Leaderboard

I agree with you both. However, when I think about it, the games aren't for the fans or the money they generate. They're really for the players. If it weren't for the kids that wanted to play, there wouldn't be a team. No team, no game. No game, no fans. No fans, no money. Does a 1-9 team "deserve" to be in the playoffs? No. Does that senior that loves the game, and maybe is in a bad situation due to inept coaching or poor turnout deserve one more chance to put on that uniform and play the game we all love? Absolutely!! If I was a HS senior, I would be ecstatic to play just one more time. Even if I knew I would get beat to death. Lol Just a thought.

How the hell else are you supposed to find out during a pandemic, carrier pigeon?

It has gotten a bit stuffy around here lately so I thought we could use some football laughs.

great read here by Brady Hess check it out here - http://coalfieldsports.com/2020/02/20/the-end-of-an-era-richlands-greg-mance-to-coach-at-loris-sc/

That’s quite the realization for someone who has been on the board for 2 days... 🤷🏻‍♂️

I don’t know about the coalfields, but we do it the RIGHT WAY here in Smyth County. Once a field is selected, fans will complain incessantly on Facebook and implore local media to escalate the situation. At that point, a hometown “hero” will write to our local State Senator requesting him to intervene. The Senator then contacts VHSL Administrators who in turn select a more “suitable” field.

You probably feel that way because you are a Richlands fan, to me, nothing comes remotely close to Bluefield-Graham. What other game has people coming from hundreds or even thousands of miles once a year to watch the game, regardless of how good (or bad) the teams are that particular season. Also, I'm not trying to be mean or ugly by any means, but this thread is about Bluefield vs. Graham, let's please stick to the topic. You will have plenty of time to discuss Richlands vs. Union.

Somebody should rename this thread “Why Graham or Richlands will be better than the other” LOL

Given my age, I fall square between Generation X and the Millennials (though technically I fall in the latter category, I have little in common with 1990s babies). When I was 5, I had 13 channels on TV. When I was 17, I could download 1000 songs per week off the Internet. This is a prelude for what I’m about to say. There’s a constant pining on this board for the good old days, when men were men; when every single boy played football; and when a succession of presidents with dreadful foreign policy had the U.S. embroiled in unwinnable wars. In case y’all haven’t noticed, our population is on average roughly 25% less than what it was back then. Since fewer of the remaining 75% are having babies than their ancestors (mostly because the young ones fled the region leaving the old ones behind), our schools are roughly 40% smaller than in the era of LSD and 8-tracks. For schools like Pocahontas, that means closure. For schools like Garden and Whitewood, that means consolidation. For every 10 linemen you had in 1974, you have about 6 now. What used to be depth now is simply having enough to play iron-man. In addition, what most of the Baby Boomers and Gen Xers bemoan as “picking up a controller” is in reality becoming more oriented in STEM and electronics. I hate to break this to anyone, but coal will never again be what it was in 1973. Information technology (IT) is the backbone of our future economy. The boys that used to bale hay and dig ditches in the summer, which lends itself to a sport like football, are now learning to code and program, which doesn’t lend itself. Every generation has its lazy kids, and this generation has it in the exact same proportion as did the Baby Boomers and Generation X. The kids who lay around smoking dope and play Fortnite today are the same kids who laid around smoking dope and playing guitar terribly in 1975. There were probably more of them in 1975, because there were more people in general. Far be it from me, though, to criticize the generations who gave us the pet rock and pension systems that irreparably leach the retirement funds of the younger generations to subsidize themselves. It’s ALL because the kids of today are lazy and worthless. The kids of today will be responsible for repairing the mess left behind by the generations who are criticizing their work ethic. And I, for one, am not going to ride them like Seattle Slew, even if it means that we have fewer kids playing football. Rant over.

