Thanks for the info @GMan and @bluefield researcher. That’s cool how it happened. Wish wise county hadn’t lost coal and our numbers dropped. The old LPD was fun and the history behind those schools were priceless to us. Thanks again for sharing.
Just curious as to if the player who was injured last week for Graham is gonna be able to go or not?
Prayers for the young man either way. Hate that part of the game. All the hearsay talk and stats aside, everyone be safe in your travels to the Park. Looking forward to meeting anyone that comes and hangs out with us before the game, regardless of what town your from or who you want to win.
Ive heard the story on why they are the G-Men but it's been so long that I can't remember it all so I don't want to tell it wrong.
Graham isn't a consolidated school, it's always been the high school for the town of Bluefield, VA. There was another school in Bluefield at one time, the African-American school, called "Tazewell County High School" (the Warhawks) but that was before segregation. If you didn't know though, the town of Bluefield used to be named Graham until 1924 when they had a ceremony that people called "the marriage of the Bluefields" where Graham, VA changed their name to Bluefield, VA as sort of a parternship between the two border towns.
That’s cool. If the story details come to light, please share. Sounds like the Bluefields are like the Bristols of VA/TN. Thanks for the info.
A history??? They've played TWICE...EVER...wouldn't exactly call that a "history"...and I'm sure your fans, cheerleaders, and band were perfect little angels and didn't do anything to instigate it, if indeed it did occur...
Someone miss their nap? If they play twice and have issues twice, then that constitutes a history in my book. But maybe we read different books. That’s ok. Never said our kids were perfect. There was a kid on the 2015 team that was a turd. Some fans too. Prolly a band member or two and a cheerleader. That’s high school football in every town. I’m just having conversation guys. Don’t get twisted. It’s going to be a great game. I don’t care if Palmer booked a hotel or not. Don’t care if he asked Travis about the record at the Park. Union doesn’t either. Could it have been a fired up tactic? Sure. I brought it up because it’s a topic of interest to see what everyone’s thoughts were. I said I don’t know Palmer. Never bashed him. Even acknowledged that I sounds like he’s cleaned up discipline problems.
Now changing gears. I don’t know anything of graham or it’s history. What is the story behind the g-man mascot name. Clintwood greeen wave came to be from a student winning a drawing contest (something like that). What is a g-man. Play on the letter G in graham? Is it a consolidated school from smaller schools years and years ago like Wise county schools were? Honest question. I love the history of football and the schools in Southwest Virginia.
Graham the last two years called teams out before the game and talked trash after big plays during the game - which I personally didn't mind to see, because as a player you can get under the opponents skin and get their focus off & plus it hypes you up to play that much more. & for fans it makes for a better atmosphere for the game when both crowds are getting into it because the opposing fans act like their boys are doing bible study in the locker room at halftime.
That being said, the last two years the G-Men DID have discipline problems. Graham had some great players graduate the last two years but in my opinion they weren't the best leaders. I'm all for trying to intimidate the other team before the game and talking trash during the game but when you're (allegedly) taunting the fans/band/cheerleaders that's showing your focus isn't fully on the game and you're taking it too far. I never seen anything happen like that but I did have a problem with the 2 or 3 personal fouls it seemed that Graham would get every game because a few players would play like they were trying to get on SportsCenter's Top 10 plays and either come up with a taunting foul or late hit, etc.
I've seen almost all of Graham's games this year and I can assure you the problems aren't there anymore. This season (before last week) I can only remember one personal foul and that's when Cam Allen made a big hit and dislodged the ball from a Marion receiver and stood over top of him a little too long. Last week I said there were a few dumb 15 yard penalties but when I watched the tape on it you could see why they were upset - a Grayson player unnecessarily earholed Mike Mason on a INT return at the 15 yard line when the the return only made it out of the end zone to the 1 yard line. It's still dumb to get the penalties but I could understand why you're upset and playing chippy after seeing your team mate motionless on the field and taken off on a gurney.
Cooke, Workman, & Vineyard (among others) are the type of leaders you want on your team. They celebrate big plays but not at the expense of their team. Them being the leaders they have been is one of the main reasons that Graham is where they're at now. In my opinion last year's team was more talented top to bottom but this year'a team plays like a TEAM for 48 minutes.
also - I doubt Tony said anything like that and if he did it would've been in a joking context. I'd bet my house that he doesn't have a hotel booked in Appomattox.. but it's smart to start that rumor. I understand why whoever did, did.
Sounds like the coach came in and squared things up. That's good stuff. I was making conversation with the earlier comment. May have been told to our boys to fire them up more lol. Wasn't meant as a jab or cheap shot to the graham faithful or palmer. I don't know that guy and have no ill feeling towards him. Sounds like hes done an excellent job up there. Kids will be kids just as every town has it's "idiot" fan or two. Cant judge the whole by the actions of a few. Looking forward to a good game Saturday.
As an adult in the situation, you are no better to perpetuate the situation on a message board. They are kids, you are an adult
I’m an adult talking to adults. Your the one who got up in his feelings man. It’s high school football. Enjoy it. I’m guessing you didn’t enjoy it much playing either.
