Union vs Appo - let the talk begin

[eh31]

Let me help ya memory out. What does EH satand for? “Empty Headed”? So let me remind you.... YALL didnt have anything to do with me leaving board the first time. It was a parent in community pissed cause i used his name on boards. He didnt want any attention at that time frame. You or nobody on here had anything to do with me leaving last year.

I never said I made you leave?? I just called you dramatic for drawing attention to yourself any chance you get. I thought your last post on this site was a couple days ago?

Your screen name is the most ironic thing on this board. You should change it to BrettFarve4 as many times as you've said your were leaving and keep showing back up

 

[HolyFrog]

After reading through this page its become a bickering immature board from a few key kids on here. That's right, "Kids" cause ya surely not acting like adults.... Pretty pitiful. Talk about theblove of the game, a good game, good travels etc. Sounds like just back and forth with one another on bulljunk. SMH. #GoRaiders #BeatUnion

 

[utkrazy419]

Everyone on here that knows high school football should know that this is probably the two best teams in 2a this year , haven't seen union this year but been following them and see that there most Improvments from last year is there O line and D line . But I haven't heard where they have gotten any better any where else !!! If they haven't improved offensively then how do you think they can score ! Sweeps will not work .....dive plays will work until that is shut down and by draining the clock won't work , just don't see how they can out score Appo and that's what it will come down too .big lines just won't do it guys !!

i said this before and i will say it again Having seen the APP. raiders play twice i still believe they are overrated.They have some talent and are well coached, however i find it hard to believe they are the best team in 2A.Gretna played them close with many underclassman and Heritage completely shut down their offense.They might win it all but if was a betting man i would put my money on one of the other three remaining schools.........

 

[19GHS87]

The ballgame is played on the field, not a message board. Union (Powell Valley- Appalachia) has how many state titles? Too many to count. Somebody please remind me because it is a lot. Appo has had success the last 3 or 4 seasons, but if anybody knows how to win, it's the folks down in big stone gap. That is Title town, Virginia folks, let's not forget that. Im not a Union fan, but I know a good team when I see one and I'm not afraid to admit it.

 

[eh31]

After reading through this page its become a bickering immature board from a few key kids on here. That's right, "Kids" cause ya surely not acting like adults.... Pretty pitiful. Talk about theblove of the game, a good game, good travels etc. Sounds like just back and forth with one another on bulljunk. SMH. #GoRaiders #BeatUnion

Uh oh.. he's bracing for his exit just like his brother. Did you guys never fight as kids because neither one of ya came up with thick skin

 

[Boathead]

Appalachia won in 1971, 1989. 1992, 1994, 1996. 1997; runners-up in 1980, 1993, and 2002.
Powell Valley won in 1982, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998; runner-up in 2004.
Union so far has accumulated a 67-19 record since opening in 2011.

Appomattox during same period has a similar record of 68-19 with two state championships.

Let us agree that these are two fine programs and enjoy what we will witness on Saturday.

 

[HolyFrog]

Uh oh.. he's bracing for his exit just like his brother. Did you guys never fight as kids because neither one of ya came up with thick skin

And you are one of the immature kids I was implying about "Empty Head"....How old are you ???

 

[Union_Fan]

This isn't a jab at Union. Doesn't matter to me who wins. The folks from both games were great. It just didn't seem like a mthyical place. But was an amazing stadium. I really enjoyed the experience. Not the drive there and back though

Unfortunately, you didn't get the full effect. Things have changed greatly since then. The entrance is different, the fans are crazier, louder and more rabid, and the atmosphere is just better.

The restrooms still suck though. Lol

 

[Boathead]

Unfortunately, you didn't get the full effect. Things have changed greatly since then. The entrance is different, the fans are crazier, louder and more rabid, and the atmosphere is just better.

The restrooms still suck though. Lol

 

[Bo Bob]

How the away bleachers at Union?

 

[Boathead]

At Appomattox the fence is outside the track and at Bullitt Park, the fence is up next to field, stands are closer also. It is one heck of an atmosphere. You may never experience this again.

 

[Boathead]

How the away bleachers at Union?

Good, they seat 1,200.

 

[eh31]

And you are one of the immature kids I was implying about "Empty Head"....How old are you ???

Lol you're right I'm an empty head kid. Sick burn! #hashtag #hashtag

But back to the game since I don't wanna be a person who makes VAPreps about myself..

