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2015 WEEK-BY-WEEK SCHEDULES WEEK 1 Thursday, Aug.27 HIGH SCHOOLS River View at Mount View, 7:30 p.m. COLLEGES Bluefield at Pikeville, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 HIGH SCHOOLS Auburn at Narrows, 7 p.m. Blacksburg at Giles, 7 p.m. Craig County at Bland County, 7 p.m. Hurley at Holston, 7 p.m. Montcalm at Hannan, 7 p.m. Gate City at Richlands, 7:30 p.m. Graham at Bluefield, 7:30 p.m. Grundy at Twin Valley, 7:30 p.m. Honaker at Lebanon, 7:30 p.m. James Monroe at Greenbrier East, 7:30 p.m. PikeView at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. Shady Spring at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. Wyoming East at Mingo Central, 7:30 p.m. Tazewell at Virginia High, 8:30 p.m. WEEK 2 Friday, Sept. 4 HIGH SCHOOLS Eastern Montgomery at Narrows, 7 p.m. Giles at Christiansburg, 7 p.m. Rural Retreat at Bland County, 7 p.m. Twin Valley at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Bluefield at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. Castlewood at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. Eastside at Hurley, 7:30 p.m. Independence at PikeView, 7:30 p.m. Man at Mount View, 7:30 p.m. Richlands at Union, 7:30 p.m. River View at Grundy, 7:30 p.m. Summers County at Liberty-Raleigh, 7:30 p.m. Westside at Wyoming East, 7:30 p.m. Open: James Monroe. Saturday, Sept. 5 COLLEGES Point at Bluefield, noon Concord at West Liberty, 1 p.m. Virginia at UCLA, 3:30 p.m. Georgia Southern at West Virginia, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 COLLEGES Purdue at Marshall, 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7 COLLEGES Ohio State at Virginia, 8 p.m. WEEK 3 Friday, Sept. 11 HIGH SCHOOLS Grayson County at Tazewell, 7 p.m. Narrows at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Northwood at Bland County, 7 p.m. Bluefield at Woodrow Wilson, 7:30 p.m. Graham at Richlands, 7:30 p.m. Independence at Mount View, 7:30 p.m. Herbert Hoover at River View, 7:30 p.m. Honaker at Eastside, 7:30 p.m. Lebanon at Grundy, 7:30 p.m. Martinsburg at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. PikeView at Liberty-Raleigh, 7:30 p.m. Shelby Valley, Ky., at Hurley, 7:30 p.m. Summers County at James Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Twin Valley at East Ridge, Ky., 7:30 p.m. Wyoming East at Nicholas County, 7:30 p.m. Open: Giles.
Saturday, Sept. 12 COLLEGES Fairmont State at Concord, noon Faulkner at Bluefield, 1:30 p.m. Liberty at West Virginia, 3 p.m. Furman at Virginia Tech, 3:30 p.m. Notre Dame at Virginia, 3:30 p.m. Marshall at Ohio, 7 p.m. WEEK 4 Friday, Sept. 18 HIGH SCHOOLS Hurley at Castlewood, 7 p.m. Narrows at Giles, 7 p.m. Tazewell at Chilhowie, 7 p.m. Gate City at Bluefield, 7:30 p.m. Grundy at East Ridge, Ky., 7:30 p.m. Honaker at Holston, 7:30 p.m. James Monroe at PikeView, 7:30 p.m. Mount View at Liberty-Raleigh, 7:30 p.m. Princeton at Lincoln County, 7:30 p.m. Richlands at Wise Central, 7:30 p.m. River View at Man, 7:30 p.m. Twin Valley at Northwood, 7:30 p.m. Wyoming East at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. Open: Bland County, Graham, Montcalm. Saturday, Sept. 19 COLLEGES Bluefield at Lindsey Wilson, 1:30 p.m. Norfolk State at Marshall, 3:30 p.m. Virginia Tech at Purdue, 3:30 p.m. William & Mary at Virginia, 3:30 p.m. Concord at Urbana, TBD Bye: West Virginia WEEK 5 Friday, Sept. 25 HIGH SCHOOLS Bland County at Eastern Montgomery, 7 p.m. Giles at Graham, 7 p.m. Tazewell at Rural Retreat, 7 p.m. Bluefield at Greenbrier East, 7:30 p.m. Grundy at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. Greenbrier West at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. James Monroe at Wyoming East, 7:30 p.m. Montcalm at Hurley, 7:30 p.m. Narrows at Craig County, 7 p.m. Phelps, Ky., at Twin Valley, 7:30 p.m. Princeton at Buckhannon-Upshur, 7:30 p.m. Shady Spring at PikeView, 7:30 p.m. Virginia High at Richlands, 7:30 p.m. COLLEGES Boise State at Virginia, 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 HIGH SCHOOLS River View at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. Open: Honaker, Mount View. COLLEGES Bluefield at Campbellsville, noon West Virginia Wesleyan at Concord, noon Marshall at Kent State, TBD Maryland at West Virginia, TBD Virginia Tech at East Carolina, TBD WEEK 6 Thursday, Oct. 1 COLLEGES Concord at Charleston, 7 p.m. HIGH SCHOOLS Twin Valley at South Floyd, Ky., 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 HIGH SCHOOLS
Bland County at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Galax at Giles, 7 p.m. George Wythe at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. Graham at Abingdon, 7:30 p.m. James Monroe at Nicholas County, 7:30 p.m. Marion at Tazewell, 7:30 p.m. Midland Trail at PikeView, 7:30 p.m. Mount View at Chapmanville, 7:30 p.m. Princeton at Liberty-Raleigh, 7:30 p.m. Richlands at Bluefield, 7:30 p.m. Summers County at Webster County, 7:30 p.m. Wise Central at Grundy, 7:30 p.m. Wyoming East at River View, 7:30 p.m. Open: Hurley, Narrows. Saturday, Oct. 3 COLLEGES Reinhardt at Bluefield, 1:30 p.m. Old Dominion at Marshall, 3:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech, TBD West Virginia at Oklahoma, TBD WEEK 7 Thursday, Oct. 8 HIGH SCHOOLS Bland County at Narrows, 7 p.m. Hurley at Grundy, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 HIGH SCHOOLS Grayson County at Graham, 7 p.m. Richlands at Tazewell, 7:30 p.m. PikeView at Wyoming East, 7:30 p.m. Montcalm at River View, 7:30 p.m. Mount View at Meadow Bridge, 7:30 p.m. James Monroe at Westside, 7:30 p.m. John I. Burton at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. Independence at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. Open: Bluefield, Princeton, Twin Valley. COLLEGES Southern Mississippi at Marshall, 7 p.m. N.C. State at Virginia Tech, 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 HIGH SCHOOLS Giles at Glenvar, 7 p.m. COLLEGES Georgetown at Bluefield, 1:30 p.m. Virginia-Wise at Concord, 2 p.m. (HC) Oklahoma State at West Virginia, TBD (HC) Virginia at Pittsburgh, TBD WEEK 8 Friday, Oct. 16 HIGH SCHOOLS Fort Chiswell at Narrows, 7 p.m. Galax at Graham, 7 p.m. Grayson County at Bland County, 7 p.m. Radford at Giles, 7 p.m. Van at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Grundy at Richlands, 7:30 p.m. Hurley at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. Meadow Bridge at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. Mount View at Wyoming East, 7:30 p.m. PikeView at River View, 7:30 p.m. Princeton at James Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Open: Bluefield, Tazewell, Twin Valley. Saturday, Oct. 17 COLLEGES Marshall at Florida Atlantic, Noon Concord at Notre Dame, TBD Syracuse at Virginia, TBD (HC) Virginia Tech at Miami, TBD West Virginia at Baylor, TBD Bye: Bluefield
WEEK 9 Friday, Oct. 23 HIGH SCHOOLS Bland County at Graham, 7 p.m. Floyd County at Giles, 7 p.m. Narrows at Galax, 7 p.m. Tug Valley at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Abingdon at Richlands, 7:30 p.m. Bluefield at Oak Hill, 7:30 p.m. Liberty-Raleigh at James Monroe, 7:30 p.m. PikeView at Mount View, 7:30 p.m. River View at Westside, 7:30 p.m. Tazewell at Grundy, 7:30 p.m. Twin Springs at Hurley, 7:30 p.m. Twin Valley at Rye Cove, 7:30 p.m. Wheeling Park at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. Open: Honaker, Summers County, Wyoming East. Saturday, Oct. 24 COLLEGES Shepherd at Concord, noon The Apprentice School at Bluefield, 1 p.m. (HC) North Texas at Marshall, 3 p.m. (HC) Duke at Virginia Tech, TBD (HC) Virginia at North Carolina, TBD Bye: West Virginia WEEK 10 Thursday, Oct. 29 COLLEGES West Virginia at Texas Christian, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 HIGH SCHOOLS Galax at Bland County, 7 p.m. Giles at Eastern Montgomery, 7 p.m. Graham at Fort Chiswell, 7 p.m. Montcalm at Phelps, Ky., 7 p.m. Grundy at Ridgeview, 7:30 p.m. Honaker at Twin Valley, 7:30 p.m. Narrows at Grayson County, 7 p.m. James Monroe at Bluefield, 7:30 p.m. Nicholas County at PikeView, 7:30 p.m. Phelps, Ky. at Hurley, 7:30 p.m. Princeton at Greenbrier East, 7:30 p.m. Richlands at Lebanon, 7:30 p.m. Summers County at Richwood, 7:30 p.m. Tazewell at Abingdon, 7:30 p.m. Westside at Mount View, 7:30 p.m. Wyoming East at Independence, 7:30 p.m. Open: River View. Saturday, Oct. 31 COLLEGES Concord at Glenville State, 1 p.m. Cumberlands at Bluefield, 1:30 p.m. Georgia Tech at Virginia, TBD Marshall at Charlotte, TBD Virginia Tech at Boston College, TBD WEEK 11 Friday, Nov. 6 HIGH SCHOOLS Bland County at Fort Chiswell, 7 p.m. Giles at Auburn, 7 p.m. Graham at Narrows, 7 p.m. Midland Trail at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Hurley at Twin Valley, 7:30 p.m. Lebanon at Tazewell, 7:30 p.m. Liberty-Raleigh at Wyoming East, 7:30 p.m. Mount View at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. Point Pleasant at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. Ridgeview at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. River View at James Monroe, 7:30 p.m.
Wayne at Bluefield, 7:30 p.m. Open: Grundy, PikeView, Richlands. Saturday, Nov. 7 COLLEGES West Virginia State at Concord, noon Bluefield at Union, 7 p.m. Marshall at Middle Tennessee, TBD Texas Tech at West Virginia, TBD Virginia at Miami, TBD Bye: Virginia Tech WEEK 12 Thursday, Nov. 12 COLLEGES Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 or Saturday, Nov. 14 HIGH SCHOOLS West Virginia High School playoffs, first round Virginia High School playoffs, first round (Fri or Sat) COLLEGES Saturday, Nov. 14 Kentucky Christian at Bluefield, 1:30 p.m. Florida International at Marshall, TBD Texas at West Virginia, TBD Virginia at Louisville, TBD WEEK 13 Friday, Nov. 20 or Saturday, Nov. 21 HIGH SCHOOLS West Virginia High School playoffs, second round Virginia High School playoffs, second round (Fri or Sat) Saturday, Nov. 21 COLLEGES Duke at Virginia, TBD North Carolina at Virginia Tech, TBD West Virginia at Kansas, TBD Bye: Marshall WEEK 14 Friday, Nov. 27 COLLEGES Marshall at Western Kentucky, noon Friday, Nov. 20 or Saturday, Nov. 21 HIGH SCHOOLS West Virginia High School playoffs, semifinals Virginia High School playoffs, third round (Fri or Sat) Saturday, Nov. 28 Iowa State at West Virginia, TBD Virginia Tech at Virginia, TBD WEEK 15 Friday, Dec. 4 HIGH SCHOOLS West Virginia, Class AA state championship game, at Wheeling Saturday, Dec. 5 COLLEGES West Virginia at Kansas State, TBD ACC Championship Game, TBD (at Charlotte) C-USA Championship Game , TBD (at TBD) HIGH SCHOOLS West Virginia, Class A, AAA state championship games, at Wheeling Virginia High School playoffs, semifinals WEEK 16 Saturday, Dec. 12 HIGH SCHOOLS Virginia High School, 1A, 2A championship games, at Salem
It’s official: BDT Blitz 2015 kicks off football season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph
BLUEFIELD — Another football season has arrived. That means it is time for Blitz 2015, an annual tradition that many newspapers have stopped, but not this one. We hope this is an enjoyable beginning to the upcoming season, which will begin on Thursday and will conclude in December, hopefully with local teams competing for state or even national championships. August is always a busy time at the Daily Telegraph. The Appalachian League season is winding down, and other high school and college sports are beginning, but football must come first. (All Pride edition stories are also due at the same time). Our staff of three — and plenty of others who step in and help — began tackling this 48-page issue in early August, days after practice begins. Actually, this article was started in late June to get ahead for a change. Much like last season, we will be short-handed by one, with one of our reporters leaving us this month. The process of finding a third person to replace Bob Redd is ongoing, but the football season must go on. What follows are photos, features and schedules for each of the area high school and all six of the regional college football teams. We also include the rosters for each of the high school teams, but please understand the numbers change often at some schools, but it is at least a guide. There are also other features, such as looking at the best of the
Asking the questions....
upcoming high school and college games. There are conference previews for the ACC, Big 12, Conference USA, Mountain East and Mid-South. There will also be a look at how the local teams have stood for the last 14 years, along with a composite schedule that starts on Thursday and goes to the end of the season. This will be the 15th season of the Pocahontas Coal Association/ Bluefield Daily Telegraph player of the week and year award. Listed are the top candidates to be honored, but that doesn't mean someone else won't also get recognized. What are the storylines this season? There are two for sure, leading with Graham, which replaced Mike Williams as head coach with former G-Men star and longtime assistant Tony Palmer. Don't forget Wes Eddy, who has taken over the reins at Princeton from Randy Peek. Wyoming East also made a change, with Donald Jewell taking the place of Gary Poindexter. There will be one team missing from this publication. Haysi closed its doors after last season, and has combined with Clintwood to create Ridgeview High School. No team won a state championship last season, although Richlands was an overtime loss to Wilson Memorial away from advancing to the 2A state title game. Both Haysi and Honaker also reached the 1A state semifinals. Giles, which was 15-0 en route to the 2013 state title, saw its win streak end at 27 with a loss in the
Staff photo by Eric DiNovo
Daily Telegraph sports reporter Tom Bone interviews Bland County senior Dustin Pennington during the Bears’ media day on Aug. 14 at the football fields in Bastian, Va.
Staff photo by Eric DiNovo
Answering the questions... Daily Telegraph sports editor Brian Woodson listens to answers provided by Richlands football coach Greg Mance on Aug. 13 at Ernie Hicks Stadium. 2A quarterfinals to eventual champion Glenvar. No team on the West Virginia side won a playoff game. Only two teams advanced to the postseason, with Bluefield and Wyoming East dropping first round games. Who will be the teams to beat this season? Here is guessing it will be the usual teams, led by Bluefield in West Virginia and Richlands on Virginia. College football hasn't been forgotten either. The personal favorite of mine, there is no greater sport out there, including the NFL, in my opinion. What a season last year was for Concord, which finished 13-1 and advanced all the way to the NCAA Division II semifinals. How about Bluefield College breaking through with three wins. We also didn’t forget Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Marshall or even Virginia. Football Friday Night is a big deal in Four Seasons Country, and anywhere else high school football is played. We, at the Daily Telegraph, try to treat it that way. We try to do as many in-depth previews or at least capsules of each upcoming game, and run a story on the games as well. Our football website, bdtblitz.com, is also available for use. We try to provide in-depth coverage for a "Game of the Night" and then do as much as we can on the rest of the games. The site will include features
and previews done from preseason to the end of the season, along with game stories, standings, scores, team photos and much more. It can be a bear to update, especially after a late Friday night of football, but we try the best we can. Also, we are also doing "Pigskin Pickers" again this season. Give it a shot. Just let us know you want to be involved and we will see how you stack up against the rest of us. The Pickers usually run in the Daily Telegraph on Friday, and will include your picture, nickname, and combined records of the participants throughout the season. We do, however, need help with our coverage. We can't get to every game. With a staff of three, and a few correspondents, that doesn't compute. That is where we need help. Coaches are urged to cooperate with us. I usually try to contact each coach of games we won't be at it, and beg for a call-in. Some do, others forget about it. It doesn't take long, and gives your kids a chance to get their names in the paper. That matters to them. Please call by 11 p.m. on a Friday night. Most coaches get an assistant or stat keeper to do it. That is fine, just let us know what happened, a scoring summary if possible, a few stats and we can get by. That also helps for the weekly award that we do. We need help with statistics, and candidates for
CONTENTS ACC Preview.....................................32 Big 12 Preview..................................31 Bland County Bears..........................16 Blitz Introduction................................3 Bluefield Beavers...............................6 Bluefield College Rams.....................30 Concord Mountain Lions...................29 Conference USA Preview..................33 Friday college football.......................39 Giles Spartans..................................15 Graham G-Men..................................7 Grundy Golden Wave........................19 High School facts page.....................36 High School lookahead......................4 Honaker Tigers.................................22 Hurley Rebels...................................20 James Monroe Mavericks.................18 Marshall Thundering Herd................28 Mid-South Conference preview.........35 Montcalm Generals...........................17 Mount View Golden Knights..............12 Mountain East Conference preview..34 Narrows Green Wave........................14 PikeView Panthers............................11 Player of Week...................................5 Princeton Tigers................................10 Richlands Blue Tornado.....................7 River View Raiders............................13 Summers County Bobcats................23 Tazewell Bulldogs...............................8 Tennessee Volunteers......................45 Top college games............................38 Top high school games.....................37 Twin Valley Panthers.........................21 Virginia Cavaliers..............................27 Virignia Tech Hokies.........................26 Week-by-Week Schedules................46 West Virginia Mountaineers..............25 Wyoming East Warriors....................24 BDT BLITZ 2015 a product of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, a CNHI newspaper. The Daily Telegraph sports staff: Brian Woodson bwoodson@bdtonline.com / Twitter @bdtwoodson Tom Bone tbone@bdtonline.com / Twitter @BDTBone Bob Redd (is now Sports Information Director at Bluefield College) Publisher: Randy Mooney Editor: Samantha Perry Sports Editor: Brian Woodson Cover Design: Lisa McDaniel Photographers: Eric DiNovo, Jon Bolt Contributing reporters: Lloyd Combs, Anthony Stevens, Dan Stillwell, The Register-Herald. Contributed photos: Anthony Stevens, Emily Ball, Roger Shrewsbury, The Virginia Mountaineer, The Register-Herald, Athletic departments at WVU, Va Tech and Marshall.
those honors. It is difficult enough to pick a winner from our limited collection of information from various games, but we need folks to report outstanding performances that we may have missed. That is why a call, email, text or tweet is helpful. Please help. Anything to make sure everyone is getting a fair chance. Call 304-327-2813, email sports@bdtonline.com or just send me a note at @bdtwoodson to provide information. If a text will work, I will get you my personal phone number. That's enough for now. Read on, and let's play ball, pigskin-style.
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Coaching changes, state title hopes highlight start of season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — As the high school football season kicks off this week across Four Seasons Country, it's time to start looking to what lies ahead. No state champions were crowned last season, although Richlands, Honaker and Haysi were within a game of getting to the finals. Nine schools in the region reached the postseason, with five losing in the opening round and Giles falling in the state quarterfinals. There were plenty of squads that struggled to get wins, and all will be looking to improve in the season ahead. In fact, nine area schools won three games or less, and two didn't win at all. Here are a few storylines to watch in 2015. 1. Graham hires Tony Palmer: He's been an assistant in both football and basketball for the GMen, but is now in charge on the gridiron. His job is to restore the tradition to Graham, and he means it, having been a talented player for the G-Men. There is work to do, the G-Men's last game under Mike Williams was a 70-0 playoff loss at Gate City. 1A. Wes Eddy takes over at Princeton: No school has a tougher climb in AAA than the Tigers, and now they will do it again a brutal schedule made necessary by the much-needed departure from the MSAC. It will be up to Eddy to get the interest up, get more kids out on the football field, and then deal with the Princeton faithful, who aren't known for patience. 3. State championship hopes. Richlands appears to be the safest bet to challenge for a state
title this season. The Blue Tornado lost plenty of last year's state semifinal squad, but they always seem to reload. They will have the use of at least a pair of talented transfers in Tazewell's Nick Blankenship and Cody Howie from River View. 4. Don't count out the Beavers. It has been six years since Bluefield played in a state championship game. A surprising first round playoff loss last season, which came one week after beating Wayne, should have the Beavers motivated for the season ahead. There are holes to fill, including six positions vacated by R.J. Bourne, D.J. Stewart and Corey Coppola. 5. Others to watch includes Giles. The Spartans had a 27game win streak snapped in the state quarterfinals last season, but the Spartans have to replace 20 seniors, a huge amount for any school. Don't count them out, they will have talent to run the single wing, led by Brian Mann and Patrick Beidleman. Rebuilding the offensive line will be the key. 6. Ditto for Honaker: The Tigers were 13-1 last season, losing in the state semifinals to Virginia signee Juan Thornhill and Altavista. Doug Hubbard has one of Southwest Virginia's most consistent programs. The Tigers lost lots of seniors, but always have a deep roster that would be the envy of many 1A schools in the state. 7. The bottom: Nine of 20 teams in the Daily Telegraph coverage area last years won three games or less. They combined for a record of 14-75, with James Monroe and Bland County securing three wins each. PikeView, River View and Montcalm each won two games, while Narrows
and Summers County won one apiece. 8. Not Golden: Both Mount View and Grundy finished with 0-10 records last season. The Golden Knights enter this year with a 16game losing skid, while the Golden Wave has dropped 13 in a row. Both programs have proud traditions, but it will take time to turn it around. 9. Only eight of the 20 schools: That is all the schools in the coverage area that finished with a winning record last season. That, obviously, needs to improve. Two of nine West Virginia teams finished above .500, while six did the same in Virginia. 10. No more Haysi: Don't look for anymore coverage of the Tigers. They don't exist, having been consolidated with Clintwood to create the Ridgeview Wolpack. Similar to Big Creek and Iaeger, these schools were bitter county rivals who will now be one. James Colley, one of the more innovative offensive minds in the region, is now an athletic director and no longer on the sidelines. Here is guessing he will help when needed. ••• Who are the teams to beat in 2015? Here is a look at the Daily Telegraph Top 10. 1. Richlands: Much like its name, the Blue Tornado are rich in talent. Nine starters back on defense, five have returned on offense, and they have even added three transfers who will contribute to the cause. Richlands reached the 2A state semifinals last season, and were a rainy overtime away from Salem. The Blues are a definite threat to win it all. 2. Bluefield: It has been six years since the Beavers were in
Staff photo by Eric DiNovo
Staff photo by Jon Bolt
Tony Palmer
Wes Eddy
Wheeling, and Fred Simon, now in his 30th season as the head coach at Bluefield, wants to return, and take his team with him. Bluefield lost plenty, but there is still speed, and plenty of it. The offensive line is experienced. If they open the holes, the speedsters can do the rest. Good luck catching them. 3. Giles: Yes, the Spartans lost 18 seniors, but the Spartans just seem to grow offensive linemen who can run the single wing offense, and even with the loss of all-time leading rusher Brett Whitlow, Giles has a pair of backs who can get it done. The goal is always a winning season at Pearisburg. That won’t be a problem. Let’s see how much further they can go. 4. Wyoming East: Donald Jewell is the new coach at Wyoming East, and he is proponent of running the football. The Warriors have the weapons to do it, with a big offensive line, although they are having to find replacements in the backfield. Wyoming East joined Bluefield as the only two
West Virginia schools from our region to make the playoffs last season. 5. Honaker: Graduation took a lot of the production that led to 46 wins over the last four seasons for Tigers. Honaker lost in the state finals to George Wythe in 2012, and were 13-1, falling the 1A state semifinals last season. The prep home of Heath Miller has become one of the more consistent winners in the region over the last half-decade. 6. Princeton: Wes Eddy has arrived just in time for a new era in Princeton athletics, with the Tigers no longer part of the Mountain State Athletic Conference. A new attitude mixed with a new offensive philosophy should make for an interesting season against one of the toughest schedules anywhere in West Virginia. 7. James Monroe: Once a playoff mainstay, the Mavericks have fallen on hard times, having won
Vols won’t be distracted by heightened expectations KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The timing may be right for Tennessee to reclaim its status as a Southeastern Conference contender. Tennessee has restocked its talent base and has ended a string of four straight losing seasons just as many of its SEC East Division rivals have entered a state of transition. That combination has led to questions about whether the Volunteers can challenge for their first division title since 2007. A preseason poll of SEC media has Tennessee finishing second in the East, behind Georgia. The Vols can’t help but hear about the heightened expectations from fans eager to see this storied program return to relevance after a prolonged slump. But they vow not to get distracted by preseason prognostications suggesting Tennessee’s on the rise. “We’re not getting big-headed,” senior safety Brian Randolph said. “We’re not coming out thinking that we already won the SEC East. We’re just working hard and just trying to stay focused and not listen to all the clutter.” Tennessee raised plenty of optimism by winning four of its lasts five games, including a 45-28 rout of Iowa in the TaxSlayer Bowl. The surge coincided with Joshua Dobbs’ emergence as the Vols’
starting quarterback. Vols coach Butch Jones has upgraded the roster by signing two straight recruiting classes rated among the nation’s top five by multiple services. The Vols played the most true freshmen of any Football Bowl Subdivision program last season and likely will give featured roles to plenty of newcomers again this season. “We still have a lot of true freshmen that are in the mix to play,” Jones said. “And we know that being in this conference, looking at the teams that have had success... they’ve been junior- and senior-dominated football teams.” ——— Some things to know about Tennessee. CAPABLE AT QUARTERBACK: For the first time in Jones’ threeyear tenure, Tennessee isn’t having a preseason quarterback competition. There’s no doubt the job belongs to Dobbs,. Tennessee went 4-1 in the five games Dobbs started after a torn labrum sidelined Justin Worley, who has since completed his eligibility. During a season in which most SEC teams have quarterback questions, Dobbs’ presence gives Tennessee an edge on its league rivals. POTENT PASS RUSHERS: Senior linebacker/defensive end Curt Maggitt and sophomore end
Derek Barnett give Tennessee one of the nation’s most productive pass-rushing tandems. Barnett had 20 1/2 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season. Maggitt had 15 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. The defensive line should be even deeper this fall due to the arrival of heralded recruits Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle at tackle and Kyle Phillips at end. MORE PLAYMAKERS: Tennessee returns all seven players who caught at least 20 passes or accumulated at least 200 yards receiving last season. The addition of junior-college transfer Alvin Kamara, who began his college career at Alabama, also should add some diversity to Tennessee’s rushing attack. Kamara will team up in the backfield with Dobbs and running back Jalen Hurd, who rushed for 899 yards as a freshman last season. QUESTIONS ON THE LINE: Tennessee won’t contend in the SEC unless it gets better production from its offensive line. The Vols gave up an SEC-high 43 sacks last season. The Vols will be more experienced on the line this season, but they already got some bad news at this spot with a training-camp injury to senior guard Marcus Jackson that likely will knock him out for the entire season. STAFF CHANGE: Mike DeBord
AP file photo
Vol nation... Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs will lead the Volunteers into the 2015 season. His presence gives Tennessee an edge on its league rivals. takes over as offensive coordinator for Mike Bajakian, now the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterbacks coach. Jones was an offensive coordinator on DeBord’s Central Michigan staff from 2001-
Highlight, 29
Jarrod Richmond
Jay Palmer (5)
College: Richmond Class: Freshman Position: Running back Height/Weight: 6’0, 198 High school: Princeton No: 27
College: Virginia Military Institute Class: Freshman Position: Defensive end Height/Weight: 6’3, 230 High school: Graham No: 97 Prep notes: Richmond missed most of 2014 at Graham with injuries, but was still signed by VMI
Corey Coppola
College: Davidson Class: Freshman Position: Defensive line Height/Weight: 6’3, 242 High school: Bluefield No: 87
03. DeBord has a long resume that includes two stints as Michigan’s offensive coordinator, but he hasn’t coached in the college ranks since 2007 and hasn’t coached at all since 2012
44 2015 BDT BLITZ
Green Wave... Continued from 14 Derrick Stinson. “They are really pushing for time on that line behind those guards and tackles,” said Lowe, whose Green Wave were 1-9 last season, with the lone win coming against Montcalm. “You can’t have too many.” Cole Blaker, who was injured for the majority of last season, is expected to handle the quarterback duties that were largely manned by Bluefield College signee Jackson Blankenship, “He put a lot of time there before he got hurt...,” Lowe said. “He did split reps throughout the year so he is a strong candidate at quarterback, he has gotten stronger, a good athlete.” He will be joined in the backfield by senior backs Bailey Snidow and Blaize Hopkins, along with Austin Evans, Cam Honaker and Mikey McKinney. Landon Neal,
2015 BDT BLITZ 5 who had around 400 yards receiving last season, will line up at receiver with Chase Lawson, while TJ Yopp, Chase Kantsious and Morgan Welch also in the rotation. Welch will also play tight end, along with Matthew Mullins. “Neal and Lawson are both coming back as returning leading receptions, and you have Bailey, who is the returning leading rusher and Cole is the returning quarterback,” Lowe said “We are looking for some big things from those guys, we have got to make sure we control the line of scrimmage.” Defensively, the Green Wave has several returnees, including Snidow, Jordan McKinney and Ethan Lowe at linebackers. “We have a lot of returneers on defense,” Lowe said. “A lot of kids that maybe didn’t start last year, but saw a lot of minutes on defense.” Lawson, Mullins, Honaker and Welch are candidates on the line, while the secondary will include
Blaker, Evans and Welch. “We have got to tackle better, we have got to make sure we are playing good assignment football,” Lowe said. “Everybody has got a job to do, one man lets down and it messes everything up. “I think if we do we that I think we have a chance to improve defensively.” Parcell, Neal and Snidow are competing for specialty kicking positions. Narrows will have its usual testy schedule, beginning with Auburn on Aug. 28, with archrival Giles following on Sept. 18. The Green Wave will play on a Thursday night against Bland County, a move made necessary with Virginia Tech slated to play on a Friday night in early October. “It is different from a preparation standpoint, but the kids are excited about it,” said Lowe, who wasn’t pleased with the move, but made the adjustments to ensure a better crowd at the gate. “It is a big game, the Bland game is always a big game for us, it will be
Pocahontas Coal Association marks 15 years of recognition By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph
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Eye on the ball... Narrows’ Bailey Snidow (33) closes in on Graham’s Kyshon Lee during the G-Men’s win over the Green Wave last season.
Knights... Continued from 12 Thompson believes the pieces are in place to help restore success atop Tom's Mountain. “I think we'll have a good season this year. I am not predicting records. I know we will be a better ball club than we were last season,” Thompson commented. “Discipline is a lot better than it was last year. I had to do away with a few players, but the guys we have now want to be here and they hold each other to a stan-
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Chris Muncy
dard. That's exactly what I want. The culture has changed.” Mingo Central and James Monroe are gone from the schedule and the Golden Knights have added PikeView and Wyoming East. The big game, however, is the season-opener against McDowell County rival River View. “The first game of the year is huge. We've got the Battle of the Views on Thursday, Aug. 27. We start the season off right, one of only two teams in the state playing that night,” Thompson said. “We have never beaten
them. “There is so much pressure on these boys going into that game and I'm glad it's the first game of the year because that's the only game they really think about. If we get over that hump week one, we come out with a win that day, at home as well, I feel like the confidence is going to skyrocket.” Mount View will honor the 1990 team that played for the Class AAA state championship prior to its game with Man in the second week of the season.
BLUEFIELD — Another football season, another award-winning season awaits. For the 15th straight season, the Pocahontas Coal Association and Bluefeld Daily Telegraph have combined to create the Player of the Week award in 2015, which will be followed by a Player of the Year banquet in December. Each week during the season, the Daily Telegraph sports staff will compile a list of worthy candidates for player of the week, and then write a feature article on the winner. Anyone from any team can win, but we need your help. Our staff can only get to go many games so we need help. Let us know if you saw a worthy candidate, either on offense, defense, special teams, offensive line, defensive line, whatever, it doesn't matter. Let us know who should be considered each week by Tuesday at 5 p.m. to give us time to get the information from respective coaches, and figure it out from there. Too often worthy candidates are omitted because we simply didn't know. Eleven winners are picked during the week, and all 11 will gather at the Princeton Elks Lodge in December when all the games have been played. Each player will receive a trophy of some kind of their weekly honors, and then a player of the year will be announced. Last year's winner was River Michaels of
2014 All-Four Seasons County Football Team
Player of Year: River Michaels, Richlands Offensive Player of Year: Brett Whitlow, Giles Defensive Player of Year: Corey Coppola, Bluefield Coach of Year: Jeff Williams, Giles First Team Offense QB River Michaels, Richlands, 6-1, 205, Sr. #RB Nick Blankenship, Tazewell, 5-10, 171, Jr. RB D.J. Stewart, Bluefield, 5-7, 170, Sr. RB Brett Whitlow, Giles, 5-9, 160, Sr. WR DeQuan Booker, Graham, 5-10, 163, Soph. #WR Cody Howie, River View, 6 2, 179, Soph. WR Jessee Mountain, Tazewell, 6-0, 183, Sr. TE Casey Harmon, Honaker, 6-4, 186, Jr. C Skyler Dillow, Bluefield, 6-3, 270, Sr. OL Steve Cook, Wyoming East, 5-11, 240, Sr. OL Landon Mance, Richlands, 6-2, 265, Jr.
Players of the Year
2014: River Michaels, Richlands 2013: Tahj-Sho Johnson, Princeton 2012: Ian Mann, Giles 2011: Devon Johnson, Richlands 2010: Devon Johnson, Richlands 2009: Jake Lilly, Bluefield 2008: Will Cole, Bluefield 2007: Taylor Robertson, James Monroe 2006: Justin McCracken, Richlands 2005: Robert Henry, Graham 2004: Rusty Coeburn, Bluefield
2003: Ahmad Bradshaw, Graham 2002: Ahmad Bradshaw, Graham 2001: H.T. Mathews, Graham •••
Coaches of the Year: (Award began in 2008)
2014: Jeff Williams, Giles 2013: Fred Simon, Bluefield 2012: Doug Hubbard, Honaker 2011: Mitch Estep, River View 2010: Greg Mance, Richlands 2009: Jeff Damewood, PikeView 2008: Bobby Wyatt, Tazewell
John-Luke Asbury, Richlands Tyree Baker, River View Patrick Beidleman, Giles Cole Blaker, Narrows Nick Blankenship, Richlands Marquis Bonds, Mount View Conner Boothe, James Monroe Isaiah Boyd, Bland County DeQuan Booker, Graham Corey Brewster, Tazewell Cole Cochran, Princeton Mookie Collier, Bluefield Colton Egnor, Montcalm
Nathan Grimmett, Summers County Hunter Hall, Wyoming East Israel Harris, Graham Joseph Hayes, Mount View Josh Hayes, Tazewell Hartley Hilton, Honaker Cody Howie, Richlands Dylan Jackson, Bland County Joe Jennings, PikeView Jordan Jones, Princeton Brady Justice, Hurley T.J. Kitts, Tazewell Zack Lester, Hurley Alec Lusk, Wyoming East Brian Mann, Giles Randy Maxey, Bluefield Ben Meade, Graham Anthony Meadows, Giles Marcus Mitchell, Montcalm Jacob McNutt, Grundy Grant Mohler, James Monroe Levi Nash, PikeView Landon Neal, Narrows Avin Parrott, Honaker Kevin Phillips, Princeton Carlos Reed, Bluefield Matt Ryan, Summers County Austin Shortridge, Twin Valley Chance Stone, River View Cole Street, Grundy Tayten Sykes, Twin Valley
OL Camron Perkins, Giles, 5-9, 214, Jr. OL Peyton Stevens, Honaker, 6-2, 256, Sr. UTIL Malik Davis, Tazewell, 6-1, 211, Sr. KR Jordan Wilson, River View, 5-6, 151, Sr. K Drake Presley, Twin Valley, Sr. n/a Defense DE Diante Cecil, Tazewell, 6-1, 226, Sr. DL Danny Anderson, Richlands, 6-1, 245, Jr. DL Kyshon Lee, Graham, 5-7, 168, Sr. DL Dean Taylor, Giles, 5 9, 168, Sr. DE Aaron Rose, Bland County, 6-1, 189, Sr. LB Corey Coppola, Bluefield, 6-4, 248, Sr. LB Jonathan Culicerto, Wyoming East, 511, 180, Sr. LB Dakoda Shrader, Giles, 6-0, 170, Sr. LB Tristan Yates, Haysi, Sr. n/a DB Casey Dye, Honaker, 6-0, 157, Sr. DB Jay Palmer, Princeton, 6-1, 195, Sr. DB John Teats, Giles, 5-9, 160, Sr. DB Zeke Vance, Richlands, 5-10, 190, Sr. UTIL Brian Mann, Giles, 5-9, 160, Jr. P Evan Beasley, James Monroe, 5-9, 162, Soph. Second Team Offense QB Jalen Sykes, Haysi, Sr. n/a
RB Griffin McCauley, Richlands,6-0, 185, Sr. RB Austin Smith, Honaker, 5-87, 182, Sr. RB Nik Walker, Wyoming East, 6-1, 200, Sr. WR Tyree Baker, River View, 5-10, 169, Jr. WR Juwan Jordan, Tazewell, 6-1, 153, Sr. WR Tim Nowlin, Mount View, Sr. n/a TE Landon Lowe, Richlands, 6-3, 260, Soph. C Canaan Looney, Graham, 6-1, 247, Jr. OL Austin Cunningham, Giles, 5-10, 223, Jr. OL Garrett Jessee, Tazewell, 5-9, 242, Sr. OL Trip Shiflett, James Monroe, 5-11, 196, Soph. OL Josh Smith, Summers County, 6-0, 205, Jr. UTIL Carlos Reed, Bluefield, 5-9, 175, Soph. KR Traquan Oliver, Hurley, 5-9, 160, Sr. K Jacob Whittington, Princeton, 5-10, 145, Jr. Defense DE Jordan Masterson, Bluefield, 5-11, 193, Sr. DL Andrew Comer, Tazewell, 6-1, 312, Jr.
Richlands. A coach of the year will also be selected. Jeff Williams of Giles was last year's honoree. College football does its annual watch lists for its many awards leading up the season. Here are the players to watch this year, but certainly not the only ones. The list below includes at least two players from each of the 19 teams in the Daily Telegraph coverage area.
2015 Player of Week Watch List
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Player of Year... Richlands quarterback River Michaels, who led the Blue Tornado to a 10-4 record and a berth in the 2A state semifinals, was the recipient of the Pocahontas Coal Association/Bluefield Daily Telegraph Player of the Year award last season.
Player of the Week nominations:
• Contact the Daily Telegraph each week of the regular season by Tuesday at 5 p.m. • Call 304-327-2813, email sports@bdtonline.com or tweet to@bdtwoodson Note: All players are taken into consideration. Coaches and fans are urged to participate. DL Adrian Gray, Graham, 5-6, 214, Jr. DL Dakota Wright, Bland County, 5-10, 198, Sr. DE Isaiah Edwards, Princeton, 6-0, 235, Jr. LB R.J. Bourne, Bluefield, 6-2, 208, Sr. LB Ty Hoston, PikeView, 6-3, 180, Soph. LB Bryce Wade, Richlands, 5 10, 195, Jr. LB Roman Workman, Graham, 5-11, 181, Jr. DB Patrick Beidleman, Giles, 5-10, 160, Jr. DB Reed McNeer, James Monroe, 6-0, 172, Sr. DB Casey Saunders, Wyoming East, 511, 150, Sr. DB Matt Ryan, Summers County, 6-0, 175, Jr. &UTIL Michael Price, River View, 5 -6., 136, Soph. P Jordan Stout, Honaker, 5-10, 124, Soph. Honorable Mention (3 per team) Bland County: Isaiah Boyd, Mason Christian, Dustin Pennington; Bluefield: Malik Craighead, Randy Maxey, Chris Taylor; Giles: Anthony Meadows, Hunter
Smith, Brett Suroski; Graham: Dylan Cook, Jacob Lester, Ben Meade; Grundy: Ethan Dillow, Corey McClanahan, Jacob McNutt; Haysi: Guage Hill, Hunter Sutherland, Robby Yates; Honaker: Hayden Horn, Branson Horton, Kraig McGlothlin; Hurley: Zach Deel, Nick Gibson, Craig Stacy; James Monroe: Josh Dransfield, Logan Hunnicutt, Grant Mohler; Montcalm: Jared Belcher, Colton Egnor, Dustin Williams; Mount View: Jaquane Imes, Marlin Marrs, ^Michael Mason; Narrows: Jackson Blankenship, Kyle Hall, Zach Parsell; PikeView: Daniel Brown, Ethan Donley, Ethan Smith; Princeton: Austin Fulp, Garrison Hartwell, Zach Standifur; Richlands: Canaan Addison, Cade Mullins, Joey Robinette; River View: Jeremy Crigger, Bradley Mullins, James Sparks; Summers County: Zach Grady, Nathan Grimmett, Dillon Smith; Tazewell: Chris Hall, Alex Hayes, Dallas Perry; Twin Valley: Brandon McGlothlin, Austin Shortridge, Tayten Sykes; Wyoming East: Colton Coomes, Jacob Dulcie, Aaron Griffith. *(Returning players in bold) #Now at Richlands &Now at Bluefield ^Now at Graham
6 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 43
BLUEFIELD BEAVERS
2015 Bluefield Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Sep. 4 Sep. 11 Sep. 18 Sep. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6
Graham H Princeton A Woodrow Wilson A Gate City H Greenbrier East A Richlands H Oak Hill A James Monroe H Wayne H
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Beavers
Speedy Beavers anxious for deep postseason run By BOB REDD Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — For the Bluefield Beavers in 2015, it all begins up front. The Beavers return a core of starting lineman that will pave the way for runners and provide protection for passers. Coming off a disappointing first round playoff loss to Ravenswood, the Beavers' only other 2014 setback came at the hands of Richlands. “We've got some good, experi-
enced linemen coming back,” said Fred Simon, who is entering his 30th season as the head coach at his alma mater. “We've got Randall Maxey, Seth Silcox and Matt Belcher. Those three right there give us some pretty good experience on the line. We'll see how they can help us mold into a football team up front. “I feel our line will definitely have a good idea of what to do during games because they've played a lot since they were sophomores. The other two that we put in there
should be comfortable doing things because they will be able to help them out.” Bluefield lost key skill position players in quarterback R.J. Bourne and running backs D.J. Stewart and Corey Coppola. It will be a whole new look for Bluefield in the backfield and out wide. “Carlos (Reed) is the only one that has skill experience,” Simon said. “The others are going to have to work their way in, basically get experience with time. I've got an idea of who it might be, but
we can't guarantee it until scrimmages and really into the season.” Reed is a speedster who can line up wide or in the backfield. He is a two-time defending West Virginia Class AA champion in the 100 meters, recording the fastest time in the state each time regardless of school classification. While the starting lineups on either side of the ball are set, Simon and his staff have some players they believe will help fill the gaps created by graduation.
Beavers, 40
No.Name Pos. 1 Carlos Reed RB/DB 2 Micah DeWitt QB/DB 3 Mookie Collier RB/DB 5 Jason Edwards FB/LB 7 Ronnell Blevins QB/DB 8 Tres Amaker RB/DB 9 John Neese RB/DB 10 Jordan Smith QB/DB 12 Mike Price QB/DB 14 Jachai Thomas WR/DB 15 Kaden Meadows WR/DB 16 Tyler Easley K 18 Jazaire Reed FB/LB 19 Arnold Martin RB/LB 20 Zac Springman K 21 Drake Mullins QB/LB 22 Clyde Baker TE/DL 23 Jamere Edwards RB/LB 25 Kelsey Nichols WR/DB 28 Justin Smith WR/DB 31 Anthony Mooney TE/LB 32 Russ Coleman WR/DB 33 Josh Fowler WR/DB 34 Ashton Shaw TE/DL 35 Brenden Wehrle WR/DB 40 Jared Sweigart TE/DL 42 Malik Harris FB/LB 43 Malik Green WR/DB 44 Colyn Pennington FB/LB 45 Logan Mounts TE/LB 50 Andrew King OL/DL 52 Elijah Hicks OL/DL 53 Seth Silcox OL/DL 54 Cole Honaker OL/DL 55 Julius Gaddy OL/DL 56 Dray-Quon HickmanOL/DL 57Mason Walker OL/DL 58 Nicholas Proffitt OL/DL 59 Tanner Spradlin OL/DL 60 Chad Cardwell OL/DL 61 Dakota Collins OL/DL 62 Chris Adams OL/DL 63 Edward Cox OL/DL 64 John Duffy OL/LB 65 Deontae Powell OL/DL 66 Skylar Lafon OL/DL 67 George Joyce OL/DL 68 Devon Blankenship OL/DL 71 Tyler Copley OL/DL 72 Dakota Sparks OL/DL 73 Matt Belcher OL/DL 74 Jordan George OL/DL 75 Randall Maxey OL/LB 76 Ezekiel Bennett OL/DL 78 Alahzjae Dowell OL/DL 79 Tyler Watson OL/DL
Ht. 5’8 5’10 5’11 5’11 5’6 5’4 5’8 5’7 5’6 5’8 5’10 5’11 5’7 5’9 6’0 5’10 5’9 5’9 5’6 5’4 6’3 5’8 5’9 6’1 6’0 5’5 5’10 6’2 5’10 5’9 6’0 6’0 5’11 6’0 5’11 6’1 6’2 5’9 5’8 5’11 5’11 5’9 5’11 5’6 6’0 5’7 6’1 6’3 5’11 5’9 6’0 6’3 6’2 5’9 5’7 5’11
Wt.Class 163 Jr. 159 So. 159 So. 213 So. 152 Fr. 120 Fr. 146 Jr. 174 Jr. 155 Jr. 148 Jr. 125 Fr. 200 Sr. 200 Fr. 169 Fr. 185 Jr. 181 Fr. 159 Fr. 180 Fr. 136 Fr. 124 Jr. 194 Sr. 148 So. 157 Sr. 201 Sr. 167 Sr. 154 Fr. 230 Jr. 163 Sr. 226 Sr. 214 Sr. 266 Jr. 266 Jr. 238 Sr. 243 Sr. 210 So. 260 Sr. 198 Fr. 190 So. 218 So. 184 Sr. 213 Jr. 202 Fr. 184 Sr. 157 Fr. 224 Fr. 264 Jr. 160 Fr. 315 Jr. 231 Jr. 198 Sr. 285 Sr. 311 Sr. 208 Sr. 342 Fr. 231 Fr. 250 Fr.
