Final Gretna 14, Radford 7

[Fairlawncat]

Nm

 

[MarlburlMan]

If you’re a Radford fan, you have to be disappointed by the offensive coaching last night. It has become more apparent that Clark and Kanipe were the only reason it ever worked. There are no wrinkles. 5 receivers running the same predictable routes. If the QB isn’t a great runner it won’t work. Our QB will never be a great runner and he is only a mediocre passer. Expect the same outcomes for the foreseeable future.

 

[Fairlawncat]

If you’re a Radford fan, you have to be disappointed by the offensive coaching last night. It has become more apparent that Clark and Kanipe were the only reason it ever worked. There are no wrinkles. 5 receivers running the same predictable routes. If the QB isn’t a great runner it won’t work. Our QB will never be a great runner and he is only a mediocre passer. Expect the same outcomes for the foreseeable future.

I'm going to push back a little. Crist has a state title and has been at Radford 4 years and has done very well. Our team is super young and we knew from early August that we likely win 1 playoff game and in round 2, we have a 50-50 type game and if we win, the season ends in the region title game. I think we improved tremendously from game 1 and the coaches did very well. I think Crist is good.

P.S. There's this narrative created by many fans in Bristol that Crist can't win or isn't a good coach as he struggled at VH and they made the narrative stick on Crist and less focus was placed on their own programs woes. Facts are, Radford won the state title in 2023 under Crist. VH hasn't won a playoff game since 1987 (37 years-thats over 1/3rd of a century.) The legendary Paul Wheeler struggled at VH. He did decent, but struggled and when he left? State titles at Rustburg and Lafayette. When Crist left, a state title was won at another school. Perhaps the problem isn't Crist or the many many coaches who have csme and gone at VA High. Maybe it's just VA High.

Radford will be fantastic next year and probably be the favs to win the region. We were super young and inexperienced. Congrats to the players and coaches on a very good season. I'm not meaning to put down VH in this post. The guy they have now is outstanding and they might be turning the corner. I'm just saying historically they have struggled in football and after cosch after coach, there's one common denominator and that is....it's tough to win there.

 

[Union_Fan]

I can't speak to Crist at Radford or Va High, but Patterson won a playoff game this year at Va High in his 4th season. He appears to have the Bearcats going in a very good direction.

 

[MarlburlMan]

I'm going to push back a little. Crist has a state title and has been at Radford 4 years and has done very well. Our team is super young and we knew from early August that we likely win 1 playoff game and in round 2, we have a 50-50 type game and if we win, the season ends in the region title game. I think we improved tremendously from game 1 and the coaches did very well. I think Crist is good.

P.S. There's this narrative created by many fans in Bristol that Crist can't win or isn't a good coach as he struggled at VH and they made the narrative stick on Crist and less focus was placed on their own programs woes. Facts are, Radford won the state title in 2023 under Crist. VH hasn't won a playoff game since 1987 (37 years-thats over 1/3rd of a century.) The legendary Paul Wheeler struggled at VH. He did decent, but struggled and when he left? State titles at Rustburg and Lafayette. When Crist left, a state title was won at another school. Perhaps the problem isn't Crist or the many many coaches who have csme and gone at VA High. Maybe it's just VA High.

Radford will be fantastic next year and probably be the favs to win the region. We were super young and inexperienced. Congrats to the players and coaches on a very good season. I'm not meaning to put down VH in this post. The guy they have now is outstanding and they might be turning the corner. I'm just saying historically they have struggled in football and after cosch after coach, there's one common denominator and that is....it's tough to win there.

Fairlawn, I greatly respect you opinion and I believe you make several great points. I will explain my thoughts a little better without personally attacking or questioning individuals; especially kids.

I am a big fan of Michael Crist and I believe his results at RHS certainly speak for themselves. However, I have felt that play calling and design are underwhelming. When you consider how talented we have been in his tenure, you could argue that the offense has underperformed....especially in critical moments. Redzone stats have to be horrible. The main criticism is the lack of adjustments. Most people who study the film can agree with this point.

In regards to the future, I don't think we have the potential that you are hoping for. I know that sounds pessimistic but I just don't see it. Tons of athleticism does not always equate to football ability or performance. We have lots of great athletes but only a few great football players.

My final point is that although we went 7-3, we didn't really contend with a quality opponent. 1A and 2A are down this year in my opinion and according to calpreps. We may very well win an even less competitive Region C next year.