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I’m making it my obligation not to post but one time on this thread and I’ll start by saying that GW will be the underdog big time. In the only two meetings between Salem & GW, Danville has lost 48-28 & 42-13 and the second one wasn’t even close (not that the first one was but at least GW did hang around until the ugly ending). I’ve had the opportunity to speak to a couple of the current GW players in the past 48 hours about how important this game is & the kids know how important beating Salem is to the program. The staff has modeled a lot of what they do in the offseason in the weight room because of Salem. One of the apparent themes in those past two meetings was the trenches and what GW lacked when facing the Spartans. GW was pushed around both games. GW has improved tremendously in the trenches since that Salem game 2 years ago. I was impressed by how the lines competed with a very physical Pulaski team last year and the way they competed with Dinwiddie who was very strong, physical and fast. This year it’s not the line or defense but the reason I give Salem the edge as the GW offense has been next to none existent the past few weeks. Yes there are a few guys out but the botched snaps, the fumbles and turnovers will hurt you every time. Also GW has a bad habit of starting slow, it will hurt them if it happens on Friday. None the less, I will be there to support my guys (passing up the Highland Springs/Varina game for this!).. We’ll have a fan bus (only $20 to ride) going up so I pray that the city will come support the guys. May the best team win!
I agree with all of this. I am very pleased with the team that Salem is becoming and they just keep getting better and better.Salem's defense has played exceptionally well since Martinsburg. While I agree that the secondary is still prone to occasional lapses in coverage, they have done much better making reads and not letting receivers get behind them. Even more encouraging, is their improvement getting off blocks and attacking the run. The corners have vastly improved in this area as well as both Collins and Logan running the alley from their positions. That having been said, this will be the first real test of speed and athleticism from the wideout spots since Martinsburg. GW has legit threats there, especially Watlington. If I'm them, I'd take a few deep shots from the beginning. I'd also look for GW to utilize screens to get Graves and Edmunds into open space from the backfield. Pulaski had some success with this on their last drive before Salem tightened up in the red zone. Some designed QB runs or draws might lead to some substantial yards for GW as well, especially if they have some success throwing early in the game. I believe someone said that Graves was battling some nagging injuries, so running against Salem's front and linebacker corp will be difficult. Even at full speed, very few backs have done anything against Salem's defense all year.
As has been already noted, Salem's offense has slowly but surely improved thanks to the growth on the line from "the mules". IMO, Pulaski was really the only team to consistently shut down Salem's backs. I thought they moved the ball slightly better against Martinsburg than against the stingy Cougars. Even so, Wood still eventually made the plays Salem needed off timely blocking from the O-line. If I was GW, it might be interesting to pull a Lake Taylor and throw everyone in the box to try and force Salem to beat you throwing the ball. Chaney has played better and more consistent the latter half of the season, but it might be worth giving up a score just to see if he's on point that night.
I've said from the beginning that I like this Salem team. They are young, but have matured. Talent is evident all over the field. I actually think they have all the pieces for a strong run if they play disciplined and smart. Even with recent injuries, players keep stepping up and I for one have enjoyed seeing some new names make plays. GW will be a test. I agree that their schedule this year will have them better prepared and seasoned. They certainly could win. However, I think based on Salem's play the last four games, they're coming together at the perfect time to exemplify the "Spartan effect".
It seems to me that Salem does this every year... they improve throughout the year and people tend to underestimate them. I won't make that mistake, wouldn't surprise me if they win it all.I agree with all of this. I am very pleased with the team that Salem is becoming and they just keep getting better and better.
The Region 4 is very competitive this year as a whole. It’s going to be a fun finish.It seems to me that Salem does this every year... they improve throughout the year and people tend to underestimate them. I won't make that mistake, wouldn't surprise me if they win it all.
They went as far as Jeb Byrnes took them. I make the argument that Jeb could’ve been the varsity QB, but he is young but has looked very impressive on the few plays he’s been in on varsity. He and George White (Glass) are going to be elite QBs in the state of Virginia. Jeb’s brother Hunter was the 4A West Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 and led GW to a 12-1 record, they lost to Salem. Jeb IMO will be just as good as Hunter. He makes the smart play, he’s quick and has a very strong arm.How good is GWD's JV team?
