I probably typed that with a bit of emotion over logic. Unions Defense played very well, however it isn’t too difficult to stop the same play 40+ times a game. I can’t understand the incredibly vanilla play calling from battle. It was even More vanilla than Unions, and that says a lot. I’ve lost any faith I had left that the Union offense will come together. It comes down to our running game and hoping we can break a couple big plays a game. It’s pretty much all we have.
You just summed up Unions offense for the last 8 seasons so this year isn’t a surprise. The conditions last night were terrible which basically eliminated Jenkins’ speed. Stidham ran the ball well which was good to see after he struggled last week to hold onto the ball. Falin’s TD catch was pretty impressive. The D did play well but Battle was bad offensively. That’s the worst field conditions I’ve seen in a long time. A wet field is one thing, ponds of water are another story. Bullitt was wet last week but drained and held up pretty well. I remember Battle being that way in years past so I don’t think it’s the construction.
Maybe Turner is waiting until the playoffs as to not give away some plays? Is he capable of that? Serious question.
He’s been known to play it a little close to his chest with play calling. Could be the case but that’s two big games (Ridgeview and Abingdon) that it’s been an issue IMO. I think our only chance to make a deep run in the playoffs is to open it up and use or weapons.
i jus dont get it. teams are giving us the middle of the field in fact darfing us to throwv it there. we are getting man coverage with no saftey looks. we have two really good wideouts in falin and garrison who run good routes and can get seperation slants are there all day. its been that way all year. i dont recall any pass plays to the middle of the field..
Only one that comes to mind ironically is the half back seam to Jenkins against Richlands that went for a 70!yd TD. Kinda proves our point.
i have a question for fellow bear fans. can one of you tell me why we never use the middle of the field with our passing game? teams are bringing there safties down in the box to help stop the run and slants post patterns and dig routes are wide open. teams are daring us to throw and when we do everything is to the outside.
That’s the million dollar question in my mind. We have big, athletic WR and TE and we never use the middle of the field. Abingdon was giving up the middle to stop the run as you said. Falin or Garrison on a slant across the middle would be hard to stop.
It was ugly for sure. For some reason our play calling reverted back to the Ridgeview game. I just don’t get it. Union has had a diverse offense the last few games and it seemed like we abandoned that. Maybe it was the weather, who knows. To play that bad and still be within one score late in the game says a lot but Union just couldn’t catch a break. Hopefully that’s out of our system and we can get on a roll headed into the playoffs.
Could it be because they were down and wanted to try and get the ball back? Who cares how much time was left in the game.
I think that part is obvious. But when the other team has their subs and JV team in midway through the 3rd is my problem. All good though, I’m sure they thought they still had a chance.
Very deceiving final score. Union could have hung 50 on GC but starting subbing in the 3rd. I agree, good to see a little more of the playbook. Turner had a good game and his receivers helped him some too. Falin and Garrison both had good games. The freshman backup QB got some good minutes and made a few good throws, especially the ball to Falin on the sideline to pick up a 1st down. Not sure how I feel about the onsides kick attempt late but I guess desperate times call for desperate measures in GC. Good win for the Bears.
Wow scrap the offense and fire the whole staff. Are we talking about Union or GC here? I guess the next thing is to start a petition and get Phil back on the sidelines. Reed is going to save GC and maybe Phil can save Union from going 8-2 or better every year. I personally think you have one of the best Head coaches in SWVA.
I believe the guys above talking about scrapping the staff aren’t referring to Union. We know we have a great HC and wouldn’t trade him for anybody around. Trust me, nobody in BSG or Appy wants Phil in the mix. And we never said scrap the offense, just diversify.
Oh we are thankful. Most teams would give anything for an 8 year stretch like Union has had. I think we all just see this team, like others before, aren’t reaching their potential.
The T works....until it doesn't. Just like Giles and the single wing. Typically, the misdirection and constant beating wins games, but when you face a team that isn't fooled and can take the beating, you're in trouble.
We have to be more diverse. Doesn't necessarily mean a new formation or offensive philosophy. We just need to be less predictable. Have to mix things up with more passing and keep teams on their toes.
