Richlands @ Stuarts Draft

[SpartanOfYore]

I agree, of course I am from Draft. I understand that teams bring a lot of fans, and I love to see a packed game, but I didn't understand it last year when it was Salem and Jefferson Forest I believe. Somega of the people posting were downright hateful about their stadium, I just didn't get it. Some are more fortunate than others.

I was just about to mention that situation. JF has seating for perhaps 750 to 800 people, and ten times that many fans were expected. The VHSL knew all that, and despite their "2,500 seat" rule, the game was held right there at JF. Once I found out the game was going to be broadcast on the internet, I made the decision to avoid the hassle. Only the second Salem playoff game I didn't go to, ever. But I made my decision, and I was okay with it. Since I didn't even experience JF's facility firsthand, hopefully I wasn't one of the hateful posters.

They held the game at JF, and though it was very far from ideal in many ways, the game was played, and life went on. There is no way under the sun the VHSL is going to move this game from Stuarts Draft. They've earned the right to host. While I think it would make much more sense in these type situations to move the game to the nearest available facility that actually meets all the criteria as set forth by the VHSL, no one from that organization has ever asked me for my opinion.

 

[Gunz41]

I was just about to mention that situation. JF has seating for perhaps 750 to 800 people, and ten times that many fans were expected. The VHSL knew all that, and despite their "2,500 seat" rule, the game was held right there at JF. Once I found out the game was going to be broadcast on the internet, I made the decision to avoid the hassle. Only the second Salem playoff game I didn't go to, ever. But I made my decision, and I was okay with it. Since I didn't even experience JF's facility firsthand, hopefully I wasn't one of the hateful posters.

They held the game at JF, and though it was very far from ideal in many ways, the game was played, and life went on. There is no way under the sun the VHSL is going to move this game from Stuarts Draft. They've earned the right to host. While I think it would make much more sense in these type situations to move the game to the nearest available facility that actually meets all the criteria as set forth by the VHSL, no one from that organization has ever asked me for my opinion.

I couldn't tell you who it was or what was said, I just remember people saying bad things about the place

 

[Mr.Moe]

Clarke brought in bleachers last year vs. Union as well.

They brought in extra bleachers and a bunch of Don's John's and the house was packed, never seen a crowd at the Felt like that...

 

[Mr.Moe]

I think what some don't realize with this area, there are 5 different high schools in the county. So that is a lot of $$$ for things. And I know it would be a lot higher than 2a, but imagine if they were all together. Buffalo Gap, Fort Defiance, Riverheads, Stuarts Draft, and Wilson

I never realized Augusta County had that many high schools

 

[Gunz41]

I never realized Augusta County had that many high schools

Yes. And Staunton and Waynesboro close too. The little league program, the Augusta County Quarterback Club is those 7 and Nelson County joined this year

 

[BCKnights]

I was just about to mention that situation. JF has seating for perhaps 750 to 800 people, and ten times that many fans were expected. The VHSL knew all that, and despite their "2,500 seat" rule, the game was held right there at JF. Once I found out the game was going to be broadcast on the internet, I made the decision to avoid the hassle. Only the second Salem playoff game I didn't go to, ever. But I made my decision, and I was okay with it. Since I didn't even experience JF's facility firsthand, hopefully I wasn't one of the hateful posters.

They held the game at JF, and though it was very far from ideal in many ways, the game was played, and life went on. There is no way under the sun the VHSL is going to move this game from Stuarts Draft. They've earned the right to host. While I think it would make much more sense in these type situations to move the game to the nearest available facility that actually meets all the criteria as set forth by the VHSL, no one from that organization has ever asked me for my opinion.

Damn I always thought Jefferson Forest a nice facility. I know when we used to go there they had a pro style locker room.

 

[SpartanOfYore]

Damn I always thought Jefferson Forest a nice facility. I know when we used to go there they had a pro style locker room.

