TRIBE-Vikings

Props to Biggin for his crow thread (much respect for that)
Not many folks gave the Tribe much of a chance,but the fellers did what they needed to do,and that is execute offensively and play clean,turnover-free football. Congrats to B.I. on getting that elusive signature win,and congrats to the Indians on punching their ticket to their first playoff spot in way too long. Hats off to the Vikes. We knew that it wasn't going to be easy at Bullitt,and Pinkston made us work for it,but when it mattered the Tribe made it happen and walked it out. There was a time not long ago when we were 0-10. I was here for that,and I was there for this,and will continue to be there through the goods and bads (the way we all should be). Great win for the Tribe.

Great win for Kelly . . I hope they give Clintwood a good game this Friday.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Indian_Dad</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Props to Biggin for his crow thread (much respect for that)
Not many folks gave the Tribe much of a chance,but the fellers did what they needed to do,and that is execute offensively and play clean,turnover-free football. Congrats to B.I. on getting that elusive signature win,and congrats to the Indians on punching their ticket to their first playoff spot in way too long. Hats off to the Vikes. We knew that it wasn't going to be easy at Bullitt,and Pinkston made us work for it,but when it mattered the Tribe made it happen and walked it out. There was a time not long ago when we were 0-10. I was here for that,and I was there for this,and will continue to be there through the goods and bads (the way we all should be). Great win for the Tribe. </div></div>

Ditto

better team won, sold you guys short

Congrats JJ Kelly,.. this is one you truly deserve. The better team won!

BIG STONE GAP, Va. ? Hanging across the J.J. Kelly bleachers Friday night was a crepe-paper sign that asked the team, "How bad do you wanna make playoffs?"?

It was probably rhetorical, but the Indians answered it anyway ? along with several other dark question marks surrounding the program.

With Kelly and Powell Valley ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, in the Region D, Division 2 Virginia High School League ratings, the Indians defeated their 25-year Lonesome Pine District tormentor 30-20 at Bullitt Park.

The victory put Kelly (6-1, 2-1) one step closer to its first playoff berth since 2002 and, for the weekend at least, exorcised the demons that had been haunting them since last season ended in an 0-4 losing streak.

"Twenty-five years ago doesn't matter,"? Kelly head coach B.I. Salyers, an Indian alumnus, said. "But let me tell you something: I got the hardest-working kids in Southwest Virginia, hands down.
"We wanted it more than they did."?

The Vikings were unable to control the three-headed running tandem of Jordan Bates, Devan Sproles and Chris Dotson, who combined to rush for 266 yards and all of the Indians' four touchdowns.

"I've been getting mentally prepared since day one,"? Bates said. "Summer weight lifting, that's what we've been weight lifting for ? to beat Powell Valley. This is the biggest game of my high school career."?

Sproles churned for 90 yards in the middle, Dotson collected his 66 yards on the edges and Bates racked up 99 yards everywhere in between.

All of their success, however, began and ended with the offensive line.

"Up front, [this is] probably the best group of offensive lineman I've coached in my life,"? Salyers said. "Running backs don't do anything without their offensive line. I'm so proud of that offensive line, it's not even funny."?

Kelly's victory was particularly sweet against the backdrop of a quarter-century's worth of lopsided losses, courtesy of Powell Valley.

In their previous seven meetings, the Vikings had humiliated their Wise County neighbors by an average score of 47-10.

"This is a step up for our program and the thing we've got to do is build on this and not let it be something that happens once every 20 years,"? Salyers said. "That's what I want to happen."?

After both teams punted on their opening possessions, Kelly and Powell Valley traded touchdowns until halftime, when Bates went into the end zone from one-yard out, delivering a 22-14 intermission lead.

After receiving the second-half kick off, the Vikings responded with a Jordan Martin 10-yard touchdown run. They were unable, however, to tie the score when a two-point conversion pass failed.

Kelly sealed its win with a late fourth-quarter scoring drive, which featured 13 plays and two fourth-down conversions before Dotson took a sweep around the left side and into the end zone.

"They whipped us up front,"? Powell Valley head coach Phil Robbins said. "They ran their offense to perfection. They didn't have a turnover, they played well, they didn't do anything that we didn't expect.
They just outperformed us."?

The loss leaves the Vikings (3-4, 0-3) with only a slim chance of making the Region D, Division 2 playoffs, but Robbins is still impressed with the desire he sees from his inexperienced team.