I agree with BBN. IMO, the problem with Union’s passing game is they go to those bubble screens primarily and when they do try to go down field it’s always to the sideline and most of the time the ball is going to a predetermined spot, there’s not much reading or options. Which is why other receivers aren’t running routes, it’s because they don’t have one. I said in a different post that I’d love to see them get #10 and #80 working across the middle or at least to the post.
This week would be a great time to sort some of that out. I’d love to see them put Turner in the shotgun, go 3 wide with #10, #80 and #87 keep #3 at TE and throw it 30 times. Probably be impressed with what could happen.
Coach Turner isn’t one to run it up on anybody and I’d bet we’ll see mostly T again. I say Union 38-7.
Gotta give credit where credit is due. Ridgeview impressed me in a couple of ways. First, they controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Also, they flew to the ball faster on D than any team I’ve seen in a while. I wouldn’t say that Union didn’t have its “A” game, I think Ridgeview took it away. I honestly think Union was out coached tonight. The play calling hurt the Bears too. I completely understand wanting to establish the run but we have to many options in the passing game to stay in be T, especially when a team is dead set on stopping it. IMO, #10 & #80 for Union need to play more of a role in the offense. And I’d love to see them use the middle of the field.
Gettting off that soapbox, congrats to the Pack on a hell of a game!
I see two factors making a difference in this one. Union is experienced at not only playing, but winning big games. And special teams/kicking game will play a big role. Bears 31-20
I expected a little more from Letcher. I agree with above, they really struggled. Union started a little sluggish but got its feet pretty quick. Defense looked good and I was glad to see us throw it around a little.
I’ll be the first to chime in on tonight’s opener. Not a great start for Union but not a bad one either. The first half was about ball control. Union only had 3 drives and scored on 2. The offense looked good, especially the run game. Good group of backs. They were primarily run but did have some success with the pass. Turner seemed a little off. The over throw to a wide open Falin is one he usually makes. Union really dominated the 3rd quarter and pulled away. Jenkins had a great game running the ball, Polier is a stud on both sides of the ball, and the kicking game with Falin was a weapon. Biggest thing they gotta improve on IMO is pass coverage. Burton did have some success throwing. Burton scored twice after Union starting subbing to make the score 35-20. Decent start, could have been a little sharper in a few areas. Cleaning up some penalties and secondary and the Bears will be a tough match up.
I think this will be more of the same from the last few years. IMO Union is to big and strong up front on both sides of the ball and will control the line of scrimmage. I don’t think it’ll be a high scoring game, I see Union grinding a lot of long drives out on the ground. Burton has a good RB but I think Unions strength on D will be against the run. From what I understand this is the last time these two will play and I say the Bears sweep the all time series and win 28-7.
I’m with everyone above. Well played game. Physically Union was the better team. I’m sure, as mentioned above, neither team showed all they had to offer. I like our run game and I think our passing game will surprise some teams. Turner made some nice throws, especially on the double out to Falin on the sideline to pick up a big first down. That throw and catch rivals any you’ll see all season long. Unions defense looked much better this week compared to the Elizabethton game. All in all a good showing for both teams. They both should be ready for a solid season.
They looked pretty good. Elizabethton’s QB is very good and the secondary had a few problems but obviously that was from just getting started. D line and LB looks good. If the secondary comes along they will be just fine. The new DC is doing a good job coaching kids up and Barry Jones being there will be a bonus.
I was impressed with Union’s showing overall. Offensively they will be very solid. Different formations, different personnel, and different approaches the whole scrimmage and they moved the ball well. Turner looked good, threw some really nice balls. The Turner-Falin combo looked very good. Defensively they need some work, especially in the secondary. But it’s nothing that will cause problems. My biggest concern is depth. A lot of guys having to go both ways. Elizabethton was a good scrimmage for Union. They were abviously a couple weeks ahead in preparation. All in all it was a good start.
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Union v Battle postponed
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Union v Battle postponed until Saturday at 2pm