Could very well be a preview of things to come on the state level, Bullit Park has seen some classic games in its long history and tonight's game has the makings of another classic
Richlands @ Union
- Thread starter V-Cats
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This game is the best rivalry over the last 4 years in SWVA. All four games decided by less than 6 points. Including a couple 1 point games.
I think this year is Richlands year. I'll take the blues 35-32.
I think this year is Richlands year. I'll take the blues 35-32.
As I told everyone all week, I wished I could have made the trip down south to see this one... Sounded like a heck of a game!
Amazing game! Might skip the next one or i might have a heart attack before im 40. Last 5 games between these 2 decided by a total of 11 points. What a rivalry.
A great game to see. My first time at Bullitt Park. I have no dog in the Union-Richlands fight. Just wanted to see a great game and those two AA teams are two of the better ones I have seen in Virginia in the past 2 years. An incredible high level of play last night. I watched two state title worthy teams on the field. Incredible size and talent. I will say this.....my opinion only, it was Richlands game to lose and I believe if both teams play their game, Richlands is 7, maybe 10 points better. The teams are somewhat close in talent and aptitude.
Richlands was able to run it what seemed like at will, yet would often halt its own drive after getting 3-4 big plays in the run game only to pass 3 times and get an int or incompletion. I think if they two teams meet again, Richlands will win the game as they will likely watch the film and realize they threw it way to much. Credit to Union who made plays when they needed to. They just seem to have Richlands number even when Richlands appears to be the better team and goes further in the playoffs, Union seems to have their number. I will go ahead and make this prediction now (and I am not a Richlands fan)....Richlands will win the AA state title this year in Virginia. Having watched much football in central and SWVA the past 10 years, I can tell you right now only in my opinion.....Richlands is not going to lose unless it beats itself. By late in the season, they will have fixed the penalties and turnovers.
In closing, Richlands has been much better than Union 2 years before this, yet they lost on the final play of the game. This year, it is FAR closer...much closer as Union is right there with Richlands, but I just think Richlands is still 7 points better if both play their games. I think both teams are better than the Glenvar and Giles and Wilson and Richlands 2014, and Union 2014 teams of last year by a 14 point margin. I really believe that. These two teams are very, very good in all facets of the game, running, passing, defensive line, speed, QB's, coaching, you name it.
The above are my opinions only. I stand by my pick for Richlands winning the state title. With that written, another team in AA from the Valley or Piedmont Region or Eastern Region could pop up and have one heck of a senior laden team like Glenvar or Wilson last year and make a state title appearance, but they are going to have to be much, much better than some of the past Western teams to win the title in the last 2-3 years like Gile, Glenvar, or even some of the Eastern Teams that have had great runs like Wilson Memorial because in my opinion only, these two teams, Union and Richlands are the best two AA teams I have seen in 3 years and better than all of them at least from this one guy's eye test. Again, one guy's eye test only and this post is just one guy's opinion.
