When football becomes priority A for the students at WV, then they will close the gap. You need more than 20 kids dedicated to football to compete in AA. It is a year long process.

 

Football becomes a priority when you create a successful youth program, make the kids feel like a part of the varsity program so that they dream of being on that field on Friday night. That takes time and Bartie is doing a great job getting that ball rolling. The man gets "it." He sees the big picture. He'll get the program there, but Rome wasn't built over night. Tradition isn't easily created.

Walton is an independent school district. Beechwood is an independent school district. Highlands is an independent school district. So they all can draw kids from other areas if they choose to. Walton has more students to form a football team with than either Beechwood or NCC. If they can build a successful program (and so far they have done well) then kids will gravitate there.

What does "independent" schools have to do with it, ANY school can have open enrollment. It's up to the school to set boundaries, and if they do set boundaries that is on them.

The Walton district, coaches, players and community appear to be on track. That said, it looked like they had 35 or less players last year. I would expect 50 or more 9-12 for a legitimate 2A contender.

 

I agree Walton could develop into a power because of its "independent" district status, but have no clue about their "out of district" policy. "Open enrollment" at county districts is very different than "out of district" enrollments independent districts use. Walton has a great academic reputation, beautiful facilities, strong staff, and talented players. I assume some in neighboring areas have the school on their radar, but it is most important to "recruit and develop" from within.

 

Beat down the hallways and develop a strong feeder program at the middle school and youth level. Early results are very encouraging. Time will tell if Walton can take the next step to state champion status, which a rare few are able to do.

Walton is going to be fine and it takes time to build into a perennial state contender like NCC.

Is Lattimore playing this year? They return some good size lineman.

Is Lattimore playing this year? They return some good size lineman.

He graduated to the University of the Cumberlands. They return all lineman except one.