GoBearsGo

Not sure why no Union stats... I think you would see at least 3 maybe 4 from Union on this list IMO. No one at the top but probably at least 3 that average more than 13. More balanced like the GC numbers. Yeary from Lee is a flat out scorer, just not much around him for that team.

Havoc.. wasn't directing that at you at all but rather good ol' Gameday. I'm more of a Union guy than most but I'm realistic too! And I agree with you 100%, no doubt Ridgeview is the best girls team in the area. The comment about "next season" is way off. Union will be good, there's 3-4 kids on the JV team that will fit well with Mitchell and Slagle but no need to send trophies right away! Lol... That's the joy of HS sports, every team loses good players and someone has to step up! Nobody knows who that will be, that's why they play the games!

Agreed Ryan.. We have then during the week also starting at 4pm in most cases. Just makes for a long evening on uncomfortable bleachers! I'm not a fan at all of having JV and V in different gyms at the same time. At Ridgeview I missed the girls varsity game because it was played at the same time as boys JV.

And btw.. Ridgeview does have an excellent facility for basketball! Nothing at all like Va High though. My only drawback was that when Union was there for "super" they played the JV games in the small gym and it was way to small and tight. I'm not a fan of "supers" anyway but especially in a case like that. I liked what Union/Richlands did with starting the Saturday "super" at 2pm, of course during the week that's not possible.

And this my friends is why I've all but quit posting on these boards.. It always turns into "my team's better than yours, your team sucks, my team will win, mine is bigger than yours!" Just don't get why there can't be civil debate on HS sports. Fact of the matter is they are teenagers, anybody can beat anybody on a given night.

As a Union "homer" I'll say thanks Ryan for the compliments on our school. We (most anyway) are very proud of it! There have been a few critics on the gym seating on the visitor side (me for one early on) but it's very deceptive. It's not tall but it does run wall-to-wall where most others are not even as long as the court so it actually works out to be similar to most. Other than with GC comes to town, I've never seen it be a problem with seating. Union does have a very talented team and Richlands gave them a run. Richlands is talented as well. I'll agree on the officiating, it was bad both ways but that is becoming the new normal in SWVA basketball unfortunately. There are a few really good crews but on the flip side there are a few guys who you know off the bat what you are going to get. I did see some chippyness from Union that we typically don't see, I'm glad it ended pretty quick and we got back to basketball. Union's problem this season has been not preserving a lead. Happened against Richlands and they let Ridgeview come back from 15+ to force overtime the first time they met. Union has a few guys who can take a game over like Noaks did in the 1st half. Mitchell is probably our best but Slagle has really came along and when Barnett keeps his cool and stays out of foul trouble he's a load to handle. I was impressed with Richlands depth, that's one think Union is missing this season. We were missing Gavin, who was on a football recruiting visit, he usually gives us good minutes off the bench and really disrupts things inside. All in all..great night of basketball! Looking forward to seeing how the next few weeks sort out!

Union has a few kids getting some interest. Word has it that UVA-Wise has interest in WR/DB Noaks, TE/DE Barnett and WR Gavin. Also, Noaks with interest from EKU. Gavin on a recruiting visit to VMI this weekend. Pretty strong senior class at Union, going to be tough to replace.

HM3-8404.. I made the comment to the folks I was sitting with after the Union/Graham game that Cousin would be at Richlands next year..haha

Union_Fan.. I don't think it's irony that we shared basically the same thoughts. I posted on the "Updates" topic this morning and we basically said the same thing. Anyone who knows football could see what happened Saturday. On a side note.. I'm not 100% sure who you are but I have an idea...haha

Mitchell plays OLB, I agree with him being first team but not sure on the DB of the year. Rasnick from Lee is a better LB IMO but I know being on the conf championship team makes a difference in these. Regardless, congrats to all these kids! Great conference for football for sure!