One final note about Richlands. Richlands coach Greg Mance is one of the best in the state at any level. There is no denying that. He's solid. With that written, Coach Mance and the Richlands staff need to be more content with having a team that passes only 15 times per game if the game calls for it. Richlands has a solid QB and solid WR's. As good as they are, their starting five from tackle to end is as good or better and that includes the RB. I know Coach Mance likes a spread out-wide out type of offense mixed with the run and no question, it has been effective. However, there are times when Richlands plays a team like Union (great athletes all over the secondary that can match Richlands speed for speed at WR) and in this case, throwing it only 10 times at most may be the better option. Throwing the ball 25 times on Graham may not be the best option. I guess what I am saying is from watching Richlands is that........they have the ability to be a primary power run team and even going with tighter formations and absolutely mauling opponents. If Richlands throws the ball 10 times, maybe 12 at most last night against Union and lines up and runs it at Union through 4 quarters, the score today would be a Richlands win by 10 or more points. Coach Mance and the Richlands staff knows 100 fold more than I do about football and they have forgotten far more than what I know about football, but.......some things are hard to adjust to when they have worked for so long. Meaning.....Richlands has had great success in SWVA over the years on most seasons with their passing game and wide out offense that opens it up with the pass to establish the run, but sometimes, you get a special team that just has one of those offensive lines that comes along once every 10 years that has the ability to run at will with even 8 guys in the box on nearly every team it will face the entire season including the playoffs. This is a year where Richlands may want to be content with a heavily run laden offense. Again, that is tough to adjust to because Richlands, even on this year, can pass it and catch it perhaps better than any team in Southwestern VA and certainly in AA SWVA, but as good as they are at doing that, they are better at the run for this given season. Throwing it 20 plus times per game against very athletic defenses in the secondary like Union, or even Graham and Abingdon only plays to the advantage of these opponents and puts their athletic long strike on one play offenses back on the field. It works against a team like Gate City this year because they do not have the speed in the secondary to remotely match up or make it close, but a team like Union can at least match up a little or a team like Graham in the secondary can match up some and at least stop a drive or two and give its offense a chance. That's what happened last night. In conclusion, Richlands for 2015 can still throw it better than any team in SWVA at the AA level and their WR's are absolutely studs and talented.....more talented than any team in AA SWVA. Unions WR are right there also, but Richlands, as good as they are with throwing it, can still run it better which is what makes them a scary, scary opponent for 2015. I do not see this bunch losing again, and that includes the playoffs, even if they meet Union again.
Only my opinions
Richlands was able to run it what seemed like at will, yet would often halt its own drive after getting 3-4 big plays in the run game only to pass 3 times and get an int or incompletion. I think if they two teams meet again, Richlands will win the game as they will likely watch the film and realize they threw it way to much. Credit to Union who made plays when they needed to. They just seem to have Richlands number even when Richlands appears to be the better team and goes further in the playoffs, Union seems to have their number. I will go ahead and make this prediction now (and I am not a Richlands fan)....Richlands will win the AA state title this year in Virginia. Having watched much football in central and SWVA the past 10 years, I can tell you right now only in my opinion.....Richlands is not going to lose unless it beats itself. By late in the season, they will have fixed the penalties and turnovers.
In closing, Richlands has been much better than Union 2 years before this, yet they lost on the final play of the game. This year, it is FAR closer...much closer as Union is right there with Richlands, but I just think Richlands is still 7 points better if both play their games. I think both teams are better than the Glenvar and Giles and Wilson and Richlands 2014, and Union 2014 teams of last year by a 14 point margin. I really believe that. These two teams are very, very good in all facets of the game, running, passing, defensive line, speed, QB's, coaching, you name it.
The above are my opinions only. I stand by my pick for Richlands winning the state title. With that written, another team in AA from the Valley or Piedmont Region or Eastern Region could pop up and have one heck of a senior laden team like Glenvar or Wilson last year and make a state title appearance, but they are going to have to be much, much better than some of the past Western teams to win the title in the last 2-3 years like Gile, Glenvar, or even some of the Eastern Teams that have had great runs like Wilson Memorial because in my opinion only, these two teams, Union and Richlands are the best two AA teams I have seen in 3 years and better than all of them at least from this one guy's eye test. Again, one guy's eye test only and this post is just one guy's opinion.