That may very well be so, and if you've been in their locker room, I can't and won't dispute it. All I know is as of last December, their stadium seated about 800 for a game attended by several thousand people, and had completely inadequate parking, as well as other problems. That from talking to numerous people who attended, and reading multiple comments online, many from fans of other schools. I really don't want to dredge all that up again. I only commented because there seems to be a parallel with this situation, to some degree.

 

[BCKnights]

That may very well be so, and if you've been in their locker room, I can't and won't dispute it. All I know is as of last December, their stadium seated about 800 for a game attended by several thousand people, and had completely inadequate parking, as well as other problems. That from talking to numerous people who attended, and reading multiple comments online, many from fans of other schools. I really don't want to dredge all that up again. I only commented because there seems to be a parallel with this situation, to some degree.

Nothing towards you I haven't been there since we left the Seminole in 95. As a 16 year old then I thought it was pretty big especially compared to ours. I gotta say of the schools I've been to, Richlands was the best I've experienced so far.

 

[ClarkeFan83]

I was at the radio station about an hour ago and we hadn't heard a peep.

$$$-wise, that would be great - more fans and less spent on gas.

=====
Here's what I see @ SD...
Bleachers from the 35 to the 35 = 30 yards.
3 aisles of 2 yards each leave 24 yards.
away : 24 x 10 rows = 240 yds, home : 24 x 15 rows = 360 yds
600 yds x 2 butts per yard = 1200 seats

2 butts per yard???!!! This is America, we need 24 inches per butt!!!

 

[ClarkeFan83]

They brought in extra bleachers and a bunch of Don's John's and the house was packed, never seen a crowd at the Felt like that...

And they brought in Pizza from Little Caesar's! Never seen pizza being sold at the Felt.

 

[VHSL-helper]

2 butts per yard???!!! This is America, we need 24 inches per butt!!!

I'm trying to help them out by factoring in the school kids

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

Nothing towards you I haven't been there since we left the Seminole in 95. As a 16 year old then I thought it was pretty big especially compared to ours. I gotta say of the schools I've been to, Richlands was the best I've experienced so far.

I will say this about JF, it is a 4A school with a winning tradition. I am amazed at the lack of seating in the place. They put money other places I guess (turn field, weight room, locker room, stadium seats in middle of home side, extra coaches salary perhaps). Better bring some padding too, they have cement bleachers on visitor side. To their defense, the football field is in a bowl type area much like Dan River. So you can stand on the top of every side except one and have a great view of the game. Plus, there are plenty of hills to sit on like Amherst. THAT HILL WILL BREAK YOU OFF walking back up to the parking lot. So before going to a JF game, don’t go to gym, its like running a 5K after you get to your car, LOL.

 

[Boathead]

From a Union fan....Richlands travels extremely well, has a well balanced team and one of the best coaches in Greg Mance.

I'm picking Richlands in a thriller, 1-3 points, and I'm definitely going with Appomattox. The 95 & 98 PV teams would have competed with Appomattox, but presently I see no one touching them. Good luck to all!

 

[Gunz41]

It has been a few years, but as I understand Union travels very well and they have been up here twice. Maybe they can say about the seating? I know some teams travel very well and I hope we can be hospitable to all you fine folks from Richlands

 

[Bigrhsfan]

Thanks Gunz41 ! Looking forward to the trip up there and watch what should be a fantastic high school football game !

 

[Ryan4VT]

It has been a few years, but as I understand Union travels very well and they have been up here twice. Maybe they can say about the seating? I know some teams travel very well and I hope we can be hospitable to all you fine folks from Richlands

I'm sure you guys will be fine hosts! I love playing new teams, just wish it could be at home on the turf.

 

[WilsonFootball]

We heard the same thing about seating when Richlands came to our place a couple years ago. They even tried to set up on our side of the bleachers. Just got word someone called Draft High School complaining about the seating. Same thing was done to us. Honestly you travel well, but I wasn't amazed at how many people came to the game. Draft allows people to stand all the way around the track which we do not, so there will be no problem getting into the game. Everyone just may not have a seat. More people were at a few Riverheads/Wilson games than that championship game between Wilson and Richlands. Drafts facility is perfectly fine for a High School playoff game. This should be a great game, so good luck to both teams.

