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Posted
29 minutes ago, ojrussell said:

No longer a lot of kids from Jewell Ridge ,Red Ash,Premier,Coal Dan, et al.

I see how this can be a factor with numbers and debatable toughness factor, but I honestly cannot remember when Richlands was at its best, being very successful prior to Mance. Even then, I remember the best athletes were often from the Cedar Bluff and Pounding Mill areas. Sometimes they came from Richlands or War, WV. In my day, Raven was good, but no better than the Blue Devils.

Posted
20 minutes ago, ojrussell said:

Two really good QBS from Jewell Ridge !

I’m intrigued. Not knowing specifically where all the players lived, but off the top of my head, the QBs I remember during the really successful years are as follows ( bear in mind 1992 was over 30 years ago):

Monk, Dye, Collins, Brown, Wells, McCracken, Fuller/Elswick, Johnson, Lockhart/Strong, Strong, Baker/Brown, Michael’s, and Asbury. Forgive me if I forget one, but I can account the majority were not from Jewel Ridge.

 I am more familiar with the premier tailbacks during those teams, those especially talented like Breeding, McCommons, Davis, Ringstaff, Jennings, Johnson, and Blankenship. 
Wide receivers during the spread years Fuller, Davis, Tatum, Stanton, Johnson, Ball, Collins, Strong and Howie. 
 

I do know Lowe, both Vance’s, Lowe, Barnette, were very very good.

Richland has certainly benefited from the coal camp communities (I can think of 3-4 from recent teams), I just can’t remember the “difference makers” that were able to turn in those big plays.

Posted
1 hour ago, tornado99 said:

I see how this can be a factor with numbers and debatable toughness factor, but I honestly cannot remember when Richlands was at its best, being very successful prior to Mance. Even then, I remember the best athletes were often from the Cedar Bluff and Pounding Mill areas. Sometimes they came from Richlands or War, WV. In my day, Raven was good, but no better than the Blue Devils.

If you look at 460 all the way from Giles County down to Grundy, you will find some, actually many of the best athletes come from off 460 that live along/near 460 but not inside the towns, for example, Pearisburg, Bluefield VA, Tazewell, and Richlands. Communities like Springville have been possibly the most important feeder system in Grahams history and similar with the Pounding Mill kids feeding Tazewell and some to Richlands. The same applies taking 460 the other way through for example, Appomattox, Nottoway. Sussex, Surry, and Southampton counties

Posted

The main problem with the Richlands football program at the moment is that there are no longer 5 to 6 pee wee and midget teams in town.

The high school program did well when Richlands had a solid pee wee program. A few folks thought it was beneficial for kids to win instead of develop, so the program was diminished to two teams. With more kids on the sidelines and not getting the reps, it's fairly easy to see why kids on Friday nights have no real feel for the game. 

Anyone who has ever been around sports knows that sometimes, the 'studs' at age ten don't pan out to be that type of dominating player at the varsity level. Likewise, kids who may be undersized or underdeveloped in their early years grow into their bodies by high school and become D1-type players (i.e., Austin Fuller)

Until the powers that be in Richlands realize that more teams allow more kids to participate, learn, and grow in football, the Blue Tornado program will continue the trend that no one really thought we would see.  

Posted
1 minute ago, cityofRaven said:

The main problem with the Richlands football program at the moment is that there are no longer 5 to 6 pee wee and midget teams in town.

The high school program did well when Richlands had a solid pee program. A few folks thought it was beneficial for kids to win instead of develop, so the program was diminished to two teams. With more kids on the sidelines and not getting the reps, it's fairly easy to see why kids on Friday nights have no real feel for the game. 

Anyone who has ever been around sports knows that sometimes, the 'studs' at age ten don't pan out to be that type of dominating player at the varsity level. Likewise, kids who may be undersized or underdeveloped in their early years grow into their bodies by high school and become D1-type players (i.e., Austin Fuller)

Until the powers that be in Richlands realize that more teams allow more kids to participate, learn, and grow in football, the Blue Tornado program will continue the trend that no one really thought we would see.  

Because of this premium on numbers and football’s use of linemen, the sport is unique enough to make homegrown talent the way to go despite the trend of travel sports culture that is more applicable to skill dependent sports (soccer, baseball/softball, and basketball.)

