Carroll County out of RRD; Franklin not allowed in

[numb3rs]

Carroll County has been granted its request to move from the River Ridge District to the Three Rivers District. Both the remaining RRD schools and CC will be happy about that. Franklin County, as expected, lost its appeal to move from 6A to 5A. However, Franklin County also lost its appeal to move from the Piedmont District to the River Ridge District. I thought that FC made a strong case to move for competitive and revenue reasons. Franklin County has historically had closer ties to Roanoke area schools than Piedmont area schools.


http://www.roanoke.com/sports/high_...cle_b60e6b3e-f2ea-5b42-8478-e889b7d0bab0.html

 

[Cougardave]

As much as it may pain them to do it, I think in the end the best decision athletically and competition wise for Franklin County is going to be to split and build a new school. Not sure how that would sit with the people there, but going from one school with 2000+ students that can't fill a schedule and has constant travel and competition issues to two schools with 1000 or so students (which would put them in line ADM wise with most of the schools that are close to them) could certainly solve at least the travel and schedule issues. Of course I'm sure the people of that county would have issues with where the line would be drawn for who gets to go to the new school and all that, but they wouldn't be the first school to have gone through that process.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

As much as it may pain them to do it, I think in the end the best decision athletically and competition wise for Franklin County is going to be to split and build a new school. Not sure how that would sit with the people there, but going from one school with 2000+ students that can't fill a --/1//-__]__[_]{1schedule and has constant travel and competition issues to two schools with 1000 or so students (which would put them in line ADM wise with most of the schools that are close to them) could certainly solve at least the travel and schedule issues. Of course I'm sure the people of that county would have issues with where the line would be S__[2-112-drawn for who gets to go to the new school and all that, but they wouldn't be the first school to have gone through that process.

But, honestly, how big of a factor would athletics be in a decision to build a new school?

If FCHS is not at or over capacity presently, and/or the future projections push enrollment beyond the facility's limits in the near term, is spending $25 million for a new school justified?

As much as I love high school athletics, I could never be convinced to spend taxpayers money for a school based upon athletic needs.

 

[Cougardave]

But, honestly, how big of a factor would athletics be in a decision to build a new school?

If FCHS is not at or over capacity presently, and/or the future projections push enrollment beyond the facility's limits in the near term, is spending $25 million for a new school justified?

As much as I love high school athletics, I could never be convinced to spend taxpayers money for a school based upon athletic needs.

It won't happen because of athletics, but when (and eventually it will come up when the current high school gets near the end of its usability) it comes time to look at building a new school, the problems they've had in athletics with scheduling and competition could be a contributing factor to helping them decide to go with two smaller schools that fit in more with the surrounding schools than with one big school again.

Franklin County suffers one of the same problems that Pulaski County deals with....size. The two counties are so spread out that it sometimes makes it difficult for the kids to be as involved as kids from somewhere that they are all within a ten minute drive of the school. I know in Pulaski County there are some kids that ride a bus for almost an hour one way every day to get to school. That's two hours a day. Now I understand that it would be a faster drive in a car than on a bus, but you're still looking at a nice haul to go pick up the kid at football practice after school.

I'm not familiar with how the population is spread out in Rocky Mount, but if it added up that you could split the county into two high schools and have a better situation for your kids then I'd go for it.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

Carroll County has been granted its request to move from the River Ridge District to the Three Rivers District. Both the remaining RRD schools and CC will be happy about that. Franklin County, as expected, lost its appeal to move from 6A to 5A. However, Franklin County also lost its appeal to move from the Piedmont District to the River Ridge District. I thought that FC made a strong case to move for competitive and revenue reasons. Franklin County has historically had closer ties to Roanoke area schools than Piedmont area schools.


http://www.roanoke.com/sports/high_...cle_b60e6b3e-f2ea-5b42-8478-e889b7d0bab0.html

Carroll County's record in RRD football games: 0-21. They went winless in the Southwest District in 2012, so CC's last district victory on the gridiron was nearly five years ago. Average margin of defeat in RRD games: 32.7 points. Likely to be 0-7 in RRD play again this fall. In 2017, the Cavs will be fortunate to beat anyone other than Floyd Co. in the 3RD. So, good decision.

