Can Christmas come early?

[DinwiddieProud]

Can Coach Christmas work his magic with a somewhat less formidable lineup this year.

Jefferson Forrest was the usual offensive juggernaut they had been the year before. But, defense was their Achilles heal again. Their season ended at the hands of eventual state champion, Salem. Certainly no reason to hang their head about that.

Scoring nearly 1000 points over the last season, they typically rock their opponents on their heels from the opening kickoff. Can they find that same level of production with the 2016 team. And will the Cavs find a defense to match their scoring potential?

Who replaces Navy and the other terrific players that move on to the next chapter of their life?

Looking at the schedule, I'm saying 7-3. Your opinion?

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

living in the area, i hear a lot! i heard Christmas focuses on O in practice 80-90% of the week. Another thing, there are players on O that need to be 1st team D and Christmas not having none of that.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

I know the Cavaliers are losing 25 seniors, including Navy Jones, Miller-Trent, and the qb Scott. That's gotta be the vast majority of last year's scoring. Jones will especially be missed on the return teams, where he was virtually unstoppable if you made the mistake of kicking it anywhere near him. I think Miller-Trent was a good return man, too.

If the Overstreet kid comes in from Staunton River as we've been hearing, that will help ease the pain of Jones' loss at tailback. I'm not sure how their running styles compare, never having seen Overstreet. Obviously, the defense was a weakness against top teams each of the last two seasons. Christmas must have had a shift in coaching philosophy during his years in Georgia. Those more familiar with the Seminole may remember better, but I seem to recall the JF teams under Christmas's earlier regime as being much more balanced between offense and defense. Maybe upon his return, he saw that he had some rare talent in the backfield and figured that he'd just try to outscore everyone as long as he had those guys. It will be interesting to see if the approach changes this year.

I think with JF this fall, we'll see a less dominant offensive team playing much closer games, but not a huge drop-off in the regular season won-loss record. Probably 7-3 at worst. I'm guessing losses to Amherst, plus Brookville and/or Magna Vista. Christmas will keep them at least that competitive. The playoffs might be a different story. If the Cavaliers can make it as far as the regional semis after sustaining all those graduation losses, that will be quite the achievement.

Not to nitpick, but did we skip Fleming?

 

[shauntclair]

Can Coach Christmas work his magic with a somewhat less formidable lineup this year.

Jefferson Forrest was the usual offensive juggernaut they had been the year before. But, defense was their Achilles heal again. Their season ended at the hands of eventual state champion, Salem. Certainly no reason to hang their head about that.

Scoring nearly 1000 points over the last season, they typically rock their opponents on their heels from the opening kickoff. Can they find that same level of production with the 2016 team. And will the Cavs find a defense to match their scoring potential?

Who replaces Navy and the other terrific players that move on to the next chapter of their life?

Looking at the schedule, I'm saying 7-3. Your opinion?

Christmas is a very good Coach. They will be highly competitive again. Jones was a special player that made their offense run at a very high level. Navy made them great, as special players do. They will remain in the mix but special players, in my experience, always make the difference. Of course, Salem showed in 2015, that's not always the case. Sometimes, a team can beat better talent on the right day. Rarely, but the Spartans slap my face on that one. I have no choice but to turn the other cheek.

I don't think JF is there. 7 - 3 is about right.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Yes sir, missed Fleming. Will get them tomorrow. Sorry.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

I know the Cavaliers are losing 25 seniors, including Navy Jones, Miller-Trent, and the qb Scott. That's gotta be the vast majority of last year's scoring. Jones will especially be missed on the return teams, where he was virtually unstoppable if you made the mistake of kicking it anywhere near him. I think Miller-Trent was a good return man, too.

If the Overstreet kid comes in from Staunton River as we've been hearing, that will help ease the pain of Jones' loss at tailback. I'm not sure how their running styles compare, never having seen Overstreet. Obviously, the defense was a weakness against top teams each of the last two seasons. Christmas must have had a shift in coaching philosophy during his years in Georgia. Those more familiar with the Seminole may remember better, but I seem to recall the JF teams under Christmas's earlier regime as being much more balanced between offense and defense. Maybe upon his return, he saw that he had some rare talent in the backfield and figured that he'd just try to outscore everyone as long as he had those guys. It will be interesting to see if the approach changes this year.

