still doesn't mean they are going to win state again. like i said they will lose to beaver nation by 20 then win out and lose in the playoffs. union may present a challenge as a second loss but not sure what they have. If lester gets hurt for any amount of time "i dont wish injury on anyone" but this is football and these things occur, you will not win a game he is not your QB.
I never said they would win state again. I only shared the article because I saw it posted on Virginia Preps. Personally, every defending state champion regardless of the sport or division should be aiming to repeat. I hope none of the teams have injuries and all the players stay healthy, I would not want anyone to suffer an injury that prevents him from playing. I agree Union will be a tough opponent as will Bluefield for the GMen.
Still the only one i see worthy of a D1 is Lester! Meadows is only getting interest because of his size! Martin will eat his lunch! Kastner and Edwards good lb’s the rest are window dressing! Average at best! Booker slow and can’t hold on to the ball. Dude you are a dreamer! Hold on to it tight
First downs don’t mean much when you cough up the ball at the end of the play. Radford was young and overrated. Appomattox played their usual 2 quarters of football and Radford snuck past them. They had a young QB with a weak arm and not the best feet. How much better are they gonna be? Is there any teams in Southwest Va that can stretch the field other than Graham with their speed. Prioleau was the only back on their schedule with decent speed but he was all Radford had.
First downs don't mean much when you cannot get them. The hard hitting of Graham's defense was most responsible for coughing the ball up. Radford will have a much more difficult time as other posters have commented with Appomattox this year. As you eluded, Appomattox should have beat them last year.
In Radford’s defense , they moved the ball well early on Graham but fumbled the ball away . Once on a nice run on Prioleau. Graham has way more talent than most of the teams they play , especially at the skill positions. But the right game plan executed by a mentally and physically tough team could beat them. You never know what will happen. I don’t think it’s a guarantee that Bluefield will beat them , Bluefield lost a large group of seniors. They’re transitioning themselves. But teams like Richlands, Union and even Tazewell could pull the upset if they protect the ball and bring some toughness. Games aren’t won during 7 on 7’s. A great defensive game plan with kids that play their area of the field , don’t over pursue , tackle well and rip at the ball can beat talent any day
Not to contradict you but one or two first downs in the first half is not really moving the ball well.
Wishing my best friend and the GMen good luck tomorrow! Be Goochland's kryptonite, make them play your game! I am very proud of all the coaches and players. I'll be there cheering loud and proud and hoping to celebrate 2A State Championship with you all when clock hits 00:00!
A former Blue Tornado shared with me a pregame talk given by Coach Dennis Palmer before a game with Grundy when this player was in high school; he said it was the best speech ever, "We're their kryptonite!" Go G-Men and be the Bobcat's kryptonite! Bring back that W to Region D!
Union/Ridgeview game was very packed. We watched from fence. Beaver/Graham game was well attended but not as crowded as in years past. Local rivalries seem to draw decent crowds but otherwise, attendance is lacking in my opinion. I hope the drive to Salem does not deter Graham fans from attending. I would like to see visitor's side packed and fired up! Go GMen!
I kinda feel this way about it. I liken it to being brothers...........well, maybe stepbrothers........in that I can say things about you and we can beat up on each other, but we stand together when it comes to the rest of the state. I know that some on both sides may feel different, I will will always pull for the Tazewell teams when we are out of it, and if there are no Tazewell Co. teams left then I will be pulling for region D teams. Besides that, I played ball with D.Palmer in high school and I'm still good friends with him so I wish him the best !
I will be a Graham fan this week and the next and hope they bring the championship back to Tazewell Co !
I am also a friend with D. Palmer. He's a top quality coach, knows defense, a real student of the game, and a good person. I'm with you when only one Tazewell County team remains, I cheer them on to victory. Hoping Graham gets by Radford and can represent Tazewell County in championship game. I would be thrilled for both Palmers, other coaches, and players to bring home that ring.
Looking way ahead to next year, which team do you see as the front runner for SWD? Are there teams who are losing too many key players to contend? Are there teams returning most of their key players?
This year's Richlands team in the playoffs, what do you believe is their strength for the win and what is their Achilles heel... is it how the defense goes or how the offense goes?
Offense wins games. Defense wins championships. By the same token, bad play calling on offense losses championships or regional and state semis.
Richlands keeps rolling with the emotions and pulls out the win. I don’t pick against Mance.
Sometimes emotions hurt a team more than help it. With Richlands former defensive coordinator as an assistant at Graham, it doesn't bother me to pick against Mance these days especially with Graham playing strong D and making explosive plays on O. Good luck to Blues and GMen. Way to represent Tazewell County!
Prayers for this young lady's family and friends and especially the driver, that's going to be a hard thing to live with. Kids think they're invincible. I dare say a lot of us adults are lucky to still be here. So very sad.
Great game at Bullitt Field yesterday! Very proud of the GMen and coaching staff, a few mistakes but those can be cleaned up this week. Hats off to Cam Allen for handling the crowd like a pro. Hats off the entire defense for grinding all game long. Looking forward to playing Richlands on Saturday at home. After attending Union/Ridgeview game in regular season, I wasn't looking forward to that drive again, super nice facility though. Congratulations to Union and Ridgeview on great seasons.
Will it be a three-peat for the Bears? Will Graham come out on top this time? Determining factors as you all see it?
Graham is much improved as far as being more disciplined and defense has really stepped up since first few games. Union may not be as good as last year but they are still Union and it's the playoffs, anything can happen.
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Season surprises??
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I never said they would win state again. I only shared the article because I saw it posted on Virginia Preps. Personally, every defending state champion regardless of the sport or division should be aiming to repeat. I hope none of the teams have injuries and all the players stay healthy, I would not want anyone to suffer an injury that prevents him from playing. I agree Union will be a tough opponent as will Bluefield for the GMen.