Yeah there is no Golden Trophy or a million dollar prize but I think the most fulfilling prize that came from it was seeing the community and surrounding communities comes together to achieve a common goal. Refreshing to see countless number of people engage on social media without the usual divisive political and social issue arguments but to work together. For a few days Gmen, Beavers, Bulldogs, Tigers, Blue Tornados, Republicans, Democrats, Black, White, Young, Old, etc came together and achieved something they wanted. If the folks in Washington, DC could do the same just a few days out of the year this country would be much better off.

Every man over the age of 35 has a slacker nephew that they just can't relate to. Today's music, fashion, and irrational interest in flavored water vapor that may or may not have nicotine or THC in it is beyond you, and while you're sure he's a good kid, times have left you behind and the only thing that you have in common is that you both have an AC/DC shirt in your closet because you both "used to like them when you were young and stupid." But one way or another, Christmas is coming and you have no idea what to get this brat, so while your wife browses Bed, Bath, and Beyond, the mall takes you to Spencer's Gifts to see what may be suitable to convince this kid that you're not completely out-of-touch. Then, you see it! You have no idea what it is, but it looks wicked awesome. The fact that it's sat on the shelf for so long that it's now listed at 75% off list price just means that he will be the only cat the block who has one. The label says it's an incense burner, which is super sweet, because every body knows that all the cool kids are into smoking things. So, he opens it, and of course, he hates it, but he pretends to like it before putting it in the closet and pretending like it doesn't exist. This is where the story gets complicated. Your nephew has a stepbrother, and the stepbrother is the black sheep of the family, mainly because he is constantly being unfairly compared to his two older biological brothers who are far more successful. It's not his fault, he just doesn't have the natural skills that his brothers have, but it's left him with a chip on his shoulder. So, every year, usually about the time the family opens up the closet to get out the Halloween decorations, he is reminded of the incense burner that his stepbrother has kept tucked away on the top shelf. Now, he doesn't really care about the incense burner, but if he can't one-up his older brothers, he might as well take something from his stepbrother; after all, he's had it for like three years and never shows it off! Meanwhile, your nephew really doesn't want that rejected prop piece from ABC's Dinosaurs, but the last thing he wants is to let that freshman annoyance that his mother married into the family get a hold of anything that is his. And thus, "The Battle for the Spencer's Gifts Clearance Sale Incense Burner" was born.

Richlands Football 2019. Let the games begin.

2019 Thomas Walker Helms

If your child's math or science teacher left without calling a meeting would you still be upset?

TJ Rasnick if not for cancer he most likely would’ve ended as Tazewell’s all time leading rusher and would’ve had a good chance of making a run at the state record for most soccer goals

That's a shame! Not to toot my own horn but a family from Central Lunenburg left their headlights on during the 2011 state semifinal at Galax. Not only did my wife and I jump start their car, we bought them dinner at The Smokehouse to give the battery time to charge and make sure it held a charge. Most things in life are bigger than football. It's just a game. One played by 16 year old kids at the high school level at that! Often, those 16 year old kids are more mature than the 46 year old parents in the stands.

How many of the folks in the thread can be seen in the infamous viral video from Wise County sandlot a couple of years ago? I mean, odds are pretty high for at least one, amirite?

Well, since you asked...I took care of it...

Because you post stuff that's false trying to stir the pot. I'm the only one allowed to stir the pot. Don't like it? I can take care of it...

Graham fans....great game, your boys looked great tonight. Good luck going forward. Please stop at our many fast food restaurants on your home to help our local economy. After this beating, it's the least you can do. Lol

I own this place...

Musselman, WV (white and green) vs Hedgesville, WV (dark blue)

I'm almost certain that Mance takes his shoes with him and the new coach will bring in his own footwear.

Definition of targeting: Any good tackle in the NFL.

Will these be made public? As always, if you’re so obstinate as to not place teams like Bluefield and Radford on your poll for various idiotic reasons, I feel as if the rest of this site should be aware of the fools skewing the poll, and judge that accordingly.

The truth is, a lot of kids in SWVA are just plain old lazy. They don't play sports or work. They've learned from those older than them that they can do nothing and the Government will send them a check every month for doing nothing. Lots of folks live that way and don't see anything wrong with it...they don't try to find a job because they don't want a job. It's becoming hereditary.

