WHSHokies

Null 12 hits, 3 homeruns, 9 runs in 4 innings. Mullins pitched 2 innings 1 hit and 0 runs. Wind was blowing toward left and center field. The outfielders did a great job catching fly balls. RHS didn't have their best game but that is baseball and they will improve as they play more games. Abingdon was a well coached team.

I disagrree with you on their basketball teams.They have had some very good teams, with players like Hunt ,Goff , Cary Perkens, Ben Looney and I know I am leaving some goods ones out.I played back in the late fifties against Jimmy Thompson, the Williams brothers and Fate Spears. We were competitors years ago but I am pulling for you now. Hang in there, as one poster said you haven't quit.

Speed means nothing if you can't catch the ball. Stanton was doubled and tripled teamed, which opened up the middle for McCrackin to run. They won't have that option next year.

He is losing his three best receivers Stanton,Miller and Smith. Passing yards will be much lower next year.

Twin Valley does the same thing.

CONGRATULATIONS TRAVIS PAYNE AND BRANDON GAYHEART, BEING SELECTED TO THE ALL STATE TEAM

Congratulations to the following Blue Tornado's, selectted to the Bluefield Daily Telegraph's All-Four Seasons Country Football Team: Justin McCracken qb Rob Stanton wr Brandon Gayheart te Garrett Arms ol Caleb Jennings kr Travis Payne dl D.J. Simmons db Brad Lester lb Brett Clayburne lb Brandon Smith db

They tell me, he has been playing football and basketball on a bad ankle, injured in the first half of playoff game with Graham. I did noticed he was limping in that game. He is taking therapy and probably shoudn't be playing. It will take a few games to adjust from catching a football with two or three defenders on you, to making a lay up. I wouldn't be too concerned about that. Good athelets improve with practice.

He played golf his Freshman year and was medalist in one SWD match , shooting a 75. Also, played on the golf and football team, until giving up golf to concentrate on football, his soph. year. I have played golf with him and without practicing, he carries a single digit handicap.

I haven't heard what there schedule will be next year. I did hear , through the grapevine, the VHSL has granted VA High a special request to play all there games at home. Coach Smith, " said this will level the playing field and give them a chance to have a winning season". MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

They lost a great man and coach. I guess there is no place in this modern world, for hard workers, good role models and mature leaders. Good luck Jim in your retirement, you deserve a rest.

I saw my first high school football game, back in the mid -fifties, Big Creek vs Richlands. Dave Rider was their great running back and the game was played, where the Richlands Police Station/little league field presently sets. In my opinion, the 1957 Big Creek was one of the best high school team I had seen in this area. Coach M. Gainer, Gerald HOlbrook(VPI),Jim Hickam(VPI), Art Pruett(VPI), Cecil Hampton(WVU), Bellamy(WVU) and others I can't recall. They were given the shaft by WV High School League.

[ QUOTE ] Congratulations to the following Blue Tornados; Coach Greg mance coach of the year Travis Payne Defensive player of the year First team offense: Justin McCracken qb Rob Stanton wr ( I suppose Coach Smith could not influence his hometown newspaper to get his all Regional wr Sullins, an honorable mention). Politics doesn't work all the time. Garrett Arms ol Derek McKnight ol Brandon Gayheart dl **Brad Lester lb ( My write in vote) C.J. Arms p ( Where is Coach Smith's all regional punter Messer ?) Caleb Jennings rb D.J. Simmons db [/ QUOTE ]

Doc. I agree with you 100%,i.e. Turner Ashby stayed in a warm locker room and RHS sat out in the cold. Also, they told them to get dress for a team picture, only to have it canceled. This was after climbing a muddy bank to ther locker room, near Appomattox . They did not give the players time to go through their personal pre-game rituals, in the privacy of their own locker room. I have a business client from Harrisonburg, told me Monday Turner Ashby practiced two weeks on James Madison's turf field. I don't believe one bit that crap, the VHSL proclaims "equal playing conditons for all teams". How can you be mentally prepared under those conditions. You can call it "sour grapes" but that is my personal opinion. Richlands is still the #1 team in my heart!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to the following Blue Tornados; Travis Payne Defensive player of the year First team offense: Justin McCracken qb Rob Stanton wr ( I suppose Coach Smith could not influence his hometown newspaper to get his all Regional wr Sullins, an honorable mention). Politics doesn't work all the time. Garrett Arms ol Derek McKnight ol Brandon Gayheart dl **Brad Lester lb ( My write in vote) C.J. Arms p Caleb Jennings rb D.J. Simmons db

I agree with you 100%. that is called politics, you vote for my player and I will return the favor. The deserving players never get selected , unless your coach plays the political game. Coach Smith should be in Richmond.I saw Va High play and they could not win the Cumberland District.

Congratulatins Rob Stanton and D.J. Simmons, being selected #1 and #3 sensational plays of the week, respectively. Good luck against the Turner Ashby Knights, saturday. Bring home the state championship trophy and rings.

Congratulations Rob Stanton, for being chosen student/athlete of the week. Fox 59 has given Richlands the best television coverage this year.

At least Ernie Hicks is our home stadium. We don't have to go to WV to call home .

Jennings played injured. Jarryd Harrison took up the slack, with a great game.

The negative comments are coming from over the hill players or want to be's. I must say, in all honesty, this team has been winning with class. I've had the pleasure of meeting the majority of them, after the games and away from school. I don't think that will change. Signed: Over the hill Big Blue fan.

Congratulations Richlands on a 10-0 perfect season. Also, to Lebanon you played a good game, picking up more yardage against our defense then anyone this season. I was proud of all the fans and players in showing good sportmanship. Lebanon people were very friendly and was a great host. We had some great runs, passes and catches to night, to end the regular seson on a win. Good luck in the playoffs but remember the most important game is next week and not beyond. Take them one game at a time.

I listened to WRIC-FM 97.7's Rev. Gerald Stacy and Dave Mann. The reception came in loud and clear, at Lebanon. They did an excellent job, as always. I kept my neighbors sitting around me up-to-date with information, from The Master of Information, Rev. Stacy.

Check your back, cleat marks should still be there, after the Blues ran all over the Falcons.

READ MY LIPS: you can petition to play up in classification, i.e.AA,AA, A but not in divisions, i.e. 1,2,3,4,5,6. This only applies to football, as their are no divisions in the other sports. Make sure to button down your cabin windows, because the Blue Tornado's are going to blow the Pioneers off the praire.