I think with JF this fall, we'll see a less dominant offensive team playing much closer games, but not a huge drop-off in the regular season won-loss record. Probably 7-3 at worst. I'm guessing losses to Amherst, plus Brookville and/or Magna Vista. Christmas will keep them at least that competitive. The playoffs might be a different story. If the Cavaliers can make it as far as the regional semis after sustaining all those graduation losses, that will be quite the achievement.

Not to nitpick, but did we skip Fleming?

JF losing so much this year! Their D coach is Landis. He came from Heritage then to Appomattow with Doug Smith. He left 2 yrs ago. I think he is a great D coach, but I still cant figure out why they gave up so many points for the last 2 years.
We didnt see enough of Scott's arm. Still wondering if JF couldve been a passing team if they wanted. Scott and Matt Page will be attending Newport News Apprentice School.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Ok gang, let's hear a little more about JF. Good comments by all, especially Spartan, but a team that has been in everybody's discussions for two years needs a little more analysis before we move on.

 

[mike salem]

I know the Cavaliers are losing 25 seniors, including Navy Jones, Miller-Trent, and the qb Scott. That's gotta be the vast majority of last year's scoring. Jones will especially be missed on the return teams, where he was virtually unstoppable if you made the mistake of kicking it anywhere near him. I think Miller-Trent was a good return man, too.

If the Overstreet kid comes in from Staunton River as we've been hearing, that will help ease the pain of Jones' loss at tailback. I'm not sure how their running styles compare, never having seen Overstreet. Obviously, the defense was a weakness against top teams each of the last two seasons. Christmas must have had a shift in coaching philosophy during his years in Georgia. Those more familiar with the Seminole may remember better, but I seem to recall the JF teams under Christmas's earlier regime as being much more balanced between offense and defense. Maybe upon his return, he saw that he had some rare talent in the backfield and figured that he'd just try to outscore everyone as long as he had those guys. It will be interesting to see if the approach changes this year.

I think with JF this fall, we'll see a less dominant offensive team playing much closer games, but not a huge drop-off in the regular season won-loss record. Probably 7-3 at worst. I'm guessing losses to Amherst, plus Brookville and/or Magna Vista. Christmas will keep them at least that competitive. The playoffs might be a different story. If the Cavaliers can make it as far as the regional semis after sustaining all those graduation losses, that will be quite the achievement.

Not to nitpick, but did we skip Fleming?

Overstreet is a much bigger back and more physical, but not nearly as quick. His playing for JF is pure speculation at this time. His addition on the defensive side might be the bigger story if he transfers. He'd presumably play MLB & he could really help anchor the middle.

It was easy to focus on the offensive side of the ball the last 2 years because it was highly effective, but the real disappointment was how ineffective the defense was. I think 7-3 is a reasonable guess for this year. They could easily finish in the Top 3, but I don't see a Seminole team going undefeated during the regular season. If it happens my bet would be on Amherst being that team. I think the race for the top will be among 3 teams.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

[QUOTE="mike salem, post: 194268, member: If it happens my bet would be on Amherst being that team. I think the race for the top will be among 3 teams.[/QUOTE]

Amherst gotta go through a tough Appomattox team to go undefeated. We have to play on their field this yr though (turf).

 

[mike salem]

I should have said I don't think anybody will go undefeated within the Seminole district. Amherst could go undefeated overall, but they do have Appomattox & Salem to play besides the gauntlet of the SD. I think Heritage will be back, JF will drop, and Brookville & Amherst will all fight for the Top of the district. Should be a dogfight unlike the last several years within the district. (Brookville 2x, Heritage, & JF 2x have gone undefeated within the Seminole the last 5 years) I don't think that will happen this year, but if so my pick would be Amherst.

 

[shauntclair]

I should have said I don't think anybody will go undefeated within the Seminole district. Amherst could go undefeated overall, but they do have Appomattox & Salem to play besides the gauntlet of the SD. I think Heritage will be back, JF will drop, and Brookville & Amherst will all fight for the Top of the district. Should be a dogfight unlike the last several years within the district. (Brookville 2x, Heritage, & JF 2x have gone undefeated within the Seminole the last 5 years) I don't think that will happen this year, but if so my pick would be Amherst.

Gotta' agree Mike. If there is someone in the SD to go undefeated in District play this year, it would be Amherst. Salem will be a tough nut for anyone this year but should be a good game. Appomatox will be brought back to reality. I see Amherst as 9 - 1 and a real threat come playoff time. GL to them.