PikeView... Continued from 11 Ellison. On offense, Wyatt is returning to a power-I backfield and a doublewing set to “help us control the ball and control the game a little bit better.” Shorter is likely the center. Though a freshman, “I think Zach’s tough enough to handle that,” Wyatt said. Flanking him will be Donley and either Logan Ballengee or Smith. Competing to start at tackle were Damewood, White, Price and Vaught. The tight end options appeared to be Smith or Hubbard. Wideouts could be Phillips, Devyn Burley and /or Tyler Masters. “We don’t have a slew of backs, but what we do have, I’m very pleased with them,” Wyatt said. Jennings is at the top of the list; Ty Hoston is a talented junior. Nick Shrewsbury is solid at fullback. The coach wants to work Rose, a freshman, into the running game gradually. “I think if we give him a crack or two, he can cause some problems for other teams.” Other promising freshmen runners include Anderson and Jacob Honaker. Nash was switched to quarter-
Mavericks... Continued from 18 peting, (that) someone else is going to step in there. That’s what you want to see, the competitiveness,” Mustain said. “I see them getting better every day.” Whoever doesn’t play quarterback will see the field at another position. Grant Mohler, though a sophomore, established himself last year as “a natural running back,” Mustain said, while Devin Johnson “will help us out quite a bit.” Conner Boothe leads the receiving corps, and a fellow senior, 6foot-3 Cody Newhouse, is a big target. Colton Bradley, Landan Shires, Tyler Sams and Nick Horney are other receiving options. Newhouse and junior Dante Vest are tight end possibili-
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Ethan Donley back last year in his first season of varsity football. In the preseason, Mitchelson “has taken some reps there,” the coach said. The kicking game rides on the foot of senior Alec White, also a key member of PikeView’s successful soccer team. Meadow Bridge, a high-achieving Class A school, is no longer on the schedule and has been replaced by Class AA Mount View. Wyatt said, “Our strength of this program is probably going to be (the two Ethans), and our front line, offensively and defensively. ... That makes me feel good, that we have a chance to compete, each
week, as long as we can stay healthy up front (with) seven or eight kids there that we can count on.” The existence of the middle school and Little League programs has produced “kids that have been around each other, like each other and play for each other,” he said. “I would like for us to just be at a level that we’re competing, each week. “If we can get to that level, that we have that opportunity to win a game in the fourth quarter – on a consistent basis, we’re going to be succeeding.”
ties. The one thin area on the team is depth among the linemen. “Though they’re not that many ... that are varsity ready, we feel that they’ll be pretty solid,” Mustain said. He hoped to develop some platooning on the interior lines. “I just think we’ve got several kids who can help us out,” he said. Parker King, a 244-pound senior, will likely play both ways. The offensive line group includes Tripp Shiflet, Ty Wickline, Tyler Hawkins, Zachary Payne, Matt Meadows, Alex Spicer, and sophomores Noah Ramsey and Isaac McKlarney. The interior defensive line is likely to be decided among Parker, King, Meadows, Payne and Hawkins. Stationed at defensive end could be Newhouse, Vest and / or Boothe, who can also play linebacker and defensive back.
Shiflet is middle linebacker in the Mavericks 4-3 scheme. Beside him could be Mohler, Dalton Comer, Horney or Johnson, with sophomores Isaac and Ethan McKlarney seeking a shot there as well. The defensive backfield starters will be selected from among Bradley, Tyler and Conner Moore, Johnson and Horney. Beasley is “as good a punter as I’ve ever seen in several years,” Mustain said. Several of his boots last year carried over 60 yards. The kickoff chore had not been assigned as of the middle of the month, but the coaches are intent on guaranteeing a
Bluefield 17, James Monroe 3 1994: Bluefield 1995: Bluefield 1996: Bluefield 1997: Bluefield 2002: James Monroe *2002: Bluefield 2003: Bluefield
19-6 25-14 50-8 20-7 30-7 3-0 49-8
2004: Bluefield 2005: James Monroe *2005: Bluefield 2006: James Monroe 2007: Bluefield *2007: Bluefield 2008: Bluefield
34-0 17-14 24-14 41-28 14-7 20-12 34-21
2009: Bluefield 2010: Bluefield 2011: Bluefield 2012: Bluefield 2013: Bluefield 2014: Bluefield 2015: Oct. 30, at Bluefield
27-10 54-20 23-13 63-14 60-14 39-11
Contributed photo by Roger Shrewsbury
Grant Mohler good kickoff coverage unit. The Mavericks have nine seniors and look to have experienced underclassmen for the next couple of years. Mustain said about last year, “We had some close contests. I think it definitely is motivation. You flip four of those games around and we’re 7-3 instead of 37, and very likely in the playoffs. A couple of close losses were to
triple-A schools. “I’m like any coach, my biggest goal is to get our kids playing to the best of their abilities and what happens, happens. ... I think that is the next step we’ve got to take, is to learn how to win.” The Mavs will try to take that first step on Friday in Fairlea against rival Greenbrier East. — Contact Tom Bone at tbone@bdtonline.com
42 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 7
Spartans... Continued from 15 state linemen in Perkins and Cunningham, while Mann and Beidleman will be in the secondary. “I think anytime when you are around half the starters back on defense and you are coming off a good year,” Williams said, “and you still have got five or six returning starters on either on offense or defense, you are still in pretty decent shape.” Meadows, who started as a sophomore last season, is a talent at linebacker. “He is a good player,
he really is,” Williams said. “He is not very big, but he is a good player.” The rest of the lineup could include Sizemore and Matthew Midkiff on the interior line, with Kirk, Martin and Reynolds on the ends. Chapman and Mark Scott will see time at linebacker, while other defensive backs will include Zane Williams, Austin Pennington, Trent Pennington and Beidleman’s brother, Ryan. Max Riley will kick for the Spartans, while Patrick Beidleman will punt. Expectations are high as unusual for the four-time state champions, but the goal for Williams is
GRAHAM G-MEN
the same as it was for former Giles and now Hall of Fame coach Steven Ragsdale. “We want to start out having a winning season, this comes down through me from Coach Ragsdale, and that is what you should ask out of kids, you want to be winners,” Williams said. “To me, if you play 10 games and you win six games, and you lose four, you are still a winner, you still had a winning season and anything better than that is just comes because you worked hard. “That is what I tell the kids. We are looking at having a winning season and that is what we want to do.”
40-6 19-0 14-6 7-6 18-6 44-6 18-6 14-7 6-0 48-0 14-6 34-0 26-7 27-22
1974: Graham 1975: Tazewell 1976: Graham 1977: Graham 1978: Graham 1979: Graham 1980: Graham 1981: Graham 1981: Graham 1982: Graham 1983: Tazewell 1984: Tazewell 1985: Tazewell 1986: Tazewell 1987: Tazewell 1988: Tazewell
24-21 20-16 12-0 21-20 28-8 21-18 13-12 13-0 6-3 20-11 13-7 7-6 39-21 26-10 16-0 10-0
1989: Graham 1990: Graham *1990: Graham 1991: Graham 1992: Graham 1993: Graham 1994: Graham 1995: Graham 1996: Graham 1997: Graham 1998: Graham 1999: Graham *1999: Tazewell 2000: Graham 2001: Graham 2002: Graham
19-0 29-14 7-3 49-26 34-0 43-8 13-6 38-14 40-12 35-6 13-12 49-22 21-14 21-7 41-6 35-12
2003: Graham 2004: Tazewell 2005: Graham *2005: Graham 2006: Tazewell *2006: Graham 2007: Graham 2008: Tazewell *2008: Tazewell 2009: Graham *2009: Graham 2010: Graham 2011: Graham 2012: Graham 2013: Graham 2014: Tazewell
42-2 7-5 25-17 23-7 7-6 41-0 28-7 20-6 43-14 46-20 19-15 41-14 21-12 34-15 30-14 45-21
T Bulldogs... Continued from 8
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Corey Brewster
wideouts. T.J. Kitts (6’0, 193, Jr.) is expected to lead the Bulldogs at quarterback. Along the line the Bulldogs are looking at quite a few players, including Andrew Comer (6’1 334, Sr), Hunter O’Quinn (5’10 235 Soph.), Matthew Witt (6’3 311 Soph.), Corey Honaker (6’1 250 Sr.), Trey Boothe (5’11 215 Sr.), Kyle Lester (5’11 245 Jr.), Jacob Cunningham (6’4 300 Jr.) and Jacob Blackwell (6’3 305 Jr.). “We’re going to be power spread,” Allen said with regard to the team’s offensive scheme. “We’ll go with some tight end sets with Tyler Wright (5’9, 212 Jr.) and Dakota Crouse (6’4 215 Sr.) and our fullbacks will be a type of hybrid… put a hand down and be a tight end. “We’ve got pretty good speed at running back and I think we’ve had a couple of guys step up on the outside who are pretty good.” On defense look for Tazewell to mix it up in order to keep the opposition on its heels.
Aug. 28 Bluefield Sept. 4 Tazewell Sept. 11 Richlands Sept. 25 Giles Oct. 2 Abingdon Oct. 9 Grayson County Oct. 16 Galax Oct. 23 Bland County Oct. 30 Fort Chiswell Nov. 6 Narrows
A 7:30 p.m. H 7 p.m. A 7:30 p.m. H 7 p.m. A 7:30 p.m. H 7 p.m. H 7 p.m. H 7 p.m. A 7 p.m. A 7 p.m.
The G-Men
Graham 40 wins, Tazewell 24, 1 tie 958: Graham 16-13 1959: Tazewell 1960: Graham 1961: Graham 1962: Graham 1963: Tie 20-20 1964: Tazewell 1965: Graham 1966: Tazewell 1967: Tazewell 1968: Tazewell 1969: Tazewell 1970: Tazewell 1971: Tazewell 1972: Tazewell 1973: Tazewell
2015 Graham Football Schedule
The future can wait, G-Men want results now By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph File photo
Giles’ Brian Mann “I feel like we’ll be a little bit of a three (man front), a lot of four too, and we’ll have some five fronts,” Allen said. “We’ll have a lot of fronts just to keep the people offbalance up front.” Look for Robert Beavers (5’9 265 Sr.), Josh Blackwell (6’2 245 Sr.), Honaker, O’Quinn, Crouse and Comer to get time on the line. “We want to rotate a lot there,” Allen said. “We have an option to go two-deep and six to eight buys play consistently, every series, so we can keep kids fresh.” The linebacker will be Travis Gee (6’2 192 Jr.), Zach Hurley (5’11 190 Jr.) Hayes and Wright. T.J. Kitts (6’0 193 Jr.) and Brewster will be the safeties while Griffin and Jacob Pilkins (5’10 130 Sr.) will hold down the corners along with Alic Hass (5’10 135 Sr.). “I feel like we can match up with anybody we play secondary wise,” Allen said. The placekicking and punting will be handled by Josh Murray (5’10 155 Sr.). Kitts and Honaker provide special teams depth. The slate is a difficult one with Richlands, Abingdon, and rival Graham in the mix. “It’s going to be a tough sched-
ule. We’ve got six road games. We’re going to be road warriors this year. It had to work out that way this year to make sure we had 10 games…,” he said. “There are some tough teams on our schedule but I feel like we can line up and compete with anyone we face.” A pair of new assistants on the Tazewell staff are former Graham head coach Mike Williams and former Bluefield Barons coach Bill Dudley. Also on staff are Patrick Buckner, Deacon Young, Mike Catron, Shea Moore, Drennon Laney, Tony O’Quinn, Randy Honaker, Jeff Gee and Mason King. Allen enters the season with great optimism and believes they will rise to the task at hand as the season progresses. “Overall I really like this team. I think they have embraced the underdog role,” Allen said. “They’re excited about getting out and showing that this team can compete with anybody they face. Tazewell opens the season Aug. 28 at Virginia High. Kickoff has moved to 8:30 p.m. because the Bristol Pirates are playing baseball earlier on an adjoining field.
BLUEFIELD, Va. — Who is the team to beat in the Mountain Empire District? Tony Palmer doesn't hesitate with his answer. "I hear Grayson is pretty good," said Palmer, who replaced Mike Williams as the head coach at Graham after last season, "but I think the G-Men are going to be the team to beat in the conference." There is plenty of football to play before the G-Men play all MED clubs in the second half of the season. It starts with a trio of rivalry games — Bluefield, Tazewell and Richlands — followed by the sin-
gle wing of Giles, and then defending Southwest District champion Abingdon looms in place of Grundy. "The first five games, in my opinion, are tougher than our conference,” Palmer said. “At the same thing if we fare well in those games that could prepare us for the conference." Graham finished with a 4-7 season record last season, ending with a 70-0 playoff loss at Gate City. The G-Men had an uncanny number of season-ending injuries, including Dylan Cook, who is now wrestling at Virginia Tech, and Jarrod Richmond, who is playing at VMI. DeQuan Booker, one of the
area's best athletes at receiver, also missed most of the season with injuries. That was last year. "Last year is last year and this year is this year," said Palmer, who played on Graham's state championship team in 1989. "We can only try to do something about what is in front of us. Even though we do remind them of that (playoff loss) and to work hard, but at the same time we let them know that we are going to make our own way here." There was still plenty of uncertainty early in camp about who would play where, the G-Men do have experience back, including all five offensive linemen, led by
senior center Canaan Looney. He is joined by guards Tanner Miller and Jarod Brown, and tackles Jacob Lester and Cole Carter. "That does help, but the first thing we need to know is where we need to be and who we have to block," Palmer said. "Just being big and experienced, that is not going to do it. Those guys have got to get on the same page with the coaching staff with what we are trying to do here and just work together as a unit." Who the quarterback will be remains to be seen, but both senior Roman Workman and junior Ben Meade have played there in the past. Chandler Cooper and Cameron Allen could also be in
No. Name Pos. Ht. 1 Paris Ballard WR 5’9 3 DeQuan Booker WR 5’11 4 Logan Surface WR/K 5’7 5 Taymon Cooke WR 6’2 6 Chandler Cooper QB 6’0 7 Israel Harris RB 5’8 8 Emil Curto WR 5’10 9 Thomas Clarke WR 6’1 10 Cameron Allen QB 5’10 11 Tyler Bourne WR 5’11 12 Roman Workman QB 6’1 13 Chris Shinault WR 6’0 14 Eric Workman TE 6’0 15 Ben Meade QB 5’8 16 Cody Slusher WR 5’10 17 Jamorya’ Cousin RB 5’11 19 Mark Clary WR 5’6 20 Nathan Bradshaw RB 5’7 21 Amir Fields TE 5’11 22 Mason Raley RB 5’10 23 Ricky White WR 6’4 24 Garrett Collins RB 5’10 29 Dante Vineyard TE 6’1 32 Jevante Stevens TE 5’10 33 Patrick Fielder TE 5’8 34 Nathan Mounts RB 5’7 43 Michael Mason RB 5’10 45 Alex Hicks TE 6’1 50 Tanner Miller OT 6’3 51 Adrian Gray OG 5’7 53 Canaan Looney C 6’2 54 Jarod Brown OG 6’1 56 Tristan Epperson OT 6’0 57 Nick Dimario OG 5’10 58 Jacob Lester OG 5’11 60 Jordan Austin OT 5’9 61 Cameron Benfield OT 5’10 62 Gabe Sesco OT 6’4 63 Cole Carter OT 6’2 71 Ben Kastner OG 6’0 72 Thomas Wimmer C 5’8 74 Nick Miller C 5’11 78 Ajai Oakes OG 5’11 79 Steven Gaboriault OG 5’7 81 Tyler Moodie TE 6’1 82 Scott Tyson TE 6’1
Wt. 139 172 151 166 154 153 160 200 150 170 182 159 189 155 125 200 135 130 200 171 159 152 204 170 180 124 185 188 233 226 262 220 232 171 269 189 236 194 249 209 177 200 233 130 180 195
Yr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. So. Sr. So. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Sr.
the mix. Israel Harris and transfer Jamorya’ Cousin are leading can-
G-Men, 41
8 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 41
TAZEWELL BULLDOGS
2015 Tazewell Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Virginia High Sept. 4 Graham Sept. 11 Grayson County Sept. 18 Chilhowie Sept. 25 Rural Retreat Oct. 2 Marion Oct. 9 Richlands Oct. 23 Grundy Oct. 30 Abingdon Nov. 6 Lebanon
A A H A A H H A A H
By BOB REDD Bluefield Daily Telegraph TAZEWELL, Va. — The 2014 Tazewell Bulldogs played to a 5-5 regular season mark before falling to Union in the first round of playoffs. The Dogs lost some key players, but the cupboard is not bare, and fourth year coach Shane Allen
said the team could be very successful, or the extreme opposite, or most likely somewhere in between. “I told the kids we’ve got as much odds of going 10-0 as 0-10, but I really feel good about this team,” Allen said. “I really like this group of kids. They’re hard workers, they are team-first kids. We may not be quite as talented as
we were last year, athletically, but I think we are probably a little better overall team than we were last year. “I feel like these guys will play hard for four quarters. We’re going to surprise some people. We’ll surprise some teams athletically and I think on the scoreboard too.” While key players Malik Davis
Chistopher H. White, Manager
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE BULLDOGS
Service with Sincerity Since 1988
and Garrett Jesse have graduated along with others, the Dogs have a backfield Allen believes will keep Tazewell competing with the teams on its slate. Look for Corey Brewster (5’9 145 Sr.) and Josh Hayes (5’11 195 Sr.) to be the running backs, with Mason Mullins (5’10 145 Soph.) and Dakota Griffith (6’ 165, Jr.) as
Bulldogs, 42
No. Name 1 Jashawn Collins 2 Dakota Griffith 3 Trae Thompson 4 Josh Murray 5 Deyvon Coxton 6 Alic Hass 7 Corey Brewster 8 Jacob Pilkins 10 Mason Mullins 12 Dakota Crouse 13 Bubba Asbury 14 Zack Griffith 15 T.J. Kitts 16 Derrick Young 18 Brent Dunn 20 Nathan Boutin 21 Josh Hayes 22 Billy Wright 23 Ryan Prater 24 Chris Solic 25 Jason Watson 26 J.P. Marnius 31 Zach Hurley 32 Thaddeus Mitchell 34 Tyler Wright 42 Travis Gee 45 Elijah Dawson 50 Hunter Mash 51 Corey Honaker 52 Josh Blackwell 53 Trey Boothe 54 Andrew Comer 55 Matthew Allison 56 Hunter O’Quinn 57 Levi Rose 58 Tristan Tulluck 60 Demtrie Wallace 65 Jason Blackwell 66 Marcus Sluss 68 Barry Sluss 69 Kyle Lester 70 Tyler Ramey 74 Stuart Waddle 75 Matt Witt 76 Robert Beavers 77 Carl Davis 78 Jacob Cunningham 83 Hunter Mash 86 Josh Blackwell n/r J.J. Huffman
Ht. 6’0 6’0 6’0 5’10 5’8 5’10 5’9 5’10 5’10 6’4 5’10 5’7 6’0 6’0 5’10 5’9 5’11 5’8 5’8 5’11 6’4 5’10 5’11 5’11 5’9 6’2 5’11 6’0 6’1 6’2 5’11 6’1 5’11 5’10 5’9 6’1 6’0 6’3 5’11 5’11 5’11 5’10 5’11 6’3 5’9 6’1 6’4 6’0 6’2 5’8
Continued from 7
8:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs
Playoff appearance has Bulldogs drooling for more
G-Men...
Wt. 170 165 160 155 145 135 145 130 145 215 155 118 193 165 180 150 195 193 170 170 215 183 190 195 212 192 170 190 250 245 215 334 234 235 185 230 190 305 190 190 245 305 220 311 265 365 300 190 245 140
Yr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr.
didates at running back for the GMen, which must replace Cook, who was a two-time 1,000-plus yard rusher. Promising sophomore Mike Mason was lost in the first scrimmage with a severe leg injury. Graham is deep at receiver, with Booker joined by Taymon Cooke, Paris Ballard and possibly even Meade. “I want to be a physical football team, I want to be a football team that our opponents respect,” Palmer said. “I want our opponents to know that we are going to play them hard and we are going to play them hard for 48 minutes.” 1958: Graham 1959: Richlands 1960: Graham 1961: Graham 1962: Graham 1963: Graham 1964: Richlands 1965: Richlands 1966: Graham 1967: Graham 1968: Graham 1969: Graham 1970: Graham 1971: Richlands 1972: Richlands
27-13 14-6 26-12 32-7 14-13 6-0 13-12 14-6 12-7 33-6 19-14 21-8 27-6 20-14 10-2
Defensively, the G-Men were a mess last season, allowing 40 or more points in six games, and at least 70 on two occasions. Leading the defense on the inside will be Adrian Gray who has been an all-state performer in each of the last two seasons. He could be joined by Looney, Miller and possibly Thomas Clarke, a basketball player who is playing football for the first time. Among the candidates at the other positions are Workman, who saw playing time at linebacker last season, while Cooke, Ballard, Meade and Booker are have experience in the secondary. “Right now we have an idea who are going to put in these positions, but we are not solid or sold on
anything else,” Palmer said. “We have still got scrimmages to go so there are no positions that are guaranteed to anybody.” Soccer import Logan Surface returns, and will kick and punt for the G-Men. Graham’s roster of 44 is young, which bodes well for the future. Of course, Palmer is more concerned about the present. "We are trying to win now. You can't wait for the future because no one knows what the future holds,” Palmer said. “We are going to make things happen and we are going to force things to happen by our work ethic. Guys are going to work hard and we are going to try to control our own destiny.”
Graham 33 wins, Richlands 27 wins
1973: Graham 1974: Graham 1975: Richlands 1976: Graham 1977: Graham 1978: Graham 1979: Graham 1980: Graham 1981: Graham 1982: Graham 1983: Richlands 1984: Graham 1985: Richlands 1986: Graham 1987: Richlands
22-14 14-0 18-7 13-7 14-0 34-18 9-0 13-12 32-14 40-28 21-14 10-0 7-6 14-13 21-0
1988: Richlands 1989: Graham 1990: Richlands 1991: Graham 1992: Richlands 1993: Richlands 1994: Graham 1995: Graham 1996: Graham 1997: Graham 1998: Richlands 1999: Graham 2000: Graham 2001: Graham 2002: Graham
6-3 20-0 30-6 21-0 35-20 14-7 16-6 31-3 41-27 13-3 32-6 28-7 15-7 22-0 34-21
2003: Graham 28-21 2004: Richlands 25-9 2005: Richlands 30-0 *2005: Richlands 19-13 2006: Richlands 33-9 2007: Graham 18-13 2008: Richlands 41-20 2009: Richlands 49-21 2010: Richlands 56-14 2011: Richlands 38-0 2012: Richlands 24-8 2013: Richlands 27-26 *2013: Richlands 31-21 2014: Richlands 40-0 2015: Sept. 11, at Richlands
File photo
Roman Workman
Blue Tornado... Continued from 9 Emory & Henry. That duo will be joined in the backfield by Brandon Waldron and Austin Atkinson. “They are all 20 pounds heavier, and it's good weight, it is muscle, and they are running faster than they were last year,” Mance said. “We are very, very excited about our defense.” The offense isn’t bad either, led by a receiving corps that Mance calls the best he has ever coached, including Bryce Farris, basketball import Scottie Ball, Atkinson and Howie, who had 56 catches for 878 yards and 10 touchdowns last year at River View. Chace Collins, Landon Lowe and Luke Phillips are also options. The speedy Blankenship, who has run for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons at Tazewell, will share running back duties with bruising Waldron, who was pushed into a starring role due to injuries in the playoffs last season.
“We call them Thunder and Lightning,” Mance said. Junior southpaw John Luke Asbury will replace River Michaels at quarterback. He has gained 30 pounds in the offseason, and Mance says he has the strongest arm of any signal-caller he has had other than Justin McCracken, who led the Blues to the 2006 state title. “John-Luke is going to be special. He is smart, he understands the game, he has done a great job,” Mance said. “He is probably the second best passer I have ever coached in 19 years behind Justin McCracken, he can flat out throw the football and it is pretty to watch.” That unit will be protected by an offensive line that returns three starters, led by Mance’s senior son, Landon. Anderson and Alley return at guards, while Neil Carini is a tackle, and the center will be Richard Compton. The entire team has practically lived in the weight room since last season came to an end. “We have had a great offseason. I am telling you they have all put on 20, 25 pounds, they are running
faster so we are very excited about this year's potential,” Mance said “We had 17 in the picture the other night that benched over 300, we have got four kids that can squat over 500...” Another Tazewell transfer, Nick Barrett, will handle the kicking duties, while Daniel Brown will punt. Alley will be the Blues’ long snapper. Much will be expected from the Blues this season. Mance isn’t thinking ahead. Gate City is up first so all the focus is on the Blue Devils. “Nothing changes, everybody asks me, and I said, ‘We are expected to win the state championship every year’ and that is our goal is week by week,” said Mance, prior to the Blues’ first scrimmage of the month. “We don't put the cart before the wagon, we always go on one week at a time and all our energy and focus right now is on our scrimmage tomorrow night, next week it will be on (a benefit game with) Honaker, and the week after that it will be Gate City. We just go one week, put all of our eggs in that basket, and see how we do.”
File photo
Bryce Wade (27) and Brandon Waldron (6)
40 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 9
Princeton... Continued from 10 There is experience on the offensive line. Garrison Hartwell and Clayton Rickman will start on the left side, while Nick Mason will be on the right side with Isaiah Edwards or freshman Jakeb Lilly. Houston Coburn will start at center. Eddy know what must happen for these Tigers to be successful in the season ahead. “The key for this season, who can buy in and how quick, that is basically it,” Eddy said. “If we all buy in next week or the week we practice for Shady, they have a chance to do something very special.” Defensively, many of the bodies are the same. Edwards, Cochran and
Hartwell are competing at ends, while the tackle competition includes Rickman, Godsey and the duo of Andrew and Kenny Perkins. Nelson, Abdelwahed, Standifur, Mason and Shafer are candidates at linebacker. Jones and Phillips will man the safety slots, Hamm and Thorpe are competing at the rover position, while Whitt and Hearn will play cornerback. Vaughn Thacker and Heath Robinette could also get on the field. “This whole team is talented, as soon as the heads are right and the behavior patterns of being able to bring it every day and learn how to prep, once they do that this is going to be a great program,” Eddy said. “It is all about getting the psychology and the behavior right. “Physically talented kids,
yes, once they become a mentally talented group, the sky is the limit.” Jacob Whittington returns at kicker, while Robbie Lambert is the punter. “We have shown some moments of greatness, we have shown some moments where we don’t come prepared to work so right now we are an inconsistent group,” Eddy said. “There is a very, very good group of kids here, they are talented, they have to learn to work, they have to learn to be ready after school every day, you can’t practice hard one day and not the next. “Once we get our behaviors correct there is no telling what we can be because the talent is here, but it is all about getting heads right and getting behaviors right. Do that, and then you have a successful program.”
RICHLANDS BLUE TORNADO
E
19-0 0-0 34-6 8-0 7-0 12-6 14-0 12-7 21-0 27-0 6-0
O
7-6 27-6 20-0 7-6 13-12 2-0 6-0 37-0 12-0 0-0 7-6
1947: Princeton 1948: Bluefield 1949: Princeton 1950: Bluefield 1951: Princeton 1952: Princeton 1953: Bluefield 1954: Bluefield 1955: Bluefield 1956: Bluefield 1957: Princeton 1958: Bluefield 1959: Bluefield 1960: Bluefield 1961: Bluefield 1962: Bluefield 1963: Bluefield 1964: Bluefield 1965: Bluefield 1966: No game 1967: No game 1968: No game 1969: No game
13-12 25-12 12-6 20-7 31-13 25-7 13-0 21-7 19-6 20-13 12-7 39-0 42-19 53-0 80-7 27-0 38-0 19-0 33-0
1970: Bluefield 1971: Bluefield 1972: Bluefield 1973: Bluefield 1974: Princeton 1975: Bluefield 1976: Bluefield 1977: Bluefield 1978: Bluefield 1979: Bluefield 1980: Bluefield 1981: Bluefield 1982: Bluefield 1983: Bluefield 1984: Bluefield 1985: Princeton 1986: Princeton 1987: Bluefield 1988: Bluefield 1989: Bluefield 1990: Bluefield 1991: Bluefield 1992: Bluefield
20-10 32-6 64-0 50-8 22-14 28-22 27-12 18-0 12-6 3-2 34-32 22-20 27-9 27-0 28-20 28-22 28-6 37-7 28-21 22-13 7-0 28-0 44-0
1993: Princeton 21-13 1994: Bluefield 41-8 1995: Bluefield 20-0 1996: Bluefield 44-0 1997: Bluefield 34-14 1998: Princeton 27-12 1999: Bluefield 23-10 2000: Princeton 23-7 2001: Princeton 20-0 2002: Princeton 18-14 2003: Bluefield 21-14 2004: Bluefield 49-21 2005: Princeton 43-24 2006: Bluefield 7-0 2007: Bluefield 20-0 2008: Princeton 15-13 2009: Bluefield 27-13 2010: Bluefield 17-0 2011: Princeton 35-21 2012: Bluefield 52-44 2013: Princeton 32-29 2014: Bluefield 40-21 2015: Sept. 4, at Princeton
File photo
Kevin Phillips
Beavers... Continued from 6 That includes Jordan Smith and Mookie Collier at quarterback. Collier and Jason Edwards are also candidates to replace Stewart and Coppola in the backfield. Defensively Bluefield lost a lot, including Jordan Masterson and Jordan Huckleberry, both of whom are now at Shepherd University. Coppola is at Davidson University and Stewart is at Carson-Newman. “We lost some nice guys on defense. We're inexperienced so we're trying to put them out there and see what goes,” Simon pointed out. The kicking game will be han-
dled by a pair of players who are also on the Bluefield soccer team, Tyler Easley and Zac Springman. They’re getting help from former Princeton head coach Ted Spadaro. “Tyler is in his second year and Coach Spadaro is working with them. Coach Spadaro is great with special teams, “Simon said. “He has done a great job working with them throughout the summer. We should be pretty good in the kicking game. Our special teams should be better.” Looking back at the 2014 campaign, Simon is a disappointed and he and the players have been working since last November to make sure an early playoff exit does not occur in 2015. “We had a letdown. I can't pinpoint exactly whether it was the coaches lightened up, or the play-
ers, but it was a disappointing loss,” Simon said. “We came back (against Ravenswood) did a decent job in the second half, but it hurt. I thought about it a lot in the offseason. “It's not what you get in the playoffs for, to go out in the first round. Hopefully we learned some lessons from it and it'll help us going into the regular season.” Bluefield has only a nine-game schedule this season but it is a tough one. Four of the nine teams are Class AAA, including Woodrow Wilson, who hasn’t played the Beavers since 2004. The schools were once big rivals, playing from the 1920s until the 1990s. The Beavers open the season on Aug. 28 in the Battle of the Bluefields against Graham at Mitchell Stadium.
File photo
Carlos Reed
Aug. 28 Gate City Sept. 4 Union Sept. 11 Graham Sept. 18 Wise Central Sept. 25 Virginia High Oct. 2Bluefield Oct. 9Tazewell Oct. 16 Grundy Oct. 23 Abingdon Oct. 30 Lebanon
H A H A H A A H H A
7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
The Blue Tornado
Bluefield 58 wins, Princeton 26 wins, 2 ties 1925: Bluefield 1926: Tie 1927: Princeton 1928: Bluefield 1929: Princeton 1930: Bluefield 1931: Bluefield 1932: Princeton 1933: Princeton 1934: Princeton 1935: Princeton 1936: No game 1937: Bluefield *1937: Princeton 1938: Bluefield 1939: Bluefield 1940: Bluefield 1941: Bluefield 1942: Princeton 1943: Princeton 1944: Bluefield 1945: Tie 1946: Bluefield
2015 Richlands Football Schedule
State championship hopes alive at Richlands By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph RICHLANDS, Va. — As far as Greg Mance is concerned, the Richlands football team that lost in the 2A state semifinals in overtime last season was an “average” football team. “If you go in our locker room, we have a sign in there that says the ‘Great’, which is (state champ) Glenvar, and then we have the
‘Good’, which is Wilson Memorial, they were runner-up at state,” Mance said. “The ‘Average’ was Richlands so we are average, we have got to take our average up to great. “We looked at that board every day before we lifted weights this winter, this spring and this summer. It is still up there.” Mance, who is in his 19th season as head coach at Richlands, couldn’t say enough good things about his football team. It starts
with his defense. “We are real excited about this bunch,” Mance said. “We have nine starters back on defense from last year that got beat in the final four in overtime. We have a lot of kids coming back, we have got experience, we have size, we have got athletic ability.” Mance “really likes” his front seven, and should, with all of them back from last year, led talented linebackers Bryce Wade, who was an all-state performer last season,
along with Canaan Addison. Danny Anderson and Kevin Alley are three-year starters at tackle, while Tyler Cordle and Landon Lowe have size and experience on the ends. Add unsung nose guard Austin Holmes, and that could be a stingy unit. A pair of transfers, Nick Blankenship and Cody Howie, will be in a secondary that lost allstate performer Zeke Vance to
Blue Tornado, 41
No. Name Pos. 1 Bryce Farris WR/DB 2 Luke Phillips WR/DB 3 Austin Atkinson WR/DB 4 Matt Harris WR/DB 5 Chace Collins WR/DB 6 Brandon Waldron RB/DB 7 John-Luke Asbury QB 8 Landon Lowe TE/DE 9 Trey Brown QB 11 Cody Howie WR/DB 12 Cody Fuller WR/DB 13 Race Moir QB/WR 14 Nick Blankenship RB/DB 15 Scottie Ball WR/DB 16 Dakota Johnson DB 17 Daniel Brown WR/DB 21 Will Moir K/P 23 Matt Perry WR/DB 24 Dillan Elswick RB/LB 27 Bryce Wade TE/LB 30 Nick Barrett K/P 31 Jakob Cole WR/DB 33 Hagen Brown WR/DB 34 James White RB/LB 37 Dylan Adkins WR/DB 40 Jacob Reynolds WR/DB 42 Cayden Lowe RB/DB 44 Seth Johnson RB/LB 51 Kevin Alley OL/DL 52 Canaan Addison OL/LB 54 Greg Griffith RB/LB 55 Richard Compton OL/DE 56 Austin Holmes OL/DE 58 Logan McGlothlin OL/DE 59 Jason Medley OL/DL 60 Zack Moore OL/DL 61 Kaleb Begley OL/DL 63 Thomas Wimmer OL/DL 64 Cody Helton OL/DL 65 Andrew Hicks OL/DL 66 Hunter Ball OL/DL 67 Brandon Harrison OL/DL 68 Cameron Davis OL/DL 70 Neil Carini OL/DL 71 Aaron Doud OL/DL 72 Danny Anderson OL/DL 75 Landon Mance OL/DL 78 Jacob Helmandollar OL/DL 80 Tyler Cordle TE/DE 81 Stephen Mullins WR/LB 85 Michael Brown WR/DB 87 Cody White WR/DB
Ht. 6’2 6’4 5’10 5’10 5’8 5’10 6’1 6’3 5’10 6’4 5’10 6’0 5’10 6’2 5’9 5’10 5’11 5’1 5’9 5’10 5’10 6’3 5’9 5’8 6’3 5’6 5’9 5’10 6’0 6’0 5’10 6’3 5’10 6’4 5’11 5’8 5’10 6’2 5’10 6’1 5’11 5’8 5’10 6’1 6’0 6’1 6’2 5’9 6’4 6’2 5’9 5’9
Wt. 165 190 180 155 155 210 180 260 170 195 165 170 190 180 165 150 160 162 185 215 175 160 145 150 205 140 160 150 250 215 200 215 215 195 250 240 205 230 210 240 210 185 165 240 210 270 275 235 205 170 155 150
Yr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.
10 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 39
PRINCETON TIGERS
2015 Princeton Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Shady Spring Sep. 4 Bluefield Sep. 11 Martinsburg Sep. 18 Lincoln County Sep. 25 Buckhannon-Upshur Oct. 2 Liberty Raleigh Oct. 16 James Monroe Oct. 23 Wheeling Park Oct. 30 Greenbrier East Nov. 6 Point Pleasant
H H H A A A A H A H
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Tigers
Eddy brings positive outlook to Princeton By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph PRINCETON — Wes Eddy could be called the Frasier Crane of high school football. At least at Princeton. “It is not Xs and Os, it is not anything like that, it is so much mental prep and getting kids to do the right things out here, that is what it is about,” said Eddy, who replaced Randy Peek after the Tigers’ 4-6 season in 2014. “It is not Mouse Davis coming in and putting in the run-and-shoot as the answer. “It was actually Frasier Crane, the psychologist, coming in and
getting that mentality and behavior pattern that is conducive to winning football. That is what it was.” Princeton, which is no longer in the Mountain State Athletic Conference, has a revamped schedule, which begins with Shady Spring on Aug. 28, and continues with home games against powerhouse clubs Bluefield and Martinsburg. “We only have one game on the schedule right now and that is Shady Spring,” Eddy said. “We are not talking about Bluefield, Martinsburg or (Wheeling) Park or Point Pleasant, we are not talking about them.
“We are talking about Shady and we are talking about prepping for that.” Gone from Princeton, in addition to Peek, is all-everything signalcaller Jay Palmer, who is currently listed as a freshman running back at the University of Richmond. “They know he was an outstanding playmaker, but they really haven’t mentioned him,” Eddy said. “They are not living in the past at all, they are all looking forward to the future and moving forward.” There are several seniors available for the Tigers, including the starting backfield of speedy
Jordan Jones and Kevin Phillips. Zack Standifur returns at fullback. Look contributions as well from Je’nye Hearn, Jaden Thorne, William Nelson, Josh Craighead and Bryant Godsey. Christian Shafer and Jared Hamm was competing to replace Palmer at quarterback. Cole Cochran and Tyler Whitt are receivers, while Mohammed Abdelwahed will be spelled at tight end by Bryan Lyons, Tim Parks and Cochran. Princeton has been a groundoriented for much of its recent history, but Eddy is looking to change that perception. “We have got to get 60 (run) / 40
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 1 Cole Cochran WR/DE 6’3 175 Jr. 2 Cameron Shumate WR/CB 5’5 135 Fr. 3 Christian Shafer QB/LB 6’3 200 Jr. 6 Kevin Phillips RB/S 6’1 180 Sr. 7 Jacob Whittington K 6’0 150 Sr. 8 Jared Hamm QB/S 5’11 150 Jr. 10 Robbie Lambert K/P 5’10 155 Sr. 11 Je’nye Hearn RB/CB 5’6 150 Jr. 12 Logan Watkins WR/CB 6’0 175 Sr. 12* Khayman York QB/CB 5’8 160 Fr. 15 B.J. Pedigo WR/CB 5’8 145 So. 19 Tyler Whitt WR/CB 5’10 155 Sr. 20 Justin Akers RB/CB 5’6 140 Fr. 21 Alec Winfree RB/CB 5’7 160 Fr. 22 Jordan Jones RB/FS 5’11 190 Sr. 23 William Nelson FB/LB 5’10 180 Sr. 26 Evan Thompson OL/DL 5’8 195 Fr. 28 Jacob Holston FB/LB 6’0 180 Fr. 30 Bryant Godsey FB/DL 5’10 225 Sr. 32 Chase Carty WR/CB 5’10 150 So. 34 Jayden Hearn FB/S 5’5 150 Fr. 35 Joseph Barton WR/S 6’9 160 Fr. 40 Nick Debusk WR/CB 5’6 145 So. 42 Tanner Lockhart WR/DE 6’2 155 So. 44 Zach Standifur FB/LB 6’0 190 Jr. 48 Josh Craighead FB/SS 5’10 175 Sr. 50 Isaiah Edwards OL/DL 6’1 250 Sr. 52 Nick Mason OL/LB 5’10 195 Jr. 54 Tanner Cline OL/DL 6’0 250 So. 55 Garrison Hartwell OL/DL 6’5 290 Jr. 56 Kenny Perkins OL/DL 5’10 240 So. 58 Brad Howard OL/DL 5’7 195 Jr. 65 Clayton Rickman OL/DL 5’10 265 Sr. 66 James Thompson OL/DL 5’9 170 Fr. 67 Vaughn Thacker OL/DL 6’1 225 So. 70 Jakeb Lilly OL/DL 5’10 210 Fr. 75 Houston Coburn OL/DL 5’11 180 Sr. 76 Justin King OL/DL 5’10 240 Sr. 77 Ricky Sawyers OL/DL 6’5 280 So. 78 Andrew Perkins OL/DL 5’11 200 So. 80 Heath Robinette TE/DL 6’0 235 Sr. 81 Chiron Cannady WR/S 5’9 145 Fr. 82 Jaden Thorne RB/CB 5’10 175 Sr. 84 Bryan Lyons TE/DL 6’2 230 Sr. 85 Tim Parks TE/DL 6’1 225 Sr. 88Mohammad AbdelwahedTE/LB 5’9 215 Jr. n/r Alex King OL/DL 5’8 195 Fr. n/r Treylen Whittaker OL/DL 5’9 215 Jr. n/r B.J. Jarvis TE/LB 5’9 150 So.
College football invading on football Friday nights By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — Friday nights in the fall have long been reserved for high school football. That seems to be changing, and that's not a good thing. Bland County will travel to Narrows on Thursday, Oct. 8, this season instead of the usual Friday, in what is always one of the better small school games of the season. The reason? Virginia Tech is playing North Carolina State the following night, which is a Friday, in Blacksburg. Yep, Lane Stadium will be hopping on a Friday night, and ESPN is your culprit. That is far from the only change. Giles will travel to Glenvar in what will be a matchup between the last two 2A state champions on Saturday instead of Friday. Blacksburg, which is now coached by Richlands graduate Thad Wells, will host perennial power Salem on Thursday of that same week.
They have to do it to allow their fans to not only see their high school team, but also travel to Virginia Tech to see their beloved Hokies, or at least watch them on TV. What about those schools that don't tweak their schedules, which means they're in direction competition with Virginia Tech football. As Giles head coach Jeff Williams texted me, "It's all about the money." They're not the only ones. High schools in the Huntington area might have to do the same to their schedules, with Marshall slated to host Southern Mississippi on the very same Friday night on something called CBS Sports Network. I can save you the trouble, Marshall wins by 30. Yep, Virginia Tech and Marshall are playing on the same Friday night at home. Boo to them. It doesn't stop there, or even begin there. Virginia will host Boise State on Sept. 25, also a Friday night. This
(pass),” he said. “We have got to get to a point where we are not predictable.”
Princeton, 40
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Giles at Glenvar, Saturday night, Oct. 10... Brett Whitlow of Giles runs for yards during the Spartans’ victory over Narrows last season. Giles has moved its game on Oct. 9 with defending state champion Glenvar to Saturday avoid conflict with Virginia Tech playing on a Friday night. Whitlow is now playing at East Tennessee State.
is nothing new for the Broncos. Six of their 12 games are on the same night that used to be reserved for high school football. It is new for Virginia, at least prior to Thanksgiving weekend, and let's hope it stops at one. Marshall will also play another Friday game on Nov. 27, but at least most high schools will be finished before the Herd visits Western Kentucky for what could decide the Conference USA East Division title. Schools have long spoke about the exposure (specifically cash) that playing on other nights besides Saturday will provide. Virginia Tech made its surge to national prominence on Thursdays, but are Fridays really necessary, especially for the ACC? The ACC is a Power-5 conference, they shouldn't need to infringe on Friday nights, but they are far from the only leagues doing it. Division I college football schedules are littered with Friday night games this season, especially among the non-Power 5 conference schools and less relevant Power-5 schools that probably do need a little attention. Football fans barely know a school like Marshall is even playing on a Saturday at times so some of those schools do need a change. Just pick a night other than Friday. The Mid-American Conference has a slew of games being played on Tuesday and Wednesday. Let's give them some competition. Check this out. Ohio from the MAC will play its final three games on Tuesday, and will play its previous contest on a Wednesday. Northern Illinois is better than many Power-5 schools, but the Huskies will play its final four games, in order, on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Wednesday and Tuesday. How about Kent State? The Golden Flashes will play on a different night in each of their final four games, but none will be on Saturday. How about a Thursday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday end to the season. Someone is putting these games on television because apparently America can't get enough of college football. That is why the number of bowl games just keeps growing. There is a point when it needs to stop. Look what happened to baseball. A game of the week became every game on every night, and now fewer people are
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Green Wave vs. Bears, Thursday, Oct. 8...
