bhokie

Star 95? I think. Listened from the link on Blue Tornado web site. Again thanks for periodic updates.

Thanks for the update. As much as I'd like to see Richlands win and bring it back to SWVA, I can't stomach the radio guys. You guys need to get some new announcers--they about bailed on the Blues, until C. Thomas' big return.

If I remember corrently, Graham didn't want to go in same Single A direction VHSL wanted so they opted to stay AA a while longer . . . not sure but seem to recall similar situation with Grundy. Grundy, Graham, and every other school will always be at the mercy of the VHSL. Bottom line, it's like everything else, SWVA will always be the part of the state with less voice, clout, etc. simply due to geography, demographics, etc.

So many times I see and hear comments like "Grundy has half the students at Cave Spring," or "Richlands always has less enrollment than the teams they play in the playoffs." Abingdon has the smallest enrollment of any Division IV school in the state, and if I whined about this, everyone is SWVA would be on my case. Abingdon struggles to compete with Divison III schools in football, and everyone here realizes this, but the VHSL is happy. Grundy and Richlands should be excited to be playing in the post season. I'm glad they earned the opportunity. I sympathize with all schools in similar predicaments, but nothing will ever be done until the VHSL does something. For example, the VHSL finally allowed Grundy and Graham to drop to single A, but only on their (VHSL) terms. The new 5-classification plan that was considered a year or two ago would have heen great for some schools but terrible for others in SWVA. Schools in SWVA have to fight for everything when it comes to the VHSL (and the lobby represented by the rest of the state) so the way I look at it, Districts need to stick together and all schools in like divisions need to stick together and lobby as a whole to the VHSL. I wonder what will happen in the years to come, but I clearly understand that many Virginians thinkl the state stops at Roanoke or the New River Valley. The only way SW VA can have a voice is to work together.

R-view won 32-22

Abingdon 38, Graham 13, 7:16 3rd

Richlands D should have no trouble disrupting the CC offense unless they shoot themselves in the foot with over-confidence. CC loves to run the ball, and if they are stopped, they historically don't pass the ball well. I see Richlands winning easily.

Final--CC is tough at home. Looks like CC downs the Falcons 28-3.

CC 14, Abingdon 3. 2nd quarter. CC kicked a squib kick and recovered--worked like an onside kick.

Maybe Bluefield and Richlands could get together. With Grundy and Graham dropping to single A, Richlands will need to pick up a team.

15-13 Burton with about a minute left in game.

Looks like I have to eat my words. Cole to VT. Glad he stayed in state.

My guess is PSU. Hate to see a local player go out of state though. My opinion is that his stats are inflated. Not too many 4.4 40 guys that are 6'2" and weight 200 lbs. If could run like that, VT would not have initially offered a gray-shirt.

Well I agree with statement that Abingdon would struggle in D3 and possibly D2. Bottom line though, Abingdon is stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to Divisions as they are the lowest enrollment D4 school in the state. Last I heard, Abingdon has about 950 students.

Who won? Any surprises?

Been at Abingdon 3 seasons.

Precedent has been established. PC (1,500+ students) is "AA" Division IV. Lee with 712 students is "A" Division 2.

Even if Graham goes to "A" I don't see the VHSL allowing Tazewell (724 students) or Marion (788 students) to follow suit. Certainly, Grundy with something like 430 students could and should go single A. Abingdon with about 960 students, has the lowest enrollment of any AA Division IV team in the state. Should the new 5-classification system be implemented, it will really hurt Abingdon because they'll be placed in 3-A with closest other 3-A schools being Carroll Co., Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Pulaski County, etc., All these schools have between 1,100 and 1,500 students. If Graham, Grundy go down, I suspect Abingdon, Richlands, Tazewell, Marion and maybe Carroll Co. will remain in the SW District for now.

Thanks for update. I wanted to stop by and watch but had a prior commitment. My son was supposed to play but a nagging injury from regular season precluded this. Kudos for all the work it took to pull this off.

Game was played Friday evening. Bristol paper had a picture on front page of sports section but no accompanying article. I know this was first year and weather played a significant role in delaying game, but seems there was not a lot of marketing or publicity. Anyone see the game? Provide a summary?

And the word became flesh. Merry Christmas everyone.

I heard tonight that it will be played some time in early January.

Is this game still on for Saturaday? Who are some of the kids representing?

Yes, FCA game in memory of Sullivan South player who passed away earlier this season. There is a thread under SWVA Football, search FCA All-Star football game.

Falcons boys varsity win against CC 60-52. Great game Falcons!