I don't believe this for one second. You don't know Coach Palmer very well. Enough of this B.S. about our boys being disrespectful and the insinuation that Graham has discipline problems. Far from it. These kids are yes sir, no sir all the way. They are quiet when coach talks and are super good kids. Give it a rest. There is not a finer role model than coach Tony Palmer. This crosses the line.
Never said I did know him. But I know our coaches. One of them coached me. I trust them. If they said they heard it, then I take it as it happened. If that sounds odd to you, sorry pal. I know exactly one person who has a kid who plays for graham. He’s good people and his kid is too. He’s young. Jv player I think. As for your kids being good, might be. I got no reason to argue that. But when they have history of flipping off our fans and talking trash to our band and cheerleaders, then what are people going to think.
I didnt say say anything to trash your team or coach. But his tactics at the meeting are childish. But I’m not arguing. Safe travels to and from BSG.
Seems Graham’s head coach is a bit over confident of a win Saturday. Was overhead at the region d coaches meeting today saying he has hotel booked in appo and was asking about places too eat. Then, during the meeting, asks coach turner what the win streak is at the Park. Travis tells him that’s not really what they are there for. He then proceeds to tell him he knows the streak number and tells Travis.
Sounds like he’s worried and trying to play head games with Travis. Barking up the wrong tree I’m afraid. Just managed to embarrass himself.
I’m bias obviously. But I’d have to say Turner. Regardless how the game with Graham goes. Having to retool the offense around his sons season ending injury and still keeping the team focused on the goal. I played for his dad, Tom. He had the ability to make you play bigger than you were. Believe that you were better than you really were. And we would run through a brick wall for him because we thought we could. My point is, Travis has this respect from his boys. They drink the kool aid and want more. He’s blended fierce rivals in Appy and PV through consolidation and Union is a solid program. This is my reason for Travis Turner as COY.
Bigwinners...this was a great post and a very fair assessment in my view. I know both teams very well and agree with you.
I do think some Union posters just simply don't give Graham the respect they deserve. You can't teach SPEED! Graham has more overall athletes that can fly and very physical. I think the physicality and discipline on defense has been Graham's biggest improvement from recent years...and O yeah...did I say speed. They have it.
I think Unions ability to get to Allen quickly will be the key. Allen can sling the football. He was more accurate with his receiver's than I expected. Plus he can run. Much smarter and very tough than people think.
I give Union the edge only because of home field advantage. Union no question has the advantage up front. Graham in my view has the better athlete's even though Union has many. I respect Union and there great fans who I have enjoyed meeting and watching. I just don't think some realize how good Graham is.
I expect a very close game...but as crazy as it sounds I wouldn't be shocked if either team won by a couple of touchdowns. I'm excited to see this one. Good luck to both teams but I will be pulling for our County neighbors.
I hear graham has team speed. Honest question. Does graham compete in track. Union finished second in the 400 relay at the state meet. Three current running backs were on that team. I didn’t see graham listed in the team results at all. This is not a jab. So please don’t take it as such. Just a curious question. These fast guys may play baseball or work out for football. I get that. Just an honest question. And in all fairness, I’ll give graham the edge in the speed department. No disrespect intended guys.
If I come to Union with my single wing shirt on will I be booed out of the stadium?
People in all different shirts and jackets have been coming. If kids from Central can come and be ok, anyone can lol. Safe travels to all coming to the Park.
That’s a solid possibility. That’s why I said speculation at the beginning of my first post. I didn’t realize his youngest son was old enough to be playing yet. Either way, can’t blame him for making a Dad decision.
It’s always a touchy subject. A lot of pride and history has to be let go of. Makes it very hard. Best of luck to yall if it happens pal. Don’t be a Lee county if it does lol. I work in Lee. It’s been 29 years since they consolidated and they still bicker with each other from former rival towns.
I didn't make that trip so I didn't know had happened. Saturday will be my first trip to BSG.
Somebody give me info on seating, parking, places to eat?
I plan on leaving early that day.. anything in the area to do or see? I like history, so anything like that?
Just outside of bullitt park is the swva coal museum. Not sure if it’s weekend hours if it is opened then. Dari delight is the place to eat. Texas melt! Just my option. You may want to park in the park if you get there before 1230-1. Otherwise you will be parking in town and walking a few blocks.
I am a Blue Tornado Fan and if I get to the game I would like to mix with you Union Guys. Is that a problem for you Bears ?
I can’t speak for all of us Bears, as I’m new to the Union/Richlands rivalry. But I’m good with hanging with you guys. What few interactions I’ve had with y’all have been polite and positive. A lot of respect between these two programs. Come on down.
Can’t blame Greg if that happened. His son is a solid ball player and fun to watch. I’m sure it’s hard to leave your home town where you played. But he would get to see his sons career. As a Dad, that’s an easy choice. Isn’t there consolidation talk for buch county? Or is that heavy rumor? Good luck on the HC search.
Luke Owens resigns from central. Greg tester (who’s son will be a freshmen at central next year) will be the new coach at Central. This isn’t a jab at anyone, just thinking out loud.
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Region 2D Championship: Graham @ Union
in SWVA Football
Posted
Thanks for the info @GMan and @bluefield researcher. That’s cool how it happened. Wish wise county hadn’t lost coal and our numbers dropped. The old LPD was fun and the history behind those schools were priceless to us. Thanks again for sharing.