Narrows quarterback Jackson Blankenship, who signed with Bluefield College after last season, throws a pass against Giles last year. Narrows has moved its annual game with Bland County to a Thursday because Virginia Tech will playing on the following night, which is a Friday. even bothering to watch any games. While some schools might have good reason to play on a Friday, but why does Michigan State, Southern California, Stanford, Washington, Florida State, Miami, Virginia Tech and so many other big name schools have to infringe on Friday nights in the season ahead? Do they really need more exposure? We know they always need (want) more cash. High school football already struggles to draw fans in many towns, and especially in this region. The Bluefield and Graham game will get all the hype, draw 10,000 or so fans to Mitchell Stadium for the first game of the season. Where are all those fans the rest of the year? Must be watching Friday night college football because the large majority of them won't be at a high school game. Call me old-fashioned if you must, but college football has its Saturday. True, there are so many games that it is easy to get lost which is why many schools are switching to other days of the week. Thursday makes perfect sense. A Friday late in the season, during
Thanksgiving weekend works just fine. But, not this early in the season: Florida State plays at Boston College on a Friday on Sept. 18. Michigan State opens the season at Western Michigan on a Friday, and Utah State will visit Utah for bragging rights on Sept. 11. Why must USC travel to Colorado or Stanford visit Oregon State on a Friday? There are 12 non-Thanksgiving Friday games involving teams from the American Athletic Conference. A trend usually becomes the norm, and that is what is going to eventually happen. College football will take over Friday nights because of the allure of TV (and cash), and high school football will pay the price. How many Virginia Tech fans in this area will pass up either going to Blacksburg or watching their Hokies on television to watch a high school game? Not many. High schools will then have to settle for whatever fans they can get, or begin to play on other nights of the week. It's a decision they shouldn't have to make. Boo on college football. Stay away from Friday nights.
38 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 11
Checking out the best college games of the season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — Every football team has a schedule. Some are better (or worst) than others. Too many schedules are rated on what teams did the year before. If you go by that logic, then Marshall has the worst slate in all of Division I college football. In reality, that might be the truth. The Herd definitely trails, Virginia, West Virginia and Virginia Tech — in that order — in terms of difficulty of schedule for the upcoming season among the regional NCAA Division I schools. Bluefield might actually face a most difficult slate than Concord among the local schools if you just look at the conferences. The MidSouth is the among the best in the NAIA, while the Mountain East is still building its brand. The schedules of the six regional teams come in different categories. Virginia could be playing to save Mike London's job, but the schedule maker did him no favors. Good luck being better than 1-3 in September, and it only gets worst with a rugged ACC road schedule. West Virginia's non-conference slate isn’t easy either, not with rival Maryland on there, and the Mountaineers had better not overlook Georgia Southern. They also have to travel to Big 12 favorites, Texas Christian and Baylor in consecutive weeks, and a visit to Oklahoma awaits two weeks later. Virginia Tech has a schedule that should give the Hokies a chance to get back to double digit wins. There is no Clemson or Florida State from the West, and get Duke, Pittsburgh and North Carolina at home. A visit to Georgia Tech could tell the tale of their ACC title hopes. Marshall faces the same situation it had last season. All those wins will pile up, and the Herd will get no respect. They do bring a Big 10 foe into Huntington, but the Boilermakers might be the worst team in that league. Only a season ending Friday night trip to Western Kentucky could stand in the Herd's way of another Conference USA title. Concord was able to get past Shepherd last season, and advanced all the way to the Division II national semifinals. They'll be the hunted this year. The Mountain Lions have received plenty of preseason attention, having been picked fifth nationally by The Sporting News and seventh by Lindy's.
AP file photo
Coming to Blacksburg... Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, left, and Ezekiel Elliott celebrate after they defeated Oregon 42-20 in the national championship game in January. The Buckeyes will open the season on Labor Day night at Virginia Tech Bluefield won three games last season, but improving on that total won't be easy in the MidSouth Conference, which might be the best league in the NAIA ranks. The Rams also lost their expected starting quarterback (at least until midseason) in spring practice, and one of their better defensive players for the season in the spring game. •Here is a look at the top 25 college football games this season involving local and regional clubs. 1. Ohio State at Virginia Tech (Sept. 7): Labor Day night in Lane Stadium. Ohio State had to listen all last season how embarrassing their loss was to the Hokies, but the Buckeyes still won it all. Virginia Tech heard the same insults, and the Hokies aren't used to be a punchline. 2. West Virginia at Texas Christian (Oct. 29): TCU is a popular pick to reach the CFP this season. This should be an entertaining Thursday night. These teams have played the last three seasons, with TCU winning twice by one point each, while the Mountaineers survived by a field goal in 2013. 3. West Virginia at Baylor (Oct. 17): The Bears are expected to challenge TCU for the Big 12 championship, and the Mountaineers have to face both of them on the road in consecutive weeks. Baylor's lone regular season loss to West Virginia last year may have cost them a playoff spot. 4. Shepherd at Concord (Oct. 24): Shepherd has long been the dominant program, both in the WVIAC and in the youthful Mountain East Conference. Concord took over that position last season, and a win here could
be the difference in another MEC crown. 5. Marshall at Western Kentucky (Nov. 27): If you like offense, this is your game. It was last year, with the Hilltoppers costing the Herd an undefeated season with a 67-66 win in Huntington. The winner of this one could be playing in the Conference USA championship game. 6. Point at Bluefield (Sept. 5): This could be Bluefield's first home win at Mitchell Stadium since 1941. The Rams did get in the win column three times last season, but still haven't won on friendly turf since the program was disbanded at the onset of World War II. Point was 1-9 last season. 7. Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech (Nov. 12): A Thursday night in Georgia. A pair of Techs could meet with the ACC Coastal Division lead at stake. The Yellow Jackets are the popular choice to defend its title, but the Hokies could be a darkhorse if answers can be found on offense. 8. Notre Dame at Virginia (Sept. 12): The hallowed Fighting Irish in Charlottesville, one week after the Cavaliers have to visit UCLA. Notre Dame is a darkhorse to compete for a national playoff spot, while the Cavaliers will probably be facing an 0-2 start to the season. 9. Concord at Charleston (Oct. 1): Shepherd isn't the only team that should concern the Mountain Lions. Not only is this a Mountain East game on Thursday night, but the last three games between these clubs has been decided by 13 points, with Concord winning the last two.
10. Virginia Tech at Virginia (Nov. 28): How long has it been since Virginia won the Commonwealth Cup? Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller was in his final season with the Cavaliers. Ouch. Virginia Tech has won 11 straight, with the last three being by a combined 17 points. 11. West Virginia at Oklahoma (Oct. 3): The Big 12 opener does West Virginia no favors. Just check out the Mountaineers' four game stretch that begins with this one. Oklahoma has underachieved in recent seasons, but this could begin the Dana Holgorsen hot seat watch. 12. Boise State at Virginia (Sept. 26): If Virginia must play on a Friday night, make it worth it. The Broncos are giant killers, but they still must really need the exposure, six of their 12 games this season are being play on Friday nights. A must win for Virginia bowl hopes, or a 1-3 start looms. 13. Oklahoma State at West Virginia (Oct. 10): This might be a must win for West Virginia, which plays three of its first four Big 12 teams against the projected best teams in the league, and all on the road. Dana Holgorsen's Mountaineers have defeated his former team the last two seasons. 14. The Apprentice School at Bluefield (Oct. 24): Not only could this be the opportunity for that first home win if the Rams are not successful with Point, Bluefield's next five opponents before this one all had winning records last season. Four of them finished in the NAIA's Top 15. 15. Purdue at Marshall (Sept. 6): OK, at least Marshall can claim a "Power 5" team on their schedule this season, but the Purdue is expected to be the worst team in the Big 10. The Boilermakers will be the first Big 10 team to visit Huntington. Marshall must shine in a rare Sunday kickoff. 16. Virginia at UCLA (Sept. 5): This probably should be higher, but the Cavaliers schedule is just plain brutal. Virginia only lost 2820 last year against the Bruins in Charlottesville, and UCLA is replacing Brett Hundley at quarterback. Still, it won't be easy for the Cavaliers to win this one. 17. North Carolina at Virginia Tech (Nov. 21): Opinions differ on what to expect from the Tar Heels, but the same goes for the Hokies, and just about every other team in the Coastal Division. Virginia Tech is on the road in three of its final four games so they can't afford to lose this one.
18. Texas at West Virginia (Nov. 14): After a brutal start to the Big 12 schedule, the Mountaineers will be favored in at least three of their five final games. This isn't one of those. Charlie Strong is turning the Longhorns around, and he was able to win in Morgantown while at Louisville. 19. Duke at Virginia Tech (Oct. 24): Duke is no longer a pushover. Virginia Tech lost to the Blue Devils at home by three points in 2013, and the Hokies won by one point last year in Durham. Virginia Tech will play four of its final six games on the road, and five against Coastal Division clubs. 20. Marshall at Middle Tennessee (Nov. 7): It isn't that easy to find difficult games for the Thundering Herd. This could be one. The Blue Raiders beat Marshall by two in 2013 in Murfreesboro. Devon Johnson could have fun, MTSU was 108th in the nation last season in rushing yards per game. 21. West Virginia at Kansas State (Dec. 5): While everyone else is playing championship games, the Big 12 will be finishing its regular season. How did that work out last season? The Big 12 has to fix that, or last year could become the norm in the future. Where have the 'Eers heard that before? 22. Bluefield at Union (Nov. 7): Bluefield has to visit Union for a second straight season. The Rams ran all over the Bulldogs last season, scoring 68 points behind a solid running game, but they also gave up 56. The Rams play five of its final six games at home. This is the lone exception. 23. N.C. State at Virginia Tech (Oct. 9): A dreaded Friday night game, the Hokies will avoid the top three teams in the Atlantic Division this season, with the Wolfpack expected to be in the middle of the pack. Virginia Tech will play four of its next six games on the road. 24. Concord at West Liberty (Sept. 5): A road game to start the season. Expectations are possibly the highest in program history. This is a close call over a trip to Notre Dame later in the season, a possible trap game the week before the a visit to Shepherd. 25. Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech (Oct. 3): The ACC opener is also at Lane Stadium for the Hokies. Pat Narduzzi has taken over at Pittsburgh, and the Panthers have won two of the last three meetings against Virginia Tech. A short turnaround follows with a Friday night date with N.C. State.
PIKEVIEW PANTHERS
2015 PikeView Football Schedule Aug. 28 Summers County Sept. 4 Independence Sept. 11 Liberty Raleigh Sept. 18 James Monroe Sept. 25 Shady Spring Oct. 2 Midland Trail Oct. 9 Wyoming East Oct. 16 River View Oct. 23 Mount View Oct. 30 Nicholas County
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The Panthers
Panthers getting defensive in search of success By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph GARDNER — It’s been defense first in the PikeView Panthers’ preseason checklist. “I told my coaches, we have to find people that can play defense,” said Bobby Wyatt, starting his 31st year as a head football coach. The Panthers will primarily be in a 4-4 defensive set, but Wyatt said, “You’ve got to be able to
change that. That’s why we wanted to start defense early, to teach them all the techniques, teach them where they could possibly be.” On both defense and offense, Wyatt said, “The strength of our football program is our front line. If we can control both sides of the line of scrimmage, then we should have some chances to win some football games – as long as we stay healthy.”
Senior Ethan Donley, after hard work in the weight room, is assured of a defensive end role. As for the rest of the line, the coaches “are real high on” freshman Zach Shorter, Wyatt reported.. Younger linemen who already have game experience include defensive tackle Trey White, Matt Damewood and Dakota Mullins. Freshmen Logan Price and Jordan Vaught could also see
time. Senior Kevin Hubbard is a lineman who did not play the last two falls. “He’s a big ol’ boy,” the coach said. “If we can get him going, I think he can help us out a little bit.” The linebacking corps lacks veteran depth besides junior Nick Shrewsbury. Senior Ethan Smith is moving off the line to play outside ’backer. Junior Ty Hoston and sophomore Hunter
No. Name Pos. 2 Levi Nash QB 5 Hunter Mitchelson B 7 Joe Jennings B 10 Ty Hoston B 11 Michalen Chapel B 12 Jerrett Ellison QB 20 Christian Phillips E 22 Nick Shrewsbury B 23 Zach Powell QB 27 Marcus Phillips E 30 Michael McGrady E 32 Jacob Honaker B 33 Matt Johnston E 44 Evan Rose B 45 Devyn Burley E 50 Ethan Donley G 51 Dakota Mullins C 52/25 Ethan Smith G 53 Jacob Hutchinson G 54 Caleb Lucas G 55 Zack Shorter C 56 Logan Ballengee T 57 Logan Price C 58 Matthew Carter G 61 Jacob Reedy G 62 Matt Damewood T 64 Vernon Stapleton G 69 Jordan Vaught G 72 Trey White T 76 Hudson Shrewsbury T 81 Tyler Masters E 82 Alec White K 88 Kevin Hubbard TE
Ht. 5’11 5’10 5’7 6’0 5’8 5’11 5’8 5’8 5’0 5’8 5’10 5’7 5’9 5’7 5’9 6’0 6’0 5’11 5’9 6’3 5’9 6’1 6’2 5’7 6’1 6’1 5’7 6’2 6’1 6’0 5’11 5’10 6’3
Wt. 170 165 175 180 140 135 125 185 105 145 153 150 135 150 145 245 205 190 205 210 225 215 215 170 215 250 180 225 230 205 150 130 255
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
Yr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.
Mitchelson are strong possibilities, and freshman Brendan Anderson is in the mix. Multi-talented Levi Nash established himself at safety toward the end of last season. Competing for starts at cornerback was a fiveman pool – Evan Rose, Joe Jennings, Marcus Phillips, Mick Chappell and freshman Jared
PikeView, 43
12 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 37
MOUNT VIEW GOLDEN KNIGHTS
2015 Mount View Football Schedule
Aug. 27 River View Sep. 4 Man Sep. 11 Independence Sep. 18 Liberty Raleigh Oct. 2 Chapmanville Oct. 9 Meadow Bridge Oct. 16 Wyoming East Oct. 23 PikeView Oct. 30 Westside Nov. 6 Summers County
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The Golden Knights
Thompson focused on ‘new’ for Golden Knights By BOB REDD Bluefield Daily Telegraph WELCH — It's a new look for The View. Second year head coach Larry Thompson is going back to the future at Mount View High School this fall, bringing back the white helmets with the “MV” logo and instilling a sense of pride and history into a once proud program that has fallen on hard times in recent years. “Last year I kind of got thrown into the fire and everything was discombobulated.,” Thompson said. “This year we had a nice offseason, the kids really dedicated themselves to the weight room, they started to buy into the program and everything from there
has been going up. “We're excited for this year. We're trying to do everything new this year, a new outlook, a new mindset with the same scheme as last year, just trying to add on to it.” That scheme Thompson refers to is an up-tempo offense, a modified spread that utilizes Mount View's speed and power. “We have a plethora of backs. We also have a little power as well. We have a plethora of receivers so we like to mix it up,” Thompson said. “I feel like the strongest aspect of our team this year will be our running game. We have two veteran receivers and some depth behind those guys. We can call it a smash mouth team with a little bit of spread concept in there.”
The quarterback position will be manned by either Steven Brown or Elijah Collier. Running backs will be Joseph Hayes and Elijah Barner, while the wideouts are Marquis Bonds and Jaquane Imes. Chris Muncy is the tight end. Others who will see action at wide receivers are Shemar Hairston, Dakotah Waldron, Josh Witchem and Andrew Frazier. Along the line freshman Mark Horn will be the center with Montay Bailey and Micah McLaughlin at guard. The tackles will be Mel Scott and Deon Diggs. Defensively the Golden Knights are going to throw different looks at the opposition. “I've had all summer to look at film and we're going to mix it up a little bit,” Thompson said. “I love
Good Luck To All Area Football Teams!
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blitzing with the backers I've got. They're huge and athletic. The defensive ends are tall, real long and physical, so I love that 4-4 front. When we play a power team I'll throw a nose guard in there and we'll go to a 5-3 look. I'm going to put a lot of pressure on my cornerbacks this year. “I am an SEC guy, so I like playing hard-nose football, pressing the edge and sending guys up the gut all day long. If they can stop us and beat us over the top, that's the risk you take when you blitz. If not, it's going to work out in our favor.” Running down the defense, the ends are Muncy and Imes with freshman Ty Powell vying for time. Inside on the front will be Tariq Carr and Diggs while the
No. Name 1 Quavon Valentine 2 Shemar Hairston 3 Elijah Collier 4 Jaquane Imes 5 Quis Bonds 6 Steven Brown 7 Treyvon Richardson 8 Dakotah Waldron 9 Terry Headen 9 Darrick Scott 10 Andrew Frazier 11 Chris Muncy 12 Anthony Hall 15 Aaric Gross 17 David Helm 20 Tyler Rotenberry 21 Ryan McGinnis 22 Sidney George 23 Jojo Hayes 25 Jordan Franklin 28 Demicko King 30 Elijah Barner 35 Mickey Hearns 42 Aaron Pendry 45 Kamal Collins 50 Montay Bailey 51 Fred Minco 55 Micah McLaughlin 58 Drew Andrigo 60 Deon Diggs 63 Tariq Carr 65 Mark Horn 66 Mikey Spencer 73 Austin Goins 74 Mel Scott 76 Jordan Mitchem 78 Ty Powell 81 Malik Cowan 83 Deandre Legget 88 Michael McNeely 89 Justin Lanier 90 Josh Mitchem
Pos. LB/FB RB/CB QB WR/DE WR/DE QB/DE RB/CB WR/CB WR/LB WR/CB WR/FS TE/DE QB/CB TE/DE WR/CB WR/FS WR/CB WR/CB RB/FS WR/FS RB/LB FB/LB FB/DE WR/CB FB/LB OG/LB OT/DT OT/DT OG/DT OT/DL OG/DT C/DT OT/DT OL/DT OT/DT OG/DT OT/DT TE/CB CB/WR WR/CB TE/DE TE/LB
Yr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. So. So.
outside linebackers will be Ryan Thompson and Quavon Valentine. Inside will be Barner and Bailey. Treyvon Richardson and Sidney George are the corners while the safety is Hayes.
Knights, 44
The must-see high school games of the season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — High school football has arrived. Seventeen of the 19 schools in the region will be playing 10 games apiece, while Bluefield and Twin Valley will get in nine each. That is 188 games before the postseason arrives. Of course, many of those will involve local teams facing off with each other, but you get the point. There are plenty of games ahead. Some are better than others. Here is a small sampling of the best games awaiting in the 2015 season. Let's start with a different game than what normally appears in this top spot. 1. Richlands at Bluefield (Oct. 2): Why not. With the possible exception on Giles, these have been the top two programs in the region for the past decade. Richlands' win over the Beavers last season spurred the Blue Tornado to an overtime loss away from the 2A state championship game. 2. Graham at Bluefield (Aug. 28): This is still a great rivalry, but it has lost its luster in recent years because of the struggles experienced by the G-Men. New Graham coach Tony Palmer, who has been around this series his entire life, is working toward bringing it back to what it once was. 3. Richlands at Union (Sept. 4): These clubs have split four meetings in thrilling contests decided by a combined 11 points. Union won the last two in dramatic fashion, rallying for 22 points in the fourth quarter last year, and a pick-six in the final minute led to another shocker in 2013. 4. Giles at Glenvar (Oct. 10: The last two 2A state champions meet on a Saturday night, thanks to Virginia Tech playing on the previous night. Giles soundly defeated the Highlanders in the regular season last year, and then got whipped 35-0 in the postseason to snap a 27-game win streak. 5. Bluefield at Princeton (Sept. 4): Welcome new Princeton coach Wes Eddy to one of the area's most competitive rivalries. Hunnicutt Stadium is usually full when the Beavers play there, and it always seems to be close, no matter the struggles the Tigers might have later in the season. 6. Gate City at Richlands (Aug. 28): Not a bad way to start the sea-
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87th meeting awaits... The Bluefield and Princeton football rivalry was first played in 1925. The Beavers lead the series 58-26-2. Those clubs will meet on Sept. 4 at Hunnicutt Stadium in Princeton. son at Ernie Hicks. Two of the better programs in Virginia will meet in what is always a close, competitive game. They met twice last season, with the Blues winning when it counted most in the 2A state quarterfinals. 7. Wayne at Bluefield (Nov. 6): This could easily be much higher. Bluefield hasn't been to Wheeling since 2009, and the Pioneers have lost in the Class AA state finals the last two seasons. Bluefield defeated Wayne in the season finale last year, and then lost its opening playoff game. 8. River View at Mount View (Aug. 28): Larry Thompson enters his second season with the Golden Knights, who have now lost 16 straight games dating back to 2013. River View has never lost to their McDowell neighbors, but lost two key transfers to Bluefield and Richlands. 9. Bluefield at Woodrow Wilson (Sept. 11): This matchup was created when Princeton left the MSAC, and won't be able to play the Flying Eagles for a while. That is good news for area fans, in what could become one of the better rivalries in the region over time. 10. Bland County at Narrows
(Oct. 8): A salute to the small schools. Dropping enrollment has made winning games difficult when the Mountain Empire District schedule begins, but both teams see this as a chance to shine. Another Thursday night game thanks to the Hokies. 11. George Wythe at Honaker (Oct. 2): Two of the better Division I teams in Virginia, the Maroons defeated the Tigers in the 2012 title game, and the Tigers knocked off George Wythe in the quarterfinals last season. With Haysi no longer on the schedule, this will be the Tigers' marquee game. 12. James Monroe at PikeView (Sept. 18): Name the sport and these schools have become rivals. John Mustain returns for his second season as coach of the Mavericks, while Bobby Wyatt seeks to develop a football culture at a school that is highly competitive in every other sport. 13. Richlands at Tazewell (Oct. 9): Richlands has won every meeting since 2003. Nick Blankenship, a standout for three seasons for the Bulldogs, will be in the other uniform, which should be interesting to watch. At least Tazewell
does finally have stability on the sidelines with Shane Allen. 14. Martinsburg at Princeton (Sept. 11): Princeton goes from hosting Bluefield to welcoming Martinsburg, which won four straight Class AAA state titles before falling short last season. The Tigers had to significantly alter its schedule after the departure from the MSAC. 15. Graham at Richlands (Sept. 11): The third of three straight rivalry games for the G-Men, Graham has lost eight straight to the Blues, who could be the best team in the region this season. Richlands has added a pair of transfers that could definitely make a difference. 16. Narrows at Giles (Sept. 18): OK, this rivalry has lost some of its luster, but it's still a big deal in Giles County. It has been years since Narrows won, but the crowd is large, and fun is had by all. Enrollment declines have hurt the Green Wave, but the Spartans just seem to keep on winning. 17. Tazewell at Graham (Sept. 4): The second of three straight rivalry games for the G-Men. Tazewell had lost seven straight to Graham before last season. Expect this one to be close and possibly come down to the end. Both teams are in rebuilding mode after a few lackluster campaigns. 18. Gate City at Bluefield (Sept. 18): Two tradition-rich programs meet at Mitchell Stadium. Both teams have proud traditions, with Bluefield winning 10 state championships, while Gate City has claimed five. The Beavers have scored 112 points in their last two meetings with the Blue Devils. 19. Galax at Giles (Oct. 2): Galax has always been a thorn for the Spartans, who squeaked past the Maroon Tide in each of the last two seasons. Both teams have athletes playing at Virginia Tech, including Cody Rhodes from Giles, and record-setting Steven Peoples from Galax. 20. Shady Spring at Princeton (Aug. 28): The Wes Eddy era begins with this game between Tigers at Hunnicutt Stadium. With the schedule that awaits, it is imperative that Princeton starts with a win. Shady Spring, which reached the state semis in 2011, is 3-17 over the last two years. 21. Ridgeview at Honaker (Nov. 6): It's not Haysi, but it is as close as it can get. Ridgeview was created out of a consolidation between Haysi and Clintwood. Rick Mullins, who coached the
Greenwave, will do the same for the Wolfpack. James Colley will be Ridgeview's athletic director. 22. Princeton at James Monroe (Oct. 16): Princeton won an entertaining game at Hunnicutt Stadium last season, the final game for then-head coach Randy Peek for the Tigers. Two young teams should be showing improvement by this point in the campaign. 23. Bland County at Montcalm (Oct. 2): The two smallest football playing schools in the region. Both have few numbers, with kids who rarely ever leave the field when the game in taking place. That is fine with them. They do it for the love of the game, and their schools. 24. Wheeling Park at Princeton (Oct. 23): Patience will be needed for Princeton fans. The schedule ahead might be tougher than what they faced in the MSAC. Wheeling Park is 20-5 in the last two seasons. Point Pleasant could have been this spot, they travel to Princeton on Nov. 6. 25. Wise Central at Grundy (Oct. 2): Luke Owens, who played at Grundy, will return to Buchanan County in his second year as head coach at Wise Central. Grundy is looking to rebound from a winless season. Grundy has lost 12 straight games dating back to 2013. This is far from it. Here are 10 more. Abingdon at Richlands: Falcons ended Blues' nine-year run of SWD titles. Blacksburg at Giles: Richlands product Thad Wells is coach of Bruins. Giles at Graham: Giles won 5642 the last time single wing visited Mitchell. Honaker at Lebanon: Russell County braggings rights. Hurley at Twin Valley: Small schools meet with pride on the line. James Monroe at Bluefield: Beavers have recently dominated the Mavs. Mount View at Liberty: Knights' last win came vs. Raiders in 2013. PikeView at River View: Lots of Views for PikeView, Mount View follows. Radford at Giles: Always a Three Rivers District slobberknocker. Wyoming East at Summers County: Always close and competitive. More? There are plenty, but there is only so much room. bwoodson@bdtonline.com /
36 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 13
Just the facts: Area high school football since 2001 By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — Consistency is what every high school football team is striving to attain. It isn't easy to do, but no school has done it better in Four Seasons Country than Richlands, which has won 80.6 percent of its games since 2001. Why 2001? That's as far back as I could go back to find records of all the area teams in the region. While Richlands has the better record over those 14 years, Bluefield has actually won the most state championships over that time. The Beavers have won three, with Giles claiming two and the Blue Tornado winning it all in 2006. Richlands actually played for the state title four times in a six-year span, but managed to be victorious just once. Bluefield is actually third overall in terms of winning percentage, trailing Giles, which has won nearly 78 percent of its games, along with state titles in 2013 and 2005. The Beavers won it all in 2009, '07 and '04. Three other schools have played for state titles, but Honaker, James Monroe and Graham fell short of a championship. Bluefield lost in the finals three times, and Giles fell once in the state finals. Below is a look at how each of the 20 schools in the Daily Telegraph coverage area has fared since 2001. Recall that both Big Creek and Iaeger have ceased to exist, and the same now goes for Haysi. Out of those 20 teams, only eight have had winning records over that span. Three schools have actually won less than 30 percent of their games, with PikeView sitting last, just behind Montcalm in
18th and Twin Valley. The only changes from last season was Graham moving up to seventh, one spot ahead of relative newcomer River View, while Wyoming East passed Princeton to move into the top 10. West Virginia Bluefield: (2014 record: 9-2): Class AA. Head coach: Fred Simon. Last playoff appearance: 2014: lost to Ravenswood, 1st round, 42-41. Record since 2011: 126-46, .733. State championships: 10 (last in 2009). James Monroe (2014 record: 37). Class AA. Head coach: John Mustain. Last playoff appearance: 2009, lost to Ravenswood, 1st round, 24-14. Record since 2001: 103-54, .656. State championships: 0. River View (2014 record: 2-8): Class AA. Head coach: Gehrig Justice. Last playoff appearance: 2012, lost to Bridgeport, 1st round, 54-6. Record since 2010: 29-25 .537. State championships: 0. Wyoming East (2014 record: 74): Class AA. Head coach: Donald Jewell. Last playoff apperance: 2014, lost to Frankfort, 1st round, 39-0. Record since 2001: 62-75, .453. State championships: 0. Princeton (2014 record: 4-6): Class AAA. Head coach: Wes Eddy. Last playoff appearance: 2009, lost to Brooke, 1st round, 3317. Record since 2001: 63-81, .438. State championships: 0. Mount View (2014 record: 0-10): Class AA. Head coach: Larry Thompson. Last playoff appearance: 2006, lost to Grafton, 1st round, 33-14. Record since 2001: 52-94, .356. State championships: 0. Summers County (2014 record: 1-9). Class AA. Head coach: Nathan Tanner. Last playoff appearance, 2013, lost to Ritchie County, 1st round, 24-14. Record since 2001: 51-99, .340. State cham-
Bluefield 65 wins, Graham 22 wins, 2 ties
1911: Bluefield 17-5 1913: Bluefield 6-0 1928: Bluefield 19-0 1929: Bluefield 7-0 1930: Bluefield 31-0 1931: Bluefield 26-6 1932: Bluefield 7-0 1933: Bluefield 13-6 1934: Graham 7-6 1935: Bluefield 21-0 1936: Bluefield 13-2 1937: No game 1938: Graham 6-0 1939: Bluefield 14-0 1940: Bluefield 38-6 1941: Bluefield 7-6 1942: Bluefield 19-0 1943: Bluefield 26-0 1944: Bluefield 25-7 1945: Bluefield 33-0 1946: Bluefield 20-6 1947: Bluefield 31-0 1948: Tie 2-2
1949: Bluefield 30-0 1950: Graham 26-7 1951: Graham 32-6 1952: Bluefield 15-12 1953: Bluefield 31-6 1954: Bluefield 6-0 1955: Bluefield 39-6 1956: Bluefield 13-0 1957: Tie 12-12 1958: Graham 18-7 1959: Bluefield 26-0 1960: Bluefield 20-0 1961: Graham 32-25 1962: Bluefield 22-6 1963: Graham 14-0 1964: Bluefield 40-0 1965: Bluefield 13-0 1966: Bluefield 40-0 1967: Bluefield 13-6 1968: Bluefield 26-0 1969: Bluefield 30-18 1970: Bluefield 28-15 1971: Bluefield 61-0
1972: Bluefield 36-0 1973: Bluefield 36-12 1974: Graham 13-0 1975: Bluefield 48-0 1976: Bluefield 7-0 1977: Bluefield 25-2 1978: Graham 28-8 1979: Graham 33-18 1980: Bluefield 19-7 1981: Graham 10-0 1982: Bluefield 10-7 1983: Bluefield 18-0 1984: Bluefield 21-20 1985: Graham 9-6 1986: Bluefield 10-7 1987: Bluefield 34-0 1988: Bluefield 14-7 1989: Graham 25-0 1990: Graham 17-0 1991: Bluefield 6-4 1992: Bluefield 20-14 1993: Graham 24-14 1994: Bluefield 7-0
1995: Graham 26-20 1996: Bluefield 34-20 1997: Bluefield 19-14 1998: Bluefield 24-0 1999: Bluefield 14-8 2000: Bluefield 17-10 2001: Graham 56-8 2002: Graham 21-14 2003: Bluefield 24-21 2004: Bluefield 48-21 2005: Graham 21-14 *2005: Bluefield 7-0 2006: Graham 26-6 2007: Bluefield 26-12 2008: Graham 25-23 2009: Bluefield 48-7 2010: Bluefield 48-0 2011: Bluefield 51-14 2012: Graham 23-21 2013: Bluefield 60-38 2014: Bluefield 76-48 2005: Aug. 28, at Mitchell Stadium
pionships: 0. Montcalm (2014 record, 2-7): Class A. Head coach: Jimmy Redmond. Last playoff appearance: none since 2001. Record since 2001: 34-101, 252. State championships: 0. PikeView (2014 record, 2-8): Class AA. Head coach: Bobby Wyatt. Last playoff appearance: 2010, lost to Chapmanville, 1st round, 30-14. Record since 2001: 29-114, .203. State championships: 0. Virginia Richlands (2014 record: 10-4): Group 2A West, Southwest District. Head coach: Greg Mance. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Wilson Memorial, 4th round, 13-7 OT. Record since 2001: 145-35, .806. State championships: 2 (last in 2006). Giles (2014 record: 12-1): Group 2A West, Three Rivers District. Head coach: Jeff Williams. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Glenvar, 3rd round, 35-0. Record since 2001: 133-38, .778. State championships: 4 (lost in 2013). *Haysi (2014 record: 11-3): Group 1A West, Black Diamond District. Head coach: James Colley. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Essex, 4th round, 3513. Record since 2001: 115-45, .719. State championships: 0. (school no longer in existence). Honaker (2014 record: 13-1): Group 1A West, Black Diamond District. Head coach: Doug Hubbard. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Altavista, 4th round, 31-7. Record since 2001: 112-50, .691. State championships: 0. Graham (2014 record: 4-7): Group 2A West, Mountain Empire District. Head coach: Tony Palmer. Last playoff apperances: 2014, lost to Gate City, 1st round, 70-0. Record since 2001: 90-72, .556. State championships: 3 (last in 1995).
2014 Prep Standings
Virginia Southwest District Abingdon 4-0 Richlands 3-1 Lebanon 2-2 Tazewell 1-3 Virginia High 0-4 Mountain Empire District Galax 5-0 Fort Chiswell 3-2 Graham 3-2 Grayson County 3-2 Bland County 1-4 Narrows 0-5 Black Diamond District Honaker 4-0 Haysi 3-1 Hurley 2-2 Twin Valley 1-3 Grundy 0-4 Three Rivers District Giles 5-0 Glenvar 4-1
8-3 10-4 6-5 5-6 2-8 8-3 7-4 4-7 3-7 3-7 1-9 13-1 11-3 7-4 6-5 0-10 12-1 14-1
RIVER VIEW RAIDERS
2015 River View Football Schedule
Aug. 27 Mount View Sept. 4 Grundy Sept. 11 Herbert Hoover Sept. 18 Man Sept. 26 (Sat.) Notre Dame Oct. 2 Wyoming East Oct. 9 Montcalm Oct. 16 PikeView Oct. 23 Westside
Nov. 6
James Monroe
A A H A A H H H A
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
A
7:30 p.m.
The Raiders
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Simon says... Bluefield head coach Fred Simon had led the Beavers to a 226114 record in 29 seasons, with four state championships. Grundy (2014 record: 0-10): Group 2A West, Black Diamond District. Head coach: Jeremy Ward. Last playoff apperance: 2012, lost to Fort Chiswelll, 1st round, 44-3. Record since 2001: 7083, .458. State championships: 0. Hurley (2014 record, 7-4): Group 1A West, Black Diamond District: Head coach: Greg Tester. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Radford, 1st round, 42-0. Record since 2001: 65-81, .417. State championships: 0. Narrows (2014 record, 1-9): Group 1A West, Mountain Empire District. Head coach: Kelly Lowe. Last playoff appearance: 2009, lost to Bath County, 1st round, 48-7. Record since 2001: 55-92, .374. State championships: 0.
Tazewell (2014 record, 5-6): Group 2A West, Southwest District. Head coach: Shane Allen. Last playoff apperance: 2014, lost to Union, 1st round, 30-20. Record since 2001: 54-96, .360. State Championships: 1 (1986). Bland County (2014 record, 3-7): Group 1A West, Mountain Empire District. Head coach: Harris Hart. Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost to Bath County, 1st round, 17-13. Record since 2001: 47-94, .333. State championships: 0. Twin Valley (2014 record, 6-5): Group 1A West, Black Diamond District. Head coach: Tommy Crigger. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Galax, 1st round, 52-7. Record since 2001: 33-109, .232. State championships: 0.
Radford Auburn Floyd County Eastern Montgomery
4. Haysi 5. Honaker 6. James Monroe 7. Graham 8. River View 9. Grundy 10. Wyoming East 11. Princeton 12. Hurley 13. Narrows 14. Tazewell 15. Mount View 16. Summers County 17. Bland County 18. Montcalm 19. Twin Valley 20. PikeView
Princeton Bluefield Wyoming East James Monroe PikeView River View Summers County Mount View Montcalm
3-2 2-3 1-4 0-5 ••• West Virginia Class AAA Class AA
Class A
••• Records since 2001 (by winning percentage) Team W-L Pct. 2014 rank 1. Richlands 145-35 .806 2. Giles 133-38 .778 3. Bluefield 126-46 .733
6-5 7-4 2-8 3-7
4-6 10-2 7-4 3-7 2-8 2-8 1-9 0-10 2-7
1 2 3
115-45 .719 4 112-50 .691 5 103-54 .656 92-70 .556 8 29-25 .537 7 70-83 .458 9 62-75 .453 11 63-81 .438 10 65-81 .417 12 55-92 .374 13 54-96 .360 15 52-94 .356 14 51-99 .340 16 47-94 .333 17 34-101 .252 18 33-109 .232 19 29-114 .203 20 ••• State Championships: Bluefield (10): 2009, '07, '04, '97, '84, '75, '67, '65, '62, '60. Giles (4): 2013, '05, '93, '80. Graham (3): 1995, '89, '62. Richlands (2): 2006, '92. Tazewell (1): 1986.
Justice expects Raiders to ‘look like’ Concord By BOB REDD Bluefield Daily Telegraph BRADSHAW — The 2014 River View Raiders struggled on the gridiron, playing to a 2-8 mark, the fewest wins recorded in the school's short history. However, the Raiders look to rebound in 2015 with a less difficult schedule and a lot of weapons. “Our numbers are up. We're up to the low 40s. We had about 50 come out and we're at 43 right now. That's a big plus from last year,” said head coach Gehrig Justice. “Last year, for whatever reason we didn't have that many bodies, may have finished up with 27, 28 kids. It's hard to work when you don't have numbers.” One thing that did not affect the number of players this year, but may in the future was the fact that one of River View's feeder schools, Southside, did not have a program last year. “Our focus as a program is to get Southside back on its feet because right now we're playing double-A with one leg,” Justice said. For the past three years Jordan Wilson has been the focus of the River View offense. Now graduated, the Raiders will have to turn to other weapons. “The first year I took over I said Don Shula, to me is the ideal NFL coach. He always changed his scheme according to the players he had,” said Justice, whose brother, Garin, is the head coach at Concord. “When he had (Larry)
Czonka he ran. When he had (Dan) Marino he threw. “We'll be more under center in two-back sets but again we'll still be up-tempo. We're going to zone block most things. We'll look a little like Concord (University). We'll be in some spread stuff, we'll be in some two-back, use our tight end, our fullback and take advantage of those type of kids versus more of the wide receivers I've had the last two years.” Justice ran down a potential starting offensive lineup that has Chance Stone at quarterback, with Tyree Baker and Nick Bailey as running backs or slot receivers. Along the line Jonathan McCoy is the center with Jim Bob Sparks at a guard spot and Logan Kennedy ( and Clayton Reed (5'10 205 Jr.) at tackles. Others to see action along the line will be Seth Perkins, Dakota Cline, Caleb Elmore and Sam Stamper . The receivers are big as 6-foot-6, 230-pound Jonah Baker and 6-2 Cordel Click will line up wide, with tight ends Justin Riggs and Tyler Cooper battling for playing time. “We'll post them up,” Justice said. We have the biggest wide receivers in the state and we'll post them up and feed the post versus trying to stretch the field.” Slot receivers include Tyree Baker, Nick Bailey, Isom Bailey, Jacob Campbell and Josh Bryant. Baker suffered an injury in the team's first scrimmage game and his status for the season is currently unknown. Defensively, former Hurley head
coach Wayne Hall will serve as coordinator for the Raiders, with plans to line up in a 4-3 formation. Among those look for playing time are Christian Neely, Sparks, and Riggs to rotate at tackle, while Bradley Mullins and Ryan Roberts will come in on passing situations. The defensive ends will be Jonah Baker and Click. McCoy holds down the middle linebacker spot while Reed and Cooper along with Perkins and Elmore will be in the mix on the outside. Tyree Baker and Stone are penciled in at the safety positions while Isom Bailey and Nick Bailey hold down the corners. Kicking is an issue as returning specialist Hunter Crigger injured his knee in the offseason and his status is unknown at present time. Elmore will handle the placements while Josh Walker, a freshman will take on the punting chores. The long snappers are Perkins and Kennedy. Justice is optimistic as the s e a s o n approaches. “I think we can surprise a lot of people this year,” Justice commented. “Our experience is good, the kids
have logged on-field minutes, but not on-field minutes at the positions they are playing.” The schedule remains tough, though there are three powerhouses that are not on this year's slate, Bluefield and Class A powers Bishop Donahue and Buffalo. “Our schedule is no slouch. It is nowhere what it was last year. There is no Murder's Row, but it's competitive,” Justice said. “Bluefield is gone. The truth is in three years playing them we haven't been competitive. It has been 50-something to nothing, to six, to 12, whatever it was. It didn't do Bluefield good and it didn't do us good. Right now we don't need to play that game.” To replace Bluefield, Bishop Donahue and Buffalo the Raiders
No. Player 3 Josh McCoy 4 Josh Walker 6 Dillon Robinette 7 Chance Stone 8 Jacob Campbell 9 Jonah Baker 10 Tyree Baker 12 Josh Bryant 13 Robert Ball 14 Quinten Dawson 15 Nick Bailey 21 Isom Bailey 24 Nicholas Hale 25 Zachary Boothe 28 Bobby Horn 31 Kenneth Parsons 34 Robert Baker 35 Tyler Cooper 40 Bradley Mullins 42 Jacob Collins 44 Ryan Roberts 45 Ryan Johnson 50 Jacob Stiltner 51 Jacob Hicks 52 Seth Perkins 55 Clayton Reed 57 Jonathan McCoy 58 Sam Stamper 60 Creed Morgan 62 Caleb Elmore 66 Dakota Cline 71 Logan Kennedy 72 Dustin Roberts 74 Dalton Akers 75 Jim Bob Sparks 80 Zack Perdue 83 Cordel Click 86 Justin Riggs
Pos. QB/DB QB/DB WR/DB QB/LB WB/DB WR/DL RB/DB WR/DB TE/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB RB/DL RB/DB FB/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL WR/LB TE/DL
Ht. 5’9 5’7 5’8 5’9 5’2 6’6 5’10 5’7 5’6 5’10 5’5 5’10 5’8 5’6 5’4 5’4 5’6 6’1 5’11 5’7 5’9 5’11 5’6 5’7 5’8 5’10 5’7 5’10 5’9 6’ 5’6 5’9 5’7 5’8 5’8 5’6 6’2 6’1
Wt. 163 145 137 192 122 230 190 146 122 160 145 147 121 116 125 143 117 210 183 135 215 217 156 212 190 205 222 282 243 222 227 208 194 213 285 176 210 278
Yr. So. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. So. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr.
have added James Monroe, Montcalm and Grundy, which is a neighboring school across the Virginia border. Additionally the Raiders will take on Westside, Wyoming East and county rival Mount View. The Raiders open the season on Thursday, Aug. 27 with a visit to Welch to take on the Golden Knights of Mount View.
14 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 35
NARROWS GREEN WAVE
2015 Narrows Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Auburn H Sept. 4 Eastern MontgomeryH Sept. 11 Montcalm A Sept. 18 Giles A Sept. 25 Craig County A Oct. 8 (Thurs) Bland County H Oct. 16 Fort Chiswell H Oct. 23 Galax A Oct. 30 Grayson County A Nov. 6 Graham H
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
The Green Wave
No.Name 3 Ian Lowe 4 Landon Neal 5 Ethan Lowe 7 Jordan McKinney 8 Chase Kantsios 9 Dillon Sutler 10 Cam Honaker 11 Mikey McKinney 12 Cole Blaker 14 Ryan Taylor 17 Chase Lawson 18 T.J. Yopp 22 Morgan Welch 24 Austin Evans 30 Jakeb Bowman 33 Bailey Snidow 43 Blaize Hopkins 44 Matthew Mullins 51 Jake Skeens 52 Austin Turner 57 Jake Russ 61 Tyler Riddle 62 Jake Martin 63 Jake Perdue 64 Todd Turner 68 Cameron Sowers 71 Logan Cooper 72 Derrick Stinson 74 Daniel Defibaugh 75 Zach Parsell 84 Justin Harvey 99 Andrew Bragg
Pos. QB/DB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB QB/DB WR/DB TE/DE WR/DB TE/LB RB/DB G/LB RB/LB RB/DB TE/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL
Ht. 5’7 5’7 5’7 5’8 5’5 5’10 5’10 5’11 6’5 5’7 6’3 5’8 5’10 6’0 5’8 5’11 5’9 6’1 5’11 6’1 5’10 5’8 6’1 5’8 6’1 6’2 5’10 5’11 5’9 6’3 5’9 6’4
Wt. 136 168 146 151 139 151 164 148 186 149 179 138 162 223 207 230 168 199 204 193 253 208 244 190 340 230 264 280 186 291 144 180
Yr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr.
