hokie07

It'll be interesting to see how much of an impact Coppola makes out there now that he's eligible.

Respect! But you know the message board drill... Pics or it didn't happen. We need to see this babe. I believe this story wholeheartedly because you're smooth Falconman. I got a ton of connects down in A-town and know the ins and outs. Just show some of these losers on the board what a real woman looks like!

True, but still would not pull out.

They added seating at the bottom of every section of the stands from goal line to goal line on each side of the stadium. So take your pick of where you want to enjoy the game. I think you'll be impressed by the changes. I honestly haven't seen (mainly because I probably don't pay enough attention to detail) a stadium that has nicer handicapped accessibility. Here's a quick photo I pulled off Facebook that gives you a semi-indication as to what it looks like now. You'll see the guy in the upper right hand corner of the picture utilizing the handicapped platform.

How was he ineligible last week but eligible 7 days later? I'm a bit confused.

If you want to fire the Beaver players up then get them to read the article about the Princeton kid in today's BDT. He provided lots of bulletin board material if they need it. They shouldn't really need it though because 1.) it's a rivalry and 2.) they have a lot to prove after last week's performance.

1.) Of course it does, but you can only take Conditioning maybe twice, assuming there is a Conditioning I and Conditioning II class. I'm not saying that there aren't other cupcake classes to negate Band, but there aren't many other classes based solely on participation. I took Newspaper one year for an elective and, while I got an A in it, there was a lot more work than would hope for in a class labeled as such. The average student who doesn't take band is looking for 8 classes to take and not all 8 of those are going to be easy. As a senior, I had to take Accounting I and Accounting II as electives simply by the process of elimination and I'd have much rather learned how to play the clarinet. 2.) I can't attest to the validity of your statement because I wasn't in band to find out. Though I personally don't recall anyone being dismissed from band because they weren't good enough. I think he had a way of weeding away kids who weren't serious about getting better, but with such low numbers I can't see how he turned away kids who weren't musically talented.

Armstrong's cameo in Dodgeball gives him a pass, IMO. One of my favs.

I just think Bluefield's speed can and will be too much for the G-Men. The beat goes on... Bluefield 48 Graham 14

IMO, the opposite sort of happened at Bluefield because of block scheduling. Instead of taking 8 academic classes and having a decent shot at getting a B or lower, the band kids got to "pad" their GPA by getting 8 easy A's on their HS transcript. I know that I didn't personally know anyone who skipped band to take AP Calculus. I do know a couple kids who stuck it out in the band though to collect an easy grade. Show up, play an instrument, and get a good grade. Band never penalized anyone's class rank at Bluefield. If anything, it actually helped them. If I'm not mistaken, I believe that just about every Valedictorian/Salutatorian was in the band during my time there... as were lots more before and after my BHS tenure. Different classes, like AP for example, aren't weighted any differently at Bluefield. A 4.0 is a 4.0 is a 4.0 no matter how you go about it. Most kids took the challenging classes on their own accord just to get a jump start on college. I think that the reason that the band numbers are historically low is because of the emphasis on the fine arts in Mercer County schools. There is zero. That and factor in a few band instructors along the way that aren't exactly fan favorites and you have no real interest. Princeton's band is great, FWIW. Large numbers, albeit a AAA school, a good sound, and a school that runs the same block scheduling as Bluefield.

Doubtful. Do people drive to Myrtle Beach just to eat at Dick's Last Resort? Most people don't drive far away to eat at a Bubba Gumps or a restaurant like that solely for the food. Those places do well because they are located at a destination where people vacation and tourism is abundant. Put a beach in Bristol and then you'll get a few of those restaurants.

Tazewell may just surprise some teams this season. Their QB throws a great ball and their WR's are fast and athletic and could definitely give some of the slower teams in the area fits.

This has the strong scent of a troll...

