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They won't get 52 scored on 'em, but Haysi's not played a team like Giles this year. It appears to be a mismatch to me. Giles is quicker, bigger, and just has flat-out more athleticism than Haysi. Athleticism can't replace heart, so I think Haysi makes a game out of it. Giles-33 Haysi-17

This game is also in Richlands, which I think will have some bearin' on the score. There's nothin' like havin' YOUR crowd and YOUR band there to fire you up for a game like this. I think this game will be a defensive struggle all the way. If Mance can call more than 6 plays and utilize the size he has, Richlands should have just enough to advance and play (probably, they're my pick) James Monroe for a state title. Richlands: 7 Liberty-Bedford: 6

He may not get his chance this year after all... Not for your reason, however.

Heaven forbid us to pull for the team that lost its legendary coach before the season started. Anyway, I'm lookin' forward to this playoff season. Three teams that could do some damage in AA, Division 3. It's a shame one will be gone after tonight.

That'll be decided tonight...

They said that last year, too...

Couldn't have been a hurricane... Marion couldn't even win the Highlands.

Here's my two cents: Liberty-Harrison 27, Bluefield 24 (2OT) Salem 41, Pulaski County 6 Haysi 24, Grundy 16 Richlands 44, Lebanon 0 Bland County 32, Grayson County 14 Narrows 34, Fort Chiswell 15 Galax 24, Pocahontas 12 Bath County 17, Craig County 7 Glenvar 41, Giles 17

I don't think they can handle it because they'll still have that first game on their mind, and they'll play too timid. I just don't think Tazewell will mentally recover from blowin' that game.

I clicked on the wrong post to correct. My apologies.

Real classy... Homefield advantage didn't do much for Graham the first time it appears. Regardless of that fact, Graham still won game one, because of Tazewell's blunders. In my opinion, I think Tazewell will have this in night all game, and they will play nervous all game. You can't play nervous against Graham, or you'll get run all over. Graham wins by two TDS, 27-13.

I said Hampton Roads REGION, for the simple fact that I was unaware of the high school they went to. Sheesh, people.

Yes, no one is unbeatable, but also consider that those Tidewater region have 2 to 3 times the enrollment Richlands does. Those monsters that play on the line for Tech? From Newport News and Virginia Beach. The Vick boys? From the Hampton Roads region. If Landstown played Richlands, the score would be something like 45-0, not in favor of "The Storm". Settle with bein' the best in AA Division 3. As good as you are, I would bet a good sum of money that you could not take any team in this state you wanted.

Another? I was 7 when that last happened, and now I'm in college. Just ribbin' with ya It'll be Richlands.

There is some validity to the "too big to move" point. The Denver Broncos are a great example of this. Mike Shanahan has the smallest offensive line in the NFL, but allowed Terrell Davis, Clinton Portis, and now Reuben Droughns to prosper in that system. I think the optimum size in high school is about 270, UNLESS you have that special guy who can just move them at 300 pounds. Experience is also key, and again, I am concerned for Bluefield.

Indeed, it is so difficult to predict where a player will be drafted (just ask Philip Rivers). Miller has said on many occasions (most notably after the Miami/UVA game) that he was staying for another year. I would like him to go to the Redskins, personally, who may be one game out of the playoffs after tonight. With UVA's retention rate at 92%, and Miller's spoken dedication to UVA, I just do not see him going this year.

I have seen UVA play an unbalanced line on nearly 80% of its plays, because of that massive ground game this last year. However, I must agree, it is a disappearing art as finesse passing grows more and more.

I notice all the lines getting smaller and smaller, or it may be me getting larger and fatter, who knows? 250-pound lineman are a good benefit, however the other lineman I saw on the roster peaked at around 210 pounds. With the smaller lines, this would not be much of a problem. However, if you get a 240-pound defensive tackle that hits hard, your inside running game is dead. That is why I am concerned for Bluefield. You all may not be, but I am. Simon will have them as ready as he possibly can, and I am sure of it.

I agree with the quarterback problem entirely. Coeburn was a classic, good Bluefield High quarterback, and I am also concerned about that position for next year. I was 6'2'', 310 in high school, so many, many people seem small to me.

Excellent post: I could not have said it better myself.

I congratulate Salem on the Virginia AA, Division 4 state title! The game must have been hard fought, as by that final score, and I congratulate all those young men for their work and dedication.

I do believe Heath will stay his senior year. UVA has always done a fantastic job of retaining players from all sports for the fourth year. An injury could hurt him, and I surely hope that does not happen; it concerns me that he has fared so well up until this point, almost like I am waiting for the bad luck. I wish him the best, and a successful bowl game and next season, whereever it may be.

I am by no means doubting Bluefield's heart and determination. I am very pleased to see the young men take the initiative to give the extra work in order to help their team. This does help the physical aspect somewhat. However, I doubt the physique of the players next season. With the same ability level, a 275 pound lineman will be more beneficial than a 190 pound lineman. Bluefield's line struck me as small (just as Graham's struck me as downright puny), but maybe I am living in the days of 2001. It may be me, who knows; that is why I am here.

I saw that game live and in person, and I was GREATLY impressed with Powell Valley. I thought Manassas Park would pull away early, and they were out to that 13-0 lead. Powell Valley did not fold, and showed that northern Virginia team what smash-mouth football is about. I was incredibly impressed with this game, being one of the only games I was able to see live. Also, I wish J.I. Burton the best of luck in their game, and I hope the results fall in their favor!

I'd totally be up for that, show of my "graceful" speed... It would have to be during the holidays on my behalf, because there is no way I could possibly make it otherwise. It sounds like a blast.