 

[Ryan4VT]

We heard the same thing about seating when Richlands came to our place a couple years ago. They even tried to set up on our side of the bleachers. Just got word someone called Draft High School complaining about the seating. Same thing was done to us. Honestly you travel well, but I wasn't amazed at how many people came to the game. Draft allows people to stand all the way around the track which we do not, so there will be no problem getting into the game. Everyone just may not have a seat. More people were at a few Riverheads/Wilson games than that championship game between Wilson and Richlands. Drafts facility is perfectly fine for a High School playoff game. This should be a great game, so good luck to both teams.

Of course Riverheads/Wilson would have a bigger crowd. Those schools are 15 minutes away from each other, if that. Richlands has a nearly 4 hour drive up there. Not many schools would bring 1,500 fans (nearly half the towns population) to a game nearly 4 hours away. I've seen plenty of teams come to Richlands for playoff games that didn't bring 500. Like I've said a few times, my only concern is for the older folks who physically can't stand up to watch a football game, like my grandparents.

 

[WilsonFootball]

Of course Riverheads/Wilson would have a bigger crowd. Those schools are 15 minutes away from each other, if that. Richlands has a nearly 4 hour drive up there. Not many schools would bring 1,500 fans (nearly half the towns population) to a game nearly 4 hours away. I've seen plenty of teams come to Richlands for playoff games that didn't bring 500. Like I've said a few times, my only concern is for the older folks who physically can't stand up to watch a football game, like my grandparents.

They have handicap parking and I would hope that someone that is seated would give their seat to someone who actually needs it. That is common decency. This seems to be an issue every year when you travel. All I am saying is Draft has a nice facility. It may not be up to Richlands standards but it is perfectly fine for a playoff game. Stuarts Draft has earned the right to host a Semi-final game and that was determined by the boys on the field. The only reason I am even posting is I remember the exact same comments about our field. It was a great game and I am sure this game will be the same.

 

[Ryan4VT]

They have handicap parking and I would hope that someone that is seated would give their seat to someone who actually needs it. That is common decency. This seems to be an issue every year when you travel. All I am saying is Draft has a nice facility. It may not be up to Richlands standards but it is perfectly fine for a playoff game. Stuarts Draft has earned the right to host a Semi-final game and that was determined by the boys on the field. The only reason I am even posting is I remember the exact same comments about our field. It was a great game and I am sure this game will be the same.

I didn't want the game moved, personally. I haven't heard, but I'm hoping they may bring in some more portable bleachers to help with the crowd. But the game shouldn't be moved. They earned a home game.

 

[Bigrhsfan]

I didn't want the game moved, personally. I haven't heard, but I'm hoping they may bring in some more portable bleachers to help with the crowd. But the game shouldn't be moved. They earned a home game.

I think just about every Richlands fan has stated that they didn't think the game should be moved, I know Ryan has said it and I know I have said on here. Like Ryan I do hope they bring at least a few more bleachers in and they very well may.
The pictures I have seen of the SD stadium, it looks like a nice place. I look forward to the trip there and watching 2 good football teams go at each other for a chance to go to Salem,
I know everyone that I know here are really looking forward to the game, but also have much respect for the SD team !

 

[Ryan4VT]

It's really the non-Richlands fans who are pumping Richlands up so much. Of course Richlands thinks they will win, and they should. But they have the full attention of SD.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

They have handicap parking and I would hope that someone that is seated would give their seat to someone who actually needs it. That is common decency. This seems to be an issue every year when you travel. All I am saying is Draft has a nice facility. It may not be up to Richlands standards but it is perfectly fine for a playoff game. Stuarts Draft has earned the right to host a Semi-final game and that was determined by the boys on the field. The only reason I am even posting is I remember the exact same comments about our field. It was a great game and I am sure this game will be the same.