 

[maroons1]

Appomattox is loaded. I would not be surprised if they beat Amherst again.

 

[shauntclair]

Appomattox is loaded. I would not be surprised if they beat Amherst again.

My vision is that The Lancers will simply run over them. Appomatox may have some offensive weapons but they cannot stop a ground and pound as formidable as Amherst and this will be a very good year for them, barring injury.

But Appo is still a 2A school and should not be in their class despite beating the Lancers last year. Certainly, there have been some very good 2As in the past but it doesn't go to the second year often. We'll see.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

I should have said I don't think anybody will go undefeated within the Seminole district. Amherst could go undefeated overall, but they do have Appomattox & Salem to play besides the gauntlet of the SD. I think Heritage will be back, JF will drop, and Brookville & Amherst will all fight for the Top of the district. Should be a dogfight unlike the last several years within the district. (Brookville 2x, Heritage, & JF 2x have gone undefeated within the Seminole the last 5 years) I don't think that will happen this year, but if so my pick would be Amherst.

Your forgetting about LCA?

 

[mike salem]

Your forgetting about LCA?

Based on their Millbrook performance last year and what Amherst returns I don't think LCA will beat Amherst imo. LCA graduates a lot of D1 players as well. They will need time playing the full district schedule before I see them competing near the top of the district. They don't play a full district slate till next year.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Mike, have you heard of any impact type players seriously considering LCA for this coming school year?

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

Based on their Millbrook performance last year and what Amherst returns I don't think LCA will beat Amherst imo. LCA graduates a lot of D1 players as well. They will need time playing the full district schedule before I see them competing near the top of the district. They don't play a full district slate till next year.

i think this is one of the interesting stories of this upcoming year. Im so interested to see what they do vs. public schools. The problem? They will just recruit harder in the area if they start losing. That has already been a issue with them trying to acquire Appo's committed NC State WR DeVon Graves (sophomore).

 

[mike salem]

Mike, have you heard of any impact type players seriously considering LCA for this coming school year?

I guess since I'm not in Lynchburg I'm not close enough anymore to hear the rumors. Sounds like Advocate has his ear to the ground about LCA recruiting on Graves from Appomattox. I know they're allowed to get kids from Heritage and Glass, but I've seen other posters that claim they're going after players outside of the city which they're not allowed to do. If a kid initiates contact that is not wrong for LCA to talk to them. They have to live in the city limits now to be eligible to play within the VHSL rules. I don't have any knowledge for or against whether they illegally recruit. I do agree that if they recruit already then they will only become more aggressive if they remain uncompetitive.

I think LCA will have less success in drawing players away from good programs now that the automatic LU scholarship is gone. I dont see the incentive for a player/parent in moving without that guaranteed scholarship. If the kid is good enough to get an athletic scholarship he can do that just as well from Appomattox as LCA.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

I guess since I'm not in Lynchburg I'm not close enough anymore to hear the rumors. Sounds like Advocate has his ear to the ground about LCA recruiting on Graves from Appomattox. I know they're allowed to get kids from Heritage and Glass, but I've seen other posters that claim they're going after players outside of the city which they're not allowed to do. If a kid initiates contact that is not wrong for LCA to talk to them. They have to live in the city limits now to be eligible to play within the VHSL rules. I don't have any knowledge for or against whether they illegally recruit. I do agree that if they recruit already then they will only become more aggressive if they remain uncompetitive.

I think LCA will have less success in drawing players away from good programs now that the automatic LU scholarship is gone. I dont see the incentive for a player/parent in moving without that guaranteed scholarship. If the kid is good enough to get an athletic scholarship he can do that just as well from Appomattox as LCA.

I dont think they took it away all the way. Every year you attend LCA, you get 10% off college tuition. You could earn an athletic scholarship though. So......yes, they supposed to recruit in the city, but you best believe they gonna venture off to surrounding counties (Appomattox, Campbell, Nelson, Bedford, etc.)

 

[mike salem]

I dont think they took it away all the way. Every year you attend LCA, you get 10% off college tuition. You could earn an athletic scholarship though. So......yes, they supposed to recruit in the city, but you best believe they gonna venture off to surrounding counties (Appomattox, Campbell, Nelson, Bedford, etc.)

No its completely gone now for new students and the 10% off per year stopped last year for the current students as well.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friend...ogram-many-christian-parents-were-relying-on/

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

oh, that makes sense! They probably couldnt go VHSL if they still offered the 10%.

