Graham vs Strasburg

[UnionGuy2017]

32 minutes ago, Graham32 said:

Final game of the year gotta get the ball into your athletes hands. 

“Last game of the year Brent, can’t hold anything back now!”

[Real Sasquatch]

41 minutes ago, Graham32 said:

Final game of the year gotta get the ball into your athletes hands. 

Agree.

[BKFootball]

I think after watching Starsburg they do a lot of little things right and there backs have enough speed to break big runs but also don't care to just get 3 yards, I don't think G men can stop them from scoring.  It will come down to which defense can get a turn over.  

Give me Starsburg 28-14

[Real Sasquatch]

Nice article on Strasburg's O-Line.

 

https://www.nvdaily.com/nvdaily/offensive-line-key-to-strasburgs-success-this-season/article_66e32343-2d3d-513b-abb9-a5805fb6cfe9.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawHG_DNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHd1V72owcZLHPNAIq7CjmxW20EcLO9p63wnhsx2Dy4CFyFfBnDCimXLPSw_aem_hXxARqD3MRNmFO5evRfIvg

[Real Sasquatch]

9 minutes ago, BKFootball said:

I think after watching Starsburg they do a lot of little things right and there backs have enough speed to break big runs but also don't care to just get 3 yards, I don't think G men can stop them from scoring.  It will come down to which defense can get a turn over.  

Give me Starsburg 28-14

If Strasburg wins, I think it'll be in a close one.  Something like, 14-10.  I like the score you gave, but I'm going to say Graham 28-14 over Strasburg.

[Graham32]

2 hours ago, Real Sasquatch said:

If Strasburg wins, I think it'll be in a close one.  Something like, 14-10.  I like the score you gave, but I'm going to say Graham 28-14 over Strasburg.

If Graham shows up and plays their best game of the season they will win. It’s going to take everything all those boys have in them to win this game. 

[tornado99]

I think this will be a very good game. While biased because they are local, as long as they are disciplined and don’t beat themselves, I believe Graham wins. After reading the article and knowing how good Graham is, I have a hard time seeing them matching up with Graham’s size on the line. I can’t remember who said it, but “a good big man is better than a good little man.”

Graham 21-17.

[Liam McPoyle]

5 hours ago, UnionGuy2017 said:

“Last game of the year Brent, can’t hold anything back now!”

"I know"

[jeffro]

10 hours ago, BKFootball said:

I think after watching Starsburg they do a lot of little things right and there backs have enough speed to break big runs but also don't care to just get 3 yards, I don't think G men can stop them from scoring.  It will come down to which defense can get a turn over.  

Give me Starsburg 28-14

Watching Strausburg, IMO to disrupt this offense, put someone in every gap and blitz them. If the linemen then pull for the backs, (which they like to do) then Grahams D backs come in barely touched.  Dare them to throw the ball.  

[FootballFan67]

Good luck to the GMEN coaches and players on Saturday. 

The Bristol Herald Courier has published several articles related to some of the players and coaching staff.  They've actually given Graham more publicity than the local media outlets in Bluefield from what I've seen. These articles on Blake Graham and Gabe Lilly are the latest ones published today, two of the key players in Graham's victory over Glenvar. 

Blake Graham

https://heraldcourier.com/sports/high-school/football/high-school-football-blake-graham-has-been-great-for-graham/article_da931102-b7e9-11ef-9d05-6fc1e2ea7739.html

Gabe Lilly 

https://heraldcourier.com/sports/high-school/football/high-school-football-gabe-lilly-has-blossomed-for-graham-g-men/article_65d1e86a-b7ea-11ef-af89-37d229e496fc.html

 

[Tru Blue72]

I think Graham wins this by using short passes and sustained drives.  I'll go with Gmen 21 Strausburgh 13

[tornado99]