I think Union can control the LOS. Can Appomattox give Scruggs enough time to hit the big play downfield? If they can't hit 2-3 big play touchdowns in the first half I don't see them leaving big stone gap with a win

 

[HokieFanNewRiverValley1970]

I very seriously doubt Union would beat Heritage. That's the best team Appo will see all year. Wrong once again..

You are correct, they wouldn't.

 

[Union_Fan]

http://www.heraldcourier.com/sports...cle_701d14e0-d262-11e7-97a3-039cbb2d225f.html

 

[19GHS87]

I may make the trip back down there this week to watch. I'm sure it will be packed with folks from all over SWVA. We support each other at this time of year. This Graham fan will be a Union fan on Saturday. Good luck and being the title back where it belongs!! In SWVA!!

 

[Stabler1980]

Wow just wow !! Some of you guys are something else ! Unreal

 

[charlie22650]

Everyone on here that knows high school football should know that this is probably the two best teams in 2a this year , haven't seen union this year but been following them and see that there most Improvments from last year is there O line and D line . But I haven't heard where they have gotten any better any where else !!! If they haven't improved offensively then how do you think they can score ! Sweeps will not work .....dive plays will work until that is shut down and by draining the clock won't work , just don't see how they can out score Appo and that's what it will come down too .big lines just won't do it guys !!

I disagree with you,in the middle of the year yes maybe,but now I think R.E.Lee will have a lot to say about this.

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

I never said I made you leave?? I just called you dramatic for drawing attention to yourself any chance you get. I thought your last post on this site was a couple days ago?

Your screen name is the most ironic thing on this board. You should change it to BrettFarve4 as many times as you've said your were leaving and keep showing back up

That goes to show you how "EH=Empty Headed" you are man....I never said i was leaving a couple days ago...I just said, "I will never post in here..."
I meant i will never post another link due to dude calling me a liar about it. Furthermore, when have I EVER MADE IT ABOUT ME??? I enjoy this forum and love chopping it up due to my passion for high school football. We both have been in here for years....even though I have embraced many of your post and enjoyed reading them. You keep coming and stepping on me...I have thick skin....but nobody in here deserves getting plastered by you every time they post.

 

[eh31]

Wow just wow !! Some of you guys are something else ! Unreal

Off topic but is your screen name due to Kenny Stabler? He was My uncle's all time favorite player and he would tell me stories about how he'd be in alabama for the games and would see The Snake out in town drinking on Saturday mornings lol

 

[AdvocateOfMany434]

I have one question? What has changed on O in comparison to this years team and prior 2 years? Im sure no Union fans will answer this so can I get an answer from someone else? Im not saying Appo cant be beat by the one dimensional O that they brought last year (I change my previous statement on another thread, @Union_Fan ). Heritage beat us with a ONE MAN gang off 3 plays.

Here is the deal....our OL and D has grown and gotten better from that. It will be interesting to see if we can beat a good (possibly great) team with a one dimensional O.

Dont shoot me for this post....there are other posters saying same thing about Unions O.

 

[Stabler1980]

Been a raider fan my whole life , Oakland and Appo . Played QB back in the day and always like the snake ! Can't say that what happened today was good, hate to see that on any level !! Was talking with a poster last season about games at union , do they still do a parade before games ?

 

[Stabler1980]

Our team In 79 Appo played fieldale collinsville in the playoffs with a chance to play at gate city in the next round , know you guys post a lot about how many times SWVA football has won championships and they have ! Appo football has had success maybe not to what y'all would call it !! Will always be a raider and proud of it !!

 

[Boathead]

Been a raider fan my whole life , Oakland and Appo . Played QB back in the day and always like the snake ! Can't say that what happened today was good, hate to see that on any level !! Was talking with a poster last season about games at union , do they still do a parade before games ?

Read the bristolnews.com article from today about Bullitt Park

 

[Union_Fan]

Read the bristolnews.com article from today about Bullitt Park

I posted it above.

 

[Hburghokie]

I gave Union nothing but respect. I just know that kid is a better athlete that what he presented here in Appo last yr.

I was impressed with Mitchell last year myself, he had a 80 yd screen he took to goal line but called back due a block in the back. He showed some serious speed and it took another D1 athlete to catch him. He was guarded most of the day by graves and graves had a good day. Different day different passes and who knows what would have happened. What I saw was 2 great athletes competing against other and it was fun to watch on our home field. Mitchell to me was everything as advertised. He will be tough to stop this year.

 

[Stabler1980]

Wow union fan ! That's awesome I think it was you I as talking with and invited me there !myself and a few others went to graham last season to catch a game usually take a road trip every year ! I have moved to s.c so it's about the same amount of time and distance for me from here , if don't have to work will see this week ! Eaither way will watch game !!

