cityofRaven

Playing devil’s advocate, I think there are many who assumed Powell Valley plus Appalachia’s state titles and pedigree would create a super team. (I can’t recall posters or individuals by name.) 
Nonetheless, Union in particular is consistently formidable. They just have had a hard time consistently getting past Graham in the Region since their resurgence (there are exceptions), and it has been during Appomattox’s peak years. 
 
Besides Graham and Galax, for a variety of reasons, it has gotten more difficult for a team in our region to win it all. 

Very much like their ascent has been. 

Very much like their ascent has been. 

Very much like their ascent has been. 

The words "Former Home of Greg Mance" was going to be a tough fit in the end zone. 

Shane Wicks was announced as the new HC at Honaker.

Shane Wicks was announced as the new HC at Honaker.

Just like the football team, some of those bears came from Lee County.

How many actual eagles though?

When Council High is closed, can we get an update on the Eagle logo with a snake in its mouth?

Just like the football team, some of those bears came from Lee County.

Just like the football team, some of those bears came from Lee County.

How many actual eagles though?

We're all brothers in God's eyes.

We're all brothers in God's eyes.

Lol recalling some Blue Tornadoes blowing from round Big Creek WV 🙂

Just like the football team, some of those bears came from Lee County.

How many actual eagles though?

Why not the "Golden Eagles?"
In reality, Eagles isn't good. 
So many better options imo.

Why not the "Golden Eagles?"
In reality, Eagles isn't good. 
So many better options imo.

This is sad! Sad for the man and the kids that it effects and really the whole community really. I have several family members who have fought addiction and all have overcame them but you have to fight like hell to do it! It is a shame that a person puts his need for drugs or alcohol ahead of the example he is trying to set, but it's an addiction and you can't fix it until you come to the end of yourself and start trusting and believing in things bigger than you! Faith can move mountains but it won't if you don't want to get better! Get better first and worry about football later!

Hopefully it isnt rubber filler for the grass but crushed husk instead.  Plays more like a natural surface and cooler temps.

That's been the problem for a while with the feeder program.  These Richlands teams have a multitude of players, but the coaches only let a few see the field of play. Why? Because the coaches think they are coaching the Dallas Cowboy's insted of the Richlands Cowboys.  This should be a time of learning the basics of the game, the fundamentals, and for many of the players they are learning, "You're not good enough to be on the field, but at least you're on the team."  B.S. in a bad way, causing some would be good talent, if taught properly, to quit before they reach the High School Level.  Is it ever going to change? Good question, but my guess is NO!  As long as it remains the same, forget having championship teams on the High School level, because the feeder program sucks.  Thanks to glory grabbing coaches who can't teach their young eager players, it's not always about winning, but it's how you play the game that counts!

You had me until you stabbed me in the heart with your Crimson Tide comment... lol
Buy you are right. We played with pride in representing our area and wanted and played to win, but playing and learning were the main objectives it the grand scheme.
I get that our population can't handle 5-6 teams in Richlands like the old days but there should be more than 2 so that kids can get some time in game situations. 

Doesn't have to be that way at all.  Ancil Salyers spent years developing young kids into tough football players.  I remember his "life lessons" he would impart upon us daily.  When he spoke, everyone was eyes and ears forward, on one knee with your helmet in your hand.  But, he also let it be known that we were Baptist Valley Tigers and it was our damned honor and privilege to knock down the Jewell Ridge Red Raiders, Richlands Green Wave, Richlands Redskins, Cedar Bluff Blue Devils and those wretched Raven Crimson Tide in order to win the championship.
Looking back, the difference was how we were raised.  Our parents would have never thought to politic on our behalf.  My father let it be known, that my brother and I were not out there to be second string and he made us work accordingly.