GoBearsGo

Wrong on both accounts.

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!

Apparently all these two schools know how to do is produce classics. Even the girls varsity game last night was a 1 point game before Richlands had to start fouling with about 90 seconds to go.

I think anytime richlands and union play a sporting event picking Union by 1 point would be a smart bet

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

There will be a draft held at the Lebanon Bonanza in February and All coaches from Southwest Virginia will meet there and show off their most talented players.
 
There will be winners and losers in this draft but everyone will be fed steak tips and an all you can eat buffet including those damn delicious rolls. 

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.

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.

A quick note on the extra bleachers upon closer inspection. They were attached to a 4 wheel trailer frame. Like a miniature flatbed tractor trailer. The bottom half folded up and over to sit on the top half. Maine license plates. Don't remember the rental company name. Pretty neat idea.
 
Game thoughts...
 
In a nutshell. Clarke's O line dominated the line of scrimmage COMPLETELY. Union was ill prepared for the wing.
 
Union's first turnover was a fumble. Couldn't tell if it was stripped, knocked out , or just dropped. First int was a direct result of great film study. That kid sat there and waited for that pass and jumped in front of it. 2nd int was a wounded duck that was just simply under thrown. 3rd int was a great individual effort by the Clarke defender. He tipped the pass up in the air and was able to come down with it.
 
Union had 4 turnovers, one vital player that was out on defense, some bad penalties, and was simply not prepared on defense. With all that said, had Union not had a single turnover, penalty, or mistake I don't think they could have won this game. Even if you have the opposing teams playbook in hand, if you can't stop the O line from driving you 3 yards off the ball every play you can't win. I believe that Bearcat Bob said they were the physically strongest team he had seen, and they lived up to that billing. Not only could the Bears not stop them, but they couldn't even hold their ground.
 
I realize that nobody from this end of the state had seen Clarke play, but even folks elsewhere. that had seen them play greatly underestimated this team. They were WELL coached, and WELL prepared. I know people talk about how Giles has perfected the wing, but they may have some competition as far as wing execution goes. They were like a machine that methodically marched down the field. Every time Union held them to 3rd and something they got it by a yard. 3rd and 4, they got 5 yards. 3rd and 6, they got 7 yards. Clarke's O line did stand up, but they were still able to stop our kids in their tracks.
 
The miscues on offense contributed to the fatigue of the Bears' D and certainly the score. On the only two possessions that Union didn't turn the ball over or make a stupid mistake they marched straight down the field and scored with relative ease.
 
One thing not talked about and not really expected was Clarke's speed. They may not be as fast as Appomattox, but they were every bit as fast as Union. Probably faster.
 
In a somewhat unexpected and awesome move by Coach Turner, he took each senior off the field one by one on Union's last O possession. After each play a different senior came off the field, to an ovation from the crowd, with a heavy heart and tears in their eyes. Very touching and moving for everyone.
 
I won't predict a Clarke win over Appomattox, but I do think the run D is Appo's weakness. It will certainly be a contrast in styles.
 
Congratulations to all the Union players that set THE standard for all future Bear teams. These seniors were unbelievable! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. These years will always be looked upon with a smile as you go down life's road, and these lessons will always be referred to when you need advice with future crossroads.
 
Looking forward to more "firsts" in the coming years.

I just love how some folks cannot give credit where credit is due.  Clarke basically said "Veni, vidi, vici"...not only said it but did it. 
 
But some folks are still rubbing that ointment on their arse because "the team that beat my team lost (badly) and the OTHER team that beat my team just cannot lose because that would make me feel bad about myself".  There is a whole Dr. Phil show going on there but that is a tale for another day.
 
Man up.  Clarke was underestimated.  Union was "flat" because they got smacked around by a more physical and a more confident team.  It happens.  Life goes on.  It is not a repudiation of anyone or anything.  It is high school football. 
 
