GoBearsGo

Union will be fine in the event Jenkins isn't back. Has a minor ankle sprain from what I hear but IMO there's a few young guys that may be a better fit for the Bears and they have been playing well. I expect Union by 10+ over Battle. They have really played well of late and haven't been so dependent on Mitchell and Slagle.

1A - After seeing GW and Honaker both play multiple games in the UVAW tourney, I think Honaker is the better team. Just something about GW didn't impress me very much. I don't see GW being the #1 ranked team in 1A in the state. If so, it's a weak field. I even think Eastside would give them a run for their money. 2A - I'm on board. Union has been playing well of late, but I still don't think up to their potential. Glad to see some of the young kids getting an opportunity but there's still some depth there that's not being used IMO. I didn't get a chance to see Richlands play since they played early games every day but being pushed by Burton is not a good sign. I don't see anybody challenging GC, not in our part of the state anyway.

Hammer is correct, age is the issue. I had not heard about an appeal but it makes sense. I wouldn't be overly confident in an appeal, it may set a standard that could be taken advantage of in the future. I know his circumstances are 100% legit, but we all know how some will take advantage of loop holes. I would love to see him back for another season.

I'll try to give my opinions on the weekend for my Bears. Still too early to tell with this team, flashes of brilliance and moments of confusion. Union played East at a mid-season form level IMO. Looked like a completely different team than against Eastside. East pressed almost the entire game and Union just ate it up. They did a great job of working the middle of the zone press and got a lot of 3 on 2, 2 on 1 matchups. Shots were falling, defense was solid. They really controlled the game, East never closed to within 6 or so. Looked like the Union team we expected. Biggest issue of the East game, we only played 5 players the whole 2nd half. The Tn High game tonight was a reflection of the Eastside game. Struggled with any offense against a zone, no rebounding, got down by 15 or so at one point. Made a great comeback to take a lead. Down by 1 with :20 or so and had no type of play call, set play etc. Wasted :15 then had to take a contested jumper. Tn high was mainly a one man show. Their guard #40 was a heck of a ball player, he would pull up from anywhere and hit most or drive to the basket. Tough to guard. Tn High was much better than expected. We are really a team looking for its identity right now. We have kids on the bench that can play but are not even seeing the floor for some reason. Not sure if it's a trust issue or what but IMO right now is the time to get those kids some experience. Playing at Lebanon Tuesday will give an idea where we stand. I think Eastside was not as big of a surprise as many thought, me included.

I'm on board with Leatherhead on his C40 rankings above for now. Union should be 2 but only time will tell. The go to Lebanon on Tuesday 12/20 so that will be a good test for them.

Lol.. I hear ya havok! Union will be fine in conference I think, with of course the exception of GC.

I'll say it for you guys.. Union's not a Top 5 team on any list. Until Coach figures out who to play and in what position they will struggle all season long. Not taking anything away from Eastside, IMO in 1A they will be good, but Union has way to much talent to not beat them by 10. Union has 8-9 kids that can really play, only 6 played the whole 2nd half. We were dead by the 4th quarter. Free throw shooting was horrendous at best, rebounding was just as bad. Offensively we looked like a bunch of guys playing a pickup game on a Sunday afternoon. Everybody wanted to shoot, nobody wanted to rebound. Some of it can be blamed on a late start because of football but not every kid plays football. Union's biggest problem is they are trying to play with 5 forwards.. No true PG and no C at all. Just can't win that way. Best example was the last possession, Union gets the ball with 18 seconds to go down by 1. Best look we get is a hail mary 3 with 5 seconds to go.

I agree with the above mentioned comments on Union.. O-Line will be the deciding factor. Running game should be as good, if not better IMO. We lose Fannon but Owens and Jenkins have the speed, just not the same power as Fannon. Passing game should follow suit, all we lose there is Jenkins but Falin that's a sophomore should step into that spot easily and even adds depth at TE. Defensively, we lose two good DE's in Colot and Guerrant but there's some young talent there too. Should be another good year for Union. I expect 9-1 or 8-2 at worst. Possibly a postseason run. I'll go out on an even further limb and say that after the 2017 season you will see a significant drop off at Union. We have some young talent, just not enough to go around.

In it's prime, Appalachia had some really good talent. Late 90's, as mentioned before Travis Turner and Travis Clark were possibly one of the best QB/RB duos this area has seen. Mid 90's had some great ones too. Larry Huff probably tops that list and may have been one of the best all around athletes to come thru AHS. Chris Mabe was a heck of LB. Harold Bowman was as good of a lineman as you would find. Early 90's had Kris Clark at RB and Radio Stuart at FB, they were a tough duo. The '89 state champion team had Shane Gibson at RB that carried the ball a ton. That was a special time at AHS, every team was solid top to bottom. None were really "superstars", they just all knew there role and showed up and did the work.

Appomattox is the best football team, top to bottom, I have seen in a very long time. Union didn't play their best, but IMO if they do, they still get beat by 3 td's. Union had success on the first two drives from the T but once they got down by two scores and went to the spread Appo was just way to much on defense. Way to strong and fast all over the field. Defensive line was big and physical, linebackers were smart and athletic and DB's were fast and covered everything. Offensively, Union's defense had nothing for them from the opening drive. It wasn't a bad scheme, bad coaching, or bad plays.. Appo just came at you from all directions and we couldn't answer. I agree with a post above, I wouldn't count out the East teams by any means but I don't see anyone beating Appomattox. Sorry Richlands fans, don't take up arms against me (see what I did there.. I visited the Appo Court House yesterday so I'm in character) but Appo has way to much speed, size, coaching, you name it.. Just my thoughts... Another great season for our Bears, a lot of schools would give anything to have this type of success. Getting beat by a better team is nothing to hang you head about.

