8ball

I would love to see an offensive lineman or a defensive player win this -- Not taking anything for the selections, but they are mainly the point scorers that get the recognition. This week I would vote for Jon Corner from Tazewell -- he was like two players on the field -- he was every where making things happen and he always plays with heart. Maybe their should be an offensive and defensive player of the week -- In basketball they select a male and female player of the week -- so I feel sure they can accomodate the number of people that having a defensive and offensive selection would generate to the banquet -- which I may add is very nice and much appreciated.

I would imagine that some of the freshman girls will move up to varsity. Richlands has two guards that will be 8th graders this year and won't be able to play JV until the middle school season is over -- both are good -- but both are also hold backs -- and yes a year does make a difference -- So I am not sure Fred's year will be that great until the 8th graders move up. I have to agree that most of these girls would be offered a scholarship to Emory and Henry based solely on their academics. If they are going to endure a year or two with Fred -- I would hope that they would get a better offer than Emory and Henry basketball. Don't get me wrong Emory is a great academic school and it would be great for a kid to go there -- but let's set the bar a little higher for these girls in the athletic career. I hope Richlands has a great year with their girl's basketball program.

I think one quick fix that would help one of the problems is to rope off the track at both ends of the bleachers on both sides -- most fields do this now -- so basically you can't have people walking in front of the stands, mingling with the cheerleaders , and or hackling the team. I was at the Taz - GC game - sat on the first row of the visitor's bleachers -- a few things that were startling to me: 1. The vast number of people who walked the entire time back and forth in front of the visitor's stands -- I began noticing this and watched people walk by the stands and go to the end and then proceed to turn around and walk back in front of the stands -- the only purpose of this as far as I could see was for them to be seen and attempt to intimidate someone -- 2. The actions of many 40+ year olds and the comments made by them when they walked by the stands -- it wasn't vulgar just immature -- an example - they would walk by,look into the stands and scream something like Go Gate City -- or the like --- 3. The lack of a plan seating plan -- I understand that GC may need all of the home side and some of the vistior's side to accomadate their home town fans -- but trust me as a visitor I would have loved for the away side to have been divided -- I would have sat in the Tazewell section if I could have found it, but allowing or even encouraging the mixture of both -- especially when when tempers get heated -- is in my opinion just looking for trouble. 4. And lastly, I was shocked at the shear number of individuals who appeared to be very young who were either carrying a baby or pushing one in a stroller. I am not sure if everyone just looked soooo young or if their were alot of teen pregnancy in GC? I counted 16 babies that were being carried or strolled by what I would call a baby all as they were passing by me -- I noticied it and then two other people I was with mentioned it to me during the game.

I would like to say -- thank you for your departure -- you will not be missed -- even the Abingdon fans are glad you have decided to cleanse yourself -- I only respond because I am sure that you can't stop reading -- you may stop posting for a few days. To begin with I read quite well - and you made a list of sports which Abingdon dominates and Softball was on the list -- you admitted that you had made a mistake and stated in this last post that Abingdon is competitive in softball not dominant Additionally, I think that Abingdon's wrestling team is one of the strongest is the SWD -- they have athletes each year that can compete with Grundy -- and yes I do measure wrestling success with Grundy and you didn't put wrestling on your list. I personally think that wrestling is a true measure of strength, endurance, and intelligence -- I love to watch it and feel that you shorted your own Falcon Wrestlers! As for your remark about Abingdon being Martha Washington's birth place -- all I can say is Wow what a stupid comment to make when you are trying to make a point -- to begin with it has nothing to do with football or any other sport, but most importantly -- It was VERY WRONG -- maybe you should read a little more and find out this simple fact?!?