Green Wave optimistic with mixture of chemistry and health By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph NARROWS, Va. — Kelly Lowe has added athletic director to his duties as football coach at Narrows. He also knows a little about chemistry. “They are all a year older, one thing I have noticed right from the
start is the chemistry these guys have, and they have had it since they were in elementary school,” Lowe said. “My daughter is the same age as these guys and I have watched these kids, this senior class is very close, and that filters down to the younger kids. “They have brought them in so it is a close-knit group and the team chemistry is very good right now.” Now is the time to take those
ingredients and mix in some success. “We have got to stay healthy, and what we talk about is getting better each day,” said Lowe, who is in his 14th season as head coach of the Green Wave. “I don’t really set goals such as let’s make it to the playoffs, let’s do this or that. Our goals are every day, our goals are to be better every day.” Narrows, which last had a win-
ning season in 2008, has gotten quicker and stronger, thanks to a much larger weight room that was constructed prior to last season. Thirteen seniors lead the way, a large number for one of the smaller football-playing schools in the region. “We have held this group together all the way through,” Lowe said. “This group has been together since day 1, and they work real-
ly well together and they know what each other can and can’t do. It is just a good group.” That includes four seniors on the offensive line, including tackles Jake Skeens and Morgan Turner, 6-foot-3, 291-pound guard Zach Parsell and center Andrew Bragg. They will be spelled by Jake Russ, Tyler Riddle and
Green Wave, 44
MID-SOUTH CONFERENCE
Mid-South Conference Media Poll
Bluefield faces best of NAIA in Mid-South By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — Expect the MidSouth Conference to be as difficult as usual in the NAIA ranks in the upcoming season. Bluefield, in its fourth season with a program, faces a gauntlet of competition , including four clubs that made the NAIA playoffs last season, and the Rams face all four in a five-game span in the season ahead. Fifty-nine players representing all 12 schools have been selected to the USA College Football NAIA Division All-American Teams, including the Bluefield duo of offensive lineman Jed Halla and punter Daniel Griffin, both of whom were first team selections. Reinhardt let the league with 13 selections. Lindsey Wilson won the East Division last season, but the Blue Raiders have dropped to the West after Belhaven departed from the league. Campbellsville and Faulkner tied for the West lead last season. Twelve teams now comprise the MSC football league. Five other schools are part of the league, but don't play football, including Life, Lindenwood, Shawnee State, St. Catharine and Truett-McConnell. Here is a look at each of the 12 football teams that call the MidSouth home. East Division Bluefield Location: Bluefield, Va. Nickname: Rams. Enrollment: 850. Head coach: Ordell Walker (3rd, 319); 2014: 3-8, 1-5 (MSC). Notes: Bluefield is in its fourth season with a program after it was disbanded at the onset of World War II in 1941...Bluefield lost 24 straight games before winning at The Apprentice School last season...Bluefield has not won a home game in three years...Walker is in his third season, replacing Mike Gravier in 2013...Rams are in the Appalachian Athletic Conference for all sports except football. Cumberlands Location: Williamsburg, Ky. Nickname: Patriots. Enrollment: 2,096. Head coach: 2014: 3-7, 2-4. Notes: Cumberlands dropped to 37 one season after advancing to the NAIA national championship game before losing to Grand View,
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Ready for football... Bluefield College will host seven of its 11 games this season at Mitchell Stadium. The historic facility will also host the Bluefield Beavers and Graham G-Men. Mich...The Patriots had won at least seven games for eight straight season before last year's three-win campaign. All were with John Bland as head coach...Cumberlands has won both meetings with Bluefield, scoring 118 points in two games. Georgetown Location: Georgetown, Ky. Nickname: Tigers. Enrollment: 1,400. Head coach: Bill Cronin (19th, 170-43). 2014: 8-3, 5-1, NAIA playoffs, lost 34-3 to Marian, first round. Notes: Annually one of the top NAIA programs, the Tigers won national titles in 2001, 2000 and 1991...The Tigers were ranked 11th in the NAIA at the end of last season...Georgetown was the training camp home of the Cincinnati Bengals for several years...The Tigers are 3-0 against the Rams, scoring 163 points, although it was a respectable 3720 last season. Kentucky Christian Location: Grayson, Ky. Nickname: Knights. Enrollment: 550. Head coach: Steve Barrows (2nd, 5-6): 2014: 5-6, 2-4. Notes: The smallest football playing school in the MidSouth, the Knights began playing the sport in 2008, recording one winning season, a 7-4 mark in 2012...Kentucky Christian has just four home games this season, and five of its first six will be on the road, including trips to FCS Duquesne and Morehead State...The Knights are 3-0 against
Bluefield, averaging 38 points a game. Pikeville Location: Pikeville, Ky. Nickname: Bears. Enrollment: 1,156. Head coach: Allan Holland Jr. (2nd, 5-6). 2014: 5-6, 4-2. Notes: Finished third in the MSC East Division last season behind the No. 7 (Lindsey Wilson) and No. 11 (Georgetown) teams in the nation...Holland had the interim tag taken off his title halfway through last season after replacing Dudley Hilton on Aug. 4...This will be the third time and second straight year (and both on Thursday) that Bluefield has opened its season with the Bears...Pikeville is 0-3 in those meetings, scoring 160 points against the Rams. Union Location: Barboursville, Ky. Nickname: Bulldogs. Enrollment: 1,350. Head coach: Zak Willis (1st, 1-9). 2014: 1-9, 1-5. Notes: Willis was the first head coach at Pikeville in 2000...Bluefield's 68-56 win in what was homecoming at Union last season was the Rams' second win in a row (following a "W" at Belhaven), giving Bluefield its first win streak since 1941...Union won the previous two meetings with the Rams, but 23 and 10 points, which was the Rams' closest decision in 2013...Bluefield is playing at Union for a second straight season, but will not be the homecoming guest this time.
West Division Bethel Location: McKenzie, Tenn. Nickname: Wildcats. Enrollment: 1,300. Head coach: Chris Elliott (4th, 16-19). 2014: 5-6, 2-3. Notes: Bethel has gone 7-15 since going 9-4 in 2012, advancing to the second round of the NAIA playoffs..Will Masoud holds the school record for touchdown passes in a game, throwing for six against Bluefield in 2012. Michael Newbern tied a high mark catching four of those passes...Bluefield will not play Bethel this season...The Wildcats are 3-0 against the Rams, scoring 146 points in those games. Campbellsville Location: Campbellsville, Ky. Nickname: Tigers. Enrollment: 3,000. Head coach: Perry Thomas (7th, 38-40). 2014: 7-4, 4-1 NAIA playoffs, lost to St. Xavier 38-35, first round. Notes: Campbellsville finished ranked 15th in the nation after last season...The Tigers finished in a tie with Faulkner for the West Division title, but Campbellsville beat the Eagles on the field...Bluefield has played Campbellsville just once, falling 2314 in the 2012 season finale, the closest game the Rams had that first season. Cumberland Location: Lebanon, Tenn. Nickname: Bulldogs. Enrollment: 1,345. Head coach: Donnie Suber (3rd, 13-9). 2014: 6-5, 2-3. Notes: Looking for unbreakable sports
East Division 1. Georgetown (5) 2. Pikeville 3. Cumberlands (1) 4. Kentucky Christian 5. Union 6. Bluefield West Division t1. Campbellsville (2) t1. Reinhardt (2) t3. Faulkner (1) t3. Lindsey Wilson 91) t5. Bethel t5. Cumberland
25 18 14 14 12 7 21 21 17 17 7 7
records? No one will touch Cumberland losing to Georgia Tech 222-0 in 1916...Cumberland (and Georgetown) had their petition to move to Division II and join the Great Midwest Conference denied last year... Bluefield doesn't play the Bulldogs this season, which is probably good. The Rams are 0-3, having allowed 148 points. Faulkner Location: Montgomery, Ala. Nickname: Eagles. Enrollment: 2,700. Head coach: Charlie Boren (2nd, 9-3): 2014: 9-3, 4-1, NAIA playoffs, lost to Lindsey Wilson 2017, first round. Notes: Faulkner has won nine games two seasons in a row, and finished 10th in the nation after last year...They defeated MidSouth foe Lindsey Wilson during the season, but lost to them in the postseason..Faulkner won its previous meeting with the Rams 52-10 in 2012...With the departure of Belhaven, Faulkner is the furthest MSC school from Bluefield. Lindsey Wilson Location: Columbia, Ky. Nickname: Blue Raiders. Enrollment: 2,600. Head coach: Chris Oliver (6th, 33-23). 2014: 103, 6-0, NAIA playoffs, lost to St. Xavier 30-17, second round. Note: Just the sixth season of football for the Blue Raiders, who were 7-3 in year two, and have been 17-6 the last two...Lindsey Wilson moves from the East to the West Division in the Mid-South after the departure of Belhaven...Bluefield is 0-3 against Lindsey Wilson, having allowed 167 points in three games. Reinhardt Location: Waleska, Ga. Nickname: Eagles. Enrollment: 1,253. Head coach: Drew Cronic (1st year, 0-0). 2014: 6-4, 3-2. Notes: The Eagles have been 6-4 in each of their first two seasons with a program...Cronic replaces his father, Danny, as head coach of the Eagles...Offensive line coach James Miller spent two years as a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech...The first meeting between Reinhardt and Bluefield will be on Oct. 3 at Mitchell Stadium.
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MOUNTAIN EAST CONFERENCE Concord is the popular choice to repeat Staff reports BRIDGEPORT — In just two short seasons, the Mountain East Conference has proven that its teams can compete with any in the country. In year one, Shepherd went undefeated and advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals. Last year, Concord managed an unbeaten record, won a Super Region title knocking off a pair of PSAC teams in the process, and was a national semifinalist. As other teams in the league chase these teams in search of a league title, the conference continues to strengthen from top to bottom each year. CONCORD Concord returns plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball as it looks to defend its conference and regional title. The Mountain Lions return one of the top running backs in the country in Calvinaugh Jones who was an AllAmerica selection last year and has garnered preseason accolades already. Jones had averaged a staggering 6.7 yards per carry and finished with 1,736 yards rushing. Junior quarterback Brian Novak was among the NCAA leaders in passing efficiency last year and finished with 33 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions to go with 3,744 yards passing. Novak will target the 2014 MEC Offensive Freshman of the Year T.J. Smith who led the team with 51 grabs for 1,157 yards and 13 touchdowns. Concord lost some production on defense, but still has several key performers returning in safety Derrick Johnson (seven interceptions), Ervin Moore (six sacks) and Darryl Johnson (60 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss). SHEPHERD The Shepherd defense was once again dominant in 2014 and had a balanced offensive attack that helped put the squad in a position to win a second-straight MEC title in the last week of the season — a bid that fell just short with a blocked field goal attempt in overtime against Concord. The Rams were stout against the run allowing just 43 yards per game on the ground and gave up just 13 points per game. Shepherd loses five starters from that defense but still returns standout linebacker Octavius
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Lion’s Den... June O. Shott Field at Callaghan Stadium in Athens will host five games this season, beginning with the season opener with Fairmont State, and perennial power Shepherd will visit the Mountain Lions later in the season. Thomas (51 tackles, 4.5 TFL), defensive end Myles Humphrey (8.5 sacks) and defensive back C.J. Davis (five interceptions). On offense, quarterback Jeff Ziemba completed 66 percent of his passes and was intercepted just twice in 247 attempts last year. The Rams all bring back its running back tandem of Jabre Lolley (767 yards) and Allen Cross (601 yards), but lost several key pieces to its offensive line. CHARLESTON Charleston finished third in the MEC last year with three losses, all of which were by 10 points or less. The Golden Eagles hope to be on the positive side of those outcomes in 2015 to help them compete for a conference championship. The Golden Eagles return one of the top running backs in the league in Marvin Elam who notched 1,076 yards and scored 16 touchdowns last year. UC had six defensive players earn first team All-MEC honors in 2014, but five of those graduated, with the exception being defensive back and return specialist Torie Wagner (four interceptions, two punt return TDs, one kick return TD). NOTRE DAME Notre Dame College posted its best season in its young history with a 7-4 record, and will try and build off that momentum with a new coach this season as former offensive coordinator Bill Rychel takes the reigns. Rychel will have to replace the production of quarterback Ray
Russ who had over 3,700 yards passing and 36 touchdowns. Notre Dame does bring back top wideout Mitchell Shegos (105 receptions), but will need more consistent production at running back. The Falcons will also have to shore up a defense that gave up 40 points or more in four games. WEST LIBERTY West Liberty closed the 2014 campaign winning four of its last six games and finished 6-5 on the year. Quarterback Dakota Conwell's progression through the season helped spark the strong finish, and he returns under center for the black and gold. Conwell finished with 1,965 yards passing and 23 touchdowns to go with 386 yards on the ground and three more scores. The Hilltoppers will need more production from its offensive line and backs to stabilize the offense. On defense, the Hilltoppers return several key players from its defensive backfield (Miles Young, D'Andre Muhammad, Andrew Fairamo) to help try and make opponents one-dimensional. GLENVILLE STATE Glenville State returns one of the most dynamic players in the country in running back Rahmann Lee. Lee, a senior who also won the MEC 100-meter dash in the spring, is among the NCAA active leaders in rushing yards and all-purpose yards. Last season he had 1,120 yards rushing with 12 touchdowns and 37 receptions for 510 yards. Sean
Steele was slowed by injury last year but returns healthy for 2015. On defense, Glenville State will need to find a replacement for bigplay specialist Gary Henderson who had 10.5 sacks last year, but returns All-MEC performer James Johnson (84 tackles). WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN West Virginia Wesleyan battled inconsistency and injuries last year in a 4-6 year. The Bobcats will need to replace one of the top quarterbacks in the league in 2014 in Jeremy Musselman, but backup Tyler Bolen saw some action last year as Musselman dealt with injuries. Leading running back Michael Anderson returns to take some of the pressure off the quarterback, and wideout Jeremy Schademan is a reliable target who earned AllMEC honors last season. The Bobcats had no defensive players earn All-MEC recognition last season and will need to do better than allowing 34.2 points per game. FAIRMONT STATE Fairmont State returns one of the top quarterback-wide receiver combos this season in Cooper Hibbs and Fabian Guerra. Despite missing time with injuries last year, Hibbs threw for 1,769 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. Guerra is a 2015 preseason AllAmerica honoree after hauling in 63 passes for 822 yards and five touchdowns, including an acrobatic catch that made ESPN's Top 10 plays in the fall. The Falcon defense, though, will
1. Concord (10) 2. Shepherd (1) 3. Charleston 4. Glenville State 5. West Liberty 6. Notre Dame 7. West Virginia Wesleyan 8. Fairmont State 9. West Virginia State 10. Virginia-Wise 11. Urbana
100 90 81 69 63 56 42 36 30 20 18
have to improve after allowing 30 points or more in all but one game last year. Fairmont State defensive back Jacob Jean-Charles does help to eliminate one side of the field. URBANA Urbana, which slipped to 3-8 last year after finishing second in the first year of the MEC, will be under the direction of first-year head coach Tyler Haines. Haines comes to Urbana after serving as an assistant coach at Indiana (Pa.). The Blue Knights struggled to find consistency on offense in 2014, particularly at the quarterback position, where three different players earned starts and saw time last year. The Blue Knights have several talented players on defense, notably D'Gary Wallace, who has been one of the top tacklers in the conference in each of the last two years. VIRGINIA-WISE After opening the season with six-straight losses, UVa-Wise rebounded to win two of its last four games. The Cavs struggled on offense last season scoring no more than one touchdown in six games. UVa-Wise does bring back AllMEC performers Terrence Younger (50 catches, 710 yards) and Carlton Griffith (166 carries, 617 yards) on offense, and first team All-MEC linebacker Zach Blair who recorded a league-best 26.5 tackles for a loss in 2014. WEST VIRGINIA STATE West Virginia State will usher in brand new facilities in 2015 as head coach Jon Anderson continues to get the program on solid ground. The Yellow Jackets won twice in 2014, including its firstever MEC win. The Yellow Jackets return a pair of All-MEC players on defense in corner Kevin Coffie (21 passes defended) and Dennis Gardeck (69 tackles, 4.0 sacks). The Offense will be under the direction of quarterback Matt Kinnick (2,213 yards, 11 touchdowns) and will have to cut down on the turnovers in 2015 to add to the team's win total.
2015 Giles Football Schedule
GILES SPARTANS
Mountain East Conference Media Poll
Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6
Blacksburg Christiansburg Narrows Graham Galax Glenvar Radford Floyd County Eastern Montgomery Auburn
H A H A H A H H A A
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
The Spartans
Spartans riding single wing to ‘winning’ season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph PEARISBURG, Va. — It was a tough end to a 27-game winning streak. Giles, which won the 2013 2A state championship with a 15-0 record, was still undefeated going into the state quarterfinals last season, and had already beaten Glenvar by 33 points. They lost by 35. “I don’t look at that motivation for this year, my motivation is, ‘Hey, it’s a new season, a new group of kids and everything is brand new, clean slate, starting from day one and working your way to where you can be a good ball club,” Giles head coach Jeff Williams said. Eighteen seniors departed from
that team, which is a big hit for anyone, but especially at one of the smaller 2A schools in Virginia. “That is huge...,” Williams said. “All those guys that started for us last year were just tremendous players, four or five of them are going to college to play football at the next level.” Giles is known for the single wing, which is predicated by solid play from the offensive line, and only Camron Perkins and Austin Cunningham are back. They could be joined by sophomores Ben Reynolds and Connor Martin, while ends Jacob Kirk and Hunter Collins can both block and catch the ball. “I think that is one reason for success for us is some guys in that position have been able to step in
and do well,” Williams said. “We have had guys to step in those line positions from left end to right end. The past few years we have just been fortunate to have great skill guys.” Zach Sizemore, Austin Shrewsbury and Alex Gillispie were working at center in search of a replacement for departed Brett Suroski, who was basically the “quarterback” of the single wing. “So far they have been getting better each day in practice,” Williams said. “We look at them as kind of the quarterback of our offense, they have got to be really good at snapping that ball.” While record-setting back Brett Whitlow is gone, the Spartans do return speedy tailback Brian
Mann (1,582 yards, 24 touchdowns) and talented wingback Patrick Beidleman (730 yards, 13 touchdowns). They will be joined by fullbacks Anthony Meadows and sophomore Brandon Chapman. Trent Pennington is also new at blocking back, with the responsibility of making the offensive play calls on the field. “There is potential there, but we just got to keep working,” Williams said. “We have got a lot of young guys that have got to step up on that line.” Defense has always been a strongpoint for the Spartans, who will get a rematch with Glenvar this season on Saturday, Oct. 10, a change made because Virginia Tech is playing on the previous
No.Name 2 Patrick Beidleman 4 Elijah Robbins 5 Anthony Meadows 6 Austin Pennington 9 Trent Pennington 10 Ryan Beidleman 12 Hunter Collins 13 Logan Byrd 15 Max Riley 20 Logan Thompson 21 Jacob Kirk 22 Josh Combs 23 Austin Shanks 24 Conner Martin 25Brian Mann 26 Kyle Huffman 31 Zane Williams 35 Brandon Chapman 45 Buddy Bracken 51 Jim Blankenship 52 Matthew Midkiff 53 Ben Reynolds 54 Tyler Toney 56 Zack Sizemore 57 Alex Gillespie 60 Camron Perkins 61 Ethan Harless 62 William Akers 63 Bailey Hill 64 Austin Cunningham 65 Caleb Dalton 67 Anthony Neel 68 Devin Wilson 70 Austin Shrewsbury 78 Hunter Wright 89 Mark Scott
Pos. RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB E/DB RB/DB E/DE BB/DB BB/DB RB/DB RB/DE E/DB RB/DB E/DE RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB E/DE G/DL G/DL G/DL G/DL C/LB C/DL G/DL T/DL G/DL G/DL G/DL G/DL G/DE E/DE T/DL T/DL E/DE
Ht. 5’10 5’8 5’9 5’6 5’10 5’11 6’1 5’8 6’2 5’9 6’0 6’2 5’9 6’0 5’9 6’1 5’10 5’8 6’1 6’1 5’9 5’11 5’10 5’9 5’11 5’9 6’0 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’9 5’11 6’0 5’9 6’2 5’10
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
Wt. 155 181 160 145 165 152 143 138 166 167 151 151 151 193 160 135 160 170 174 195 197 241 271 168 200 215 265 165 195 238 185 180 165 245 283 188
Yr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.
Friday night. “You have been fortunate enough, we have always tried to play solid sound defense, that is what you have got to have,” Williams said. “You have got to be good on defense to have a good football team and that is where it starts, you have got to be good defensively.” Leading Giles is a pair of all-
Spartans, 42
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2015 BDT BLITZ 33
BLAND COUNTY BEARS
CONFERENCE USA
2015 Bland County Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Craig County Sept. 4 Rural Retreat Sept. 11 Northwood Sept. 25 Eastern Montgomery Oct. 2 Montcalm Oct. 8 (Thurs) Narrows Oct. 16 Grayson County Oct. 23 Graham Oct. 30 Galax Nov. 6 Fort Chiswell
H H H A A A H A H A
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
Conference USA Media Poll
Hilltoppers chosen ahead of Herd in East By GARY B. GRAVES AP Sports Writer
The Bears
Bears moving on after loss of deep senior class By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph BASTIAN, Va. — Maybe the ball will bounce in the favor of the Bland County Bears at key points this season, making up for a disappointing 2014 slate. “We were competitive in several games,” said head coach Harris Hart. “We were 3-7 (but) we could easily have been 5-5 (or) 6-4 with a break here and there.” Bland County High bid farewell last spring to 10 seniors who were big contributors in the football program. Hart said, “They were a good group of seniors, a close-knit group. I don’t think you can replace them; you move on and do the best you can.” He said, “I think this year we’ll probably lean a little bit more toward the power offense, because I feel like we have a strong offensive line, and a biggerthan-average backfield, compared to the size of the backfield we’ve had in the past few years. That should be a strength.” Isaiah Boyd’s debut date as a senior is somewhat uncertain due to knee surgery this summer. Hart said, “We hope he’s back, if not the first game, then pretty soon after that.” Boyd ran the ball effectively and manned a secondary position over the past few years.
“He’s a difference-maker,” Hart said. Dylan Jackson returns at fullback. Looking for carries are juniors Brian Arnold, Colton Slaughter and first-year player Dion Bush. A new quarterback will direct the traffic. Junior Alec Taylor “got some playing time last year at the end of games, and did well,” Hart said. “He’s worked hard. He’s fine young man with great attitude, a good leader. So we want to give him a shot.” Competing for the start is freshman Jake Watters, who Hart called “a tremendous athlete.” The coach said there has been “pretty good competition between the two. Both of those, they’re going to play somewhere.” Austin Caudill, Jonah Lewis and Jacob Cross comprise the receiving unit, which is “a work in progress,” Hart said. “Really good young men, just no experience.” On the offensive line, Hart said, are “several young men (who), even though they didn’t start last year, they got playing time last year. They’ve really worked hard in the weight room and it’s showing out on the field right now.” The tackles are 300-pound senior Dustin Pennington and 265pound junior Garrett Steffy. “Dalton Groseclose came out a little bit late, so he’ll work his way in,
eventually,” Hart said. Senior Alex Treadway, a tackle last year, was snapping the ball at center during preseason. The guards, seniors Sawyer Lambert and Zane Cunningham, are “two solid young men,” Hart said. The coach said he has tried to balance the emphasis in practice on both defense and offense “as much as we possibly can, including special teams.” Lambert and Pennington are the anchors of the defensive line. Hart said, “They’ve made great progress in the weight room. Just good young men, good leaders — quiet leaders, but good leaders.” According to the tentative p l a n s , Pennington and Steffy will work inside while Cunningham and Lambert are the ends. Slaughter and Jackson are experienced inside linebackers. At the outside linebackers, Taylor and Ethan Cook are possibilities, and
freshman David Coe could get playing time. Boyd is the only returning starter in the secondary, assuming he can start right away. “Everybody else is pretty much brand new,” Hart said. Arnold got experience playing defense “in various positions, so he’s probably the most experienced,” Hart reported, and Caudill played some at cornerback. Bush, Watters, Cross and Jonathan Bright have also contended for starts in the secondary. Montcalm has replaced Holston
No.Name Pos. Ht. 4 Jake Watters QB/DB 6’3 5 Dion Bush RB/DB 5’10 7 Austin Caudill E/DB 5’9 10 Isaiah Boyd RB/DB 5’10 14 Alec Taylor QB/LB 5’11 15 Jonathan Bright DB 5’7 17 Brian Arnold RB/DB 5’11 20 Jonah Lewis E 6’3 21 Colton Slaughter RB/LB 6’3 22 Ethan Cook OLB 5’8 25 Jacob Cross E/DB 6’1 30 David Ritter RB/LB 6’1 32 Tyler Locker E/DB 5’10 35 Christopher Jackson OL/DL 5’8 50 Ethan Buchanan RB/LB 5’10 51 Chase Sarver OL/DL 6’0 52 Alex Treadway C/OL/DL 5’9 53 David Coe LB 5’9 54 Dalton Groseclose OL/DL 6’2 55 Zane Cunningham G/DE 6’1 58 Sawyer Lambert G/DE 5’9 64 Patrick Christian E/DE 6’0 65 Garrett Steffey RT/DT 5’11 66 Noah Shinault OL/DL 5’10 73 Tyler O’Dell OL/DL 5’6 74 Xavier Payne OL/LB 5’10 75 Dustin Pennington LT/DT 6’3 77 Kristopher Porter OL/DL 5’10 80 Dakota Burnette E/DB 5’8 81 Matthew Lewis E/LB 5’10 85 Anthony Richmond E/DB 5’5 88 Nathan Treadway E/DB 5’10
Wt. 160 150 131 159 262 145 165 190 220 153 155 179 144 245 174 200 236 195 203 210 256 206 265 236 220 229 300 252 150 180 142 121
Yr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr.
on the Bears’ schedule. Two weeks prior to the start of the regular season, Hart reported, “We’ve just not been able to go live, because of our numbers. ... Without being able to do that, your timing’s off, your tackling is always poor because of your timing.” He noted, “What we do is fundamentally sound, and as long as we do it well, we’ll be successful with it. ... We want to focus on doing some of the little things right.”
Conference USA has reason to tout its strength after going 4-1 in bowl games last season including a win over Big Ten member Illinois. The league went 20-5 against independents and mid-major teams not in Power 5 conferences. That says something about the quality of competition that figures to be another battle this season. Louisiana Tech is the media’s pick to repeat as West Division champion, with second-year member Western Kentucky the choice to win the East. Defending champion Marshall was the second choice behind WKU and returns many players from the league’s top-rated offense and defense. Marshall and Louisiana Tech impressed some coaches enough to earn votes in the preseason poll. Nobody in C-USA would be shocked if other league members join them there or in postseason. “We’ve always been underdogs, and this year is different,” said WKU senior quarterback and reigning league MVP Brandon Doughty, who returns after the NCAA granted him a sixth year of eligibility. “We’re predicted to win the East and try to do something special for the first time. We really have to make sure we’re on our game plan.” Offense again is C-USA’s strong suit again thanks to the presence of two of the nation’s most prolific units at Marshall and WKU. Besides finishing 1-2 statistically with averages of more than 535 yards per game, those schools staged an epic shootout last fall that WKU won 67-66 in overtime to hand unbeaten and No. 19 Marshall its only loss in a 13-1 season. The Hilltoppers went on to beat Central Michigan 49-48 in the inaugural Bahamas Bowl and join brethren Louisiana Tech — which topped Illinois 35-18 in the Heart of Dallas
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The Joan... Marshall’s Joan C. Edwards Stadium will host six home games this season, including four involving Conference USA teams. Purdue will be the first Big 10 team to visit Huntington for the season opener on Sept. 6. Bowl — Rice and Marshall as postseason winners. UTEP was the only loser. Ironically, WKU’s defense sealed the wild victory after yielding 34 fourthquarter points by denying a two-point conversion pass on the final play after CMU scored a 75-yard touchdown pass featuring three laterals. Wonderful Terry’s clutch breakup marked a coming of age for a young defense, and WKU coach Jeff Brohm now wants to make sure that unit has matured if his team is to fulfill expectations. “Even though (C-USA) is a known as
an offensive league,” Brohm said, “six of the last eight champions have led the league in total defense. We feel like we are going to be much better on defense.” The Hilltoppers and others have to be in a league where Marshall and Louisiana Tech proved last season that a combination of offense and defense can win division titles and bowl games. “We expect to be great but can’t forget what got us there,” Marshall coach Doc Holliday said. “If you don’t get better, you get worse. But you don’t
Devon Johnson
College: Marshall Class: Senior Position: Running Back Height/Weight: 6’1, 244 No: 47 High School(s): Richlands, Big Creek College stats: 211 carries, 1,780 yards, 20 touchdowns; 20 receptions, 360 yards, five touchdowns
stay the same.” ——— Some things to watch in C-USA this season: COMINGS AND GOINGS: Charlotte joins C-USA after two seasons of existence as an FCS independent. That keeps the league at 13 members until Alabama-Birmingham returns in 2017 following a tumultuous offseason in which the school dropped the program in December, citing finances. School officials voted in June to reinstate the program after UAB supporters pledged $17 million to cover costs for
Joe Woodrum
College: Marshall Class: Senior Position: Tight end Height/Weight: 6’6, 247 No: 89 High School: Bluefield College stats: 24 games, 1 catch, 26 yards, special teams
East Division 1. Western Kentucky 2. Marshall 3. Middle Tennessee 4. Florida Atlantic 5. Florida International 6. Old Dominion 7. Charlotte West Division 1. Louisiana Tech 2. Rice 3. Texas-El Paso 4. Southern Mississippi 5. North Texas 6. Texas-San Antonio
the next five years. WKU’S DYNAMIC DUO: Hilltoppers QB and league MVP Brandon Doughty threw for 4,830 yards and 49 touchdowns last season, while RB Leon Allen added 1,542 rushing with 13 TDs. They’re the first FBS school to have a 4,500-yard passer and 1,500yard rusher. ‘HERD’ IS THE WORD: Defending champion Marshall had the league’s top defense last season, allowing 357 yards and 21 points per game. The Thundering Herd return five starters including safeties Taj Letman and A.J. Leggett, who each had four interceptions in 2014. GROUND GAINERS: The conference features four running backs who gained at least 1,200 yards rushing last season: Marshall’s Devon Johnson (1,767); WKU’s Allen (1,542); UTEP’s Aaron Jones (1,321) and Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Dixon (1,299). OLD FACE, NEW PLACE: Former Florida starting QB Jeff Driskel transferred to Louisiana Tech and takes over for Cody Sokol, who passed for 3,436 yards and 30 TDs last season. “What’s in the past doesn’t matter,” said Driskel, who passed for 3,411 yards and 23 TDs in four years with the Gators. “I’m just looking forward to growing together with a team that’s already closely knit.” —————— Predicted order of finish: East: 1. Western Kentucky; 2. Marshall; 3. Middle Tennessee; 4. Florida Atlantic; 5. FIU; 6. Old Dominion; 7. Charlotte. West: 1. Louisiana Tech; 2. Rice; 3. UTEP; 4. Southern Miss; 5. North Texas; 6. UTSA.
32 2015 BDT BLITZ
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ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE ACC hopes to showcase depth beyond Florida State GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — The Atlantic Coast Conference recently has produced a Heisman Trophy winner, a No. 1 overall draft pick, a BCS champion and a playoff team. OK, that wasn’t the whole league, but just one school — Florida State. This is shaping up as a pivotal year for a conference that wants to prove it’s more than just the Seminoles and then everybody else. Florida State doesn’t look quite as much like the group that won the final BCS championship and reached the first College Football Playoff behind 2013 Heisman winner — and current Tampa Bay quarterback — Jameis Winston. Defensive back Jalen Ramsey says he’s often asked how the Seminoles will remain at a high level with significant roster turnover. He said his standard response is, “We’re Florida State. We’re going to hold ourselves to a high standard every single year.” Maybe, but this season could help determine whether the Seminoles’ recent rising tide lifted the rest of the league — or if the ACC as a whole rises and falls with how Florida State performs. “There’s several teams in this conference that I think have a chance to win the league,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “I think we’re one of them.” So do the voters. They made his Tigers the league’s preseason favorite and picked sophomore quarterback DeShaun Watson as the preseason player of the year. And maybe Georgia Tech will continue its stealthy climb with
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Blacksburg at night... Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium will host six games this season, including four ACC games. The Hokies will entertain defending champion Ohio State on Sept. 7. returning starter Justin Thomas orchestrating Paul Johnson’s triple-option offense to another Coastal Division title. Perhaps North Carolina — with 10 offensive starters returning and a national championship-winning coordinator leading a defensive overhaul — will finally break through to its first league title game. Or maybe a legitimate contender will vault from the pack, much like Duke in 2013 and Boston College in the late 2000s. ——— Some things to watch in the ACC this season: NEW FACES: Some big names have arrived in the ACC this sea-
Frank Beamer
College: Virginia Tech Years: 29 (1987-present) Record at VT: 231-115-2 Overall: 273-138-4 (6 seasons at Murray State) Note: Has most wins of any active Division I football coach. Steve Spurrier is second with 226.
son. Gene Chizik, who was fired by Auburn a year after he led the Tigers to the 2010 national title, has resurfaced as the defensive coordinator at North Carolina. Everett Golson, who led Notre Dame to the BCS championship game during the 2012 season, is a graduate transfer at Florida State and is fighting for the starting job. FAMILIAR FACES: The ACC returns its leading rusher, its top passer and its top two scorers from 2014. Reigning player of the year James Conner rushed for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns for Pittsburgh last season while Miami’s Brad Kaaya had an efficiency rating of 145.9 as a freshman. Conner averaged two touch-
downs per game while Florida State kicker Roberto Aguayo was responsible for 136 points. And there’s a case to be made that another player — Ramsey — is the league’s best. Said Ramsey: “I feel no one has the resume I have.” COASTAL CRAPSHOOT: Picking a champion in the Coastal Division has been a fool’s errand — the voters haven’t nailed it since they correctly chose Virginia Tech in 2011. In the previous two years, a total of 232 ballots were cast at the league’s preseason media days and only one picked a winner — the one who chose Georgia Tech last year. That could be a bad omen for the
Mike London
College: Virginia Years: 7 (2010-present) Record at Virginia: 23-38) Overall: 47-43 (2 seasons at Richmond) Note: London won the FCS national championship at Richmond in 2008.
ACC Media Poll
Atlantic Division 1. Clemson (101) 1,032 2. Florida State (56) 992 3. Louisville (1) 746 4. N.C. State 673 5. Boston College 473 6. Syracuse 291 7. Wake Forest 217. Coastal Division 1. Georgia Tech (96) 991 2. Virginia Tech (44) 841 3. Miami (7) 632 4. Duke(4) 615 5. North Carolina (4) 590 6. Pittsburgh (3) 535 7. Virginia 220 ACC Champions: Clemson (84), Florida State 41, Georgia Tech 20, Virginia Tech 7, North Carolina 3, Miami 2, N.C. State 1.
Yellow Jackets, this year’s favorite. Quipped Johnson: “For once, I hope they got it right.” HOT SEAT: This could be a make-or-break year for a couple of Coastal Division coaches. Mike London is 23-38 in five years at Virginia, and though the Cavaliers improved to 5-7 in 2014, they’ve only had one winning season under him. Al Golden insists he doesn’t feel pressure despite disgruntled fans flying a plane carrying a banner that called for his job. NEW PLACES: For the first time since the 2004 season, the Orange Bowl isn’t guaranteed an ACC team. That’s because that bowl will host a College Football Playoff semifinal. So, an ACC champion that doesn’t make the four-team field will instead play in either the Fiesta or Peach bowls. ——— Predicted order of finish: ATLANTIC — 1. Clemson, 2. Florida State, 3. Louisville, 4. North Carolina State, 5. Boston College, 6. Syracuse, 7. Wake Forest COASTAL — 1. Georgia Tech, 2. North Carolina, 3. Virginia Tech, 4. Duke, 5. Miami, 6. Pittsburgh, 7. Virginia.
MONTCALM GENERALS
2015 Montcalm Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Hannan Sept. 4 Twin Valley Sept. 11 Narrows Sept. 25 Hurley Oct. 2 Bland County Oct. 9 River View Oct. 16 Van Oct. 23 Tug Valley Oct. 30 Phelps Nov. 6 Midland Trail
A H H A H A H H A H
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
The Generals
No.Name Pos. 7 Nate Breeden E/QB/DB 12 Hunter Hodge Back/DB 14 Marcus Mitchell Back/WR 20 Colton Egnor RB/LB 21 Trevor Poynter FB/ILB 23 Brian Taylor E/ILB 24 Jared Bailey OLB 31 Cody Farmer TE/DE 40 Justin Gore OLB 42 Jared Parnell SE/DB 48 Corey Mullins E/DB 52 Jesse York OL/DT 54 Cameron Daughtey OT/DL 55 Lee Beggs G/DL 56 Christian Carper G 60 Will Call OL/DL 62 Kris Kiser LT/DL 64 Jake Krabbe C/DL 66 Josh Bautista OT/DT 74 Joe Shinn OT/DL 75 Zack Yost OL/DL 80 Dakota Parnell SE/DB 82 Jordan Hagy E 85 Austin Lockhart DE/OLB 86 Colby Williams E
Ht. 5’11 5’10 5’11 5’10 5’9 5’10 5’10 6’0 5’11 5’8 5’10 6’0 6’0 5’9 5’9 5’10 6’0 6’2 6’0 6’1 6’0 5’8 5’10 5’11 5’10
Wt. 135 125 175 145 155 135 195 165 145 125 125 225 225 165 205 225 185 250 225 245 245 125 185 145 165
Yr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
Redmond installs Wing-T offense in search of elusive wins By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph MONTCALM — The Wing-T is coming to Prudich Field. Montcalm head coach Jimmy Redmond is comfortable and familiar with the offensive formation and thinks it provides “a lot of deception, and that’s what we need. It’s a little bit harder to find the football. You’ve got guards pulling, and backs going everywhere.” “It’s a little bit simpler. You’ve got your basic plays, and you run it off of that. ... It’s a little bit less for them to have to learn about and think about.” “We’ll still spread it out,” he noted. The Generals will field 25 players, four of whom are seniors. “I’m feeling pretty positive, right now,” he said at mid-month. “These kids, they’ve got good character, and they’re excited and
positive.” It starts with the linemen, where the coaching staff has seen increased strength and size. “We’ve got some bigger guys up front, I think we’re going to do OK as far as blocking,” Redmond said. “They’re inexperienced a little bit, but they’re all working together and they’re pushing each other. They are jelling. They take pride in being up front.” At the same time, he said, “We’re younger up front. From a middle-school level to a highschool level is a big jump ... but I think they’re going to be fine. They’re working real hard.” Junior Jake Krabbe, at 250 pounds, will move over to center this year. Tough man Christian Carper and Lee Beggs have been working at the guards. Kris Kiser is solid at left tackle. Other line possibilities include tackles Josh Bautista, Joe Shinn and Cameron Daughtey.
Jesse York, a senior in his first year of varsity football, has “long arms and he’s pretty strong,” Redmond said. Speedy Marcus Mitchell transferred from Bluefield High, opening up new options in the backfield. Colton Egnor will “get a lot of carries,” Redmond said. He called fullback Trevor Poynter “a tough-nosed kid. He’s shorter in stature but he’s fairly strong.” Senior Nate Breeden should get plenty of playing time, either behind center or as an end. Sophomore Brian Taylor is another end who’s “been working hard in the off-season,” the coach said. Twin brothers Jared and Dakota Parnell are the split ends, and Cody Farmer returns at tight end. “He’s going to be a good blocker on the edge for us,” Redmond said. “He has pretty good hands.” Defensively, the Generals will work out of a 4-4, but occasionally
will switch into a 5-3. The pool at defensive tackle includes Kiser and Bautista, Christian Carper, Cameron Daughtey, Jesse York, Joe Shinn and Zack Yost, who Redmond termed a “good sized kid.” At defensive end, Farmer will likely start at end, with Austin Lockhart, York and Shinn looking for time. “To give each other breaks, we flip (personnel) a little bit,” Redmond noted. At linebacker, Egnor and Poynter had the inside track at inside linebacker, with Taylor coming on. Jared Bailey and Justin Gore are possibilities at outside ’backer, and Lockhart may compete there in addition to competing on the line. Both Parnells will be in the backfield, along with Breeden and possibly Lockhart. The punting and kicking chores
were still being worked out in the middle of the preseason. Assistant coaches are Brian Krabbe and Adam Havens. Redmond said they do a good job of “keeping an eye on them (the players), and keeping up with the grades.” He added that Krabbe has “trained a lot of guys.” The increased numbers are a product of a “good middle school program,” Redmond said, and a youth football team, the Little Generals. “(They’ve) been around about
two or three years. Getting them used to playing and competing and enjoying the game and knowing what it’s all about, helps.” New to the schedule is a Class AA school, River View, and a Class A school that went 11-2 last fall, Tug Valley, which Redmond said is “going to be a tough, tough test.”
18 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 31
JAMES MONROE MAVERICKS
2015 James Monroe Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Greenbrier East Sept. 11Summers County Sept. 18 PikeView Sept. 25 Wyoming East Oct. 2 Nicholas County Oct. 9 Westside Oct. 16 Princeton Oct. 23 Liberty-Raleigh Oct. 30 Bluefield Nov. 6 River View
A H A A A A H H A H
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Mavericks
Plenty of options for Mavericks to mix and match By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph LINDSIDE — It’s a good dilemma to have: Choices to make among qualified players at multiple positions. That’s the task that the James Monroe football coaching staff has been sorting out for months. “We’ve got so many different
kids we’re looking at right now,” said head coach John Mustain in mid-August. “We’ve got a lot of tough decisions. As a staff, we’ve really been talking a lot even since last spring (because) we’ve got a lot of interchangeable parts.” “We’ve got a lot of kids who need playing time because of their ability.”
Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in the quarterback choice. “We have three kids that we all like,” Mustain said. “We see bright spots out of all of them.” The candidates are Evan Beasley, Tyler Moore — who was sidelined all last fall due to injury — and his cousin, sophomore Conner
Moore. “That battle’s probably going to come right down to the wire,” the coach said. “It’s going to be a tough decision, but I think any way you go, it’s going to be a good decision.” The tryout “puts a little bit more pressure on the kids who are com-
Mavericks, 43
No.Name Pos. Ht. 8 Ashton Carr WR/LB 5’9 10 Connor Moore QB/DB 5’9 11 Tyler Sams WR/LB 5’8 12 Alex Spicer WR/DB 5’7 13 Landan Shires WR/LB 5’9 14 Kris Hoke WR/LB 5’8 15 Colton Bradley WR/DB 5’7 16 Logan Robinson WR/DB 5’10 17 Seth Walker WR/DB 5’8 18 Brock Bowers WR/DB 5’4 19 Evan Beasley QB/P 5’9 20 Grant Mohler RB/LB 5’8 21 Nick Horney WR/LB 5’11 22 Tyler Moore QB/RB/DB5’10 23 Cory Boothe WR/DB 5’9 24 Conner Boothe WR/DB 6’1 25 Austin Neice RB/LB 5’9 26 Jeremy Baldwin WR/DB 5’10 27 Noah Testerman RB/DB 5’9 28 Thad Fullen RB/LB 5’7 29 Dante Vest WR/DE 6’1 32 Devin Johnson RB/DB 5’8 33 Landon Lowe WR/DB 5’4 34 Bradley McConnell WR/DB 5’8 35 Mathieu Walker WR/DB 5’6 37 Channing Carr QB/DB 5’10 38 Jacob Mann WR/DB 5’2 39 Ethan McKlarney WR/LB 5’8 41 Lance Wilson WR/DB/K 5’7 43 Dalton Comer WR/LB 5’10 44 Dustin Hersman WR/LB 5’8 45 Bryce Dickerson RB/LB 5’7 46 Dakota Copenhaver WR 6’1 50 Noah Ramsey OL/DL 5’10 52 Patrick Basile OL/DL 5’10 53 Alex Brooks OL/DL 5’10 54 Noah Dillon OL/DL 5’11 55 Parker King OL/DL 6’0 56 Jaden Clarkson OL/DL 5’8 57 Mason Atwood OL/DL 5’5 58 Tripp Shiflet OL/LB 6’0 60 Nick Mcmahon OL/DL 6’0 62 Tyler Hawkey OL/DL 5’9 64 Brady Chinault OL/DL 5’10 68 Isaac McKlarney OL/LB 5’9 69Zackary Payne OL/DL 5’10 71Ivan Morgan OL/DL 5’11 72Dakota Jones OL/DL 5’7 73Matt Meadows OL/DL 6’0 78Ty Wickline OL/DL 5’10 83Dakota Carter WR/DB 5’7 84Cody Newhouse WR/DE 6’3 85Brandon Burgess WR/DB 5’8
Wt. 157 155 166 128 182 171 138 138 145 119 168 182 174 169 132 163 179 153 157 155 195 178 122 152 158 133 114 154 128 172 151 166 167 175 222 277 194 244 186 142 203 232 210 253 166 208 179 197 306 306 132 200 134
Yr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr.
Big 12 Media Poll
BIG 12 CONFERENCE TCU, Baylor know how Big 12 can avoid another playoff snub By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer TCU coach Gary Patterson and Baylor's Art Briles know a way for their teams and the Big 12 Conference to avoid being left out of the College Football Playoff again — go 12-0. "Our key is to control our own destiny, and the best way to do that is to try to win them all," Patterson said. "That's what we're going to try to get done. Then we'll see how everything else falls." The Horned Frogs might pull that off with record-setting senior quarterback Trevone Boykin, an early Heisman Trophy front-runner. The Big 12's top offensive player is among 10 returning starters after the Frogs averaged 47 points and 533 total yards in their new spread-out offense last year. Baylor, the only team to beat TCU last season, returns 1,000yard receivers Corey Coleman and KD Cannon, along with a 410pound tight end who caught a TD in the Cotton Bowl. But two-year starting quarterback Bryce Petty is now with the New York Jets. "If we'd have gone 12-0, there's no doubt," Briles said about last season's playoff. "If we line up and we win 12 games this year, we're going to be in the final four. I think you can put that in ink." A week after overcoming a 21point deficit in the final 11 minutes for that wild 61-58 home win over TCU, the Bears lost at West Virginia. Big 12 co-champs Baylor and TCU were the first teams in the final playoff standings behind
Contributed photo
Mountaineer Field...
Milan-Puskar Stadium will host seven games this season involving the West Virginia Mountaineers. That includes five Big 12 games. Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State — all who won conference championship games. Just one team could go undefeated in the Big 12, the only of the five power conferences with a round-robin schedule and no championship game. TCU and Baylor play the Friday after Thanksgiving, not the second Saturday in October like last season. That will be the Frogs' regular season finale, while the Bears will still have left a home game against Texas. "Some of you, I know, have Nov.
Dana Holgorsen
College: West Virginia Years: 5 (2012-present) Record: 28-23 Notes: Holgorsen led West Virginia to the Big East championship during his first season after replacing Bill Stewart. West Virginia hammered Clemson 7033 in the 2012 Orange Bowl
27 circled ... but I can assure you there will be a lot of great games between now and then," said Bob Bowlsby, the league's commissioner. "We don't want to just be in the playoff. I think our league has always been about aspiring to win national championships." Texas won the league's last national title 10 seasons ago, and Oklahoma was the champion in 2000. Some things to watch in the Big 12 this season: SOONER SETUP?: The last of Oklahoma's eight Big 12 titles was
in 2012 — making this the first time in coach Bob Stoops' 17 seasons that the Sooners have gone consecutive years without a conference championship. Three of their four league losses last year were by a combined eight points. Take care of things early this season, and the Sooners could be set up for a run at a ninth title in November, when they play Baylor and TCU in consecutive games. CAPTAIN DANTE: Senior safety Dante Barnett is Kansas State's most experienced defender, with 28 career starts. "He has made
Doc Holliday
College: Marshall Years: 6 (2010-present) Record: 40-25 Notes: Holliday has led Marshall to three bowl games in the last five years, winning all of them. Marshall finished 13-1 last season.
