here

Monroe County does have activity buses for sports' practices. And it's true, there are lots of rural square miles here. However, just like it was way back when I was a kid, if the team gets home late at night, mom or dad (if the kid doesn't drive) has the pleasure of picking up son or daughter at the school or making alternate arrangements. That's one of the prices you pay for participating. (Most parents in Monroe, however, attend games so kids ride home with their parents.) One of the biggest advantages for us, however, in consolidating was the opportunity to offer advanced classes that wouldn't have been possible at either Peterstown or Union individually. I believe it used to be the case, and probably still is, you have to have a certain number of students interested in taking a class before you can offer it. Individually, Peterstown and Union did not have those numbers; however, at James Monroe the numbers justify classes and for today's math and science classes, that means a lot.

[ QUOTE ] I heard that the coach from Bath Co. has applied for the job. I think his name is Jones? Maybe some Virginia folks can tell me if that would be a good thing or not. [/ QUOTE ] I haven't heard anything about the football coaching position at James Monroe in a while, and I just wondered if anyone else had. I understand there are about 8 applicants - most from out of the area. Anyone know any specifics?

Yes. Lifting and conditioning.

[ QUOTE ] speaking of hitting crazy 3's, as of about 2 weeks ago, Willard from Wyoming East had like 65 [/ QUOTE ] I couldn't believe how he hit 3's when they played James Monroe @ Lindside. Willard had like 8 consecutive 3's.

Jason had already given up his teaching position (in November, I believe).

[ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] On a related note, Fred Simon creates a fertile breeding ground for those who hate Bluefield. Did five of those ten losses that Witt had come at the hands of Bluefield? No wonder Fred Simon creates a fertile breeding ground for James Monroe fans to hate Bluefield. [/ QUOTE ] No, more him being a butthole than anything. [/ QUOTE ] please give reasons for that analogy, becuase the only ones i can think of is the fact that he stomps JM every year in the playoffs. please no he said she said stuff either... Provide solid examples. [/ QUOTE ] Um, I don't think 20-12 constitutes "stomping."

[ QUOTE ] Add Donnie Jackson to the list. Thats the rumor anyway.He's seriously thinking about coming back. [/ QUOTE ] Do you know that for sure? I know he also gave up the job because of some health issues, so I wonder if he'd really be considering it.

[ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] that i-formation would be a pretty good fit imo, however, id be concerned that they would still just run the ball and never have the threat of throwing. Everytime I saw Robertson throw the ball, when it was completed, was to a completely wide open receiver and was a dying duck in the air. He has never proven to me that he can squeeze a ball into coverage or hit a receiver in stride. I think with whatever James Monroe decides to do with their offense it will take a lot of work to perfect. [/ QUOTE ] How do you know that Robertson would be qb? Did you see all of JM's games? I saw him throw some great passes during the season. I think we will be okay, whatever we decide.... [/ QUOTE ] no I didnt see all of JM's games but from what I did see this year, especially in the first Bluefield game, he cannot throw under pressure if he HAS to. when it came down to james monroe HAVING to throw the ball and move downfield, bluefield actually played converage on the receivers on just swatted the ball down on every pass attempt. he had nothing on his throws, couldnt squeeze it inot coverage at all and couldnt lead his receivers. The good throws that I saw him make, whether it were on game film or against Bluefield, the receivers were completely open because of a play action and Roberston messed up glorious td oppotunities because he didnt lead them anywhere. Thats what im saying. Now as far as him not being the QB and leaving him in at tailback, I think that would be a great idea. Finding a quarterback I think will be JM's toughest task. If they were to keep Roberston in at tb and have keisil, I believe is his name, at fb, and find a decent quarterback, then everything should go well with the program. [/ QUOTE ] I don't believe a new coach will go away from the single wing, entirely, but will certainly add new formations. Although not everyone agrees with everything that's done on the field at all times, I don't believe we can complain about Coach Witt too much. A 53-10 record isn't so bad! And, yes, I believe whoever takes over will still play smash-mouth football. Our line will need reworking but we still have a lot of good kids. (I believe John Ballengee is a pretty good passer, but his size may hurt.)

His resignation is no rumor.

Although I haven't heard, officially, I understand Coach Witt tendered his resignation for health reasons. So, what lies ahead? Potential candidates for coach??? Single wing???

I don't feel comfortable saying anymore - just put your ear to the ground. (I'd say word will spread quickly.)

Don't want to be premature in posting, but I understand there will be a change in James Monroe's football program for next year. I'm sure more will be known after tonight's Board meeting.

Sorry Princeton fans. According to the Charleston Daily Mail, Rich Rodriguez called Peterstown 112 times in November and December. Could the single wing be going to Michigan??

[ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] heard something today that graham may have picked them up [/ QUOTE ] As of 3 PM yesterday, they had not. Doug called me and asked to spread the word that Graham needed a game. He had called James Monroe but had not heard back from them. Would be a great addition to the schedules of both teams... [/ QUOTE ] That would be a great addition to the JM schedule. Maybe it will work out!