 

[1bburgfan]

hearing Giles's horn is going to Union

 

[Union_Fan]

I have one question? What has changed on O in comparison to this years team and prior 2 years? Im sure no Union fans will answer this so can I get an answer from someone else? Im not saying Appo cant be beat by the one dimensional O that they brought last year (I change my previous statement on another thread, @Union_Fan ). Heritage beat us with a ONE MAN gang off 3 plays.

Here is the deal....our OL and D has grown and gotten better from that. It will be interesting to see if we can beat a good (possibly great) team with a one dimensional O.

Dont shoot me for this post....there are other posters saying same thing about Unions O.

I guess we need to define "one dimensional."

You mentioned Heritage winning with a one man show. If Heritage never passed the ball and handed it off to the same back 40 times, I would consider that one dimensional. What if Heritage never passed the ball, but handed it off to 2 or 3 backs of varying skill sets, but equal talent? What about 5 backs? Still one dimensional?

It's true Union has all but abandoned the pass, but has 5 different guys that can make plays on O. Whether it be a sweep, toss, dive, off tackle, read option, toss option, or QB keeper. Several different formations to line up in. Can't key on one player. Union scored 49 pts against Marion and none of those were by Mitchell.

Biggest differences?
Depending on the formation the best athlete on the team has the ball in his hands each and every play, but will he keep it, hand it off, pitch it or pass it?

The O is simply executing with incredible efficiency. The defense is the best Union has ever fielded. Union was the only team in the playoffs that Appo left their starters in the entire game and it literally took a last minute pick six to get the Raiders over 40 pts. This D is SO much better than last years.

I don't know if Appo is better, worse, or the same as last year. Have no clue, but I do know that Union is better. And the atmosphere in Bullitt Park will be like nothing else you have experienced. It really is a great place for HS football.

 

[Union_Fan]

Wow union fan ! That's awesome I think it was you I as talking with and invited me there !myself and a few others went to graham last season to catch a game usually take a road trip every year ! I have moved to s.c so it's about the same amount of time and distance for me from here , if don't have to work will see this week ! Eaither way will watch game !!

If you make the game, I know you won't be disappointed!

 

[hillcity2110]

In 2015, Richlands was the best team we played. Glenvar had the best run D. Clarke Co was a bad matchup, but they were very good.
In 2016, Appo was the best O, D, and team in general.
This year, Richlands had the best D. Not even close to the others. The best overall team was probably Morristown West. Best passing attack was Letcher Co without question. Graham was the fastest.

in 2015 we beat richlands and annihilated Clark County ... richlands last yr was a dcent team but simply had no answer for appo on either side of the ball .. we got a good squad this yr but 2016. and 2015 were special teams we might never see the likes of again... that said we still have a very takented group here in 2017 and hope they can nake it 3 in a row

 

[hillcity2110]

I guess we need to define "one dimensional."

You mentioned Heritage winning with a one man show. If Heritage never passed the ball and handed it off to the same back 40 times, I would consider that one dimensional. What if Heritage never passed the ball, but handed it off to 2 or 3 backs of varying skill sets, but equal talent? What about 5 backs? Still one dimensional?

It's true Union has all but abandoned the pass, but has 5 different guys that can make plays on O. Whether it be a sweep, toss, dive, off tackle, read option, toss option, or QB keeper. Several different formations to line up in. Can't key on one player. Union scored 49 pts against Marion and none of those were by Mitchell.

Biggest differences?
Depending on the formation the best athlete on the team has the ball in his hands each and every play, but will he keep it, hand it off, pitch it or pass it?

The O is simply executing with incredible efficiency. The defense is the best Union has ever fielded. Union was the only team in the playoffs that Appo left their starters in the entire game and it literally took a last minute pick six to get the Raiders over 40 pts. This D is SO much better than last years.