Graham is a model program that exemplifies a program that has the best shot to consistently compete with the geographic advantages enjoyed by the northern, eastern and urban areas of the state. It’s a talent-rich area, with an excellent coaching staff and offseason program. Reading the news out of Hayfield (I am simply talking about geography that allowed the scandal and not accusing of anything.) and the recent BHC articles over the year it paints a clear picture/template to how to consistently compete for titles. Bravo to Graham for making the most out the talent in Bluefield, Virginia and eastern Tazewell County. That success has lead to surrounding kids within a reasonable driving distance supplementing that talent in key areas. I have said it before, they are in a unique position that partially explains their success and Palmer’s comparatively long tenure. A former poster referred to Galax as little Salem, but I think Graham is the more appropriate comparison. Salem was long rumored to get its best players from Roanoke city. I’m sure many of them seek Salem as they now seek Graham to be a part of a winning program. Like Richlands 2008-2016, and Russell County is experiencing at times now with a talented group, it’s just easier to do with distance. 

[jeffro]

7 minutes ago, tornado99 said:

Graham is a model program that exemplifies a program that has the best shot to consistently compete with the geographic advantages enjoyed by the northern, eastern and urban areas of the state. It’s a talent-rich area, with an excellent coaching staff and offseason program. Reading the news out of Hayfield (I am simply talking about geography that allowed the scandal and not accusing of anything.) and the recent BHC articles over the year it paints a clear picture/template to how to consistently compete for titles. Bravo to Graham for making the most out the talent in Bluefield, Virginia and eastern Tazewell County. That success has lead to surrounding kids within a reasonable driving distance supplementing that talent in key areas. I have said it before, they are in a unique position that partially explains their success and Palmer’s comparatively long tenure. A former poster referred to Galax as little Salem, but I think Graham is the more appropriate comparison. Salem was long rumored to get its best players from Roanoke city. I’m sure many of them seek Salem as they now seek Graham to be a part of a winning program. Like Richlands 2008-2016, and Russell County is experiencing at times now with a talented group, it’s just easier to do with distance. 

We are very blessed to have the coaching staff that we have, for their knowledge of football yes, but for their love and admiration for these young men! Read Bristol Hearld ‘s article on Mike Horton and you’ll get a sense of the culture here at Graham.  These young men have upmost respect for their coaches.  They treat them as their own.   Special place to play ball!

[Graham32]

1 hour ago, jeffro said:

We are very blessed to have the coaching staff that we have, for their knowledge of football yes, but for their love and admiration for these young men! Read Bristol Hearld ‘s article on Mike Horton and you’ll get a sense of the culture here at Graham.  These young men have upmost respect for their coaches.  They treat them as their own.   Special place to play ball!

IMO, Mike Horton is one of if not the biggest reason for Grahams success. Winning championships start in the weight room. The off season program Graham has is unbelievable. 

[tornado99]

1 hour ago, jeffro said:

We are very blessed to have the coaching staff that we have, for their knowledge of football yes, but for their love and admiration for these young men! Read Bristol Hearld ‘s article on Mike Horton and you’ll get a sense of the culture here at Graham.  These young men have upmost respect for their coaches.  They treat them as their own.   Special place to play ball!

That was one of the articles referenced that I read. That was a key piece of the puzzle. It wasn’t just the knowledge and physical gifts/appearance that impressed me, but the psychological boost, excitement, and relationship he provides.

This is what I see Richlands attempting to imitate with its program. It’s probably more of a challenge given the geographic and talent constraints, but I can attest that our S&C coach really cares for the kids, and I hope it leads to continued improvement.

[Real Sasquatch]

6 hours ago, FootballFan67 said:

Good luck to the GMEN coaches and players on Saturday. 

The Bristol Herald Courier has published several articles related to some of the players and coaching staff.  They've actually given Graham more publicity than the local media outlets in Bluefield from what I've seen. These articles on Blake Graham and Gabe Lilly are the latest ones published today, two of the key players in Graham's victory over Glenvar. 