Preacher -- Abingdon hasn't dominated in softball in years -- unless you say battling for third is dominant -- Southwest District Softball has belonged to Richlands and Tazewell for a decade or possibly more than that -- When Abingdon entered the SWD it only gave two more district victories to Tazewell and Richlands --

I think Tazewell treats the Pocy players like everyone else -- No one under estimates the positive impact these Indians have had on the Bulldogs. Go to a Tazewell game and listen to the old guys up top of the bleachers who haven't missed a game in twenty years -- they will let you know just how welcomed these kids are. I think that the Pocy Players are never offended if they are referred to as a Pocy Player or a Pocy Kid - they are very proud to be a Pocahontas Indiant -- once an Indian always an Indian - but they are also proud to be a Tazewell Bulldog.

Graham should be pretty good --

I agree completely -- they are much closer to ALL the teams in the Piedmont than they are to ANY of the teams in the SWD. I can't imagine making the Grundy - Carroll trip -- that is entirely way to much time on a bus and then be expected to play and go to school the next day -- I have always wondered why Tazewell and Graham haven't moved to Single A -- I was told once they would go when Richlands went so that they could still have the same county rivalry -- anyone know what Richlands' enrollment is currently?

I totally agree - the flag was thrown well after the play was complete - the official that threw the flag was not in a position to make that call -- this according to film. I questioned it live, but looking back this was a very bad and very critical call. It is alot different mentally playing 21-14 than 28 -7. Gate City is a great team -- they have two players that are just heads and shoulders above most and a complimenting offensive and defensive line. This would have been a tough win for Tazewell with this call not being made, but it would have made it even more interesting. The score truely doesn't reflect the game. Gate City should have a very successful year -- and hopefully make it deep into the post season. Tazewell did not quit - I like that -- hopefully they will get focused this week at practice and learn from mistakes and build on the things that work. I hope to get to see Richlands in the next week or so -- and expect to see a strong team -- with alot of the kinks worked out -- should prove to be a good game between Tazewell Richlands in a few weeks.

I was TJ's when Darius was born and Tiara's teacher the next year. The entire Carper family are great people -- both parents are supportive and only the best for their children and more importantly expect them to be their best. They are all so polite to everyone they meet -- It's great to hear that Darius is getting this type of attention -- Way to Go Darius!!

How does B Strong intercept a pass from one of the Johnson kids -- they are on the same team -- Bradley may have thought the ball was coming to him. I would agree - there is discord among this RHS team - it could possibly be that players have dedicated days, weeks, months, and even years to the "Mance Machine" and now he [Mance] doesn't hold up his end of the bargain. It is my experience that the kids usually know and accept who is the better player at whatever position -- no one likes losing especially after they have experienced and lived through two a days. If you are the best and you earn the position -- you are accepted -- it's when other's feel that the position is 'given' to you or that you have not earned it that discord occurs. I do find it funny that the Richlands Fans are already bashing their team. It's just like last year -- loose a game and loose fan support -- I posted about the Powell Valley game turnout earlier -- I do think that the fans need to understand that Gate City is a very good team -- with great football traditions. Good Luck Next week to the Blues.

Agreed GW's #21 is a great player -- great game -

I was thinking it was going to be a long night for the Bulldogs tonight -- they struggled getting their offense started in the first half. The Bulldog defense was on the field at least 80% of the first half -- and really stayed tough -- I would give props to Cody Lockhart for looking at options on throwing passes -- there is not STAR on this team - but alot of good talented teammates. I would also say TVo and Zach Pauley spent more time in George Wythe's backfield than most anyone on GW's team. They were a dynamic duo making things happen all night. Big plays for underclassman as well -- great catches by Jaylan Jordan [sp?] , Brad Rhudy, and Josh Mitchem. Dustin Dean was every where -- just about every big offensive play had Dean involved in a critical fashion whether it be blocking or running -- he did a great job. Cory Beavers played well and was a great blocker in the fourth quarter. Corner had a great catch and was everywhere on defense -- blocking a punt in the GW endzone. I also have to say -- no 'show boating' -- actually one of GW players was penalized for a late hit on Corner and he didn't retaliate. I wonder if he will get as much chatter about this behavior as he did after the Pulaski Scrimmage. Luke Allison plays with such heart -- he is a smart guy and plays smart football -- he did well punting as did Andrew Murray kicking off. Gate City will be tough no doubt -- especially after beating Richlands at home -- that doesn't happed often -- but the Bulldogs should enjoy this win tonight and then tomorrow begin planning for next week.

