Does not deserve to be #2 after the whoopin they took at the hands of Bluefield tonight. Bluefield is a good team, but Graham has a LOT of work to do on the defensive side of the ball.
Graham.
- Thread starter Real Sasquatch
- Start date
Graham:
I think I had this conversation with you last year at the same time. I just watched the first half of the Bluefield vs Graham game after getting back home from our game with Southampton (getting ready to watch the second half). Incredible job that Rivalry Series does. I know you don't want to hear this, but I told you this last year and will tell you again, your QB simply can't throw the ball accurately 5 yards past the line of scrimmage. In glancing through the video, on 3 different occasions, Graham has WR's running wide open, literally, wide open and the QB either can't get the ball there or simply can't make the read and checks down for the 2 yard pass or runs. That works on a Tazewell or Marion (no offense) but it doesn't work on team the caliber of Bluefield that can only rush 4, and drop 7 in coverage and beg him to throw the ball exactly like Union did in the playoffs. Graham looks identical to last year and one year later, the best athlete on your team who should be playing QB is the kid wearing number 4, and your QB needs to play wideout. It would completely change the playoff outlook for Graham in my opinion with all those athletes to throw to. I hope your Coach stays the course. It benefits my team if both of us get that far, but bottom line is, you have to be able to have at least a capable efficient downfield passing game to have a chance. Doesn't have to be pass oriented, just a completable ball when it's open. Graham doesn't have that. There defense is fine. They played the best offensive line it will face in the regular season by far.
Central:
Deserves to be number one preseason. They had a running clock in the mid 3rd tonight and just smacked Skyline around like bat in a cave with its head bitten off by Ozzy. No offense to you folks up in Front Royal with the cave jokes because those Caverns up there are cool, and Spelungers has an awesome cheeseburger, but Central is just to much. The problem Central presents is a QB in Dyer that is a 3 year starter. He completed only 61 passes last year. How many yds though? Nearly 1400. That's efficiency! That's about 23 yards per pass! Their running game is obvlously good with 2 RB's that ran for about 2K last year combined. So, they are a problem and I'm not terribly surprised by their score tonight. Central's possibly weakness though? An athletic passing team that can get a lead on them or score with big plays on special teams.
Union:
Haven't seen em this year. I am betting that they probably are similar to Central. Physical on the line like last year, but I understand they also return the QB that was hurt last year, but very smart and a leader. And, very well coached like Central. I did see their score last night and understand that game was well, well out of hand before a couple of late scores by JI Burton on Union's backups. I would love to be able to see a live video feed of Union and Richlands next week. The Great American Rivalry Series should go there for that game! Should be a good one, because I know Gate City is horrible, so it's hard to make much of Richlands throttling of them tonight. Is GC that bad or Richlands that good or some of both. The Union and Richlands game would be a fun one to watch.
Goochland and Appo: I'm a bit surprised by both. Goochland surprised me that the score with TJ was that close. Thomas Jefferson was 7-3 in regular season last year and had a pretty good team which was essentially there first ever and Goochland smacked em last year. Thomas Jefferson lost 6 or 7 starters on O including the QB and RB and WR's and lost 6 on Defense. They were supposed to be ok, but slightly down from last season. I just can't believe the game was this close. I don't know the details yet though. Did Goochland have a bunch of turnovers, etc? I'm surprised. And of course Appo. Wasn't their game supposed to be closer? I know, they were supposed to win pretty easily, but that easy? A running clock? I think Appo may deserve the one spot over Central.
Poquoson: Big win for us over Southampton. We looked very good on both sides of the ball, especially on the offensive line and Parker is one smart cookie at QB. He's a leader and very smooth. Our weakness is the big play. We have to keep focused and finish plays. We had a return on us that was just something you can't give up. Additionally, we have to finish tackles. Against West Point in our scrimmage, our D would have 3, 4, 5 plays in a row for either no gain or negative yardage, then boom, a guy would bust a run for 50 yds. With that said, WP's rb in one of the better ones in the state (at any level).
Glenvar: Just can't believe it was that close with Galax and one Galax poster mentioned they had 3 second half turnovers that sealed their fate.
Giles: It's legit from what a couple of their fans stated. They are hurting this year.....truly down this year.
Lee: Do not count this bunch out yet. Forget about what you've heard in what they lost. They have talent everywhere and even in 2018, they WILL BE a potential threat in that region to cause Central or East Rock problems come playoff time. As for East Rock, I need to get up and see them. Just not sure.
