tornado99

Rich Valley

Haysi/Sandlick?

Thanks. It sounds to me like Padgett’s typical philosophy will better fit this year’s personnel. Is there a mild shift back to being more run based among trends? I know there are still predominantly spread passing and Air Taid teams, but a few of the most successful lately have been slightly more on the running side but still balanced (Graham, Union, Grundy, Rye Cove, etc.)

I honestly asked because I remembered a time when it seemed odd. Maybe I only remember most places before it turned brown or mud in GC’s case. During my playing days, I thought PV, Union, and Abingdon were the regular grass types you see here, like Richlands, Tazewell, Honaker and Graham before turf.

I didn’t realize it was this many.

Who has Bermuda grass in our coverage area besides Lebanon? Virginia High? I think Giles might.

Who do they have returning? I only remember the younger McDonald for sure. Is the Beavers kid returning?

Tazewell.

I want to say Chilhowie or PH?

Yeah. I guessed Tazewell because of the fence and gate and pictured entering on the field house side.

That’s what confused me, the field direction.

Tazewell?

This is where Honaker sometimes capitalizes, and Lebanon hopes to do so with an enrollment drop. Class 1 is certainly easier to stand out for those who aren’t D1.

I agree here. I don’t believe this was the case, pre-Mance concerning Tazewell. The Bulldogs formerly benefited from now-defunct Big Creek. Maybe isolated, but I think there were a few key RBs in the late 80s and early 90s. On the WV side, I’m curious if and how much the Beavers benefited from transfers since the late 1990s?

I agree with SWVAOG’s assessment of Richlands. Most of there talented kids are in the skill positions and are younger. I’d call several above average, with maybe 2-3 superlatives. The offensive line, not used in 7 on 7, will tell the tale for Richlands. Based upon limited observation, Graham is probably still the cream of the crop athletically, but the gap has narrowed. I’m sure their line will be great, being the difference maker. Im not familiar with Graham players without jerseys, but I see Richlands kids look very similar appearance wise. The G-men just have 2-3 more that seem to be more springy, noticeable by how they move and jump. The kid with the longer dreads and the red-headed kid stood out to me. Richlands looks better thanks to the coaches. Graham still looks to have a few more standouts.

Thanks for this insight. I appreciate the details. I think that this description goes a long way to both explain the typical pattern and formula of success in especially smaller schools (Class 1 and 2). I think you illustrate that the earlier results explain the base talent (the floor), and the addition of talent (transfers) the ceiling (state titles). From what I recall, the Radford teams you speak of were very good with Baylor, Prileou, Rupe, etc. My memory after they graduated, Clark was really the straw that stirred the drink for a possibly slightly less talented team that won the title. Locally, that talented Honaker team of a couple years back was certainly helped by 2 former Richlands players. The talented G-men teams that won it all, would certainly have been formidable, but the additional players from WV and Bland, likely are the difference between a region title and their state championships. While yet to win a title, the Lee-Union connection is certainly strong. If I am wrong about the above, I apologize. When was the last time a team in Class 1 or 2 won a state title with its little league core? I’m going off of pre-middle school because I know transferring during that time period is typically how many transfer without relocating once talent has been identified and they no longer are competing within community. I imagine it’s greater than 10 years, but I don’t know enough about Galax, Clintwood, George Wythe, or Gate City as my best guesses. Thanks, again for your responses.

Apparently, there is great genetics in that family. I don’t know the parents, but know their uncle was a beast. He may have been one of the most physically blessed players without NFL pedigree that I’ve seen in this area as far as size/speed combo.

I’m limited to who I’ve actually seen play over this approximate time period; but this one was my favorite to watch on both sides of the ball.

Bingo! That’s it. I also remember one of those huge linemen served as a kicker.

I remember Dotson, the FB #13. Meade was 11. There was another guy, but I can’t remember. He had a single digit number. It was either Meade’s junior or sophomore year. Either way, they had an impressive run with that group.

I remember those guys, but didn’t include them due to being more than 10 years. That said, it was one of the biggest offensive lines at a smaller school that I have ever seen. Didn’t Meade split time his junior year with another talented tailback? I know one year they won state, but another lost to GW in the semifinals. On the same note, who was the Haysi running back that came from Ervinton who had a memorable battle with Peoples from Galax? Something like Bowen or Bowling?

I was trying to think of the running backs for PH and Chilhowie listed above, but couldn’t remember the names. I also couldn’t remember Union’s supporting cast to James Mitchell, but there was a time they had a duo/trio of Zirkle and Honeycutt. I know Lomax may have been a little more recent. Right around the 10-year mark, I would add Wade and Holmes from Richlands on defense. It might step on some toes due to rivalry and transferring, but I really think Nick Blankenship may have been one of the best players for Richlands and Tazewell. I only met him a couple times, but was really impressed with his work ethic, and respect for elders (yes sir, no sir).

Scottie Ball and Cody Howie-Richlands Devin Lester-Graham Austin Smith and Trevor Dye-Honaker Jacob McNutt and Gabe Fiser-Grundy Mason Polier-Union Any Galax Running back Biedleman and Mann-Giles Some Of these may be borderline, trying not to be too recent or far back, plus not too obvious (Cam Allen).

So, this is a good point. However, I understand why they are the same. For example, I stated earlier that I’m not a fan of the metal bleachers in general, but understand why they are there. From a vantage point perspective, how do others compare Richlands and Tazewell (track) to Lebanon and Honaker (no track) for example? The height/trajectory of the bleachers I’m sure is one part of it, especially on the home side.

This is kind of related, but I watched a video and/or read an article recently comparing Norway’s relative success in athletics compared to other nations. I, want to emphasize the term “relative” in this post, more like per capita. Basically, Norway produces a greater number of elite athletes, primarily medalists and soccer players, when compared to its size. Wealth, was certainly a huge influence, but an interesting part besides the scientific side of training was how the system was structured. It mirrored our little league conversation, whether old school vs new school. Comparing the current US trends, Norway’s system made access to sports for all more mandatory, and it addressed some birthday advantages. The main point was more played for a longer time, much like how little league was formerly. The US system, primarily because of population, had many more medalists, but the participation and average was down. This was attributed to one in which most were eliminated early to the elite, or those with advantages early (birthday, daddy coach, holdback, early puberty, wealth, politics). This is shown by the current system (one town, one or two loaded teams). Travel ball increases that divide. If you have early talent and/or means, your peers certainly get left behind. I’m not judging or blaming. Just analyzing. My personal preference is the old way, that gets more kids active overall. However, admittedly my own experience and observations. I see late bloomers who likely already miss the boat. (SWOG posted while I was working on this, so add his concerns of discouraged kids.) More kids available for varsity vs better training for the few? Which leads to more success? That’s the how to my “if” question.