I hate to start talking basketball before football is over but what the heck... I'll chime in on Union's outlook, I think some folks might be surprised. They did lose a lot to graduation but we have some Sophomores that can really play, a couple should be in the starting 5 IMO. Mitchell and Slagle are both back as starters and are as good as anybody around. Sharritt is a solid shooter. Other two starters could go a couple of ways between 3-4 kids. If a few of the young guys come along they could make a little run. I don't think they are GC level right away but could be by season end. A late start will make a difference early.

The account belongs to the Kingsport Times News and their SportsLive program. But yes, I and another guy manage the account. I've been on since the KTN started the program 6 years ago and the other guy has probably been on 5.

Thanks for the compliment on our KTN SportsLive Twitter feed! As one of two that "man" that account, we really appreciate it! Both of us take pride in keeping fans updated of all sports and activities. Of course, football has the bigger following, especially this time of year.

Don't be misled thinking DR was a dirty football team. They were one of the better teams I have seen and played a great game. The injury to Stidham was nothing that they did. It was one of the better HS football games I have seen (including the Union/Richlands series). The officiating was pretty good with the exception of 2 questionable PI calls that extended DR drives but those happen in every game. Defense won this game for Union IMO. Great win for our program!

Union's Austin Falin (2015) is starting at LG for E&H

I'm at a little bit of a loss on this one.. Don't know much about Crockett. I think they lost a lot from last season (QB, WR, OL). This is one of those that can sneak up on you, especially after last week. I'm thinking we will come out strong and ready to get back on track.

My opinion of this being the best Richlands that I've seen, is just that, an opinion. Sure the O-line struggled a little and JLA wasn't as sharp but keep in mind it's game 2. A big part of my opinion is based on the fact that not many, if any, high school teams have the DB's to cover #15 AND #11 along with the other weapons. If Richlands can figure out any type of run game they will be tough to compete with. Our DB's did a fair job of coverage but good coverage can be beat by a good athlete, just like #15 did to us on Friday. I see both teams getting better as the season progresses. Union's D Friday night made me a believer again!!

Hands down one of the best high school football games I've witnessed. Here's my take away points...IMO this Richlands team is the best I have seen them have, with a little cleanup against the run I think they could make a deep run. #15 had an amazing game, several balls he caught were not very well thrown but he made plays. The catch on the last TD in regulation was not something you see in high school football. I have to give my Bears a lot of credit. After the first series the D made good adjustments and really showed the potential they have. The offense showing the versatility to go to the double tight T will make the remainder of the schedule take notice. And finally, James Mitchell is special. Plain and simple... I don't think anyone can deny that. Great matchup, wouldn't surprise me if these two meet down the road this season.

Several local kids making an impact at E&H! Other than the ones mentioned, former Union lineman Austin Falin starting at LG and WR Raashaun Noaks should get time on special teams. Sam Wagner from Marion will get time at RB. Several other local kids on the roster could see time as well. Glad to see E&H drawing some local talent!!

My first post of the year and I gotta start off by saying how refreshing it is to read a thread and not see the typical "You suck, we are awesome, this happened 10 years ago..blah blah blah" that sometimes comes with a big game like this. So kudos to all you guys (or gals..)! I'm in agreement with all that's been said. This game will probably be the biggest regular season game (other than maybe Richlands v. Abingdon) this season as far as hype. I'm a Union "homer" so of course I'll be pulling for the Bears and I really think they have a shot. They are a very different team than last season, but not in bad ways. Our pass D worries me a little. Offensively we are good, not as explosive as last year but we have several weapons, other than Mitchell. Here's a few things I'm looking forward to: 1-Can Union's D shape up and cover a pass? 2-Will Union's run game be as effective as it "should" be? and 3- I'm looking forward to seeing JLA throw the football. I told some football friends when he was a sophomore that he had the best arm I had seen since Travis Turner. All in all, hoping for a well played, safe football game. Both teams have potential for another great regular season and a deep run.

Union v Tn High date and time is correct.. Wednesday, August 10 6pm @ Tn High Last I heard, Union will have Grayson Co. and Grundy in JI Burton Jamboree on August 19... Times not released yet.

In general, you won't hear many excuses from true Union fans. Of course the boneheads exist in every fanbase and we have our share. When you get beat, you get beat. Simple as that. Union had the size and athletes to move on but that doesn't win ball games. A little more heart and hustle will beat you every time. Good luck to the teams still competing! Martinsville looks to be a buzzsaw!!

I still think you will see Union in the spread occasionally.

The previous D-C for Union was Morris...wasn't very popular and honestly not very effective IMHO. Defense has been the weak spot at Union since day 1. No word yet on a replacement that I've heard. Union will still be solid, but a very different team. Losing the outside weapons of Noaks and Gavin will make them a different team, meaning more of a running team which will be fine. We do have a pretty good stable of running backs. All O-lineman back except 1 and Mitchell will certainly be the go-to guy in the passing game. The new QB will be a question mark going in, definite potential but yet to be determined. Also, we do have a few young receivers that will have to play a big part. No one really to step into Noaks' athletic role but some good potential.

I agree that I thought we may see more kids getting an opportunity to play at the next level and I'm sure we will in the coming weeks. The D1 level for a kid from our end of the state is rare. Having went through the recruiting process last year, kids from here in most cases don't have the exposure not to mention the size/speed for that level. They are great 1A/2A football players and can play at the D2, D3 or NAIA level but D1 is a whole other level. With that said, I agree that after seeing Asbury and Sturgill play QB they will be D1 level next season.