Update on Varina Player Eligibility

[71ShadesofNavy]

I have no clue how this will play out, but if the VHSL applies the rules correctly Varina should be required to forfeit the three games he played in.

https://www.wric.com/video/henrico-...est-to-play-due-to-residency-dispute/11211167

 

[ChrisKing75]

I have no clue how this will play out, but if the VHSL applies the rules correctly Varina should be required to forfeit the three games he played in.

https://www.wric.com/video/henrico-...est-to-play-due-to-residency-dispute/11211167

In Varina’s situation, the forfeiture impact would likely only apply to two games, since their matchup against Maury was already a loss. The VHSL will probably keep that result as-is. Because Varina and Henrico County complied with the eligibility process and did not allow the ineligible player to continue participating, it’s unlikely that the VHSL would exclude the team from postseason play entirely.

However, this creates an interesting dynamic: if Varina enters the playoffs as a lower seed due to the adjusted record, it could mean that higher-seeded teams like Louisa or Dinwiddie might have to face a much stronger opponent earlier than expected. Essentially, a team that performs at a top-tier level could end up playing a #1 or #2 seed much earlier in the bracket than would normally occur which changes the playoff landscape significantly.

 

[acoles]

I have no clue how this will play out, but if the VHSL applies the rules correctly Varina should be required to forfeit the three games he played in.

https://www.wric.com/video/henrico-...est-to-play-due-to-residency-dispute/11211167

A 6-4 record should still get them in the playoff

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

Great points @ChrisKing75 and @acoles. I did some preliminary math and based on predicted losses from other teams Varina should be seeded 6th or 7th with possible forfeits (6-4 record). A loss to Highland Springs would make things interesting, but a don't see Varina losing. I still think the Blue Devils are still the big dog in Region B and it's going to take a heck of an effort to beat them.

 

[edwinanderson2nd]

I guess the real punishment is losing one of your best players and having play on the road for whole playoffs

 

[ChrisKing75]

I guess the real punishment is losing one of your best players and having play on the road for whole playoffs

Despite the potential impact of forfeitures and potential road games, Varina remains one of the most complete and well-balanced teams in VA. This is literally the same roster from last season, with only two or three departures, and the program has effectively filled those gaps. Even without the two great running backs who are currently unavailable one due to injury and one due to the eligibility matter Varina backfield is still good if not better then last year without them led by a three-star athlete in Farley. Having the other two just would have been even better.

What makes Varina dangerous is that their offensive system doesn’t rely heavily on any single player. With an amazing experienced quarterback and a strong group of receivers, the offense keeps its rhythm and versatility. That’s why i said the current situation isn’t necessarily a disadvantage for Varina instead, it may present a greater challenge for other teams. Programs could potentially face a full-strength Varina squad much earlier in the playoffs than expected a matchup that would be far tougher than their seeding might suggest. Home or away it don’t matter to this team they are to experienced

 

[CountyBoyGeneral]

The real heat should be at the Varina coaches. All 30 of them. Sacrificing a kid’s future for all of 2 games is CRAZY work. Thing is, the kid had an opportunity to go back to Henrico and play but those beach house dreams in Montana were sold. Hate it for the kid but there’s rules in place for a reason. Adults failed him.

 

[acoles]

I guess the real punishment is losing one of your best players and having play on the road for whole playoffs

What I'm hearing is the courts rule that this young man couldn't play until the issue is resolved. I think the investigation is still ongoing and the decision hasn't been made yet and if the ruling comes back in his favor this Young man could be back playing in the playoffs.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

In Varina’s situation, the forfeiture impact would likely only apply to two games, since their matchup against Maury was already a loss. The VHSL will probably keep that result as-is. Because Varina and Henrico County complied with the eligibility process and did not allow the ineligible player to continue participating, it’s unlikely that the VHSL would exclude the team from postseason play entirely.

