Refreshing in this day and age

[Unchained]

Earlier this evening Coach Harless had a video posted on the Union Sports Network Facebook site. The video showed a bit of a packet/book that his players are to use and learn this year. Obviously, as a Union fan, I was extremely proud to see the video, but honestly, I would have been very proud if the video came from anywhere else. Harless said in an interview a couple months ago that if you weren't a great man then you wouldn't fit in his system. In this packet, he outlined things much greater than being a great football player. Being a great human being always comes first. I told my eldest son that when he played. We are seeing a culture change at Union. It is very obvious, and it's very respect and disciplined based. I fully expect the absurd number of penalties to be a thing of the past. If you get a chance, head over and watch it. I love that it draws inspiration from such a class act in Tony Dungy. I love that it speaks about what it means to be an American, and I love the page that says in bold letters "You are who you associate with". I'd love to see more of this from more coaches. I was from the get thrilled when we landed him because of his coaching abilities, but we are getting a big-time bonus with what he's bringing on a personal level here.

[redtiger]

I saw the video, imo theres a lot in there to digest which means he must truly intend refer back to it and its not just for show, which matches his reputation. 

[Unchained]

2 hours ago, redtiger said:

I saw the video, imo theres a lot in there to digest which means he must truly intend refer back to it and its not just for show, which matches his reputation. 

I think he's certainly got the attention to detail honed in:)

[Fairlawncat]

Gonna repeat for 3rd and last time. Some Union fans in the know of football (the ones on this Board) are aware of the quality they are getting/got with Harless. Many and maybe most Union fans (the ones probably not on this board) still don't realize the gem they got with Harless......but they soon will, and that will be evident by no less than 1, maybe 2 state titles over the next five to six Save this post. 

Turner was a good coach (On the Field-needs to be emphasized) but a solid on the field coach and knowledgeable, played briefly at Tech, raised around the game, but the guy you are getting is not on the same level. Different level. Higher level, and it will show.

[50kw]

blah, blah, blah.

Truth is everyone that supported this fiasco over the years should bear some form of guilt for turning a blind eye all in the name of a game, it was not just football. Sure the students are innocent but the community should be ashamed. Still no community accountability, just next man up...

 

[Unchained]

3 hours ago, 50kw said:

blah, blah, blah.

Truth is everyone that supported this fiasco over the years should bear some form of guilt for turning a blind eye all in the name of a game, it was not just football. Sure the students are innocent but the community should be ashamed. Still no community accountability, just next man up...

 

Nice douche response. Coach Harless cannot do a thing about what has been done in the past. We are turning that page. Our kids deserve not be continually punished over something that they did not do. Many of us in BSG did NOT support that mess so don't get it twisted, and don't group us all in that mess. Nobody anywhere deserves a fresh start more than the Union football program. Harless and what he is bringing is desperately needed. As far as the ignorant, snide comment about community accountability, there's been an overwhelming amount of the folks in BSG/Appy who do not nor have not supported the wrongdoings of others. Just an outsider running his yap. It's easy to do when you don't have that thrown on you like our kids have. This thread is intended for positivity. We sure have enough haters as is.

[Fairlawncat]

3 hours ago, 50kw said:

blah, blah, blah.

Truth is everyone that supported this fiasco over the years should bear some form of guilt for turning a blind eye all in the name of a game, it was not just football. Sure the students are innocent but the community should be ashamed. Still no community accountability, just next man up...

 

"Your timing is all wrong" (Christopher Walken). 

1. Why place your Opinion in a thread about Harless? That's weird. You have had 8 months to post in threads related to the issue. Why now? This implies, you probably didn't like Union long before any issues surfaced and don't want them to do well now.

2. "No community Accountability"? You mean none at all? Absolutely zero? Nobody in BSG cares? All 100 percent of them? This is a foolish statement. Union not hiring from Within and going way outside of the BSG system and coaching tree directly contradicts your claim. 

3. NEVER do all inclusives. All inclusives are exceptionally rare and usually Never hold true. You basically condemned everyone in BSG-Appy, other than the students. That's crazy talk. What you had was probably a very very very small few in power that had cover up influence and 99 plus percent of the population had no clue. This is usually the way it works. 

In conclusion, your timing of the post and broad sweeping generalization of an entire community likely supports your own personal distaste for Union that existed long before the issue with Turner or any so called cover up. Your post would have occured showing dislike for Union in some form even if Union-Appy would have had zero issues and even if Turner would have never been the HC. You obviously don't like Union and the recent events didn't cause it. It only causes you to pile on.

As for Harless and back to Harless. Excellent hire by Union.

[BigWinners]

4 hours ago, 50kw said:

blah, blah, blah.

Truth is everyone that supported this fiasco over the years should bear some form of guilt for turning a blind eye all in the name of a game, it was not just football. Sure the students are innocent but the community should be ashamed. Still no community accountability, just next man up...

 

WTF? What fiasco? You’re implying this was going on previously and people (including some mandatory reporters) turned a blind eye? 
 