The qb doesnt look good throwing when the line is overmatched. Lineplay for Graham was not good. The defensive ends are very slow. Bluefield has run the same jet sweeps against Graham for 40 years and they couldnt stop them. I look for Tazewell to give Graham a run for their money next week.
Last edited:
Central is definitely lethal, not just because of what they did to Skyline, who isn't very good. East Rock is worth watching if you haven't. If you do come this way Luc, give me a shout. You're pasionate about football and the Islanders. I'd like to watch a game with you.
That's scary. It speaks to their talent, but it even speaks more about their coaching. Appo vs Gretna on 10/19 might be a classic. Gretna might be a problem in Class 2A also.
Graham will be fine and they should easily defeat everyone else on the schedule outside of Richlands. The RIchlands game is a toss-up if Graham stays healthy; they got over the mental hump of beating Richlands last season. The G-Men will not see another team during the regular season, and unlikely in the playoffs minus a deep run, anywhere close to the size, speed, athetlic ability, and experience of the Beavers. They were owned on the line because Bluefield’s line averages 6’5, 280+ and several of those guys are cat-quick.
I agree, Bluefield is probably the best team that Graham will play all season long, even if they made it deep in the playoffs. After watching their 2 scrimmages and this game, I don't see Graham making a deep playoff run. I would be surprised if anybody beats Bluefield this season and would expect them to repeat as state champs, they were very impressive, especially the line play. Offensively, Graham should be fine, when in the spread formation. They have very good running backs, but can't run the ball effectively when they line it up in a tight formation(poor blocking). Graham's defense is below average and somewhat soft. They have a lot of work to do to compete at the state level.
Disagree on that one 19GHS87, but that could be debated without knowing for months, so I'm not going there, but simply.....disagree. Bluefield has a great team and solid program as does Graham. Good luck to both schools.
Thanks man. I may do it. Got to see what the schedule holds and my boss (wife) says.
I understand Lucus, just going off of my 46 years of watching Bluefield and Graham. This is one of the Best Bluefield teams I have ever seen (I'd say top 3).
Agree with you on that. When I say agree, I can't say I've seen Bluefield for 46 years. For me, it's a grand total of 3. 2 of them being last year and this year against Graham, and one game years ago when I was a kid and they played at Pulaski County in the 80's. Can remember if 86 or 87ish, Pulaski won close something like 9-7, 10-7. Anyway, I still have close friends from work and college in an around Pulaski (Claytor Lake guys) that follow the Cougars and watched the recent scrimmage. There were Bluefield fans telling them that this 2018 Bluefield team may the be very best since the 60's when Bluefield was AAA in WV and garnered national attention-prominence and on most years, obliterated any team in WV or SWVA they came into contact with. So, I hear you man. The lineplay of Bluefield is special. They just aren't only big, but they move well. The QB is also very accurate from the video replay. They are so physical they don't need to throw it much, but its apparent what happens when the defense of Graham starts cheating up to stop the run. The QB can hit the mid range or deep-to mid range ball on the money to the WR. There's no way I can see a team from WV playing with the Beavers at the AA level, but I can't be sure. Don't know enough about it to be sure. Last thing though, the defensive line of Bluefield is equally big, but.....they don't look to be incredibly strong for that size. Just my perception from the video, meaning, they can pushed off the ball some (not a lot) but some.
Va Preps 3A, and first ranked team in Lord Botetourt and Bluefield could be one of the better games I'm certain at any level from Class1A to Class 3A in Virginia and A, or AA in West Virginia for the entire season. That game is another one I wish someone would do a video feed on.
Last edited:
I can see Richlands, Va High, Tazewell and perhaps Marion giving Graham all they want this season. Graham could very well go 9-1, but it wouldn't surprise me to see them end up at 6-4, unless there is some serious improvement on the defensive side of the ball. I heard through the grapevine that Dennis Palmer, acquired from Richlands is not running the defense, but is coaching the secondary. That is a huge mistake by Graham, the former D-Coordinator from Richlands knows more about football then all of Graham's assistants put together. I certainly hope that's not the case.
Yes, GC is that bad. Defense is better than offense, but the offense is completely inept and put the defense in bad situations and kept them on the field the whole game.
Richlands passing game is much better than last year, but defense doesn't seem to be as strong. Richlands kicker is really special. He was kicking 46 yarders in warmups that would have been good from 55. One of his kickoffs went through the goalposts.
I do hope that Union/Richlands is a crazy barn burner like years past. Some people have live streamed it on Facebook a couple of times. If I hear of one, I'll post a link.