Personally, I like the Franklin County decision, too. From the viewpoint of a fan of another RRD school, had FC been admitted to the district, that would have just been swapping one one- or two-win team for a different one. I think Edwards is a fine coach, but from what I've observed and from what little I've heard, it's going to take a Herculean effort to get the Eagles turned around again. Until that happens, better to let the current RRD schools have another week of non-district play. Each school can seek opponents as they see fit.

Does anyone know how things went so wrong so quickly for Franklin County football under Jones?

 

[salemfan32]

It won't happen because of athletics, but when (and eventually it will come up when the current high school gets near the end of its usability) it comes time to look at building a new school, the problems they've had in athletics with scheduling and competition could be a contributing factor to helping them decide to go with two smaller schools that fit in more with the surrounding schools than with one big school again.

Franklin County suffers one of the same problems that Pulaski County deals with....size. The two counties are so spread out that it sometimes makes it difficult for the kids to be as involved as kids from somewhere that they are all within a ten minute drive of the school. I know in Pulaski County there are some kids that ride a bus for almost an hour one way every day to get to school. That's two hours a day. Now I understand that it would be a faster drive in a car than on a bus, but you're still looking at a nice haul to go pick up the kid at football practice after school.

I'm not familiar with how the population is spread out in Rocky Mount, but if it added up that you could split the county into two high schools and have a better situation for your kids then I'd go for it.

Franklin county suffers from a similar situation. It takes an hour to get to and from school for some students

 

[DinwiddieProud]

The bus ride is a serious deterrent to athletics in Franklin, I've heard. I believe I remember someone saying that the most extreme bus rides are closer to two hours one way, but I don't know this as fact. So when you begin to have a significant number of kids enduring bus rides of an hour or more, it's time to consider a solution.

I do agree with you, that if there are other reasons to start the process of splitting the high school, then the benefits for the student athletes should be a very real consideration. It's just a big plus if you can reduce some travel and relieve the angst of scheduling by splitting the schools. "Value Added" would be the politically correct phrase, I guess.

Is Franklin County on a path of steady growth. If so, is the growth in the demographics that include school age kids? The reason I bring this up is a couple we know very well, retired and moved to Smith Mountain Lake. No school age kids and in their mid sixty's, none in their future! We just get used to talking about growth in northern Virginia, but that's a different type of growth, I believe.

 

[tommythecpa]

The bus ride is a serious deterrent to athletics in Franklin, I've heard. I believe I remember someone saying that the most extreme bus rides are closer to two hours one way, but I don't know this as fact. So when you begin to have a significant number of kids enduring bus rides of an hour or more, it's time to consider a solution.

I do agree with you, that if there are other reasons to start the process of splitting the high school, then the benefits for the student athletes should be a very real consideration. It's just a big plus if you can reduce some travel and relieve the angst of scheduling by splitting the schools. "Value Added" would be the politically correct phrase, I guess.

Is Franklin County on a path of steady growth. If so, is the growth in the demographics that include school age kids? The reason I bring this up is a couple we know very well, retired and moved to Smith Mountain Lake. No school age kids and in their mid sixty's, none in their future! We just get used to talking about growth in northern Virginia, but that's a different type of growth, I believe.

FC is growing slowly as an outer suburb of Roanoke. Most of the surrounding areas are still falling.
FC has some terrible secondary roads, very hilly and curvy. Even 220 is hard to drive on.
FC has been getting rolled by GW in fb and basketbetball in the past few years. They are decent in girls sports and baseball.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

But, the roads have always been the roads, in Franklin Co., Pulaski Co., or wherever. The roads didn't keep FC from having good football teams almost every year from 2002 to 2011. The roads certainly didn't hurt Pulaski County's football fortunes from '79 to '01 (or last year). Not to mention all the excellent teams in other sports those schools have had over the years.

So, what has changed over the last three or four years in Rocky Mount?

 

[shauntclair]

Correct. As always, it's about the money. Every important decision for all time has been either money or power. It always breaks down to that.

But, honestly, how big of a factor would athletics be in a decision to build a new school?

If FCHS is not at or over capacity presently, and/or the future projections push enrollment beyond the facility's limits in the near term, is spending $25 million for a new school justified?

