Pioneer pride

Yes my observation and opinion agree to disagree

Lebanon and Honaker I wasn't there unfortunately. I will say that Lebanon holding Honaker to 14 pts was a positive. I heard that Lebanon had a couple nice drives but penalties hurt, you have to finish drives. I still think Lebanon has the potential to surprise some teams. They are very young and it might take a couple games. Honaker is going to have a solid season. I hope their QB is able to return. Good luck to the Tigers- enjoy the coal bowl Trophy this year, because I have a feeling it's coming back to Lebanon for the next couple of seasons. Go Pioneers

My thoughts on Tazwell and Virginia High 1. Va high defense is really bad. Any team with speed and a decent line is going to put up a lot of points. 2. Tazewell has some talent, offensively the call the same plays over and over. They need more creativity. 3. Tazewell missed a lot of tackles on defense. The defense looked okay because Virginia High's offense was bad. The Bearcats couldn't hold blocks and their backs had to create a lot on their own. Teams with better o-line that can pass are going to be able to score a lot more than Virginia high did. 4. Virginia high's play calling needs work. They need to mix it up more and maybe spread teams more. 5. Tazwell I think can win some games, but to be honest I think this was a classic example of one team being really bad and the other team being decent. Lastly, Tazewell needs to be more humble. Leaving their starters in until 6 minutes to go or so was not good. The game was over at the half bring in your back ups and get them experience, especially when you've had issues in the past of injury that derailed your season. Also, the celebrating in the endzone such as high stepping, pointing at fans of the opposing team was uncalled for in my opinion. Tazewell hasn't proven anything yet, be confident but be humble. Remembered it's either be humble or eventually get humbled. Good Luck to both teams, I hope Tazewell is very successful.

Tazwell needs to sub...not risk injury

Virginia High has no defense. Tazwell is got some speed but VHS is just that bad.

Let's go pioneers...

21 to 0 Abingdon

From what I've seen in the projections its not that accurate. It has Grundy at 7-3, they are in for a rebuilding season. I also disagree with where Lebanon and Tazwell finish. Tazwell is primed for a good year and Lebanon won't go 1-9, they will win at least 4. Virginia High might not win 4 the way they looked in the benefit game. Marion will also struggle. In the Southwest I would have Tazwell at 3 and Lebanon at 4, Virginia High 5, and Marion 6. I would also argue Patrick Henry not Chilhowie runs the table.

Lebanon actually has a few explosive playmakers this year. I think they could have the potential to really surprise, if they can confidence early.

Stanley graduated, but Logan Smith did come back he didn't play last year. He was pretty good on both sides of the ball as a freshman and sophomore. He has really good speed. I think I he is playing reciever on offense. He is also a really good athlete and defending wrestling state champ in his weight class.

Maybe so, but Honaker had a tough time beating a weak Lebanon team last year. Since Lebanon has added more depth, has had a couple talented players come back to the team and has grown significantly in experience. I'm telling you this Lebanon team will be vastly improved from years past. It's going to be a good game, but if honaker underestimates the Pioneers they could be in for a surprise they won't like. This group of Pioneers is hungry to prove something to all the naysayers who started rumors that the football program was dead. Good luck to both teams.

Abingdon by as much as they want.

I got that from a very reliable source who was there near the sideline that works at the school.

Abingdon went very vanilla against Patrick Henry. Basically only playing the first string the first quarter, and then began subbing, and still put up 53. I'm sorry but Martin Lucus is going to run all over Battle. Abingdon by at least 3 TDs. I think teams are going to find Abingdon a lot more physical than normal this season.

Lebanon 28 Honaker 21 Pioneers bring back the Coal Bowl Trophy back to LHS for the 3rd time in 4 seasons. Not a major upset, but an upset.

They also made the playoffs in 2016 with a 4-6 record with wins against Honaker, Castlewood, Virginia High, and Tazwell.

Maybe and that's fine. I said they had the potential to sneak in. Not that they definitely would. To be where they are at right now is something to be happy about. Going into the summer most people throughout the community had written them off. At one time there was a real possibility at the end of last school year that they might not have to numbers for a team. A few months later and the turn around is amazing. They are trying to rebuild the program, if that takes playing in your words an "abysmal" schedule for a couple seasons then so be it. If they can pick up wins against teams such as Virginia High, Marion, Central, or Tazwell who couldn't even beat a bad Lebanon team last year, then the playoffs are a real possibility, especially if they beat the Single A teams on their schedule. My predictions Anywhere from 4 to 6 wins is feasible if things go their way. They've not had a lot go their way the past 3 seasons, but things are bound to go their way eventually. I definitely wouldn't overlook them. They won't be the same cupcake team they have been in the past to most teams.

What are your thoughts and predictions Lebanon was close to winning it last year with small numbers and young team. I think I it was 35 to 28 with Honaker winning it late. My predictions : It will be close again. Both teams look to be improved. I'm saying the home team wins, in a bit of an upset. Pioneers 28 Tigers 21 Good luck to both teams

Lebanon beat Twin Valley 13 to 0 and Northwood 20 to 7. The Pioneers are looking much better so far this year. Last year they couldn't beat anybody in the preseason. I'm still seeing them get 4 or 5 wins, wait and see.

The Coal Bowl between Lebanon and Honaker is always fun and generally competitive. It's at Lebanon this season, I'm expecting a close game. I think a lot of people are underestimating the Pioneers so far. They will be much better this season. I'm not saying they will be a top tier playoff team, but they might sneak in. For teams like Honaker, Eastside, Central, VHS, Marion, Grundy and Tazwell, I wouldn't overlook them on your schedule or you might get a rude surprise.

How did each team look? I know Lebanon beat Twin Valley 13 -0 and Northwood 20 -7. Overall what are your thoughts/impressions of each team? Any chance Lebanon is much improved over the past couple years? And becomes a surprise team as the season progresses?

Any news on how Lebanon did in the jamboree?

Any news on how Lebanon did in its jamboree tonight ?

I heard from a coach that the Rye Cove score was 3 -1 Lebanon, and the Rural Retreat score was 1 -1. From my understanding the pioneers subbed a lot and tried to avoid injury and overwork. They are a young team that will keep improving. They also used the scrimmage to test and tune things. I would take most of it with a grain of salt. The running game will be better than you think. You are right they do lack size but they are more athletic than you let on. I think they will be able to spread teams out some. While they might not finish with a winning record, I as still expect them to win at least 4 games. They do have a lighter schedule than in the past couple seasons out of district. They are definitely headed in the right direction. The players want to be successful and they work hard. They are a team I wouldn't take lightly as the season progresses. Honaker will have their hands full week 1.

I'm expecting it to be exciting. The bands numbers also increased. The schedule is also much lighter which will help them.