"We don't worry about [making the playoffs],"? Robbins said. "We might get in, but just getting in the playoffs doesn't suit me. I want to see improvement in my football team and I want to see kids playing hard and I think we did play hard tonight."?

Kelly, on the other hand, is in perfect position to seize a playoff slot. But with Clintwood and Haysi still on their docket, the Indians have trials ahead.

But after Friday night's game, the future was far from Salyers mind. Before giving his team its post-game speech, the coach couldn't do anything but smile.

"This is the biggest win of my career,"? he said.

[email protected] | (276) 645-2543

J.J. Kelly 6 16 0 8"?30
Powell Valley 7 7 6 0"?20
Scoring Summary
JJK ? Jordan Bates 9 run (kick failed)
PV ? Jordan Martin 18 run (Taylor Barton kick)
JJK ? Devan Sproles 1 run (Sproles run good)
PV ? Dakota Cantrell 5 run (Barton kick)
JJK ? J. Bates 1 run (Bates run)
PV ? Jordan Martin 10 run (pass failed)
JJK ? Chris Dotson 11 run (Dotson run)
Team Stats
First Downs: JJK 20, PV 12; Rushes-yards: JJK 55-268, PV 26-186; Passing Yards: JJK 43, PV 16; Comp.-Att.-Int.: JJK 2-5-0, PV 2-6-0; Fumbles-lost: JJK 1-0, PV 2-1; Penalties-yards: JJK 3-25, PV 2-9; Punts-avg.: JJK 2-41.5, PV 2-35

Way to go indians.

Congrats ID...you guys earned it and deserved it.

Did you all see the smile on the boys faces while they talked to B.I. during PV's last time out. If you saw that look, you saw the look of satisfaction and a product of hard work and determination. Great game Tribe!!! Congrats to B.I. as well o this marquee win.

It's marquee in name I guess

Don't get to happy with the victory over PV because this is not the PV of the past as this is not the Kelly of the past. Forget last night now as PV must and start looking to he next game because it is the most important one now, and if a rematch is in the near future (good) if not work hard and represent the LPD well. Congrats and good luck in up coming games,The best team won last night.

That's the weakest PV team I've ever seen.

I'd love to see the Indians go deep into the playoffs.

You are exactly right-this is not a Kelly team of the past. A Kelly team of the past would have seen those powder blue jerseys and become intimidated. A Kelly team of the past would have panicked,made the big mistake,and faltered. It's hard to read the PV folk on here sometimes. After going to Richlands and hammering the Blue Tornado,you heard that he Vikes were ready to contend,and contend NOW. Then came the losses to 2 great football teams,but the blowout win over a vastly-improved Thomas Walker team had folks talking again. I have said it before and I'll say it again: Folks are waving the white flag way too soon at PV.

Big congrats to the Indians!

I was at the PV-JJK game last year, and I saw what the loss meant to the Indians then, and it's clear to see what the win means to them now.

Worst PV team I've ever seen. Shame Appy doesn't have a team this year or they could get their final shot in on us. If they play again (JJ Kelly/PV) Kelly would be the favorite but PV could win. If I were a Kelly coach I wouldn't want to play PV again, you get over that hurdle and then have to beat them again? 16-19 year old kids think they've got it made way to many times when they've beaten a team once to have to go out and do it again. I've seen it happen way to many times.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd love to see the Indians go deep into the playoffs. </div></div>


Win one game at best, nobody is getting by GC unless GC just turns it over 20 times.

I'd like to see JJK have a great playoff run too.

These kids have earned it.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skywalker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd love to see the Indians go deep into the playoffs. </div></div>

PV always finds a way to hit the ground on their feet. They always have and they always will. Big win for the TRIBE. After getting thumped by them like we did when I played. I was glad to see that come to an end. It is a marquee win. If you've forgotten, we haven't beaten them in what was it, ten years? So it's a great satisfaction. But If I were them I wouldn't get ahead of myself. Clintwood is coming up next week, along with Haysi down the road. Then when the playoffs roll around, PV will probably be there again, along with GC. Long road for the TRIBE. Lets not fold up the tent now, we have work to do. We are far from done.

Finish what you've started.

JJK want go far in the playoffs . They're just not good enough. GC is the team to beat

Depends on who will come to play that Saturday (if the two do meet). Who knows what will happen by the time those Saturday games get here. Will Sproles be out again? Will any key Gate City players be out?

