Union_Fan

85. Went 10-0 in 86 with a 1st round playoff loss to Garden.

Can't argue with that at all. It's an excellent tune-up on the defensive side. The frustrating part is that Union typically competes very well in these 7v7 on the offensive side, but then chooses to run the ball 90% of the time. While that works fine against most teams, it's simply not enough to get them past balanced playoff teams.

They'll participate and do well. Then, not use a single bit of it in the regular season.

You're probably thinking about the FB I mentioned. He was a senior in 2011 when they won the championship. He was an absolute beast and a great LB too.

Gavan Meade and the bowling ball FB, Austin Dotson, that gave a Union defender a concussion in 2011 on their way to the last LPD state championship in football. Meade was a fantastic RB. Could run around you or over you.

Cody Haynes was #40, I believe. Tyler Graham was a few years earlier. He could fly and was a tough running back!

I know that kids are different now than they used to be 30+ years, but so is everything else. Sometimes, I wonder if current coaching tactics would have worked on kids 30 years ago or if current kids would have thrived in programs 30 years ago given their options at the time. Is this an apples/oranges argument? Probably. I still say coaching/play calling are to blame for Union's playoff woes more than the kids.

Simple answer...YES! 30+ years ago a coach was a drill sergeant and kids responded to that. Now, a coach has to be a mother, father, big brother, therapist, etc... They also have to be tactful with their words. Threatening, cussing and berating a player simply doesn't work. The kid will quit or refuse to take part altogether. They have other options. Also, many years ago a coach was seen as the ultimate authority on their respective sport. Players trusted that they knew what they were doing and had all the right answers. Now, the world is so connected with information readily available that kids can easily tell if their coach is an idiot or not. Once they lose faith in their coach's ability, it's all down hill from there.

Can't argue with any of this, and the natives are getting restless.

Yea, it's 1200 (9-12), but I'm not sure how that translates to the 9-11 enrollment the VHSL is using now. Class 4 begins at 900.

I was told it was because Richlands wanted to rebuild with a lighter schedule. I guess getting beat 40-0 every week would deter kids from coming out. With an easier schedule comes more wins and maybe more participation. As for Boone, they were very solid just a couple years ago, so hopefully 2024 was an anomaly. Also, they will be a large 3A or small 4A depending on how the VHSL classifies them.

Richlands did the dropping is my understanding.

With everything Graham is losing and has returning, I expect the defense to take a slight hit, but the offense to be better. Overall, they will be good enough for another state championship run, unless a surprise team pops up in A or B.

We can only hope! Having both Bostic and Huff at WR, along with the other options coming back would truly make Union multidimensional. The Bears could be stacked at every skill position, if everyone is used to their potential. In reality, they will be solid everywhere. My only question will be the O-Line, and that should be good as long as there's weight room dedication.

You mean everyone but the "elite" 1% that doesn't see any problems with the program. Sounds about right!