However, this creates an interesting dynamic: if Varina enters the playoffs as a lower seed due to the adjusted record, it could mean that higher-seeded teams like Louisa or Dinwiddie might have to face a much stronger opponent earlier than expected. Essentially, a team that performs at a top-tier level could end up playing a #1 or #2 seed much earlier in the bracket than would normally occur which changes the playoff landscape significantly.

Chris, I hear what you say, and I would like to agree that Varina and Henrico County took the high road, but I struggle with this for several reasons.

First, it’s hard for me to believe that this student’s eligibility slipped through the scrutiny that the MEL requires before submission to the VHSL. One of several things occurred. The student and parents falsified the information they provided, in which case the school may not have been at fault, or

Second, the AD and Principal failed to do their due diligence in verifying the students residency information.

Three, Varina hoped they could let it slide and not get caught.

And fourth, what makes me doubt that they took the proverbial high road is the fact that there is an additional student that is playing, that is all but certainly ineligible because of his residency. (If I know this as fact, certainly it’s known by the Varina officials). If they really were adamant about following the rules, then they would have done the right thing and stopped this student from participating until his residency could be proven. This is not me slinging mud, this is a verifiable non-residency issue.

I could care less if it’s Varina, Brookville, Freedom, Hayfield, John Marshall, or even Dinwiddie, you either follow the rules, or you suffer the consequences. For too long, high school sports has been allowed to slowly get away from the honesty, integrity, and accountability that we proclaim is the cornerstone of our educational system. It’s a hell of an example we are setting when we skirt the rules to win at all cost. Either you have rules and you enforce them, or you have a no holds barred approach and allow anything and everything to go on.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

The real heat should be at the Varina coaches. All 30 of them. Sacrificing a kid’s future for all of 2 games is CRAZY work. Thing is, the kid had an opportunity to go back to Henrico and play but those beach house dreams in Montana were sold. Hate it for the kid but there’s rules in place for a reason. Adults failed him.

Get your facts correct Country Boy, it’s not 30 coaches. It’s 38 coaches!

 

[ChrisKing75]

The real heat should be at the Varina coaches. All 30 of them. Sacrificing a kid’s future for all of 2 games is CRAZY work. Thing is, the kid had an opportunity to go back to Henrico and play but those beach house dreams in Montana were sold. Hate it for the kid but there’s rules in place for a reason. Adults failed him.

This is about understanding not blame he experienced a real tragedy while at Henrico witnessing someone he mentored being stabbed and his decision to transfer was rooted in mental health and safety, not athletics. His grandmother gained custody and resides in the Varina district, which legally permitted the move.

If this were a case of recruiting, it would have been addressed by now, and Varina would not be eligible for postseason play and future punishments. Henrico County have allowed him to remain enrolled and eligible to continue his education and possibility of other sports, which speaks volumes. The report did not come from Varina’s staff it originated from his former school. Rather than placing blame, this situation should remind us that schools must prioritize students’ well-being above all else. We can’t blame Varina for everything.

 

[ChrisKing75]

Chris, I hear what you say, and I would like to agree that Varina and Henrico County took the high road, but I struggle with this for several reasons.

First, it’s hard for me to believe that this student’s eligibility slipped through the scrutiny that the MEL requires before submission to the VHSL. One of several things occurred. The student and parents falsified the information they provided, in which case the school may not have been at fault, or

Second, the AD and Principal failed to do their due diligence in verifying the students residency information.

Three, Varina hoped they could let it slide and not get caught.

And fourth, what makes me doubt that they took the proverbial high road is the fact that there is an additional student that is playing, that is all but certainly ineligible because of his residency. (If I know this as fact, certainly it’s known by the Varina officials). If they really were adamant about following the rules, then they would have done the right thing and stopped this student from participating until his residency could be proven. This is not me slinging mud, this is a verifiable non-residency issue.

I could care less if it’s Varina, Brookville, Freedom, Hayfield, John Marshall, or even Dinwiddie, you either follow the rules, or you suffer the consequences. For too long, high school sports has been allowed to slowly get away from the honesty, integrity, and accountability that we proclaim is the cornerstone of our educational system. It’s a hell of an example we are setting when we skirt the rules to win at all cost. Either you have rules and you enforce them, or you have a no holds barred approach and allow anything and everything to go on.

