FBDevotee

I certainly underestimated the 2023 Union Bears with my early season prediction of an 8 and 4 final record for them at at this point in the year. But I based that prognostication on the difficult schedule they were facing and the large number of starters who were sophomores. But in hindsight the 2023 Bears were a team that was probably closer to a 12-0 team than an 8-4 team. The sophomores played great all year, the defense was really good, and Ray Anderson had an exceptional year at quarterback. I am not going to predict how much farther they will go; but I am convinced, at this point, they have the talent to win three more games. But any deep run in the VHSL playoffs usually requires a lucky bounce or two!

I certainly underestimated the 2023 Union Bears with my early season prediction of an 8 and 4 final record for them at at this point in the year. But I based that prognostication on the difficult schedule they were facing and the large number of starters who were sophomores. But in hindsight the 2023 Bears were a team that was probably closer to a 12-0 team than an 8-4 team. The sophomores played great all year, the defense was really good, and Ray Anderson had an exceptional year at quarterback. I am not going to predict how much farther they will go; but I am convinced, at this point, they have the talent to win three more games. But any deep run in the VHSL playoffs usually requires a lucky bounce or two!

I certainly underestimated the 2023 Union Bears with my early season prediction of an 8 and 4 final record for them at at this point in the year. But I based that prognostication on the difficult schedule they were facing and the large number of starters who were sophomores. But in hindsight the 2023 Bears were a team that was probably closer to a 12-0 team than an 8-4 team. The sophomores played great all year, the defense was really good, and Ray Anderson had an exceptional year at quarterback. I am not going to predict how much farther they will go; but I am convinced, at this point, they have the talent to win three more games. But any deep run in the VHSL playoffs usually requires a lucky bounce or two!

Although the outstanding assemblage of skill players the Bears have this season - Anderson, Huff, Lowery, Chandler, Bunch, Bostic - make the sport's headlines & highlights, I think the four senior interior defensive players are the core of Union's team success. They impressed me in the very first game and have played exceptionally well every week. I predict LOS will be the deciding factor in this week's match up with the Wolfpack; but I'm certain there will be another packed house at Bullitt Park to witness another fine SWVA football clash!

I meant to type "exceptional" not exception in my last posting. Let me add that I'm certain the only title Coach Turner and his team are currently discussing is the M7 championship. The Wolfpack, Warriors, Falcons, and Trojans will all have a big say in that conversation! 

Bullitt Park opened in 1935 and Michell stadium in 1936 - these venues and their spectators have been witness to countless great football games and countless great football players. I believe this Friday night will add to both lists!
 
 

Little doubt that Betsy, at this early point in the season, was the stronger football team overall; but when first teams vs first teams were on the artificial turf during the scrimmage, I believe the Cyclones scored one touchdown and the Bears scored one touchdown.  
I suspect that Elizabethton might very well be the toughest opponent Union faces this fall - but getting to scrimmage them is really helpful for the Bears. I suggest that there were several bright spots for Bears. I really like the two sophomore defensive ends for Union and I believe the crop of wide receivers is special. Of course if Anderson has to scramble every pass play, the talent of the receivers may not get much of an opportunity to shine.

This is only the 7th edition of Union High School football but I think the 2017 Team is the most fundamentally sound group of Bears so far. James Mitchell deserves the accolades he receives but I think excellent blocking and tackling has propelled Union to a 12-0 record. The 2015 team had a little more flash & style but this year’s team is just plain solid. A friend’s son who plays for a rival school summed up the distinction. After the game against Union in 2015 we were tired. After the game this year we were sore. I’ve been saying that the 2015 Bears reminded me more of the great PV teams and 2017 reminds me more of the great Appalachia teams. No matter the outcome Saturday - it has been a good season for football fans in Big Stone & Appy!

Each week the Union Bears look better to me than the week before; and I am convinced that they have the tools to defeat Morristown West.
In broad brush analysis: I believe both teams go into the game without the QBs that started the season; so loss of Turner for the Bears may be somewhat mitigated. Union's depth along the line of scrimmage is impressive and I suspect will match up well against the Trojans. Morristown has a number of swift athletes but Union has speedy players in Jenkins, Qualls, and Mitchell. I think home field advantage is important but I predict the game comes down to which team can avoid penalties and turnovers.
I predict Union 24 & West 21.

No stats, no video = no proof of all the bad one sided calls, balls hitting turf called complete, interception being given back at the end of game, personal foul roughing the passer when he still has the ball and is tackled my my my worst cheating by refs I ever saw

The current weather forecast is an 80% chance of rain/thunderstorms for tomorrow evening. If the game is played on Friday, I plan to attend; the weather will likely have a real impact on the outcome. I think Union is very comfortable playing out of the old school "T" formation but I'm not sure that's the best approach against Richlands this season. With the bad weather, turnovers and penalties become the most important statistic. 

The Black Diamond District turns Gold this season!  Hurley is rebuilding, Honaker is not their historical self, and Twin Valley will not be very strong.  Grundy has good numbers and they had a young team last year.
 