1. Texas Christian (32) 2. Baylor (10) 3. Oklahoma 4. Oklahoma State 5. Texas 6. West Virginia 7. Kansas State 8. Texas Tech 9. Iowa State 10. Kansas
408 384 312 289 245 204 201 139 83 45
consistent, confident growth throughout his time," coach Bill Snyder said. "With that confidence comes the leadership he has been able to provide." COWBOYS COMEBACK: Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy feels like the momentum is carrying over from how the Cowboys ended last season. They rallied in the final 5 minutes of regulation for an overtime victory at Oklahoma just to get bowl eligible after a five-game losing streak, then won the Cactus Bowl. SINCE GOOD STARTS: Iowa State and Texas Tech have had struggles since good starts under their coaches. The Cyclones were 2-10 without a Big 12 win last season, and their last winning record was 7-6 in 2009, coach Paul Rhoads' first season. Texas Tech is 5-13 since starting 7-0 in coach Kliff Kingsbury's debut in 2013. EXTRA POINTS: Texas will get tested before Big 12 play in its second season under coach Charlie Strong, with non-conference tilts against Notre Dame and California. ... West Virginia junior kicker Josh Lambert broke an NCAA record last season with 16 field goals of at least 40 yards. ... The league's only new head coach is David Beaty at Kansas, where he twice previously was an assistant. The Jayhawks were 4-48 in Big 12 games the past six seasons. __• • • Predicted order of finish: TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Texas, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Iowa State, Kansas.
30 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 19
BLUEFIELD RAMS Experienced Rams ready to build on three-win season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — It was a historic year three for Bluefield College football. Bluefield snapped a 24-game losing skid by winning three games, including a two-game win streak, and even had individual players receive national honors for their performances on the field. There were, however, still signs of a youthful program. Bluefield finished 3-8, and those eight defeats came by an average of 38 points a game, with the closest outcome being by 17 points. That needs to improve, and Bluefield third year head coach Ordell Walker knows where it needs to start. “I am expecting us to be competitive in every facet of the game, that is probably the biggest thing that we are working for,” Walker said. “What is important now for us is the turnover/takeaway battle. “I know that is something we have stressed in the past, but that is the number one thing that must be fixed for us to be able to see a significant difference in the winloss column. That is the focus if I had to narrow it down to one thing.” Bluefield returns plenty of experience in nearly every position, with the exception of quarterback. Last year’s starter Ashten Dixon (1,228 yards, 12 td pass) suffered a season-ending knee injury in spring practice, leaving Cason Whitt to take all the snaps in the spring game. Whitt has been competing with Damen Daniel and Liberty transfer Terrell Hackney in fall drills. Daniel was leading the competition, but has been slowed by injury. Only Whitt was with the team at the end of the last season. “The quarterbacks have definitely improved, which has been the big question coming out of camp,” said Walker, who added that the Rams could use multiple signal-callers to take advantage of their unique skill set. “Could we get the quarterbacks ready for the season, and so I am very impressed with their continued improvement.” Familiar names are everywhere else for the Rams, led at running back by Sam Bennett (883 yards,
File photo
Workhorse back... Bluefield’s Sam Bennett runs for yards for the Rams last season. Bennett, who led Bluefield in rushing, is one of several returnees this season for the Rams. 10 td) — who had 276 yards in the win last year at Union — along with Adrian Pope (701 yds, 5 td), who had 225 in the same game. Oft-injured Marion Harris (512 yards, 4 td) will also play, while freshman Alex Martin could also see the field. “Although both of them will definitely play, Adrian has had a phenomenal camp and Sam has been solid,” Walker said. “Adrian has hit some home runs out there in practice and looked really good.” Rodrell Smith (18-228, 3 td) is the leading returning receiver, and will rotate with Quincey Mock (15165, 1 td) and Cory Mabry (7-159, 2 td). Mason Maples (11-100, 2 td) returns at tight end, with Jake Henley and Donald Shipp also playing for the Rams. Bluefield returns an experienced offensive line, led by Quante Hines at center, guards Andrew McFee and Jed Halla, along with Michael Hinckley at left tackle. Isaiah Turner and JaQuan Watson are competing for the other tackle slot. Mike Tufaro, who has been a starter in the past, injured his knee during a recent scrimmage and his status was unclear. That unit, which was ranked sixth in the nation with 289.7 rush-
ing yards per game last season, was able to put up 30.5 points a contest. Walker thinks they can be even better this season, beginning on Aug. 27 in the season opener at Pikeville. “That is definitely the expectation, we should be a lot better,” Walker said. “The one inexperienced position is the quarterback, which it is definitely a quarterback driven offense so we will go as far as they take us as far as our ability to be explosive. ‘With the offensive line we have coming back and the skill guys, we should be able to run the ball and if the quarterbacks can catch on, they can get us to a whole new level offensively.” Slowing down the opposition has been an issue. Bluefield allowed 50.7 points per game last season, including at least 49 points in
seven of those games. There is definite hope for improvement. “Exactly, we are more experienced on the staff there, we have three returning coaches so that helps, and being healthy is probably the biggest thing,” said Walker, whose Rams lost starting linebacker Cordell Johns to a knee injury suffered in the spring game. “We are finally healthy and having more competition on that side of the ball will help us. ‘There is really just no reason why we shouldn’t see significant improvement on that side of the ball.” While Johns is out, Bluefield does get linebacker Ernest Moore and safety Frank Brooks back after missing last season with injuries. Moore will be joined at linebacker by Harry Hollins, Khaliyl Thompson and Harry Casseus, who led the Rams with 80 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last season. “(Casseus) is one of the better players in the conference,” Walker said. “He was second team all-conference last year so we expect big things from him.” Brooks is competing at safety with returning starters Gabe Spencer and Carlton Toussaint, who had six interceptions, earning national honors with three of those in a game. Anthony Rivers returns at cornerback, while LeRico Hopkins and Isaiah Fenner are completing for the other slot. Darius Flowers and Tracey Parker will start at defensive end, while Tufaro’s brother, Mike, is
Bluefield College Football Schedule
Aug. 27 (Thurs) Pikeville* A Sept. 5 Point* H Sept. 12 Faulkner* H Sept 19 Lindsey Wilson* A Sept. 26 Campbellsville* A Oct. 3 Reinhardt* H Oct. 10 Georgetown* H Oct. 24 The Apprentice School H Oct. 31 Cumberlands* H Nov. 7 Union* A Nov. 14 Kentucky Christian* H
7:30 p.m. Noon 1:30 p.m. Noon 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
the leading candidate to replace massive Cameron Carter at nose tackle. “We have got to continue to get more hats to the ball, but the biggest thing is giving up the explosive plays, in particular the deep ball,” said Walker, who recently added outside linebackers coach Gregory Ray to complete his staff. “Our cornerbacks and safeties have to stay on top of things and force people to throw underneath and run the ball. “We feel with our experience being gained and talent, we are definitely talented. With everybody being a year older we should be able to get more stops, but we cannot give up the huge plays which we have done.” Daniel Griffin returns at punter, averaging 39.2 yards a kick last season, while Twin Valley product Drake Presley is the leading candidate at kicker for a shaky special teams unit that should also improve. “I think special teams many times is a reflection of the lack of depth and maybe talent on your roster,” Walker said. “Now that we have built that up a little more, there is definitely competition now in our special teams...” Bluefield will play seven of its 11 games at home this season, which should allow the Rams to improve on its 0-15 mark in three seasons at Mitchell Stadium. The first home game is on Sept. 5 against Point.
GRUNDY GOLDEN WAVE
2015 Grundy Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Twin Valley Sept. 4 River View Sept. 11 Lebanon Sept. 18 East Ridge, Ky. Sept. 25 Honaker Oct. 2 Wise Central Oct. 8 (Thurs) Hurley Oct. 16 Richlands Oct. 23 Tazewell Oct. 30 Ridgeview
A H H A A H H A H A
7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
The Golden Wave
Only one way to go after Grundy’s winless season By LLOYD COMBS for the Daily Telegraph GRUNDY, Va. — It may be a cliche, but there really is only one way for Grundy to go after a winless season in 2014 and that is up. After an 0-10 year that included turmoil both on and off the field, there is reason to believe the Golden Wave will be improved this season, with 10 experienced starters back on both offense and defense and with bigger overall numbers. Fourth-year head coach Jeremy Ward says this year's reboot could be the start of something much
better, but it will be just that, a beginning. "Last season was tough on all those involved," he said. "Anytime you experience a season like last year's, you must evaluate every aspect of the program. You learn from those evaulations and you move forward with a plan, and the thing is, our plan is in the beginning phases. "As of right now, we we've had a great turnout in numbers for our varsity. We're at a point of fielding a varsity and junior varsity team and very close to having a middle school program as well. To put a season like last year's behind us,
we prepare for the future. We welcome all those who want to be a part of it. Stay positive and keep moving forward." The returnees include sophomore quarterback Cole Street (59, 170), who steps into a fulltime role under center after getting most of his work last year at running back. At press time Street was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Other skill position returnees includes last year's leading rusher, hard-charging sophomore Jacob McNutt (5-6, 166) along with seniors Dylan Wolford (5-11, 168) and Maverick Coleman (5-8,
141), junior Christian Jackson (61, 154) at wide receiver and senior Ethan Duty (6-0, 165) at tight end. The offensive line returns 6-foot3, 310-pound senior Ethan Dillow, along with senior Zach Looney (62, 176), junior Tyler Scarberry (6-0, 235) and sophomore Corey McClanahan (5-11, 280). Senior Zach Looney (6-2, 176), junior Matt Matney (6-2, 250) and sophomore Jacob McCoy (6-0, 185) are also working up front. "Our strengths on offense this year are the experience that most of our players have now and the depth at each position," Ward said. "We have those able to step up in
No.Name 2 Cole Street 5 Christian Jackson 6 Jimmy Pruitt 9 Casey Lawson 10 Ethan Duty 11 Gabe Fiser 14 Devin Riley 15 Derick Endicott 17 Dylan Wolford 18 Zach Looney 19 Nate Justus 20 Maverick Coleman 21 Zach Stiltner 22 Devin Fletcher 24 Daleton Anglin 25 Jacob McNutt 30 Paul Hunt 31 Dylan Quinley 33 Elliot Pedigo 35 Dylan Yates 46 Devin Scammell 50 Tyler Scarberry 51 Zach Foster 52 Jacob McCoy 54 Colton Justus 60 Jamie Elswick 61 Josh Howard 62 Lucas Shortt 63 Richie Smith 64 Caleb Hawks 66 Ben Payne 71 Ethan Dillow 72 Corey McClanahan 73 Matt Matney 74 Cullen Cleek 75 Kyle Stacy 76 Carter Slone 78 Tyler Slone 80 Landon Blankenship 81 Dalton Kersey 84 Jacob Stacy 85 William Bedsole 88 Donovan Owens
Ht. 5’9 6’0 5’9 5’7 6’0 5’7 5’4 5’9 5’11 6’2 5’11 5’8 5’6 5’7 5’8 5’6 5’7 5’9 5’11 5’8 5’8 6’0 5’8 6’0 5’11 5’10 5’8 6’0 5’7 6’2 5’10 6’2 5’11 6’2 5’11 5’5 5’10 5’11 5’10 5’8 5’9 5’10 6’1
Wt. 170 154 156 153 165 149 104 159 168 176 151 141 115 132 160 166 147 140 179 121 212 235 180 185 250 210 210 210 185 215 185 310 280 250 210 185 220 235 168 152 152 157 223
Yr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. So.
the case of an injury or other reasons. Competition every day is making us better." There's plenty of experience on defense, as well. Dillow, McClanahan, Scarberry and McCoy return up front. Duty,
Golden Wave, 23
20 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 29
2015 Hurley Football Schedule
HURLEY REBELS
Aug. 28 Holston Sept. 4 Eastside Sept. 11 Shelby Valley Sept. 18 Castlewood Sept. 25 Montcalm Oct. 8 (Thurs) Grundy Oct. 16 Honaker Oct. 23 Twin Springs Oct. 30 Phelps, Ky. Nov. 6 Twin Valley
A H H A H A A H H A
7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Rebels
Returning starters has Rebels thinking playoffs By LLOYD COMBS for the Daily Telegraph HURLEY, Va. — Hurley starts the 2015 season without a key playmaker on both sides of the football from last year's 7-4 club that reached the Group 1A West playoffs. But, eight starters return on both offense and defense and the Rebels are confident they can make a run at the post-season again. The returnees include junior quarterback Zack Lester (5-10, 160) and three backs in Hurley's Wing-T attack, juniors Brady Justice (6-0, 185) and Devin Tester (5-10, 175) and Chris Spencer, a 5foot-9, 165-pound senior who moves from wide receiver to the backfield to replace Tray Oliver, who is now at the University of Pikeville.
Speed is again a strength for a solid set of skill position players. "I think our skill guys are definitely a strength for our team," Hurley coach Greg Tester said. "We have some good speed in the backfield that I think can create some matchup problems for teams and any of them can go the distance on any play. They worked extremely hard in the in the weight room and busted their butts during track season working on their speed." Tester is very pleased with the development of Lester and the leadership of senior tight end Josh Mullins (6-1, 200). He can also play quarterback. "Zack Lester has really matured at the QB position," said Tester. "He does a great job an running the offense and he improved his throwing over the summer. He really looked good at some 7-on-7
VirginiaPreps.com Rankings
Group 2A 1. Glenvar; 2. Giles; 3. Wilson Memorial; 4. Clarke County; 5. Brunswick; 6. Goochland; 7. Gate City; 8. Union; 9. Marion; 10. Lee. Group 1A 1. Essex; 2. Honaker; 3. Altavista; 4. Riverheads; 5. Altavista; 6. Central Senior; 7. Galax; 8. George Wythe; 9. Auburn; 10. Colonial Beach.
Gazette-Mail Football Poll Class AA School Record 1. Bridgeport (10) 13-1 2. Mingo Central 10-2 3. Bluefield 9-2 4. Fairmont Senior 7-4 5. Wayne 10-3 T6. Frankfort 13-1 T6. Robert C. Byrd 9-3 8. Keyser 7-4 9. Sissonville 7-4 T10. Westside 10-3 T10. Nicholas County 10-2
Pts. 100 77 71 68 55 38 38 32 24 13 13
competitions. He made very smart decisions and always keeps us in good position. Brady Justice, Devin Tester, Chris Spencer, and Zack bring a great deal of speed to the team. "I can’t say enough about Josh Mullins and the leadership he brings to this team. His work ethic an character is unmatched. He has added a lot of muscle this offseason in the weigh room. “He could probably play any position on the team and play it well. He is the definition of a football player. Brett Justice (5-8, 165) will also be in mix at running back. Rocky Justus (5-11, 235, Jr.) and returnee Justin Stevens (6-0, 190, Sr.) are vying for the center spot. Logan Justus (6-2, 230, So.) and Shane Hardin (5-10, 210, Sr.) return at guard. Tyler Coleman (5-11, 190, Sr.) and Steven Christian (6-2, 220, Others receiving votes: Weir 9, Ravenswood 7, Chapmanville 2, Liberty (Raleigh) 2, Herbert Hoover 1. Class AAA 1. Capital (7) 13-0 2. South Charleston (3) 11-3 3. Martinsburg 11-2 4. Wheeling Park 9-3 5. Cabell Midland 10-2
97 83 80 63 56
Class 1. Williamstown (3) 2. Magnolia (7) 3. Tug Valley 4. Moorefield 5. St. Marys
84 82 61 60 54
A 12-2 4-6 11-2 9-3 13-1
So.) will start at tackle. Timmy Justus (5-9, 150, Sr.), Tyler Justice (5-9, 155, Jr.), Mikey Stump (6-2, 165, Sr.) and Kendall Charles (5-10, 135, Sr.) give the Rebels depth at wide receiver. The defense returns Logan Justus at tackle and Coleman at one end. Mullins, Hardin, Spencer and Brady Justice give the Rebels an experienced linebacking corps. Lester and Tester are back in the secondary. Christian will start at tackle and Brett Justice at end. Timmy Justus, Tyler Justice and Kendall Charles are vying for time at cornerback. Several playmakers have to emerge on defense to replace Craig Stacy, who is now at UVa.-Wise. "Losing Craig Stacy would be a big loss for any team," Tester said. "He's one of the best football players I've coached. I think by mov-
No.Name Pos. 1 Timmy Justus WR/DB 3 Tyler Justice WR/DB 5 Devin Tester RB/DB 6 Keaton Matney WR/DB 7 Zach Lester QB/DB 10 Josh Mullins TE/LB 11 Chris Spencer RB/LB 12 Kendall Charles WR/DB 20 Brett Justice RB/DE 21 Brady Justice RB/LB 25 Mikey Stump WR/DB 31 Taylor Justus TE/DE 33 Timothy Hackney TE/DE 32 Keaton Dotson TE/LB 40 Wesley Lester RB/DB 44 Jacob Hurley RB/LB 48 Chris BlankenshipTE/DB 50 Steven Christian OT/DT 51 Steven Trimm G/DT 52 Justin Stevens C/LB 53 Drew McClanahan C/DT 55 Shane Hardin G/LB 56 Tyler Coleman OT/DE 60 Coty Justus OT/DT 63 A.J. Justus OT/DT 64 Matthew Young G/LB 70 Rocky Justus C/DT 71 Logan Justus G/DT 72 Devin Dotson OT/DT 75 Dustin Whitt OT/DT 77 Zack Dotson OT/DT 80 Joseph Phelps WR/DB 81 Logan Young WR/DB
Ht. 5’9 5’9 5’10 5’9 5’10 6’1 5’9 5’10 5’8 6’0 6’2 6’1 6’2 6’1 5’9 5’7 5’10 6’2 6’0 6’0 6’2 5’10 5’11 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’11 6’2 5’11 6’3 5’11 5’9 5’10
Wt. 150 155 175 120 160 200 165 135 165 185 165 205 160 155 155 185 175 220 220 190 265 210 190 185 215 180 235 230 280 265 270 130 155
Yr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. S0. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr.
ing Josh Mullins to inside linebacker will help shore up the middle. "I'm confident in the guys we have on the defensive side of the ball right now. I like what I see from our defense early in camp. Logan Justus bench presses over 300 (pounds) and squats over 400. He has a good motor on him and I expect him to get after some people this year." Hurley has decent numbers, but a lot of youth with its backups, making good health a must, as always at a small school. "Staying healthy and being in good enough shape to play offense, defense, and special teams is key," Tester added. "I am as excited for this team as I have been for any team. The potential is there."
Hutchinson Virginia High Football Preseason Rankings
Group 2A 1. Giles 64.0; 2. Wilson Memorial 63.2; Goochland 61.3; 4. Glenvar 59.1; 5. Richlands 58.5; 6. Clarke County 54.0; 7. Union 53.8; 8. Nottoway 53.1; 9. Dan River 52.5; 10. Buckingham County 51.9. Others: 11. Marion 51.6; 12. Gate City 50.7; 19. Lee 38.9; 20; Ridgeview 38.0; 22. Lebanon 35.7; 25, Grayson County 32.1; 26. Gretna 30.87; 27. Virginia High 30.3; 28. John Battle 30.1; 29. Floyd County 29.5; 30. Graham 29.2; 32. Martinsville 28.1; 36. Tazewell 27.4; 38. Wise-Central 26.7; 40. James River 24.6; 48. Grundy 4.6. Group 1A 1. Altavista 65.9; 2. Essex 59.9; 3. Honaker 57.0; 4. Riverheads 56.8; 5. Lunenberg 48.4; 6. Fort Chiswell 46.2; 7. George Wythe 45.8; 8. Parry McCluer 45.3; 9. Colonial Beach 44.2; 1. Galax 43.4. Others: 11. Radford 36.9; 18. Rural Retreat 28.3; 19. Auburn 24.9; 20. Patrick Henry-GS 24.3; 22. Hurley 23.3; 23. John I. Burton 23.0; 24. Northwood 22.3; 25. Chilhowie 20.1; 27. Eastern Montgomery 17.0; 28. Eastside 16.3; 33. Castlewood 11.5; 35. Twin Springs 8.1; 36. Twin Valley 6.3; 38. Holston 4.7; 39. Bland County 2.9; 40. Craig County 1.5; 41. Narrows 0.4; 44. Thomas Walker -0.8; 47. Rye Cove -5.1.
C0NCORD MOUNTAIN LIONS
2015 Concord Football Schedule
Playoff run has Concord confident they belong By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph ATHENS — Concord University’s hunger for football success carried it to the national semifinals of NCAA Division II last year. The confidence instilled by that 13-1 run has spawned a new feeling among the Mountain Lions, according to head coach Garin Justice. “They’ve all been there, they all know what it takes to get there, and I think now they almost expect it,” Justice said last week. “I don’t know if it’s necessarily hunger, but it’s more of an expectancy, that we belong, and that we expect to get there.” The Mountain East Conference (MEC) preseason poll picked Concord to win the league again. The final national poll of 2014 ranked CU fifth in Division II after the Mountain Lions captured the NCAA Super Region One title. The two postseason wins were the first victories ever by a Concord football team in national postseason play. But Justice, entering his fifth year as CU head coach, is trying to guard against “the outside noise” affecting his team’s preparation for the first game, at West Liberty on Sept. 5. “We have to take care of us,” he said. “We have to mow our own grass, so to say. And we have to just take each day at a time, and stay true to our values, and then hopefully we’ll come out (successfully). As long as we keep our focus where it needs to be, we’ll be fine.” After talking about the surprises that can crop up with a roster of
Highlight... Continued from 4 just 10 games over the last four seasons. James Monroe has a deep roster with plenty of options, although much of it is young and lacks experience. By the end of the season, these Mavs could find themselves back in the postseason hunt. 8. Tazewell: The Bulldogs were 5-6 last season, their best record since 2009. There were lots of losses, both to graduation and
18-to-21-year-old players, Justice said, “I think we’re capable of beating anyone in the country, and we’re probably capable of losing to most. So we have to take each day at a time, and take care of our own business.” The offense returns almost everyone. The list begins with allAmerican running back Calvinaugh Jones — who again this year is expected to see limited action to keep him fresh for what Justice called “big games in November and December.” He ran for 1,734 yards last year, the second-best single-season total in school history, even with a short early work schedule. Quarterback Brian Novak, a candidate last fall for the national Harlon Hill trophy, threw for a school-record 3,739 yards last season. He’s more comfortable than ever, his coach said. “He’s our leader,” Justice said. “As he goes, ultimately we all go. Calvinaugh, in the national spectrum, is a better player than Brian Novak, but Brian Novak is probably more important to who we are as an offense.” A pair of true freshmen quarterbacks, Westside High graduate Justin Cogar and highly regarded Garrett Cropp of Fredericksburg, Va., were running neck-and-neck for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart last week. The offensive line lost some starters to graduation, but most of the likely replacements have plenty of game experience. Justice and newly hired assistant Mike Compton oversee the line. Jermeil Douse, coming into his second year in Athens, has found a permanent spot as wideout. He,
transfers, but Tazewell might just have the answers to continue its progression under Shane Allen, who has provided some much needed stability after Tazewell went through a four-year stretch with four head coaches. 9. Twin Valley: It’s been a long climb for Twin Valley, which won nine games in a eight-year stretch before getting four wins in 2013, and a 6-5 record last season included a playoff game for the first time since 2004. There is lots of experience on both side of the ball. This
Flle photo
All-American back... Concord running back Calvinaugh Jones is back for the Mountain Lions, who won the Mountain East Conference title last season and advanced to the Division II national semifinals. along with TJ Smith on the other side of the field, will “really help the cause,” Justice said. “Those guys are extremely explosive receivers with the ball in their hands.” Douse is also a respected punt returner. Andy Ellington tied his own school record with a 52-yard field goal last season on the
team could get back to the postseason, and possibly win a game or two. 10. Graham: Graham couldn’t have found a better choice for head coach. Tony Palmer loves the school, won a state championship there, and has the respect of his team. Look for Graham to challenge for another playoff berth in the upcoming season, but don’t expect another 70-0 postseason loss. The future is bright, but just give him time. Next up: River View.
way to all-first team MEC honors and his second straight Academic All-District accolade. Three players with the same last name have key roles in Concord’s defense. Derrick Johnson had seven of CU’s league-leading 22 interceptions. Nose tackle Darryl Johnson had 60 tackles, and
Sept. 5 West Liberty* A Sept. 12Fairmont State* H Sept. 19 Urbana* A Sept. 26West Virginia Wesleyan* H Oct. 1 (Thurs) Charleston* A Oct. 10 Virginia-Wise* H Oct. 17 Notre Dame* A Oct. 24 Shepherd* H Oct. 31 Glenville State* A Nov. 7 West Virginia State* H
1 p.m. noon TBA noon 7 p.m. 2 p.m. TBA Noon 1 p.m. Noon
Jeremiah Johnson broke up 17 passes and picked off four others. Linebacker Austin Dotson, with 137 career tackles, was named second-team all-America by two different media pickers last winter. Rush end Ervin Moore enters his senior season after recording six sacks in 2014. A standout addition has been interior lineman Bryan Taylor, who once started in the Big Ten for Purdue University. Justice said on Wednesday of last week, “Offensively, we’re right on track, right where we need to be. We’re probably a little ahead of schedule (related to) where we were last year.” “Defensively, we have some new personnel, especially on the defensive line. I’ve been very pleased with where we’re at.” In the bigger scheme of things, he said, “We’ve accomplished a lot. We’re still hungry. We still have unfinished business. We still want to achieve the things we achieved last year, and more. But we still have to stay grounded in who we are as people ... in who we are as a football team.” “We’re not going to get all worked up about having to be perfect, every single day. We’re just going to try to get better, and try to improve. Yeah, we want to be great, but at the end of the day, we’re learning more than just football in this thing.” tbone@bdtonline.com
28 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 21
MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD Johnson looking for another great year at Marshall By JOHN RABY AP Sports Writer HUNTINGTON (AP) — Marshall running back Devon Johnson believes blocking is still his best attribute. He may want to rethink that if he has another solid year carrying the ball for the Thundering Herd. Nicknamed Rockhead for his bruising style, the 244-pound Johnson’s move to the backfield a year ago from backup tight end was intended to provide protection for quarterback Rakeem Cato. But Johnson showed he could do some special things, too. Despite missing most of three games late in the season with knee and shoulder injuries, Johnson finished with 1,767 rushing yards, the second-best single season in school history. The senior should be the focal point of the offense this season with Cato gone. “I’m happy if the team is happy,” Johnson said. “I’m happy as long as the coach is happy. That’s all I want is for this team to win and achieve its goals.” Johnson helped Marshall en route to its first Conference USA championship. He took pride in the fact that opposing defenses didn’t blitz as much when he was in the backfield blocking. “I think it helps our passing game and helps our quarterback to sit in the pocket calmly,” he said. Of course, he was happy with his
running, too — more specifically, he was proud of his linemen for opening gaping holes. “They made my job a whole lot easier than what it was,” he said. “I just ran hard for them because they were blocking hard for me.” ——— Some things to watch for at Marshall, which is looking for its third straight season of doubledigit wins: NEW QB: With the record-setting Cato now playing in the CFL, Marshall is breaking in a new starting quarterback. James Madison transfer Michael Birdsong won the job in the spring over backup Gunnar Holcombe and two freshmen. The 6-foot-5 Birdsong played 20 games in in two seasons at Championship Subdivision member James Madison, including 14 starts. He threw for 3,206 yards and 26 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. THE SCHEDULE: Marshall went 13-1 a year ago and missed out on a chance to play in a marquee New Year’s bowl, due in part to what some viewed as an easy schedule. The schedule doesn’t appear to get much tougher this season. Marshall will host a school from the Big Ten for the first time when Purdue visits in the season opener on Sept. 6. There are nonconference road games against Mid-American Conference members Ohio and Kent State, sandwiched around a home matchup with Championship Subdivision mem-
TWIN VALLEY PANTHERS
2015 Marshall Football Schedule Sept. 6 (Sun) Purdue H 3 p.m. Sept. 12 Ohio A 7 p.m. Sept. 19 Norfolk State H 3:30 p.m. Sept. 26 Kent State A TBA Oct. 3 Old Dominion* H 3:30 p.m. Oct.9 (Fri) Southern Miss* H 7 p.m. Oct. 17 Florida Atlantic* A Noon Oct. 24 North Texas* H 3 p.m. Oct. 31 Charlotte* A TBA Nov. 7 Middle Tennessee* A TBA Nov. 14 Fla. International* H TBA Nov. 27 (Fri)Western Kentucky* A Noon
AP photo
Give him the ball... Marshall quarterback Michael Birdsong (11) hands off to Devon Johnson during a recent practice in Huntington. ber Norfolk State. Marshall has tough conference tests Nov. 7 at Middle Tennessee and Nov. 27 at Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers handed Marshall its
only loss last season. DEFENSE QUESTIONS: Marshall lost six starters on defense, including three linemen, two linebackers including leading
tackler Neville Hewitt, and standout cornerback Darryl Roberts. The defense can’t afford to have another lapse like it did in the 6766 overtime loss to Western Kentucky in which it allowed Brandon Doughty to throw for 491 yards and eight scores. CATCH IF YOU CAN: Also gone is Tommy Shuler, who set Conference USA and Marshall’s career records for receptions, including 18 in his final game in a Boca Raton Bowl win over Northern Illinois. The top returning receivers are sophomore Deon-Tay McManus with 26 catches for 422 yards and six scores and Davonte Allen with 22 catches for 544 yards and four scores. FAST NEWCOMER: Freshman cornerback Antonio Howard’s nickname is Speedy, as it should be. He’s the son of former West Virginia wide receiver Antonio Brown, who played for the Mountaineers from 1998-2001. “His dad was extremely explosive and fast,” said Marshall coach Doc Holliday, a WVU assistant when Brown was a player. “Speedy tells me he can outrun his dad. But his dad could still outrun him.”
Princeton Health Care Center, Princeton, West Virginia PROUD SUPPORTER OF MARSHALL UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL 2015
GO HERD!!!!
2015 Twin Valley Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Grundy Sept. 4 Montcalm Sept. 11East Ridge, Ky. Sept. 18Northwood Sept. 25Phelps, Ky. Oct. 1 (Thurs) South Floyd Oct. 23Rye Cove Oct. 30Honaker Nov. 6Hurley
H A A A H A A H H
7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Panthers
Twin Valley looks to build on school record wins By LLOYD COMBS for the Daily Telegraph PILGRIM'S KNOB, Va. — Twin Valley matched a school-record with six wins last year in just the 14th season in school history. This year the Panthers hope to top that and they have the talent, experience and potential to do it. Ten regulars return on defense and six or seven experienced hands are back on offense at Twin Valley, which made the playoffs last season for the first time in a decade. The returnees include junior running back Austin Shortridge, who rushed for more 1,000 yards last year, versatile quarterback
Tayten Sykes, who started all last season as a freshman and AllCrooked Road Conference standouts like juniors Casey Cooper and Austin Harman in the offensive line. Despite having just one senior on the entire roster experience is helping the Panthers from the start this season confidence-wise, and it helps the coaching staff con centrate on little things that can make the team even better. "Having a lot of people return, things just go a lot smoother," said Twin Valley coach Tommy Crigger said. "Because you just have to get polished up on the base stuff that we do and you can start adding new stuff and do a lot more when
kids have been with you. All in all, we're way ahead of where we've been in the past." Rounding out the offense are sophomore tight end Cody Dales, junior wide out Jacob Bozzer, promising freshman Tylor Keen and a bevy of candidates for the other skill and line spots. The backs include juniors Caleb Keen, Micky Stacy and Seth Webb and sophomore Alex Vance. The offense begins with Shortridge carrying the ball and Sykes handling it. "When you've got an athlete like Tayten and an athlete like Austin, that's what makes your team go," Crigger added. "Tayten led us last year to six wins with the seniors
that we had and now he's taking control of the huddle. He's not a freshman anymore." Sophomore Jacob Herron has some experience at center. Juniors Stephen Mullins and Cody Matney, sophomore Chase Presley and freshman Alex Blankenship are working at offensive tackle. The defense returns everyone but tackle Chase Moore. Up front will be Cooper and Dales at defensive end and Joseph Keen and Vance at tackle. The linebackers are Shortridge, Harman, Bozzer and Caleb Keen. Sykes and senior Ethan Adkins are the corners and athletic Tylor Keen steps in at safety.
No. Name 1 Micky Stacy 4 Seth Webb 8 Tim Croley 10 Tayten Sykes 12 Tyler Keen 14 Ethan Adkins 15 Jacob Bozzr 21 Chase Ramey 24 Issac Hampton 26 Alex Vance 40 Caleb Keen 44 Austin Shortridge 50 Alex Blankenship 51 Connor Goins 52 Jacob Herron 55 Austin Harman 65 Chase Presley 67 Joseph Keen 68 Casey Cooper 73 Brandon Lester 74 Jordan Gross 76 Stephen Mullins 78 Cody Matney 81 Dalton Stacy 85 Leonard Gerber 87 Jakob Rose 88 Cody Dales
Pos. RB/DB RB/CB K QB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DB WR/DB RB/DL RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL
Yr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. So.
"We were on the verge of shutting out four of the ten teams we played (in the regular season last year)," added Crigger. "We're real excited about that. Matthew, coach Baldwin, has done one heck of a job with the defense. He picked up exactly where coach (Chris) Hagerman left off when he became a principal last year. "We're really happy with the way our defense is going. In high school that's the key. If you can keep the score down in high school, especially in our division, you've got a chance to win."
Twin, 23
22 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 27
HONAKER TIGERS
Aug. 28 Lebanon Sept. 4 Castlewood Sept. 11 Eastside Sept. 18 Holston Sept. 25 Grundy Oct. 2 George Wythe Oct. 9 John I. Burton Oct. 16 Hurley Oct. 30 Twin Valley Nov. 6 Ridgeview
A H A A H H H H A H
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Tigers
Tigers moving on despite significant departures By ANTHONY STEVENS for the Daily Telegraph HONAKER, Va. — It was another stellar year for the Tigers in 2014, winning their first 13 games and advancing to the state semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Altavista. But they graduated 20 seniors and will have to fill a lot of openings this season. Three players return that started on defense in their final game last year and only one returns on offense. Avin Parrott (6-0, 186, sr.) started both ways last year, he
will line up at halfback on offense and free safety on defense this fall. “We have a really young team, but they are all looking good in practice,” said the veteran Parrott. “Everyone seems to be catching on pretty fast, I think we will have a solid team. “We just will take it one week at a time. Watch film, study, just do everything we can to prepare for the team we’re playing.” Also returning on defense will be Brent Coleman (5-11, 147, sr.) at cornerback and Josh Miller (60, 188, sr.) at defensive end.
On the offensive side it’s mostly new faces. Taking over the offense will be Hartley Hilton (60, 148, so.) at quarterback. “Hartley is a very talented athlete,” Honaker coach Doug Hubbard said. “He’s coachable, a quiet kid, has a really good arm and runs well. At times you will see his talent and then we will see his youth, but we’re seeing more good than bad. He has a tremendous amount of potential, hopefully as the year goes along you will see him continue to get better and improve.” Hilton will have some big shoes
to fill with the graduation of the versatile Casey Dye who put up some outstanding numbers. “It will be tough,” said Hilton. “Casey was an outstanding athlete, he was a tremendous leader. I just hope to be able to continue doing some of the things he was able to accomplish. “My focus is to just go out and play, doing everything I can to help this team win.” In addition to Parrott and Coleman at wide out, Hilton will have some other targets to throw to. Dalton Bailey (6-0, 150, sr.) and Ethan Farmer (5-10, 130, jr.)
VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
2015 Honaker Football Schedule
No. Name Pos. Ht. 2 Tyler Cook WR/LB 5’11 3 Avin Parrott HB/DB 6’0 4 Chase Miller WR/DB 5’9 5 Dakota Hart RB/DB 5’7 6 Devin Helton RB/LB 5’5 7Bryson Bostic TB/LB 5’10 8 Jordan Stout K/P 6’1 10 Hartley Hilton QB/FS 6’0 12 Hunter Eaton WR/DL 5’11 14 Brandon Looney QB/DL 5’10 16 Ethan Farmer WR/DB 5’10 18 Mason Phillips Hold/DB 5’10 19 Dalton Bailey WR/DB 6’0 20 Brent Coleman WR/CB 5’11 21 Bryce Dye WR/DB 5’9 23 Christian Davis WR/DB 5’7 27 Joshua Eaton WR/DB 5’9 29 Matthew Ball WR/DB 5’6 31 Colby Howard FB/LB 5’5 33 Matthew Testerman FB/LB 5’10 39 Marshall McGlothlinRB/LB 5’10 41 Chris Marshall HB/LB 5’8 45 Anthony Cook WR/DB 5’8 51 Matthew Standley G/DE 5’10 52 Jaden Campbell T/DL 6’0 53 Caleb Woodard T/DL 6’3 55 Cameron Fry G/DE 5’10 57 Daniel Ball G/DE 6’0 58 Dylan Coxton T/DE 6’2 59 Patrick Hess G/DL 5’7 63 Joshua Miller G/DE 6’0 64 Eric Lester T/DL 6’4 65 Zack Hess T/DL 5’10 68 Johnny Burton C/DL 5’11 70 Peyton Johnson T/DL 6’0 73 Andrew Dye C/DE 6’3 74 Eric Ball T/DL 6’2 75 John Tawfeek G/DL 5’8 82 Dylan Shortridge WR/DB 5’9 86 Evan Harman TE/LB 5’11
Wt. 166 186 138 130 139 180 144 148 122 131 130 137 150 147 133 131 113 110 183 178 210 181 140 181 236 237 181 180 208 178 188 365 218 333 262 248 235 202 118 142
Yr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. So. So. So. So. Fr. Jr.
will be at receiver. Tyler Cook (511, 166, sr.) will lineup at tight end. Marshall McGlothlin (5-10, 210, sr.) will be the fullback. Bryson Bostic (5-10, 180, sr.) is the tailback after an injury cost
Honaker, 24
Cavaliers have sense of urgency to finish strong By HANK KURZ Jr. AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — The word that might have been spoken most during Virginia’s offseason and training camp workouts: Finish. The Cavaliers were tied or leading three times in the fourth quarter last season in games they wound up losing, turning what could have been a winning season that ended in a bowl game into a 57 finish. It was their third consecutive losing season and there is a sense of urgency to turn the program around. If not, coach Mike London’s sixth season could be his last in Charlottesville. “We’ve had many issues over the years but this is one issue that I feel has not been attacked: finishing,” senior defensive tackle and co-captain David Dean said. “I believe this year, it has to change. We continue to reiterate this message: Finish in the weight room, finish in practice, finish in runs, whatever the case may be, and not just finishing to finish, but finishing with the energy you brought into the workout, and with the same focus.” London, with a 23-38 overall record and eight wins in 32 Atlantic Coast Conference games, will once again lead his team against one of the most difficult schedules in the country. He likes the determination the Cavaliers have displayed through the sum-
mer and early fall practice. “We all have a chip on our shoulders, the sense of urgency to get the season underway and play, play games and perform. We have an older group,” London said, noting there are 16 players in their final season. “That’s a group that wants to perform well. They want to embrace the challenges. ... Our mindset is a can-do mindset.” For the third consecutive season, Virginia will debut a new starting quarterback in its opener. Matt Johns started three games last season when Greyson Lambert was injured, and when Johns won the job in the spring, Lambert transferred, leaving Johns as the only quarterback on the roster with significant game experience. Johns will operate behind Virginia’s deepest offensive line in several seasons, but will be without transfer wide receiver T.J. Thorpe for much of the season. The former North Carolina player, expected to be a playmaker, broke his right clavicle in mid-August scrimmage and will miss 10 weeks. ——— Some other things to watch with the Cavaliers this season: WHERE THERE’S SMOKE: Junior running back Taquan “Smoke” Mizzell arrived three years ago as a five-star recruit with a nice nickname, and finally should get a chance to show what he can do as the featured back.
2015 Virginia Football Schedule
Sept. 5 UCLA Sept. 12 Notre Dame Sept. 19 William & Mary Sept. 25 (Fri) Boise State Oct. 10 Pittsburgh* Oct. 17 Syracuse* Oct. 24 North Carolina* Oct. 31 Georgia Tech* Nov. 7 Miami* Nov. 14 Louisville* Nov. 21 Duke* Nov. 28 Virginia Tech*
AP photo
Talking Cavalier... Virginia running back Taquan Mizzell talks with the media during the team’s media day last week in Charlottesville, Va. Mizzell’s hold on the top spot is not yet certain, however, as former walk-on Daniel Hamm has also won the praise of the coaching staff. Transfer Albert Reid from Maryland’s downhill running
Heath Miller
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers College: Virginia (John Mackey Award winner, nation’s top TE) High School: Honaker (Q’backed Tigers to state title game as senior Position: Tight end Height/Weight: 6’5, 265 No: 83 Pro Bowls: 2 Super Bowl titles: 2 Professional stats: 11th season, 532 receptions, 6,034 yards, 43 touchdowns.
style is what the coaches are looking to see. QUARTERBACK: Keeping Johns healthy has to be a top priority with transfer Connor Brewer and redshirt freshman Corwin
Ahmad Bradshaw
Team: Free agent (has played for Giants, Colts) College: Marshall High School: Graham Position: Running back Height/Weight: 5’10, 217 No: 44 Pro Bowls: 0 Super Bowl titles: 2 Professional stats: 9th season, 1,052 carries, 4,843 yards, 36 touchdowns; 177 receptions, 1,429 yards, 9 touchdowns
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Cutler vying for the backup job. The Cavaliers are Brewer’s third college team — he started at Texas and then transferred to Arizona. Cutler announced his intention to transfer after last season, but changed his mind when Lambert left for Georgia. Neither Brewer nor Cutler has thrown a pass in a college football game. FILLING THE GAPS: After leading tackler Quin Blanding, the next five leading stoppers on last season’s defense — and players who accounted for 27 of Virginia’s 34 sacks — have moved on. Defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta expects Micah Kiser to become a leader at linebacker and to call signals, but the sophomore had just 15 tackles last season, and fellow new linebacker Zach Bradshaw, a junior, had just seven. Their performances will be critical in a defense that funnels plays in their direction. THE GAUNTLET: Once again, the Cavaliers are faced with trying to make major inroads against a very ambitious slate. They open at UCLA and will host Notre Dame and Boise State, all before the calendar turns to October.
26 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 23
SUMMERS COUNTY BOBCATS
VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES High hopes for Hokies with No. 1 Buckeyes first By HANK KURZ Jr. AP Sports Writer BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — High expectations have returned at Virginia Tech. The Hokies, coming off their third consecutive mediocre season by program standards, will start the season with what coach Shane Beamer calls the biggest game in Lane Stadium history. Virginia Tech hosts defending national champion Ohio State on Labor Day night, and the challenge has added another dimension to the Hokies’ preparation. Virginia Tech handed the Buckeyes their only loss last season, 35-21 in Columbus, Ohio. “When you start out with a team like Ohio State, your preparation is probably a little more intense,” said Frank Beamer, who is still recovering from throat surgery and entering his 29th season at his alma mater. “Then, after the game, you know more about your football team. They bring it out if you have a weakness. They’re very solid on their team, so it’ll come out.” The Hokies look pretty solid, too. They are led by quarterback Michael Brewer and what figures to be another stout Bud Foster defense. Brewer started all 13 games last season as the Hokies finished 7-6, throwing for 18 touchdowns with 15 interceptions, but has improved entering his second
Contributed photo by Virginia Tech Athletics
Little man, big effort... Virginia Tech’s J.C. Coleman runs past Virginia defenders during the Hokies’ win over the Cavaliers last year. The Hokies will host Ohio State on Sept. 7. season under offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler. “Last year, between every play, there was a discussion,” Loeffler said. “Now they aren’t discussions.” That’s an indication Brewer and the other quarterbacks are on the same page as their play-calling coach. “The mistakes we’ve seen in the
Cody Rhodes
College: Virginia Tech Class: Redshirt Freshman Position: Offensive lineman Height/Weight: 6’4, 285 No: 68 High School: Giles (Key part of Spartans 2013 2A state championship. College stats: Redshirted during the 2014 season.
past have slowly diminished, which is exciting,” Loeffler said. The quarterbacks expect to lead a balanced attack. Tight end Bucky Hodges and wide receivers Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillps all caught at least 40 passes last season. Senior J.C. Coleman leads a handful of running backs of varying styles who
all have significant experience. On defense, Foster has at least eight linemen who will rotate into the lineup, and the return of cornerback Brandon Facyson from a broken leg bolsters a secondary that also features All-American Kendall Fuller. “If we play like we look, we’ve got a chance to be pretty good defensively,” Foster said. “I feel really good about this group. At the same time, you’ve got to bring it every day. You’ve got to bring that lunch-pail mentality every day. By the time you think you’ve arrived, you’re going to get your tail whooped.” Defensive end Dadi Nicolas is among those that can’t wait for the games to begin. “It’s about to be a special year from A to Z,” he said. ——— Some things to watch with the Hokies this season: BREW CREW: Brewer was brilliant at times last season, and mystifyingly bad at others. He said he now sometimes knows what play is going to be called even before he’s finished receiving the signal from the sidelines. How he manages to execute those plays will go a long way toward determining how successful the Hokies will be in 2015. He also needs to stay healthy because there’s no one else with significant playing experience on the Hokies’ roster. OFFENSIVE LINE: Right guard
Amway College Football Poll 1. Ohio State (62) 2. TCU (1) 3. Alabama (1) 4. Baylor 5. Oregon 6. Michigan State 7. Auburn 8. Florida State 9. Georgia 10. Southern California 11. Notre Dame 12. Clemson 13. LSU 14. UCLA 15. Mississippi 16. Arizona State 17. Georgia Tech
Record 14-1 12-1 12-2 11-2 13-2 11-2 8-5 13-1 10-3 9-4 8-5 10-3 8-5 10-3 9-4 10-3 11-3
Pts 1598 1487 1452 1365 1260 1230 1103 1057 1026 1014 883 838 727 697 668 577 573
Pvs 1 3 4 8 2 5 23 6 9 21 NR 15 NR 10 19 14 7
2015 Virginia Tech football schedule Sept. 7 (Mon) Ohio State Sept. 12 Furman Sept. 19 Purdue Sept. 26 East Carolina Oct. 3 Pittsburgh* Oct. 9 (Fri) N.C. State* Oct. 17 Miami* Oct. 24 Duke* Oct. 31 Boston College* Nov. 12 (Thurs) Georgia Tech* Nov. 21North Carolina* Nov. 28Virginia*
H H A A H H A H A A H A
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Augie Conte said the Hokies’ standard on the offensive line hasn’t been up to par in recent years, and Loeffler said he hopes to have eight lineman that he’ll feel comfortable putting into games by the start of the season. That’s still not as many as he would like, but more than he’s had in his previous two seasons. BIG STAGE: The hype leading up to the opener with the Buckeyes will be huge, but the Hokies have played a lot of big games to open the season. Frank Beamer said while the stage is great for the program, it’s also important not to place too much importance on one game, or the outcome, because there is still an entire season to play. LINEBACKERS: The only question marks on the defense are in the middle and at safety. The dismissal of C.J. Reavis left a hole at rover, and Foster thinks freshman Adonis Alexander could eventually play in what will be a committee approach. Safety Chuck Clark was voted the team’s defensive MVP at the end of spring practice.
