SwvaOG

Agree. He will not leave although he may regret it in a couple of years. They have most of their talent coming back next year but they have to overcome some systemic issues. They have to diversify their offense and stop being so tendency driven and they have to get back to being a physical, down hill blocking line like they were several years ago during the Adkins years. They have the kids and size but they rarely dominate the LOS, Also, please calls plays for your talent. You have a good slot and a potential All-Region TE if you will use him.

Tarter is a good guy and has his heart in the right place. He was handed a complete shit-show. He stayed one season too long and is getting crucified for it. It is time for him to retire, enjoy visiting his sons and tend to his beloved garden. I wish him a peaceful retirement. Next coach needs to have some piss and vinegar to him and a nice chip on his shoulder. Hopefully the fans will give them some space….gonna take 2-3 years to get good results.

I'm surprised this one hasn't been posted yet as it appears to be a great matchup. What are your thoughts on this one? I'm assuming GC will be looking for some payback for last year's result. I recall RV celebrating the win at mid-field on Legion Field for quite a long time and that didn't sit well with some of the GC fans. Does GC get payback? Can someone in the know give an update on the RV team health status? I know they've been battling illness and injuries quite a bit the last couple of weeks.

Agree on all points. Leaders inspire, motivate and educate and prepare those entrusted in their care for adversity and success. A HC at a good program has to be a fairly energetic person.

Hate to see the tough times at the old Alma Mater. I keep thinking about the what-ifs of if Mance had stayed. If a few things were different the last three years at Richlands probably look a lot different. What if Mance stayed and the two Brown kids didn't move to Florida. If Mance would have stayed Beavers would most-likely have played over there. Adding those three All-State caliber kids and Mance changes the complexion of that team considerably. Not saying Region Champs but definitely much better than today. I think they will start the climb back up to respectability in the next year or so.

I've stated my take on this before. I used to be a "stick it out" hardliner; however, after going through my eldest's high school years/experience, I've change my views substantially. There is a fine line here, though. Parents need to understand that there are absolutely coaches/staffs, etc. that are going to be influenced by nepotism, status and favors in determining playing time and positional choices. There are "hook-ups" and good-ole boy clubs, more so here than any other place I've been. Not all of them and not even most of them, but damn sure some of them. Look no further than Union.....the kid couldn't start at QB at a traditionally run-heavy offense at a 2A school but transfers to a 5A school that has modern passing concepts. Hmmmm.......that's a great move for the kid. Parents must have a realistic assessment of their child's talent. This is where we lose most of the parents. They think their child is D-1 material but have never seen a true D-1 athlete up close. Parents need to understand the impact of their child's positional choice and evaluate if their physical characteristics are capable of that position choice. If your kid is 6'3", 210 and runs a 4.8 40, he isn't a next level WR, he is a TE waiting to happen. Another issue is sometimes your local high school's offensive/defensive philosophy won't allow your child opportunities to shine. This is a valid concern. The talented QB or WR that languishes in a Wing-T offense is hurting their ability to make an impact. I absolutely would relocate my kid if that was the situation. Another thing is sometimes kids want to transfer to a program that is more committed to improving and winning and player development. The good and competitive kids want to win and be in a winning environment. Can't blame them. Now, there are definitely reasons NOT to transfer and not being able to take criticism or compete for starting position are a few of them. This seems to be what most of the board members assumes are the issues in most cases. I don't disagree; however, there are damn sure valid reasons for kids to relocate. There are a lot of talented kids that should have had their college degree paid for or, at least, greatly subsidized through football but stayed in detrimental situations. "But, what about the team?" Good question, so let's ask some of the coaches that. Coach, what about the team? Why did you not start the more talented kid? Most of the time there are good answers; however, sometimes there aren't. So, if you would leave your current job for a better opportunity or more money, can you blame a kid for basically doing the same?

All in the family!