I heard many parents are irritated about them going VHSL. The reasoning is suspect though. Im hearing they are frustrated that they are playing mostly public schools. I heard that last week. This source is questionable, so I dont know...he said one parent told him, "If I knew we were gonna play public schools, I would have left my kid public." That being said, LCA has always played public in other sports.

 

[shauntclair]

Right. God has told LU this is no longer the way to go. Of course. But I don't think for a second, LCA doesn't continue to provide incentives to attend for good athletes that can help them win. IMO. They are that shady and underhanded.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

My vision is that The Lancers will simply run over them. Appomatox may have some offensive weapons but they cannot stop a ground and pound as formidable as Amherst and this will be a very good year for them, barring injury.

But Appo is still a 2A school and should not be in their class despite beating the Lancers last year. Certainly, there have been some very good 2As in the past but it doesn't go to the second year often. We'll see.

Oooooh weeeee!!!? I so gotta save this post from you. Appomattox will not stumble this year. I say the worst we go is 8-2. Heritage and Amherst will be the teams I think has a shot at beating us. I know we will be brought to reality 2018. We have NO athletes in 9th grade. Its kind of scary.

We will be STRONG this year. We had a lot of underclassman on Varsity last yr. we have a Junior QB with an arm behind an O Line that only loss 1 player! Not unless coach decides to put Devon Graves at QB (qb in middle school). I think going to the QB camps are gonna have a lot to do with it. Coach has invested a lot in sophomore Javon Scruggs (Matt Page protege). He had been going to QB camps for 2 years. This O Line had 2 players on it playing as freshman 2 years ago. They will be Juniors next school year. WR we are stacked, RB we are stacked, and D should be about the same. We had plenty of talent at JV this year that could have played varsity, but we were too stacked to fit them in. Amherst was only team to beat our JV.

 

[shauntclair]

Oooooh weeeee!!!? I so gotta save this post from you. Appomattox will not stumble this year. I say the worst we go is 8-2. Heritage and Amherst will be the teams I think has a shot at beating us. I know we will be brought to reality 2018. We have NO athletes in 9th grade. Its kind of scary.

We will be STRONG this year. We had a lot of underclassman on Varsity last yr. we have a Junior QB with an arm behind an O Line that only loss 1 player! Not unless coach decides to put Devon Graves at QB (qb in middle schooll. I think going to the QB camps are gonna have a lot to do with it. Coach has invested a lot in sophomore Javon Scruggs (Matt Page protege). He had been going to QB camps for 2 years. This O Line had 2 players on it playing as freshman 2 years ago. They will be Juniors next school year. WR we are stacked, RB we are stacked, and D should be about the same. We had plenty of talent at JV this year that could have played varsity, but we were too stacked to fit them in. Amherst was only team to beat our JV.

You are welcome to throw it back at me if the time comes. I'm good at taking a beating but I never say I told you so.

Your WRs cab be great. It's all on the QB. LT lost the State Championship this year because the QB had a bad day. No disrespect to the Spartan defense but the poor kid couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat that day. If the WRs hadn't been so good, he might not have completed a single pass.

We'll see what happens with Appo. History says no but GL to them.

 

[mike salem]

oh, that makes sense! They probably couldnt go VHSL if they still offered the 10%.

I heard many parents are irritated about them going VHSL. The reasoning is suspect though. Im hearing they are frustrated that they are playing mostly public schools. I heard that last week. This source is questionable, so I dont know...he said one parent told him, "If I knew we were gonna play public schools, I would have left my kid public." That being said, LCA has always played public in other sports.

I'm actually surprised that LCA was allowed to continue to play on LU's field and still join the VHSL. Imo they should have been required to find a new venue for their home games. That along with the elimination of the automatic academic scholarship should both have been prerequisites for admission. There is not enough separation between the two entities. (LU & LCA) I was one of the lone supporters of their joining the VHSL, if for nothing else to stir the pot up a little bit. It gives us something else to talk about even if most of the talk is complaints and criticism. Along the same lines they shouldn't be allowed to use Liberty's weight training facilities. (I think they have their own weight room, but I'm not positive)

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I hear you Mike, but that's a slippery slope. I'm sure there are some schools across the state that unofficially or otherwise, have some kids working out at nearby college facilities. And if you say LCA can't play games at LU, (sans the championship game), then suppose a team works out for any number of reasons on a college field? Suppose the day was to come where a rivalry needs to be played at a mutually agreeable college facility because of the size of the crowd? Or because a local facility is not playable?Salem plays at a stadium that is the location of a huge college championship game, can you make a stretch with the argument that Salem gains an advantage by using a college level field?