Gate City Coaching is also Horrible. FIRE AKERS, put Reed as Head Coach, bring back Jeremy Housewright to run Defense, and Gary Collier as Offensive Coordinator.
At this point, if I’m Housewright I’m content to stay at a Rye Cove team that will win more games this year than GC.
That’s is so painful to say, but Gate City has truly hit rock bottom.
They have hit Rock bottom on Coaching, thats for sure. They still have Talented Kids, they wont come out and play for Akers
Back on the original topic of "Graham". I'm interested to see how Tazewell fares against Graham this week. Not sure if the Bulldogs can stop the Graham's very talented offense, but at the same time, Graham's defense has not looked very good thus far in their scrimmages and first game against Bluefield. Sure they shut out Gate City, but Gate City can't get out of their own way.
Tazewell will struggle against teams that have a big back that can pound the middle and athletes that can run with them on the outside. Reed should have a huge night running the ball which will open up Allen & Lester to beat them on the outside when they start sucking in.
Tazewell will run slower teams the death with the amount of athletes they have, but they will struggle heavily with Graham this week & Bluefied in two weeks. Other than those two teams they should be able to stay in shootouts with the rest of the teams on their schedule.
[QUOTE="lucustookis, post: 310668, member
"Goochland and Appo: I'm a bit surprised by both. Goochland surprised me that the score with TJ was that close. Thomas Jefferson was 7-3 in regular season last year and had a pretty good team which was essentially there first ever and Goochland smacked em last year. Thomas Jefferson lost 6 or 7 starters on O including the QB and RB and WR's and lost 6 on Defense. They were supposed to be ok, but slightly down from last season. I just can't believe the game was this close. I don't know the details yet though. Did Goochland have a bunch of turnovers, etc? "
lucastookis,
The story out of Goochland was good defense from both squads but offense needs some work. Goochland only allowed 23 yards of total offense for the game while gaining 220 yards. Goochland turned the ball over 5 times to TJ's 1. TJ's defense is very athletic and they played a very good game. Don't sleep on my "Dawgs" yet! Defense is real and things will come together offensively....
"Goochland and Appo: I'm a bit surprised by both. Goochland surprised me that the score with TJ was that close. Thomas Jefferson was 7-3 in regular season last year and had a pretty good team which was essentially there first ever and Goochland smacked em last year. Thomas Jefferson lost 6 or 7 starters on O including the QB and RB and WR's and lost 6 on Defense. They were supposed to be ok, but slightly down from last season. I just can't believe the game was this close. I don't know the details yet though. Did Goochland have a bunch of turnovers, etc? "
lucastookis,
The story out of Goochland was good defense from both squads but offense needs some work. Goochland only allowed 23 yards of total offense for the game while gaining 220 yards. Goochland turned the ball over 5 times to TJ's 1. TJ's defense is very athletic and they played a very good game. Don't sleep on my "Dawgs" yet! Defense is real and things will come together offensively....
Tazewell moved the ball well against Graham tonight. Graham won 41-19, but Tazewell had 4 trips to the red zone that came up empty. Offensively, Graham should be fine. However the defensive lineplay for Graham is a serious liability. It is downright ugly at times. The defensive ends cant contain the edge. They are way too chippy, get way too many personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and the mouths run too much on the field. One mouth in particular who shall remain nameless. Very frustrating to watch.
This year should be a good one, Central & Union look to be the real deal. Poquoson Glenvar & Richlands will not lay down either. Appo is looking a little like the '15 team. They have alot to work on but they do have the tools to be a much better team by the end of the year. Don't let the Heritage/Northside score fool you as Heritage will be a very tough game for Appo next week. Heritage has size and athletes all over the field and will be looking for redemption after their loss. Its a fun time to be a Appo fan because if they continue to grow each week then this year and the next 2 years will be every bit as fun as the last 3 years. Good luck to all the teams and ones not mentioned as it is early in the season and it will depend on who wants it the most.
I'm hoping for a good clean game. What I would like to see from Graham against Giles this week, is improvement along the defensive line. Particulary both Defensive ends. Maybe shifting some folks around or just benching 2 or 3 of them may be necessary. There are a few kids that go around 200 lbs or so that are pretty athletic and not in the game. I'd put them in and give it a shot, what they have out there is not working. Also looking for Graham to be more disciplined. I don't want to see kids walking out on the field without their helmets on or taking it off as soon as they get to the sideline, talking to people on the fence line, talking to opposing teams fans, being chippy and running their mouths, committing personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and on and on and on. I'll give it two more weeks, if it doesn't get better, I'll go watch Bluefield or Tazewell play. I'm a big Graham fan, but not a big fan of an un-disciplined team, gets my goat and I can't watch it.
