Union vs. Glenvar
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I have seen both. I think the team that has most success thru the air, will win. This game may be for state championship.
If its decided by the passing game, Union has the advantage IMO. More weapons, four receivers have at least five TD catches. A 6'3 WR, 6'5 WR/TE, 6'4 TE, and a 5'10 WR/RB who is absolutely electric.
Looking fwd to seeing who wins this one. Seen a lot of tape on Glenvar, but limited tape on Union.
Union beat Richlands when they abandoned the passing game after Richlands has for the most part kept it in control. They switched to power run and it definitely caught our defense off guard.
They can run with the best of them and they have several options to run the ball with.
On defense, they did a good job of keeping our run game in check for the most part. And if you're gonna throw on them, your QB best be accurate. Their secondary are ball hawks and when pick one off, they look to take it back to the house.
This game will be an absolutely slobber knocker.
They can run with the best of them and they have several options to run the ball with.
On defense, they did a good job of keeping our run game in check for the most part. And if you're gonna throw on them, your QB best be accurate. Their secondary are ball hawks and when pick one off, they look to take it back to the house.
This game will be an absolutely slobber knocker.
I remember when glenvar played union last year. I was impressed with the receivers athleticism, size and speed but not so much their hands....they dropped some passes and dont remember them laying out for any. Im sure they are much improved in the hands dept. since. Looks like glenvar is going to have to get to the qb and disrupt the timing if we are going to win.
I don't know about that Hampton. I know a couple other teams that may have something to say about that, but this is a game between two great football teams.
Union has several athletes with some speed and are balanced on offence. They can power run anbd they like the bubble screen to get their athletes out in space. Stop the run and they will spread you out with 2 really good wideouts that have both size and speed ( one is around 6'4" and the other around 6' to 6"1" ) and a couple others that can hurt you, and the QB is very mobile.
Their O line is good too so it should be a tough fight down in the trenches.
I can't say anything about Genvar because I have never seen them play and know very little about them except that they are the defending state 2A champs and deserve all the respect they get, but from what I have heard, their D is fantastic so it should be one whale of game.
If I didn't have another game to go too I would go watch this one !
U better be able to pass and pass well to beat Glenvar. I see no team establishing a running game on them.
One of those receivers had a severe internal injury in the first game, missed several weeks, and just wasn't himself the remainder of the season. He hasn't dropped many this year, and has made some outstanding grabs on offense and defense.
The 4 main receivers are 6'5", 6'4", 6'4", and 6'1".
Union is strong everywhere really. 5 good receivers, 2 RBs that have speed and strength, and a FB that is good in short yardage situations. QB is a good passer and possibly a better runner. Defense is good, and at times, great, but is inconsistent. Their biggest weakness is and always has been handling a big physical back like the "bus" last year. They have shut down several smaller quick backs this year. The only one to run on them this year was Cousin from Graham, but that kid is special. If you haven't seen him, you need to.
Lot of talk on here about Union which is great, but not sure they have a WR as good as the #7 kid at Glenvar, kid can absolutely fly and is sure handed. I like hearing how balanced Union is but running the football against Glenvar is going to be pretty tough I think, Glenvar is massive up front and at LB. On the offensive side of the football Glenvar can hurt you deep with #7 and #2 who is a tall big bodied kid. I have seen teams stop the Mann's kid 3 or 4 plays here and there and then all of a sudden he pops a long run. He gets lost behind a huge Offensive line. Lastly, Glenvar has been there done that. Most of these kids have been in big games and continued to impress, I like Glenvar by 14 or more.
Union's WR(6'4") already has 3 Division I offers(Virginia, Clemson, NC State), and he's just a sophomore. Scouts have been to several games this year. The "other" WR(6'5") has no offers that I'm aware of, but IMO is just as good.
Having "offers" from D1 schools is impressive but doesn't necessarily equate to meaning he is the best player on the field or even the 10th best player. That means he can run a fast 40; he can vertically jump high; he can lift x pounds; and he is tall. Colleges recruit mostly on potential based on a few stats which is sad IMO. Heck..they would recruit 5th graders over proven hs kids if they thought they had great potential. So is this D1 player the best player on the field and why??? What has he done? Is he the hardest worker on the team? I've seen players with D1 offers who were not good high school players. They didn't play with intensity; they were not tough; they didn't know the plays; and they didn't work hard on the field or in the classroom. Mann from Giles is an example of a player that will not be playing D1 probably but he will outshine, out tough, out work any other D1 player. Glenvar has plenty of these less hyped types and I am sure Union does too. These are the players I give the credit to. "D1 recruited player from 3 programs" doesn't send fear shivers up my spine like it does some people. I am worried more about that Union player that has earned the right during the heat of the summer to have a great game Saturday; not the one with great DNA.