One man show, huh.... Our JV went 8-2. Some of those guys were pulled up. Could make a difference.They went as far as Jeb Byrnes took them. I make the argument that Jeb could’ve been the varsity QB, but he is young but has looked very impressive on the few plays he’s been in on varsity. He and George White (Glass) are going to be elite QBs in the state of Virginia. Jeb’s brother Hunter was the 4A West Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 and led GW to a 12-1 record, they lost to Salem. Jeb IMO will be just as good as Hunter. He makes the smart play, he’s quick and has a very strong arm.
I thought Salem JV went 6-2? For some reason Northside and Hidden Valley did not want to play them. Any coach that cancels a JV game is a coward in my book.One man show, huh.... Our JV went 8-2. Some of those guys were pulled up. Could make a difference.
Not sure if it was a one man show but Jeb definitely stood out talent wise. GW usually has a solid JV team. This year Halifax won the district championship.One man show, huh.... Our JV went 8-2. Some of those guys were pulled up. Could make a difference.
Primarily the spread but they are the most dangerous in the Wing T imo.. Dinwiddie had a lot of trouble defending us when we went to that formation.What offense and Defense does Danville run?
The odds of any of the kids that got pulled up from being exclusive JV players to being contributors during the playoffs is extremely slim and would take several injuries. I feel like I had this exact same conversation with a Salem fan as we were getting into the playoffs last year.One man show, huh.... Our JV went 8-2. Some of those guys were pulled up. Could make a difference.
Northside just didn't have enough players to continue. They only had about 14 kids on the team when I saw them earlier in the season and apparently had a few injuries and quitters after that. They also canceled their game against Hidden Valley for sure and I don't think they played any more games the rest of the year. Hidden Valley had to cancel a few games during the season and also had very low numbers. The game with Salem originally got canceled due to weather and rescheduled for the following Monday but a lot of the JV kids ended up playing a good portion of the second half of the varsity game Friday during the blowout and they felt like it would be tough for them to play Friday and then turn around and play on Monday and Thursday of the next week.I thought Salem JV went 6-2? For some reason Northside and Hidden Valley did not want to play them. Any coach that cancels a JV game is a coward in my book.
From which team?.... lot of the JV kids ended up playing a good portion of the second half of the varsity game Friday during the blowout and they felt like it would be tough for them to play Friday and then turn around and play on Monday and Thursday of the next week.
Both teams but HV had way less players available.From which team?
Well, you did. No worries, though. Would the VHSL let SHS JV scrimmage GW before the game on Friday?I did not say they had any part of backing out of the game. You do not know of what you read.
Well, I didn't. I said "both" in reference to both JV teams having players play in the varsity game on Friday. Your question in relationship to my quote was unclear.Well, you did. No worries, though. Would the VHSL let SHS JV scrimmage GW before the game on Friday?
I’m making it my obligation not to post but one time on this thread and I’ll start by saying that GW will be the underdog big time. In the only two meetings between Salem & GW, Danville has lost 48-28 & 42-13 and the second one wasn’t even close (not that the first one was but at least GW did hang around until the ugly ending). I’ve had the opportunity to speak to a couple of the current GW players in the past 48 hours about how important this game is & the kids know how important beating Salem is to the program. The staff has modeled a lot of what they do in the offseason in the weight room because of Salem. One of the apparent themes in those past two meetings was the trenches and what GW lacked when facing the Spartans. GW was pushed around both games. GW has improved tremendously in the trenches since that Salem game 2 years ago. I was impressed by how the lines competed with a very physical Pulaski team last year and the way they competed with Dinwiddie who was very strong, physical and fast. This year it’s not the line or defense but the reason I give Salem the edge as the GW offense has been next to none existent the past few weeks. Yes there are a few guys out but the botched snaps, the fumbles and turnovers will hurt you every time. Also GW has a bad habit of starting slow, it will hurt them if it happens on Friday. None the less, I will be there to support my guys (passing up the Highland Springs/Varina game for this!).. We’ll have a fan bus (only $20 to ride) going up so I pray that the city will come support the guys. May the best team win!