One final note about Richlands. Richlands coach Greg Mance is one of the best in the state at any level. There is no denying that. He's solid. With that written, Coach Mance and the Richlands staff need to be more content with having a team that passes only 15 times per game if the game calls for it. Richlands has a solid QB and solid WR's. As good as they are, their starting five from tackle to end is as good or better and that includes the RB. I know Coach Mance likes a spread out-wide out type of offense mixed with the run and no question, it has been effective. However, there are times when Richlands plays a team like Union (great athletes all over the secondary that can match Richlands speed for speed at WR) and in this case, throwing it only 10 times at most may be the better option. Throwing the ball 25 times on Graham may not be the best option. I guess what I am saying is from watching Richlands is that........they have the ability to be a primary power run team and even going with tighter formations and absolutely mauling opponents. If Richlands throws the ball 10 times, maybe 12 at most last night against Union and lines up and runs it at Union through 4 quarters, the score today would be a Richlands win by 10 or more points. Coach Mance and the Richlands staff knows 100 fold more than I do about football and they have forgotten far more than what I know about football, but.......some things are hard to adjust to when they have worked for so long. Meaning.....Richlands has had great success in SWVA over the years on most seasons with their passing game and wide out offense that opens it up with the pass to establish the run, but sometimes, you get a special team that just has one of those offensive lines that comes along once every 10 years that has the ability to run at will with even 8 guys in the box on nearly every team it will face the entire season including the playoffs. This is a year where Richlands may want to be content with a heavily run laden offense. Again, that is tough to adjust to because Richlands, even on this year, can pass it and catch it perhaps better than any team in Southwestern VA and certainly in AA SWVA, but as good as they are at doing that, they are better at the run for this given season. Throwing it 20 plus times per game against very athletic defenses in the secondary like Union, or even Graham and Abingdon only plays to the advantage of these opponents and puts their athletic long strike on one play offenses back on the field. It works against a team like Gate City this year because they do not have the speed in the secondary to remotely match up or make it close, but a team like Union can at least match up a little or a team like Graham in the secondary can match up some and at least stop a drive or two and give its offense a chance. That's what happened last night. In conclusion, Richlands for 2015 can still throw it better than any team in SWVA at the AA level and their WR's are absolutely studs and talented.....more talented than any team in AA SWVA. Unions WR are right there also, but Richlands, as good as they are with throwing it, can still run it better which is what makes them a scary, scary opponent for 2015. I do not see this bunch losing again, and that includes the playoffs, even if they meet Union again.
Only my opinions
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Hokies..you might very well be right....They were my number 1 until last night as I thought they would beat Union by at least 14 points based on all the hullubaloo chatter about them this year. Union is a very good team as well but I don't think they are a finals team but I am now reevaluating that.
Other than Union, what other great teams does Richlands play this year that will challenge them to grow and get better? That is another big piece of the puzzle to winning a state championship IMO and it looks like they are much more vulnerable than I thought they would be. Glenvar has Giles, Cave Spring, and Radford. All tough games ahead whichg will prepare them well.
Other than Union, what other great teams does Richlands play this year that will challenge them to grow and get better? That is another big piece of the puzzle to winning a state championship IMO and it looks like they are much more vulnerable than I thought they would be. Glenvar has Giles, Cave Spring, and Radford. All tough games ahead whichg will prepare them well.
Richlands has Graham 1-1, Wise 2-0, Virginia 2-0, Bluefield 2-0, and Abingdon 2-0. Too early in the season to know if these are quality opponents but looking decent as of now.
Bluefield and Abingdon are glaring big games. Bluefield is always well coached and it's at Bluefield which means unfortunately penalties will come into play. Abingdon upset Richlands last year and the players are looking for some revenge. Abingdon has a great passing attack, but an offensive line that has 4 new starters.
Graham look good against Bluefield and Tazewell, so that will be a good matchup as well. And Central is making some noise.
I don't see the other 4 (Virginia, Tazewell, Grundy, Lebanon) being much of a challenge barring injury/suspension or something of that nature.
I still feel like Richlands will go 9-1 at at this point, we need to be in the opposite seed bracket to avoid Union. Here's to hoping for the 2 seed.
Graham look good against Bluefield and Tazewell, so that will be a good matchup as well. And Central is making some noise.
I don't see the other 4 (Virginia, Tazewell, Grundy, Lebanon) being much of a challenge barring injury/suspension or something of that nature.
I still feel like Richlands will go 9-1 at at this point, we need to be in the opposite seed bracket to avoid Union. Here's to hoping for the 2 seed.
Still think the Giles/Glenvar winner on 10/10 will determine the #1 seed because of the 3A school wins w/points by Giles. That also depends on whether Glenvar beats CS next week. If Union wins out they will be the #2 and Richlands will be the 3/4 if they finish at 9-1. It's just the way the points will fall unless Abingdon has a huge year.
Having said that, seeding order doesn't matter that much anyway in the top 4 teams IMO.
Having said that, seeding order doesn't matter that much anyway in the top 4 teams IMO.