I understand your perspective, but that’s not entirely accurate. The VHSL actually cleared the student’s eligibility it was the district that decided to sit him following an anonymous report, not a VHSL violation. That distinction matters, because it shows Varina and Henrico County handled the situation the right way and within proper procedure.

Once the district received notice, the student was immediately held out of participation, which is exactly what schools are supposed to do while the matter is reviewed. The VHSL has not issued any sanctions or forfeitures because there’s no evidence of wrongdoing by Varina’s staff or administration.

There are also no other ineligible players on the roster. Varina acted responsibly from the moment this surfaced, and that’s why the team remains playoff-eligible they complied fully with both district and VHSL guidelines. VHSL only sanctioned harder consequences if you knowingly continued to play a ineligible player and they haven’t since the investigation started.

 

[CountyBoyGeneral]

This is about understanding not blame he experienced a real tragedy while at Henrico witnessing someone he mentored being stabbed and his decision to transfer was rooted in mental health and safety, not athletics. His grandmother gained custody and resides in the Varina district, which legally permitted the move.

If this were a case of recruiting, it would have been addressed by now, and Varina would not be eligible for postseason play and future punishments. Henrico County have allowed him to remain enrolled and eligible to continue his education and possibility of other sports, which speaks volumes. The report did not come from Varina’s staff it originated from his former school. Rather than placing blame, this situation should remind us that schools must prioritize students’ well-being above all else. We can’t blame Varina for everything.

I am too very sorry for the young man (along with the other 600+ kids on the walkway during transition) who witnessed that last year. I’m very familiar with the situation and it’s heartbreaking that our kids aren’t even safe in school anymore. All of them should be allowed transfer too right? Leave out the part where he’s “living” in the Varina zone but was caught by compliance on multiple occasions leaving the “Henrico High School address”. Look this isn’t Varina’s first rodeo with this. It’s a reason the Varina coaches (who are to blame for this whole fiasco) are doing all the talking but Varina’s AD (who does things the right way) hasn’t said a word during this whole thing and pulled the young man before it negatively impacted the rest of the kids. As adults, we can either be a part of the problem or we can be the solution. This thread and the Brookville thread is a microcosm of what’s wrong with society today. You can’t break the rules and add “ifs, ands and buts”. Kuddos for Paige (Henrico’s AD) for giving the young man the option to do things right and play for Henrico and Mont (Varina’s AD) for having integrity and trying to do things the right way.

 

[ChrisKing75]

I am too very sorry for the young man (along with the other 600+ kids on the walkway during transition) who witnessed that last year. I’m very familiar with the situation and it’s heartbreaking that our kids aren’t even safe in school anymore. All of them should be allowed transfer too right? Leave out the part where he’s “living” in the Varina zone but was caught by compliance on multiple occasions leaving the “Henrico High School address”. Look this isn’t Varina’s first rodeo with this. It’s a reason the Varina coaches (who are to blame for this whole fiasco) are doing all the talking but Varina’s AD (who does things the right way) hasn’t said a word during this whole thing and pulled the young man before it negatively impacted the rest of the kids. As adults, we can either be a part of the problem or we can be the solution. This thread and the Brookville thread is a microcosm of what’s wrong with society today. You can’t break the rules and add “ifs, ands and buts”. Kuddos for Paige (Henrico’s AD) for giving the young man the option to do things right and play for Henrico and Mont (Varina’s AD) for having integrity and trying to do things the right way.

I completely understand and respect where you’re coming from, but when a student experiences something that traumatic, it’s not just about sports it’s about safety, mental health, and healing. In this case, the court itself recognized that by granting the grandmother custody, acknowledging the emotional impact of what he witnessed. That’s not a loophole or manipulation that’s a legal and compassionate response to a serious situation.