Union should go 50-50 pass (I know they won't be hear me out). There is a lull in overall skill (DB) talent this year and next (IMHO). There just aren't many college (D3 or above) level kids in the region. The region just came off a 2-3 year run of incredible skill talent and not one paper wrote about it. For example, two seasons ago you had the following in 2D alone: WR/Slot: Sage Webb (Richlands) - Penn University (D-1) Cassius Harris (Tazewell) - University of Richmond (D-1) Brandon Beavers (Ridgeview) - Emory & Henry (D-2, had D-1 offer) Koda Counts (Ridgeview) - Bluefield College (NAIA) Cannon Hill (Ridgeview) - No college, several offers (Had D-1, D-2 offers) Carson Jenkins (Gate City) - William & Mary (D-1) Zay Bradshaw (Graham) - Virginia Tech (D-1, Power 5) Haynes Carter (Abingdon) - No college, but All-State WR (Had D-2/3 offers) DB: Bishop Cook (Abingdon) - VMI (D-1) Ethan Mullins (Central) - No college, but 2x All State CB (Had D-2/3 interest) Zay Bradshaw (Graham)- Virginia Tech Koda Counts (Ridgeview) - Bluefield College Braden Wadkins (Graham) - Emory & Henry (D-2) Sage Webb (Richlands) - Penn University Brandon Beavers (Ridgeview) - Emory & Henry Carson Jenkins (Gate City) - William & Mary Cassius Harris (Tazewell) - University of Richmond Haynes Carter (Abingdon) - No college, but All State In that 2021 season you had three kids go over 1,000 yards receiving (Harris and Beavers and I'm rounding up for Carter because he had 950) and Harris set the VHSL single season reception record and still didn't lead the region in TD receptions! (Beavers had 17). The DBs were insane and the weekly matchups were awesome! Bradshaw and Beavers went at each other in the region championship game with each one catching a pass overtop the other. Webb, Harris and Bradshaw battled each other and Webb and Beavers matched up twice and in the Richlands-Ridgeview playoff game the two combined for three spectacular TDs in the last 1:36 of the game....each TD was a "game-winner" until the other guy answered. Carter and Jenkins were spectacular that year with Jenkins being a LEGIT 4.4 guy. Ethan Mullins was an outstanding CB1 and he and Beavers had some good matchups. That kid was talented and had to square off against the other team's #1 WR every game for several years (So he had to cover Carter, Beavers, Jenkins, and Jenkins (Union) just in the M7). He could have easily played ball on Saturdays The region is down talent wise and Union has a cluster of talent in one class--- they need to learn from Ridgeview on what to do and not to do with (3) good WRs. Ridgeview never maximized use of their skill/athletic advantage when they had it the past two seasons. Union WR's basically aren't facing very good DB talent or coverages right now. Union needs to AIR IT OUT!!!!!!

How is the #2 kid for Tazewell doing this year? I can't think of his name (Taylor)...the one who was kicked out of the RV-Tazewell playoff game. He had a lot of physical ability.

RV has one of these every year. Bluefield last year and Abingdon two years ago. Thoroughly not ready and, with teenagers, that is on the coaches. Just my 2 cents but it seems like RV prepares generally for their opponent while Abingdon prepared specifically. Look, there are some capable coaches up there (and several that aren’t a value add) but there isn’t much “fire in the belly” and I think it shows. The DC, IMHO, is the only good defensive minded coach. He needs some help. As for the offense, there are a lot of OCs running around on the Ridge. Not sure how good any of them are. They have several nice players but just seems to lack any type of identity or cohesive plan of attack. Me thinks RV has a new regime in a couple of years. And, it’ll look like more of the same.

It’s ugly on Rose Ridge. Sooner or later they have to face some of their program issues. It will be interesting to see the fall out.

Am I the only one to see the irony in the stadium name?

Thank you!!! I think only Graham has figured this move out.

Agree. The regime change affected him the most. Had RV stayed the course he would be much further developed. His deficiencies are correctable; however, they are the same ones from his Fr year. They haven’t been fixed. Still doesn’t throw short and intermediate routes on time…..waits to see his WR open first and still isn’t allowed to read defenses much. The fact they still try so many deep shots is mind-boggling. Those long TDs from last year were in a very large part due to the WR core. I’m not sure throwing jump balls to 5’8” WRs in double coverage is a smart move.

This reminds me of the fact that I have yet to see a proper try out/ competition for any key position since I relocated to the region. This is just my RV experience. It seems as if positions are already decided before the season begins and I really think it is a disservice. It is like competition is avoided at all costs. Do you think that played a part? Is that an issue over your way?

Player development is so damn critical but so is player- coach relationship. I often feel like coaches struggle to replace a known starter with more talented but unproven option especially in such a small and close knit football town. I have no insider knowledge of the situation but that is where my thoughts wandered to. I’ve seen it time and time again. I watched it over the past four years with RV where they absolutely did not start their best eleven year in and year out. Damn…that kid starting at Union probably makes you favorites in Salem…and he would be back for next year as well.

Well, the offensive creativity is now at Castlewood and Honaker. You are seeing how much three college level WRs/ playmakers covered up some pretty uninspired play calling last year. Best thing they can do to help the QB is to turn Scanlon into Gronk via play action fakes. Develop a more creative screen game and, I’ve been screaming this for four years now…..throw the damn comeback!!

So, what happened here? If this kid is good enough to start at DB surely he could start at Union? The Anderson kid is a slot/RB waiting to happen. What is the story?

This actually might be the best game in 2D this week. I'm gonna go on a limb and go with Lee.

WCYB can't get out of it's own way. This is simple.....when you schedule your SWVA coverage START by circling the Union-Ridgeview game first and then fill in the rest. They didn't cover a good game last year or this year and they've opted for Union-Central several times. Union by 25-30 points in an un-watchable game.

Agreed with the caveat; however, that their lack of knowledge doesn't affect the game. Fans are different these days. I don't remember 1% of this drama when I played and I would surmise....that was an overall more physical era.

Oh, you're a better man than I. I have low tolerance for referees that don't fully understand the rules or are scared to throw a flag in a big moment. I've seen plenty of both.

That's it. I've seen enough.....the Bulldogs are bi-polar. Lol.

One thing I've noticed is that when it is done by an opponent's fanbase they are whiny and ridiculous. When it is down by their own fanbase, they are passionate and devoted. Lol. I would surmise there is a thin line between the two.

RV on QB keeper and RV narrows the gap. Its 20-14 Union.