Blake Graham

https://heraldcourier.com/sports/high-school/football/high-school-football-blake-graham-has-been-great-for-graham/article_da931102-b7e9-11ef-9d05-6fc1e2ea7739.html

Gabe Lilly 

https://heraldcourier.com/sports/high-school/football/high-school-football-gabe-lilly-has-blossomed-for-graham-g-men/article_65d1e86a-b7ea-11ef-af89-37d229e496fc.html

 

The BHC does a much better job of covering the G-men then their "hometown" paper the BDT.  

[jeffro]

2 hours ago, Real Sasquatch said:

The BHC does a much better job of covering the G-men then their "hometown" paper the BDT.  

Yes a big “Thank you “ to Bristol Herald Courier for caring and covering this end of the state!

[Real Sasquatch]

Posters on the  "other" board are mostly picking Strasburg in the title game.  Is Graham is the away team and apparently a slight underdog.  

[jeffro]

18 minutes ago, Real Sasquatch said:

Posters on the  "other" board are mostly picking Strasburg in the title game.  Is Graham is the away team and apparently a slight underdog.  

i seen that as well, folks on that side of the state has seen or heard about Strausburg and how good they are. Us Folks on this end of the state  have seen and know how good Graham is.   Cant wait for the meeting in the Middle!! = Slobberknocker!

[Wildcat/Chanticleer]

6 hours ago, Graham32 said:

IMO, Mike Horton is one of if not the biggest reason for Grahams success. Winning championships start in the weight room. The off season program Graham has is unbelievable. 

  Big Mike is a great trainer and an even better person . He trained my son from 9th grade through his senior year and I give him a great deal of the credit for Brock’s success . Even though my son played at Tazewell, he treated him like one of his own . I am forever thankful for his friendship . Even now he checks in on Brock to see how things are going at Ferrum where Brock plays . 

[Real Sasquatch]

WVNS did a nice story on Graham's football team tonight.  I'll post a link when it's available 

[Graham32]

3 hours ago, Real Sasquatch said:

Posters on the  "other" board are mostly picking Strasburg in the title game.  Is Graham is the away team and apparently a slight underdog.  

Love being the underdog, makes the wins better.

[Gridiron60]

3 hours ago, Real Sasquatch said:

Posters on the  "other" board are mostly picking Strasburg in the title game.  Is Graham is the away team and apparently a slight underdog.  

Perfectly fine being the underdog & I think our players and coaches are fine with that too. The GMen will let the pads do the talking. 

[Gridiron60]

Nice write up

https://cardinalnews.org/2024/12/13/tony-palmer-has-turned-graham-high-school-into-a-powerhouse/

[tornado99]

1 hour ago, Gridiron60 said:

Nice write up

https://cardinalnews.org/2024/12/13/tony-palmer-has-turned-graham-high-school-into-a-powerhouse/

Thanks for sharing. He is obviously a great leader to the program, plus being from there lends extra credibility. He rightfully deserves the credit. 
I will add that probably one of his greatest strengths is surrounding himself with good people. I know much like Mance, there are some excellent coaches on staff. 
Does he have the same gravitational pull with assistants and supporters as the program does with kids who transfer? I think this might be an overlooked aspect, and while recruiting coaches is allowed and likely has been done, I think it helps that people want to be part of a winning program. I’m sure some are parents, but maybe the number of kids playing and hometown love ensure that the staff stays mostly intact instead of gone in a flash as is the norm nowadays. 
 

It seems like I’m either always criticizing or effusively praising Graham and others, and believe what I post is valid; however, my analytical nature is fascinated by not just how football and other sports teach values to kids, but can teach lessons to us adults. It’s nice to see a blueprint in front of us as a microcosm of how families, businesses, nations, etc can come together to be successful. In this case, a strong leader (T. Palmer) inspires and unites (coaches, players, community) to come together for a common cause (championship) using the resources available (talent in the local and surrounding areas) to be successful.