I don't know if Appo is better, worse, or the same as last year. Have no clue, but I do know that Union is better. And the atmosphere in Bullitt Park will be like nothing else you have experienced. It really is a great place for HS football.

all. can say is this... if you are referring to last yrs game in any kinda of positve light for union.... you didn’t see tge same game i did... I know it was a shutout, and we scired 40 plus... how can u possibly think that was a good thing that appo left tge starters in all game? as far as this yrs team lets just say this. union is number #1 seed. at home and undefeated and it sounds like they got the best thing they’ve ever had , that said it shoukd be a cake walk fir the bears.. and it very well migh be.. we will know saturday night

 

[hillcity2110]

Don't underestimate Union from last year's result and don't judge Appomattox on last year's result either. These are 2 different teams. Don't know much of Appo, but after seeing Union yesterday. They played one of the most fundamentally sound games in the playoffs that I have seen in quite a while. I've been watching football all over this great state of ours for 40+ years and their execution yesterday was outstanding. They are hard nosed, physical and Mitchell is very talented. I was very impressed with #17 as well. And the defense as a whole played outstanding. Appo had better be as good as advertised or they will be disappointed

i agree last yr is gone only thing that matters now is this saturday

 

[Union_Fan]

all. can say is this... if you are referring to last yrs game in any kinda of positve light for union.... you didn’t see tge same game i did... I know it was a shutout, and we scired 40 plus... how can u possibly think that was a good thing that appo left tge starters in all game? as far as this yrs team lets just say this. union is number #1 seed. at home and undefeated and it sounds like they got the best thing they’ve ever had , that said it shoukd be a cake walk fir the bears.. and it very well migh be.. we will know saturday night

I saw the game. I was there early, freezing my tail off hours before kickoff. And yes, there are positives in any game. Things that can be built upon. And also, I only stated facts. Appo did leave their starters in the whole game. That was the only playoff game they did, including the championship. Union scored 0 points. The pick 6 with less than 1 minute to go got Appo over 40. It was cold. Those are all facts. Do you not like facts, or are you just a negative person in general?

Every team that we played this year, including the ones we shutout, I could list positives that I saw for the opposing teams. Good players, good plays, good coaching, good fundamentals, good execution, etc... Something.

I don't belittle these teams or kids. They're just HS kids that love the game they play. Like we obviously do or we wouldn't be chatting it up on a HS football forum long after our HS days are over.

Saturday's game will not be a cakewalk for Union. Graham was not a cakewalk either. Neither was Marion nor Richlands. These kids didn't just get off the bus and automatically get a W. They worked hard. They never quit. They never gave up. Maybe the shutout to Appo last year gave this team the resolve to spend all winter, spring, and summer in the weight room. The patience to spend hours upon hours practicing and watching film to get better.

Good thing our coach doesn't see games like you do or the post game speech may have went something like this...."guys, you just lost convincingly to the best team that 2A has seen in years, I saw nothing positive from this game, you all should be ashamed of yourselves. Turn in your pads and never play football again."

Yet here we are, 13-0, hosting the best team in 2A(until proven otherwise) in a semifinal game. Guess you're right, nothing positive about last years game at all.

 

[eh31]

Honest question here -

I don't really remember hearing about Appomattox up until 4-5 years ago. Did they ever win the State before or at least go pretty far?
What division did they play in before it went to 6 classifications? (Example AA div 3)
How long have they been a county school? What schools came together to make Appomattox county?

 

[GatorBait1988]

I saw the game. I was there early, freezing my tail off hours before kickoff. And yes, there are positives in any game. Things that can be built upon. And also, I only stated facts. Appo did leave their starters in the whole game. That was the only playoff game they did, including the championship. Union scored 0 points. The pick 6 with less than 1 minute to go got Appo over 40. It was cold. Those are all facts. Do you not like facts, or are you just a negative person in general?

Every team that we played this year, including the ones we shutout, I could list positives that I saw for the opposing teams. Good players, good plays, good coaching, good fundamentals, good execution, etc... Something.

I don't belittle these teams or kids. They're just HS kids that love the game they play. Like we obviously do or we wouldn't be chatting it up on a HS football forum long after our HS days are over.

Saturday's game will not be a cakewalk for Union. Graham was not a cakewalk either. Neither was Marion nor Richlands. These kids didn't just get off the bus and automatically get a W. They worked hard. They never quit. They never gave up. Maybe the shutout to Appo last year gave this team the resolve to spend all winter, spring, and summer in the weight room. The patience to spend hours upon hours practicing and watching film to get better.

Good thing our coach doesn't see games like you do or the post game speech may have went something like this...."guys, you just lost convincingly to the best team that 2A has seen in years, I saw nothing positive from this game, you all should be ashamed of yourselves. Turn in your pads and never play football again."

Yet here we are, 13-0, hosting the best team in 2A(until proven otherwise) in a semifinal game. Guess you're right, nothing positive about last years game at all.

Here are the facts from the game I saw last year between Appo and Union:

1). Union couldn't obtain 200 yards of total offense. They had 191 and 75 came on one drive with the result being a fumble in the red zone. So.....Union had roughly 100 yards the rest of the game. That's physically being outmatched.

