Shocking but not that shocking news here. Coach Ricker has served JB well and will continue to in many ways. It’s a tough school to coach football at indeed but it has hope. The kids and athletes are there but the challenge is to get the athletes to come out and play at JB. Losing year end and year out is the current standard. It’s going to take a new leader and true program mindset to be established by the new incoming head coach. Hit those hallways and get the kids to come out and play.
In popular opinion whomever takes over the helm needs to prioritize and establish on day 1 a new culture and identity. The weight room and nutrition needs to become a priority alongside a revamp of the entire offense and defensive schemes.
There is a severe need to redesign the youth feeder programs- system and oversee the youth programs as the garden of future players . That’s where the love for football starts and the inner connection to the HS program is missing.
John Battle will give it their all Friday night! They are a Senior deep team who have had spurts of potential. Lost some really close games in the end or record would and should be better. Senior play with a lot of heart. Injuries have taken their toll this season with some key players being out. Prediction: 34-14 Union
So my guess is that battle will not repeat as region champs. They are still a very talented squad but losing that big of a bat and arm is very crucial.
Battle still has a lot of talent returning for next year. Would not sell them short. Strong arms and up and comers
Battle doesn’t think they are the “best around”. They have worked their young asses off to get to this point despite losses to 3A schools. There is no arrogance it’s called focused. They are not a showboat team …they have taken their lumps and have goals.
John Battle boys overpower Wise Central.tonight! Jumped out quick and never looked back. Seals with a great pitching performance and hot bats up and down lineup
Some may say it’s poetic justice but personal take is Abingdon is a good Senior driven team that played great defensively in all 3 games with stellar 1-2 combo pitching and it showed. A good ball club with moxy and will to win that about to roll into similar tier regional teams.
congratulations on the win and looking forward to next matchup in 2024 where you will have a senior driven team in Battle. Battle’s NOW and future is very bright in 2A and will always be ready each and every matchup to give Abingdon the L.
Battle and Abingdon will match up again in the MT 7 tournament finals if the stars align - then Abingdon will face the Hankins kid …..that will tell the true story
Don’t undervalue Battle’s experience and talent all over the field and 3-4 deep in bullpen. Even though they have 2 solid P starters….they have tenured experience at every position on the field.
Thanks for feedback …that’s a shame on the administrations part if just to lazy to put on events for the next wave of athletes and sub Varsity level.
SWVA needs to take lessons from Tennessee and the way they run things ….creates a better product in the end (Varsity years) by investing in Middle School and JV level Championship settings …..which ultimately bring in more money in the varsity years …..or at least that’s the way I see it
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Ricker steps down from Battle
in SWVA Football
Posted
Shocking but not that shocking news here. Coach Ricker has served JB well and will continue to in many ways. It’s a tough school to coach football at indeed but it has hope. The kids and athletes are there but the challenge is to get the athletes to come out and play at JB. Losing year end and year out is the current standard. It’s going to take a new leader and true program mindset to be established by the new incoming head coach. Hit those hallways and get the kids to come out and play.
In popular opinion whomever takes over the helm needs to prioritize and establish on day 1 a new culture and identity. The weight room and nutrition needs to become a priority alongside a revamp of the entire offense and defensive schemes.
There is a severe need to redesign the youth feeder programs- system and oversee the youth programs as the garden of future players . That’s where the love for football starts and the inner connection to the HS program is missing.