What other programs can match or surpass this record?

[southbottomU]

Salem
Since 1984 32 seasons No losing seasons 324-66-2 Six State Championships 3 State Runner-ups


Hampton???? Phoebus???

Just curious how many other schools in the state can match or surpass this type of success. I am sure there are some out there ---I would also like to ask the question WHY? Why do certain schools year after year after year succeed on the football field.

 

[close2salem]

Salem
Since 1984 32 seasons No losing seasons 324-66-2 Six State Championships 3 State Runner-ups


Hampton???? Phoebus???

Just curious how many other schools in the state can match or surpass this type of success. I am sure there are some out there ---I would also like to ask the question WHY? Why do certain schools year after year after year succeed on the football field.

Community and culture of football are two good reasons.

 

[mvwarrior]

Powell Valley comes to mind. From 1982-2004 8 state titles 1 runner up through that span. Although, Salem stats are very impressive.

 

[southbottomU]

Powell Valley comes to mind. From 1982-2004 8 state titles 1 runner up through that span. Although, Salem stats are very impressive.

what changed at powell valley----why have they not continued their run? Why has Salem continued their run for 32 years------(even before that if you go back to Andrew Lewis days) I am trying to ask a serious question---Why do some schools win every year? Are there different reasons from school to school or is there some common condition that causes this to happen?

 

[mvwarrior]

Community and culture of football are two good reasons.

I will say this about the Salem community, you guys really get behind and support your football program. When Willis White stepped down, I was worried about the direction Salem would go. Coach Mags is no joke and I do appreciate the "old school" fundamental football that comes out of Salem players courtesy of the coaching staff. I remember 2012 I think it was, Salem came to Magna Vista for a playoff game. Salem was trailing with just a few minutes to go in the game and I saw first hand what a champion played like that game. The discipline of Salem's offensive line as they lined up. They never got out of sync, they were all one unit and everyone was on the same page each down. I expected a hurry up mentality but instead saw the discipline show as the team lined up for every down. I was impressed!

 

[mvwarrior]

what changed at powell valley----why have they not continued their run? Why has Salem continued their run for 32 years------(even before that if you go back to Andrew Lewis days) I am trying to ask a serious question---Why do some schools win every year? Are there different reasons from school to school or is there some common condition that causes this to happen?

I think Powell Valley was merged into another school perhaps but cannot tell you why or how the combined school didn't prevail or maybe they did and are one of the powerhouse schools we see today? That will take me a little more digging but maybe someone on here knows the answer to that?

 

[mvwarrior]

Actually Powell Valley merged with Appalachia whom has played in or won 7 state titles. They formed Union High school. They formed the new high school in late 2010 early 2011. They are former rivals so it may take a few more years to get them to put history in the past and make new history?

 

[mvwarrior]

what changed at powell valley----why have they not continued their run? Why has Salem continued their run for 32 years------(even before that if you go back to Andrew Lewis days) I am trying to ask a serious question---Why do some schools win every year? Are there different reasons from school to school or is there some common condition that causes this to happen?

I will comment and say support for 1. But the most common theme I see is economic conditions. The Salem area has had the good fortune to have a strong economy where kids parents don't have to move away to find steady work. Down in Southside Va (Martinsville) where schools like Martinsville, Magna Vista, and Bassett are, we were listed as something like #2 in the country on the poverty level recently. You may ask why did Magna Vista win a state title then if you are stating that case.... well alot of people that live in the area commute to Winston Salem or Greensboro, N.C. or other places and move to Ridgeway area for lower cost of living and to shorten their commute. But I really contribute the economic status of an area for keeping parents that have talented kids in a certain area. This is just my opinion and I have really no facts to support my case.

 

[OCBoy]

Salem
Since 1984 32 seasons No losing seasons 324-66-2 Six State Championships 3 State Runner-ups


Hampton???? Phoebus???

Just curious how many other schools in the state can match or surpass this type of success. I am sure there are some out there ---I would also like to ask the question WHY? Why do certain schools year after year after year succeed on the football field.