I agree completely -- I have missed only 1 Richlands - Tazewell game since 1975 -- and I was in the hospital listening to it -- so it's not like I just didn't go. I would imagine there are alot of people who have not missed a Tazewell - Richlands game since they were in late elementary school or middle school -- It never really matters how either team's season has been - these two really pack a stadium year after year -- Albeit it may not receive 'national recognition' -- it receives the recognition of those that matter year after year -- the players and the fans.

Actually, you are wrong. DIII schools who are NAIA schools have athletic monies and have letters of intent. I have learned alot over the last few months while spending time visiting some colleges with family members. I always thought DIII meant only academic monies -- but I too was wrong. However, isn't it great to get a full academic ride somewhere and play your sport for fun without any pressure to perform in order to maintain you scholarships -- My family member has actually received six offers all covering 95% to 100% of cost -- most of the money is academic -- what I have discovered is that colleges create a financial package and coaches love it when the package is full of academic monies. In the case of my family -- PELL grants are not included in the financial package - so that will be extra for books and or other expenses. Those SAT scores and GPAs are really important - they really mean cash. My idea of playing a college sport is simple "isn't it great to play a game you love and get paid [tuition $] for it all while traveling around the country with 20 - 85 people who love this same game and are most often a friend -- all while doing this on some elses dime." Then you add in getting an education and adding college sports participation on your resume --

This is a tragedy - His friends and family are obviously devastated as I am sure the members of the Knox West team who Sullivan South was playing. Everyone continue to pray for and remember this young man and the people he has touched.

I beg to differ with this statement -- last season when Richlands was struggling early on [ and I say struggling only because they were not dominating and had lost a game or two - thats struggling to Richlands Fans] the stadium was not packed -- actually the season pass holders section was not 70% full. I attend many of the Richlands home games -- for the past four season I have had a nephew playing and your right while they are winning everyone is on the Richlands Band Wagon - but when they lost a game the attendance dropped. The game I remember in particular is the Powell Valley game - I have season passes - and if I can't make the game I give them to my neighbor - so my seats are usually full - this game I was totally amazed at the decrease in attendance. I didn't get to the game until minutes before kickoff and the stadium and parking was considerably less crowded that it had been anytime in recent years. Many of the fans around me were talking smack about the players and actually one mother turned and requested that an older guy [for the record who had never played football in his life - I went to RHS with him] quit attacking the quarterback -- she however was not the quarterback's mother -- she just simple said -- it is easy to support them and ride their band wagon when they are winning, how about you as a supporter remember that they are just kids playing for their fun and your entertainment and learn to support them when they are down -- he looked at her as if she were crazy and replied -- he's not your son what do you care. . So yes -- Richlands does have a big crowd -- does it decrease when the season isn't going as good -- for sure. So does every other team in the area. You have a few faithful that come no matter what -- then you have some that buy the t-shirt and wear it when things are looking good and that team is the going fad [Not that Richlands is a fad -- that a program]. I have spoken to many Bluefield/Graham alumni who generally go to the game, but have expressed to me that they may not go this year -- for a couple reason -- the economy is crazy and the $ you spend at a ballgame could be spent somewhere else [i actually love all high school sports so I feel that I get my $ worth], and many have expressed the lack of interest due to the talk that Graham isn't going to be that good this year. As for Larry Hypes - he truely loves high school sports and when he taught at Graham which was somewhere around 3-5 years he went to Graham games not Tazewell. I feel confident in saying that Mr Hypes was not trying to make negative statements towards the tradition of the BEAVER - GRAHAM game - but simple stating the facts that if you look at numbers the attendance maybe down this year == and I gather from the post actually was down last year. I however, if I were a faithful of this tradition, would make every attempt to prove him wrong this year and make plans with everyone I knew to attend this game. Mr. Hypes would love to be proven wrong on this point - he likes big crowds at all high school sporting events - so Beaver fans and Graham fans make plans, tail gate, pack the stadium beyond it's maximum seating and support your teams. I can't complain to much because the way I see it come next weekend high school sports especially high school football begins in our area -- I've been looking forward to it since the first Saturday of last December.