I do think Gate City will stop Kelly dead in their tracks if both teams were to match up as they are today, though.

The way that it looks now,we will have somebody to deal with first before anybody thinks about GC. We haven't won a playoff game since 1992,and have to do that first. We can start thinking about GC after we handle round 1 (if we are fortunate enough to win that one). No sense putting the proverbial cart before the horse.

The biggest thing that I am worried about right now is the boys walking away from the CW game healthy this Friday. Should circumstances prove that we face PV in the playoffs, then I am more than certain BI will keep the boys grounded. Will they win again, I can't say that right now. We have to wait and see how healthy we are after our last game with Haysi, then I will know how we might fare during playoffs. I am reasonably certain that our boys won't be able to beat GC. I just hope that if they make it that far that it is a well played game and that we keep the score as close as possible and nobody gets hurt on either side. We've had a rough year when it comes to injuries on many levels of football, I hope that the injuries have ended. But it's football so I doubt it, but I can hope and pray that the rest of the season goes well for all the teams.

I didn't think Clintwood would beat Burton at UVA-Wise last year, but they did. IF GC and Kelly were to meet, keep in mind it'll be a home game for Kelly with it being right down the street from them. Anything can happen. There's alot of football to be played first though.

I sure as heck hope that our guys aren't reasonably certain that they can't beat GC if the two meet [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/crazy.gif[/img]

This discussion shouldn't even be happening now. 3 more weeks to go in the regular season.

For those PV downing the Vikes, I say shame on you.

I've seen them play twice and both games the young men on the team played hard. They represented their school and the tradition of Viking football well.

Not referring to any post or poster in particular, but I see this happening a lot on this forum, grown-ups talking about kids in a negative manner. Saying things like this is the worst PV(or anybody else) team ever or they are weak, or they stink is really uncalled for. Talent levels change from year to year. No school is ammune to it, although some may seem to be. These kids are someone's son, someone's grandson, brother that you are talking about. Everyone of these PV kids grew up dreaming about the day they would be out there on that field as a PV Viking. Same thing for Little League baseball players in Wise. I can honestly say that I've never heard a Kelly fan say "This is the worst baseball team ever at Kelly". Why not? because even in the lean years these kids bust their butts to live up to that tradition. As long as these kids are playing with everything they have, then adults should respect that. What more can they give you? Both times I've seen PV play I've not seen a single play where somebody was just going through the motions.

To all fans out there no matter what school or sport, get out there and encourage these kids, tell them you are proud of how hard they play, not how proud you are of their accomplishments.

Hence the word "IF"

Shame on you for joining in on the everyone should get a trophy parade. It's not a lie to say this is the weakest PV team I've seen in watching them for over 20 years. It's the truth. It doesn't mean that they haven't "played hard" or " represented their school and the tradition of Viking football well". It's a fact. It's a matter of talent levels being down as well as maybe some of the ones out there not being dedicated enough to be better. Encouraging them and telling them you're proud of their efforts and accomplishments when you're getting little of the first and far less than average of the second is going to get nothing more than what you're getting. They need to know the truth. The truth is, if you don't put forth the effort, if you don't dedicate yourself, this is what you're going to get. That pat on the back and we're so proud of you stuff at JJK has got you 5-5 or much worse at Kelly for the better part of 2 decades now, if they start that in BSG that's what they can expect. Tell the kids when they do good, when they play poorly or show little effort tell them then too. They're young, but they're not stupid.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sportsman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For those PV downing the Vikes, I say shame on you.

I've seen them play twice and both games the young men on the team played hard. They represented their school and the tradition of Viking football well.

Not referring to any post or poster in particular, but I see this happening a lot on this forum, grown-ups talking about kids in a negative manner. Saying things like this is the worst PV(or anybody else) team ever or they are weak, or they stink is really uncalled for. Talent levels change from year to year. No school is ammune to it, although some may seem to be. These kids are someone's son, someone's grandson, brother that you are talking about. Everyone of these PV kids grew up dreaming about the day they would be out there on that field as a PV Viking. Same thing for Little League baseball players in Wise. I can honestly say that I've never heard a Kelly fan say "This is the worst baseball team ever at Kelly". Why not? because even in the lean years these kids bust their butts to live up to that tradition. As long as these kids are playing with everything they have, then adults should respect that. What more can they give you? Both times I've seen PV play I've not seen a single play where somebody was just going through the motions.