Not many of us Union fans pitching in, I guess we are all recovering from the trip. But I will add my 2 cents.. A couple of points.. #1 The Union defense was unprepared. The scheme was not right from the get go and we made no adjustments what so ever (which is typical). #2 Union has not turned the ball over all season, that was the dagger on Saturday. #3 Clarke Co is a strong, physical football team and I will say IMO the best defense Union has faced all season long. #4 Clarke Co did their homework on the Union offense. With those points being made, Union did come out flat. But I'll disagree with a previous about the first interception being thrown right to the DB. Everyone who has watched Union knows how much success they have had on the quick, bubble screens to Noaks specifically. Clarke Co defended that perfectly. They pressed coverage on our WR and jumped every bubble screen we attempted. The first pick was one of the best reads by a DB I have seen all season. Sure it was thrown right to him, but he was in perfect position to defend that screen where no other team has done so all season. Another point I'll make is that Union has not really had to play from behind all season, and getting down 21 early really put them in a whole, especially on a day where the defense had no answer. A previous post saying the state championship game was played last week in Appo is a little off IMO, I'm sure Union, Glenvar, and even Clarke Co would disagree with that statement. Having not seen Appo, I will say that they will have their hands full with Clarke next weekend. I saw no weakness in Clarke Co, other than the fact they don't pass very often but they mixed a few in on Union and caught them completely off guard. I'll say again, they were the best defense Union has faced all season. Big, strong and physical up front. A lot of pressure on the QB. DB's that covered Unions weapons better than anyone has. You get the point... It was disappointing for Union players, coaches and fans but what a heck of run it was. Union's program has made major strides in 5 years and while a LOT of talent will be lost this season we do have a bunch returning and some young kids ready to step in. Coach Turner is and always has been a class act and he has my utmost respect. I've had one kid play 4 years for Coach Turner and another on the team now and it is great to see the support the program has from the school, both towns and the entire area. Traveling up 81 on Friday I was blown away by the support from surrounding areas. Thanks to everyone for that! Also, I'll throw in.. The facilities at Clarke Co were much better that this Union fan expected. Sure there weren't enough seats, but not many places would have held that crowd. I was in line by 8:30am and barely got a seat. And we had a chance to talk with a lot of folks from Clarke and everyone was very friendly and welcoming of us. Sure there's "trash talk" chatter on twitter, etc. but that's to be expected these days with kids. I think Clarke did a great job of hosting this game.

That's correct.. 1:30 kickoff. Should be a good atmosphere for Union. They are taking a pep band and are considering a "fan bus". Also, I'm sure a lot of fans will make the trip for the day and even a lot on Friday.

BlueRazor.. You read way to much into my comment my friend. I have the utmost respect for Richlands fans and players. My intention was to point out that we ALL have those fans that make the rest of us look the way Bearcat Bob was referring. Most of you guys on here are great to talk football with but you gotta admit, there's a few bad apples from every fan base.

Thanks Bearcat Bob for the helpful info! That's what I was after with the original post. I am totally in agreement with you on your comment about "some" Union fans verging on Richlands & GC level but I can assure you that 90% of Union fans are NOT that way. Every town has their share of "those" types you mentioned (and btw, loved the comment about wearing your letterman jacket to your wedding!) It just seems as though the other 10% are the ones who man the message boards. I'm as big of a Union fan as there is, had one son play 4 years and another a freshman and I can promise we're not all bad!

Best option for hotels, restaurants etc. is Winchester, only about 10 miles from Berryville.

The injury to #13 will be pivotal IMO. Losing the O lineman will not be much of a difference maker, the replacement is just as good if not better I believe.

Looking at their schedule on VHSL-Reference they have beaten 3 0-10 teams and 3 2-8 teams, definitely doesn't say much about strength of schedule. But we all know you don't get to the state semis and not be a good team. I'm a "homer" but I like the Bears chances!

I know it's no where near our beloved SWVA but what's the skinny on Clarke Co?? From what I've seen and read, primarily single wing and not much passing game. Fairly good defense. Any input from those in the know??

Very well played game all the way around! I talked to a few Glenvar fans at a restaurant after the game and I commented to them that I thought they have a class-act program. Hate to see either team have to lose that game but I'm glad the Bears held on!

Definitely the game of the week in SWVA in my opinion.. Being a home game will help Lee but I think VA High may have a little to much speed on offense and Lee is a little one dimensional so I'm taking VA High in a close one, maybe a high scoring close one. From the way it looks it could very well be "win or go home".

Good stuff man! You have way to much time on your hands!! Just kidding... I was wondering if Union would be able to hang onto the #1 spot.

Great stats but I thought the same about Union's RB's. I know we have a good mixture with Bishop, Summers, Fannon and Spears but I would think Bishop would be close to 500 yards. Maybe I'm just wishful thinking...

I would say Central by 2 td's. Both are very similar teams IMO. One dimensional offense, solid defense up the middle but lacking on the outside. I give the QB advantage to Central being my factor in the outcome. I honestly think Lee needs to win out to make the playoffs but I don't see it happening. Should be a decent game tho.

Really good point on the 8 spot from Beamerball a few comments up.. Having that first round at home is a big bonus, especially for a team who may be surging late in the year.

I have not seen Grundy since the preseason jamboree so I can't speak to them, and I know the Ridgeview team I saw at Union wasn't a good indication so that one could be very pivotal for those last few teams in.