As much as I love high school athletics, I could never be convinced to spend taxpayers money for a school based upon athletic needs.

 

[Cougar Ed]

But, the roads have always been the roads, in Franklin Co., Pulaski Co., or wherever. The roads didn't keep FC from having good football teams almost every year from 2002 to 2011. The roads certainly didn't hurt Pulaski County's football fortunes from '79 to '01 (or last year). Not to mention all the excellent teams in other sports those schools have had over the years.

So, what has changed over the last three or four years in Rocky Mount?

Pulaski was competitive iN football until 2008, not very in anyother sport, basketball once in a blue moon.

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

I Personally don't think it's fair to Franklin Co that they have to play in the Piedmont. They're a 6A school and their closest school size is 2 hours away in South Boston and they're 5a. At least they'll have PH (5a) 25 min up the road. Franklin County is having a rough time in football but their basketball and baseball teams are usually good and would be a great addition to the RRD. Their football teams from 2008-2012 were very good as they won the Western Valley District each year and won at least one playoff game. In the Piedmont, Tunstall and Patrick refuse to play them in any sport but baseball and softball, Halifax is 2 hours away , GW is a decent rivalry with FC, Bassett is about the only team they play in which FC beats in all sports, Martinsville is a 2a, and MV is another good matchup for FC. I personally would like to see the Piedmont all 3A along with Bassett and Martinsville (the Dogwood District would also be a great move for Martinsville ), FC in the River Ridge, and Halifax and GW in the Seminole. GW has ZERO business in the Piedmont, ZERO, and the same goes for Franklin County.

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

Does anyone know how things went so wrong so quickly for Franklin County football under Jones?

Good question SpartanOfYore. FC was arguably the area's best team from 08-12. It's amazing because they're the only school I've seen around here that have lineman the same size or bigger than Salem's lol. Franklin County had a lot of big time players Come out such as Lewis Witcher (played basketball at Tech from 07-11), Alex Keys (plays football currently at VMI), Keys older brother Ray (was a WR at UVA from 08-12),Terrell Basham (starting DE at
Ohio), Ryan Wade (starting LB at Norfolk St) and there's been more. They've had some serious talent in Rocky Mount but as of late they haven't had nothing at all except for Andrew Harris and he transferred to PH. FC was picked to make it far in the 2012 6a playoffs but injuries and I guess a little case of the overrated gave them a 4-6 season after going 10-2 in 2011 (year they beat Salem), 10-2 in 2010 and 2009, and if I'm not mistaking they were 10-2 in 08. It's been ALL down hill since then.

 

[mike salem]

Good question SpartanOfYore. FC was arguably the area's best team from 08-12. It's amazing because they're the only school I've seen around here that have lineman the same size or bigger than Salem's lol. Franklin County had a lot of big time players Come out such as Lewis Witcher (played basketball at Tech from 07-11), Alex Keys (plays football currently at VMI), Keys older brother Ray (was a WR at UVA from 08-12),Terrell Basham (starting DE at
Ohio), Ryan Wade (starting LB at Norfolk St) and there's been more. They've had some serious talent in Rocky Mount but as of late they haven't had nothing at all except for Andrew Harris and he transferred to PH. FC was picked to make it far in the 2012 6a playoffs but injuries and I guess a little case of the overrated gave them a 4-6 season after going 10-2 in 2011 (year they beat Salem), 10-2 in 2010 and 2009, and if I'm not mistaking they were 10-2 in 08. It's been ALL down hill since then.

Their best years were '09-'11 @ 9-3.

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

Their best years were '09-'11 @ 9-3.

They went 9-3 my senior year in 11. Lost to Magna Vista, Christiansburg and Battlefield in the playoffs. They had 4 RBs ( David McGhee, Alex Keys, Chance Tyree and Christian Witcher) all go over 1000 yards rushing. But you are right Mike! Thanks for the correction!!

 

[mike salem]

They went 9-3 my senior year in 11. Lost to Magna Vista, Christiansburg and Battlefield in the playoffs. They had 4 RBs ( David McGhee, Alex Keys, Chance Tyree and Christian Witcher) all go over 1000 yards rushing. But you are right Mike! Thanks for the correction!!