Same things were said about Appomattox. Many were saying we should've had it at neutral location. Many comments were made on the Appomattox FB page about our "crappy" stadium and "stands were a joke" after the game. This comes up yearly with Richlands fans. Not being mean or nothing, but no one brings this up every year but Richlands (well, salem fans from last year about JF). Just be blessed yall are in the race! Be blessed you playing another week. If the schools are meeting all the requirements, let it be. If SD has 2000 seats and the VHSL rule is 2500, so be it. I bet SD will make accommodations. It just gets old talking about seating every year. Yall will have your shot at getting #1 seed again, it might be next year or the year after. Appomattox talent will not be the same year after year and we go through cycles just like all of us do. It just so happens this year our boys worked hard and other teams worked hard to achieve a better seed than Richlands. Like I stated before, Im not being mean, just saying.....if the school meets requirements, nothing should be said.
Thank you for the Richlands fans that come on here and understand other schools are not as blessed as Richlands.

 

[Ryan4VT]

The ones who complain are the ones who don't know football. They are the ones who think Richlands is invincible and should host every game every year. Every fan base has those people. As much as I love the GC and Union fanbases, they have their bad apples. So does Richlands. So does Appo. It's gonna happen. Can't let the actions of the few outweigh the positives of the many.

 

[coachricky00]

Same things were said about Appomattox. Many were saying we should've had it at neutral location. Many comments were made on the Appomattox FB page about our "crappy" stadium and "stands were a joke" after the game. This comes up yearly with Richlands fans. Not being mean or nothing, but no one brings this up every year but Richlands (well, salem fans from last year about JF). Just be blessed yall are in the race! Be blessed you playing another week. If the schools are meeting all the requirements, let it be. If SD has 2000 seats and the VHSL rule is 2500, so be it. I bet SD will make accommodations. It just gets old talking about seating every year. Yall will have your shot at getting #1 seed again, it might be next year or the year after. Appomattox talent will not be the same year after year and we go through cycles just like all of us do. It just so happens this year our boys worked hard and other teams worked hard to achieve a better seed than Richlands. Like I stated before, Im not being mean, just saying.....if the school meets requirements, nothing should be said.
Thank you for the Richlands fans that come on here and understand other schools are not as blessed as Richlands.

I must admit I am a Goochland fan but I saw no issues with Appo's field or stands! Great high school football game environment witnessed it for myself last weekend! Can't wait to come back Saturday. I was impressed even had a food truck on the visitor side and ports johns that's some hospitality compared to most places I've seen!

 

[lovethisgame78]

I believe it will be a tight low scoring game. 21-20 pick a winner. Just hope its the Blues.

 

[Thunder's-crest]

For me since it is the playoffs I would think the VHSL would have a plan or create a plan with some mobile bleachers to add extra seats when this comes up. This is a money maker and you do want to grow the business and keep it customer friendly that is if you want to make more money.

In SW VA the only thing to do on Friday nights is football so if you look around at the stadiums down here you'll find we have some stadiums with very good seating and that is what we are use to.
Unfortunately sometimes it takes a squeaky wheel to get some oil.
Me, I couldn't set in bleachers if I had to, I have to be standing somewhere.

 

[2027]

Same things were said about Appomattox. Many were saying we should've had it at neutral location. Many comments were made on the Appomattox FB page about our "crappy" stadium and "stands were a joke" after the game. This comes up yearly with Richlands fans. Not being mean or nothing, but no one brings this up every year but Richlands (well, salem fans from last year about JF). Just be blessed yall are in the race! Be blessed you playing another week. If the schools are meeting all the requirements, let it be. If SD has 2000 seats and the VHSL rule is 2500, so be it. I bet SD will make accommodations. It just gets old talking about seating every year. Yall will have your shot at getting #1 seed again, it might be next year or the year after. Appomattox talent will not be the same year after year and we go through cycles just like all of us do. It just so happens this year our boys worked hard and other teams worked hard to achieve a better seed than Richlands. Like I stated before, Im not being mean, just saying.....if the school meets requirements, nothing should be said.
Thank you for the Richlands fans that come on here and understand other schools are not as blessed as Richlands.