If a parent or guardian has the ability to move a child into a safer or more stable environment after something like that and chooses not to, that raises real concerns about priorities. Protecting a child’s mental and emotional well-being should always come before any athletic or administrative rule. And what they gonna do not allow him to go see his parents who still live in the Henrico area I really question some of your responses.

And as for Varina, if the program truly did something wrong, the VHSL and Henrico County would have already acted just like the did the boys in Brookvillie. The fact that they haven’t and that the student is still enrolled says a lot. At some point, we have to stop assuming favoritism and recognize that sometimes a school simply followed the process correctly and did right by a kid who went through something no young person should have to experience. Brookvillie going through what they going through because they played the boys after authorities said not to. Hayfield got in trouble because messages came out of coaches recruiting this situation is way different.

 

[Virginia HS Football Fan]

Can any of your math nerds run the hypotheticals as to what the seedings would be if Varina has to forfeit?

I just tried to figure it out and this looks like Varina would be 8th heading into this week’s games. Spotsylvania would be 7th. Hanover 6th, Caroline 5th, Courtland 4th, and Huguenot 3rd as Louisa County and Dinwiddie would remain 2nd and 1st respectively.

Then again, this still factors in Varina receiving bonus points for forfeitures and would have them currently at 23.5. Is that even a thing by the way? Bonus points for forfeit losses?

Heck, at this point based on prior events in previous years, I wouldn’t be surprised if the adjudication resulted in setting up the pairings to eventually have a Dinwiddie/Varina Regional Championship Game.

Who knows at this point? No one in a leadership position doesn’t want to be a leader and make a call. Structurally, the state of high school sports in Virginia continues to be a disaster.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

@ChrisKing75, you don't really understand where everyone is coming from. You obviously believe Varina should be able to circumvent the rules, whether, there is trauma or not. If trauma was the issue Henrico Public Schools could have issued a variance. Just happened transfer to the school with the best football team in the 804. Coincidence? Not! Same with the kid from Hopewell this year who still resides at his prior redidence. It's time for people to stand up to this nonsense of Empire building. It's not about the kids. Its about winning at all costs.

 

[ChrisKing75]

Can any of your math nerds run the hypotheticals as to what the seedings would be if Varina has to forfeit?

I just tried to figure it out and this looks like Varina would be 8th heading into this week’s games. Spotsylvania would be 7th. Hanover 6th, Caroline 5th, Courtland 4th, and Huguenot 3rd as Louisa County and Dinwiddie would remain 2nd and 1st respectively.

Then again, this still factors in Varina receiving bonus points for forfeitures and would have them currently at 23.5. Is that even a thing by the way? Bonus points for forfeit losses?

Heck, at this point based on prior events in previous years, I wouldn’t be surprised if the adjudication resulted in setting up the pairings to eventually have a Dinwiddie/Varina Regional Championship Game.

Who knows at this point? No one in a leadership position doesn’t want to be a leader and make a call. Structurally, the state of high school sports in Virginia continues to be a disaster.

It’s so many possibilities but The way i calculated it is best case scenario if Varina win out they will be 6-4 and Hanover loses their last two games against Armstrong and Highland Springs they will be at 29.9 with the forfeits which would put them in around 3rd Place. Worst Case If Varina loses 1 and Hanover wins 1 plus the two forfeits they would be 5-5 then Varina will be 7 or 8 seed they would be around 24.8-25 I think I’m correct.

 

[Virginia HS Football Fan]

It’s so many possibilities but The way i calculated it is best case scenario if Varina win out they will be 6-4 and Hanover loses their last two games against Armstrong and Highland Springs they will be at 29.9 with the forfeits which would put them in around 3rd Place. Worst Case If Varina loses 1 and Hanover wins 1 plus the two forfeits they would be 5-5 then Varina will be 7 or 8 seed they would be around 24.8-25 I think I’m correct.

Thanks for that. Either way, I think the Top 8 are locked in (unless Spotsylvania tanks and Powhatan goes on a run but who knows). I just think we are all waiting on how the order plays out.

