Real Sasquatch

Very much so. He made some good throws under pressure, a few times as he was getting hit. He showed a lot of poise.

and Claiborne did not play in the first half at all.

I seriously underestimated Bluefield, they have a very good team. They never gave up, hats off to them.

Any word on Creasy's injury?

Any word on Creasy? I've heard a bruised shoulder, I've heard broken Collar bone? Hope that young man is o.k.

Also saw in the Bristol paper that Isabelle might be getting some carries too.

Did not know that. I saw in the Bristol paper today it would be Clements, Floyd and Edwards toting the rock.

Youngster

We will see. I'm just saying they may be similar because they may not throw it much, but who knows.

Agree 100 %. I've wondered since 2001 when Graham was throwing the deep ball in the rain against Harrisonburg in the title game, why they weren't trying to get their playmakers (Oakes, Bradshaw and Jones at the time) the ball in space with short curls or slants. Harrisonburg neutralized the run pretty well by hitting the Graham offensive linemen low and allowing their linebackers to come up and make plays. A few passes over those linebackers may have curtailed that a little bit. You need a short and intermediate passing game or when you come up against other athletic teams, they will take away those deep passes and make you one dimensional. Bluefield will have an athletic QB and some speedy receivers. They have talked about trying to get their players into space on TV when interviewed already. I wouldn't doubt that it woud be Bluefield's plan to beat Graham by getting the ball behind an overly agressive defense and make them pay with their speed in the open field, it could happen. Graham needs to watch over pursuing that Quarterback because he is an athlete and he will be able to buy time and find the open man. I'm starting to doubt my prediction of a Graham win now, Good Grief. An athletic quarterback poses a lot of problems.

Fun team to watch. I love it when Giles has a good team and has that single wing working, they are fun to watch. They play keep away and drive the ball down the field and run out the clock. I used to hate it when cheering for the opposing team, but thinking back on it, they were a well oiled machine for many seasons and very difficult to beat with that style of play. I watched them against Powhatan in 96? on one of the muddiest fields I have ever seen. I thought they got a raw deal in that game, it was basically played in a mud bowl, everybody sliding around. If not mistaken, the game was played in Midlothian, not positive about that, my memory is fading. Or was it against Midlothian in Powhatan...lol.

7-6 was the score,of that game, I think. You may be right... I remember watching that one.. Both teams had a TD called back in that one. Fun one to watch.

I have heard the talk around Bluefield also, most of the folks saying that Graham will lose by a lot are basing that claim on the fact that Graham lost Bradshaw, Meadows and Blevins. I have heard that from several people... I think they will be in for a big surprise on Friday night. Graham's defense appears to be better then early on last season. The offense needs work in the passing game, but the run-game should be excellent. Not much of a step back for Graham. They need to develop a consistent backup for Clements, however. They have a couple of capable guys in the mix in Floyd, Edwards and Huggins. Although with the good line-play, a decent back will look very good. They have very good receivers, but they need to get the ball in their hands. This would be a great time to work on the short and intermediate pass game for Graham, get the QB some confidence throwing the short ball. This Graham team may be similar to the 95 team that only completed 3 passes that year and won a state title, they didn't need to throw it (I think it was 95) somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

Graham's defense will be hard to handle for anybody they play this year. The lineplay and the running game will be Graham's strength on offense. The defense is very solid. If Bluefield can contain the run, they have a chance, if not, it will be a long night for the Beavers. I believe the Graham defense has the size and speed to contain Bluefield. 34-14 Graham.

7:30

Accurate.

I say leave the starters in until there is a comfortable lead. Let the youth get a little playing time, if possible.

Gate City by 10

Toss up.

I believe that the game plays out similar to last season. Graham's bigger, more physical line allowed Graham to push Bluefield around the field and the Beavers couldn't stop the run. I think Bluefield may get a couple big plays and their athletic qb makes a couple of somethings out of nothings. But in the end I think Graham wins comfortably.

Tale of two styles of play. Bulldogs need to work on the run defense. If Chilhowie can get 4 or 5 yards a pop on them, they will struggle with the speed of V-High.

Chilhowie JV scores, they go for 2 and convert, go up 21-20. Tazewell JV turns the ball over for the 2nd time. Chilhowie JV runs out the clock. 21-20 Final.

End of the 3rd Tazewell 20 Chilhowie 13 Subs in for both teams after the first 2 drives. I'll post the final.

Bulldogs 20 Warriors 13 About 5 minutes left in the 3rd, both teams ran 1st stringers in the first drive of the 2nd half. Chilhowie scored with the running game, driving down the field. Bulldogs score quickly passing the ball downfield.

Halftime in Chilhowie Dogs 13 Warriors 7