Guys, if he was saying sexual stuff to high school girls, he deserves to be fired. End of story. This isn't about #MeToo or anything else, it's about protecting young girls from being sexually harassed or objectified by a teacher or someone in authority. It's not appropriate and it's not okay. If he didnt, then he has every right to defend himself. But the number one concern shouldn't be his job or status as a football coach, it should be keeping creeps or worse out of schools and away from young people.

Big sigh of relief that you are not in the education system...

And Mac McClung is an Oak Hill Academy alum

Well, we had a good run ! I will always be grateful for all the fun we as Blue Tornado fans have had over the last 20 years. A lot of programs have never come close to the kind of success Richlands has had under Coach Mance ! I have a feeling that some of the fans I heard complaining about his coaching ( it was a small minority ) will find out that you better be careful what you wish for, sometimes wishes come true. Thank you Coach Mance for all you have done for our little town............you will be missed, but I wish you and Ann all the best in your new journey ! Also a big thanks to all the other coaches on his staff over the years for all their hard work !

Aren't you guys all adults getting paid? Criticism comes with the territory, if you can't handle it, find another profession. And it's not about him personally because no one actually cares about him in that context. You're aware of what memes and jokes are, right? Havoc wasn't mocking Akers, it's mocking all the debate on here about his coaching acumen. no one is going to kiss your ass because you're a coach, and it's insane that you think coaching makes you above reproach. Just because people can't devote their life to breaking down high school film for free doesn't mean they can't share their opinion. It's up to you to figure out if you find the criticism valid and actually take it to heart or brush it off because the person doesn't know shit.

I probably wouldnt quote Greg Schiano very often.

Everyone is friends again. It's like a Disney princess movie! 😁

I thought it was what Hillary did to her e-mails.

Y’all prepare yourselves for that train horn to never be stopped. After they threatened to escort Union fans out of Mitchell for little air horns — I cant even imagine how loud and often they’ll blow the train horn Friday night.

