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Posted

Folks, we are in June and two months from football season.  Most teams have been working out and conducting 7v7 drills.  I know there are members out there that have scouted some of the sessions and 7v7 scrimmages.  Share your thoughts (and those extremely hot takes about how great your team is going to be). 

So far, I've seen Richlands vs RV and I tracked a little bit of Richlands vs Lebanon/Graham.

Richlands:

  • The weight training is paying off.  Their skill guys were noticeably more yoked than RV...they've been pushing weights.
  • They look like they have more team speed than in previous years....a couple of kids that can outrun people.
  • Their QB will be real good this year...leader...dawg...been in the gym and has a better arm than I remember.  Look for him to be a true dual threat.
  • They got open frequently vs RV
  • Not as much "natural talent" as RV
  • Back up QBs struggled throwing the ball, limited range.  I'm assuming that if QB1 goes down they might pull another starter to take over.
  • They have a kid at S and OLB that look like they will knock the hell outta you. Be interesting to see them in pads.
  • They seemed to have less coverage busts....they were more solid positionally and their players were more disciplined. 

RV:

  • Sorry M7, RV's demise is being exaggerated, they have talent.
  • IF deployed properly, they have some real good team speed...especially in defensive backfield.  I'll go so far as to say they will match or best everyone is the region.
  • Better natural pass catchers than Richlands, they have 3-4 viable WR threats and they seem to know how they want to use them.
  • Noticeable difference between the two weight training programs, RV doesn't hit it as hard as Richlands does.
  • RV has two big QBs (6'2 or 6'3") and one smaller one that is a dual threat with good wheels...all three can sling it.  Noticeably deeper than Richlands.
  • Not sure what the offense will look like but RV's passing game (combination of QB and WR talent) is top notch.
  • They were beat in coverage frequently which is surprising but they have the talent to be really really good in the back four.
  • Caveat: it's early in the season and they have a lot of underclassmen so they are figuring things out but, odd personnel deployment....I saw kids playing CB that straight up should be OLBs and it showed.  Kids with best footspeed were being played at S and bigger kids with slower feet were at CB.  Odd. Now, in my eyes they have 2-3 clear cut CBs that can be really good and they have 2-3 at S that can be good but they seem to have a unique process for positioning those kids.
  • RV's special teams will easily be tops in region (field goal, punting and returners).  
Posted

I agree with SWVAOG’s assessment of Richlands. Most of there talented kids are in the skill positions and are younger. I’d call several above average, with maybe 2-3 superlatives. The offensive line, not used in 7 on 7, will tell the tale for Richlands. 
 

Based upon limited observation, Graham is probably still the cream of the crop athletically, but the gap has narrowed. I’m sure their line will be great, being the difference maker. 
Im not familiar with Graham players without jerseys, but I see Richlands kids look very similar appearance wise. The G-men just have 2-3 more that seem to be more springy, noticeable by how they move and jump. The kid with the longer dreads and the red-headed kid stood out to me.

Richlands looks better thanks to the coaches. Graham still looks to have a few more standouts.

Posted
9 minutes ago, tornado99 said:

I agree with SWVAOG’s assessment of Richlands. Most of there talented kids are in the skill positions and are younger. I’d call several above average, with maybe 2-3 superlatives. The offensive line, not used in 7 on 7, will tell the tale for Richlands. 
 

Based upon limited observation, Graham is probably still the cream of the crop athletically, but the gap has narrowed. I’m sure their line will be great, being the difference maker. 
Im not familiar with Graham players without jerseys, but I see Richlands kids look very similar appearance wise. The G-men just have 2-3 more that seem to be more springy, noticeable by how they move and jump. The kid with the longer dreads and the red-headed kid stood out to me.

Richlands looks better thanks to the coaches. Graham still looks to have a few more standouts.

Listen...the Blues hired the right HC and Ronnie was smart enough to bring in the new weight training coach.  I love what they are doing over there.  People always want to look at the numbers when it comes to lifting, but the biggest benefit is the confidence and attitude change that comes with lifting and seeing your body transform.  The Blues will be looking for some payback this year and I expect more wins.  

RV will look back at this 8-10 year run of natural talent and wonder what if they had bought into the weight training like their competition did.  

Posted

Tazewell is participating in lifting and conditioning pretty well.  They will have a lot of size on both sides of the line.  If they get in shape by football season and become a team that runs the ball more often, they should be pretty stout.  The key will be getting them in shape and the new coach is big on strength and conditioning.  Not sure about 7 on 7's.  I don't see the Bulldogs throwing the ball a lot with the personnel they are returning.  They will be built to run the ball.  It'll be interesting to see how things transpire.   

