebody like CCC in that offense doesn't hurt Riverheads at all. A lot of folks will be glad to see that dude graduate

Having to have watched Galax play Riverheads for the past 7 years I cannot explain just how Freaking maddening it is to defend that offense. You stop it and they make a slight blocking adjustment and bust a long run. To beat Riverheads you have to be able to run against them. So Radford will have to mix it up and be successful when they have the ball, as they won’t get it often.

How many times over the past 8 seasons have we said ‘Riverheads run ends here. They can’t match up with…..”? Every single time, Riverheads does more than match up. They win more often than not. Lord Botetourt, Christiansburg, Stuart’s Draft, Central Woodstock, Poquoson, Glenvar…… At what point do we give them the credit they deserve and stop projecting with wishful thinking? Bold take maybe but I don’t believe this game will be very close. Riverheads by more than two TD’s.

His name is Mike Horton and he is one of the key pieces to Graham’s success since he’s the strength and conditioning coach. He also likes to yell a lot during warmups and sometimes I get scared.

That's "Big Mike" He was walking around on the field in BSG with a sleeveless shirt while it was still 40 degrees. He definitely wants to be seen. I started to tell him to put on a jacket, but I know where I'm at in the pecking order. Lol

I'm right there with you as I'm very happy to have been wrong about this young team. Next year's team will have two huge holes to fill with trying to replace Ashworth and Tucker.

I’m happy to be wrong. With only 4 seniors starting, it’s looking pretty good going forward. Shane deserves a lot of credit. If for no other reason than just keeping the kids pulling in the same direction after that 1-3 start to the season. He could have easily lost the team after that start.

You and I were both wrong about this year's team, I did say they might surprise some people if they could get their young line straightened out but I never thought they would make this far. Shane Allen deserves a lot of props for the job he had done with this team this season.

He left Grundy and moved to Danridge; TN I believe. I heard he was a middle school gym teacher there and was totally out of coaching.

Sneaky late addition to the "Post of the Year" conversation.

The Bears coming in with a police escort & then parading down the middle of the field to the opposite end zone & with that coach swinging the towel getting the crowd fired up then running through that inflatable Bear with that hammer. Nobody can do a grand entrance like Union!