I thought the accommodations at Appomattox were fine - Any big games are going to draw big crowds and Appomattox last year brought in seats - as an organization you cannot always plan for peak outliers but you plan for 98% of the time what is needed, which is why the seats are the way they are.

The only thing that I found odd was that there was no visible play clock and to me during the playoffs that is important especially with styles that certain teams play. Richlands plays fast pace and likes to go spread, so to slow them down some teams play the opposite and run the ball and try to play keep away. Not having a play clock can be an advantage to some teams which it shouldn't be. Also i think at the high school level officials aren't capable of keeping a consistent play clock on their person. Does anyone know if this is a requirement at a certain level for play off games?

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

Question, so SD runs the Single Wing/Wing T right? I looked at Richlands schedule and I dont know enough about some of the teams yall played this season. Have yall played a Single Wing team this year?

If not, it just might turn out like Union vs. Clarke County if your D is not prepared correctly. SD is going to have to match score for score though. I know Union ran a lot of Wing T this year, so they might have seen it with them, but as you see they struggled to beat Union. This might be a closer game than expected. Like I said before, SD will have to score with Richlands. Richlands has too many weapons not to put it past 20 points offensively.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

I thought the accommodations at Appomattox were fine - Any big games are going to draw big crowds and Appomattox last year brought in seats - as an organization you cannot always plan for peak outliers but you plan for 98% of the time what is needed, which is why the seats are the way they are.

The only thing that I found odd was that there was no visible play clock and to me during the playoffs that is important especially with styles that certain teams play. Richlands plays fast pace and likes to go spread, so to slow them down some teams play the opposite and run the ball and try to play keep away. Not having a play clock can be an advantage to some teams which it shouldn't be. Also i think at the high school level officials aren't capable of keeping a consistent play clock on their person. Does anyone know if this is a requirement at a certain level for play off games?

Thanks @2027 and @coachricky00 for the kind words about the accommodations at Appo. We not the richest school out there with tons of money to put in football program, but we try to make the visitors comfortable. Even though we got slammed by several Richlands fans before and after the game. As previously mentioned by @Ryan4VT, every town/city/county has them bad apples. I do think VHSL needs to step in and help these smaller schools deep in the playoffs when most of these schools gain folk in local area along with the visiting team. I spoke to AD yesterday and he told me how much VHSL got from gate last year and I was floored. So they have enough money to help out with bleachers and extra seating.

 

[ClarkeFan83]

Thanks @2027 and @coachricky00 for the kind words about the accommodations at Appo. We not the richest school out there with tons of money to put in football program, but we try to make the visitors comfortable. Even though we got slammed by several Richlands fans before and after the game. As previously mentioned by @Ryan4VT, every town/city/county has them bad apples. I do think VHSL needs to step in and help these smaller schools deep in the playoffs when most of these schools gain folk in local area along with the visiting team. I spoke to AD yesterday and he told me how much VHSL got from gate last year and I was floored. So they have enough money to help out with bleachers and extra seating.

But, how would they pay their salaries then?

 

[coachricky00]

Thanks @2027 and @coachricky00 for the kind words about the accommodations at Appo. We not the richest school out there with tons of money to put in football program, but we try to make the visitors comfortable. Even though we got slammed by several Richlands fans before and after the game. As previously mentioned by @Ryan4VT, every town/city/county has them bad apples. I do think VHSL needs to step in and help these smaller schools deep in the playoffs when most of these schools gain folk in local area along with the visiting team. I spoke to AD yesterday and he told me how much VHSL got from gate last year and I was floored. So they have enough money to help out with bleachers and extra seating.