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I've noticed this for years. Give me 11 guys with the grit, heart, and determination of a player like Mann, and I'll take my chances against a team loaded with talent. Reminds me of this old quote I've seen used over the years: "Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard."
Look at Riverheads in 1A, they don't have any players (except maybe the TE based on what the coach says) that wow you with D1 talent, size, or speed, but they play with heart, pride, determination, and grit. I've seen them be competitive and win games over the years against teams that had a size, speed, and talent advantage over them.
Well, he mostly just walks around the stands and signs autographs....???
My response was to a comment that doubted Union had a receiver as good as #7 for Glenvar. I just mentioned #82's size and offers. Do you really think a D1 scout is going to come to Big Stone Gap, in the backwoods of Virginia, if he wasn't a hard worker?
I have no idea how good Glenvar's #7 is, never seen him, don't know his stats, and I certainly didn't say anything negative about him.
For you to go into defense mode and start questioning Union's WR's work ethic just because I said he had D1 offers is kinda sad.
No amount of defending or talking up his abilities is going to make a difference on how he performs on the field. I guess you can just judge for yourself on Saturday.
Well......we got a good look at their receivers and they ARE the real deal ! Maybe they have a bad game against Glenvar and maybe they dominate them, I have no idea, but doubt their work ethic and ability at your own peril !
I know Glenvar's D is probably one of the best in the state especially the front 7, but I also know Glenvar has probably not seen an offense that is as balanced as Unions, I'm not saying Union will win or that Glenvar will win the game, I haven't seen Glenvar myself and only know what I have heard, and I have a lot of respect for what they have done this year and last, but I do know Union is for real and it's going to be very hard to stop that offense consistently.
Both receivers have size, speed and good hands and are really good in the open field.
Their QB can sling the ball but can also run it, The question will be whether Unions line can give him the time to find his receivers.
But I would not underestimate them by any means.
I know Glenvar's D is probably one of the best in the state especially the front 7, but I also know Glenvar has probably not seen an offense that is as balanced as Unions, I'm not saying Union will win or that Glenvar will win the game, I haven't seen Glenvar myself and only know what I have heard, and I have a lot of respect for what they have done this year and last, but I do know Union is for real and it's going to be very hard to stop that offense consistently.
Both receivers have size, speed and good hands and are really good in the open field.
Their QB can sling the ball but can also run it, The question will be whether Unions line can give him the time to find his receivers.
But I would not underestimate them by any means.
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This^^^^^^^. A few of you Glenvarites have become a bit condescending on the heels of last year's championship.
I mean Clemson only recruits slouches...lol
Is it just me or are Glenvar fans some of the most defensive posters you've ever seen?
Is it just me or are Glenvar fans some of the most defensive posters you've ever seen?
As a Union guy, the best way to deal with a team or people you think are condescending is to go out there and kick their ***. No amount of talk on here is going to be a positive for Union, if anything, let another school talk, it usually motivates the other school.
Glenvar is the defending state champion, and obviously have a very good team with very good athletes. Union does too, but they have not proven they can win games like Glenvar did last year. Union is better than they were last year, when Glenvar beat them (with 8 turnovers mind you) but I am sure Glenvar has improved as well.
Glenvar is the defending state champion, and obviously have a very good team with very good athletes. Union does too, but they have not proven they can win games like Glenvar did last year. Union is better than they were last year, when Glenvar beat them (with 8 turnovers mind you) but I am sure Glenvar has improved as well.
Gavin, Mitchell and Noaks will be the best they have seen. They are not just tall and fast. They are mentally and physically tough. Gavin played the entire second half against us with a fracture in is wrist. In between plays he would hold it up in the air trying to keep it from throbbing. He took a beating and gave back as much as he took. You will find out real quick....that they can play with the best.
Does that translate to victory? I dont know but I do know they are the real deal. I hope you are man enough to come back and admit it if your wrong. I will be.....
Does that translate to victory? I dont know but I do know they are the real deal. I hope you are man enough to come back and admit it if your wrong. I will be.....
Honestly wasn't trash talkin or defensive on your guy..he sounds like a very good player but all I hear is he has 3 D1 offers..probably went overboard on my response because I hear that from other teams all the time and it really doesn't mean much...but I would like a few more details, actual stats.
Accurate stats are hard to come by, each paper usually has different total stats and with the Union offense being so varied, one person has not put up gaudy numbers. Its not an indictment of Mitchell (or Gavin, or Noaks, or Barnett, or Spears, or the runners) that their stats are eye-popping, its that on any given game day, one of 3-4 players could put up 200 yards and 4 TDs and beat a team.
The offense has only failed to score 34+ points once, against Wise, in a game that Union was in the red zone about ten times but had issues cashing it in. Scored 42 on Richlands, 42 on Gretna and 49 on Graham. Scoring offense is about the only meaningful, accurate stat I can give because the Union offense relies on being unselfish and getting the ball to the player with the best chance of making plays, and Union is averaging 41 PPG.