Posted
27 minutes ago, Real Sasquatch said:

Tazewell is participating in lifting and conditioning pretty well.  They will have a lot of size on both sides of the line.  If they get in shape by football season and become a team that runs the ball more often, they should be pretty stout.  The key will be getting them in shape and the new coach is big on strength and conditioning.  Not sure about 7 on 7's.  I don't see the Bulldogs throwing the ball a lot with the personnel they are returning.  They will be built to run the ball.  It'll be interesting to see how things transpire.   

Who do they have returning? I only remember the younger McDonald for sure. Is the Beavers kid returning?

Posted
14 hours ago, tornado99 said:

Who do they have returning? I only remember the younger McDonald for sure. Is the Beavers kid returning?

Yes.  Both Beavers kids.  Most of the line on both sides.  Patterson, Price,  there's a few kids who didn't play last year coming back out.  This team should be better conditioned then the past few years.

Posted
2 hours ago, Real Sasquatch said:

Yes.  Both Beavers kids.  Most of the line on both sides.  Patterson, Price,  there's a few kids who didn't play last year coming back out.  This team should be better conditioned then the past few years.

Thanks. It sounds to me like Padgett’s typical philosophy will better fit this year’s personnel.  
Is there a mild shift back to being more run based among trends? I know there are still predominantly spread passing and Air Taid teams, but a few of the most successful lately have been slightly more on the running side but still balanced (Graham, Union, Grundy, Rye Cove, etc.)

Posted
2 hours ago, tornado99 said:

Thanks. It sounds to me like Padgett’s typical philosophy will better fit this year’s personnel.  
Is there a mild shift back to being more run based among trends? I know there are still predominantly spread passing and Air Taid teams, but a few of the most successful lately have been slightly more on the running side but still balanced (Graham, Union, Grundy, Rye Cove, etc.)

I would expect Tazewell to be a run first team with what they have back.  The backup QB from last year is a pure passer, not a big threat to take off and run, like Creasy was.  I say he is more apt to hand it off or pitch it out and throw in passing situations.  I'm purely speculating based on who is coming back and the new coaches history.  But this team, if they get into shape, could be a ground and pound type of team 

Posted
7 hours ago, tornado99 said:

Thanks. It sounds to me like Padgett’s typical philosophy will better fit this year’s personnel.  
Is there a mild shift back to being more run based among trends? I know there are still predominantly spread passing and Air Taid teams, but a few of the most successful lately have been slightly more on the running side but still balanced (Graham, Union, Grundy, Rye Cove, etc.)

Played against Padgett and watched him coach for several teams locally. He will get them set up in the best fit for them. That is definitely one of teams I look to be very well coached this year and far exceed expectations. 
 

Posted
On 6/7/2025 at 7:47 PM, Real Sasquatch said:

Tazewell is participating in lifting and conditioning pretty well.  They will have a lot of size on both sides of the line.  If they get in shape by football season and become a team that runs the ball more often, they should be pretty stout.  The key will be getting them in shape and the new coach is big on strength and conditioning.  Not sure about 7 on 7's.  I don't see the Bulldogs throwing the ball a lot with the personnel they are returning.  They will be built to run the ball.  It'll be interesting to see how things transpire.   

Thanks for the Bulldog update.  I'm hoping a few more will start to trickle in as we get further into summer.

Posted

Should be some 7 on 7s coming up…anyone know for sure where. I know E & H , VT, possibly Honaker , maybe Eastside, George Wythe????
 I heard Richlands & Graham have done some between themselves. I wish one of the Tazewell Co. schools would host a one with several schools but I realize it a lot to probably get together. 

Posted

How does Honaker look? I think most of their talent is in lower classes, but Avery Musick was returning, I believe. I heard speculation about him joining Reece in Lebanon after his brother graduated, but I have no knowledge. 
Also, to not add to an old post, what about Union with or without Huff?

Posted

Your post got me thinking. A lot of long term starting QBs graduated this year, O'Quinn and Creasy top that list.  Don’t forget Lee’s QB.  Those three threw for a ton of yardage!!!  Outside of Reece, who are the next gunslingers and will there be a new crop of QBs that can pick up the slack.

Posted
5 minutes ago, SwvaOG said:

Your post got me thinking. A lot of long term starting QBs graduated this year, O'Quinn and Creasy top that list.  Don’t forget Lee’s QB.  Those three threw for a ton of yardage!!!  Outside of Reece, who are the next gunslingers and will there be a new crop of QBs that can pick up the slack.

