tornado99

Thanks for posting. Amen and Happy 2023.

I remember being 12 years old and working with my Dad. We drove by on 460 overlooking the stadium, and I saw the helicopter. It was one of the coolest things I had ever seen. Those were fond memories. Despite the cleats controversy later, in my blue-colored glasses this was football at its finest. A seemingly less-talented team overcoming a supposedly superior opponent and the elements.

Merry Christmas to you all!

There’s no denying that he and his staff are making the most of one of the better situations in all of SWVA. The previous posts in this thread go hand in hand on how it is magnified. Success breeds success. It’s only magnified by an already greater talent pool and transfers being a part of that process aided by technology and media. The coaching staff and community deserves applause. By comparison, I would argue the Richlands era successes and accompanying criticism deserves just as much applause. The penalty paid now and warned about is steeper due to the area community discrepancy. In that video, I saw coaching experience, teamwork, community support, and a lot of God-given talent in that locker room. The G-men coaches have created a great culture. For those interested in transferring to be a part of that is completely understandable. However, if it’s because of D1 exposure, the majority of those born or transfer alike already had the D1 tools. Based on some of the staff and recent D1 athletes, Isabelles, Bradshaws, Turner-Bradshaws, Allens, Meadows, and possibly Roberts and Clements were primarily born than made. Those transferring for D1 dreams need to consider whether it really makes a difference in exposure. If that talented, you are likely to be noticed as a man among boys unless completely sabotaged by your home school.

I cannot deny the correlation of the downward slide and losing Coach Palmer, then Coach Mance. There were fewer talented kids post 2016 on the team. I cannot help but think my previous post may partially explain that decrease in talent.

I’m aware of the values of hard work, competing, and the best playing. Meritocracy. Here is a downside of what I observed and possible repercussions of the practices during that time. I am not claiming sour grapes as I was not a player during those years, nor had any children involved in the program. I’m grateful for my coaches that were there during that time. What I observed, was that only Devon Johnson fully took advantage of the opportunity presented him in the form of a D1 scholarship. On the flip side, I observed many homegrown kids who worked just as hard, or often harder, being replaced by “more talented” transfers. Those hard working kids lost interest and many did not continue to play. Similar to the daddy ball phenomenon, but without daddy calling the plays. I don’t have any intimate knowledge of who did right or wrong. I have the utmost faith in the coaching staff at that time. You have a duty to play who you feel is the best. That hard work, self sacrifice of the culture unwittingly took a backseat to talent acquisition. This isn’t across the board by any means. Many transfers are hard workers and many coaches great motivators. Some are not. But I observed in many cases the opposite of 88dawg. The weight room went from full above average to marginally talented workers, to fewer of those with a one or two more talented individuals. I fear that’s created a runaway train in many forms that greatly separates the haves and have nots. I don’t pretend to have an answer and am resigned to make the best of the situation. If you or your child is blessed with talent or resources, the opportunities have never been greater. The middle class (talent wise) of hard working role players seems to be shrinking.

I think it’s more acceptable now, simply due to the change in the times and values, rather than the locations. As Bandanna pointed out, access to social media has been a major driver in the increase of occurrence and desensitization. During Richlands run, it didn’t appear widespread amongst other communities at the time. Although we can all admit it likely occurred often. It’s easy to justify a common move from Bluefield, VA to WV and vice versa without raising suspicion. That area has a much more abundant and accessible talent demographic to take advantage. What did Richlands have to offer someone from McDowell County other than sports? For better or worse, Richlands broke the seal concerning perception and acceptance of the practice in the area. Graham now does it better with more resources to tap into. Graham’s price is more acceptable now due the results of an actual state title. The practice does come with a price down the road if the wrong coach or powers take the reins with an inability to control the issues and handle success. An example of Graham parents being unhappy despite success comes to mind. What do I mean? Next post.

I would say that is one of those unique circumstances. The trend part is that the majority probably aren’t playing on Saturdays. I would even say most that will play on Saturdays for a free or reduced education will be found. Again, this isn’t one size fits all. My reasoning for suggesting this is based on empirical evidence (kids who transferred to play at Richlands in the past), I only recall Devon Johnson doing so for more than one season.

It seems not in so many cases now. I guess I was confusing myself with the holdback question. In those instances, but probably the minority now, there is an academic element.