I hope you Graham guys really give the kids and Coach Williams some slack this season. You all have lofty expectations already and a few early/bad losses could send you guys into a whirlpool. Your expectations may very well be good and true, but don't forget that Rome wasn't built in a day. It's probably going to take this season and maybe another one to fully correct the wrongs that have plagued Graham football in the past. I'd say by the time Williams' first class (now sophomores) are seniors in his program the foundation will be built for a successful program again. Until Williams can fully implement his philosophy into his team, much like Bluefield and Richlands and other teams who are routinely competitive, then it might be a tough go-around for the guys. The sooner that comes along the better off Graham will be. I just don't realistically think that you'll see it as soon as this season.

BTW, Sheets is pitching a HR derby tonight. He's given up 6 earned runs and 4 jacks. Luckily, the Nats are down 2-0 in the 8th too. Definitely need the Mets to come through tonight and we need to take this series tomorrow afternoon if we want any hope of catching Washington.

I wish, but he's already downplayed that more than once this season. He says that he wants to go home and be a father to his 4 boys. Can't blame him there. He was also quoted a couple days ago saying something to the effect of, "Next year when I get the urge to play baseball, I'm just going to climb a tree and shoot something." I think he's a lot like Billy Wagner was a couple years ago. Everyone wanted him to come back for one more season because they could be effective and help the team, but once they make their minds up they are too stubborn to change it. I am still in denial that Chipper is done in just a matter of weeks. I seriously might cry.

I agree that there's no way Hanson goes to the pen, but I think that's where he needs to be if the current trends keep going. Right now Medlen's stability in the starting lineup is much more consistent than what you know, or don't know, about getting out of Hanson. Aside from his slower velocity, Hanson either works 5 good innings but throws 100+ pitches and comes out of the game, gets railed early and is out by the 3rd, or goes the distance but gives up a 3-run bomb in the 8th. Hanson is one of my favorite Braves and one who may have the brightest future, but he's got a long way to go to be the pitcher everyone thinks or believes he can be.

Don't see any way you can pull Medlen from the rotation at this point unless he forgets how to throw a baseball. The Braves have won 15 straight games that he's started and I'm pretty sure that ties the ATL record set by Smoltz. They have also won 18 out of his last 19 starts. All he does is win *cue DJ Khaled*. I think that Hanson needs to be sent to the pen when it comes down to the final stretch. He just doesn't have the velocity he had a couple years ago and gets rocked because of it. Just don't see it happening though. I think it's Minor and probably Medlen that will be the odd men out.

I know someone who had offers from multiple schools to play basketball and made their final decision based on being sponsored by Jordan. There's also speculation that the reason Shabazz Muhommad chose UCLA over Duke and UK is because of Adidas vs. Nike. He's been linked to Adidas through family, etc. It's a situation similar to Josh Selby choosing Kansas a couple years ago. A quick Google search brings up some interesting info on how uniforms play a role in recruiting. It definitely does play help/hurt a few schools. Here's a link to a story just to scratch the surface: http://wildcatbluenation.com/2012/08/03/kentucky-wildcat-basketball-and-the-harrison-twins-is-it-the-shoes-is-it-time-to-worry/2/

LOL. 1) Olivia Munn is great. 2) Mr. Feeney said "tits"

This is what I am worried about too. Bluefield was a completely different team last season when he was healthy vs. when he wasn't. Hopefully loaded talent at the skills positions that Rules mentioned in his first post will take some of the weight off Leggett this season. Rules, did you get any feel on how the O-line looked the other day?

For those that went how did the Leggett kid look?

That's about what I see too. My breakdown: Likely wins: Graham, River View, Westside, Oak Hill, James Monroe (5) Toss-ups: Princeton, Greenbrier East (2) Likely losses: Charlotte Latin, Gate City, Wayne (3)

Anyone have any news on Bluefield this season? I haven't even seen anything in the BDT other than an opening practice picture. That's it. Even Charleston Daily Mail has had a piece on Coach Simon. Thoughts? Expectations?