Why are we going back down this road really? This seems like s topic every year can it be put to rest? Yes Salem is one of the elite programs in the state now move the hell on!!

 

[southbottomU]

Why are we going back down this road really? This seems like s topic every year can it be put to rest? Yes Salem is one of the elite programs in the state now move the hell on!!

The question was WHY? and other programs that have similar success why does it happen? How can some schools be so successful for 10-20-30 years? What is the common thread that allows it to happen?

 

[shauntclair]

The question was WHY? and other programs that have similar success why does it happen? How can some schools be so successful for 10-20-30 years? What is the common thread that allows it to happen?

Repeated line of good Coachs that stay a long time and know how to run a program. A community where there is not much else to do on Friday night. An average, at best, schedule that, in and of itself, practically guarantees success and a high seeding come playoff time so a run is not overly difficult. Success and atmosphere breed great enthusiasm among the youth so Spartans normally field a team almost twice the size of opponents. An abundance of depth is always a good thing with plenty of youth just craving the opportunity for playing time. Salem doesn't have to rebuild. They reload. All factors, IMO, that make Salem so consistent.

 

[AMHERST #1]

Why are we going back down this road really? This seems like s topic every year can it be put to rest? Yes Salem is one of the elite programs in the state now move the hell on!!

Gives the board something to talk about. Would you rather log on to see no new posts. Which would drive more people away.

 

[DEVILSLB99]

We get it Salem has a great program. I feel like we have been down this road before but I'll entertain. I can only compare Salem with what I see on a daily basis in Norfolk and what goes around with the program at LT. They have sustained a ton of success here are a couple of reasons why:
Location
Great football community and support
Schedule
Coaching


A lot of schools in urban areas don't have kids dedicated to playing for a particular program. There aren't a lot kids right now in the 2nd grade saying I can't wait to play for Coach Sawyer and LT. They probably not even coming to the games, but the youth in Salem are probably at the games playing catch and football off in the distance as they cheer on the Spartans

LT doesn't have a booster club and haven't had one in some time bottom line no one has taken the interest in doing it for LT sports even though we have had success. We have 6 different jersey combinations at LT all paid for by our team through fundraising by the coaches and kids. Salem if I do recall have at least the Salem Sports Club I believe its called. Community support right there and I think I saw where football doesn't get all the money, but something is better than nothing.

Schedule is simple LT plays anyone Salem has to play who they play. We have discussed this in length because Salem doesn't have the travel budget etc and not enough big schools in their area.

Coaching boils down to Salem had a legend and replaced him with another great coach in Mags.

Quick question If Salem and LT changed spots would the numbers be the same? Would LT have the same success over the last 30 years with the players they have and could Salem hack it in the ER on a yearly basis with the kids they have and with LT schedule? Just curious what you think.

 

[shauntclair]

I did mention the schedule also. No, if LT and Salem swapped schedules, Spartans would almost certainly not be as successful. On the other hand, LT would be even more successful (if that's possible).

Also, I think it's the LT defense that makes them so good. It reminds me of the 84 Bears 46 defense. Just suffocating from every direction. The Offense can be contained within reason.

This is just IMO guys. Don't beat me for it. Everyone is certainly entitled differ if they wish. I not gonna fight it.

 

[VaPrepsRod]

When it comes to successful programs in the state, no one is even in the same ballpark as Hampton.

They recently won their 800th game (10th most in the nation). They've got 17 state titles and are one of only two programs to have won four straight championships.

Any program in the state who attempts to compare themselves with Hampton has to put in a qualifier like "since such-and-such year...."

Their history is absolutely undeniable and completely untouchable in this state.

 

[1bburgfan]

Here is the question I would like to know the answer to. How many youths are in the sandlot program in Salem ? There is my opinion why Salem is an excellent football program. It all starts with the wee ones . They love and support their kids. Also you don't win football games Sept- Dec , they are won Jan - Aug.