*Disclaimer - not predicting these finishes, just showing scenarios based on likely outcomes of remaining games. This is shaping up to be an unusual finish to 2D. Not so much for the "anything can happen" finishes, but more so for the "anything has ALREADY happened." Most teams are already set in a very narrow area of seeding. Ridgeview is finishing #1 as long as they beat either Pikeville or Abingdon. If they lose to both then only an 8-2 Union can overtake them. Ridgeview is guaranteed at least the #2 spot. Union is guaranteed at least #2 unless Richlands beats Graham and all the rider points fall Richlands way. Gate City is trapped at #7 unless Tazewell really flubs up and loses one of their remaining 3 games. Even if they defeat Central, they will still be #7 without a Tazewell loss. #8 seed will be a battle between Marion and Va High. Winner of that game gets in, loser stays home. There is a narrow window for Marion to get in with a loss, but it would take some upsets for certain. #3 seed goes to the winner of Graham/Richlands. Graham cannot overtake a 7-3 Union. Richlands can, but will need help with riders. Central can go as high as #4 with a win over GC AND a Richlands win over Graham or #5 with a Graham win over Richlands. Could get #4 with the Graham win with rider point help. They are a lock for #6 if they lose to GC. Tazewell's fate rests with Central. #6 with a Central win, #5 with a GC win. Can't really go anywhere else. Lee and Lebanon are out. John Battle could only get in with a Lee win and an upset over GC or Union. In each of these, I'm giving Letcher Co 1 more win, Paintsville 2 more, Radford 3 more wins, Pikeville at least 1 more win depending on Ridgeview game and Bluefield 3 more wins. Paintsville's remaining 2 games are 50/50 shot. Ridgview loses to Pikeville. Union and Ridgview over Abingdon. Graham over Richlands. Central over GC. Va High over Marion. 1.) Ridgeview 8-2 256 25.6 2.) Union 8-2 250 25 3.) Graham 8-2 227 22.7 4.) Central 8-2 217 21.7 5.) Richlands 6-4 215 21.5 6.) Tazewell 7-3 207 20.7 7.) Gate City 4-6 175 17.5 8.) Va High 2-8 149 14.9 9.) Marion 3-7 146 14.6 Ridgview loses to Pikeville. Union and Ridgview over Abingdon. Richlands over Graham. Central over GC. Va High over Marion. 1.) Ridgeview 8-2 256 25.6 2.) Union 8-2 250 25 3.) Richlands 7-3 233 23.3 4.) Central 8-2 217 21.7 5.) Graham 7-3 210 21 6.) Tazewell 7-3 207 20.7 7.) Gate City 4-6 177 17.7 8.) Va High 2-8 149 14.9 9.) Marion 3-7 146 14.6 Ridgview loses to Pikeville. Abingdon over Union. Ridgview over Abingdon. Richlands over Graham. Central over GC. Va High over Marion. 1.) Ridgeview 8-2 257 25.7 2.) Richlands 7-3 234 23.4 3.) Union 7-3 234 23.4 4.) Central 8-2 216 21.6 5.) Graham 7-3 209 20.9 6.) Tazewell 7-3 207 20.7 7.) Gate City 4-6 177 17.7 8.) Va High 2-8 150 15 9.) Marion 3-7 146 14.6 Ridgview loses to Pikeville. Union and Ridgview over Abingdon. Graham over Richlands. GC over Central. Va High over Marion. 1.) Ridgeview 8-2 256 25.6 2.) Union 8-2 251 25.1 3.) Graham 8-2 227 22.7 4.) Richlands 6-4 216 21.6 5.) Tazewell 7-3 207 20.7 6.) Central 7-3 202 20.2 7.) Gate City 5-5 193 19.3 8.) Va High 2-8 148 14.8 9.) Marion 3-7 147 14.7 Marion over VA High regardless of everything else. 1.) Ridgeview 8-2 256 25.6 2.) Union 8-2 251 25.1 3.) Graham 8-2 227 22.7 4.) Richlands 6-4 216 21.6 5.) Tazewell 7-3 207 20.7 6.) Central 7-3 200 20 7.) Gate City 5-5 195 19.5 8.) Marion 4-6 159 15.9 9.) John Battle 2-8 141 14.1 I did give Pikeville the win over Ridgeview in each scenario just to show how cemented Ridgview is in at least the #2 spot with an 8-2 record. It will be a difficult game though. Union would win the head to head tie breaker if they and Richlands finish tied, but Richlands' rider points will be easier to come by than Union, so there may not be a tie. Also, keeping track of the top few teams from C for semi-final purposes. As it stands now, only Ridgeview has a chance of outpointing a 9-1 Radford team, and it will be close. If Radford loses to Glenvar Friday, and realistically this is the only shot of them not being 9-1, then they will fall to 2nd or 3rd with Appomattox taking the #1 spot at approximately 247-249 points. If that happens only an 8-2 or better Union or Ridgeview team will be able to outpoint them. So, if a team other than Ridgeview or Union represents D they will be traveling for the semis unless the 3rd seed or lower wins Region C.

Hmm. When was the last time anyone from M7 won a state championship?

Maybe Princeton's players should be playing for Princeton if you want them to win games.

How about we don’t bring politics into this, please. There are goofy people on both sides.

Should we fire Akers?

All the comments, all the laughing, all the other BS plastered by the experts. Damn right we're gonna celebrate this one. Awesome job Big Blue!!!

And you won the exact same number of state titles since 2004. 😎

I find it ironic that Grapeape wanted this thread locked and then continued to comment on it.

This is an honor he is truly deserving. His records were good. His contribution to his community was unequalled.

In no way am I a Gate City fan but what John Marshall did should make them ineligible to compete in the VHSL. An AAU coach should not be allowed to to lead that and a high school team in my opinion. It creates an unfair advantage by blatantly recruiting players to create a super team.