I know that all of this is a terrible corruption of your thoughts, but I think all of this, and a lot more, would play into the discussion.

As a little side note, I think you know my personal stance on LCA joining the VHSL. But can you imagine the attention a state championship game between LCA and "anybody" would garner? Just imagine all the screaming about an unfair advantage if LCA was to win. Conversely, if the other team was to beat LCA at LU, they would be the heroes of a lot of folks around the state!

You know what is often said, "any press is good press!"

 

[shauntclair]

I hear you Mike, but that's a slippery slope. I'm sure there are some schools across the state that unofficially or otherwise, have some kids working out at nearby college facilities. And if you say LCA can't play games at LU, (sans the championship game), then suppose a team works out for any number of reasons on a college field? Suppose the day was to come where a rivalry needs to be played at a mutually agreeable college facility because of the size of the crowd? Or because a local facility is not playable?Salem plays at a stadium that is the location of a huge college championship game, can you make a stretch with the argument that Salem gains an advantage by using a college level field?

I know that all of this is a terrible corruption of your thoughts, but I think all of this, and a lot more, would play into the discussion.

As a little side note, I think you know my personal stance on LCA joining the VHSL. But can you imagine the attention a state championship game between LCA and "anybody" would garner? Just imagine all the screaming about an unfair advantage if LCA was to win. Conversely, if the other team was to beat LCA at LU, they would be the heroes of a lot of folks around the state!

You know what is often said, "any press is good press!"

Again, we're still discussing this. There will be no more Championship games played at LU so what's the point?

 

[wikki]

My vision is that The Lancers will simply run over them. Appomatox may have some offensive weapons but they cannot stop a ground and pound as formidable as Amherst and this will be a very good year for them, barring injury.

But Appo is still a 2A school and should not be in their class despite beating the Lancers last year. Certainly, there have been some very good 2As in the past but it doesn't go to the second year often. We'll see.

I think Amherst will beat Appomtox especially at Amherst. Last year Amherst QB was hurt but still believe Appo would have won if course, but just saying

 

[mike salem]

I hear you Mike, but that's a slippery slope. I'm sure there are some schools across the state that unofficially or otherwise, have some kids working out at nearby college facilities. And if you say LCA can't play games at LU, (sans the championship game), then suppose a team works out for any number of reasons on a college field? Suppose the day was to come where a rivalry needs to be played at a mutually agreeable college facility because of the size of the crowd? Or because a local facility is not playable?Salem plays at a stadium that is the location of a huge college championship game, can you make a stretch with the argument that Salem gains an advantage by using a college level field?

I know that all of this is a terrible corruption of your thoughts, but I think all of this, and a lot more, would play into the discussion.

As a little side note, I think you know my personal stance on LCA joining the VHSL. But can you imagine the attention a state championship game between LCA and "anybody" would garner? Just imagine all the screaming about an unfair advantage if LCA was to win. Conversely, if the other team was to beat LCA at LU, they would be the heroes of a lot of folks around the state!

You know what is often said, "any press is good press!"

I understand your arguments, but I believe there are big differences between LCA as a team using LU's facilities weekly (weight room, stadium, and soon indoor practice facilities, etc...) & any other team using the weights or facilities at a college to prepare for the playoffs for instance. Also I know Salem plays host to the Stagg Bowl, but the Stadium was built for the high school, then a few years later they started playing host to the D3 game. That's a lot different than LCA playing on LU's home field. I know you're just trying to play devil's advocate, but I think your arguments are stretched beyond reason.

As far as LCA being in the VHSL, I'm all for it. I know I'm way in the minority there, but I do think it has created a buzz and excitement about them being in the Seminole. Just them making the playoffs last year stirred the pot. If they ever get playoff competitive or take over the Seminole how much controversy and talk that would cause.

 

[mike salem]

You are welcome to throw it back at me if the time comes. I'm good at taking a beating but I never say I told you so.

Your WRs cab be great. It's all on the QB. LT lost the State Championship this year because the QB had a bad day. No disrespect to the Spartan defense but the poor kid couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat that day. If the WRs hadn't been so good, he might not have completed a single pass.