That's amazing having (4) 1,000 yard rushers! I remember Keys & Witcher, really good players.

 

[cutnjump]

Carroll County's record in RRD football games: 0-21. They went winless in the Southwest District in 2012, so CC's last district victory on the gridiron was nearly five years ago. Average margin of defeat in RRD games: 32.7 points. Likely to be 0-7 in RRD play again this fall. In 2017, the Cavs will be fortunate to beat anyone other than Floyd Co. in the 3RD. So, good decision.

Personally, I like the Franklin County decision, too. From the viewpoint of a fan of another RRD school, had FC been admitted to the district, that would have just been swapping one one- or two-win team for a different one. I think Edwards is a fine coach, but from what I've observed and from what little I've heard, it's going to take a Herculean effort to get the Eagles turned around again. Until that happens, better to let the current RRD schools have another week of non-district play. Each school can seek opponents as they see fit.

Does anyone know how things went so wrong so quickly for Franklin County football under Jones?

Hopefully someone from Franklin County will contribute to this discussion as they are closest to the roots of the issue. Just my opinion based on anecdotes relayed to me by friends with kids at FC but, FC's problems are a combination of demographics and administration. On the demographic side, as a 6A school they generally compete come playoff time with larger metro areas. The larger areas benefit from well established rec leagues and feeder programs while FC with a more dispersed, rural population is unable to replicate the same level and frequency of competition. Just like the long bus rides it is difficult to get kids together to practice and compete and that creates a lot of challenges in skill development. Note they are good in some team sports like baseball and girl's softball where players can still get out on their own from a skill development perspective but, the challenge is tougher in sports like football and basketball. The administration issue trickles down from the principal to the AD to the actual hiring of coaches that are a good fit. It is also affected by the influence of school board members and county politics. These issues affect on field results which in turn further affects participation levels and it eventually creates a self fulfilling prophecy and culture as far as losing versus winning. This culture difference is notable for anyone that has ever watched an FC softball or baseball game versus football/basketball. One anecdote from football as relayed to me by an FC parent. On Edwards first day of offseason weightlifting FC had approximately 65 kids show up and the program for that day included approximately one-half of what Salem considers a normal off season workout. Only about half the kids showed up the second day. I think Edwards is a good coach and the anecdote is merely to say it is going to take some time to rebuild the culture and set expectations but, it can be done as Billy Miles proved before.

 

[tommythecpa]

Hopefully someone from Franklin County will contribute to this discussion as they are closest to the roots of the issue. Just my opinion based on anecdotes relayed to me by friends with kids at FC but, FC's problems are a combination of demographics and administration. On the demographic side, as a 6A school they generally compete come playoff time with larger metro areas. The larger areas benefit from well established rec leagues and feeder programs while FC with a more dispersed, rural population is unable to replicate the same level and frequency of competition. Just like the long bus rides it is difficult to get kids together to practice and compete and that creates a lot of challenges in skill development. Note they are good in some team sports like baseball and girl's softball where players can still get out on their own from a skill development perspective but, the challenge is tougher in sports like football and basketball. The administration issue trickles down from the principal to the AD to the actual hiring of coaches that are a good fit. It is also affected by the influence of school board members and county politics. These issues affect on field results which in turn further affects participation levels and it eventually creates a self fulfilling prophecy and culture as far as losing versus winning. This culture difference is notable for anyone that has ever watched an FC softball or baseball game versus football/basketball. One anecdote from football as relayed to me by an FC parent. On Edwards first day of offseason weightlifting FC had approximately 65 kids show up and the program for that day included approximately one-half of what Salem considers a normal off season workout. Only about half the kids showed up the second day. I think Edwards is a good coach and the anecdote is merely to say it is going to take some time to rebuild the culture and set expectations but, it can be done as Billy Miles proved before.

FC does have issues with politics. Back in the day everyone in the County had an opinion about the football and basket programs.