My belief is that the fast kids are normally always fast, but as the post says size and strength develops differently and at different times. The greater the numbers, the greater the chance to develop those studs. I know this is a factor in the decision to hold back. Parents and coaches seek the advantage on the front end to succeed or stack the deck often successfully. I think elite players benefit more by playing up against older/superior competition. In today’s short window of playing years, holding back is the easiest way to ensure an edge, but not always necessary.

Posted

The problems with the Blues are internal the administration won't let Coach Davis hire who he wants as assistants this came from his own mouth and there is a 4 foot 1 inch little man in the central office who controls it all, who they hire and even who gets to play on Friday nights, until this changes or his kid graduates it's not gonna change. If you are from Richlands you know this. The parents are getting fed up and it's just a matter of time before a revolt happens likely before this season is over.  

Posted
8 hours ago, Big Blue Baby said:

The problems with the Blues are internal the administration won't let Coach Davis hire who he wants as assistants this came from his own mouth and there is a 4 foot 1 inch little man in the central office who controls it all, who they hire and even who gets to play on Friday nights, until this changes or his kid graduates it's not gonna change. If you are from Richlands you know this. The parents are getting fed up and it's just a matter of time before a revolt happens likely before this season is over.  

Did Not know the little man you refer to has a kid playing for the Blues -maybe Tazewell ?

Posted

The one I remember  best was QB in early or mid sixties -Had a great game  against Va .High -jack Compton was one of the half backs-Ernie was the coach -Pappy of the BHC  had a great article about =oh yes V High Coach was an Alabama grad-can't recall his name - Va Hight was a heavy favorite !

Posted

 Another angle is that kids are not willing to put in the work to play. My nephew started playing this year, once the contact started, it was easier to stay home and play video games.
Another issue is that when the ones that are playing make a mistake, they'll have the coach in their face. I've seen this happen time after time. I wonder how many young men play 1 year then quit because of this.  Not saying all coaches are like this but there's enough of them out there.  

Posted

All I can say, is after watching the game at Ridgeview Friday night, the Blues have got a long way to go.  This fall from the top is the biggest I’ve seen around here since PV went through that bad cycle before consolidation.  
I know Gate City has fallen, but part of that is having a dominant basketball program develop.  

Posted
6 hours ago, Wolf1207 said:

All I can say, is after watching the game at Ridgeview Friday night, the Blues have got a long way to go.  This fall from the top is the biggest I’ve seen around here since PV went through that bad cycle before consolidation.  
I know Gate City has fallen, but part of that is having a dominant basketball program develop.  

Those last few years for PV were bad. Not only had the talent dried up some, but I think Robbins was ready to retire. When the weight room isn't open every day and the cheerleaders practice longer than the football team, you know it's over.

Posted
11 hours ago, Wolf1207 said:

All I can say, is after watching the game at Ridgeview Friday night, the Blues have got a long way to go.  This fall from the top is the biggest I’ve seen around here since PV went through that bad cycle before consolidation.  
I know Gate City has fallen, but part of that is having a dominant basketball program develop.  

Their problems are multiple for sure.  I've seen some of the local JV teams that were bigger.  They don't have size, speed or a lot of numbers and the weight of losing so many games is weighing heavy on them so motivation is low.  They have to get those OL/DL into the weight room and work, work, work.  I think too often the focus is on skill positions but if you're trying to rebuild you have to start with the big-boys. What was most concerning for me was lack of defensive fundamentals and passion.  Man, you don't have a chance if you can't get that going.  There is a leadership/motivation requirement that has to be met first.  The only way it gets back is if you get those kids to take pride in themselves and play physical fundamental football.  You have to be able to connect with and motivate those kids. 

Posted
13 minutes ago, SwvaOG said:

Their problems are multiple for sure.  I've seen some of the local JV teams that were bigger.  They don't have size, speed or a lot of numbers and the weight of losing so many games is weighing heavy on them so motivation is low.  They have to get those OL/DL into the weight room and work, work, work.  I think too often the focus is on skill positions but if you're trying to rebuild you have to start with the big-boys. What was most concerning for me was lack of defensive fundamentals and passion.  Man, you don't have a chance if you can't get that going.  There is a leadership/motivation requirement that has to be met first.  The only way it gets back is if you get those kids to take pride in themselves and play physical fundamental football.  You have to be able to connect with and motivate those kids. 