The Narrows game certainly developed into a rivalry - counties a state line apart, lots of Giles County/Monroe County folks working together, etc. - but, unfortunately, in the last few years, Narrows has suffered from a dwindling school population. (Don't know if Narrows and Giles will ever be able to overcome the hurdle and consolidate.) Pikeview - I'm not sure why they're still on the schedule, but in a somewhat reverse situation, they're so bad, everybody's dropping them. It kinda seems if Liberty Raleigh and Shady felt they needed to drop us, Pikeview would certainly have even more reason to do so. Frankly, I guess given the point system and the way things have been lately, JM would be better off to play only 8 games (if you can still be playoff eligible with 8???)

Possibly UFO - aliens studying the single wing.

[ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Any updates on a potential replacement for Spadaro? [/ QUOTE ] I've heard through the rumor mill that JM's coach may be the next P'town coach when ole Teddy is done...just a rumor though but with Monroe Co. connections...and this would go along with what "crazies" said about an "outsider" getting the job... [/ QUOTE ] There may be some truth to that. A plane landed in one of the fields near Lindside late one evening this week and reportedly returned to Mercer County airport. Waiting on news conference.

I believe that in this game, as in the Greenbrier East game, the guys who played football did not get to play due to practice requirements or some such quirk.

Boys Varsity score? When?

Playing Wayne will be a good addition. I understand Liberty and Shady have dropped the Mavs. So I wonder if perhaps Narrows is also gone and who else will be in the mix . . .

Congratulations to Bluefield on your championship. Also congrats to the Mavs who have had a great season, and, although it's easy to question some of the play calling, I'm not going to rag on the coach because he got us there. Looking forward to next season.

[ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] JT Powell had a rivals page last year with no offers from any D-1 schools. You can make your own profile on rivals or scout so being on there doesnt necessarily mean you are a big time prospect. I know for a fact that Shaun Brooks has gotten offers. Ansel Ponder, from what Ive heard, has been told by WVU that if his test grades are good, they will offer. [/ QUOTE ] All this makes me wonder why more Bluefield kids don't get scholarships. Is it problems with grades? Is the Bluefield area just overlooked? Are the kids good team players, but not so good at the college level? I can only speak from my experience a bit over 20 years ago. I graduated from BHS and went to Virginia Tech, and I was totally overwhelmed. The kids from Tidewater and Northern Virginia were far, far more prepared for college work than I was. [/ QUOTE ] I think part of it has to do with the fact that Coach Simon does very little to help his players beyond the high school level, when they can help him. I've known of instances where he has kept letters of interest from players, refused to return calls from college coaches about his players, and failed to copy game film for when requested to send off to recruiters. [/ QUOTE ] Wow. I admit, I'm a little shocked by that. Most coaches are out there talking up their players. Why on earth is he doing the complete opposite? Has he had a run-in with a college coach, or a bad relationship with a college program? I always heard that Carlock wouldn't have anything to do with Virginia Tech, for instance, and tried to keep his kids from going there. No idea if there is any truth to that, though. Seriously, though, if what you're saying is correct, that is pretty pathetic of Freddy. What on earth is his motivation for doing that? [/ QUOTE ] I do know Bluefield has talent, and has always had talented athletes, and it really shocks me too that Coach Simon would have that attitude. What's up with that?

[ QUOTE ] He was having some intestinel(gut) problems last week and could not make the trip to Wayne. The other coaches called him just before the game and he said he was doing a lot better but I have not talked to any of this week so I just don't know. [/ QUOTE ] Coach Ballard was at practice yesterday and from what I understand, he was back in full swing!

[ QUOTE ] yeah I find it strange how JM fans can criticize a qb. Do they even have one? I mean honestly, that stupid drive they could possibly even consider to be a comeback attempt was pathetic. You stop JM's run, you stop them. I saw some play that JM ran against Wayne when they actually did pass the ball and the football looked more like one of those little weeble toys I have bought for my little sister. Sure, Will had an off night against JM the first time around, but everyone does have one, and he has done a fine job all year long. I can say this for sure..JM will see a different Will Cole this week in Wheeling, especially right before they are ten yards behind Ansel Ponder as he jogs down the sidelines to the endzone. [/ QUOTE ] Don't think I critized your QB at all. Read my original post again - correctly, this time.

[ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Not taking anything away from Cole or any other quarterback JM faced this year, but the freshman from Magnolia was probably the best I have seen - he had a good arm, was accurate and very poised. He made some unbelievable things happen. [/ QUOTE ] I'll second that! He was good. [/ QUOTE ] really? i find that quite strange considering he threw 2 INTS and went 8-21... hmmm.... [/ QUOTE ] Well, I guess you're right. Being a JM fan, what would I know about a quarterback.