We'll see what happens with Appo. History says no but GL to them.

I don't think the LT QB did a bad job, but either he or the coaching staff was extremely conservative in play calling. If he would have taken off out of the pocket more I think that could have made the difference in the outcome. Salem has always had a tough time containing a dual threat QB. (Taylor-MV, Motley- CB, Parrish- Heritage, Dunnaville-NS, Johnson-LT) It's difficult for any team to contain a dual threat QB. I think the Ramsey brothers speed and edge containment was a big difference maker this year. I think the inexperience of LT's QB being a Sophomore this year as compared to the Sr last year was a big difference too.

 

[Geekball2]

7-3 is very generous for Jefferson Forest. 5-5 will be good season.

 

[tommythecpa]

7-3 is very generous for Jefferson Forest. 5-5 will be good season.

Think both LCA and JF may have a new opponent next year.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

For sure LCA will have a different schedule starting in 2017, when they begin district play. But why will JF have different opponents?

 

[ClarkeFan83]

I understand your arguments, but I believe there are big differences between LCA as a team using LU's facilities weekly (weight room, stadium, and soon indoor practice facilities, etc...) & any other team using the weights or facilities at a college to prepare for the playoffs for instance. Also I know Salem plays host to the Stagg Bowl, but the Stadium was built for the high school, then a few years later they started playing host to the D3 game. That's a lot different than LCA playing on LU's home field. I know you're just trying to play devil's advocate, but I think your arguments are stretched beyond reason.

As far as LCA being in the VHSL, I'm all for it. I know I'm way in the minority there, but I do think it has created a buzz and excitement about them being in the Seminole. Just them making the playoffs last year stirred the pot. If they ever get playoff competitive or take over the Seminole how much controversy and talk that would cause.

Salem stadium needs to upgrade their concessions. Seriously upgrade them. They are, without a doubt, pathetic. They also need to do something about the trash situation. It reminded me of the 5th of July in DC.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

Salem stadium needs to upgrade their concessions. Seriously upgrade them. They are, without a doubt, pathetic. They also need to do something about the trash situation. It reminded me of the 5th of July in DC.

No argument whatsoever about the concessions. As for the trash, you must be talking about the stuff left over from the 1A game that was still there during the 2A game. I wasn't there last year, so I can't weigh in on that. I was surprised at those trash comments last December on the 2A board. I would think they'd have a crew do a quick sweep of the stands between games; the city is usually obsessive about cleaning up after events (e.g. Olde Salem Days).

This is about the fifth time I've mentioned this in the past three years, but they also need to fix whatever leaky pipe in the "private box" restroom is causing the waterfall that cascades down the top seven or eight rows. Maybe they got to it this spring. And while I'm on a roll (I know, gripe gripe gripe), I still think a restroom renovation is called for. I don't think they've ever been updated since the place opened in '85. At least they painted the men's room last summer.

 

[mike salem]

Think both LCA and JF may have a new opponent next year.

Are they both playing GW OOD next year?

 

[mike salem]

Salem stadium needs to upgrade their concessions. Seriously upgrade them. They are, without a doubt, pathetic. They also need to do something about the trash situation. It reminded me of the 5th of July in DC.

The Stadium needs some work for sure. I used to sit right by the steps and I used to be so worried that someone would fall down those steps because there is no handrail there. As Spartan suggested the bathrooms need an upgrade, to ADA standards imo. I'm surprised to hear a complaint about the trash situation, they are usually on top of that.

I would love to see more choices at the concession as well. Consideration should be made to bringing in outside vendors that split profit as well. Hot dogs are one of my favorite foods, but not everyone is a big fan. Bring in ChikfilA and Domino's, offer more selection within the current concession as well. I know theymust have had success over the years with the current formula, but that doesn't mean changes shouldn't be made to improve the overall product even more. I know the baseball stadium next door operates under different management, but take a page out of their book and offer more appealing selections and watch the revenue stream grow exponentially imo. Parents drop their kids off with a $20, game is $6 or $7, don't you think that $13 would have a better chance of being spent if there was something other than hot dogs to choose from. ChikfilA is huge in Salem and the owner is a former star player, I can't believe something hasn't been worked out already. Alot of other area schools offer Pizza or Chicken sandwiches and they seem to be successful with it. Of course this is just my opinion, the powers that be have a rationale for doing things the way they do.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

The one time I went to a game at Salem Stadium, I found the concessions pretty good. Doesn't the Lions Club run them?

