Richlands @ Union

[Ryan4VT]

Best rivalry in 2A happens this week. Thoughts? Richlands didn't look as dominate as some had hoped against an improved Gate City team, but I'm not sure Richlands wasn't holding some back since union coaches were in attendance. Union has one of, if not the best player in 2A ball this year. Should be another dandy from a sold out, and very wet, Bullitt Park.

 

[lucustookis]

Union by 2 touchdowns. This will be the first game in the series that doesn't go down to the wire, or be in doubt until very, very late like the past meetings. I got Union by 14-17 points in this one. Richlands of 2017 at this point in the season is 17 points worse than Richlands of 2016 at this point in the season.

Union 34-Richlands-17
Not a blowout by any means, but a game that will not be in doubt after the end of the third quarter which will be a first since Union combined from Powell Valley/Appalachia and started playing Richlands.

 

[19GHS87]

If Union has any speed at all, they should win this by 10 points or more. Richlands has nice size and strength. I like Union by double digits.

 

[matthew328826]

I really wish I could see this game (anyone willing to hook me up with footage through HUDL or something, my e-mail is hatfieldsports@gmail.com and it would be greatly appreciated... might even send a VaPreps shirt too!).

Each of the six meetings going back to 2011 has been decided by six points or less with both teams splitting three wins apiece. Richlands was on the better end of the scoreboard, 28-27 in overtime, a year ago. But Union will boast the most heavily recruited player in tight end James Mitchell, a four-star prospect with more than a dozen FBS offers.

We opened with Union at #3 in the Class 2 Top Ten and Richlands at #4 in the Class 2 Top Ten. My full expectation is for this game not to be decided until the final play and I think it's a total 50/50 toss-up.

Should be a great one.

 

[Bo Bob]

Last years #9 still playing for Union or did he graduate?
That boy was the best player they had the night I watched them play.

 

[Union_Fan]

Last years #9 still playing for Union or did he graduate?
That boy was the best player they had the night I watched them play.

Unfortunately, he graduated. Strong, hard runner on offense. HARD hitter on defense. Really good kid too. He will be missed!

 

[Union_Fan]

Union has size, strength and more speed than last year's team. Just a lot of unknowns on the O-line. If they get that ironed out, it could be a great year.

Richlands will definitely be their first test of the year. Won't be "truly" tested again until 4A Morristown West comes to town. That could be a slobberknocker. They compete in Tennessee 6A with the largest schools in the state.

 

[Bo Bob]

Unfortunately, he graduated. Strong, hard runner on offense. HARD hitter on defense. Really good kid too. He will be missed!

He was special! Like I said I know 82 is touted as your star but I would have taken the ability and the heart that #9 showed as your #1 player.

 

[lovethisgame78]

They shouldve played today. Calling for thunderstorms in the evening. Will probably be rescheduled.

 

[eh31]

Union 10
Richlands 0
Halftime

 

[eh31]

Union wins 16-7

 

[2xStateChampsAppo]

Sounds like a good one!

 

[eh31]

http://www.heraldcourier.com/sports...cle_efdb1872-8f95-11e7-92ab-a7a8185b3912.html

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

Man, another close one. Union and Richlands never disappoints year after year.

 

[BigWinners]

Man, another close one. Union and Richlands never disappoints year after year.

The score was deceiving, it wasn't really close. Richlands crossed midfield once in first half, and was held to 108 total yards. Union gave the ball away twice inside the five and threw another pick in Blues territory. It could've been a 28-7 game.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

The score was deceiving, it wasn't really close. Richlands crossed midfield once in first half, and was held to 108 total yards. Union gave the ball away twice inside the five and threw another pick in Blues territory. It could've been a 28-7 game.

got ya thanks for update! Seems like Richlands not going to be as dominant this year as we have seen in past. Wasnt it a wet game though?

 

[b.Di3_2016RU]

The score was deceiving, it wasn't really close. Richlands crossed midfield once in first half, and was held to 108 total yards. Union gave the ball away twice inside the five and threw another pick in Blues territory. It could've been a 28-7 game.

This is true, the bears offense moved at will, however didn't score a touchdown in the first half. Without Mitchell's punt return for a touchdown it could've also been just 3-0 at halftime just as well.

 

[Ironlung 1]

got ya thanks for update! Seems like Richlands not going to be as dominant this year as we have seen in past. Wasnt it a wet game though?

Actually no, the weather was great! The rain held off for the most part and the field was not in bad shape at all.

And yeah it's def a rebuilding year for the Blues. But they will still win 7-8 games. That's one helluva rebuilding year lol. Their off years are better than 80% of teams good years.

 

[BigWinners]

This is true, the bears offense moved at will, however didn't score a touchdown in the first half. Without Mitchell's punt return for a touchdown it could've also been just 3-0 at halftime just as well.

That is def true. Union had it inside the one and couldn't get the TD, an had to settle for three. But, per BHC Richlands had less than 100 total yards. When is last time the Blues were held under 100 yards?

 

[b.Di3_2016RU]

That is def true. Union had it inside the one and couldn't get the TD, an had to settle for three. But, per BHC Richlands had less than 100 total yards. When is last time the Blues were held under 100 yards?

Not in quite a while. Richlands biggest strengths are the front seven on defense and offensive line. The fact that the Bears were able to control the line on offense and methodically march down the field as well as plug the running lanes up on defense speaks volumes about the talented big men they have.

 

[lucustookis]

Congrats Union. Richlands is a solid program. Union, by what I read, controlled that game and handled Richlands and that is no small task. Good luck to both programs on the season which are classy and well ran.

 

[BigWinners]

Terrible news out of this game, Union QB Bailey Turner, son of coach Travis, tore two ligaments and will miss rest of the season. Hope he has a speedy and smooth recovery

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

Where all the Richlands fans at this year on the boards?

 

[marylandbball]

Where all the Richlands fans at this year on the boards?

Probably on swvasports.com.