If you’re gonna say shit like that, you should have something solid to back it up. Do you?

[Unchained]

8 minutes ago, BigWinners said:

WTF? What fiasco? You’re implying this was going on previously and people (including some mandatory reporters) turned a blind eye? 
 

If you’re gonna say shit like that, you should have something solid to back it up. Do you?

Most folks who know me-especially these days will attest that I am in large part a classy gent, so if I call someone a douche, it's because they are being one. There was just so much disrespect, venom and ignorance in that post I had to speak up.

[vol_husky]

6 hours ago, 50kw said:

blah, blah, blah.

Truth is everyone that supported this fiasco over the years should bear some form of guilt for turning a blind eye all in the name of a game, it was not just football. Sure the students are innocent but the community should be ashamed. Still no community accountability, just next man up...

 

So Dracula, it turns out that you DO say “blah blah blah.” Thank you for finally admitting it. 
 

Who was supporting it? I only saw people condemn Turner once it became clear that the rumors were true. 
 

 

[Sixcat Adjacent]

18 hours ago, 50kw said:

blah, blah, blah.

Truth is everyone that supported this fiasco over the years should bear some form of guilt for turning a blind eye all in the name of a game, it was not just football. Sure the students are innocent but the community should be ashamed. Still no community accountability, just next man up...

 

[tornado99]

On 7/7/2026 at 11:11 PM, Unchained said:

Earlier this evening Coach Harless had a video posted on the Union Sports Network Facebook site. The video showed a bit of a packet/book that his players are to use and learn this year. Obviously, as a Union fan, I was extremely proud to see the video, but honestly, I would have been very proud if the video came from anywhere else. Harless said in an interview a couple months ago that if you weren't a great man then you wouldn't fit in his system. In this packet, he outlined things much greater than being a great football player. Being a great human being always comes first. I told my eldest son that when he played. We are seeing a culture change at Union. It is very obvious, and it's very respect and disciplined based. I fully expect the absurd number of penalties to be a thing of the past. If you get a chance, head over and watch it. I love that it draws inspiration from such a class act in Tony Dungy. I love that it speaks about what it means to be an American, and I love the page that says in bold letters "You are who you associate with". I'd love to see more of this from more coaches. I was from the get thrilled when we landed him because of his coaching abilities, but we are getting a big-time bonus with what he's bringing on a personal level here.

I’ve always thought it should be this way everywhere, but our society is often short on patience and prioritizing wins over values. 
My honest question is this, can this work everywhere if you don’t have talent?

Just wondering what you guys think. I’d definitely take a generation of good citizens over a couple extra wins if it was a choice. I am also not saying that you can’t have both. Just more unlikely without a good talent pool. Thanks, guys.

(I’m not being a jerk. I applaud this approach by Coach Harless, so this is not doubting him nor his sincerity. I just know Union already has the talent, so the wins likely come most of the time already. Bravo, Coach Harless.)

[Real Sasquatch]

2 hours ago, tornado99 said:

I’ve always thought it should be this way everywhere, but our society is often short on patience and prioritizing wins over values. 
My honest question is this, can this work everywhere if you don’t have talent?

Just wondering what you guys think. I’d definitely take a generation of good citizens over a couple extra wins if it was a choice. I am also not saying that you can’t have both. Just more unlikely without a good talent pool. Thanks, guys.

(I’m not being a jerk. I applaud this approach by Coach Harless, so this is not doubting him nor his sincerity. I just know Union already has the talent, so the wins likely come most of the time already. Bravo, Coach Harless.)

I like what he is trying to do.  The main thing is, will the kid's respond?  If so, thats great. Also, the coaches will have to live the same code, because if they don't, the kids will see right through it.  

[Unchained]

6 hours ago, Real Sasquatch said:

I like what he is trying to do.  The main thing is, will the kid's respond?  If so, thats great. Also, the coaches will have to live the same code, because if they don't, the kids will see right through it.  

I think in some communities the kids may not respond, but the kids at Union understand hard work and tradition and want to do what their dads and uncles did which is win state titles. Union has been a sleeping giant with the wrong coach until now. It may take Harless a couple years, but I am very sure that he will get us there.

[Unchained]

5 hours ago, tornado99 said:

I’ve always thought it should be this way everywhere, but our society is often short on patience and prioritizing wins over values. 
My honest question is this, can this work everywhere if you don’t have talent?

Just wondering what you guys think. I’d definitely take a generation of good citizens over a couple extra wins if it was a choice. I am also not saying that you can’t have both. Just more unlikely without a good talent pool. Thanks, guys.

(I’m not being a jerk. I applaud this approach by Coach Harless, so this is not doubting him nor his sincerity. I just know Union already has the talent, so the wins likely come most of the time already. Bravo, Coach Harless.)

Hardwork,hustle and discipline are talent equalizers often. I think success can happen anywhere, but the kids have to commit and change the culture. I am hoping Saunders is allowed time to do that Central as I want all our M7 teams to be strong. Having said that, even though Union has been a good program, in order for it to be next level some culture changes are needed, and Harless is addressing them. We are having a football kickoff dinner on Monday, July 20 where he is going to address the goals and expectations. It will be worth the admission.