I think what may really be irking a lot of SWVA folks is that Clarke was what many purport SWVA football to be:  smashmouth, physical, confident. 
 
Appomattox may win next week.  But on this past Saturday, Clarke was "the beast".  Give 'em a little credit. 
 
Disclaimer:  Most Union fans have been very generous and classy.  If you read the posts, it is people other than Bears spouting off. 

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.

Here's the latest rumor from the Valley...
 
Word has it that someone from Union complained to the VHSL that Clarke's stadium only seated 2200.  The VHSL requires at least 2500 for a semi final game so...Clarke has acquired bleachers from surrounding schools to stretch from light pole to light pole on the visitors side, increasing seating capacity to 3000+.  There is a lot of standing room around the end zones but they reportedly do not allow spectators to stand on the track.

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.

That is quite surprising because Giles does have a classy program. But all schools have them certain fans that only come out at playoff time and start talking smack when they probably cant name 5 players on the team.

That's the reason I do not post a lot on here or preps. I've kept up with these sites for years, but some of my fellow alumni leave a bad taste in my mouth with their comments. Sometimes its just better to read threads. Lol

...I was joking about wearing the letterman's jacket...would not want "Goose" waste time looking for some guy in a VHS jacket...

I am going to try really hard to make it up Saturday for the game.  I'll be the tall guy wearing a VHS letterman's jacket...that way I'll fit right in with all that orange on both sides!

Man I HATE to lose! That being said.....it was a great game. A whole lot could be said about a lot of things but plain and simple was.... we never made the plays when it counted. They had several opportunities to put it away in the first half and we had many chances to put them away in the second half. I am very proud of the boys and all the GREAT fans we have. What a game and atmosphere for High School Football.
 
Appomattox has a great team no doubt about it. We had a team capable of moving on but just didn't execute what was needed to beat an excellent opponent. I hate it so bad for the seniors especially. Somebody has to lose and that was us this time. A lot of the seniors on this years team will be talked about for years to come. The little boys in the youth league and up to eighth grade will grow up saying.....I want to be like such and such or say......I want to play like him. They were great role models all season for those little guys. They performed community service and spent many hours over at the elementary and middle Schools talking with them. Just a wonderful group of young men that I have enjoyed so much being around and watching play .
 
Our season is over but most of us Richlands fans will be pulling hard for Union and George Wythe. Hope you guys can when two more. If you make it to Salem....there will be a lot of us fans in Salem pulling for you guys.
 
Good luck

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! 

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!

I rushed through the scores. Had a hard time finding a few. Some teams are tied. I'm not sure who wins the tie breakers. I'll leave that to someone else
 
1.) Appomattox County 10-0 292 29.2 2.) Union 10-0 288 28.8 3.) Glenvar 10-0 280 28 4.) Richlands 9-1 276 27.6 5.) Buckingham County 9-1 263 26.3 6.) Giles 9-1 258 25.8 7.) James River-Buchanan 8-2 229 22.9 8.) Dan River 7-3 224 22.4 9.) Central-Wise 7-3 214 21.4 10.) Graham 5-5 207 20.7 11.) Ridgeview 6-4 195 19.5 12.) Martinsville 4-6 195 19.5 13.) Grayson County 6-4 193 19.3 14.) Virginia High 6-4 193 19.3 15.) Gretna 5-5 191 19.1 16.) Lee 5-5 180 18

I believe Ridgeview and Grundy can lose the last week and still get in depending on how some things go.  Grayson County is another probable bubble team, they need to beat Fort Chiswell (should do so) and Narrows.  Watch out for a team like Randolph-Henry that could sneak in there too (if they can beat Prince Edward and Nottoway at least).  Gretna probably needs to beat either Dan River or Altavista then get the win over Nelson for a good shot.  Va High probably needs to beat Lee.  The battle for 8th could be tight too.

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.

Ridgeview will beat Grundy. That Honaker game could be win and you're in.