Are academics, loyalty, friendships, or hometown pride ever part of the equation?I'm sure each situation is unique, but it seems like a disturbing trend nowadays, sure to be compounded by NIL in some areas. What ever happened to, “I go to (school) AND play (sports).” rather than “I go to (school) TO play (sports).”?

My assumption is it’s tougher in Virginia overall, primarily now due to number of games 15 now. I don’t think it’s always consistent because the top is probably just as good in WV. I think part of it is what you have to go through just to get there.

This year’s team is the best that I remember in a long time. Tough to compare eras, but for me as tough as 1998 PV.

I agree 100 percent, with this assessment. It is the most effective formula for state championships. To expound on this, and another post about Region D, which was the clear advantage Graham and Appomattox usually has is athletes. More specifically, the element of speed is one of the most important ingredients in that recipe. Unfortunately, I believe that is an area that most teams have very little control, outside recruiting the halls or outside. Not taking anything away from the G-men coaching staff and athletes because they have done a fantastic job of getting the most out of that talent. Most Region D, and other areas (Valley?) often lack that ingredient. I believe athletes are born, not made. Linemen/football players are made through hard work and training (credit to Mike Horton) in this area. Graham had athletes. CW did not. I think that is a prime reason why Grundy (no slight) or even Richlands many years struggle outside the Region. Grundy has plenty of tough kids (wrestling state titles), but how many speedsters (any sprint champions)?

Congratulations, G-men! State Champions, and 15-0.

I couldn’t agree more. That’s painfully true.

He definitely doesn’t care about personal accolades. I guess the main point is pointing out that he has been a part of the success of countless young men (and women) by helping them reach or exceed perceived potential in not one, but two communities. So far, I imagine he’s contributed to 3 state titles (hopefully 4), and 5 additional state finalists. I will never know how much he has contributed to Graham since they have a great staff around him, but I feel from observation it’s obvious his influence on the improvement of the defense since 2018. At Richlands, his influence made the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Good luck, G-men and Coach Palmer. Since I’m not superstitious, Graham 27-CW 17.

Excellent take. He may never get the credit he deserves, but if there was a Hall of Fame or award for assistant coach, he deserves a spot for his career. This style probably works better now with the athletes on the back end being better suited not to get beat deep.

Thanks for the facts redtiger and sixcat. I knew enrollments have been steadily declining, but those numbers in those particular areas are just shocking! It would be interesting to know where most have gone, although I imagine Abingdon and Tri-Cities for Buchanan County and Mount Airy-Winston-Salem for Grayson.

At the risk of getting off topic, but not expecting enough responses to stray too far, has anyone seen such a precipitous fall in enrollment over the years as Grundy? I noticed they are now smaller than Honaker according to the ADM figures. I remember a time when they were one of the largest in the region.

I think Class 1 is hard capped, and the remaining are divided equally. Either way, it indicates frequent movements at the fringes.

It will be interesting to see if Graham and Riverheads get to play in the coming years. I admire the precision of their offense just as redtiger. I think they compete well in Class 2, although reasonably not at the level of success as in Class 1. Currently, Class 2 the G-men are one of the top programs and would have the talent advantage almost every year. My prediction is Riverheads continues their winning ways, but will fall short consistently to the current powers that consistently put more talent on the field.

I haven’t seen Central, but the G-men have both speed and power. It will be close, but unless they have a D-1 athlete capable of taking over the game as KW last year, I’m going with the G-men. As Sasquatch pointed out, Clements is the x-factor and likely the difference in this game.

I can’t recall doubting them at all this year. If I have, I don’t remember, but I believe they have been favored by the majority every game. It’s that vocal minority of opponents hoping to win. Graham is the Region favorite for the foreseeable future with the ingredients: 1. Good local talent-check 2. Good and stable coaching staff-check 3. Good community and administrative support-check 4. Successful culture due to points 1-3… check 5. Transfer of talent due to number 4 wanting to be a part of culture…check. The way I see it as it currently stands, only a historical class of talent challenges the G-men in SWVA besides Bluefield. Good luck and Go G-men next week.

This all day…

To reference Westisbest, on offense all you need is 1 or 2 with speed to make teams pay dearly for mistakes. Clements off a turnover is basically a guaranteed 6 points, as Pennix could be for Appomattox.