Actually they didn't turn the scoreboard on -- and many times throughout the scrimmage the coaches stopped play -- was really a learning scrimmage -- and with both teams starters not playing a good portion of the scrimmage it is hard to tell what the score may or may not have been

Corner is not a dirty player -- intense for sure - dirty I don't think so. In my opinion a dirty player does acts that are one of two things -- 1 - any act that would give him unfair advantage over his opponant or 2 - any act that would be meant intentionally to [take that player out of the game or season ending] hurt his opponant. Corner doesn't play to intentionally hurt anyone -- does he hit hard, for sure -- but doesn't everyone else, we as fans applaud those hits. I know everyone that saw Shane Wicks lay that guy out a few years ago had some type of reaction and if you were from Richlands or a supporter you cheered -- I was great, unless of course you were the recipient of the hit. Corner wants to play good players and make big plays against them -- when he does he generally does a little taunting. This behavior would be best put aside, and hopefully he will learn that it's best to be a show-off with the hit or tackle or even this year a catch or TD -- Actions do really speak louder than words -- I was at the scrimmage on Friday and when the bench clearing [both of them not just Tazewell's] ruckas began -- Corner and the Pulaski QB both were equally making comments and enchanging shoves. Both teams were penalized -- and the 'zebras' spoke to both teams -- if it were all about Corner -- he would have been ejected and no one else been penalized. Your exactly right about the officials and for that matter the other teams having his number -- the other team realizes that if they can push just the right buttons that he will take himself out of the game -- and some official will probably be watching him most of the night -- Hopefully for him and the Dawgs he will redirect this emotion and carry it to the next play in lieu of taunting -- if he learns this it will only make him more intense. People can say what they want about him, but he would start on any team in the SWD or Region IV -- heart and intensity along with his ability make him one of the best --

I would love for Graham to have their own stadium. I realize that Mitchell Stadium is very nice, but it really isn't Home of the GMen. I know that the cost of buidling a quality field and stadium would not be cheap, but I would also imagine that $37,000 a year would make a dent in the payments. I thought that when Carlock, Sr passed away that would have been a great time to begin the vision of Graham's own field, named for one of the Greatest coaches not only in Virginia, but in our country. I wouldn't even begin to pretend that I could make a cost estimate, but I would bet with a good design plan and some active fund raising and grant writing a beautiful stadium could become a reality.

Richlands should be good this year, however they lost about 15-20 seniors from the 2008 team, most of which were impact players.

DIII schools do recruit -- and if they are NAIA they actually have $ to give for athletics -- they do have alot of $$ to give for grades and the friends of the football team is always willing to assist a student athlete with their tuition -- don't be naive everyone recruits whether it be with $ or with hopes of having the kid seen more by colleges, or a promise of a state championship.

If this was your mother, sister, or daughter - how much would be too much for the US to have paid For me there would be no limit -- I would forever be grateful.

who will be the varsity coach?

Keep praying for TJ -- he is doing better, but he and his family continue to need your prayers. Here is his mother's post on caringbridge.org site this afternoon around 4pm. He continues to be a patient at NIH Praise God!!! TJ's ANC is 1110! Yeah!!! no more isolation. His platelets are 29, while this is no where near normal, he does not need units of platelets today. He didn't have a fever all night. He had a slight fever this morning, but not enough to worry. At 12:30 he was given a pass to the children's Inn till his medication time at 5pm. Hopefully then he will get another pass till bedtime. Thank you for your prayers. We give God the Glory for all!!