VHSL is gonna make their money no doubt! Y'all have a nice facility and a lot of home town support and I loved the environment. See y'all Saturday!

 

[Ryan4VT]

Question, so SD runs the Single Wing/Wing T right? I looked at Richlands schedule and I dont know enough about some of the teams yall played this season. Have yall played a Single Wing team this year?

If not, it just might turn out like Union vs. Clarke County if your D is not prepared correctly. SD is going to have to match score for score though. I know Union ran a lot of Wing T this year, so they might have seen it with them, but as you see they struggled to beat Union. This might be a closer game than expected. Like I said before, SD will have to score with Richlands. Richlands has too many weapons not to put it past 20 points offensively.

Gate City runs some of that stuff at times. Union runs the wing T and used it almost exclusively against us. We didn't really see it again until John Battle a few weeks ago. They've seen it before, but it's not as if they play it weekly.

 

[Gunz41]

Not a single wing in reality. just like most wing t teams, there are formations with 1 wing. they run a pistol formation, I'd say a pistol wing. but not the conventional plays you see in wing t and not at all like single wing. but just like all wing formations, everyone runs it differently

 

[Union_Fan]

I must admit I am a Goochland fan but I saw no issues with Appo's field or stands! Great high school football game environment witnessed it for myself last weekend! Can't wait to come back Saturday. I was impressed even had a food truck on the visitor side and ports johns that's some hospitality compared to most places I've seen!

I'd like to 2nd this comment. We may not have all fit on the bleachers, but I realize that only a handful of teams travel as well as we do. I thought the field and facilities were very nice and we were DEFINITELY treated with hospitality.

 

[Ryan4VT]

Not a single wing in reality. just like most wing t teams, there are formations with 1 wing. they run a pistol formation, I'd say a pistol wing. but not the conventional plays you see in wing t and not at all like single wing. but just like all wing formations, everyone runs it differently

Spoke with a member of our coaching staff. Said he counted upwards of 30 formations SD uses.

 

[Mikey97]

Our guys are incredibly well coached and versatile. Should be one heck of a ball game

 

[Thunder's-crest]

In scrimmages at beginning of year Richlands faced GW and Belfry I think they both run some type of wing t plus our Coach played on a State Championship team that run the Single wing.
But who knows at this level Draft has to be doing something very very well.

 

[Union_Fan]

Question, so SD runs the Single Wing/Wing T right? I looked at Richlands schedule and I dont know enough about some of the teams yall played this season. Have yall played a Single Wing team this year?

If not, it just might turn out like Union vs. Clarke County if your D is not prepared correctly. SD is going to have to match score for score though. I know Union ran a lot of Wing T this year, so they might have seen it with them, but as you see they struggled to beat Union. This might be a closer game than expected. Like I said before, SD will have to score with Richlands. Richlands has too many weapons not to put it past 20 points offensively.

Gate City runs some of that stuff at times. Union runs the wing T and used it almost exclusively against us. We didn't really see it again until John Battle a few weeks ago. They've seen it before, but it's not as if they play it weekly.

Actually, against Richlands and quite a bit against Appo, Union ran a standard T formation. Also known as a flat T, dead T, and full house backfield as there are no "wings."


We did run a pro-set and some of this() which is a modified spread/double wing.

I don't know what Battle ran against Richlands in the playoffs, but they ran a triple option all year and against Union in the final regular season game.

Assuming they still run the same offense they did against Union several years ago, Draft runs a tight double wing. This pic is exactly what I remember.

 

[Gunz41]

Actually, against Richlands and quite a bit against Appo, Union ran a standard T formation. Also known as a flat T, dead T, and full house backfield as there are no "wings."

View embedded media

We did run a pro-set and some of this(

View embedded media

) which is a modified spread/double wing.

I don't know what Battle ran against Richlands in the playoffs, but they ran a triple option all year and against Union in the final regular season game.

Assuming they still run the same offense they did against Union several years ago, Draft runs a tight double wing. This pic is exactly what I remember.

Different now