 

[ChrisKing75]

@ChrisKing75, you don't really understand where everyone is coming from. You obviously believe Varina should be able to circumvent the rules, whether, there is trauma or not. If trauma was the issue Henrico Public Schools could have issued a variance. Just happened transfer to the school with the best football team in the 804. Coincidence? Not! Same with the kid from Hopewell this year who still resides at his prior redidence. It's time for people to stand up to this nonsense of Empire building. It's not about the kids. Its about winning at all costs.

Okay so if Varina did something wrong why hasn’t anything been done yet? Season ends next week then the playoffs start and as it stands Varina is still in and that kid is still in school. That’s why it’s kinda hard to understand or side with you. At most they gonna have to forfeit the two games. And they gonna keep supporting the kid as they should Or is this gonna be the excuse every team gives on how Varina shouldn’t have been in the playoffs and that’s why they got beat?

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

Not asking you to side with me, nor do wish any ill will on Varina. Obviously, you did not read any of my messages above. Have you read the idiotic Facebook posts regarding this matter? It's the same old thing. "Snitches get stitches", so people don't report it. For many of us we just want the VHSL to enforce the rules they have and create a fair playing field. Besides, nobody has asked or insinuated Varina should be removed from the playoffs. That came from your key strokes. If Varina wins it all after being held accountable then good for them. Accountability is all that's being asked.

Your points assessment is a bit off. If Varina finishes 6-4 and the others at the top win out Varina will not be third. Now, without the forfeits and two more wins it is highly possible for them to move up to second or stay at third if Huguenot loses to Manchester. It's going to take thirty+ points to make it into the top 3 or 4. You are forgetting if they have to forfeit two games they will lose 24+12/14 points from Fleming (will now be 12+6/7), and 22+8/10 from Norcom (will now be 10+4/5). A one loss Huguenot and 0 loss Louisa are going to be at 31/32 points.

 

[ChrisKing75]

@71ShadesofNavy I see where you're coming from, and I understand your view with the situation. It’s important for rules to be followed, and accountability is key to ensuring fairness. I think we had a miscommunication and you're right in pointing out that the point assessment would shift if Varina has to forfeit two games, as they’d lose valuable points that could affect their seeding.

You're also correct about the importance of other teams' performance, like Hanover and Huguenot. If Hanover loses their final games and Huguenot loses to Manchester, it would open the door for Varina to potentially move up, despite the forfeits. It’s a tight race, and a lot hinges on how the other teams perform. That’s how I’m thinking best case scenario

Thanks for the clarification. I didn’t mean to suggest that Varina should be removed from the playoffs, just that the situation needs to be assessed fairly for all involved.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

Courtland should win out and be 9-1 (Louisa only loss), Caroline could end up 9-1. A 6-4 Varina will not likely out point either. They should out point, a 7-3 Hanover and 7-3 Spotsylvania, but I will not be able to say for sure until late Friday night. Trust me, for scouting purposes, I have ran just about every scenario possible. The Huguenot vs. Manchester game means a ton. The Hanover games really only mean something if they win out.

 

[ChrisKing75]

Courtland should win out and be 9-1 (Louisa only loss), Caroline could end up 9-1. A 6-4 Varina will not likely out point either. They should out point, a 7-3 Hanover and 7-3 Spotsylvania, but I will not be able to say for sure until late Friday night. Trust me, for scouting purposes, I have ran just about every scenario possible. The Huguenot vs. Manchester game means a ton. The Hanover games really only mean something if they win out.

Maybe they land 6th seed at best but I think they would face Dinwiddie early still though.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

If they finish 6th or 7th they will not. If Dinwiddie wins tomorrow they clinch the 1st seed. I would agree if they finish 4th. Without the forfeits a second round matchup is pending. If Varina is required to forfeit this is my guess.