 

[mike salem]

Hopefully someone from Franklin County will contribute to this discussion as they are closest to the roots of the issue. Just my opinion based on anecdotes relayed to me by friends with kids at FC but, FC's problems are a combination of demographics and administration. On the demographic side, as a 6A school they generally compete come playoff time with larger metro areas. The larger areas benefit from well established rec leagues and feeder programs while FC with a more dispersed, rural population is unable to replicate the same level and frequency of competition. Just like the long bus rides it is difficult to get kids together to practice and compete and that creates a lot of challenges in skill development. Note they are good in some team sports like baseball and girl's softball where players can still get out on their own from a skill development perspective but, the challenge is tougher in sports like football and basketball. The administration issue trickles down from the principal to the AD to the actual hiring of coaches that are a good fit. It is also affected by the influence of school board members and county politics. These issues affect on field results which in turn further affects participation levels and it eventually creates a self fulfilling prophecy and culture as far as losing versus winning. This culture difference is notable for anyone that has ever watched an FC softball or baseball game versus football/basketball. One anecdote from football as relayed to me by an FC parent. On Edwards first day of offseason weightlifting FC had approximately 65 kids show up and the program for that day included approximately one-half of what Salem considers a normal off season workout. Only about half the kids showed up the second day. I think Edwards is a good coach and the anecdote is merely to say it is going to take some time to rebuild the culture and set expectations but, it can be done as Billy Miles proved before.

There used to be a few FC posters, but the last few years without success has taken its toll. (As it would with any program)

 

[shauntclair]

Hopefully someone from Franklin County will contribute to this discussion as they are closest to the roots of the issue. Just my opinion based on anecdotes relayed to me by friends with kids at FC but, FC's problems are a combination of demographics and administration. On the demographic side, as a 6A school they generally compete come playoff time with larger metro areas. The larger areas benefit from well established rec leagues and feeder programs while FC with a more dispersed, rural population is unable to replicate the same level and frequency of competition. Just like the long bus rides it is difficult to get kids together to practice and compete and that creates a lot of challenges in skill development. Note they are good in some team sports like baseball and girl's softball where players can still get out on their own from a skill development perspective but, the challenge is tougher in sports like football and basketball. The administration issue trickles down from the principal to the AD to the actual hiring of coaches that are a good fit. It is also affected by the influence of school board members and county politics. These issues affect on field results which in turn further affects participation levels and it eventually creates a self fulfilling prophecy and culture as far as losing versus winning. This culture difference is notable for anyone that has ever watched an FC softball or baseball game versus football/basketball. One anecdote from football as relayed to me by an FC parent. On Edwards first day of offseason weightlifting FC had approximately 65 kids show up and the program for that day included approximately one-half of what Salem considers a normal off season workout. Only about half the kids showed up the second day. I think Edwards is a good coach and the anecdote is merely to say it is going to take some time to rebuild the culture and set expectations but, it can be done as Billy Miles proved before.

Nothing about FC but some notes of contention. All just IMO.

Baseball/ Softball, Soccer and Basketball require many years of skill development to make a good player. Now, Football does require time in the weight room but I think the required skills can be taught very, very quickly. A brand new individual with athletic ability can be placed in games and do well. No experience required.

Feeder programs. I know teams like Powhatan and Salem run their feeder programs. The ten year olds run the same offense and defense used at the HS level. They both have a history of success but when you look at things over all, only one State Championship this decade. The other State Championships, at every level, have standard Parks and Rec programs. Parent Coachs. Different offenses and defenses. Obviously, the Coachs have to be better trained now because of potential litigation and the safety of the kids but they all run their teams differently.

65 kids is a lot for weightlifting. For my Courtland Cougars, there simply would not be the room and that 65 would be Varsity and JV. Other schools may have the facilities to do this. Courtland isn't close. But they still manage to get full participation 3 days a week starting January 2 and going through to the first practice in August. There are reasons that happens and it has everything to do with the Coach.

 

[mike salem]