I’ve been vocal about not talking trash this year. I think we’ve all learned our lessons especially not to poke a sleeping beast called the Salem Spartans. We’ve not performed well against the Spartans and we’ve had a few Salem fans come at our players and coaches, which was a result of our bantering. I’ve built some very close relationships with our players and I don’t want any negative backlash on them because of us on this message board. I personally think GW is in great shape for tomorrow. If it comes down to special teams (a FG or PAT) that is my biggest worry as that sealed our fate against Pulaski last year.I find it interesting that very little has been said on this board by GW fans. I sense a different philosophy this year. Instead of a lot of trash talk before the game, it looks like GW fans are taking the silent killers line. I kind of miss the Old bantering. I've said all year that this Salem team is not 2014,15,16,17. They have obvious weaknesses. However, credit should be given to the coaches and players for their steady improvement. This will probably be a very close game decided by turnovers and penalties.
By the way. Didn't I win a bet last year concerning the VCU Rams basketball and the National Champions Virginia Cavaliers?
I find it interesting that very little has been said on this board by GW fans. I sense a different philosophy this year. Instead of a lot of trash talk before the game, it looks like GW fans are taking the silent killers line. I kind of miss the Old bantering. I've said all year that this Salem team is not 2014,15,16,17. They have obvious weaknesses."
I worked at Varina a few years back while I completed my graduate degree. I’ve been at a couple of schools in Richmond/Henrico for practicum/internships/service learning & I decided to stay here for my profession. My Twitter page has helped me form some great working relationships with these kids from Southside VA. I just give them the same resources I give my kids at school.. SAT resources, high school credit advice, important deadlines and events to attend. It’s all about setting these kids up for success, my name isn’t labeled anywhere cause I don’t want any credit for ANYTHING!@iDidntGetBanned, refresh my memory, and this is no way near a shot or anything, just trying to remember the story.
You seem very close to the GW players (as stated), and a huge GW fan. But didn't you say you went to another school (Halifax maybe?) and teach at Varina?
Just trying the story behind it
Are the Eagles at full strength for Salem or are they still struggling with injuries?Alabama this year is not as strong as 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, but you still know it's gonna take a HELL of an effort to get the W. Will still need to play our best game of the year to get it done.
Also, in 2017 GW was 10-1 coming into the Salem game and really could have been 11-0 if not for the injury bug one game. GW fans were much more confident that year and making a lot of noise. This year, after the second half we had against Bassett, and the bad game against Magna Vista, everyone is in wait and see mode.
I worked at Varina a few years back while I completed my graduate degree. I’ve been at a couple of schools in Richmond/Henrico for practicum/internships/service learning & I decided to stay here for my profession. My Twitter page has helped me form some great working relationships with these kids from Southside VA. I just give them the same resources I give my kids at school.. SAT resources, high school credit advice, important deadlines and events to attend. It’s all about setting these kids up for success, my name isn’t labeled anywhere cause I don’t want any credit for ANYTHING!
I was born and raised in Danville and my dad, who graduated from GW, has been taking me to GW games since I was 4 (1998 season). I attended Danville Public Schools from Kindergarten thru 8th grade so I knew mostly all of the players Class of 2008 to Class of 2016 on a personal level. Danville is a pretty rough place to be right now. It’s nothing like it was when I was growing up there. Though I have no intentions of working there (for A LOT of reasons), that hasn’t stopped me from advocating and supporting my hometown student athletes. My organization is to give back to the communities of Halifax, Danville/Pittsylvania County, Martinsville/Henry County and Patrick County. Those kids don’t know it, but they’ve made me a better man.What I remember, and I could certainly be wrong, was something about going to a different school. So how did you get to having such a love for GW? Not in a bad way. Was it while you were in HS or after and being "stationed" there so to speak?