 

[southbottomU]

When it comes to successful programs in the state, no one is even in the same ballpark as Hampton.

They recently won their 800th game (10th most in the nation). They've got 17 state titles and are one of only two programs to have won four straight championships.

Any program in the state who attempts to compare themselves with Hampton has to put in a qualifier like "since such-and-such year...."

Their history is absolutely undeniable and completely untouchable in this state.

The question was more in the area of why? Why did Hampton have that success for such a long long time? I was not trying to compare programs as much as I wanted to know what was the common thread that made certain programs i.e. Hampton, Salem so successful?

 

[VaPrepsRod]

The question was more in the area of why? Why did Hampton have that success for such a long long time? I was not trying to compare programs as much as I wanted to know what was the common thread that made certain programs i.e. Hampton, Salem so successful?

As I have harped on for about ten years now in my articles, C-U-L-T-U-R-E

 

[southbottomU]

As I have harped on for about ten years now in my articles, C-U-L-T-U-R-E

However----as described by Devils the culture at Lake Taylor is different than that of Salem but both are successful----is there more than one thing that allows teams to be successful for long periods of time?

 

[OCBoy]

Culture and coaching

 

[VaPrepsRod]

However----as described by Devils the culture at Lake Taylor is different than that of Salem but both are successful----is there more than one thing that allows teams to be successful for long periods of time?

1. Administration keeps parents away from coach
2. Coach finds good assistants who work with him at all times
3. Players police themselves

Nothing ruins programs quicker than bad admins, meddling parents, double agent assistant coaches and/or screw-around players.

 

[1MoreHokie]

Repeated line of good Coachs that stay a long time and know how to run a program. A community where there is not much else to do on Friday night. An average, at best, schedule that, in and of itself, practically guarantees success and a high seeding come playoff time so a run is not overly difficult. Success and atmosphere breed great enthusiasm among the youth so Spartans normally field a team almost twice the size of opponents. An abundance of depth is always a good thing with plenty of youth just craving the opportunity for playing time. Salem doesn't have to rebuild. They reload. All factors, IMO, that make Salem so consistent.

What's the repeated line of good coaches? You mean the whole two they've had for 30 years? Yes, what a revolving door Salem is for coaching.

Also lol @ suggesting Salem is twice as big as the teams they play. That is absolutely adorable and shows you don't know nearly as much as you think you do. Salem is very, very often smaller than who they play, especially on the lines. Last year's line was the first time since the 98 and 99 teams that Salem has managed to out-size everyone they played, more or less. The notion that being Salem somehow has granted them secret access to huge kids nobody else gets or that they have some magic trick in the weight room is really funny.

Salem rarely wins because of sheer talent and that's been the case since the beginning of it all. Ask anyone else who's actually been around, Salem wins because of fundamentals and execution. They don't kill themselves with penalties and TOs, they've been running the same plays for 7-10+ years as players, they simply out-execute teams. Salem's whole philosophy of success is built around what I just told you because at the high school level being able to do that will generally make you the better team 9 times out of 10 even if you don't have some future FBS-level skill position players.

 

[freeatlast2013]

We get it Salem has a great program. I feel like we have been down this road before but I'll entertain. I can only compare Salem with what I see on a daily basis in Norfolk and what goes around with the program at LT. They have sustained a ton of success here are a couple of reasons why:
Location
Great football community and support
Schedule
Coaching


A lot of schools in urban areas don't have kids dedicated to playing for a particular program. There aren't a lot kids right now in the 2nd grade saying I can't wait to play for Coach Sawyer and LT. They probably not even coming to the games, but the youth in Salem are probably at the games playing catch and football off in the distance as they cheer on the Spartans

LT doesn't have a booster club and haven't had one in some time bottom line no one has taken the interest in doing it for LT sports even though we have had success. We have 6 different jersey combinations at LT all paid for by our team through fundraising by the coaches and kids. Salem if I do recall have at least the Salem Sports Club I believe its called. Community support right there and I think I saw where football doesn't get all the money, but something is better than nothing.