Hopefully someone from Franklin County will contribute to this discussion as they are closest to the roots of the issue. Just my opinion based on anecdotes relayed to me by friends with kids at FC but, FC's problems are a combination of demographics and administration. On the demographic side, as a 6A school they generally compete come playoff time with larger metro areas. The larger areas benefit from well established rec leagues and feeder programs while FC with a more dispersed, rural population is unable to replicate the same level and frequency of competition. Just like the long bus rides it is difficult to get kids together to practice and compete and that creates a lot of challenges in skill development. Note they are good in some team sports like baseball and girl's softball where players can still get out on their own from a skill development perspective but, the challenge is tougher in sports like football and basketball. The administration issue trickles down from the principal to the AD to the actual hiring of coaches that are a good fit. It is also affected by the influence of school board members and county politics. These issues affect on field results which in turn further affects participation levels and it eventually creates a self fulfilling prophecy and culture as far as losing versus winning. This culture difference is notable for anyone that has ever watched an FC softball or baseball game versus football/basketball. One anecdote from football as relayed to me by an FC parent. On Edwards first day of offseason weightlifting FC had approximately 65 kids show up and the program for that day included approximately one-half of what Salem considers a normal off season workout. Only about half the kids showed up the second day. I think Edwards is a good coach and the anecdote is merely to say it is going to take some time to rebuild the culture and set expectations but, it can be done as Billy Miles proved before.

Participation is a big problem for FC. In 2014 Game 1 against Salem, the Eagles had 35 in uniform. (2,080 students, presumably 1,000 or so boys and they only have the participants of a 2A sized school) They had a 1-9 season that year and got a new coach. Excitement was high because they had a former Salem asst coach. They came to conditioning and realized success takes a lot of hard work. Half show up the next day, you can't be successful without participation and preparation. They finish last year 0-10.

About 3 years ago I was at a 7 on 7 and someone from another local team told me there was a lot of internal turmoil among coaching, administration, and parents. There was also a funding issue about the same time where the MS program was nearly curtailed. Transportation, as noted before, is a major obstacle as well.

There is a lot of competition for the teenager's time: girls, jobs, friends, games, etc... Would you rather work hard all year for a chance to play football or spend it hanging out with your girl, your friends, working a job so you can get paid, playing video games? For me it was working so I could get a car, get out of the house, and hang out with girls!

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Participation is a big problem for FC. In 2014 Game 1 against Salem, the Eagles had 35 in uniform. (2,080 students, presumably 1,000 or so boys and they only have the participants of a 2A sized school) They had a 1-9 season that year and got a new coach. Excitement was high because they had a former Salem asst coach. They came to conditioning and realized success takes a lot of hard work. Half show up the next day, you can't be successful without participation and preparation. They finish last year 0-10.

About 3 years ago I was at a 7 on 7 and someone from another local team told me there was a lot of internal turmoil among coaching, administration, and parents. There was also a funding issue about the same time where the MS program was nearly curtailed. Transportation, as noted before, is a major obstacle as well.

There is a lot of competition for the teenager's time: girls, jobs, friends, games, etc... Would you rather work hard all year for a chance to play football or spend it hanging out with your girl, your friends, working a job so you can get paid, playing video games? For me it was working so I could get a car, get out of the house, and hang out with girls!

And Mike, couple a dismal record with what lures there are to keep a young man from the dedication it takes to play football, and it's a wonder some of these programs ever get turned around.

Shaunty, as I always have, I respectfully disagree with your contention of how little time and effort it takes to develop football skills.

Hopefully someone from Franklin County will contribute to this discussion as they are closest to the roots of the issue. Just my opinion based on anecdotes relayed to me by friends with kids at FC but, FC's problems are a combination of demographics and administration. On the demographic side, as a 6A school they generally compete come playoff time with larger metro areas. The larger areas benefit from well established rec leagues and feeder programs while FC with a more dispersed, rural population is unable to replicate the same level and frequency of competition. Just like the long bus rides it is difficult to get kids together to practice and compete and that creates a lot of challenges in skill development. Note they are good in some team sports like baseball and girl's softball where players can still get out on their own from a skill development perspective but, the challenge is tougher in sports like football and basketball. The administration issue trickles down from the principal to the AD to the actual hiring of coaches that are a good fit. It is also affected by the influence of school board members and county politics. These issues affect on field results which in turn further affects participation levels and it eventually creates a self fulfilling prophecy and culture as far as losing versus winning. This culture difference is notable for anyone that has ever watched an FC softball or baseball game versus football/basketball. One anecdote from football as relayed to me by an FC parent. On Edwards first day of offseason weightlifting FC had approximately 65 kids show up and the program for that day included approximately one-half of what Salem considers a normal off season workout. Only about half the kids showed up the second day. I think Edwards is a good coach and the anecdote is merely to say it is going to take some time to rebuild the culture and set expectations but, it can be done as Billy Miles proved before.