James will stay put on d, look for the younger Jenkins kid to be on a island, Jeb Stidham and Barnett will be down inside, Owens will be d backfield with Zirkle at LB , the Gibson kid decided not to play and that would have been another db and back up Qb, this is all a guess of course, based on last year. We should be quick, not Appomattox quick but still better than last year

On the positive side, the 2017 Union Bears will be an experienced and veteran team with 20+ seniors. The O-line will have some new members but I believe it will be big and deep. I think the overall speed of the skill players will be outstanding. I think the potential is there for a fantastic season.
On the negative side, the schedule is very challenging and I suspect the team's regular season record will suffer as compared to the last couple years. Although I am excited about the visits of Morristown West, Richlands, and Gate City to Bullitt Park this year, that is quite a gauntlet! Those programs will bring some fired up teams and great fan support. When you consider that Union also plays the larger classification schools of Letcher County Central and Abingdon, as well as traditional rivals Lee High and Wise Central, you've got to acknowledge a tough schedule.
Although I am a little uncertain as to number of wins to be expected, I'm certain that Union High's game will be very entertaining. 
          

Here are my preseason picks for VHSL Class 2 Region D playoff teams (I think 4 wins gets you in):
Union, Graham, Gate City, Richlands, Central, Lee, Marion, Ridgeview
 

Union has had very good football teams the past two seasons; but a valid argument can be made that the 2017 team will be the best squad to date in the school's short history.  First, if you include big Jeb, 6'3" 290 pounds, who started on offense his sophomore year but played mostly defensive line last season, the team returns eight experienced offensive starters.  That would be the most returning offensive starters so far for the Bears and the only time two first-team all-state players are back.  It also includes James Mitchell as a 6'5" 225 pound senior and a battle tested Bailey Turner at QB.  I think Turner did a surprisingly good job last year for a sophomore but I suspect his improvement this year will be significant.  Of course the team was extremely deep last year and has all kinds of talent and size from which to pick.  All four top quality linebackers return and this may be the most important reason to expect big things from the orange and blue.  I will concede that 2018 will likely be a rebuilding year; but I think the current run has one more lap.

I mean no disrespect to the Richlands and Gate City or Honaker and Lebanon fans, but I think this will be the best game for fans to watch week one VHSL 2015. I suspect that Burton is the most likely team in SWVA to go 10-0 this season (in part due to their schedule); and will definitely be most improved. And we all know that Union will be very strong. I think because the game is on Thursday night the stands will be packed with a college game atmosphere and the game itself will be an exciting high scoring affair. It is a great way for southwestern Virginia HS football to begin!

I think Union has a solid chance to defeat the Wildcats but, either way win or lose, Coach Turner has built the Bears into a strong VHSL 2A program and deserves credit. Two consecutive seasons with 10 plus wins - and this is a fairly young Bears team. Zirkle, Owens, Turner, and of course Mitchell, all return on offense next year.  All four linebackers, and big Jeb, seven defensive starters, coming back.  Several excellent sophomores.  The Bears are a very deep team and I think they will continue to contend for the next few seasons. Maybe not this year but I think a state football title trophy could eventually make its way back to Union High School; and join the other 14 that are on display. Big Stone Gap and Appalachia are really great fans of, and supporters of, high school football.

Since I can't get an accurate score, I'm going to assume the score was GC 42 & RV 7 so that I can collect on the bet; bringing Gate City's record to 4-2 on the 2015 season.  (Only in a parallel universe is Gate City 0-6 and last in the Mountain District.)
  

Since I can't get an accurate score, I'm going to assume the score was GC 42 & RV 7 so that I can collect on the bet; bringing Gate City's record to 4-2 on the 2015 season.  (Only in a parallel universe is Gate City 0-6 and last in the Mountain District.)
  

Since I can't get an accurate score, I'm going to assume the score was GC 42 & RV 7 so that I can collect on the bet; bringing Gate City's record to 4-2 on the 2015 season.  (Only in a parallel universe is Gate City 0-6 and last in the Mountain District.)
  

Since I can't get an accurate score, I'm going to assume the score was GC 42 & RV 7 so that I can collect on the bet; bringing Gate City's record to 4-2 on the 2015 season.  (Only in a parallel universe is Gate City 0-6 and last in the Mountain District.)
  

I've read several, apparently fake, posts about the Gate City at Ridgeview final score.  I enjoy a good joke as much as the next SWVA football fan but could someone please post the actual real score of the game on the forum?  I need to settle a bet because I had the Devils winning by 35 while my friend had the Devils by 42 - then I started to worry that I should have went with 45 like my Gate City insider suggested. Just need clarification.

It sounds like the Bears scrimmage highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of the Union team.  When you have 60 + players then organizing, managing, doctoring, and disciplining can keep the coaching staff busy.  Last season due to injury I'm not sure the Bears ever put the same team on the field two weeks in a row.  But the depth is there to make the adjustments as needed.  As a Bear fan I sure was excited about reading how well the freshmen quarterback and sophomore receiver did in the Stone Castle.  I'm looking for a lot of exciting plays from those two over the next several seasons.  Also I heard good comments about the Bears defense.  It does seam like a solid beginning for the team.       

The Bears did use some players both ways last season; but they had several defense only guys as well.  Of course the two main both way players this season will likely be the ends Mitchell and Barnett.  Both played TE and LB last year.  Both are 6'4" and 200 lb+.  Another potential two position Bear is Devin Summers.  He played at both the FB position and the LB spot last year.  Union will be very deep again and that will likely limit the number of players going both ways.