18. Wisconsin 11-3 470 13 19. Oklahoma 8-5 407 NR 20. Arkansas 7-6 377 NR 21. Stanford 8-5 365 NR 22. Arizona 10-4 299 17 23. Missouri 11-3 229 11 24. Boise State 12-2 190 16 25. Tennessee 7-6 166 NR Others receiving votes: Mississippi State 164; Texas A&M 149; Oklahoma State 89; Virginia Tech 70; Utah 40; Kansas State 37; Louisville 27; Nebraska 27; Minnesota 25; Penn State 20; South Carolina 18; Miami (Fla.) 16; Texas 8; Illinois 7; Duke 6; Air Force 5; Louisiana Tech 5; Marshall 4; Utah State 4; Brigham Young 3; North Carolina State 3; West Virginia 3; Florida 2; Georgia Southern 2; North Carolina 2; Central Florida 1; Cincinnati 1; Kentucky 1; Maryland 1; Michigan 1; Washington 1.
Summers County Football Schedule
Aug. 28 PikeView Sep. 4 Liberty Raleigh Sep. 11James Monroe Sep. 18 Wyoming East Sep. 25Greenbrier West Oct. 2 Webster County Oct. 9 Independence Oct. 16 Meadow Bridge Oct. 30 Richwood Nov. 6 Mount View
H A A H H A H H A H
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The Bobcats
Bobcats fight on after one-win campaign By DAN STILLWELL for the Daily Telegraph HINTON — After making two consecutive appearances in the Class AA high school football playoffs, Summers County plummeted back to earth last season. The underclassmen-dominated Bobcats struggled, winning just one of 10 games. "Losing heartbreakers in our first two games put a dampening on our kids' confidence," coach Nate Tanner said. "A lot of them were young, and once you have a tough start on a season like that, it's hard to get the ball rolling." Sometimes adversity takes the fight out of players. They might not even come out next time. But Summers County got into the
weight room in the offseason, and nine starters on each side of the ball have returned, ready to put last year behind them. That was evident in the first scrimmage, when the Bobcats outscored Clay County three touchdowns to two. "It's really pleasing to see the progress they've made as competitors. I can tell they've matured a great deal" Tanner said. "Last year we leaned on juniors to be leaders and they weren't ready. Now I can see them stepping up to the plate and honing in on their role. "As a coaching staff we've tried to get the team to bond together and have better team chemistry. At the beginning we had a campout at a 4-H Camp, with a bonfire
Golden Wave... Continued from 19 McNutt and Street have experience at linebacker, where newcomer Donovan Owens (6-1, 223, So.) will see time. Wolford, Coleman and Jackson return in the secondary. Ward says his defensive unit has to be more aggressive and he thinks it will be. Otherwise, he adds, it's all about working harder Photo by Virginia Mountaineer to get better. "The keys to this season being Jeremy Ward
and swimming. That helped the team a lot." Summers is not only more experienced this season, but it will be stronger and a bit faster as well. The Bobcats aren't big, but they have decent size on the line. Logan Hardy checks in at 235 pounds, and several others are in the 200-230-pound range. Tanner wants the offense to mix passing and running 50-50, but don't be surprised to see Summers air it out when possible. He's got two fine quarterbacks in senior Matt Ryan, a two-year starter, and junior Nathan Grimmett, who will also play wide receiver. Both running backs, Greg Shrewsbury and Dylan Smith, are excellent receivers, and there are
better are fairly simple," he said. "Work harder today than you did yesterday; prepare more each week; push yourself further than you have before and have confidence in yourself and the team. These all work for us. However, we also have to get better at the fundamentals. We must execute on offense, tackle on defense, and win the kicking game." Grundy opens the season Aug. 28 at Buchanan County rival Twin Valley, which defeated the Golden Wave last year for the first time since the series started in 2001.
at least six other players, led by returnees Caleb Harrah and Dakota Thomas, who can play wideout. Veteran guards Hardy and Tim Kitchen and tackle Josh Smith will anchor the line. The 5-2 hybrid defense will feature Kitchen, Tyler Turner and nose guard Nick Adkins up front, Harrah and Andrew Richmond on the ends, Smith and either Smith or Ben Neal at the inside linebackers and Ryan and C.J. Shrewsbury at the corners, Greg Shrewsbury at safety and Grimmett as the "bandit." "We know we can improve on defense from our first scrimmage," Tanner said. "We are much improved, and a the kids pursued the ball well. If their technique
No. Pos. 1 C.J. Shrewsbury 2 Matt Ryan 5 Chris Forren 6 Marcus McGuire 7 Tucker Lillly 8 Timmy Persiani 10 Nick Adkins 11 Jacob Persiani 12 Nathan Grimmett 14 Christian Pack 18 Caleb Harrah 21 Greg Shrewsbury 22 Dillon Smith 24 Ben Neal 25 Austin Trent 31 Cordell Meadows 33 Hunter Adkins 35 Jay Hess 44 Bryce Martin 50 Jeremy Grimmett 55 Tyler Turner 56 Harley Mooneyhan 62 Tucker Bennett 63 Brett Miller 64Quinton Simms 66 Thomas Luster 67 Josh Smith 68 Jesse Odell 69 Jimmy Adkins 70 Ethan Koenig 71 Larry Bennett 73 Larry Skidmore 74 Logan Hardy 75 Bubba Medor 77 Timmy Kitchen 80 Billy Stickler 82 Dacota Thomas 83 Nathan Wickline 85 David Spade 88 Andrew Richmond
Name WR/DB QB/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB QB/LB RB/LB WR/DB QB/LB WRDB WR/DB WR-DB RB/DB RB-LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR-LB
Ht. 5’5 6-1 5’5 5’8 5-10 5’10 5-11 5-9 5-9 6’2 6-0 5-8 6-0 5-10 5’8 5’9 5’8 5’9 5’8 5’10 5-8 6’0 5-8 6-3 5’7 5’9 6-0 5’9 5’9 5’10 5’9 5’8 6-0 5-11 5-10 5’6 6-2 6’2 5’8 6-3
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
Wt. 135 185 135 190 150 165 205 150 170 175 180 150 185 185 130 125 135 165 130 190 155 200 155 215 209 197 205 225 173 190 190 200 235 230 220 125 200 125 130 200
Yr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Fr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. So.
improves, it cold make us from a so-so team to a pretty good team." Summers will open its season at home Aug. 28 against PikeView. Tanner is expecting a winning season. "We definitely took our lumps last year, but our JV team was dominant. They beat every team but one pretty handily, and a lot of them played on the varsity as well," he said. "If you compare us to the (2013 team), we have the potential for a playoff run. But a lot of things have to fall into place for this to happen."
Twin... Continued from 21 There is plenty of optimism here, more so than last year, when the Panthers opened with their first-ever win over Buchanan County rival Grundy. "Our expectation is to win," said Crigger. "Our Photo by Virginia Mountaineer expectation is to go Tommy Crigger back to the playoffs. With all the experience
we got coming back, especially on defense, we haven't come into a season feeling like that in a long time. "We expected it last year and it helped big time, so with the experience on defense and the experience now at quarterback, the experience at running back and elsewhere we hope what we can do what we did last year times a thousand."
24 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 25
WYOMING EAST WARRIORS
2015 Wyoming East Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Mingo Central Sep. 4 Westside Sep. 11 Nicholas County Sep. 18 Summers County Sep. 25 James Monroe Oct. 2 River View Oct. 9 PikeView Oct. 16 Mount View Oct. 30 Independence Nov. 6 Liberty Raleigh
A H A A H A H H A H
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The Warriors
Warriors will run the football for new mentor Jewell By DAN STILLWELL for the Daily Telegraph BECKLEY — Donald Jewell liked to run the football when he coached at Herndon High School. Twenty-four years later, as the new head coach at Wyoming East, he’s still pushing the ground game. “We’ve got some big linemen and we can dominate the run,” he said. “We’ll get the boys in there and get three or four yards every time.” Jewell, who replaces Gary Poindexter at the Warriors’ helm this season, admits he’s a “runfirst” guy. And considering Wyoming East’s youth on the
defensive side of the ball, it makes sense. “We’ll try to run the clock out on offense so we don’t have to stay out there as long on defense,” he said. “We lost our outside linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties. They were seniors, and some of them started two or three years. The younger guys haven’t been able to play much.” The team’s strengths and weaknesses were both on display Saturday in a scrimmage with Class A power Greenbrier West. The Cavaliers scored two touchdowns to the Warriors’ one. “I think we can run the ball. Defense is where we have to get better,” Jewell said. “West could-
Honaker... Continued from 22 him most of 2014. Explosive Dakota Hart (57, 130, jr.) and Parrott will also get some time in the backfield. It will be a rebuilt line, with Miller anchoring it at left guard. Dylan Coxton (6-2, 208, jr.) and Andrew Dye (6-3, 248, so.) will be the tackles. Peyton Johnson (6-0, 262, so.) will be at center. There is a logjam at the other guard slot with Eric Ball (6-2, 235, so.), Jaden Campbell (6-0, 236, so.) and Daniel Ball (6-0, 180, sr.) battling for time. “I think we will get better up front as the season goes along,” Hubbard said. “They are some big kids, we have a good frame to start with. We have several options, hopefully we can push each other and get where we need to be. We just have to get more aggressive and assertive on the field.”
n’t run on us, but they passed the ball, which is what we feared. Our outside linebackers, corners and safeties have to read quicker.” He has few, if any, complaints about the line, which features junior center Joel Cannady (6-foot-4, 315 pounds), senior guard Steve Shrewsbury (6-0, 225), sophomore guard Matt Cook (6-0, 245), senior tackles Matt Perry (5-11, 240) and Eric Taylor (6-5, 290), junior tight end Kyle Clay (6-1, 200) and junior backup Adam Compton (6-2, 325). Junior Hunter Hall, who backed up longtime starter Aaron Griffith last year, is the quarterback. Austin Tilley has moved from tackle to fullback and Alec Lusk and Uriah Adkins are the wing
On defense, Miller, McGlothlin and Coxton will work at end. Eric Lester (6-4, 365, sr.) and Johnny Burton (5-11, 333, so.) will be the tackles. Battling for time at linebacker are Evan Harman (5-11, 142, jr.), Chris Marshall (5-8, 811, so.), Colby Howard (5-5, 183, sr.), Bostic and Cook. In addition to Coleman and Parrott in the defensive backfield, Brandon Looney and Mason Phillips will also get playing time. With Phillips holding and Matthew Testerman the long snapper, special teams should be good with Jordan Stout (6-1, 144, jr.) handling the kicking and punting. “We may have one of the best place kickers in the state in Stout,” Hubbard said. “He’s worked extremely hard in the off-season. He has great range and is consistent from 50. He has great percentage of getting the ball in the end zone on kicking off and is a good punter....”
backs. Dylan Massie and Jacob Tilley are the wide receivers. Even with the scrimmage “loss,” Jewell is a happy man. He coached Herndon from the mid1980s until 1991, when it consolidated into Mullens High School. He then assisted at Baileysville, Mullens and its successor, Wyoming East, before spending 12 years in North Carolina. He eventually returned to Wyoming East as an assistant coach to Poindexter. Coaching at Wyoming East is a different matter than at a small school like Herndon. “There are a lot of little things you have to pay attention to. You’ve got to raise money and get
No. Player Pos. 1 Dylan Tickler RB/DB 4 Tucker Lawson WR/DB 5 Jacob Cannady RB/LB 7 James Woodson TE/DE 10 Hunter Hall QB/CB 15 Chance Shrewsbury WR-LB 20 Uriah Adkins TB/CB 31 Marcus Jenkins FB/LB 42 Micah Compton RB/LB 50 Stephen Shrewsbury OL/DL 52 Matt Perry OL/DL 53 Kyle Clay DL/DL 54 Christian Ross OL/DL 55 Adam Compton OL/DL 65 Matt Cook OL/DL 67 Austin Tilley OL/DL 68 Terry Daniels OL/DL 70 Tanner Gentry OL/DL 72 Dakota Lesher OL/DL 77 Joel Cannady OL/DL 78 Eric Taylor OL/DL 80 Christian Weis TE/LB 81 Dylan Massie WR/CB 82 Tyler Hagy FB/LB 83 Aaron Gauze TE/LB 85 Ethan Hatfield WR/DB 88Jeremy Shrewsbury WR/DB R.J. Foldon Alec Lusk Jacob Tilley Austin Simmons Zachary Raye Brandon Hill Corey Francis Anthony Boggs Michael Belcher Jacob Harris Trevor Jones Travis Davis Jacky Booth Zachary Reed
Ht. 5’0 6’0 5’11 6’0 6’0 5’7 5’7 5’9 5’6 5’11 6’0 6’1 5’9 5’11 5’11 6’3 6’0 5’9 6’0 6’5 6’5 5’11 5’11 5-11 6-0 5-6 5’7
Wt. 85 143 160 180 150 145 175 185 150 210 220 230 220 240 220 275 240 175 310 315 272 165 150 215 160 125 130
Yr. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. Sr. So. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. So. So.
everything set up ahead of time,” he said. “It’s not as hard as at Herndon, but with AA and more kids, it’s a lot more headaches. “The kids are the same. They work hard and try hard. That’s all you can ask of them.” The Warriors will open their season Aug. 28 at Mingo Central.
WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS Howard takes over QB duties for West Virginia By JOHN RABY AP Sports Writer MORGANTOWN — Skyler Howard sees his promotion to starting quarterback at West Virginia as more than an opportunity to take over the offense. He wants to look like he knows what he’s doing, and it starts with staying focused. Howard follows the likes of record-setting quarterbacks Clint Trickett, Geno Smith and Pat White over the past decade in Morgantown. While the bar may not be set too high for West Virginia, which is predicted to finish toward the bottom of the Big 12 standings, Howard is ready to let loose after starting two games at the end of last season when Trickett got hurt. “I think moving to the next level kind of made me a little bit antsy,” Howard said. “I’m getting under control. That is one thing I am focusing on right now. I want to stay calm in the pocket and focus on my reads. It’s getting better every day.” Howard threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start in the regular-season finale at Iowa State, then struggled in a Liberty Bowl loss to Texas A&M in which he often overthrew receivers but still managed 346 passing yards and three scores. The 6-foot junior will have a veteran offensive line but must find some new targets with the graduation of wide receivers Kevin
White and Mario Alford. Howard is the most mobile quarterback under fifth-year coach Dana Holgorsen, who plans to take advantage and let Howard run the ball at times. But he also wants Howard to avoid turnovers first. The Big 12 schedule won’t be kind to the Mountaineers, who play favorites Baylor and TCU in back-to-back road games in October. The Mountaineers also travel to play Oklahoma and Kansas State. More than 50 West Virginia players have seen action in a league game. Holgorsen said his defense, with 10 returning starters, could be the best he’s seen in his 16 years at the Bowl Subdivision level. “It’s been a long road to get to this point defensively and we obviously feel good about it,” Holgorsen said. Holgorsen is entering the fourth year of a six-year contract, which was extended after he went 10-3 in his first season in 2011. But he is 18-20 since and will be under the watchful eye of new athletic director Shane Lyons, a former deputy AD at Alabama. The Mountaineers went 7-6 last season, losing to Texas A&M in the Liberty Bowl. West Virginia opens the season Sept. 5 at home against Georgia Southern. ——— Some things to watch from West Virginia in 2015: DEFENSIVE STRENGTH: West Virginia’s defense allowed at least
2015 West Virginia football schedule
Sept. 5 Georgia Southern Sept. 12 Liberty Sept. 26 Maryland Oct. 3 Oklahoma* Oct. 10 Oklahoma State* Oct. 17 Baylor* Oct. 29 (Thur)Texas Christian* Nov. 7 Texas Tech* Nov. 14 Texas* Nov. 21 Kansas* Nov. 28 Iowa State* Dec. 5 Kansas State*
AP file photo
Sky’s the limit... Skyler Howard will start for West Virginia when the Mountaineers host Georgia Southern to start the season on Aug. 5 in Morgantown. Howard started for the Mountaineers in the Liberty Bowl loss last season at Texas A&M. 400 yards eight times a year ago. Seven of the expected starters are seniors, led by top tacklers Nick Kwiatkoski at linebacker and Karl Joseph at safety. Dravon AskewHenry started all 13 games at safety as a freshman, was the team’s sixth-leading tackler and had two interceptions against Oklahoma State. PASS CATCHERS NEEDED:
White and Alford combined for nearly 2,400 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in 2014. Their departures leave West Virginia with one wide receiver, Jordan Thompson, with more than 25 receptions a year ago. Returning running back Wendell Smallwood had 31. PUNT RETURN PROBLEMS: Holgorsen has been looking for
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someone who not only can field punts but gets some sizable yardage on returns, too. West Virginia was next-to-last in the Bowl Subdivision with an average of 3 yards per punt return. Thompson had fumble problems and trouble deciding when to catch punts. The problem got so bad that at times West Virginia lined up with all 11 players rushing the punter and no one back to field the ball. K.J. Dillon, Vernon Davis and Thompson are among those under consideration for the return job this season. TURNOVERS: The Mountaineers know they need to do a better job at forcing turnovers in order to improve their chances of winning. A year ago they forced just 14 turnovers, including two fumble recoveries, while coughing the ball up 29 times to opponents, which was sixth worst among Bowl Subdivision teams. DEPENDABLE KICKER: Thirdteam All-American Josh Lambert set an NCAA record with 16 field goals of 40 yards or more last season. Overall he went 30 of 39. Five of those made were 50 yards or longer.
24 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 25
WYOMING EAST WARRIORS
2015 Wyoming East Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Mingo Central Sep. 4 Westside Sep. 11 Nicholas County Sep. 18 Summers County Sep. 25 James Monroe Oct. 2 River View Oct. 9 PikeView Oct. 16 Mount View Oct. 30 Independence Nov. 6 Liberty Raleigh
A H A A H A H H A H
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Warriors
Warriors will run the football for new mentor Jewell By DAN STILLWELL for the Daily Telegraph BECKLEY — Donald Jewell liked to run the football when he coached at Herndon High School. Twenty-four years later, as the new head coach at Wyoming East, he’s still pushing the ground game. “We’ve got some big linemen and we can dominate the run,” he said. “We’ll get the boys in there and get three or four yards every time.” Jewell, who replaces Gary Poindexter at the Warriors’ helm this season, admits he’s a “runfirst” guy. And considering Wyoming East’s youth on the
defensive side of the ball, it makes sense. “We’ll try to run the clock out on offense so we don’t have to stay out there as long on defense,” he said. “We lost our outside linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties. They were seniors, and some of them started two or three years. The younger guys haven’t been able to play much.” The team’s strengths and weaknesses were both on display Saturday in a scrimmage with Class A power Greenbrier West. The Cavaliers scored two touchdowns to the Warriors’ one. “I think we can run the ball. Defense is where we have to get better,” Jewell said. “West could-
Honaker... Continued from 22 him most of 2014. Explosive Dakota Hart (57, 130, jr.) and Parrott will also get some time in the backfield. It will be a rebuilt line, with Miller anchoring it at left guard. Dylan Coxton (6-2, 208, jr.) and Andrew Dye (6-3, 248, so.) will be the tackles. Peyton Johnson (6-0, 262, so.) will be at center. There is a logjam at the other guard slot with Eric Ball (6-2, 235, so.), Jaden Campbell (6-0, 236, so.) and Daniel Ball (6-0, 180, sr.) battling for time. “I think we will get better up front as the season goes along,” Hubbard said. “They are some big kids, we have a good frame to start with. We have several options, hopefully we can push each other and get where we need to be. We just have to get more aggressive and assertive on the field.”
n’t run on us, but they passed the ball, which is what we feared. Our outside linebackers, corners and safeties have to read quicker.” He has few, if any, complaints about the line, which features junior center Joel Cannady (6-foot-4, 315 pounds), senior guard Steve Shrewsbury (6-0, 225), sophomore guard Matt Cook (6-0, 245), senior tackles Matt Perry (5-11, 240) and Eric Taylor (6-5, 290), junior tight end Kyle Clay (6-1, 200) and junior backup Adam Compton (6-2, 325). Junior Hunter Hall, who backed up longtime starter Aaron Griffith last year, is the quarterback. Austin Tilley has moved from tackle to fullback and Alec Lusk and Uriah Adkins are the wing
On defense, Miller, McGlothlin and Coxton will work at end. Eric Lester (6-4, 365, sr.) and Johnny Burton (5-11, 333, so.) will be the tackles. Battling for time at linebacker are Evan Harman (5-11, 142, jr.), Chris Marshall (5-8, 811, so.), Colby Howard (5-5, 183, sr.), Bostic and Cook. In addition to Coleman and Parrott in the defensive backfield, Brandon Looney and Mason Phillips will also get playing time. With Phillips holding and Matthew Testerman the long snapper, special teams should be good with Jordan Stout (6-1, 144, jr.) handling the kicking and punting. “We may have one of the best place kickers in the state in Stout,” Hubbard said. “He’s worked extremely hard in the off-season. He has great range and is consistent from 50. He has great percentage of getting the ball in the end zone on kicking off and is a good punter....”
backs. Dylan Massie and Jacob Tilley are the wide receivers. Even with the scrimmage “loss,” Jewell is a happy man. He coached Herndon from the mid1980s until 1991, when it consolidated into Mullens High School. He then assisted at Baileysville, Mullens and its successor, Wyoming East, before spending 12 years in North Carolina. He eventually returned to Wyoming East as an assistant coach to Poindexter. Coaching at Wyoming East is a different matter than at a small school like Herndon. “There are a lot of little things you have to pay attention to. You’ve got to raise money and get
No. Player Pos. 1 Dylan Tickler RB/DB 4 Tucker Lawson WR/DB 5 Jacob Cannady RB/LB 7 James Woodson TE/DE 10 Hunter Hall QB/CB 15 Chance Shrewsbury WR-LB 20 Uriah Adkins TB/CB 31 Marcus Jenkins FB/LB 42 Micah Compton RB/LB 50 Stephen Shrewsbury OL/DL 52 Matt Perry OL/DL 53 Kyle Clay DL/DL 54 Christian Ross OL/DL 55 Adam Compton OL/DL 65 Matt Cook OL/DL 67 Austin Tilley OL/DL 68 Terry Daniels OL/DL 70 Tanner Gentry OL/DL 72 Dakota Lesher OL/DL 77 Joel Cannady OL/DL 78 Eric Taylor OL/DL 80 Christian Weis TE/LB 81 Dylan Massie WR/CB 82 Tyler Hagy FB/LB 83 Aaron Gauze TE/LB 85 Ethan Hatfield WR/DB 88Jeremy Shrewsbury WR/DB R.J. Foldon Alec Lusk Jacob Tilley Austin Simmons Zachary Raye Brandon Hill Corey Francis Anthony Boggs Michael Belcher Jacob Harris Trevor Jones Travis Davis Jacky Booth Zachary Reed
Ht. 5’0 6’0 5’11 6’0 6’0 5’7 5’7 5’9 5’6 5’11 6’0 6’1 5’9 5’11 5’11 6’3 6’0 5’9 6’0 6’5 6’5 5’11 5’11 5-11 6-0 5-6 5’7
Wt. 85 143 160 180 150 145 175 185 150 210 220 230 220 240 220 275 240 175 310 315 272 165 150 215 160 125 130
Yr. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. Sr. So. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. So. So.
everything set up ahead of time,” he said. “It’s not as hard as at Herndon, but with AA and more kids, it’s a lot more headaches. “The kids are the same. They work hard and try hard. That’s all you can ask of them.” The Warriors will open their season Aug. 28 at Mingo Central.
WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS Howard takes over QB duties for West Virginia By JOHN RABY AP Sports Writer MORGANTOWN — Skyler Howard sees his promotion to starting quarterback at West Virginia as more than an opportunity to take over the offense. He wants to look like he knows what he’s doing, and it starts with staying focused. Howard follows the likes of record-setting quarterbacks Clint Trickett, Geno Smith and Pat White over the past decade in Morgantown. While the bar may not be set too high for West Virginia, which is predicted to finish toward the bottom of the Big 12 standings, Howard is ready to let loose after starting two games at the end of last season when Trickett got hurt. “I think moving to the next level kind of made me a little bit antsy,” Howard said. “I’m getting under control. That is one thing I am focusing on right now. I want to stay calm in the pocket and focus on my reads. It’s getting better every day.” Howard threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start in the regular-season finale at Iowa State, then struggled in a Liberty Bowl loss to Texas A&M in which he often overthrew receivers but still managed 346 passing yards and three scores. The 6-foot junior will have a veteran offensive line but must find some new targets with the graduation of wide receivers Kevin
White and Mario Alford. Howard is the most mobile quarterback under fifth-year coach Dana Holgorsen, who plans to take advantage and let Howard run the ball at times. But he also wants Howard to avoid turnovers first. The Big 12 schedule won’t be kind to the Mountaineers, who play favorites Baylor and TCU in back-to-back road games in October. The Mountaineers also travel to play Oklahoma and Kansas State. More than 50 West Virginia players have seen action in a league game. Holgorsen said his defense, with 10 returning starters, could be the best he’s seen in his 16 years at the Bowl Subdivision level. “It’s been a long road to get to this point defensively and we obviously feel good about it,” Holgorsen said. Holgorsen is entering the fourth year of a six-year contract, which was extended after he went 10-3 in his first season in 2011. But he is 18-20 since and will be under the watchful eye of new athletic director Shane Lyons, a former deputy AD at Alabama. The Mountaineers went 7-6 last season, losing to Texas A&M in the Liberty Bowl. West Virginia opens the season Sept. 5 at home against Georgia Southern. ——— Some things to watch from West Virginia in 2015: DEFENSIVE STRENGTH: West Virginia’s defense allowed at least
2015 West Virginia football schedule
Sept. 5 Georgia Southern Sept. 12 Liberty Sept. 26 Maryland Oct. 3 Oklahoma* Oct. 10 Oklahoma State* Oct. 17 Baylor* Oct. 29 (Thur)Texas Christian* Nov. 7 Texas Tech* Nov. 14 Texas* Nov. 21 Kansas* Nov. 28 Iowa State* Dec. 5 Kansas State*
AP file photo
Sky’s the limit... Skyler Howard will start for West Virginia when the Mountaineers host Georgia Southern to start the season on Aug. 5 in Morgantown. Howard started for the Mountaineers in the Liberty Bowl loss last season at Texas A&M. 400 yards eight times a year ago. Seven of the expected starters are seniors, led by top tacklers Nick Kwiatkoski at linebacker and Karl Joseph at safety. Dravon AskewHenry started all 13 games at safety as a freshman, was the team’s sixth-leading tackler and had two interceptions against Oklahoma State. PASS CATCHERS NEEDED:
White and Alford combined for nearly 2,400 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in 2014. Their departures leave West Virginia with one wide receiver, Jordan Thompson, with more than 25 receptions a year ago. Returning running back Wendell Smallwood had 31. PUNT RETURN PROBLEMS: Holgorsen has been looking for
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someone who not only can field punts but gets some sizable yardage on returns, too. West Virginia was next-to-last in the Bowl Subdivision with an average of 3 yards per punt return. Thompson had fumble problems and trouble deciding when to catch punts. The problem got so bad that at times West Virginia lined up with all 11 players rushing the punter and no one back to field the ball. K.J. Dillon, Vernon Davis and Thompson are among those under consideration for the return job this season. TURNOVERS: The Mountaineers know they need to do a better job at forcing turnovers in order to improve their chances of winning. A year ago they forced just 14 turnovers, including two fumble recoveries, while coughing the ball up 29 times to opponents, which was sixth worst among Bowl Subdivision teams. DEPENDABLE KICKER: Thirdteam All-American Josh Lambert set an NCAA record with 16 field goals of 40 yards or more last season. Overall he went 30 of 39. Five of those made were 50 yards or longer.
26 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 23
SUMMERS COUNTY BOBCATS
VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES High hopes for Hokies with No. 1 Buckeyes first By HANK KURZ Jr. AP Sports Writer BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — High expectations have returned at Virginia Tech. The Hokies, coming off their third consecutive mediocre season by program standards, will start the season with what coach Shane Beamer calls the biggest game in Lane Stadium history. Virginia Tech hosts defending national champion Ohio State on Labor Day night, and the challenge has added another dimension to the Hokies’ preparation. Virginia Tech handed the Buckeyes their only loss last season, 35-21 in Columbus, Ohio. “When you start out with a team like Ohio State, your preparation is probably a little more intense,” said Frank Beamer, who is still recovering from throat surgery and entering his 29th season at his alma mater. “Then, after the game, you know more about your football team. They bring it out if you have a weakness. They’re very solid on their team, so it’ll come out.” The Hokies look pretty solid, too. They are led by quarterback Michael Brewer and what figures to be another stout Bud Foster defense. Brewer started all 13 games last season as the Hokies finished 7-6, throwing for 18 touchdowns with 15 interceptions, but has improved entering his second
Contributed photo by Virginia Tech Athletics
Little man, big effort... Virginia Tech’s J.C. Coleman runs past Virginia defenders during the Hokies’ win over the Cavaliers last year. The Hokies will host Ohio State on Sept. 7. season under offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler. “Last year, between every play, there was a discussion,” Loeffler said. “Now they aren’t discussions.” That’s an indication Brewer and the other quarterbacks are on the same page as their play-calling coach. “The mistakes we’ve seen in the
Cody Rhodes
College: Virginia Tech Class: Redshirt Freshman Position: Offensive lineman Height/Weight: 6’4, 285 No: 68 High School: Giles (Key part of Spartans 2013 2A state championship. College stats: Redshirted during the 2014 season.
past have slowly diminished, which is exciting,” Loeffler said. The quarterbacks expect to lead a balanced attack. Tight end Bucky Hodges and wide receivers Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillps all caught at least 40 passes last season. Senior J.C. Coleman leads a handful of running backs of varying styles who
all have significant experience. On defense, Foster has at least eight linemen who will rotate into the lineup, and the return of cornerback Brandon Facyson from a broken leg bolsters a secondary that also features All-American Kendall Fuller. “If we play like we look, we’ve got a chance to be pretty good defensively,” Foster said. “I feel really good about this group. At the same time, you’ve got to bring it every day. You’ve got to bring that lunch-pail mentality every day. By the time you think you’ve arrived, you’re going to get your tail whooped.” Defensive end Dadi Nicolas is among those that can’t wait for the games to begin. “It’s about to be a special year from A to Z,” he said. ——— Some things to watch with the Hokies this season: BREW CREW: Brewer was brilliant at times last season, and mystifyingly bad at others. He said he now sometimes knows what play is going to be called even before he’s finished receiving the signal from the sidelines. How he manages to execute those plays will go a long way toward determining how successful the Hokies will be in 2015. He also needs to stay healthy because there’s no one else with significant playing experience on the Hokies’ roster. OFFENSIVE LINE: Right guard
Amway College Football Poll 1. Ohio State (62) 2. TCU (1) 3. Alabama (1) 4. Baylor 5. Oregon 6. Michigan State 7. Auburn 8. Florida State 9. Georgia 10. Southern California 11. Notre Dame 12. Clemson 13. LSU 14. UCLA 15. Mississippi 16. Arizona State 17. Georgia Tech
Record 14-1 12-1 12-2 11-2 13-2 11-2 8-5 13-1 10-3 9-4 8-5 10-3 8-5 10-3 9-4 10-3 11-3
Pts 1598 1487 1452 1365 1260 1230 1103 1057 1026 1014 883 838 727 697 668 577 573
Pvs 1 3 4 8 2 5 23 6 9 21 NR 15 NR 10 19 14 7
2015 Virginia Tech football schedule Sept. 7 (Mon) Ohio State Sept. 12 Furman Sept. 19 Purdue Sept. 26 East Carolina Oct. 3 Pittsburgh* Oct. 9 (Fri) N.C. State* Oct. 17 Miami* Oct. 24 Duke* Oct. 31 Boston College* Nov. 12 (Thurs) Georgia Tech* Nov. 21North Carolina* Nov. 28Virginia*
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Augie Conte said the Hokies’ standard on the offensive line hasn’t been up to par in recent years, and Loeffler said he hopes to have eight lineman that he’ll feel comfortable putting into games by the start of the season. That’s still not as many as he would like, but more than he’s had in his previous two seasons. BIG STAGE: The hype leading up to the opener with the Buckeyes will be huge, but the Hokies have played a lot of big games to open the season. Frank Beamer said while the stage is great for the program, it’s also important not to place too much importance on one game, or the outcome, because there is still an entire season to play. LINEBACKERS: The only question marks on the defense are in the middle and at safety. The dismissal of C.J. Reavis left a hole at rover, and Foster thinks freshman Adonis Alexander could eventually play in what will be a committee approach. Safety Chuck Clark was voted the team’s defensive MVP at the end of spring practice.
18. Wisconsin 11-3 470 13 19. Oklahoma 8-5 407 NR 20. Arkansas 7-6 377 NR 21. Stanford 8-5 365 NR 22. Arizona 10-4 299 17 23. Missouri 11-3 229 11 24. Boise State 12-2 190 16 25. Tennessee 7-6 166 NR Others receiving votes: Mississippi State 164; Texas A&M 149; Oklahoma State 89; Virginia Tech 70; Utah 40; Kansas State 37; Louisville 27; Nebraska 27; Minnesota 25; Penn State 20; South Carolina 18; Miami (Fla.) 16; Texas 8; Illinois 7; Duke 6; Air Force 5; Louisiana Tech 5; Marshall 4; Utah State 4; Brigham Young 3; North Carolina State 3; West Virginia 3; Florida 2; Georgia Southern 2; North Carolina 2; Central Florida 1; Cincinnati 1; Kentucky 1; Maryland 1; Michigan 1; Washington 1.
Summers County Football Schedule
Aug. 28 PikeView Sep. 4 Liberty Raleigh Sep. 11James Monroe Sep. 18 Wyoming East Sep. 25Greenbrier West Oct. 2 Webster County Oct. 9 Independence Oct. 16 Meadow Bridge Oct. 30 Richwood Nov. 6 Mount View
H A A H H A H H A H
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The Bobcats
Bobcats fight on after one-win campaign By DAN STILLWELL for the Daily Telegraph HINTON — After making two consecutive appearances in the Class AA high school football playoffs, Summers County plummeted back to earth last season. The underclassmen-dominated Bobcats struggled, winning just one of 10 games. "Losing heartbreakers in our first two games put a dampening on our kids' confidence," coach Nate Tanner said. "A lot of them were young, and once you have a tough start on a season like that, it's hard to get the ball rolling." Sometimes adversity takes the fight out of players. They might not even come out next time. But Summers County got into the
weight room in the offseason, and nine starters on each side of the ball have returned, ready to put last year behind them. That was evident in the first scrimmage, when the Bobcats outscored Clay County three touchdowns to two. "It's really pleasing to see the progress they've made as competitors. I can tell they've matured a great deal" Tanner said. "Last year we leaned on juniors to be leaders and they weren't ready. Now I can see them stepping up to the plate and honing in on their role. "As a coaching staff we've tried to get the team to bond together and have better team chemistry. At the beginning we had a campout at a 4-H Camp, with a bonfire
Golden Wave... Continued from 19 McNutt and Street have experience at linebacker, where newcomer Donovan Owens (6-1, 223, So.) will see time. Wolford, Coleman and Jackson return in the secondary. Ward says his defensive unit has to be more aggressive and he thinks it will be. Otherwise, he adds, it's all about working harder Photo by Virginia Mountaineer to get better. "The keys to this season being Jeremy Ward
and swimming. That helped the team a lot." Summers is not only more experienced this season, but it will be stronger and a bit faster as well. The Bobcats aren't big, but they have decent size on the line. Logan Hardy checks in at 235 pounds, and several others are in the 200-230-pound range. Tanner wants the offense to mix passing and running 50-50, but don't be surprised to see Summers air it out when possible. He's got two fine quarterbacks in senior Matt Ryan, a two-year starter, and junior Nathan Grimmett, who will also play wide receiver. Both running backs, Greg Shrewsbury and Dylan Smith, are excellent receivers, and there are
better are fairly simple," he said. "Work harder today than you did yesterday; prepare more each week; push yourself further than you have before and have confidence in yourself and the team. These all work for us. However, we also have to get better at the fundamentals. We must execute on offense, tackle on defense, and win the kicking game." Grundy opens the season Aug. 28 at Buchanan County rival Twin Valley, which defeated the Golden Wave last year for the first time since the series started in 2001.
at least six other players, led by returnees Caleb Harrah and Dakota Thomas, who can play wideout. Veteran guards Hardy and Tim Kitchen and tackle Josh Smith will anchor the line. The 5-2 hybrid defense will feature Kitchen, Tyler Turner and nose guard Nick Adkins up front, Harrah and Andrew Richmond on the ends, Smith and either Smith or Ben Neal at the inside linebackers and Ryan and C.J. Shrewsbury at the corners, Greg Shrewsbury at safety and Grimmett as the "bandit." "We know we can improve on defense from our first scrimmage," Tanner said. "We are much improved, and a the kids pursued the ball well. If their technique
No. Pos. 1 C.J. Shrewsbury 2 Matt Ryan 5 Chris Forren 6 Marcus McGuire 7 Tucker Lillly 8 Timmy Persiani 10 Nick Adkins 11 Jacob Persiani 12 Nathan Grimmett 14 Christian Pack 18 Caleb Harrah 21 Greg Shrewsbury 22 Dillon Smith 24 Ben Neal 25 Austin Trent 31 Cordell Meadows 33 Hunter Adkins 35 Jay Hess 44 Bryce Martin 50 Jeremy Grimmett 55 Tyler Turner 56 Harley Mooneyhan 62 Tucker Bennett 63 Brett Miller 64Quinton Simms 66 Thomas Luster 67 Josh Smith 68 Jesse Odell 69 Jimmy Adkins 70 Ethan Koenig 71 Larry Bennett 73 Larry Skidmore 74 Logan Hardy 75 Bubba Medor 77 Timmy Kitchen 80 Billy Stickler 82 Dacota Thomas 83 Nathan Wickline 85 David Spade 88 Andrew Richmond
Name WR/DB QB/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB QB/LB RB/LB WR/DB QB/LB WRDB WR/DB WR-DB RB/DB RB-LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR-LB
Ht. 5’5 6-1 5’5 5’8 5-10 5’10 5-11 5-9 5-9 6’2 6-0 5-8 6-0 5-10 5’8 5’9 5’8 5’9 5’8 5’10 5-8 6’0 5-8 6-3 5’7 5’9 6-0 5’9 5’9 5’10 5’9 5’8 6-0 5-11 5-10 5’6 6-2 6’2 5’8 6-3
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
Wt. 135 185 135 190 150 165 205 150 170 175 180 150 185 185 130 125 135 165 130 190 155 200 155 215 209 197 205 225 173 190 190 200 235 230 220 125 200 125 130 200
Yr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Fr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. So.
improves, it cold make us from a so-so team to a pretty good team." Summers will open its season at home Aug. 28 against PikeView. Tanner is expecting a winning season. "We definitely took our lumps last year, but our JV team was dominant. They beat every team but one pretty handily, and a lot of them played on the varsity as well," he said. "If you compare us to the (2013 team), we have the potential for a playoff run. But a lot of things have to fall into place for this to happen."
Twin... Continued from 21 There is plenty of optimism here, more so than last year, when the Panthers opened with their first-ever win over Buchanan County rival Grundy. "Our expectation is to win," said Crigger. "Our Photo by Virginia Mountaineer expectation is to go Tommy Crigger back to the playoffs. With all the experience
we got coming back, especially on defense, we haven't come into a season feeling like that in a long time. "We expected it last year and it helped big time, so with the experience on defense and the experience now at quarterback, the experience at running back and elsewhere we hope what we can do what we did last year times a thousand."
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2015 BDT BLITZ 27
HONAKER TIGERS
Aug. 28 Lebanon Sept. 4 Castlewood Sept. 11 Eastside Sept. 18 Holston Sept. 25 Grundy Oct. 2 George Wythe Oct. 9 John I. Burton Oct. 16 Hurley Oct. 30 Twin Valley Nov. 6 Ridgeview
A H A A H H H H A H
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The Tigers
Tigers moving on despite significant departures By ANTHONY STEVENS for the Daily Telegraph HONAKER, Va. — It was another stellar year for the Tigers in 2014, winning their first 13 games and advancing to the state semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Altavista. But they graduated 20 seniors and will have to fill a lot of openings this season. Three players return that started on defense in their final game last year and only one returns on offense. Avin Parrott (6-0, 186, sr.) started both ways last year, he
will line up at halfback on offense and free safety on defense this fall. “We have a really young team, but they are all looking good in practice,” said the veteran Parrott. “Everyone seems to be catching on pretty fast, I think we will have a solid team. “We just will take it one week at a time. Watch film, study, just do everything we can to prepare for the team we’re playing.” Also returning on defense will be Brent Coleman (5-11, 147, sr.) at cornerback and Josh Miller (60, 188, sr.) at defensive end.
On the offensive side it’s mostly new faces. Taking over the offense will be Hartley Hilton (60, 148, so.) at quarterback. “Hartley is a very talented athlete,” Honaker coach Doug Hubbard said. “He’s coachable, a quiet kid, has a really good arm and runs well. At times you will see his talent and then we will see his youth, but we’re seeing more good than bad. He has a tremendous amount of potential, hopefully as the year goes along you will see him continue to get better and improve.” Hilton will have some big shoes
to fill with the graduation of the versatile Casey Dye who put up some outstanding numbers. “It will be tough,” said Hilton. “Casey was an outstanding athlete, he was a tremendous leader. I just hope to be able to continue doing some of the things he was able to accomplish. “My focus is to just go out and play, doing everything I can to help this team win.” In addition to Parrott and Coleman at wide out, Hilton will have some other targets to throw to. Dalton Bailey (6-0, 150, sr.) and Ethan Farmer (5-10, 130, jr.)
VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
2015 Honaker Football Schedule
No. Name Pos. Ht. 2 Tyler Cook WR/LB 5’11 3 Avin Parrott HB/DB 6’0 4 Chase Miller WR/DB 5’9 5 Dakota Hart RB/DB 5’7 6 Devin Helton RB/LB 5’5 7Bryson Bostic TB/LB 5’10 8 Jordan Stout K/P 6’1 10 Hartley Hilton QB/FS 6’0 12 Hunter Eaton WR/DL 5’11 14 Brandon Looney QB/DL 5’10 16 Ethan Farmer WR/DB 5’10 18 Mason Phillips Hold/DB 5’10 19 Dalton Bailey WR/DB 6’0 20 Brent Coleman WR/CB 5’11 21 Bryce Dye WR/DB 5’9 23 Christian Davis WR/DB 5’7 27 Joshua Eaton WR/DB 5’9 29 Matthew Ball WR/DB 5’6 31 Colby Howard FB/LB 5’5 33 Matthew Testerman FB/LB 5’10 39 Marshall McGlothlinRB/LB 5’10 41 Chris Marshall HB/LB 5’8 45 Anthony Cook WR/DB 5’8 51 Matthew Standley G/DE 5’10 52 Jaden Campbell T/DL 6’0 53 Caleb Woodard T/DL 6’3 55 Cameron Fry G/DE 5’10 57 Daniel Ball G/DE 6’0 58 Dylan Coxton T/DE 6’2 59 Patrick Hess G/DL 5’7 63 Joshua Miller G/DE 6’0 64 Eric Lester T/DL 6’4 65 Zack Hess T/DL 5’10 68 Johnny Burton C/DL 5’11 70 Peyton Johnson T/DL 6’0 73 Andrew Dye C/DE 6’3 74 Eric Ball T/DL 6’2 75 John Tawfeek G/DL 5’8 82 Dylan Shortridge WR/DB 5’9 86 Evan Harman TE/LB 5’11
Wt. 166 186 138 130 139 180 144 148 122 131 130 137 150 147 133 131 113 110 183 178 210 181 140 181 236 237 181 180 208 178 188 365 218 333 262 248 235 202 118 142
Yr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. So. So. So. So. Fr. Jr.
will be at receiver. Tyler Cook (511, 166, sr.) will lineup at tight end. Marshall McGlothlin (5-10, 210, sr.) will be the fullback. Bryson Bostic (5-10, 180, sr.) is the tailback after an injury cost
Honaker, 24
Cavaliers have sense of urgency to finish strong By HANK KURZ Jr. AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — The word that might have been spoken most during Virginia’s offseason and training camp workouts: Finish. The Cavaliers were tied or leading three times in the fourth quarter last season in games they wound up losing, turning what could have been a winning season that ended in a bowl game into a 57 finish. It was their third consecutive losing season and there is a sense of urgency to turn the program around. If not, coach Mike London’s sixth season could be his last in Charlottesville. “We’ve had many issues over the years but this is one issue that I feel has not been attacked: finishing,” senior defensive tackle and co-captain David Dean said. “I believe this year, it has to change. We continue to reiterate this message: Finish in the weight room, finish in practice, finish in runs, whatever the case may be, and not just finishing to finish, but finishing with the energy you brought into the workout, and with the same focus.” London, with a 23-38 overall record and eight wins in 32 Atlantic Coast Conference games, will once again lead his team against one of the most difficult schedules in the country. He likes the determination the Cavaliers have displayed through the sum-
mer and early fall practice. “We all have a chip on our shoulders, the sense of urgency to get the season underway and play, play games and perform. We have an older group,” London said, noting there are 16 players in their final season. “That’s a group that wants to perform well. They want to embrace the challenges. ... Our mindset is a can-do mindset.” For the third consecutive season, Virginia will debut a new starting quarterback in its opener. Matt Johns started three games last season when Greyson Lambert was injured, and when Johns won the job in the spring, Lambert transferred, leaving Johns as the only quarterback on the roster with significant game experience. Johns will operate behind Virginia’s deepest offensive line in several seasons, but will be without transfer wide receiver T.J. Thorpe for much of the season. The former North Carolina player, expected to be a playmaker, broke his right clavicle in mid-August scrimmage and will miss 10 weeks. ——— Some other things to watch with the Cavaliers this season: WHERE THERE’S SMOKE: Junior running back Taquan “Smoke” Mizzell arrived three years ago as a five-star recruit with a nice nickname, and finally should get a chance to show what he can do as the featured back.