Cut, extremely well stated.

 

[cutnjump]

To clarify for you ShaunT. As far as the skill development comment it was the amount of time required to mesh those skills as a team. To get 11 guys to play together on offense or defense takes a lot more time in football than rolling nine out to play baseball or softball. Kids can hit, field and throw on their own and aside from any special situations communication can blend the team quickly for on field play as compared to football and to a lesser extent basketball. Yes a rec/feeder program where everybody runs the same system from the top down is helpful in not having to reinvent the wheel but, the real comment, particularly as it relates to 6A and large metro areas, is the quantity and quality of the participants compared to a dispersed program in a rural county like Franklin. In Richmond, NOVA or the Beach, rec leagues with 8, 10 or more teams provide a different type of competition than rural leagues do based on my experience. As far as the last weightlifting comment, you are correct that it can also be about the Coach. However, from the relayed anecdote one day is not close to enough time to make a participation decision based on a coach, in my opinion, and I would contend it is more likely a reflection of the kids' current commitment levels and understanding of the level of work required to actually be successful.

 

[shauntclair]

To clarify for you ShaunT. As far as the skill development comment it was the amount of time required to mesh those skills as a team. To get 11 guys to play together on offense or defense takes a lot more time in football than rolling nine out to play baseball or softball. Kids can hit, field and throw on their own and aside from any special situations communication can blend the team quickly for on field play as compared to football and to a lesser extent basketball. Yes a rec/feeder program where everybody runs the same system from the top down is helpful in not having to reinvent the wheel but, the real comment, particularly as it relates to 6A and large metro areas, is the quantity and quality of the participants compared to a dispersed program in a rural county like Franklin. In Richmond, NOVA or the Beach, rec leagues with 8, 10 or more teams provide a different type of competition than rural leagues do based on my experience. As far as the last weightlifting comment, you are correct that it can also be about the Coach. However, from the relayed anecdote one day is not close to enough time to make a participation decision based on a coach, in my opinion, and I would contend it is more likely a reflection of the kids' current commitment levels and understanding of the level of work required to actually be successful.

Agree that a team can take time. Kids can only hit, field and throw adequately after many years of redundant work. It takes, literally, hundreds of thousands of grounders to make it look easy. Hall of Fame hitters are only successful a third of the time. Athletes that can run, throw and catch a Football are born, not made. Pete Rose had no athletic talent at all but he has more hits than anyone has ever had. No amount of practice and training would have made him anything but an adequate Football player in HS.

I still contend that participation is a reflection of the Coach and the program he has created but I do appreciate your good argument that it is otherwise.

I also retain my contention that a competitive Football team can be fielded in 30 days with kids that are willing to put in the work during that time. Add a few special players and you can make a contender. i understand there are some, if not most, that disagree with this. It is what it is.

 

[1MoreHokie]

Hahahaha getting the funds for a 2nd school in FC ahahahahahahahaha. There are 2 very separate groups of people in that county and there is no way on God's green earth one would agree to raise taxes for the benefit of the other.

 

[tommythecpa]

Hahahaha getting the funds for a 2nd school in FC ahahahahahahahaha. There are 2 very separate groups of people in that county and there is no way on God's green earth one would agree to raise taxes for the benefit of the other.

New high schools run north of 50 mil. In Chesterfield Co they cost 75 mil. In the late 40's FC elected to consolidate about 4 hs into one. Adjoining Pittslyvania elected to consolidate into 4 but they has different towns. FC only had a bigger town so they put a central hs there.

 

[numb3rs]

FC is never going to be a threat to win the 6A state championship in football or probably any other sport. Still, it doesn't seem like it should be mission impossible to regain something of the form they had a few years ago and be a solid competitor in the RRD. Though, some 3A schools in the RRD may then opt not to play them.

 

[mike salem]

FC is never going to be a threat to win the 6A state championship in football or probably any other sport. Still, it doesn't seem like it should be mission impossible to regain something of the form they had a few years ago and be a solid competitor in the RRD. Though, some 3A schools in the RRD may then opt not to play them.