2). Appo ran the ball on Union at will. Whenever and wherever they wanted. That's physically being outmatched.

I'm not here to harp on the past, I chimed in because other people brought it up, but nothing positive happened last year for Union in the game against Appo. They saw better athletes at every position and it showed. This year's Appo team is not the 2015 or 2016 team, they just aren't. I do believe Union is better than last year as well. Appo has definitely seen some solid teams this year (Heritage...scary good) and how Union was able to win against a ready Richlands team and then absolutely destroy Graham is impressive. I honestly believe I would favor Union in this game for the simple fact that it's at their place and driving up into those hills is a game in itself!

 

[Union_Fan]

For the Appo fans and anyone else making a first time trip to Big Stone Gap...

Take I81 to Bristol then 11 W to Kingsport and then Highway 23 N straight to Big Stone Gap OR

I81 to I26 W towards Kingsport. I26 turns into Highway 23 N to Big Stone

You can go other ways, but that's the way I would go. Less curves.

BSG has the basic fast food places, and concessions at the game are good. Pizza is the best thing to get.

If you're coming Friday and spending the night, there is a Comfort Inn next to a Huddle House(similar to Waffle House) that is open 24 hrs. I would probably stay in Kingsport, TN though. Much bigger and with restaurants galore.

Seating is handicap accessible aluminum bleachers that hold approximately 1000 people. If you come early, parking will be fine. Arrive after gates are opened, and you may have to park along the streets outside of Bullitt Park. It WILL be crowded Saturday. Also, keep in mind, Bullitt Park (map coordinates below) is not beside of Union High School. It is several miles from the school, so don't GPS directions to the school, and is actually in a residential area of Big Stone Gap. Thus the limited parking.

If you have any questions please ask.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/B...67a47268938989!8m2!3d36.8669011!4d-82.7815643

 

[swva_havok_fan]

Or if you want to get car sick. Haha

I've driven much worse.

My biggest problem whenever I had to drive from Marion to Large Rock Pass on Rt. 58 was the farm tractors doing 15MPH at top end speed.

I live off of Gate City highway in Bristol... 58 IS the shortest route if you don't get behind someone with Farm Vehicle tags doing 25 below the speed limit. That's like a 1 in 10 chance though, so yeah, I take the little cut through Tennessee to Bloomingdale over Wadlow Gap to Weber City.

How the away bleachers at Union?

They're decent. However, expect Union fans to sit on the away side as well. They have every game I have ever been to there, but Union fans are always classy and don't try to pick fights with anyone.

For the Appo fans and anyone else making a first time trip to Big Stone Gap...

Take I81 to Bristol then 11 W to Kingsport and then Highway 23 N straight to Big Stone Gap OR

I81 to I26 W towards Kingsport. I26 turns into Highway 23 N to Big Stone

You can go other ways, but that's the way I would go. Less curves.

BSG has the basic fast food places, and concessions at the game are good. Pizza is the best thing to get.

If you're coming Friday and spending the night, there is a Comfort Inn next to a Huddle House(similar to Waffle House) that is open 24 hrs. I would probably stay in Kingsport, TN though. Much bigger and with restaurants galore.

Seating is handicap accessible aluminum bleachers that hold approximately 1000 people. If you come early, parking will be fine. Arrive after gates are opened, and you may have to park along the streets outside of Bullitt Park. It WILL be crowded Saturday. Also, keep in mind, Bullitt Park (map coordinates below) is not beside of Union High School. It is several miles from the school, so don't GPS directions to the school, and is actually in a residential area of Big Stone Gap. Thus the limited parking.

If you have any questions please ask.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/B...67a47268938989!8m2!3d36.8669011!4d-82.7815643

I will add for the Appomattox faithful that when you get to Abingdon, GPS will tell you to get off of I-81 at exit 17 and take US 19 North to Hansonville to Alt 58. DO NOT DO THIS, unless you're a law abiding citizen who never speeds. US 19 eventually takes you into Russell County which is radar hell. I have received 2 speeding tickets in the last 6 months going that direction and avoid Russell County at all costs unless I absolutely have to. Any of the directions posted above with the quick cut through Tennessee is the better option, plus US 23 from Gate City to Big Stone is 60 MPH speed limit with the exception of the small town of Duffield where it drops to 55 for like a mile or so.

 

[oldfool]

Hey thanks alot guys I will plug these directions into my gps unit.

 

[Bo Bob]

Thanks Boathead!!!
Can't wait to experience the place.

Thanks for all the info Union folks!!!

Good, they seat 1,