Bearcat Dad

Thoughts and predictions? 

Southwest District Preseason Coaches Poll:
1.  Richlands
2.  Graham
3.  Marion
4.  Virginia High
5.  Tazewell
6.  Lebanon
I guess word didn't get out to Allen Gregory about the season ending injury to Justus...
Justus comes to Richlands in 2017
by Allen Gregory BHC
http://www.heraldcourier.com/sports/justus-comes-to-richlands-in/article_976e8a8c-8862-11e7-8e3b-4bd519c9d98d.html
Southwest District Football Capsules, Rosters and Schedules
http://www.heraldcourier.com/sports/southwest-district-football-capsules-rosters-and-schedules/article_fda0bff0-8880-11e7-8879-2bcdb3e3c517.html

I couldn't help myself.  No hard feelings!

VHS had to deal with the youth issue last year. They have 17 players who either started or got significant playing time last year, returning. Most of which are Juniors. For once, Bristol actually has fairly high expectations for a sports program other than baseball. We've been looking forward to this season for a few years.
So far, after dominating Sullivan East, and a pretty good showing at Union, the Cats seem poised to be possibly headed towards a more successful season than we've been used to. It's a struggle to get thru a season with a lot of youngsters but Tazewell's future seems to be pretty bright, if last year's middle school team is any indication of things to come.

VHS had to deal with the youth issue last year. They have 17 players who either started or got significant playing time last year, returning. Most of which are Juniors. For once, Bristol actually has fairly high expectations for a sports program other than baseball. We've been looking forward to this season for a few years.
So far, after dominating Sullivan East, and a pretty good showing at Union, the Cats seem poised to be possibly headed towards a more successful season than we've been used to. It's a struggle to get thru a season with a lot of youngsters but Tazewell's future seems to be pretty bright, if last year's middle school team is any indication of things to come.

What I'm curious to is what should we be looking for out of both teams.  I know Tazewell is young and small in numbers.  Don't know much about V High.  I ask for the same every year, let's see growth and stability as the season progresses.  This coach and players coming up have the capability of being something really good.  I know plenty will say it's just a matter of time until this coach leaves but I ask those that make the comments, how much do you really know about the internal situations?  The parts that never really come to light.  I have a window in to part of it but not all.  Time for everyone to rise up and get behind the Dogs and let's see it get back to the glory years again!
As far as prediction, I do believe that V High gets this one.  I think there is the possibility to keep it close early but then the depth and youth factor will takeover.  I'm not going to predict a score but I will say I think (hope) that it is within 21 pts.

VHS by 30+.

Virginia High 38-21

Just got back from Big Stone. It was an entertaining and physical game. There were some pretty good battles in the 1st half between the starters. All around good game for both teams to see what each needs to work on.

I definitely thought that Union needed to keep their starters in for maybe another series or two. Union looked pretty good. The only places of concern for me were the O line at times and the pass defense. All around good showing by the bearcats as well. 

We could see Will Russell at QB if he is still at that position. And that's true I wish we could've seen him at full health. 

Yeah the Sanchez kid is good legit talent. I'm curious to see how losing Delp will affect them. And PH is going to be good again but they lost a few good kids. And you don't replace Dakota. But I will say the kid they had to back him up last year was either a Fr. or a So. and he had the potential to be special. 

I think that's the first HOGO team I've seen. What up wit dat

1A. Union
1B. Richlands
3. Graham
4. Bluefield
5. Abingdon
6. George Wythe
7. Giles
8. Galax
9. Chilhowie
10. Va. High
I know I may seem biased by being the only person to add the Bearcats, but let me explain why. As a former Bearcat myself, I understand the importance that Bristol has always placed on baseball. Football is mainly an afterthought in our town, and most schools in our region rarely fear our football teams like they do our baseball teams. There are a couple reasons that our community actually has high expectations for the team this year. This year's Junior class is one of the best groups of athletes that VHS has had in a single class, in a very long time. There are a number of kids in that class that have started multiple sports since their Freshman year, which is a rarity there. Dating back 3 years, as 8th graders, this team destroyed everyone in their path, including Gate City, and a 30 point win over an undefeated Richlands team at the end of the year. That NEVER happens in the same year in football at VHS. This same group that has seen significant playing time over the last 2 seasons, have become very battle tested, having to take their lumps against the strong Richlands, Gate City, Abingdon, and other teams. They have also had to start their playoffs against the defending State Champs in both years, at Glenvar, and at Appomattox. They have seen what it takes to be successful. Now, I don't have Grand Illusions of a State title, or anything of that nature, but getting to the playoffs and winning a game or two is considered a highly successful football season at VHS and I believe it is not out of the realm of possibility. We will surely find out this season, as our schedule has become significantly tougher by adding @ Union for the benefit game, adding @ Graham, and having to travel to Abingdon the very next week. We also added @ Wise Central, who should be improved from last year, as well as an improved Battle team. @ Marion, will definitely be no cakewalk either, and Chilhowie is in the same boat as us, with a talented group of Juniors, that I predict will be a force at the 1A level, should also be a tough game. Our yearly matchup with powerhouse Richlands has been moved from early season to Week 11. Sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to explain that I'm not a complete Homer, but more of a realist.

Allen Gregory‏ @Greg_BHCSports The Virginia @high@bearcats #hcfh  August 4 2017
 
   Allen Gregory‏ @Greg_BHCSports Patrick Henry Rebels #hcfh  August 3 2017

1A. Union
1B. Richlands
3. Graham
4. Bluefield
5. Abingdon
6. George Wythe
7. Giles
8. Galax
9. Chilhowie
10. Va. High
I know I may seem biased by being the only person to add the Bearcats, but let me explain why. As a former Bearcat myself, I understand the importance that Bristol has always placed on baseball. Football is mainly an afterthought in our town, and most schools in our region rarely fear our football teams like they do our baseball teams. There are a couple reasons that our community actually has high expectations for the team this year. This year's Junior class is one of the best groups of athletes that VHS has had in a single class, in a very long time. There are a number of kids in that class that have started multiple sports since their Freshman year, which is a rarity there. Dating back 3 years, as 8th graders, this team destroyed everyone in their path, including Gate City, and a 30 point win over an undefeated Richlands team at the end of the year. That NEVER happens in the same year in football at VHS. This same group that has seen significant playing time over the last 2 seasons, have become very battle tested, having to take their lumps against the strong Richlands, Gate City, Abingdon, and other teams. They have also had to start their playoffs against the defending State Champs in both years, at Glenvar, and at Appomattox. They have seen what it takes to be successful. Now, I don't have Grand Illusions of a State title, or anything of that nature, but getting to the playoffs and winning a game or two is considered a highly successful football season at VHS and I believe it is not out of the realm of possibility. We will surely find out this season, as our schedule has become significantly tougher by adding @ Union for the benefit game, adding @ Graham, and having to travel to Abingdon the very next week. We also added @ Wise Central, who should be improved from last year, as well as an improved Battle team. @ Marion, will definitely be no cakewalk either, and Chilhowie is in the same boat as us, with a talented group of Juniors, that I predict will be a force at the 1A level, should also be a tough game. Our yearly matchup with powerhouse Richlands has been moved from early season to Week 11. Sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to explain that I'm not a complete Homer, but more of a realist.