They aren't going to be in the RRD for now anyway. Carroll Co was allowed to move to another district in '17. Franklin Co will remain in the Piedmont District for now.

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

FC is never going to be a threat to win the 6A state championship in football or probably any other sport. Still, it doesn't seem like it should be mission impossible to regain something of the form they had a few years ago and be a solid competitor in the RRD. Though, some 3A schools in the RRD may then opt not to play them.

I wouldn't say never. They've had some teams in the past and as recent as 2011 that could ball (football and basketball). I'm not saying they'll win it all, but they can potentially be competitive on the state level..They've done it before. I think their baseball team made it pretty far in the playoffs this past season, their tennis teams made it to the state championship 2 years in a row a couple years back, girls basketball team are usually the best in the area (at least up there with Floyd Co and Fleming), and their boys basketball team isn't "horrible" giving the fact that they've had 3 coaches since probably one of the better high school basketball coaches in the state, Crockett, left in 2012. Their sports program isn't as bad as many are making it sound, it's just tough times down there right now..It happens..Ask Gretna presently, Magna Vista a couple years back, Fleming a few years backs, etc..They'll be alright.

 

[tommythecpa]

I wouldn't say never. They've had some teams in the past and as recent as 2011 that could ball (football and basketball). I'm not saying they'll win it all, but they can potentially be competitive on the state level..They've done it before. I think their baseball team made it pretty far in the playoffs this past season, their tennis teams made it to the state championship 2 years in a row a couple years back, girls basketball team are usually the best in the area (at least up there with Floyd Co and Fleming), and their boys basketball team isn't "horrible" giving the fact that they've had 3 coaches since probably one of the better high school basketball coaches in the state, Crockett, left in 2012. Their sports program isn't as bad as many are making it sound, it's just tough times down there right now..It happens..Ask Gretna presently, Magna Vista a couple years back, Fleming a few years backs, etc..They'll be alright.

FC has a huge uphill climb in D-6 football. They cannot become a destination school for players because of the isolated location. They do not have the resources of other D6 schools. This hurts them in all sports. NOVA has resources that all the moonshine in the world cannot buy. I think they hit their ceiling when they were advancing to the second round in the D6 playoffs. They do get quite motivated in Rocky Mount. When they had the tiny gym back in 1974 they were throwing pennies at us on the GW bench.

 

[mike salem]

I wouldn't say never. They've had some teams in the past and as recent as 2011 that could ball (football and basketball). I'm not saying they'll win it all, but they can potentially be competitive on the state level..They've done it before. I think their baseball team made it pretty far in the playoffs this past season, their tennis teams made it to the state championship 2 years in a row a couple years back, girls basketball team are usually the best in the area (at least up there with Floyd Co and Fleming), and their boys basketball team isn't "horrible" giving the fact that they've had 3 coaches since probably one of the better high school basketball coaches in the state, Crockett, left in 2012. Their sports program isn't as bad as many are making it sound, it's just tough times down there right now..It happens..Ask Gretna presently, Magna Vista a couple years back, Fleming a few years backs, etc..They'll be alright.

The problem FC has in football anyway is even when things are going well their participation isn't commensurate with most 6A schools. Their participation is generally equivalent to a 4A school. They usually have several good players, but they are not as deep as a lot of good 6A schools would be. I'm not saying it would be impossible, but they would need to have more 1 way specialist and less 2 way players. At 5,6A the best teams generally have large rosters and few 2 way players.

Salem only had 1 FT 2 way player and they are 4A. LT had quite a few 2 way players and they could have easily won the title, but I think at each level it gets increasingly more difficult to be state competitive with multiple 2 way players imo.

 

[VolNation85]

But, honestly, how big of a factor would athletics be in a decision to build a new school?

If FCHS is not at or over capacity presently, and/or the future projections push enrollment beyond the facility's limits in the near term, is spending $25 million for a new school justified?

As much as I love high school athletics, I could never be convinced to spend taxpayers money for a school based upon athletic needs.

Only $25 million? That would be a sub-par school at best. The new Heritage High in Lynchburg costs somewhere around $80 million! I'm just giving you a hard time but it actually further proves your point, if the current building isn't over crowded or doesn't pose a health risk to students then building a new school isn't even an option, definitely not for athletic reasons, unfortunately.