This aged well... You Lebanon folks worry about enrollment numbers too much 😉

Get to Bluefield before 2 PM and go to Double Gates Grocery and get yourself the best slaw dog in the world...or try a porkchop sandwich..DELICIOUS!!! Later than 2PM, you have Savory Flavors BBQ, Burger King, Hardee's, Papa John's Pizza, Bellacino's, Italian Villa, Taco Bell, Queen's Pizza, La Fiesta, El Patio, McDonald's, Wendy's, Bob Evans, Applebee's, Shogun, Dairy Queen, Subway, Tray King House..all in Bluefield, VA. Or come to my house and get the best ribeye and fixins in the world (fixins include homegrown fried green tomatoes with homemade spicy ranch dressing, garlic mashed potatoes, and collard greens)...just make your reservation by Thursday so I can get enough steaks ready...price $50/person. Beer and Wine costs extra...other drinks available include Dr. Pepper and tap water.

Well Folks, we would like to apologize about the wrong location of the Castlewood/Honaker game last Friday. Seems like Uncle Percy and Cousin Delbert got their A's & H's mixed up while selecting last week's games. Cousin Hoyt told me that I was "Not To Smart" by allowing these two to pick anything. Cousin Hoyt said that it doesn't a math scholar to figure out that P + D = Purty Dumb. Lets pick this week's losers. Giles at Graham The Feds were successful in capturing the Tazewell Bull Pups. Seems like the town of Bristol had put out an APB on the Bull Pups for disturbing the peace, chasing Bearkats up trees, and mauling Bearkats. Seems like The Feds had no problem apprending these "felons" after the Flat Tail Smackin' they received the previous week. Looks like the "Chicken Wang" may still be broken. The Sparatans have had 2 rough outings to start the season against Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Doesn't look like it's going to get any better this Friday. The Feds should have "The Case of The Broken Wang" solve pretty quick with very little trouble. Lil Leonard's Loser : Giles Chilhowie at Narrows Keeping it on The New River. The Big Green Wave will try to over turn a bunch of canoes with a bunch of Wild Indians on the warpath as they reach the Narrows Bridge this Friday Nite. Now the Green Wave is off to a 2 - 0 start. Last week they gave The Shaker Cats a serious scrubbing and we all know how cats don't like water. Now the Warriors of Chilhowie have taken up the warpath just like last year and have already scalped 2 opponents. These Warriors may have lost several braves from last year's war party but they're still a force to be reckoned with. The Big Green Wave will find out quick that these Warriors can canoe on any type of rough water they encounter. Lil! Leonard's Loser: Narrows Patrick Henry at Hurley Cousin Delbert said he would bet the farm on this pick because the loser would be The Rebels. DUH. Well The Glade Rebels will be crossing over The Rock House Mountain to encounter The Cliff Rebels this Friday Nite. Something will have to give this Friday Nite because both Brigades are 2 - 0. The Cliff Rebels have a new General this year and he will try several flanking moves to try to achieve a victory. However, The Glade Rebels are a veteran bunch of fighters with a veteran General. They will stop The Cliff Rebel's flanking moves and launch a counterattack that will pin The Cliff Rebels against their Cliff and force an unconditional surrender. Lil Leonard's Loser: The Cliff Rebels J. I. Burton at Lee Two weeks ago a bunch of Generals crept up the Powell Valley to hunt some Bears. They found a bunch of hungry Bears and ran back down the valley with these Bears clawing their behinds. Now The Black Raiders have been chased by a pack of hungry Wolves. Fought a losing battle against Indians. The Black Raiders will try to launch a surprise raid on the Lee Generals Headquarters this Friday Nite. Look for this toughen Black Raiders to have a successful raid on the Generals' Headquarters. They'll be riding home with a victory. Lil Leonard's Loser: Lee High

I knew the final score & was still a nervous wreck watching the tape. All I know is that I’m officially out of the prediction business. Anyway, the week 1 win probably increased week 2 attendance by 2500 or so. Legion Field will be rocking for the Falcons.