[Gridiron60]

Hopefully if kids have bought into his way of doing things, parents will follow. 

[Real Sasquatch]

33 minutes ago, Gridiron60 said:

Hopefully if kids have bought into his way of doing things, parents will follow. 

That will be the biggest challenge.

[GMan]

On 7/8/2026 at 4:50 PM, Fairlawncat said:

"Your timing is all wrong" (Christopher Walken). 

 

I can literally hear this...

[Unchained]

3 hours ago, Real Sasquatch said:

That will be the biggest challenge.

I think the parents are fully on board. If we have any issues, it will be from the armchair QB/whiny fans (that all communities have). Some crying over helmets/tradition has happened, but Harless has thick skin:)

[BigWinners]

16 hours ago, Unchained said:

I think the parents are fully on board. If we have any issues, it will be from the armchair QB/whiny fans (that all communities have). Some crying over helmets/tradition has happened, but Harless has thick skin:)

I don’t like the helmet redesign, hard to give up that U which had become a staple but he’s leading the program now. Feels like the community is gonna give him plenty of support in molding the program his way. 
 

I hope he is here for the long haul, the Union job can be a job for life if the kids are becoming great adults off the field and they continue to have success on the field. No one should expect a state title in year one (or two, or three, etc….), it’s damn hard to win one. It takes a lot of things with luck being a big factor. This past year saw a team with the potential to bring him gold but with all the noise, to win the region was a fantastic finish. 

[Unchained]

1 hour ago, BigWinners said:

I don’t like the helmet redesign, hard to give up that U which had become a staple but he’s leading the program now. Feels like the community is gonna give him plenty of support in molding the program his way. 
 

I hope he is here for the long haul, the Union job can be a job for life if the kids are becoming great adults off the field and they continue to have success on the field. No one should expect a state title in year one (or two, or three, etc….), it’s damn hard to win one. It takes a lot of things with luck being a big factor. This past year saw a team with the potential to bring him gold but with all the noise, to win the region was a fantastic finish. 

I think 3-5 years for a state title. I wasn't a fan of the helmets at first, but they're growing on me. I think they'll look good swarming around:)

[Fairlawncat]

19 hours ago, Unchained said:

I think 3-5 years for a state title. I wasn't a fan of the helmets at first, but they're growing on me. I think they'll look good swarming around:)

Maybe, but even this year, the Bears got to have as good of a chance as anyone. In the Region, RV will be solid and Graham as always, but Graham with the transfers is a big hit and I would think Union is favored. In C, Radford will be very good as will Appo as will Glenvar, but Glenvar lost a bunch and a not just the QB. I kind of think Union is the frontrunner in the entire West. Strasburg lost 23 seniors including the waterboy and cheerleaders as did Poquoson. I think this is probably Union's best chance in a long long time for 2026. I think Union and Ridgeview will be something special. Still can never count out the GMen. They battle and the 11 they got on the field will still take the field thinking they will win the game. That always gives them a fighters chance. I've experienced this enough at Radford from the late 80s to know not much has changed with them, regardless of who transferred.

[Wolf1207]

I know that sometimes (myself included) nit pick Ridgeview at times, but last year showed me we may have he right guy at the helm as well. That was a pretty young team with a couple of great seniors. They were the most competitive team with Union last year. 

I believe they get over the Union hump this year on the ridge. But I could easily be wrong. What they have on the LOS, on both sides of the ball will tell the story. That's where Union and especially Graham in 21 and 22 had the major advantages.

[rdh2443]

21 hours ago, Wolf1207 said:

I know that sometimes (myself included) nit pick Ridgeview at times, but last year showed me we may have he right guy at the helm as well. That was a pretty young team with a couple of great seniors. They were the most competitive team with Union last year. 

I believe they get over the Union hump this year on the ridge. But I could easily be wrong. What they have on the LOS, on both sides of the ball will tell the story. That's where Union and especially Graham in 21 and 22 had the major advantages.

I 100% agree with you. I mean that about the entire coaching staff this year. But man, the work these kids have been doing over the last year in the gym adding muscle, maintaining their conditioning and continuing with having the football mindset is gonna show on the football field. They got an amazing head, coach, an amazing strength coach, and other supporting coaches that are all feeling like they’re building something amazing. Ridgeview will have so many blockers out of the backfield that the line of scrimmage guys are gonna have a lot of the weight taken off of them because of that. Yes, they’ll still have to fire off the ball and block there tails off, but for the one person that’s carrying the football there’s three guys out of the backfield blocking for them as well. Coach Grant and the other coaches from what I understand are installing multiple offensive formations that are excellent for this particular team. It’s gonna be interesting. With the playmakers Ridgeview has, and there are several, and as long as the injury bug stays away, it’s gonna be an exciting season.

[Unchained]

Mountain Mojo on Facebook did their Union visit and put up a great article and interviews yesterday.