2015 Virginia Football Schedule
Sept. 5 UCLA Sept. 12 Notre Dame Sept. 19 William & Mary Sept. 25 (Fri) Boise State Oct. 10 Pittsburgh* Oct. 17 Syracuse* Oct. 24 North Carolina* Oct. 31 Georgia Tech* Nov. 7 Miami* Nov. 14 Louisville* Nov. 21 Duke* Nov. 28 Virginia Tech*
AP photo
Talking Cavalier... Virginia running back Taquan Mizzell talks with the media during the team’s media day last week in Charlottesville, Va. Mizzell’s hold on the top spot is not yet certain, however, as former walk-on Daniel Hamm has also won the praise of the coaching staff. Transfer Albert Reid from Maryland’s downhill running
Heath Miller
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers College: Virginia (John Mackey Award winner, nation’s top TE) High School: Honaker (Q’backed Tigers to state title game as senior Position: Tight end Height/Weight: 6’5, 265 No: 83 Pro Bowls: 2 Super Bowl titles: 2 Professional stats: 11th season, 532 receptions, 6,034 yards, 43 touchdowns.
style is what the coaches are looking to see. QUARTERBACK: Keeping Johns healthy has to be a top priority with transfer Connor Brewer and redshirt freshman Corwin
Ahmad Bradshaw
Team: Free agent (has played for Giants, Colts) College: Marshall High School: Graham Position: Running back Height/Weight: 5’10, 217 No: 44 Pro Bowls: 0 Super Bowl titles: 2 Professional stats: 9th season, 1,052 carries, 4,843 yards, 36 touchdowns; 177 receptions, 1,429 yards, 9 touchdowns
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Cutler vying for the backup job. The Cavaliers are Brewer’s third college team — he started at Texas and then transferred to Arizona. Cutler announced his intention to transfer after last season, but changed his mind when Lambert left for Georgia. Neither Brewer nor Cutler has thrown a pass in a college football game. FILLING THE GAPS: After leading tackler Quin Blanding, the next five leading stoppers on last season’s defense — and players who accounted for 27 of Virginia’s 34 sacks — have moved on. Defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta expects Micah Kiser to become a leader at linebacker and to call signals, but the sophomore had just 15 tackles last season, and fellow new linebacker Zach Bradshaw, a junior, had just seven. Their performances will be critical in a defense that funnels plays in their direction. THE GAUNTLET: Once again, the Cavaliers are faced with trying to make major inroads against a very ambitious slate. They open at UCLA and will host Notre Dame and Boise State, all before the calendar turns to October.
28 2015 BDT BLITZ
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MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD Johnson looking for another great year at Marshall By JOHN RABY AP Sports Writer HUNTINGTON (AP) — Marshall running back Devon Johnson believes blocking is still his best attribute. He may want to rethink that if he has another solid year carrying the ball for the Thundering Herd. Nicknamed Rockhead for his bruising style, the 244-pound Johnson’s move to the backfield a year ago from backup tight end was intended to provide protection for quarterback Rakeem Cato. But Johnson showed he could do some special things, too. Despite missing most of three games late in the season with knee and shoulder injuries, Johnson finished with 1,767 rushing yards, the second-best single season in school history. The senior should be the focal point of the offense this season with Cato gone. “I’m happy if the team is happy,” Johnson said. “I’m happy as long as the coach is happy. That’s all I want is for this team to win and achieve its goals.” Johnson helped Marshall en route to its first Conference USA championship. He took pride in the fact that opposing defenses didn’t blitz as much when he was in the backfield blocking. “I think it helps our passing game and helps our quarterback to sit in the pocket calmly,” he said. Of course, he was happy with his
running, too — more specifically, he was proud of his linemen for opening gaping holes. “They made my job a whole lot easier than what it was,” he said. “I just ran hard for them because they were blocking hard for me.” ——— Some things to watch for at Marshall, which is looking for its third straight season of doubledigit wins: NEW QB: With the record-setting Cato now playing in the CFL, Marshall is breaking in a new starting quarterback. James Madison transfer Michael Birdsong won the job in the spring over backup Gunnar Holcombe and two freshmen. The 6-foot-5 Birdsong played 20 games in in two seasons at Championship Subdivision member James Madison, including 14 starts. He threw for 3,206 yards and 26 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. THE SCHEDULE: Marshall went 13-1 a year ago and missed out on a chance to play in a marquee New Year’s bowl, due in part to what some viewed as an easy schedule. The schedule doesn’t appear to get much tougher this season. Marshall will host a school from the Big Ten for the first time when Purdue visits in the season opener on Sept. 6. There are nonconference road games against Mid-American Conference members Ohio and Kent State, sandwiched around a home matchup with Championship Subdivision mem-
TWIN VALLEY PANTHERS
2015 Marshall Football Schedule Sept. 6 (Sun) Purdue H 3 p.m. Sept. 12 Ohio A 7 p.m. Sept. 19 Norfolk State H 3:30 p.m. Sept. 26 Kent State A TBA Oct. 3 Old Dominion* H 3:30 p.m. Oct.9 (Fri) Southern Miss* H 7 p.m. Oct. 17 Florida Atlantic* A Noon Oct. 24 North Texas* H 3 p.m. Oct. 31 Charlotte* A TBA Nov. 7 Middle Tennessee* A TBA Nov. 14 Fla. International* H TBA Nov. 27 (Fri)Western Kentucky* A Noon
AP photo
Give him the ball... Marshall quarterback Michael Birdsong (11) hands off to Devon Johnson during a recent practice in Huntington. ber Norfolk State. Marshall has tough conference tests Nov. 7 at Middle Tennessee and Nov. 27 at Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers handed Marshall its
only loss last season. DEFENSE QUESTIONS: Marshall lost six starters on defense, including three linemen, two linebackers including leading
tackler Neville Hewitt, and standout cornerback Darryl Roberts. The defense can’t afford to have another lapse like it did in the 6766 overtime loss to Western Kentucky in which it allowed Brandon Doughty to throw for 491 yards and eight scores. CATCH IF YOU CAN: Also gone is Tommy Shuler, who set Conference USA and Marshall’s career records for receptions, including 18 in his final game in a Boca Raton Bowl win over Northern Illinois. The top returning receivers are sophomore Deon-Tay McManus with 26 catches for 422 yards and six scores and Davonte Allen with 22 catches for 544 yards and four scores. FAST NEWCOMER: Freshman cornerback Antonio Howard’s nickname is Speedy, as it should be. He’s the son of former West Virginia wide receiver Antonio Brown, who played for the Mountaineers from 1998-2001. “His dad was extremely explosive and fast,” said Marshall coach Doc Holliday, a WVU assistant when Brown was a player. “Speedy tells me he can outrun his dad. But his dad could still outrun him.”
Princeton Health Care Center, Princeton, West Virginia PROUD SUPPORTER OF MARSHALL UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL 2015
GO HERD!!!!
2015 Twin Valley Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Grundy Sept. 4 Montcalm Sept. 11East Ridge, Ky. Sept. 18Northwood Sept. 25Phelps, Ky. Oct. 1 (Thurs) South Floyd Oct. 23Rye Cove Oct. 30Honaker Nov. 6Hurley
H A A A H A A H H
7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Panthers
Twin Valley looks to build on school record wins By LLOYD COMBS for the Daily Telegraph PILGRIM'S KNOB, Va. — Twin Valley matched a school-record with six wins last year in just the 14th season in school history. This year the Panthers hope to top that and they have the talent, experience and potential to do it. Ten regulars return on defense and six or seven experienced hands are back on offense at Twin Valley, which made the playoffs last season for the first time in a decade. The returnees include junior running back Austin Shortridge, who rushed for more 1,000 yards last year, versatile quarterback
Tayten Sykes, who started all last season as a freshman and AllCrooked Road Conference standouts like juniors Casey Cooper and Austin Harman in the offensive line. Despite having just one senior on the entire roster experience is helping the Panthers from the start this season confidence-wise, and it helps the coaching staff con centrate on little things that can make the team even better. "Having a lot of people return, things just go a lot smoother," said Twin Valley coach Tommy Crigger said. "Because you just have to get polished up on the base stuff that we do and you can start adding new stuff and do a lot more when
kids have been with you. All in all, we're way ahead of where we've been in the past." Rounding out the offense are sophomore tight end Cody Dales, junior wide out Jacob Bozzer, promising freshman Tylor Keen and a bevy of candidates for the other skill and line spots. The backs include juniors Caleb Keen, Micky Stacy and Seth Webb and sophomore Alex Vance. The offense begins with Shortridge carrying the ball and Sykes handling it. "When you've got an athlete like Tayten and an athlete like Austin, that's what makes your team go," Crigger added. "Tayten led us last year to six wins with the seniors
that we had and now he's taking control of the huddle. He's not a freshman anymore." Sophomore Jacob Herron has some experience at center. Juniors Stephen Mullins and Cody Matney, sophomore Chase Presley and freshman Alex Blankenship are working at offensive tackle. The defense returns everyone but tackle Chase Moore. Up front will be Cooper and Dales at defensive end and Joseph Keen and Vance at tackle. The linebackers are Shortridge, Harman, Bozzer and Caleb Keen. Sykes and senior Ethan Adkins are the corners and athletic Tylor Keen steps in at safety.
No. Name 1 Micky Stacy 4 Seth Webb 8 Tim Croley 10 Tayten Sykes 12 Tyler Keen 14 Ethan Adkins 15 Jacob Bozzr 21 Chase Ramey 24 Issac Hampton 26 Alex Vance 40 Caleb Keen 44 Austin Shortridge 50 Alex Blankenship 51 Connor Goins 52 Jacob Herron 55 Austin Harman 65 Chase Presley 67 Joseph Keen 68 Casey Cooper 73 Brandon Lester 74 Jordan Gross 76 Stephen Mullins 78 Cody Matney 81 Dalton Stacy 85 Leonard Gerber 87 Jakob Rose 88 Cody Dales
Pos. RB/DB RB/CB K QB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DB WR/DB RB/DL RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL
Yr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. So.
"We were on the verge of shutting out four of the ten teams we played (in the regular season last year)," added Crigger. "We're real excited about that. Matthew, coach Baldwin, has done one heck of a job with the defense. He picked up exactly where coach (Chris) Hagerman left off when he became a principal last year. "We're really happy with the way our defense is going. In high school that's the key. If you can keep the score down in high school, especially in our division, you've got a chance to win."
Twin, 23
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2015 Hurley Football Schedule
HURLEY REBELS
Aug. 28 Holston Sept. 4 Eastside Sept. 11 Shelby Valley Sept. 18 Castlewood Sept. 25 Montcalm Oct. 8 (Thurs) Grundy Oct. 16 Honaker Oct. 23 Twin Springs Oct. 30 Phelps, Ky. Nov. 6 Twin Valley
A H H A H A A H H A
7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Rebels
Returning starters has Rebels thinking playoffs By LLOYD COMBS for the Daily Telegraph HURLEY, Va. — Hurley starts the 2015 season without a key playmaker on both sides of the football from last year's 7-4 club that reached the Group 1A West playoffs. But, eight starters return on both offense and defense and the Rebels are confident they can make a run at the post-season again. The returnees include junior quarterback Zack Lester (5-10, 160) and three backs in Hurley's Wing-T attack, juniors Brady Justice (6-0, 185) and Devin Tester (5-10, 175) and Chris Spencer, a 5foot-9, 165-pound senior who moves from wide receiver to the backfield to replace Tray Oliver, who is now at the University of Pikeville.
Speed is again a strength for a solid set of skill position players. "I think our skill guys are definitely a strength for our team," Hurley coach Greg Tester said. "We have some good speed in the backfield that I think can create some matchup problems for teams and any of them can go the distance on any play. They worked extremely hard in the in the weight room and busted their butts during track season working on their speed." Tester is very pleased with the development of Lester and the leadership of senior tight end Josh Mullins (6-1, 200). He can also play quarterback. "Zack Lester has really matured at the QB position," said Tester. "He does a great job an running the offense and he improved his throwing over the summer. He really looked good at some 7-on-7
VirginiaPreps.com Rankings
Group 2A 1. Glenvar; 2. Giles; 3. Wilson Memorial; 4. Clarke County; 5. Brunswick; 6. Goochland; 7. Gate City; 8. Union; 9. Marion; 10. Lee. Group 1A 1. Essex; 2. Honaker; 3. Altavista; 4. Riverheads; 5. Altavista; 6. Central Senior; 7. Galax; 8. George Wythe; 9. Auburn; 10. Colonial Beach.
Gazette-Mail Football Poll Class AA School Record 1. Bridgeport (10) 13-1 2. Mingo Central 10-2 3. Bluefield 9-2 4. Fairmont Senior 7-4 5. Wayne 10-3 T6. Frankfort 13-1 T6. Robert C. Byrd 9-3 8. Keyser 7-4 9. Sissonville 7-4 T10. Westside 10-3 T10. Nicholas County 10-2
Pts. 100 77 71 68 55 38 38 32 24 13 13
competitions. He made very smart decisions and always keeps us in good position. Brady Justice, Devin Tester, Chris Spencer, and Zack bring a great deal of speed to the team. "I can’t say enough about Josh Mullins and the leadership he brings to this team. His work ethic an character is unmatched. He has added a lot of muscle this offseason in the weigh room. “He could probably play any position on the team and play it well. He is the definition of a football player. Brett Justice (5-8, 165) will also be in mix at running back. Rocky Justus (5-11, 235, Jr.) and returnee Justin Stevens (6-0, 190, Sr.) are vying for the center spot. Logan Justus (6-2, 230, So.) and Shane Hardin (5-10, 210, Sr.) return at guard. Tyler Coleman (5-11, 190, Sr.) and Steven Christian (6-2, 220, Others receiving votes: Weir 9, Ravenswood 7, Chapmanville 2, Liberty (Raleigh) 2, Herbert Hoover 1. Class AAA 1. Capital (7) 13-0 2. South Charleston (3) 11-3 3. Martinsburg 11-2 4. Wheeling Park 9-3 5. Cabell Midland 10-2
97 83 80 63 56
Class 1. Williamstown (3) 2. Magnolia (7) 3. Tug Valley 4. Moorefield 5. St. Marys
84 82 61 60 54
A 12-2 4-6 11-2 9-3 13-1
So.) will start at tackle. Timmy Justus (5-9, 150, Sr.), Tyler Justice (5-9, 155, Jr.), Mikey Stump (6-2, 165, Sr.) and Kendall Charles (5-10, 135, Sr.) give the Rebels depth at wide receiver. The defense returns Logan Justus at tackle and Coleman at one end. Mullins, Hardin, Spencer and Brady Justice give the Rebels an experienced linebacking corps. Lester and Tester are back in the secondary. Christian will start at tackle and Brett Justice at end. Timmy Justus, Tyler Justice and Kendall Charles are vying for time at cornerback. Several playmakers have to emerge on defense to replace Craig Stacy, who is now at UVa.-Wise. "Losing Craig Stacy would be a big loss for any team," Tester said. "He's one of the best football players I've coached. I think by mov-
No.Name Pos. 1 Timmy Justus WR/DB 3 Tyler Justice WR/DB 5 Devin Tester RB/DB 6 Keaton Matney WR/DB 7 Zach Lester QB/DB 10 Josh Mullins TE/LB 11 Chris Spencer RB/LB 12 Kendall Charles WR/DB 20 Brett Justice RB/DE 21 Brady Justice RB/LB 25 Mikey Stump WR/DB 31 Taylor Justus TE/DE 33 Timothy Hackney TE/DE 32 Keaton Dotson TE/LB 40 Wesley Lester RB/DB 44 Jacob Hurley RB/LB 48 Chris BlankenshipTE/DB 50 Steven Christian OT/DT 51 Steven Trimm G/DT 52 Justin Stevens C/LB 53 Drew McClanahan C/DT 55 Shane Hardin G/LB 56 Tyler Coleman OT/DE 60 Coty Justus OT/DT 63 A.J. Justus OT/DT 64 Matthew Young G/LB 70 Rocky Justus C/DT 71 Logan Justus G/DT 72 Devin Dotson OT/DT 75 Dustin Whitt OT/DT 77 Zack Dotson OT/DT 80 Joseph Phelps WR/DB 81 Logan Young WR/DB
Ht. 5’9 5’9 5’10 5’9 5’10 6’1 5’9 5’10 5’8 6’0 6’2 6’1 6’2 6’1 5’9 5’7 5’10 6’2 6’0 6’0 6’2 5’10 5’11 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’11 6’2 5’11 6’3 5’11 5’9 5’10
Wt. 150 155 175 120 160 200 165 135 165 185 165 205 160 155 155 185 175 220 220 190 265 210 190 185 215 180 235 230 280 265 270 130 155
Yr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. S0. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr.
ing Josh Mullins to inside linebacker will help shore up the middle. "I'm confident in the guys we have on the defensive side of the ball right now. I like what I see from our defense early in camp. Logan Justus bench presses over 300 (pounds) and squats over 400. He has a good motor on him and I expect him to get after some people this year." Hurley has decent numbers, but a lot of youth with its backups, making good health a must, as always at a small school. "Staying healthy and being in good enough shape to play offense, defense, and special teams is key," Tester added. "I am as excited for this team as I have been for any team. The potential is there."
Hutchinson Virginia High Football Preseason Rankings
Group 2A 1. Giles 64.0; 2. Wilson Memorial 63.2; Goochland 61.3; 4. Glenvar 59.1; 5. Richlands 58.5; 6. Clarke County 54.0; 7. Union 53.8; 8. Nottoway 53.1; 9. Dan River 52.5; 10. Buckingham County 51.9. Others: 11. Marion 51.6; 12. Gate City 50.7; 19. Lee 38.9; 20; Ridgeview 38.0; 22. Lebanon 35.7; 25, Grayson County 32.1; 26. Gretna 30.87; 27. Virginia High 30.3; 28. John Battle 30.1; 29. Floyd County 29.5; 30. Graham 29.2; 32. Martinsville 28.1; 36. Tazewell 27.4; 38. Wise-Central 26.7; 40. James River 24.6; 48. Grundy 4.6. Group 1A 1. Altavista 65.9; 2. Essex 59.9; 3. Honaker 57.0; 4. Riverheads 56.8; 5. Lunenberg 48.4; 6. Fort Chiswell 46.2; 7. George Wythe 45.8; 8. Parry McCluer 45.3; 9. Colonial Beach 44.2; 1. Galax 43.4. Others: 11. Radford 36.9; 18. Rural Retreat 28.3; 19. Auburn 24.9; 20. Patrick Henry-GS 24.3; 22. Hurley 23.3; 23. John I. Burton 23.0; 24. Northwood 22.3; 25. Chilhowie 20.1; 27. Eastern Montgomery 17.0; 28. Eastside 16.3; 33. Castlewood 11.5; 35. Twin Springs 8.1; 36. Twin Valley 6.3; 38. Holston 4.7; 39. Bland County 2.9; 40. Craig County 1.5; 41. Narrows 0.4; 44. Thomas Walker -0.8; 47. Rye Cove -5.1.
C0NCORD MOUNTAIN LIONS
2015 Concord Football Schedule
Playoff run has Concord confident they belong By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph ATHENS — Concord University’s hunger for football success carried it to the national semifinals of NCAA Division II last year. The confidence instilled by that 13-1 run has spawned a new feeling among the Mountain Lions, according to head coach Garin Justice. “They’ve all been there, they all know what it takes to get there, and I think now they almost expect it,” Justice said last week. “I don’t know if it’s necessarily hunger, but it’s more of an expectancy, that we belong, and that we expect to get there.” The Mountain East Conference (MEC) preseason poll picked Concord to win the league again. The final national poll of 2014 ranked CU fifth in Division II after the Mountain Lions captured the NCAA Super Region One title. The two postseason wins were the first victories ever by a Concord football team in national postseason play. But Justice, entering his fifth year as CU head coach, is trying to guard against “the outside noise” affecting his team’s preparation for the first game, at West Liberty on Sept. 5. “We have to take care of us,” he said. “We have to mow our own grass, so to say. And we have to just take each day at a time, and stay true to our values, and then hopefully we’ll come out (successfully). As long as we keep our focus where it needs to be, we’ll be fine.” After talking about the surprises that can crop up with a roster of
Highlight... Continued from 4 just 10 games over the last four seasons. James Monroe has a deep roster with plenty of options, although much of it is young and lacks experience. By the end of the season, these Mavs could find themselves back in the postseason hunt. 8. Tazewell: The Bulldogs were 5-6 last season, their best record since 2009. There were lots of losses, both to graduation and
18-to-21-year-old players, Justice said, “I think we’re capable of beating anyone in the country, and we’re probably capable of losing to most. So we have to take each day at a time, and take care of our own business.” The offense returns almost everyone. The list begins with allAmerican running back Calvinaugh Jones — who again this year is expected to see limited action to keep him fresh for what Justice called “big games in November and December.” He ran for 1,734 yards last year, the second-best single-season total in school history, even with a short early work schedule. Quarterback Brian Novak, a candidate last fall for the national Harlon Hill trophy, threw for a school-record 3,739 yards last season. He’s more comfortable than ever, his coach said. “He’s our leader,” Justice said. “As he goes, ultimately we all go. Calvinaugh, in the national spectrum, is a better player than Brian Novak, but Brian Novak is probably more important to who we are as an offense.” A pair of true freshmen quarterbacks, Westside High graduate Justin Cogar and highly regarded Garrett Cropp of Fredericksburg, Va., were running neck-and-neck for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart last week. The offensive line lost some starters to graduation, but most of the likely replacements have plenty of game experience. Justice and newly hired assistant Mike Compton oversee the line. Jermeil Douse, coming into his second year in Athens, has found a permanent spot as wideout. He,
transfers, but Tazewell might just have the answers to continue its progression under Shane Allen, who has provided some much needed stability after Tazewell went through a four-year stretch with four head coaches. 9. Twin Valley: It’s been a long climb for Twin Valley, which won nine games in a eight-year stretch before getting four wins in 2013, and a 6-5 record last season included a playoff game for the first time since 2004. There is lots of experience on both side of the ball. This
Flle photo
All-American back... Concord running back Calvinaugh Jones is back for the Mountain Lions, who won the Mountain East Conference title last season and advanced to the Division II national semifinals. along with TJ Smith on the other side of the field, will “really help the cause,” Justice said. “Those guys are extremely explosive receivers with the ball in their hands.” Douse is also a respected punt returner. Andy Ellington tied his own school record with a 52-yard field goal last season on the
team could get back to the postseason, and possibly win a game or two. 10. Graham: Graham couldn’t have found a better choice for head coach. Tony Palmer loves the school, won a state championship there, and has the respect of his team. Look for Graham to challenge for another playoff berth in the upcoming season, but don’t expect another 70-0 postseason loss. The future is bright, but just give him time. Next up: River View.
way to all-first team MEC honors and his second straight Academic All-District accolade. Three players with the same last name have key roles in Concord’s defense. Derrick Johnson had seven of CU’s league-leading 22 interceptions. Nose tackle Darryl Johnson had 60 tackles, and
Sept. 5 West Liberty* A Sept. 12Fairmont State* H Sept. 19 Urbana* A Sept. 26West Virginia Wesleyan* H Oct. 1 (Thurs) Charleston* A Oct. 10 Virginia-Wise* H Oct. 17 Notre Dame* A Oct. 24 Shepherd* H Oct. 31 Glenville State* A Nov. 7 West Virginia State* H
1 p.m. noon TBA noon 7 p.m. 2 p.m. TBA Noon 1 p.m. Noon
Jeremiah Johnson broke up 17 passes and picked off four others. Linebacker Austin Dotson, with 137 career tackles, was named second-team all-America by two different media pickers last winter. Rush end Ervin Moore enters his senior season after recording six sacks in 2014. A standout addition has been interior lineman Bryan Taylor, who once started in the Big Ten for Purdue University. Justice said on Wednesday of last week, “Offensively, we’re right on track, right where we need to be. We’re probably a little ahead of schedule (related to) where we were last year.” “Defensively, we have some new personnel, especially on the defensive line. I’ve been very pleased with where we’re at.” In the bigger scheme of things, he said, “We’ve accomplished a lot. We’re still hungry. We still have unfinished business. We still want to achieve the things we achieved last year, and more. But we still have to stay grounded in who we are as people ... in who we are as a football team.” “We’re not going to get all worked up about having to be perfect, every single day. We’re just going to try to get better, and try to improve. Yeah, we want to be great, but at the end of the day, we’re learning more than just football in this thing.” tbone@bdtonline.com
30 2015 BDT BLITZ
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BLUEFIELD RAMS Experienced Rams ready to build on three-win season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — It was a historic year three for Bluefield College football. Bluefield snapped a 24-game losing skid by winning three games, including a two-game win streak, and even had individual players receive national honors for their performances on the field. There were, however, still signs of a youthful program. Bluefield finished 3-8, and those eight defeats came by an average of 38 points a game, with the closest outcome being by 17 points. That needs to improve, and Bluefield third year head coach Ordell Walker knows where it needs to start. “I am expecting us to be competitive in every facet of the game, that is probably the biggest thing that we are working for,” Walker said. “What is important now for us is the turnover/takeaway battle. “I know that is something we have stressed in the past, but that is the number one thing that must be fixed for us to be able to see a significant difference in the winloss column. That is the focus if I had to narrow it down to one thing.” Bluefield returns plenty of experience in nearly every position, with the exception of quarterback. Last year’s starter Ashten Dixon (1,228 yards, 12 td pass) suffered a season-ending knee injury in spring practice, leaving Cason Whitt to take all the snaps in the spring game. Whitt has been competing with Damen Daniel and Liberty transfer Terrell Hackney in fall drills. Daniel was leading the competition, but has been slowed by injury. Only Whitt was with the team at the end of the last season. “The quarterbacks have definitely improved, which has been the big question coming out of camp,” said Walker, who added that the Rams could use multiple signal-callers to take advantage of their unique skill set. “Could we get the quarterbacks ready for the season, and so I am very impressed with their continued improvement.” Familiar names are everywhere else for the Rams, led at running back by Sam Bennett (883 yards,
File photo
Workhorse back... Bluefield’s Sam Bennett runs for yards for the Rams last season. Bennett, who led Bluefield in rushing, is one of several returnees this season for the Rams. 10 td) — who had 276 yards in the win last year at Union — along with Adrian Pope (701 yds, 5 td), who had 225 in the same game. Oft-injured Marion Harris (512 yards, 4 td) will also play, while freshman Alex Martin could also see the field. “Although both of them will definitely play, Adrian has had a phenomenal camp and Sam has been solid,” Walker said. “Adrian has hit some home runs out there in practice and looked really good.” Rodrell Smith (18-228, 3 td) is the leading returning receiver, and will rotate with Quincey Mock (15165, 1 td) and Cory Mabry (7-159, 2 td). Mason Maples (11-100, 2 td) returns at tight end, with Jake Henley and Donald Shipp also playing for the Rams. Bluefield returns an experienced offensive line, led by Quante Hines at center, guards Andrew McFee and Jed Halla, along with Michael Hinckley at left tackle. Isaiah Turner and JaQuan Watson are competing for the other tackle slot. Mike Tufaro, who has been a starter in the past, injured his knee during a recent scrimmage and his status was unclear. That unit, which was ranked sixth in the nation with 289.7 rush-
ing yards per game last season, was able to put up 30.5 points a contest. Walker thinks they can be even better this season, beginning on Aug. 27 in the season opener at Pikeville. “That is definitely the expectation, we should be a lot better,” Walker said. “The one inexperienced position is the quarterback, which it is definitely a quarterback driven offense so we will go as far as they take us as far as our ability to be explosive. ‘With the offensive line we have coming back and the skill guys, we should be able to run the ball and if the quarterbacks can catch on, they can get us to a whole new level offensively.” Slowing down the opposition has been an issue. Bluefield allowed 50.7 points per game last season, including at least 49 points in
seven of those games. There is definite hope for improvement. “Exactly, we are more experienced on the staff there, we have three returning coaches so that helps, and being healthy is probably the biggest thing,” said Walker, whose Rams lost starting linebacker Cordell Johns to a knee injury suffered in the spring game. “We are finally healthy and having more competition on that side of the ball will help us. ‘There is really just no reason why we shouldn’t see significant improvement on that side of the ball.” While Johns is out, Bluefield does get linebacker Ernest Moore and safety Frank Brooks back after missing last season with injuries. Moore will be joined at linebacker by Harry Hollins, Khaliyl Thompson and Harry Casseus, who led the Rams with 80 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last season. “(Casseus) is one of the better players in the conference,” Walker said. “He was second team all-conference last year so we expect big things from him.” Brooks is competing at safety with returning starters Gabe Spencer and Carlton Toussaint, who had six interceptions, earning national honors with three of those in a game. Anthony Rivers returns at cornerback, while LeRico Hopkins and Isaiah Fenner are completing for the other slot. Darius Flowers and Tracey Parker will start at defensive end, while Tufaro’s brother, Mike, is
Bluefield College Football Schedule
Aug. 27 (Thurs) Pikeville* A Sept. 5 Point* H Sept. 12 Faulkner* H Sept 19 Lindsey Wilson* A Sept. 26 Campbellsville* A Oct. 3 Reinhardt* H Oct. 10 Georgetown* H Oct. 24 The Apprentice School H Oct. 31 Cumberlands* H Nov. 7 Union* A Nov. 14 Kentucky Christian* H
7:30 p.m. Noon 1:30 p.m. Noon 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
the leading candidate to replace massive Cameron Carter at nose tackle. “We have got to continue to get more hats to the ball, but the biggest thing is giving up the explosive plays, in particular the deep ball,” said Walker, who recently added outside linebackers coach Gregory Ray to complete his staff. “Our cornerbacks and safeties have to stay on top of things and force people to throw underneath and run the ball. “We feel with our experience being gained and talent, we are definitely talented. With everybody being a year older we should be able to get more stops, but we cannot give up the huge plays which we have done.” Daniel Griffin returns at punter, averaging 39.2 yards a kick last season, while Twin Valley product Drake Presley is the leading candidate at kicker for a shaky special teams unit that should also improve. “I think special teams many times is a reflection of the lack of depth and maybe talent on your roster,” Walker said. “Now that we have built that up a little more, there is definitely competition now in our special teams...” Bluefield will play seven of its 11 games at home this season, which should allow the Rams to improve on its 0-15 mark in three seasons at Mitchell Stadium. The first home game is on Sept. 5 against Point.
GRUNDY GOLDEN WAVE
2015 Grundy Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Twin Valley Sept. 4 River View Sept. 11 Lebanon Sept. 18 East Ridge, Ky. Sept. 25 Honaker Oct. 2 Wise Central Oct. 8 (Thurs) Hurley Oct. 16 Richlands Oct. 23 Tazewell Oct. 30 Ridgeview
A H H A A H H A H A
7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
The Golden Wave
Only one way to go after Grundy’s winless season By LLOYD COMBS for the Daily Telegraph GRUNDY, Va. — It may be a cliche, but there really is only one way for Grundy to go after a winless season in 2014 and that is up. After an 0-10 year that included turmoil both on and off the field, there is reason to believe the Golden Wave will be improved this season, with 10 experienced starters back on both offense and defense and with bigger overall numbers. Fourth-year head coach Jeremy Ward says this year's reboot could be the start of something much
better, but it will be just that, a beginning. "Last season was tough on all those involved," he said. "Anytime you experience a season like last year's, you must evaluate every aspect of the program. You learn from those evaulations and you move forward with a plan, and the thing is, our plan is in the beginning phases. "As of right now, we we've had a great turnout in numbers for our varsity. We're at a point of fielding a varsity and junior varsity team and very close to having a middle school program as well. To put a season like last year's behind us,
we prepare for the future. We welcome all those who want to be a part of it. Stay positive and keep moving forward." The returnees include sophomore quarterback Cole Street (59, 170), who steps into a fulltime role under center after getting most of his work last year at running back. At press time Street was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Other skill position returnees includes last year's leading rusher, hard-charging sophomore Jacob McNutt (5-6, 166) along with seniors Dylan Wolford (5-11, 168) and Maverick Coleman (5-8,
141), junior Christian Jackson (61, 154) at wide receiver and senior Ethan Duty (6-0, 165) at tight end. The offensive line returns 6-foot3, 310-pound senior Ethan Dillow, along with senior Zach Looney (62, 176), junior Tyler Scarberry (6-0, 235) and sophomore Corey McClanahan (5-11, 280). Senior Zach Looney (6-2, 176), junior Matt Matney (6-2, 250) and sophomore Jacob McCoy (6-0, 185) are also working up front. "Our strengths on offense this year are the experience that most of our players have now and the depth at each position," Ward said. "We have those able to step up in
No.Name 2 Cole Street 5 Christian Jackson 6 Jimmy Pruitt 9 Casey Lawson 10 Ethan Duty 11 Gabe Fiser 14 Devin Riley 15 Derick Endicott 17 Dylan Wolford 18 Zach Looney 19 Nate Justus 20 Maverick Coleman 21 Zach Stiltner 22 Devin Fletcher 24 Daleton Anglin 25 Jacob McNutt 30 Paul Hunt 31 Dylan Quinley 33 Elliot Pedigo 35 Dylan Yates 46 Devin Scammell 50 Tyler Scarberry 51 Zach Foster 52 Jacob McCoy 54 Colton Justus 60 Jamie Elswick 61 Josh Howard 62 Lucas Shortt 63 Richie Smith 64 Caleb Hawks 66 Ben Payne 71 Ethan Dillow 72 Corey McClanahan 73 Matt Matney 74 Cullen Cleek 75 Kyle Stacy 76 Carter Slone 78 Tyler Slone 80 Landon Blankenship 81 Dalton Kersey 84 Jacob Stacy 85 William Bedsole 88 Donovan Owens
Ht. 5’9 6’0 5’9 5’7 6’0 5’7 5’4 5’9 5’11 6’2 5’11 5’8 5’6 5’7 5’8 5’6 5’7 5’9 5’11 5’8 5’8 6’0 5’8 6’0 5’11 5’10 5’8 6’0 5’7 6’2 5’10 6’2 5’11 6’2 5’11 5’5 5’10 5’11 5’10 5’8 5’9 5’10 6’1
Wt. 170 154 156 153 165 149 104 159 168 176 151 141 115 132 160 166 147 140 179 121 212 235 180 185 250 210 210 210 185 215 185 310 280 250 210 185 220 235 168 152 152 157 223
Yr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. So.
the case of an injury or other reasons. Competition every day is making us better." There's plenty of experience on defense, as well. Dillow, McClanahan, Scarberry and McCoy return up front. Duty,
Golden Wave, 23
18 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 31
JAMES MONROE MAVERICKS
2015 James Monroe Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Greenbrier East Sept. 11Summers County Sept. 18 PikeView Sept. 25 Wyoming East Oct. 2 Nicholas County Oct. 9 Westside Oct. 16 Princeton Oct. 23 Liberty-Raleigh Oct. 30 Bluefield Nov. 6 River View
A H A A A A H H A H
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Mavericks
Plenty of options for Mavericks to mix and match By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph LINDSIDE — It’s a good dilemma to have: Choices to make among qualified players at multiple positions. That’s the task that the James Monroe football coaching staff has been sorting out for months. “We’ve got so many different
kids we’re looking at right now,” said head coach John Mustain in mid-August. “We’ve got a lot of tough decisions. As a staff, we’ve really been talking a lot even since last spring (because) we’ve got a lot of interchangeable parts.” “We’ve got a lot of kids who need playing time because of their ability.”
Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in the quarterback choice. “We have three kids that we all like,” Mustain said. “We see bright spots out of all of them.” The candidates are Evan Beasley, Tyler Moore — who was sidelined all last fall due to injury — and his cousin, sophomore Conner
Moore. “That battle’s probably going to come right down to the wire,” the coach said. “It’s going to be a tough decision, but I think any way you go, it’s going to be a good decision.” The tryout “puts a little bit more pressure on the kids who are com-
Mavericks, 43
No.Name Pos. Ht. 8 Ashton Carr WR/LB 5’9 10 Connor Moore QB/DB 5’9 11 Tyler Sams WR/LB 5’8 12 Alex Spicer WR/DB 5’7 13 Landan Shires WR/LB 5’9 14 Kris Hoke WR/LB 5’8 15 Colton Bradley WR/DB 5’7 16 Logan Robinson WR/DB 5’10 17 Seth Walker WR/DB 5’8 18 Brock Bowers WR/DB 5’4 19 Evan Beasley QB/P 5’9 20 Grant Mohler RB/LB 5’8 21 Nick Horney WR/LB 5’11 22 Tyler Moore QB/RB/DB5’10 23 Cory Boothe WR/DB 5’9 24 Conner Boothe WR/DB 6’1 25 Austin Neice RB/LB 5’9 26 Jeremy Baldwin WR/DB 5’10 27 Noah Testerman RB/DB 5’9 28 Thad Fullen RB/LB 5’7 29 Dante Vest WR/DE 6’1 32 Devin Johnson RB/DB 5’8 33 Landon Lowe WR/DB 5’4 34 Bradley McConnell WR/DB 5’8 35 Mathieu Walker WR/DB 5’6 37 Channing Carr QB/DB 5’10 38 Jacob Mann WR/DB 5’2 39 Ethan McKlarney WR/LB 5’8 41 Lance Wilson WR/DB/K 5’7 43 Dalton Comer WR/LB 5’10 44 Dustin Hersman WR/LB 5’8 45 Bryce Dickerson RB/LB 5’7 46 Dakota Copenhaver WR 6’1 50 Noah Ramsey OL/DL 5’10 52 Patrick Basile OL/DL 5’10 53 Alex Brooks OL/DL 5’10 54 Noah Dillon OL/DL 5’11 55 Parker King OL/DL 6’0 56 Jaden Clarkson OL/DL 5’8 57 Mason Atwood OL/DL 5’5 58 Tripp Shiflet OL/LB 6’0 60 Nick Mcmahon OL/DL 6’0 62 Tyler Hawkey OL/DL 5’9 64 Brady Chinault OL/DL 5’10 68 Isaac McKlarney OL/LB 5’9 69Zackary Payne OL/DL 5’10 71Ivan Morgan OL/DL 5’11 72Dakota Jones OL/DL 5’7 73Matt Meadows OL/DL 6’0 78Ty Wickline OL/DL 5’10 83Dakota Carter WR/DB 5’7 84Cody Newhouse WR/DE 6’3 85Brandon Burgess WR/DB 5’8
Wt. 157 155 166 128 182 171 138 138 145 119 168 182 174 169 132 163 179 153 157 155 195 178 122 152 158 133 114 154 128 172 151 166 167 175 222 277 194 244 186 142 203 232 210 253 166 208 179 197 306 306 132 200 134
Yr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr.
Big 12 Media Poll
BIG 12 CONFERENCE TCU, Baylor know how Big 12 can avoid another playoff snub By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer TCU coach Gary Patterson and Baylor's Art Briles know a way for their teams and the Big 12 Conference to avoid being left out of the College Football Playoff again — go 12-0. "Our key is to control our own destiny, and the best way to do that is to try to win them all," Patterson said. "That's what we're going to try to get done. Then we'll see how everything else falls." The Horned Frogs might pull that off with record-setting senior quarterback Trevone Boykin, an early Heisman Trophy front-runner. The Big 12's top offensive player is among 10 returning starters after the Frogs averaged 47 points and 533 total yards in their new spread-out offense last year. Baylor, the only team to beat TCU last season, returns 1,000yard receivers Corey Coleman and KD Cannon, along with a 410pound tight end who caught a TD in the Cotton Bowl. But two-year starting quarterback Bryce Petty is now with the New York Jets. "If we'd have gone 12-0, there's no doubt," Briles said about last season's playoff. "If we line up and we win 12 games this year, we're going to be in the final four. I think you can put that in ink." A week after overcoming a 21point deficit in the final 11 minutes for that wild 61-58 home win over TCU, the Bears lost at West Virginia. Big 12 co-champs Baylor and TCU were the first teams in the final playoff standings behind
Contributed photo
Mountaineer Field...
Milan-Puskar Stadium will host seven games this season involving the West Virginia Mountaineers. That includes five Big 12 games. Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State — all who won conference championship games. Just one team could go undefeated in the Big 12, the only of the five power conferences with a round-robin schedule and no championship game. TCU and Baylor play the Friday after Thanksgiving, not the second Saturday in October like last season. That will be the Frogs' regular season finale, while the Bears will still have left a home game against Texas. "Some of you, I know, have Nov.
Dana Holgorsen
College: West Virginia Years: 5 (2012-present) Record: 28-23 Notes: Holgorsen led West Virginia to the Big East championship during his first season after replacing Bill Stewart. West Virginia hammered Clemson 7033 in the 2012 Orange Bowl
27 circled ... but I can assure you there will be a lot of great games between now and then," said Bob Bowlsby, the league's commissioner. "We don't want to just be in the playoff. I think our league has always been about aspiring to win national championships." Texas won the league's last national title 10 seasons ago, and Oklahoma was the champion in 2000. Some things to watch in the Big 12 this season: SOONER SETUP?: The last of Oklahoma's eight Big 12 titles was
in 2012 — making this the first time in coach Bob Stoops' 17 seasons that the Sooners have gone consecutive years without a conference championship. Three of their four league losses last year were by a combined eight points. Take care of things early this season, and the Sooners could be set up for a run at a ninth title in November, when they play Baylor and TCU in consecutive games. CAPTAIN DANTE: Senior safety Dante Barnett is Kansas State's most experienced defender, with 28 career starts. "He has made
Doc Holliday
College: Marshall Years: 6 (2010-present) Record: 40-25 Notes: Holliday has led Marshall to three bowl games in the last five years, winning all of them. Marshall finished 13-1 last season.
1. Texas Christian (32) 2. Baylor (10) 3. Oklahoma 4. Oklahoma State 5. Texas 6. West Virginia 7. Kansas State 8. Texas Tech 9. Iowa State 10. Kansas
408 384 312 289 245 204 201 139 83 45
consistent, confident growth throughout his time," coach Bill Snyder said. "With that confidence comes the leadership he has been able to provide." COWBOYS COMEBACK: Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy feels like the momentum is carrying over from how the Cowboys ended last season. They rallied in the final 5 minutes of regulation for an overtime victory at Oklahoma just to get bowl eligible after a five-game losing streak, then won the Cactus Bowl. SINCE GOOD STARTS: Iowa State and Texas Tech have had struggles since good starts under their coaches. The Cyclones were 2-10 without a Big 12 win last season, and their last winning record was 7-6 in 2009, coach Paul Rhoads' first season. Texas Tech is 5-13 since starting 7-0 in coach Kliff Kingsbury's debut in 2013. EXTRA POINTS: Texas will get tested before Big 12 play in its second season under coach Charlie Strong, with non-conference tilts against Notre Dame and California. ... West Virginia junior kicker Josh Lambert broke an NCAA record last season with 16 field goals of at least 40 yards. ... The league's only new head coach is David Beaty at Kansas, where he twice previously was an assistant. The Jayhawks were 4-48 in Big 12 games the past six seasons. __• • • Predicted order of finish: TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Texas, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Iowa State, Kansas.
32 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 17
ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE ACC hopes to showcase depth beyond Florida State GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — The Atlantic Coast Conference recently has produced a Heisman Trophy winner, a No. 1 overall draft pick, a BCS champion and a playoff team. OK, that wasn’t the whole league, but just one school — Florida State. This is shaping up as a pivotal year for a conference that wants to prove it’s more than just the Seminoles and then everybody else. Florida State doesn’t look quite as much like the group that won the final BCS championship and reached the first College Football Playoff behind 2013 Heisman winner — and current Tampa Bay quarterback — Jameis Winston. Defensive back Jalen Ramsey says he’s often asked how the Seminoles will remain at a high level with significant roster turnover. He said his standard response is, “We’re Florida State. We’re going to hold ourselves to a high standard every single year.” Maybe, but this season could help determine whether the Seminoles’ recent rising tide lifted the rest of the league — or if the ACC as a whole rises and falls with how Florida State performs. “There’s several teams in this conference that I think have a chance to win the league,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “I think we’re one of them.” So do the voters. They made his Tigers the league’s preseason favorite and picked sophomore quarterback DeShaun Watson as the preseason player of the year. And maybe Georgia Tech will continue its stealthy climb with
Contributed photo
Blacksburg at night... Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium will host six games this season, including four ACC games. The Hokies will entertain defending champion Ohio State on Sept. 7. returning starter Justin Thomas orchestrating Paul Johnson’s triple-option offense to another Coastal Division title. Perhaps North Carolina — with 10 offensive starters returning and a national championship-winning coordinator leading a defensive overhaul — will finally break through to its first league title game. Or maybe a legitimate contender will vault from the pack, much like Duke in 2013 and Boston College in the late 2000s. ——— Some things to watch in the ACC this season: NEW FACES: Some big names have arrived in the ACC this sea-
Frank Beamer
College: Virginia Tech Years: 29 (1987-present) Record at VT: 231-115-2 Overall: 273-138-4 (6 seasons at Murray State) Note: Has most wins of any active Division I football coach. Steve Spurrier is second with 226.
son. Gene Chizik, who was fired by Auburn a year after he led the Tigers to the 2010 national title, has resurfaced as the defensive coordinator at North Carolina. Everett Golson, who led Notre Dame to the BCS championship game during the 2012 season, is a graduate transfer at Florida State and is fighting for the starting job. FAMILIAR FACES: The ACC returns its leading rusher, its top passer and its top two scorers from 2014. Reigning player of the year James Conner rushed for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns for Pittsburgh last season while Miami’s Brad Kaaya had an efficiency rating of 145.9 as a freshman. Conner averaged two touch-
downs per game while Florida State kicker Roberto Aguayo was responsible for 136 points. And there’s a case to be made that another player — Ramsey — is the league’s best. Said Ramsey: “I feel no one has the resume I have.” COASTAL CRAPSHOOT: Picking a champion in the Coastal Division has been a fool’s errand — the voters haven’t nailed it since they correctly chose Virginia Tech in 2011. In the previous two years, a total of 232 ballots were cast at the league’s preseason media days and only one picked a winner — the one who chose Georgia Tech last year. That could be a bad omen for the
Mike London
College: Virginia Years: 7 (2010-present) Record at Virginia: 23-38) Overall: 47-43 (2 seasons at Richmond) Note: London won the FCS national championship at Richmond in 2008.
