FootballFan67

Graham certainly passing the eye test in warm ups.  Some of those kids have been eating cornbread and beans this off-season.

Bland only has 120 boys in grades 9-12.  When you take into account at least 1/3 of those participate in band, cross country, work, etc.  That doesn't leave a big pool to pull from really.  There are a lot of boys who play other sports but not football.  Football isn't for everyone.  I truly do not think we can point to one definitive thing.  What's happened is a result of many contributing factors and people trying to pin the entire blame on the coach are wrong.  A numbers game is definitely one of the main contributors but there are always those who like to stir the pot.

Yes! Last year we had hotdogs, this year we had BBQ sandwich 

Two of the Bland players have transferred as of today. One went to Princeton and the other to Rural Retreat, I don't see them being able to have a team but maybe I"m wrong. Very sad for the few that wanted to play.

Two of the Bland players have transferred as of today. One went to Princeton and the other to Rural Retreat, I don't see them being able to have a team but maybe I"m wrong. Very sad for the few that wanted to play.

Jake Watters, QB from Bland County made same choice, sat out football his senior year last year for same reasons. He's at WVU this upcoming year playing baseball. As much as we all want best athletes and players to stick with football, we can't begrudge them for looking out for themselves when another sport will afford them the opportunity to continue to play and get financial help when going to college. Hopefully, someone else can step up at QB position for WC. 

Tazewell won’t be going to 1 high school until I’m old and senile, if even then.  It’ll be even longer for Wise.  Buchanan’s geography won’t allow it.  Russell is probably the only one where that’s feasible.

If the school systems are considered as being paid well, then you are definitely in trouble. Our school systems in this area pay much less than other parts of the state.

As I mentioned before, the long range plan that has been discussed for Tazewell Co. (which I believe will happen eventually) is that there will be 2 schools in each town, Bluefield, Tazewell and Richlands.  The Middle Schools will house k-7 and the High Schools will be 8-12.  There are still 7 elementary and primary schools in the County that will be closed before the High Schools will be touched and I believe that the middle schools will be re-purposed, they can all 3 house over 1,000 students and the 8th graders could easily be moved into the High Schools.  Several Virginia counties already use this model.  2 elementary schools have already closed and I believe you will see the remaining 7 closed in the next 15 to 20 years.  There are plenty of 1A and 2A schools in the area to keep all 3 High Schools in the county.

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.

Very happy for Mac and proud of her! Years of hard work and dedication come full circle with state championship and now verbal commit to VT. She'll be an asset for the Hokies! 

Bluefield and Graham.....Richlands and Radford.....

The good thing about all of it is that every team is undefeated before the season begins.  High school football is so unpredictable, everything has influence on the game of the week.  QB and his girlfriend break up right before the game, head not in the game, could change a lot; the almighty flu bug strikes the entire offensive line, no blocking tonight; bad grades and grouchy teachers, just don't feel like playing; I'm pissed at the coach, I'll show him just how bad I can be.  Too many variables to predict, but Graham is going to be very hard to beat, but Bluefield is back to being Bluefield and I think they win by two TD's.  Radford will be strong, but beatable.  Appo is always Appo. You never can overlook Union or Richlands, their history is hard to overlook.

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.

Not to contradict you but one or two first downs in the first half is not really moving the ball well. 

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.

Not to contradict you but one or two first downs in the first half is not really moving the ball well. 

Not to contradict you but one or two first downs in the first half is not really moving the ball well. 

Graham's in pretty good shape as a program if the discussion is whether or not they win the title.  That's a pretty good place to be. 
Also, I'm hearing Isaac is going to start on the offensive line.  I believe Graham is going to be very, very good from tackle to tackle, but they will have little depth and will need to stay healthy, even though they lost 3 of 5 on the OL, they are going to be nearly as good.  At WR, I think they are better, even with Lester moving to QB.  Turner is going to be deadly, even at 150 lbs, he's going to cause problems.  Justice is a freakish athlete and Dales doesn't drop passes.  The WR's are going to be very good and the QB will be equally as good at the position of QB compared to Cam in my opinion.  Cam was solid, but Lester is actually more accurate with the pass.  On the OL, don't be surprised if Ray gets much more touches out of the backfield, and don't be surprised if Reed is starting at guard.  Reed, Booker and Ray are all capable and good at RB, but only 1 kid can get the ball, and with Graham having little depth on the OL,  Reed and sometimes, even Booker, will be playing up front on offense.  Same for Kastner and Edwards on the offensive side.  Graham's offensive line is going to be an offensive line with lots of guys rotating, even from linebacker to guard or center, or from RB one play to guard the next play.  Graham will have about 7-8 playing from tackle to tackle at some point or another.  
I think Graham and Bluefield is going to be a close game.  Graham has to many athletes and to good of a defense to be blown out or even beat by 17-20 points.  The feel coming into the game I think by many is the question, "how well will Graham's offensive line do against Bluefield's defense."  I personally feel that an equal question is, "how is Bluefield's offensive line going to block Grahams front 7."  I think Graham gets pressure and we find a Bluefield offensive line having trouble keeping Graham's front 7 from blowing up plays.  

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

Good luck Warriors! Bring back that 1A title to SWVA! This Graham fan will be cheering you on to victory! 

Good luck Warriors! Bring back that 1A title to SWVA! This Graham fan will be cheering you on to victory! 

Good luck Warriors! Bring back that 1A title to SWVA! This Graham fan will be cheering you on to victory! 

🙊