Dave Rider played at Big Creek and played 3 ways at WVU, offense, defense, and special teams. He played under Merle Gainer at Big Creek, the legend who went on to coach at Bluefield High
Ah! You are right. I was just talking about how he played at Big Creek to someone last week. Completely slipped my mind.
George Grimes, John Rainey, Jesse Davis, Robbie Colley
Could also throw in: Steve Mitchem, Dave Rider, Stephan Holloway, Cassius Harris, TJ Rasnick, Matt Muncy, Mark Muncey, Chancellor Harris, I am sure I am leaving some folks out.
From my alma mater, Richlands, I think I would put these four:
1. Mike Compton--went on to be a Consensus All-American at WVU. Started at Center for three years there. Lombardi Award Finalist, named a first team All-American by numerous outlets, 2x First Team All Big East. Third Round NFL Draft pick. Blocked for Sanders in Detroit. Won SB XXXVI and XXXVII in New England and played for the Jacksonville Jaguars before embarking on a high school and collegiate coaching career.
2. Devon Johnson--at Richlands, Johnson in his career finished with 457 carries 4,340 rushing yards, 9.5 yards per carry, 63 rushing touchdowns, 23 receptions, 399 yards receiving, six receiving touchdowns to go along with 216 tackles, 47 TFLs, 16 sacks, 10 FFs, 1 INT--this was at a time when the starters at Richlands were pulled after the first drive in the third quarter on a lot of nights. At Marshall, Johnson rushed for 2,373 yards which ranks ninth all time at Marshall. 25 rushing touchdowns, which is 12th all time at Marshall. Johnson averaged 7.78 yards a carry (305/2,373)--the best in Thundering Herd history. Johnson had six games in which he rushed for 150 or more yards. (12 at 100 or more). Johnson rushed for 100 or more yards in seven consecutive games and three consecutive games where he had 150 or more yards--the best in Marshall history. Johnson holds the single game rushing record at Marshall where he finished the 2014 contest with FAU in 2014 with 272 rushing yards. Johnson's 2014 season saw him rush for 1,767 yards which is second most in Marshall history for a single season. Johnson also finished sixth in the country in rushing in 2014 (behind some guys you may have heard of Melvin Gordon, Tevin Coleman, Ezekiel Elliott, Donnel Pumphery and Jay Ajayi). Devon was a first team Conference USA selection and a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award. Devon went on to sign with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent where he stayed on with the Panthers for the 2016 season before being waived in 2017.
3. Matt McGlothlin--Matt was a first team all SWD selection on offense and defense, and a firs team all state selection. McGlothlin walked onto the Tennessee program in 2002 and then played in all 12 games for the Vols in 2003 where he even started two contests. In 2005, McGlothlin saw significant playing time but in 2006 McGlothlin saw his most productive where he finished with 15 tackles. Matt signed a UDFA deal with the Kansas City Chiefs and then spent some time in the Arena League with the Orlando Predators.
4. Terry Wess--A 1969 graduate of Richlands High School that started for three years as a QB at RHS, who had an offer to go to Marshall on a football scholarship. His number is retired by the program. Wess was a longtime assistant coach at Richlands and was the head coach in 1993 where he led the Blues to a 7-3 record.
These are the four I would put on the list. The Honorable Mentions would have to consist of: Caleb Jennings, Justin McCracken, Austin Fuller, John Luke Asbury, Billy Cranwell, Brannon Breeding, Jeremy McCommons, Sandy Rogers, Bradley Strong, Taylor Wade, Josh Hess, Cody Thomas, Brad Salyers, Timmy Brown. And others. I am sure I am leaving out some names.
The fact more people don’t mention Mike Compton is amazing. He won the Rimington trophy at WVU, blocked for Barry Sanders during his 2000 yard season and then won a couple of Super Bowls blocking for Tom Brady. If Meadows has half of that success Graham fans will talk about him for generations. 😂
Compton did not win the Rimington Award but he was a Consensus All American at WVU. He was on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame. Member of the WVU Sports HOF. Blocking for Sanders and blocking for two Super Bowl champion teams is a stellar resume and one that may not get the most notoriety just because of it being a lineman. Great career.
Including the pre-1970 championship games, Virginia High has never won a home playoff game. Not one. All their previous playoff wins have come on the road or at neutral sites
The only wins in the modern era:
1973: Pulaski (played at Radford HS)
1987: at Richlands, at Marion (for the Division 4 Region IV championship)
2004: at Grundy
2013: at Gretna
We've also only hosted two playoff games, both losses:
This really is sad news. Those Council teams in the late 90s and early 2000s were incredible. The community pride that the Council area has for the Cobras basketball team is remarkable. I attended a game a few years back when the Cobras were struggling to compile a couple wins together. However, the stands were packed in comparison to some schools big time playoff games. I am hoping this is a brief hiatus and that Council is soon able to return to the hardwood.
I watched Grundy play Burton last night and Scammell would start for probably for most 1A/2A teams. He follows his blocks well and has a good burst of speed along with power. I honestly was impressed with them offensively but I think if they want to make a deep run they need to play better defense. As we all know Defense wins Championships.
I have said this all season about Scammell. He is one of the best all around backs in the area regardless of classification. Like you mentioned, just a smart player. The complete package
Grundy looking for its third straight Black Diamond District title and its fifth BDD title since joining in 2011. A win would also cement Grundy's 14th district title in school history when taking into consideration the old Southwest Conference, the Southwest District and the aforementioned Black Diamond.
The Golden Wave offense has put up 60+ three times this season. Before this season it had been 12 years since Grundy had put 60+ on the score board. Ian Scammell and the gang look tough.
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Richlands to get new baseball facility
in SWVA Baseball & Softball
Posted
Long overdue. This will be a great addition. Much like the softball facility which has been built on the school campus in recent years.