Last edited:
So you didn't like watching the Noles last night? Too worried about dancing around before the kickoff rather than playing football. Saban would go bezerk if his kickoff team did that although I realize that is perhaps FSU's tradition.
I enjoyed seeing Tech put the screws to them with that defense, though.
Grahams defense bent but didnt break against Giles tonight. They scored on 4 of only 7 possessions and held the single wing offense of Giles to only one offensive td. Graham only punted once and fumbled on one possession that ended up as a scoop and score for Giles from the Graham 3. Halftime got them on the other non-scoring possession, they were driving down the field. They were more disciplined, didnt commit stupid penalties. Giles did move the ball pretty well, but stalled in the red zone on 3 possessions. Offensively, Graham had numerous big plays against the Spartans, but Giles had long clock eating drives that limited Grahams possessions. I did see a little improvement defensively, Meadows is coming along nicely for a freshman and the Defensive ends played better, although they let Giles get to the edge several times, they did their job quite a few times and forced the play back inside some too. Improvement on D but still a long way to go. Big improvement in attitude. Offense looked great. Just got ro get that defense off of the field more.
Last edited:
The defense needs some serious adjustments if they want to beat Richlands and advance very far in playoffs. Undisciplined, weak, sloppy...getting better a little , I stress very little but it's going to take a lot of improvement.
I respect your and what u post majority of the time. However to say Graham stopped Giles in redzone is not accurate. Giles stopped themselves. Bad snaps, backs dropping snaps, and penalties which I might add some were terrible calls. Giles does not have the athleticism to stop big plays from athletes like Cam. He is a great player. The fact is Graham played 10 in the box all night and still could stop the run. The defensive line for Graham is not very good, not a shot just the facts. Giles controlled the time of possession but just gave up the big play to often. Losing two key players in the game did not help matters but kinda of getting used to it this season. Giles has now lost 5 starters for the season and two did not play last night. I know it's part of the game but luck has been awful this far. Let's face it, Giles is not a great team this year with youth and injuries but I love how they battled last night. Effort was much better. Last anyone who has Graham as number 2 or 3 team does not know football.
I said Giles "stalled" in the red zone. Improvement is improvement, Graham has a long way to go.. But they have still made progress since game #1. Tazewell shredded their defense. Graham was able to make several stops for losses against Giles. It is hard to prepare for Giles and their offense. I'm going to give Giles a little more credit also. They executed that offense pretty well considering how young they are. Yes, they had a few dropped snaps and a couple of fumbles that hurt. To say they stopped themselves in the red zone, well, I'll agree with that on maybe 2 of the red zone possessions. Both teams have a lot of work to do. The pieces are there for Graham, they are trying different folks at different positions on defense, hopefully they will get it fixed. Offensively, they shredded Giles defense to pieces. I would be more concerned about my defense then my offense if I was a Giles fan. The Giles offense did what they do, pick up yardage and move the sticks and limit the opponents possession. I thought they played well overall on offense, just couldn't get it into the endzone.
Last edited:
Shew, more injuries for Giles is the very last thing needed. Now you're going to have kids playing non-stop. Good luck to both going forward.
Graham is getting a much needed boost on defense with Mason Raley being cleared to play after a prolonged injury. He will help on that defense for sure.
And a very nice looking athlete that transferred in from West Virginia at a linebacker position. Things just got much more interesting for the G men. Raley should be able to play in 2 or 3 weeks, once he gets required practices in. The transfer is immediately eligible and will play next week. Coach wants to get in a few practices with him. Superb looking athlete.
Glad Graham will be getting some much needed help on defense; now if they can cut the penalties down. My favorite descriptor remains , undisciplined.
The defense is looking better in spurts but still struggle on the defensive line. Graham had better figure it out in a hurry with Richlands looming. They can put up plenty of points, but Im afraid they will give up a bunch against a good team. It will be interesting to see how the addition of a healthy Raley and this linebacker from the WV side help things. Some much needed shuffling around will hopefully take place. Hearing good things about the transfer
What's the saying, "You play how you practice." Wish the new addition to coaching staff had a bigger role, I'd bet their discipline would improve and yes, Richlands is looming and it's a toss up at this point. I might even give the edge to Richlands. I'm preaching to the choir though.