1 Dinwiddie vs. 8 Spotsylvania/Hanover
2. Louisa/Huguenot vs. 7 Spotsy/Hanover
3. Louisa/Huguenot vs.6 Varina
4. Courtland vs. 5 Caroline

If Huguenot wins and Varina does not forfeit:

1.Dinwiddie vs. Spotsy/Hanover
2. Huguenot vs. Spotsy/Hanover
3. Louisa vs. Caroline
4. Varina vs. Courtland

 

[DinwiddieProud]

BTW Chris, I commend you for your thoughtful and professional responses. Though I may not agree with you, I do admire that you share your opinion eloquently and without malice. If only everyone on the threads would follow your example.

I do agree that the #1 factor always needs to be consideration for the student’s well being. But part of that consideration must be the consideration of all the other kids well being. I’m not sure that Varina didn’t bend the rules for this kid, and if so, what does that teach him and all the other kids? And what does that say to the kid that lost playing time or even an opportunity for playing time, because special accommodations that “bent” the rules were made for someone.

Maybe mistakes were made in good faith that led to where Varina is now? I, or we, may never really know the real answer to that question. But I’m sorry, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it’s a duck.

Again, I say this. If Varina is so squeaky clean, why is the kid that is still physically living in Hopewell still playing for Varina? This is not speculation, it is a provable fact. Is it because nobody with the legitimate right to file an official complaint has done so? So therefore it’s ok to act as if there is nothing wrong? I’m sorry, this sure calls into question the legitimacy of the rationale for the “mistakes” or the “well intended” decisions made with respect to the first kid.

Again, the big picture is that a bunch of adults have done things, rather honestly or nefariously, that are causing kids to suffer from their actions. Shameful, regardless of how it came about.

 

[ChrisKing75]

BTW Chris, I commend you for your thoughtful and professional responses. Though I may not agree with you, I do admire that you share your opinion eloquently and without malice. If only everyone on the threads would follow your example.

I do agree that the #1 factor always needs to be consideration for the student’s well being. But part of that consideration must be the consideration of all the other kids well being. I’m not sure that Varina didn’t bend the rules for this kid, and if so, what does that teach him and all the other kids? And what does that say to the kid that lost playing time or even an opportunity for playing time, because special accommodations that “bent” the rules were made for someone.

Maybe mistakes were made in good faith that led to where Varina is now? I, or we, may never really know the real answer to that question. But I’m sorry, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it’s a duck.

Again, I say this. If Varina is so squeaky clean, why is the kid that is still physically living in Hopewell still playing for Varina? This is not speculation, it is a provable fact. Is it because nobody with the legitimate right to file an official complaint has done so? So therefore it’s ok to act as if there is nothing wrong? I’m sorry, this sure calls into question the legitimacy of the rationale for the “mistakes” or the “well intended” decisions made with respect to the first kid.

Again, the big picture is that a bunch of adults have done things, rather honestly or nefariously, that are causing kids to suffer from their actions. Shameful, regardless of how it came about.

I appreciate that, man. At the end of the day, I respect everyone, and there’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition and debate. I can definitely see what you mean I think all sides just don’t care knowing Hopewell system wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t it’s sad and not right can’t control grown people.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

I appreciate that, man. At the end of the day, I respect everyone, and there’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition and debate. I can definitely see what you mean I think all sides just don’t care knowing Hopewell system wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t it’s sad and not right can’t control grown people.

You are a class act @ChrisKing75 . After talking with @DinwiddieProud, I think we met in 2017. Great clean debate and much appreciated.

 

[acoles]

I appreciate that, man. At the end of the day, I respect everyone, and there’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition and debate. I can definitely see what you mean I think all sides just don’t care knowing Hopewell system wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t it’s sad and not right can’t control grown people.

This has been a great debate whether Varina should forfeit two games. Mr Williams parents with there lawyer are still fighting this in court. Mr Williams also run track and plays baseball.. will Varina forfeit any games I don't think so if so it would have been done by now.

Get your facts correct Country Boy, it’s not 30 coaches. It’s 38 coaches!

 

[acoles]

I understand your perspective, but that’s not entirely accurate. The VHSL actually cleared the student’s eligibility it was the district that decided to sit him following an anonymous report, not a VHSL violation. That distinction matters, because it shows Varina and Henrico County handled the situation the right way and within proper procedure.