But, my one experience is too small of a sample to have form an honest opinion. And when the Salem faithful find the food in need of an upgrade, then it's probably accurate.

Our situation here at Dinwiddie is entirely different than Salem's, because it is the "school's" stadium. So this solution doesn't apply to Salem. A few years ago, our Culinary Arts program took over the concessions. We have seen a major improvement since then. The only one issue, (and I guess it's just the price you pay for this), is that a different school group provides the labor each week. By different group, it may be the basketball team, the cheerleaders, band, etc. Of course, there are usually plenty of moms and dads "helping". Some groups do an excellent job of providing good customer service, some are a little slow. The good thing is that the kids get the experience. For their troubles, a significant portion of that night's profit goes directly to the group or club's account.

The head of the Culinary Arts program is in charge, and does a great job. Of course his long suffering dad is there every week cooking and cleaning and doing whatever is necessary.

One really good thing is that the head man is open to adding new offerings. The menu has probably doubled in the last few years. (I didn't know you could put cheese on so many different things. Cheese on French fries? Really? Not me, just give me some ketchup!)

 

[mike salem]

The one time I went to a game at Salem Stadium, I found the concessions pretty good. Doesn't the Lions Club run them?

But, my one experience is too small of a sample to have form an honest opinion. And when the Salem faithful find the food in need of an upgrade, then it's probably accurate.

Our situation here at Dinwiddie is entirely different than Salem's, because it is the "school's" stadium. So this solution doesn't apply to Salem. A few years ago, our Culinary Arts program took over the concessions. We have seen a major improvement since then. The only one issue, (and I guess it's just the price you pay for this), is that a different school group provides the labor each week. By different group, it may be the basketball team, the cheerleaders, band, etc. Of course, there are usually plenty of moms and dads "helping". Some groups do an excellent job of providing good customer service, some are a little slow. The good thing is that the kids get the experience. For their troubles, a significant portion of that night's profit goes directly to the group or club's account.

The head of the Culinary Arts program is in charge, and does a great job. Of course his long suffering dad is there every week cooking and cleaning and doing whatever is necessary.

One really good thing is that the head man is open to adding new offerings. The menu has probably doubled in the last few years. (I didn't know you could put cheese on so many different things. Cheese on French fries? Really? Not me, just give me some ketchup!)

Yeah I think it is the Lions Club that does the concessions. They do a good job, I just think the offerings could be expanded even if that means an outside vendor comes in for specialty items. If the revenue sharing could be agreed upon I think it would benefit the Lions and make the fans happy too. I know I would be much more likely to get food there if the offerings were expanded to include ChikfilA or Pizza Hut, Domino's. In the skybox you can pre-order tailgating from the Civic Center. I haven't done that myself, but one of the posters did and was nice enough to get me a plate. It was nice to have wings at the game instead of hot dogs.

 

[wikki]

The Stadium needs some work for sure. I used to sit right by the steps and I used to be so worried that someone would fall down those steps because there is no handrail there. As Spartan suggested the bathrooms need an upgrade, to ADA standards imo. I'm surprised to hear a complaint about the trash situation, they are usually on top of that.

I would love to see more choices at the concession as well. Consideration should be made to bringing in outside vendors that split profit as well. Hot dogs are one of my favorite foods, but not everyone is a big fan. Bring in ChikfilA and Domino's, offer more selection within the current concession as well. I know theymust have had success over the years with the current formula, but that doesn't mean changes shouldn't be made to improve the overall product even more. I know the baseball stadium next door operates under different management, but take a page out of their book and offer more appealing selections and watch the revenue stream grow exponentially imo. Parents drop their kids off with a $20, game is $6 or $7, don't you think that $13 would have a better chance of being spent if there was something other than hot dogs to choose from. ChikfilA is huge in Salem and the owner is a former star player, I can't believe something hasn't been worked out already. Alot of other area schools offer Pizza or Chicken sandwiches and they seem to be successful with it. Of course this is just my opinion, the powers that be have a rationale for doing things the way they do.

Amherst has good concession food. We have a local pizza, chick-fil-a sandwiches, nachos and our hot dogs are always a big hit. We get many compliments on the hot dogs. All beef dogs and the chili is delicious