old44

Been reading through many of the threads this week and thought I might try to clear some things up. Fact: Richlands used illegal cleats in 92 Fact: We will never know who would have won if they had both been wearing the same cleats. We only have our opinion Fiction: Richlands purposely watered the field that day Fiction: Salem wore illegal cleats that day. Fiction: Richlands took the cleats off at half time--(I believe someone pointed out that this happened in the Orange game the next week). Fiction: Salem tried to purchase the very same cleats. Fact: When the Richlands coaching staff was first confronted with the charge they lied and denied it. Opinion: if the cleats didn't matter why purchase them and then lie about it afterwards? Fact: It will be a long time before both communities forget about this incident. Opinion: The outcome of the game this Saturday afternoon will not vindicate what the Richlands coaching staff did in 92. Nor will it serve as just retribution if Salem wins. It might feel that way, but not really. Fact: This years Richlands team should not be held accountable in any way for what happened in 92. Fiction: Salem whines when they lose---on the contrary except for the Richlands game in 92--in which they feel justified, the overwhelming number of Salem fans have congratulated the winners (Spotsylvania, Hampton, Amherst, Heritage, Pulaski,Blacksburg--just to name a few that beat Salem in playoff games or big games)and then went about their business. I remember watching the Spotsylvania State Championship game and while it was a close hard fought game you had to give them credit they out physicaled us and beat us fair and square. Opinion: This game will be interesting for a number of reasons most of which have nothing to do with 92. The one that I most interested in is can a spread offense win in SW Virginia. I know of many a coach who believes that the spread will break down in the muddy fields of November in Sw Virginia. Some even say that this is why CoaCH Willis White of Salem went to even more smashmouth football after 92. A VERY interesting question might be: What would the odds makers in Las Vegas put this game if it was on turf and what would they put the odds at Richlands this Saturday.