Once the district received notice, the student was immediately held out of participation, which is exactly what schools are supposed to do while the matter is reviewed. The VHSL has not issued any sanctions or forfeitures because there’s no evidence of wrongdoing by Varina’s staff or administration.

There are also no other ineligible players on the roster. Varina acted responsibly from the moment this surfaced, and that’s why the team remains playoff-eligible they complied fully with both district and VHSL guidelines. VHSL only sanctioned harder consequences if you knowingly continued to play a ineligible player and they haven’t since the investigation started.

Thank you coach staff had nothing to do with this

 

[ChrisKing75]

Thank you coach staff had nothing to do with this

I believe Varina has a solid chance to make it, the question will be what seed. I still think this is their year, i think Louisa will be their toughest challenge. Dinwiddie is a strong opponent, and I’m sure they are motivated for revenge. However, Louisa’s running back Hiter and wide receiver Carter are standout players, and their quarterback is no slouch either. It reminds me of when King George had a dynamic receiver Wiggins and that powerful running back.

Additionally, I didn't realize just how young Huguenot’s roster is. They have a lot of young talent and ranked, and while we’ve given them a hard time, with the right experience, they could be a formidable team in the future. If not this year, then next year for sure.

 

[CountyBoyGeneral]

I completely understand and respect where you’re coming from, but when a student experiences something that traumatic, it’s not just about sports it’s about safety, mental health, and healing. In this case, the court itself recognized that by granting the grandmother custody, acknowledging the emotional impact of what he witnessed. That’s not a loophole or manipulation that’s a legal and compassionate response to a serious situation.

If a parent or guardian has the ability to move a child into a safer or more stable environment after something like that and chooses not to, that raises real concerns about priorities. Protecting a child’s mental and emotional well-being should always come before any athletic or administrative rule. And what they gonna do not allow him to go see his parents who still live in the Henrico area I really question some of your responses.

And as for Varina, if the program truly did something wrong, the VHSL and Henrico County would have already acted just like the did the boys in Brookvillie. The fact that they haven’t and that the student is still enrolled says a lot. At some point, we have to stop assuming favoritism and recognize that sometimes a school simply followed the process correctly and did right by a kid who went through something no young person should have to experience. Brookvillie going through what they going through because they played the boys after authorities said not to. Hayfield got in trouble because messages came out of coaches recruiting this situation is way different.

I respect your POV brother. I also appreciate the respectful dialogue.

I’ll leave with this, leaving Henrico to go to Varina for safety reasons is a case that’s not going to get won by anyone in Henrico County. Varina has A LOT of challenges as a school (not downing their school, most of it is public info on the VDOE School Quality Report). Varina has a history of illegal transfers in which HCPS has been on their backs for at least 5 years. If HCPS lets this young man play, you’re injusticing Cam Mise, Steve Stinson, and the other kids who’ve HCPS has stopped from playing their senior year at Varina.

I feel really bad for this young man. I feel like had he transferred to Herm or GA we wouldn’t be having this discussion right now though.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

The new rule, if enforced properly, is about as good of a solution as there is. You transfer, you sit out a year. End of discussion.

And yes, there are exceptions, as there should be, but the key is “100% validation” of the exception. Court orders a kid to go live somewhere? No question. Kid moves here with parents from another area or state, almost no question. Kid moves to another location and moves in with a relative or other adult that is not his legal guardian, big question. Kid changes schools but not legitimate permanent residence, absolutely not.

What we need more than anything else concerning this is for the VHSL to be quick, absolute, and consistent with their enforcement. They screwed the pooch with Hayfield, they are about to do the same with Brookville, and I don’t have much confidence that they won’t screw up this deal with Varina.

All of you know that I have always been a defender and an advocate of the VHSL. And I still am, albeit my supporter is eroding. But I’ll tell you as quickly as I would tell the Executive Director of the League to his face, you have a chance to establish a renewed legitimacy to the VHSL. But, if the last year has been any indication, you are going in the wrong direction.