Whole lot of games to play before Giles/Glenvar. Galax will be tough, Radford looks tough. Way early in the season to say who will be 1 seed.
I believe Union has a couple 1a teams and a couple out of state games as well. Not sure how that will factor in.
Great post, I wish the 3A and above boards had these kinds of detailed posts.
Richlands is only utilizing one back with their other power back (Waldron) out for a while. We may see more attempts if he makes it back because Mance can rotate them and keep them fresh. Blankenship carried the ball 32 times Friday, plus he goes both ways. They have a good looking young RB in James White i believe is his name. Not sure what grade he is but anxious to see this kid run the ball.
I expected Richlands to win this one, but I was wrong. I wish I had joined Rod on the drive down. Sounded like the game of the week for the whole state!
I've seen four games so far this year....two overtime wins, one decided on a last-second field goal and one blowout.
There should be a caravan following me each week.
You definitely have a knack for going to the great games. I think you must be a bartender at Buffalo Wild Wings.
White is I believe a soph. this year, but he is a dynamic runner. He has a chance to be special next year when his time comes. I believe he was going to play JV mostly this year, but with Waldron out, he will probably be Blankenships backup for now.
As to whether either one of these 2 teams ( Union & Richlands ) are the 2 best in the state, only time will tell, there are still a lot of football to be played, and some Very good teams from other parts of the state, and a lot can still happen, like injuries and the such, I will tell you this, it will take a VERY good football team to beat either one of these 2. They both have dynamic offenses that can both run and throw and have very physical defenses that have athletes all over the field. They both have size and speed. Both have really good QB's with very good arms and both have a deep pool of WR's, and both are well coached. That's why it was a one point game Friday night !
Don't write them off because they are from the far end of SWVA. I know that most years, people from other areas of our Great state usually think of teams out here as big plodding 3 yards and a cloud of dust type of teams, but both of these teams are Very athletic and have speed.
I know most will think I am just being a homer, but I always try to call it like I see it and I think my reputation on other forums would back that up. I just wanted to let some know that are not from our area what these 2 teams bring to the field.
One thing I do know, it's going to be a fun year watching and seeing just how they do stack up !
Rod, you were at the game, did you enjoy it, except of course for the drive....lol ?
Yep, I love a good high school game with the stands packed and loud.
I chase that experience all over the state ever weekend.
4A per the VHSL schedule
Maybe call the Rivals Customer Support? Maybe. I don't think that it is possible though without creating a whole new one.
Customer Support - https://virginiapreps.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=47700
VHSL Scheduel - http://www.vhsl.org/doc/upload/fb-2015-master-schedule3.pdf
Didn't realize the out of state schools Union plays are equivalent of 3A and 4A. If they win they could overtake Giles or Glenvar in points for seeding. My mistake in a previous post. Should have checked that before I said I didn't see them higher than #2 if they win out.
Radford is single A. For this discussion of the best teams in 2A, they don't apply here. They are a good team though.
The top 4 (Union, Giles, Richlands, Glenvar) are gonna be battling all year to outseed the others. Should be fun.
I believe #1 seed will come down to Union and Giles. Its theirs to lose with Giles already beating 2 3a teams and 2 higher classifications waiting for Union. Ive heard David Crockett is always really tough but may be down this year. If i had to predict the #1 seed now i would go with Union. Giles has 3, possibly 4 tough opponents in a row with Glenvar, Galax, Radford and possibly Graham. So it looks tougher for Giles to win out. And Glenvar having Cave Spring, Giles and Radford.
There weren't any left on the Richlands side. I think the ones you're seeing are season tickets for Union. It was still packed. People lined 2 and sometimes 3 deep around the fence.
Yea, Ryan is right, there were no seats for the game once it started. It was absolutely packed ! It wasn't the biggest crowd I have ever seen at a Richlands game, but it was the biggest I have seen in a while. I was listening in on the local radio broadcast and they were saying it was the first time in a while that all the reserved seats were sold and they were now selling reserved standing room, now i think they were joking about the reserved standing room, but it was 2 to 3 deep around the fence and people standing outside of the stadium in places trying to see the game.
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