Schedule is simple LT plays anyone Salem has to play who they play. We have discussed this in length because Salem doesn't have the travel budget etc and not enough big schools in their area.

Coaching boils down to Salem had a legend and replaced him with another great coach in Mags.

Quick question If Salem and LT changed spots would the numbers be the same? Would LT have the same success over the last 30 years with the players they have and could Salem hack it in the ER on a yearly basis with the kids they have and with LT schedule? Just curious what you think.

 

[southbottomU]

What's the repeated line of good coaches? You mean the whole two they've had for 30 years? Yes, what a revolving door Salem is for coaching.

Also lol @ suggesting Salem is twice as big as the teams they play. That is absolutely adorable and shows you don't know nearly as much as you think you do. Salem is very, very often smaller than who they play, especially on the lines. Last year's line was the first time since the 98 and 99 teams that Salem has managed to out-size everyone they played, more or less. The notion that being Salem somehow has granted them secret access to huge kids nobody else gets or that they have some magic trick in the weight room is really funny.

Salem rarely wins because of sheer talent and that's been the case since the beginning of it all. Ask anyone else who's actually been around, Salem wins because of fundamentals and execution. They don't kill themselves with penalties and TOs, they've been running the same plays for 7-10+ years as players, they simply out-execute teams. Salem's whole philosophy of success is built around what I just told you because at the high school level being able to do that will generally make you the better team 9 times out of 10 even if you don't have some future FBS-level skill position players.

I believe he was talking about numbers of players not size of the individual players

 

[southbottomU]

Taking a little bit of everyone's input here is what we have---Community, Commitment, Culture, Coaching, Schedule, Talent pool (more talent in tidewater than Patrick County), tradition, administration, player character, and facilities-----that's 10 factors that contribute to the success of an individual program----my guess is you need at least 7 or 8 out of 10 to have a chance to be a dominant program

 

[shauntclair]

What's the repeated line of good coaches? You mean the whole two they've had for 30 years? Yes, what a revolving door Salem is for coaching.

Also lol @ suggesting Salem is twice as big as the teams they play. That is absolutely adorable and shows you don't know nearly as much as you think you do. Salem is very, very often smaller than who they play, especially on the lines. Last year's line was the first time since the 98 and 99 teams that Salem has managed to out-size everyone they played, more or less. The notion that being Salem somehow has granted them secret access to huge kids nobody else gets or that they have some magic trick in the weight room is really funny.

Salem rarely wins because of sheer talent and that's been the case since the beginning of it all. Ask anyone else who's actually been around, Salem wins because of fundamentals and execution. They don't kill themselves with penalties and TOs, they've been running the same plays for 7-10+ years as players, they simply out-execute teams. Salem's whole philosophy of success is built around what I just told you because at the high school level being able to do that will generally make you the better team 9 times out of 10 even if you don't have some future FBS-level skill position players.

C'mon Hokie. I don't think even elementary school kids could have misread what was written so poorly. I'm disappointed.

 

[DEVILSLB99]

1. Administration keeps parents away from coach
2. Coach finds good assistants who work with him at all times
3. Players police themselves

Nothing ruins programs quicker than bad admins, meddling parents, double agent assistant coaches and/or screw-around players.

I agree wholeheartedly!!! These are issues that don't happen at LT, and if a parent wants to complain about playing time or meddle there are 4 other HS in Norfolk, VA pick one. The core of our staff has been together for a long time, and LT has only had 4 coaches since the school was built in 1967. Coach Sawyer was hired in 1999.

 

[freeatlast2013]

 

[DEVILSLB99]

Seems like every time I post you have to reply to me. Wasn't that the reason that this thread was created? Salem is awesome because we have X,Y,Z why haven't other programs been as successful as Salem for 30 straight years and if they are out there who are they? What do they do that Salem does or currently isn't doing?

 

[freeatlast2013]

What?

 

[VaPrepsRod]