Guys, high school football is not a training camp for the NFL. It’s a training camp for living life. Out of all the kids we have seen playing high school football over the years, you can count the number that eventually made a dime in the NFL on one or two hands. But guess what every single one of those kids we watched has to go out in this world and make a living. Shouldn’t our efforts be focused on honesty, integrity, discipline, responsibility, accountability, and humility? Not on how to circumvent all of these attributes simply to get your way?

 

[Virginia HS Sports Fan]

I believe Varina has a solid chance to make it, the question will be what seed. I still think this is their year, i think Louisa will be their toughest challenge. Dinwiddie is a strong opponent, and I’m sure they are motivated for revenge. However, Louisa’s running back Hiter and wide receiver Carter are standout players, and their quarterback is no slouch either. It reminds me of when King George had a dynamic receiver Wiggins and that powerful running back.

Additionally, I didn't realize just how young Huguenot’s roster is. They have a lot of young talent and ranked, and while we’ve given them a hard time, with the right experience, they could be a formidable team in the future. If not this year, then next year for sure.

The problem for Louisa is the defense.

 

[ChrisKing75]

The new rule, if enforced properly, is about as good of a solution as there is. You transfer, you sit out a year. End of discussion.

And yes, there are exceptions, as there should be, but the key is “100% validation” of the exception. Court orders a kid to go live somewhere? No question. Kid moves here with parents from another area or state, almost no question. Kid moves to another location and moves in with a relative or other adult that is not his legal guardian, big question. Kid changes schools but not legitimate permanent residence, absolutely not.

What we need more than anything else concerning this is for the VHSL to be quick, absolute, and consistent with their enforcement. They screwed the pooch with Hayfield, they are about to do the same with Brookville, and I don’t have much confidence that they won’t screw up this deal with Varina.

All of you know that I have always been a defender and an advocate of the VHSL. And I still am, albeit my supporter is eroding. But I’ll tell you as quickly as I would tell the Executive Director of the League to his face, you have a chance to establish a renewed legitimacy to the VHSL. But, if the last year has been any indication, you are going in the wrong direction.

Guys, high school football is not a training camp for the NFL. It’s a training camp for living life. Out of all the kids we have seen playing high school football over the years, you can count the number that eventually made a dime in the NFL on one or two hands. But guess what every single one of those kids we watched has to go out in this world and make a living. Shouldn’t our efforts be focused on honesty, integrity, discipline, responsibility, accountability, and humility? Not on how to circumvent all of these attributes simply to get your way?

I think the situations are somewhat similar but not identical. As I mentioned earlier, in one case the Thomas boys continued to participate even after the district and judge ruled that they were ineligible pending investigation. In the other case, messages were discovered showing that coaches had actively recruited players, according to reports, had those messages not been found, the players likely would have been cleared to play since there was no prior knowledge.

In Varina’s situation, however, the school complied immediately once the district issued its directive, and there is no evidence indicating that the coaching staff recruited the player now people’s opinions are different which is okay but we going by what we have. That distinction is what makes Varina’s case different from the others they followed the district’s order, whereas the other programs did not. Does that make everything right? no but I will say they handled it way better even though we have our own personal opinions.

 

[ChrisKing75]

The problem for Louisa is the defense.

I believe the key factor is the defensive line. Hiter plays linebacker, and Carter plays defensive back, but there are also two other cornerbacks who have some Division I potential. The real issue seems to be with the defensive line, which was a similar challenge that King George faced. Teams just will have to execute when those guys not in the game and pray they can out gun them.

 

[racindan]

I believe the key factor is the defensive line. Hiter plays linebacker, and Carter plays defensive back, but there are also two other cornerbacks who have some Division I potential. The real issue seems to be with the defensive line, which was a similar challenge that King George faced. Teams just will have to execute when those guys not in the game and pray they can out gun them.

Hiter has been playing d end this year and only in a cpl games