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...and I haven't seen your guy. Was genuinely interested in learning more about him other than he has 3 d1 offers. Sorry if I offended you. and yes I have seen more than one d1 scholarship guy that was lazy, living off his potential and couldn't hack it once he got to college getting owned by less recruited walk ons. That doesn't mean your guy is that way.
KevTod is a Richlands posters not a Union one. No reason for him to be defensive
How many players do you know that Clemson goes after who aren't good players? Be honest
I don't think you meant for it to, but your post came off as very negative. Just a misunderstanding
How many players do you know that Clemson goes after who aren't good players? Be honest
I don't think you meant for it to, but your post came off as very negative. Just a misunderstanding
good point...just like Alabama..I just would rather have specifics about a player than how many d1 scholarship offers he has.and tbh I think other players who are just as much deserving and probably just as dangerous (like the other WR for Union) get left out of the conversation.
I tend to disagree, a team can manufacture great stats for a player by the offense or by taking advantage of lesser teams. I understand your point and I am not saying its not valid at all, I just believe at the high school level, tape is the biggest way to judge a kid, not stats. If a runner gets 2,000 yards but has 4 YPC, is he better than the runner who got 1,500 yards on 8 YPC? Its all subjective, and I don't believe Mitchell's stats are indicative of his overall talent or ability on the field. But as an opposing fan, I can understand not being overwhelmed by message board posts.
Sorry for the miscommunication. Wasn't questioning work ethic in a negative way at all. Would never do that. I was really trying to find out what his work ethic is etc. and what kind of student he is. I was impressed with him last year but what I remember is that he was still very young and his ability hadn't caught up with his body. I am sure that has changed alot in a year. .
point made, but the tape doesn't measure heart, agression, teamwork, knowledge of the game and a number of "soft" skills like staying out of trouble off the field and going to class.
Most of that is true, but what person who supports a school is going to throw a kid under the bus online by saying he isnt a hard worker or doesnt get the game lol?
Its all hyperbole at this point, Union fans (and fans that have played Union) know how well that the weapons can perform and while Mitchell receives a lot of attention, Gavin, Noaks, and Barnett are capable of performing at an elite level. Mitchell is young with a lot of potential, but if you focus on stopping him, we have deep threats (Gavin), guys with electric playmaking ability in the open field (Noaks), and guys that can work the seams, move the chains and punish defenders (Barnett, the runners ((Bishop, Fannon and Summers))). The truth is that all the kids fit those descriptions, Gavin can take a bubble screen 80 yards, Noaks can catch a 50 yard fly route, Mitchell can outjump you on a fade or run you over, or Union can run the ball 40 times.
I agree..almost everything on here is hyperbole/opinion. Only thing that matters is what happens on the field.
I look forward to the game and watching the Highlanders face the best team they have seen all season. Should be alot of questions answered.
It's all good.
Like BigWinners said, Union is so balanced that no single kid is blowing up the stats. Our fullback had over 100 yards against a 6-4 5A David Crockett team this year. They keyed on the receivers that game, so Union just ran it down their throats. Each RB has had over 100 yards in several separate games depending on who's hot and who the opposing team's D is keying on.
Each individual receiver has had great games, once again, depending on who the D is keying on.
I don't have any specific stats on Mitchell, but this is what I do have...
Was all state last year as a Freshman. Even better this year. Team is just more balanced.
Article early in the season.
http://www.heraldcourier.com/sports...cle_96680ac8-6262-11e5-bca9-e75fbe033a88.html
Vs Gretna
Vs Graham
It's all I got, but very indicative of the types of catches he makes.
Thanks for the post and the videos. Our secondary will have their hands full... that is for sure. Have no idea whether we will blitz/ man up/ or go zone to try and stop your what looks like a triple threat with a great passer. That fade is almost impossible to stop when thrown that well to someone who can go up and get the ball. Looks like it will be great weather which probably favors a great passing game.
From the newspaper article...."Straight A"... "Humble kid"" You have my full attention!
I didnt mean to come off the way I did. After I have looked at all your posts its clear you didnt mean it the way I took it.....apolgies. I keep seeing people doubt there athletes and should just mind my own business. Its just I personally think Gavin is the best player I have seen this year and I have seen a lot of them. No weakness in his game. I am very anxious to see how well there offense performs against the best defense in 2A. A lot of questions we all have in the backs of our minds will be answered.
Good luck to both of you all but of course I will be pulling for the far SWVA schools. Union is a FANTASTIC place to experience a High School Football game. You will enjoy it but the parking is not very good at all. Other than that.....Fantastic venue
Gavin does NOT get the attention that he deserves. Most goes to Mitchell for sure.
What's wrong with the parking?? Nothing wrong with parking on the side of an alley in somebody's yard and having to walk a half mile...lol. Good for the lungs and helps build the excitement.