To all fans out there no matter what school or sport, get out there and encourage these kids, tell them you are proud of how hard they play, not how proud you are of their accomplishments. </div></div>



You just got your witness from the congregation brother

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ironlung</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Shame on you for joining in on the everyone should get a trophy parade. It's not a lie to say this is the weakest PV team I've seen in watching them for over 20 years. It's the truth. It doesn't mean that they haven't "played hard" or " represented their school and the tradition of Viking football well". It's a fact. It's a matter of talent levels being down as well as maybe some of the ones out there not being dedicated enough to be better. Encouraging them and telling them you're proud of their efforts and accomplishments when you're getting little of the first and far less than average of the second is going to get nothing more than what you're getting. They need to know the truth. The truth is, if you don't put forth the effort, if you don't dedicate yourself, this is what you're going to get. That pat on the back and we're so proud of you stuff at JJK has got you 5-5 or much worse at Kelly for the better part of 2 decades now, if they start that in BSG that's what they can expect. Tell the kids when they do good, when they play poorly or show little effort tell them then too. They're young, but they're not stupid. </div></div>

I didn't say reward lack of effort, did I????? No, don't think so. The two games I've seen PV play, this kids played their hearts out, left it all on the field like you're supposed to. What more do you want? They can't help it if they don't have the talent of their predecessors. I'm just saying don't down them because they don't. Quit reading more into my posts than what I've said.

I've spoke my peace.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Saying things like this is the worst PV(or anybody else) team ever or they are weak, or they stink is really uncalled for.</div></div>


You don't confront bad effort and lack of hard work by "get out there and encourage these kids, tell them you are proud of how hard they play, not how proud you are of their accomplishments".

They are weak. It is the weakest team I have seen them field in over 20 years. There's no other way around it and saying otherwise and trying to con these kids into thinking they're good or the effort and hard work being put in are enough to get by, is doing them an injustice.

I'd agree with you if people were saying things in a mean spirited way. Telling the truth and saying that they aren't very good and may very well be the worst PV team in 20 years, is just a fact. If saying that somehow deminishes what you think JJK got by winning Friday, then JJK needs to step it up in years that PV is over .500.

At no point did Sportsman say hand them a trophy. The kids at PV played their arses off Friday night. Whether they are 10-0,or 0-10 they deserve some support.I hope that you will do so at Clintwood when this cycle of good football players that you all have ends (and it will soon,as the feeder team(s) at Clintwood weren't competitive this year). I am as anti-coddling and non-trophy for everyone as they come,but that wasn't what Sportsman was hitting on.

I agree...it is the weakest team at PV in a long long time. Doesn't mean they won't be good in the future...but the truth is, this bunch peaked at Richlands...and the staff haven't really had a defensive scheme since. Or better phrased, they haven't adjusted a defensive scheme since. I don't understand what's so hard about sitting in a box, looking at a field, and using stunts and blitzes to put players in a place to make a play. The kids play hard, but that's not getting it done.

Then it's on the coaches and not the kids if I read your post right. It's easy for folks on here to armchair coach though. How many state titles has Phil won? How about any of you? Go ahead and kick him to the curb. What kind of shape was that PV football program in before he came?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Indian_Dad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At no point did Sportsman say hand them a trophy. The kids at PV played their arses off Friday night. Whether they are 10-0,or 0-10 they deserve some support.I hope that you will do so at Clintwood when this cycle of good football players that you all have ends (and it will soon,as the feeder team(s) at Clintwood weren't competitive this year). I am as anti-coddling and non-trophy for everyone as they come,but that wasn't what Sportsman was hitting on. </div></div>

Exactly how many times did PV stop the counter? Not saying they kids weren't playing their a$$es off, but JJK basically beat them by running a dive and a counter over and over and over and over....that doesn't happen to a strong team.

PV is just young.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Indian_Dad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Then it's on the coaches and not the kids if I read your post right. </div></div>

Not entirely, but I don't think all of it can be laid at the feet of the players.

I got news for you. That Kelly offensive line has been able to rack up big ground games more times than not this year. PV has had problems stopping the run,but I'll not bet on that not changing in the future. Lots of growing pains there right now. BTW the counter was good to us,but it ws the screen to Sproles that broke PV's back.

Growin pains don't last long. As for the JJK line, I wasn't impressed. JJK played better Friday and deserved the game, but they are far and away the worst team that has beaten PV this year.