The mental/motivational part cannot be overstated. This would be the fifth straight losing season, so the success of years past is far removed. The kids simply haven’t experienced success in a while, which leads to apathy and acceptance. (This is not the way to go, but an observation.) A hallmark of the glory years, even when less talented, the Blues always believed they had a chance to win and was eager to put in the work. It’s going to take a special group of players to help turn the corner, not discounting leadership. We, as parents and fans also share a responsibility to turn it around at home.

Posted
On 10/6/2024 at 10:42 PM, cityofRaven said:

The main problem with the Richlands football program at the moment is that there are no longer 5 to 6 pee wee and midget teams in town.

The high school program did well when Richlands had a solid pee wee program. A few folks thought it was beneficial for kids to win instead of develop, so the program was diminished to two teams. With more kids on the sidelines and not getting the reps, it's fairly easy to see why kids on Friday nights have no real feel for the game. 

Anyone who has ever been around sports knows that sometimes, the 'studs' at age ten don't pan out to be that type of dominating player at the varsity level. Likewise, kids who may be undersized or underdeveloped in their early years grow into their bodies by high school and become D1-type players (i.e., Austin Fuller)

Until the powers that be in Richlands realize that more teams allow more kids to participate, learn, and grow in football, the Blue Tornado program will continue the trend that no one really thought we would see.  

This seems to be a common theme for most youth football leagues, but youth sports in general. Many parents think that their kid has the potential to turn pro before or during middle school. Even when some don't grow over 5'9 and never reach that 5.0 40-yard dash. And many dads and parents live their dreams thru their children so they sacrifice building skills for winning trophies. I would just like to meet the fella who puts the youth football championships on his tombstone, so I could laugh at him. 

Posted

Youth football should focus on fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals. What you put into a kid at that age will more than likely stick with them for their career. Good or bad. The youth football model that Jeff Gee and Danny Mullins had going in Tazewell several years back has helped not just Tazewell but Graham, Montcalm, and Mt. View. It focused on fundamentals and playing time for all kids. 

 

Posted
51 minutes ago, Mountain Football said:

Youth football should focus on fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals. What you put into a kid at that age will more than likely stick with them for their career. ..It focused on fundamentals and playing time for all kids. 

 

Thats the only way

Posted
On 10/7/2024 at 11:52 PM, Wolf1207 said:

All I can say, is after watching the game at Ridgeview Friday night, the Blues have got a long way to go.  This fall from the top is the biggest I’ve seen around here since PV went through that bad cycle before consolidation.  
I know Gate City has fallen, but part of that is having a dominant basketball program develop.  

But that was nothing like what’s happening at Richlands.  Sure there were some 5-5 teams but never below .500, nothing like double digit streaks of losses. 

Posted
9 hours ago, Mountain Football said:

Youth football should focus on fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals. What you put into a kid at that age will more than likely stick with them for their career. Good or bad. The youth football model that Jeff Gee and Danny Mullins had going in Tazewell several years back has helped not just Tazewell but Graham, Montcalm, and Mt. View. It focused on fundamentals and playing time for all kids. 

 

Amen, Amen and Amen   Its about developing kids not to feed ego's   

Posted
14 hours ago, BigWinners said:

But that was nothing like what’s happening at Richlands.  Sure there were some 5-5 teams but never below .500, nothing like double digit streaks of losses. 

That is correct in terms of Gate City or Powell Valley not having a double digit losing streak nor having the fall off Richlands has had. However, Gate City has finished below .500 seven times since 2015.  

Posted
5 hours ago, rvtne216 said:

That is correct in terms of Gate City or Powell Valley not having a double digit losing streak nor having the fall off Richlands has had. However, Gate City has finished below .500 seven times since 2015.  

I just meant PV before the closure, I know there weren’t many great years but never anything like what we’re seeing at Richlands. 
 

GC had some lean years for sure but a team from BSG hasn’t been below .500 since 1977 in the regular season (a few 5-6 years but that includes playoffs) and hasn’t done it twice in a row since 68-69. 

Posted

I'll be curious to see what the schedule for Richlands looks like this upcoming cycle. I know great programs have to schedule tough but this just ain't helping anyone

Posted
18 hours ago, BigWinners said:

I just meant PV before the closure, I know there weren’t many great years but never anything like what we’re seeing at Richlands. 
 

GC had some lean years for sure but a team from BSG hasn’t been below .500 since 1977 in the regular season (a few 5-6 years but that includes playoffs) and hasn’t done it twice in a row since 68-69. 

That is consistent and very impressive

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