Not really knowing much, Reece should be the cream of the crop as far as QB in Region D. I am curious to see the QBs that come up to replace those graduated Seniors you mentioned. I will say the strategy Graham used last season switching between Roberts & Lilly worked well. I hope they stick with that honestly. I do know the youngest Palmer kid put up good numbers as middle school QB. He’s an upcoming freshman. 

Posted
58 minutes ago, Gridiron60 said:

Not really knowing much, Reece should be the cream of the crop as far as QB in Region D. I am curious to see the QBs that come up to replace those graduated Seniors you mentioned. I will say the strategy Graham used last season switching between Roberts & Lilly worked well. I hope they stick with that honestly. I do know the youngest Palmer kid put up good numbers as middle school QB. He’s an upcoming freshman. 

Yeah, the younger Palmer kid looks good for the future.  

Posted
12 hours ago, Gridiron60 said:

Not really knowing much, Reece should be the cream of the crop as far as QB in Region D. I am curious to see the QBs that come up to replace those graduated Seniors you mentioned. I will say the strategy Graham used last season switching between Roberts & Lilly worked well. I hope they stick with that honestly. I do know the youngest Palmer kid put up good numbers as middle school QB. He’s an upcoming freshman. 

Will Palmer stay at QB or shift to RB? He looked real good for that middle school team.  We’ve heard a bit about Tazewell’s QB replacement and it looks like they will shift away from spread.  I’m curious about who replaces Pendergast at Lee.  If the coaching staff stays I’m assuming they will continue to throw it. 
Ridgeview probably starts O’Qulnn’s backup from the last two seasons.  He is a senior and a big ole kid. They also have the Deel kid who is cat quick and was the JV starter and the younger Beavers kid who is a big boy and threw it very well on the middle school team last year.

Im curious about Abingdon and Gate City as well. Richlands returns their kid and he looks good. Doesn’t VHS return their QB? 

Posted
12 hours ago, goose111874 said:

Guess we can work on our run game a little 😂 

I think the region as a whole will shift back a bit more toward the run.  It feels like the passing attacks have stepped back a bit with Tazewell changing offenses and losing a four year starter, Honaker changing coaches again and RV losing their four year starter and changing coaches.  Outside of Tazewell, I don't think people realize that those "pass happy" offenses of the past several years were only throwing the ball about 35% of the time.....not exactly Air Raid. For this region and talent level, I still like a more pro-style, play action based offense that throws it about 25-30% of the time. Think the Detroit Lions....great running game with an excellent play action passing game off that running game. 

Posted
On 6/8/2025 at 11:14 PM, Union_Fan said:

They'll participate and do well. Then, not use a single bit of it in the regular season.

I think several teams use 7v7 more for their defense than offense.  Honestly, if you really think about it...7v7 is the only time the back seven can really focus on coverages and reads.  This may honestly be Union's primary focus.  Obviously, letting the WRs and QB get on the same page is a key benefit but I think too many people focus on the offensive side of this. I can tell you that I watched RV vs Graham in 7v7 several years ago over at Honaker ...before they met in the Region Championship..2021.  Dennis Palmer was extremely active on the field.  RV had those good WRs and one them burnt Bradshaw and the CB for a couple of TDs and Palmer was livid and was using every bit of that time to very actively coach up his DBs.  Snake was pissed! 

Posted
2 hours ago, SwvaOG said:

Im curious about Abingdon and Gate City as well. Richlands returns their kid and he looks good. Doesn’t VHS return their QB? 

VHS’s QB will be a junior I think

Posted
5 hours ago, SwvaOG said:

I think several teams use 7v7 more for their defense than offense.  Honestly, if you really think about it...7v7 is the only time the back seven can really focus on coverages and reads.  This may honestly be Union's primary focus.  Obviously, letting the WRs and QB get on the same page is a key benefit but I think too many people focus on the offensive side of this. I can tell you that I watched RV vs Graham in 7v7 several years ago over at Honaker ...before they met in the Region Championship..2021.  Dennis Palmer was extremely active on the field.  RV had those good WRs and one them burnt Bradshaw and the CB for a couple of TDs and Palmer was livid and was using every bit of that time to very actively coach up his DBs.  Snake was pissed! 

Can't argue with that at all. It's an excellent tune-up on the defensive side.

The frustrating part is that Union typically competes very well in these 7v7 on the offensive side, but then chooses to run the ball 90% of the time.

While that works fine against most teams, it's simply not enough to get them past balanced playoff teams.

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