ACC Media Poll
Atlantic Division 1. Clemson (101) 1,032 2. Florida State (56) 992 3. Louisville (1) 746 4. N.C. State 673 5. Boston College 473 6. Syracuse 291 7. Wake Forest 217. Coastal Division 1. Georgia Tech (96) 991 2. Virginia Tech (44) 841 3. Miami (7) 632 4. Duke(4) 615 5. North Carolina (4) 590 6. Pittsburgh (3) 535 7. Virginia 220 ACC Champions: Clemson (84), Florida State 41, Georgia Tech 20, Virginia Tech 7, North Carolina 3, Miami 2, N.C. State 1.
Yellow Jackets, this year’s favorite. Quipped Johnson: “For once, I hope they got it right.” HOT SEAT: This could be a make-or-break year for a couple of Coastal Division coaches. Mike London is 23-38 in five years at Virginia, and though the Cavaliers improved to 5-7 in 2014, they’ve only had one winning season under him. Al Golden insists he doesn’t feel pressure despite disgruntled fans flying a plane carrying a banner that called for his job. NEW PLACES: For the first time since the 2004 season, the Orange Bowl isn’t guaranteed an ACC team. That’s because that bowl will host a College Football Playoff semifinal. So, an ACC champion that doesn’t make the four-team field will instead play in either the Fiesta or Peach bowls. ——— Predicted order of finish: ATLANTIC — 1. Clemson, 2. Florida State, 3. Louisville, 4. North Carolina State, 5. Boston College, 6. Syracuse, 7. Wake Forest COASTAL — 1. Georgia Tech, 2. North Carolina, 3. Virginia Tech, 4. Duke, 5. Miami, 6. Pittsburgh, 7. Virginia.
MONTCALM GENERALS
2015 Montcalm Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Hannan Sept. 4 Twin Valley Sept. 11 Narrows Sept. 25 Hurley Oct. 2 Bland County Oct. 9 River View Oct. 16 Van Oct. 23 Tug Valley Oct. 30 Phelps Nov. 6 Midland Trail
A H H A H A H H A H
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
The Generals
No.Name Pos. 7 Nate Breeden E/QB/DB 12 Hunter Hodge Back/DB 14 Marcus Mitchell Back/WR 20 Colton Egnor RB/LB 21 Trevor Poynter FB/ILB 23 Brian Taylor E/ILB 24 Jared Bailey OLB 31 Cody Farmer TE/DE 40 Justin Gore OLB 42 Jared Parnell SE/DB 48 Corey Mullins E/DB 52 Jesse York OL/DT 54 Cameron Daughtey OT/DL 55 Lee Beggs G/DL 56 Christian Carper G 60 Will Call OL/DL 62 Kris Kiser LT/DL 64 Jake Krabbe C/DL 66 Josh Bautista OT/DT 74 Joe Shinn OT/DL 75 Zack Yost OL/DL 80 Dakota Parnell SE/DB 82 Jordan Hagy E 85 Austin Lockhart DE/OLB 86 Colby Williams E
Ht. 5’11 5’10 5’11 5’10 5’9 5’10 5’10 6’0 5’11 5’8 5’10 6’0 6’0 5’9 5’9 5’10 6’0 6’2 6’0 6’1 6’0 5’8 5’10 5’11 5’10
Wt. 135 125 175 145 155 135 195 165 145 125 125 225 225 165 205 225 185 250 225 245 245 125 185 145 165
Yr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
Redmond installs Wing-T offense in search of elusive wins By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph MONTCALM — The Wing-T is coming to Prudich Field. Montcalm head coach Jimmy Redmond is comfortable and familiar with the offensive formation and thinks it provides “a lot of deception, and that’s what we need. It’s a little bit harder to find the football. You’ve got guards pulling, and backs going everywhere.” “It’s a little bit simpler. You’ve got your basic plays, and you run it off of that. ... It’s a little bit less for them to have to learn about and think about.” “We’ll still spread it out,” he noted. The Generals will field 25 players, four of whom are seniors. “I’m feeling pretty positive, right now,” he said at mid-month. “These kids, they’ve got good character, and they’re excited and
positive.” It starts with the linemen, where the coaching staff has seen increased strength and size. “We’ve got some bigger guys up front, I think we’re going to do OK as far as blocking,” Redmond said. “They’re inexperienced a little bit, but they’re all working together and they’re pushing each other. They are jelling. They take pride in being up front.” At the same time, he said, “We’re younger up front. From a middle-school level to a highschool level is a big jump ... but I think they’re going to be fine. They’re working real hard.” Junior Jake Krabbe, at 250 pounds, will move over to center this year. Tough man Christian Carper and Lee Beggs have been working at the guards. Kris Kiser is solid at left tackle. Other line possibilities include tackles Josh Bautista, Joe Shinn and Cameron Daughtey.
Jesse York, a senior in his first year of varsity football, has “long arms and he’s pretty strong,” Redmond said. Speedy Marcus Mitchell transferred from Bluefield High, opening up new options in the backfield. Colton Egnor will “get a lot of carries,” Redmond said. He called fullback Trevor Poynter “a tough-nosed kid. He’s shorter in stature but he’s fairly strong.” Senior Nate Breeden should get plenty of playing time, either behind center or as an end. Sophomore Brian Taylor is another end who’s “been working hard in the off-season,” the coach said. Twin brothers Jared and Dakota Parnell are the split ends, and Cody Farmer returns at tight end. “He’s going to be a good blocker on the edge for us,” Redmond said. “He has pretty good hands.” Defensively, the Generals will work out of a 4-4, but occasionally
will switch into a 5-3. The pool at defensive tackle includes Kiser and Bautista, Christian Carper, Cameron Daughtey, Jesse York, Joe Shinn and Zack Yost, who Redmond termed a “good sized kid.” At defensive end, Farmer will likely start at end, with Austin Lockhart, York and Shinn looking for time. “To give each other breaks, we flip (personnel) a little bit,” Redmond noted. At linebacker, Egnor and Poynter had the inside track at inside linebacker, with Taylor coming on. Jared Bailey and Justin Gore are possibilities at outside ’backer, and Lockhart may compete there in addition to competing on the line. Both Parnells will be in the backfield, along with Breeden and possibly Lockhart. The punting and kicking chores
were still being worked out in the middle of the preseason. Assistant coaches are Brian Krabbe and Adam Havens. Redmond said they do a good job of “keeping an eye on them (the players), and keeping up with the grades.” He added that Krabbe has “trained a lot of guys.” The increased numbers are a product of a “good middle school program,” Redmond said, and a youth football team, the Little Generals. “(They’ve) been around about
two or three years. Getting them used to playing and competing and enjoying the game and knowing what it’s all about, helps.” New to the schedule is a Class AA school, River View, and a Class A school that went 11-2 last fall, Tug Valley, which Redmond said is “going to be a tough, tough test.”
16 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 33
BLAND COUNTY BEARS
CONFERENCE USA
2015 Bland County Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Craig County Sept. 4 Rural Retreat Sept. 11 Northwood Sept. 25 Eastern Montgomery Oct. 2 Montcalm Oct. 8 (Thurs) Narrows Oct. 16 Grayson County Oct. 23 Graham Oct. 30 Galax Nov. 6 Fort Chiswell
H H H A A A H A H A
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
Conference USA Media Poll
Hilltoppers chosen ahead of Herd in East By GARY B. GRAVES AP Sports Writer
The Bears
Bears moving on after loss of deep senior class By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph BASTIAN, Va. — Maybe the ball will bounce in the favor of the Bland County Bears at key points this season, making up for a disappointing 2014 slate. “We were competitive in several games,” said head coach Harris Hart. “We were 3-7 (but) we could easily have been 5-5 (or) 6-4 with a break here and there.” Bland County High bid farewell last spring to 10 seniors who were big contributors in the football program. Hart said, “They were a good group of seniors, a close-knit group. I don’t think you can replace them; you move on and do the best you can.” He said, “I think this year we’ll probably lean a little bit more toward the power offense, because I feel like we have a strong offensive line, and a biggerthan-average backfield, compared to the size of the backfield we’ve had in the past few years. That should be a strength.” Isaiah Boyd’s debut date as a senior is somewhat uncertain due to knee surgery this summer. Hart said, “We hope he’s back, if not the first game, then pretty soon after that.” Boyd ran the ball effectively and manned a secondary position over the past few years.
“He’s a difference-maker,” Hart said. Dylan Jackson returns at fullback. Looking for carries are juniors Brian Arnold, Colton Slaughter and first-year player Dion Bush. A new quarterback will direct the traffic. Junior Alec Taylor “got some playing time last year at the end of games, and did well,” Hart said. “He’s worked hard. He’s fine young man with great attitude, a good leader. So we want to give him a shot.” Competing for the start is freshman Jake Watters, who Hart called “a tremendous athlete.” The coach said there has been “pretty good competition between the two. Both of those, they’re going to play somewhere.” Austin Caudill, Jonah Lewis and Jacob Cross comprise the receiving unit, which is “a work in progress,” Hart said. “Really good young men, just no experience.” On the offensive line, Hart said, are “several young men (who), even though they didn’t start last year, they got playing time last year. They’ve really worked hard in the weight room and it’s showing out on the field right now.” The tackles are 300-pound senior Dustin Pennington and 265pound junior Garrett Steffy. “Dalton Groseclose came out a little bit late, so he’ll work his way in,
eventually,” Hart said. Senior Alex Treadway, a tackle last year, was snapping the ball at center during preseason. The guards, seniors Sawyer Lambert and Zane Cunningham, are “two solid young men,” Hart said. The coach said he has tried to balance the emphasis in practice on both defense and offense “as much as we possibly can, including special teams.” Lambert and Pennington are the anchors of the defensive line. Hart said, “They’ve made great progress in the weight room. Just good young men, good leaders — quiet leaders, but good leaders.” According to the tentative p l a n s , Pennington and Steffy will work inside while Cunningham and Lambert are the ends. Slaughter and Jackson are experienced inside linebackers. At the outside linebackers, Taylor and Ethan Cook are possibilities, and
freshman David Coe could get playing time. Boyd is the only returning starter in the secondary, assuming he can start right away. “Everybody else is pretty much brand new,” Hart said. Arnold got experience playing defense “in various positions, so he’s probably the most experienced,” Hart reported, and Caudill played some at cornerback. Bush, Watters, Cross and Jonathan Bright have also contended for starts in the secondary. Montcalm has replaced Holston
No.Name Pos. Ht. 4 Jake Watters QB/DB 6’3 5 Dion Bush RB/DB 5’10 7 Austin Caudill E/DB 5’9 10 Isaiah Boyd RB/DB 5’10 14 Alec Taylor QB/LB 5’11 15 Jonathan Bright DB 5’7 17 Brian Arnold RB/DB 5’11 20 Jonah Lewis E 6’3 21 Colton Slaughter RB/LB 6’3 22 Ethan Cook OLB 5’8 25 Jacob Cross E/DB 6’1 30 David Ritter RB/LB 6’1 32 Tyler Locker E/DB 5’10 35 Christopher Jackson OL/DL 5’8 50 Ethan Buchanan RB/LB 5’10 51 Chase Sarver OL/DL 6’0 52 Alex Treadway C/OL/DL 5’9 53 David Coe LB 5’9 54 Dalton Groseclose OL/DL 6’2 55 Zane Cunningham G/DE 6’1 58 Sawyer Lambert G/DE 5’9 64 Patrick Christian E/DE 6’0 65 Garrett Steffey RT/DT 5’11 66 Noah Shinault OL/DL 5’10 73 Tyler O’Dell OL/DL 5’6 74 Xavier Payne OL/LB 5’10 75 Dustin Pennington LT/DT 6’3 77 Kristopher Porter OL/DL 5’10 80 Dakota Burnette E/DB 5’8 81 Matthew Lewis E/LB 5’10 85 Anthony Richmond E/DB 5’5 88 Nathan Treadway E/DB 5’10
Wt. 160 150 131 159 262 145 165 190 220 153 155 179 144 245 174 200 236 195 203 210 256 206 265 236 220 229 300 252 150 180 142 121
Yr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr.
on the Bears’ schedule. Two weeks prior to the start of the regular season, Hart reported, “We’ve just not been able to go live, because of our numbers. ... Without being able to do that, your timing’s off, your tackling is always poor because of your timing.” He noted, “What we do is fundamentally sound, and as long as we do it well, we’ll be successful with it. ... We want to focus on doing some of the little things right.”
Conference USA has reason to tout its strength after going 4-1 in bowl games last season including a win over Big Ten member Illinois. The league went 20-5 against independents and mid-major teams not in Power 5 conferences. That says something about the quality of competition that figures to be another battle this season. Louisiana Tech is the media’s pick to repeat as West Division champion, with second-year member Western Kentucky the choice to win the East. Defending champion Marshall was the second choice behind WKU and returns many players from the league’s top-rated offense and defense. Marshall and Louisiana Tech impressed some coaches enough to earn votes in the preseason poll. Nobody in C-USA would be shocked if other league members join them there or in postseason. “We’ve always been underdogs, and this year is different,” said WKU senior quarterback and reigning league MVP Brandon Doughty, who returns after the NCAA granted him a sixth year of eligibility. “We’re predicted to win the East and try to do something special for the first time. We really have to make sure we’re on our game plan.” Offense again is C-USA’s strong suit again thanks to the presence of two of the nation’s most prolific units at Marshall and WKU. Besides finishing 1-2 statistically with averages of more than 535 yards per game, those schools staged an epic shootout last fall that WKU won 67-66 in overtime to hand unbeaten and No. 19 Marshall its only loss in a 13-1 season. The Hilltoppers went on to beat Central Michigan 49-48 in the inaugural Bahamas Bowl and join brethren Louisiana Tech — which topped Illinois 35-18 in the Heart of Dallas
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The Joan... Marshall’s Joan C. Edwards Stadium will host six home games this season, including four involving Conference USA teams. Purdue will be the first Big 10 team to visit Huntington for the season opener on Sept. 6. Bowl — Rice and Marshall as postseason winners. UTEP was the only loser. Ironically, WKU’s defense sealed the wild victory after yielding 34 fourthquarter points by denying a two-point conversion pass on the final play after CMU scored a 75-yard touchdown pass featuring three laterals. Wonderful Terry’s clutch breakup marked a coming of age for a young defense, and WKU coach Jeff Brohm now wants to make sure that unit has matured if his team is to fulfill expectations. “Even though (C-USA) is a known as
an offensive league,” Brohm said, “six of the last eight champions have led the league in total defense. We feel like we are going to be much better on defense.” The Hilltoppers and others have to be in a league where Marshall and Louisiana Tech proved last season that a combination of offense and defense can win division titles and bowl games. “We expect to be great but can’t forget what got us there,” Marshall coach Doc Holliday said. “If you don’t get better, you get worse. But you don’t
Devon Johnson
College: Marshall Class: Senior Position: Running Back Height/Weight: 6’1, 244 No: 47 High School(s): Richlands, Big Creek College stats: 211 carries, 1,780 yards, 20 touchdowns; 20 receptions, 360 yards, five touchdowns
stay the same.” ——— Some things to watch in C-USA this season: COMINGS AND GOINGS: Charlotte joins C-USA after two seasons of existence as an FCS independent. That keeps the league at 13 members until Alabama-Birmingham returns in 2017 following a tumultuous offseason in which the school dropped the program in December, citing finances. School officials voted in June to reinstate the program after UAB supporters pledged $17 million to cover costs for
Joe Woodrum
College: Marshall Class: Senior Position: Tight end Height/Weight: 6’6, 247 No: 89 High School: Bluefield College stats: 24 games, 1 catch, 26 yards, special teams
East Division 1. Western Kentucky 2. Marshall 3. Middle Tennessee 4. Florida Atlantic 5. Florida International 6. Old Dominion 7. Charlotte West Division 1. Louisiana Tech 2. Rice 3. Texas-El Paso 4. Southern Mississippi 5. North Texas 6. Texas-San Antonio
the next five years. WKU’S DYNAMIC DUO: Hilltoppers QB and league MVP Brandon Doughty threw for 4,830 yards and 49 touchdowns last season, while RB Leon Allen added 1,542 rushing with 13 TDs. They’re the first FBS school to have a 4,500-yard passer and 1,500yard rusher. ‘HERD’ IS THE WORD: Defending champion Marshall had the league’s top defense last season, allowing 357 yards and 21 points per game. The Thundering Herd return five starters including safeties Taj Letman and A.J. Leggett, who each had four interceptions in 2014. GROUND GAINERS: The conference features four running backs who gained at least 1,200 yards rushing last season: Marshall’s Devon Johnson (1,767); WKU’s Allen (1,542); UTEP’s Aaron Jones (1,321) and Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Dixon (1,299). OLD FACE, NEW PLACE: Former Florida starting QB Jeff Driskel transferred to Louisiana Tech and takes over for Cody Sokol, who passed for 3,436 yards and 30 TDs last season. “What’s in the past doesn’t matter,” said Driskel, who passed for 3,411 yards and 23 TDs in four years with the Gators. “I’m just looking forward to growing together with a team that’s already closely knit.” —————— Predicted order of finish: East: 1. Western Kentucky; 2. Marshall; 3. Middle Tennessee; 4. Florida Atlantic; 5. FIU; 6. Old Dominion; 7. Charlotte. West: 1. Louisiana Tech; 2. Rice; 3. UTEP; 4. Southern Miss; 5. North Texas; 6. UTSA.
34 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 15
MOUNTAIN EAST CONFERENCE Concord is the popular choice to repeat Staff reports BRIDGEPORT — In just two short seasons, the Mountain East Conference has proven that its teams can compete with any in the country. In year one, Shepherd went undefeated and advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals. Last year, Concord managed an unbeaten record, won a Super Region title knocking off a pair of PSAC teams in the process, and was a national semifinalist. As other teams in the league chase these teams in search of a league title, the conference continues to strengthen from top to bottom each year. CONCORD Concord returns plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball as it looks to defend its conference and regional title. The Mountain Lions return one of the top running backs in the country in Calvinaugh Jones who was an AllAmerica selection last year and has garnered preseason accolades already. Jones had averaged a staggering 6.7 yards per carry and finished with 1,736 yards rushing. Junior quarterback Brian Novak was among the NCAA leaders in passing efficiency last year and finished with 33 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions to go with 3,744 yards passing. Novak will target the 2014 MEC Offensive Freshman of the Year T.J. Smith who led the team with 51 grabs for 1,157 yards and 13 touchdowns. Concord lost some production on defense, but still has several key performers returning in safety Derrick Johnson (seven interceptions), Ervin Moore (six sacks) and Darryl Johnson (60 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss). SHEPHERD The Shepherd defense was once again dominant in 2014 and had a balanced offensive attack that helped put the squad in a position to win a second-straight MEC title in the last week of the season — a bid that fell just short with a blocked field goal attempt in overtime against Concord. The Rams were stout against the run allowing just 43 yards per game on the ground and gave up just 13 points per game. Shepherd loses five starters from that defense but still returns standout linebacker Octavius
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Lion’s Den... June O. Shott Field at Callaghan Stadium in Athens will host five games this season, beginning with the season opener with Fairmont State, and perennial power Shepherd will visit the Mountain Lions later in the season. Thomas (51 tackles, 4.5 TFL), defensive end Myles Humphrey (8.5 sacks) and defensive back C.J. Davis (five interceptions). On offense, quarterback Jeff Ziemba completed 66 percent of his passes and was intercepted just twice in 247 attempts last year. The Rams all bring back its running back tandem of Jabre Lolley (767 yards) and Allen Cross (601 yards), but lost several key pieces to its offensive line. CHARLESTON Charleston finished third in the MEC last year with three losses, all of which were by 10 points or less. The Golden Eagles hope to be on the positive side of those outcomes in 2015 to help them compete for a conference championship. The Golden Eagles return one of the top running backs in the league in Marvin Elam who notched 1,076 yards and scored 16 touchdowns last year. UC had six defensive players earn first team All-MEC honors in 2014, but five of those graduated, with the exception being defensive back and return specialist Torie Wagner (four interceptions, two punt return TDs, one kick return TD). NOTRE DAME Notre Dame College posted its best season in its young history with a 7-4 record, and will try and build off that momentum with a new coach this season as former offensive coordinator Bill Rychel takes the reigns. Rychel will have to replace the production of quarterback Ray
Russ who had over 3,700 yards passing and 36 touchdowns. Notre Dame does bring back top wideout Mitchell Shegos (105 receptions), but will need more consistent production at running back. The Falcons will also have to shore up a defense that gave up 40 points or more in four games. WEST LIBERTY West Liberty closed the 2014 campaign winning four of its last six games and finished 6-5 on the year. Quarterback Dakota Conwell's progression through the season helped spark the strong finish, and he returns under center for the black and gold. Conwell finished with 1,965 yards passing and 23 touchdowns to go with 386 yards on the ground and three more scores. The Hilltoppers will need more production from its offensive line and backs to stabilize the offense. On defense, the Hilltoppers return several key players from its defensive backfield (Miles Young, D'Andre Muhammad, Andrew Fairamo) to help try and make opponents one-dimensional. GLENVILLE STATE Glenville State returns one of the most dynamic players in the country in running back Rahmann Lee. Lee, a senior who also won the MEC 100-meter dash in the spring, is among the NCAA active leaders in rushing yards and all-purpose yards. Last season he had 1,120 yards rushing with 12 touchdowns and 37 receptions for 510 yards. Sean
Steele was slowed by injury last year but returns healthy for 2015. On defense, Glenville State will need to find a replacement for bigplay specialist Gary Henderson who had 10.5 sacks last year, but returns All-MEC performer James Johnson (84 tackles). WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN West Virginia Wesleyan battled inconsistency and injuries last year in a 4-6 year. The Bobcats will need to replace one of the top quarterbacks in the league in 2014 in Jeremy Musselman, but backup Tyler Bolen saw some action last year as Musselman dealt with injuries. Leading running back Michael Anderson returns to take some of the pressure off the quarterback, and wideout Jeremy Schademan is a reliable target who earned AllMEC honors last season. The Bobcats had no defensive players earn All-MEC recognition last season and will need to do better than allowing 34.2 points per game. FAIRMONT STATE Fairmont State returns one of the top quarterback-wide receiver combos this season in Cooper Hibbs and Fabian Guerra. Despite missing time with injuries last year, Hibbs threw for 1,769 yards and 13 touchdowns last year. Guerra is a 2015 preseason AllAmerica honoree after hauling in 63 passes for 822 yards and five touchdowns, including an acrobatic catch that made ESPN's Top 10 plays in the fall. The Falcon defense, though, will
1. Concord (10) 2. Shepherd (1) 3. Charleston 4. Glenville State 5. West Liberty 6. Notre Dame 7. West Virginia Wesleyan 8. Fairmont State 9. West Virginia State 10. Virginia-Wise 11. Urbana
100 90 81 69 63 56 42 36 30 20 18
have to improve after allowing 30 points or more in all but one game last year. Fairmont State defensive back Jacob Jean-Charles does help to eliminate one side of the field. URBANA Urbana, which slipped to 3-8 last year after finishing second in the first year of the MEC, will be under the direction of first-year head coach Tyler Haines. Haines comes to Urbana after serving as an assistant coach at Indiana (Pa.). The Blue Knights struggled to find consistency on offense in 2014, particularly at the quarterback position, where three different players earned starts and saw time last year. The Blue Knights have several talented players on defense, notably D'Gary Wallace, who has been one of the top tacklers in the conference in each of the last two years. VIRGINIA-WISE After opening the season with six-straight losses, UVa-Wise rebounded to win two of its last four games. The Cavs struggled on offense last season scoring no more than one touchdown in six games. UVa-Wise does bring back AllMEC performers Terrence Younger (50 catches, 710 yards) and Carlton Griffith (166 carries, 617 yards) on offense, and first team All-MEC linebacker Zach Blair who recorded a league-best 26.5 tackles for a loss in 2014. WEST VIRGINIA STATE West Virginia State will usher in brand new facilities in 2015 as head coach Jon Anderson continues to get the program on solid ground. The Yellow Jackets won twice in 2014, including its firstever MEC win. The Yellow Jackets return a pair of All-MEC players on defense in corner Kevin Coffie (21 passes defended) and Dennis Gardeck (69 tackles, 4.0 sacks). The Offense will be under the direction of quarterback Matt Kinnick (2,213 yards, 11 touchdowns) and will have to cut down on the turnovers in 2015 to add to the team's win total.
2015 Giles Football Schedule
GILES SPARTANS
Mountain East Conference Media Poll
Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6
Blacksburg Christiansburg Narrows Graham Galax Glenvar Radford Floyd County Eastern Montgomery Auburn
H A H A H A H H A A
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
The Spartans
Spartans riding single wing to ‘winning’ season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph PEARISBURG, Va. — It was a tough end to a 27-game winning streak. Giles, which won the 2013 2A state championship with a 15-0 record, was still undefeated going into the state quarterfinals last season, and had already beaten Glenvar by 33 points. They lost by 35. “I don’t look at that motivation for this year, my motivation is, ‘Hey, it’s a new season, a new group of kids and everything is brand new, clean slate, starting from day one and working your way to where you can be a good ball club,” Giles head coach Jeff Williams said. Eighteen seniors departed from
that team, which is a big hit for anyone, but especially at one of the smaller 2A schools in Virginia. “That is huge...,” Williams said. “All those guys that started for us last year were just tremendous players, four or five of them are going to college to play football at the next level.” Giles is known for the single wing, which is predicated by solid play from the offensive line, and only Camron Perkins and Austin Cunningham are back. They could be joined by sophomores Ben Reynolds and Connor Martin, while ends Jacob Kirk and Hunter Collins can both block and catch the ball. “I think that is one reason for success for us is some guys in that position have been able to step in
and do well,” Williams said. “We have had guys to step in those line positions from left end to right end. The past few years we have just been fortunate to have great skill guys.” Zach Sizemore, Austin Shrewsbury and Alex Gillispie were working at center in search of a replacement for departed Brett Suroski, who was basically the “quarterback” of the single wing. “So far they have been getting better each day in practice,” Williams said. “We look at them as kind of the quarterback of our offense, they have got to be really good at snapping that ball.” While record-setting back Brett Whitlow is gone, the Spartans do return speedy tailback Brian
Mann (1,582 yards, 24 touchdowns) and talented wingback Patrick Beidleman (730 yards, 13 touchdowns). They will be joined by fullbacks Anthony Meadows and sophomore Brandon Chapman. Trent Pennington is also new at blocking back, with the responsibility of making the offensive play calls on the field. “There is potential there, but we just got to keep working,” Williams said. “We have got a lot of young guys that have got to step up on that line.” Defense has always been a strongpoint for the Spartans, who will get a rematch with Glenvar this season on Saturday, Oct. 10, a change made because Virginia Tech is playing on the previous
No.Name 2 Patrick Beidleman 4 Elijah Robbins 5 Anthony Meadows 6 Austin Pennington 9 Trent Pennington 10 Ryan Beidleman 12 Hunter Collins 13 Logan Byrd 15 Max Riley 20 Logan Thompson 21 Jacob Kirk 22 Josh Combs 23 Austin Shanks 24 Conner Martin 25Brian Mann 26 Kyle Huffman 31 Zane Williams 35 Brandon Chapman 45 Buddy Bracken 51 Jim Blankenship 52 Matthew Midkiff 53 Ben Reynolds 54 Tyler Toney 56 Zack Sizemore 57 Alex Gillespie 60 Camron Perkins 61 Ethan Harless 62 William Akers 63 Bailey Hill 64 Austin Cunningham 65 Caleb Dalton 67 Anthony Neel 68 Devin Wilson 70 Austin Shrewsbury 78 Hunter Wright 89 Mark Scott
Pos. RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB E/DB RB/DB E/DE BB/DB BB/DB RB/DB RB/DE E/DB RB/DB E/DE RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB E/DE G/DL G/DL G/DL G/DL C/LB C/DL G/DL T/DL G/DL G/DL G/DL G/DL G/DE E/DE T/DL T/DL E/DE
Ht. 5’10 5’8 5’9 5’6 5’10 5’11 6’1 5’8 6’2 5’9 6’0 6’2 5’9 6’0 5’9 6’1 5’10 5’8 6’1 6’1 5’9 5’11 5’10 5’9 5’11 5’9 6’0 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’9 5’11 6’0 5’9 6’2 5’10
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
Wt. 155 181 160 145 165 152 143 138 166 167 151 151 151 193 160 135 160 170 174 195 197 241 271 168 200 215 265 165 195 238 185 180 165 245 283 188
Yr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.
Friday night. “You have been fortunate enough, we have always tried to play solid sound defense, that is what you have got to have,” Williams said. “You have got to be good on defense to have a good football team and that is where it starts, you have got to be good defensively.” Leading Giles is a pair of all-
Spartans, 42
14 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 35
NARROWS GREEN WAVE
2015 Narrows Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Auburn H Sept. 4 Eastern MontgomeryH Sept. 11 Montcalm A Sept. 18 Giles A Sept. 25 Craig County A Oct. 8 (Thurs) Bland County H Oct. 16 Fort Chiswell H Oct. 23 Galax A Oct. 30 Grayson County A Nov. 6 Graham H
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
The Green Wave
No.Name 3 Ian Lowe 4 Landon Neal 5 Ethan Lowe 7 Jordan McKinney 8 Chase Kantsios 9 Dillon Sutler 10 Cam Honaker 11 Mikey McKinney 12 Cole Blaker 14 Ryan Taylor 17 Chase Lawson 18 T.J. Yopp 22 Morgan Welch 24 Austin Evans 30 Jakeb Bowman 33 Bailey Snidow 43 Blaize Hopkins 44 Matthew Mullins 51 Jake Skeens 52 Austin Turner 57 Jake Russ 61 Tyler Riddle 62 Jake Martin 63 Jake Perdue 64 Todd Turner 68 Cameron Sowers 71 Logan Cooper 72 Derrick Stinson 74 Daniel Defibaugh 75 Zach Parsell 84 Justin Harvey 99 Andrew Bragg
Pos. QB/DB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB QB/DB WR/DB TE/DE WR/DB TE/LB RB/DB G/LB RB/LB RB/DB TE/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL
Ht. 5’7 5’7 5’7 5’8 5’5 5’10 5’10 5’11 6’5 5’7 6’3 5’8 5’10 6’0 5’8 5’11 5’9 6’1 5’11 6’1 5’10 5’8 6’1 5’8 6’1 6’2 5’10 5’11 5’9 6’3 5’9 6’4
Wt. 136 168 146 151 139 151 164 148 186 149 179 138 162 223 207 230 168 199 204 193 253 208 244 190 340 230 264 280 186 291 144 180
Yr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr.
Green Wave optimistic with mixture of chemistry and health By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph NARROWS, Va. — Kelly Lowe has added athletic director to his duties as football coach at Narrows. He also knows a little about chemistry. “They are all a year older, one thing I have noticed right from the
start is the chemistry these guys have, and they have had it since they were in elementary school,” Lowe said. “My daughter is the same age as these guys and I have watched these kids, this senior class is very close, and that filters down to the younger kids. “They have brought them in so it is a close-knit group and the team chemistry is very good right now.” Now is the time to take those
ingredients and mix in some success. “We have got to stay healthy, and what we talk about is getting better each day,” said Lowe, who is in his 14th season as head coach of the Green Wave. “I don’t really set goals such as let’s make it to the playoffs, let’s do this or that. Our goals are every day, our goals are to be better every day.” Narrows, which last had a win-
ning season in 2008, has gotten quicker and stronger, thanks to a much larger weight room that was constructed prior to last season. Thirteen seniors lead the way, a large number for one of the smaller football-playing schools in the region. “We have held this group together all the way through,” Lowe said. “This group has been together since day 1, and they work real-
ly well together and they know what each other can and can’t do. It is just a good group.” That includes four seniors on the offensive line, including tackles Jake Skeens and Morgan Turner, 6-foot-3, 291-pound guard Zach Parsell and center Andrew Bragg. They will be spelled by Jake Russ, Tyler Riddle and
Green Wave, 44
MID-SOUTH CONFERENCE
Mid-South Conference Media Poll
Bluefield faces best of NAIA in Mid-South By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — Expect the MidSouth Conference to be as difficult as usual in the NAIA ranks in the upcoming season. Bluefield, in its fourth season with a program, faces a gauntlet of competition , including four clubs that made the NAIA playoffs last season, and the Rams face all four in a five-game span in the season ahead. Fifty-nine players representing all 12 schools have been selected to the USA College Football NAIA Division All-American Teams, including the Bluefield duo of offensive lineman Jed Halla and punter Daniel Griffin, both of whom were first team selections. Reinhardt let the league with 13 selections. Lindsey Wilson won the East Division last season, but the Blue Raiders have dropped to the West after Belhaven departed from the league. Campbellsville and Faulkner tied for the West lead last season. Twelve teams now comprise the MSC football league. Five other schools are part of the league, but don't play football, including Life, Lindenwood, Shawnee State, St. Catharine and Truett-McConnell. Here is a look at each of the 12 football teams that call the MidSouth home. East Division Bluefield Location: Bluefield, Va. Nickname: Rams. Enrollment: 850. Head coach: Ordell Walker (3rd, 319); 2014: 3-8, 1-5 (MSC). Notes: Bluefield is in its fourth season with a program after it was disbanded at the onset of World War II in 1941...Bluefield lost 24 straight games before winning at The Apprentice School last season...Bluefield has not won a home game in three years...Walker is in his third season, replacing Mike Gravier in 2013...Rams are in the Appalachian Athletic Conference for all sports except football. Cumberlands Location: Williamsburg, Ky. Nickname: Patriots. Enrollment: 2,096. Head coach: 2014: 3-7, 2-4. Notes: Cumberlands dropped to 37 one season after advancing to the NAIA national championship game before losing to Grand View,
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Ready for football... Bluefield College will host seven of its 11 games this season at Mitchell Stadium. The historic facility will also host the Bluefield Beavers and Graham G-Men. Mich...The Patriots had won at least seven games for eight straight season before last year's three-win campaign. All were with John Bland as head coach...Cumberlands has won both meetings with Bluefield, scoring 118 points in two games. Georgetown Location: Georgetown, Ky. Nickname: Tigers. Enrollment: 1,400. Head coach: Bill Cronin (19th, 170-43). 2014: 8-3, 5-1, NAIA playoffs, lost 34-3 to Marian, first round. Notes: Annually one of the top NAIA programs, the Tigers won national titles in 2001, 2000 and 1991...The Tigers were ranked 11th in the NAIA at the end of last season...Georgetown was the training camp home of the Cincinnati Bengals for several years...The Tigers are 3-0 against the Rams, scoring 163 points, although it was a respectable 3720 last season. Kentucky Christian Location: Grayson, Ky. Nickname: Knights. Enrollment: 550. Head coach: Steve Barrows (2nd, 5-6): 2014: 5-6, 2-4. Notes: The smallest football playing school in the MidSouth, the Knights began playing the sport in 2008, recording one winning season, a 7-4 mark in 2012...Kentucky Christian has just four home games this season, and five of its first six will be on the road, including trips to FCS Duquesne and Morehead State...The Knights are 3-0 against
Bluefield, averaging 38 points a game. Pikeville Location: Pikeville, Ky. Nickname: Bears. Enrollment: 1,156. Head coach: Allan Holland Jr. (2nd, 5-6). 2014: 5-6, 4-2. Notes: Finished third in the MSC East Division last season behind the No. 7 (Lindsey Wilson) and No. 11 (Georgetown) teams in the nation...Holland had the interim tag taken off his title halfway through last season after replacing Dudley Hilton on Aug. 4...This will be the third time and second straight year (and both on Thursday) that Bluefield has opened its season with the Bears...Pikeville is 0-3 in those meetings, scoring 160 points against the Rams. Union Location: Barboursville, Ky. Nickname: Bulldogs. Enrollment: 1,350. Head coach: Zak Willis (1st, 1-9). 2014: 1-9, 1-5. Notes: Willis was the first head coach at Pikeville in 2000...Bluefield's 68-56 win in what was homecoming at Union last season was the Rams' second win in a row (following a "W" at Belhaven), giving Bluefield its first win streak since 1941...Union won the previous two meetings with the Rams, but 23 and 10 points, which was the Rams' closest decision in 2013...Bluefield is playing at Union for a second straight season, but will not be the homecoming guest this time.
West Division Bethel Location: McKenzie, Tenn. Nickname: Wildcats. Enrollment: 1,300. Head coach: Chris Elliott (4th, 16-19). 2014: 5-6, 2-3. Notes: Bethel has gone 7-15 since going 9-4 in 2012, advancing to the second round of the NAIA playoffs..Will Masoud holds the school record for touchdown passes in a game, throwing for six against Bluefield in 2012. Michael Newbern tied a high mark catching four of those passes...Bluefield will not play Bethel this season...The Wildcats are 3-0 against the Rams, scoring 146 points in those games. Campbellsville Location: Campbellsville, Ky. Nickname: Tigers. Enrollment: 3,000. Head coach: Perry Thomas (7th, 38-40). 2014: 7-4, 4-1 NAIA playoffs, lost to St. Xavier 38-35, first round. Notes: Campbellsville finished ranked 15th in the nation after last season...The Tigers finished in a tie with Faulkner for the West Division title, but Campbellsville beat the Eagles on the field...Bluefield has played Campbellsville just once, falling 2314 in the 2012 season finale, the closest game the Rams had that first season. Cumberland Location: Lebanon, Tenn. Nickname: Bulldogs. Enrollment: 1,345. Head coach: Donnie Suber (3rd, 13-9). 2014: 6-5, 2-3. Notes: Looking for unbreakable sports
East Division 1. Georgetown (5) 2. Pikeville 3. Cumberlands (1) 4. Kentucky Christian 5. Union 6. Bluefield West Division t1. Campbellsville (2) t1. Reinhardt (2) t3. Faulkner (1) t3. Lindsey Wilson 91) t5. Bethel t5. Cumberland
25 18 14 14 12 7 21 21 17 17 7 7
records? No one will touch Cumberland losing to Georgia Tech 222-0 in 1916...Cumberland (and Georgetown) had their petition to move to Division II and join the Great Midwest Conference denied last year... Bluefield doesn't play the Bulldogs this season, which is probably good. The Rams are 0-3, having allowed 148 points. Faulkner Location: Montgomery, Ala. Nickname: Eagles. Enrollment: 2,700. Head coach: Charlie Boren (2nd, 9-3): 2014: 9-3, 4-1, NAIA playoffs, lost to Lindsey Wilson 2017, first round. Notes: Faulkner has won nine games two seasons in a row, and finished 10th in the nation after last year...They defeated MidSouth foe Lindsey Wilson during the season, but lost to them in the postseason..Faulkner won its previous meeting with the Rams 52-10 in 2012...With the departure of Belhaven, Faulkner is the furthest MSC school from Bluefield. Lindsey Wilson Location: Columbia, Ky. Nickname: Blue Raiders. Enrollment: 2,600. Head coach: Chris Oliver (6th, 33-23). 2014: 103, 6-0, NAIA playoffs, lost to St. Xavier 30-17, second round. Note: Just the sixth season of football for the Blue Raiders, who were 7-3 in year two, and have been 17-6 the last two...Lindsey Wilson moves from the East to the West Division in the Mid-South after the departure of Belhaven...Bluefield is 0-3 against Lindsey Wilson, having allowed 167 points in three games. Reinhardt Location: Waleska, Ga. Nickname: Eagles. Enrollment: 1,253. Head coach: Drew Cronic (1st year, 0-0). 2014: 6-4, 3-2. Notes: The Eagles have been 6-4 in each of their first two seasons with a program...Cronic replaces his father, Danny, as head coach of the Eagles...Offensive line coach James Miller spent two years as a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech...The first meeting between Reinhardt and Bluefield will be on Oct. 3 at Mitchell Stadium.
36 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 13
Just the facts: Area high school football since 2001 By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — Consistency is what every high school football team is striving to attain. It isn't easy to do, but no school has done it better in Four Seasons Country than Richlands, which has won 80.6 percent of its games since 2001. Why 2001? That's as far back as I could go back to find records of all the area teams in the region. While Richlands has the better record over those 14 years, Bluefield has actually won the most state championships over that time. The Beavers have won three, with Giles claiming two and the Blue Tornado winning it all in 2006. Richlands actually played for the state title four times in a six-year span, but managed to be victorious just once. Bluefield is actually third overall in terms of winning percentage, trailing Giles, which has won nearly 78 percent of its games, along with state titles in 2013 and 2005. The Beavers won it all in 2009, '07 and '04. Three other schools have played for state titles, but Honaker, James Monroe and Graham fell short of a championship. Bluefield lost in the finals three times, and Giles fell once in the state finals. Below is a look at how each of the 20 schools in the Daily Telegraph coverage area has fared since 2001. Recall that both Big Creek and Iaeger have ceased to exist, and the same now goes for Haysi. Out of those 20 teams, only eight have had winning records over that span. Three schools have actually won less than 30 percent of their games, with PikeView sitting last, just behind Montcalm in
18th and Twin Valley. The only changes from last season was Graham moving up to seventh, one spot ahead of relative newcomer River View, while Wyoming East passed Princeton to move into the top 10. West Virginia Bluefield: (2014 record: 9-2): Class AA. Head coach: Fred Simon. Last playoff appearance: 2014: lost to Ravenswood, 1st round, 42-41. Record since 2011: 126-46, .733. State championships: 10 (last in 2009). James Monroe (2014 record: 37). Class AA. Head coach: John Mustain. Last playoff appearance: 2009, lost to Ravenswood, 1st round, 24-14. Record since 2001: 103-54, .656. State championships: 0. River View (2014 record: 2-8): Class AA. Head coach: Gehrig Justice. Last playoff appearance: 2012, lost to Bridgeport, 1st round, 54-6. Record since 2010: 29-25 .537. State championships: 0. Wyoming East (2014 record: 74): Class AA. Head coach: Donald Jewell. Last playoff apperance: 2014, lost to Frankfort, 1st round, 39-0. Record since 2001: 62-75, .453. State championships: 0. Princeton (2014 record: 4-6): Class AAA. Head coach: Wes Eddy. Last playoff appearance: 2009, lost to Brooke, 1st round, 3317. Record since 2001: 63-81, .438. State championships: 0. Mount View (2014 record: 0-10): Class AA. Head coach: Larry Thompson. Last playoff appearance: 2006, lost to Grafton, 1st round, 33-14. Record since 2001: 52-94, .356. State championships: 0. Summers County (2014 record: 1-9). Class AA. Head coach: Nathan Tanner. Last playoff appearance, 2013, lost to Ritchie County, 1st round, 24-14. Record since 2001: 51-99, .340. State cham-
Bluefield 65 wins, Graham 22 wins, 2 ties
1911: Bluefield 17-5 1913: Bluefield 6-0 1928: Bluefield 19-0 1929: Bluefield 7-0 1930: Bluefield 31-0 1931: Bluefield 26-6 1932: Bluefield 7-0 1933: Bluefield 13-6 1934: Graham 7-6 1935: Bluefield 21-0 1936: Bluefield 13-2 1937: No game 1938: Graham 6-0 1939: Bluefield 14-0 1940: Bluefield 38-6 1941: Bluefield 7-6 1942: Bluefield 19-0 1943: Bluefield 26-0 1944: Bluefield 25-7 1945: Bluefield 33-0 1946: Bluefield 20-6 1947: Bluefield 31-0 1948: Tie 2-2
1949: Bluefield 30-0 1950: Graham 26-7 1951: Graham 32-6 1952: Bluefield 15-12 1953: Bluefield 31-6 1954: Bluefield 6-0 1955: Bluefield 39-6 1956: Bluefield 13-0 1957: Tie 12-12 1958: Graham 18-7 1959: Bluefield 26-0 1960: Bluefield 20-0 1961: Graham 32-25 1962: Bluefield 22-6 1963: Graham 14-0 1964: Bluefield 40-0 1965: Bluefield 13-0 1966: Bluefield 40-0 1967: Bluefield 13-6 1968: Bluefield 26-0 1969: Bluefield 30-18 1970: Bluefield 28-15 1971: Bluefield 61-0
1972: Bluefield 36-0 1973: Bluefield 36-12 1974: Graham 13-0 1975: Bluefield 48-0 1976: Bluefield 7-0 1977: Bluefield 25-2 1978: Graham 28-8 1979: Graham 33-18 1980: Bluefield 19-7 1981: Graham 10-0 1982: Bluefield 10-7 1983: Bluefield 18-0 1984: Bluefield 21-20 1985: Graham 9-6 1986: Bluefield 10-7 1987: Bluefield 34-0 1988: Bluefield 14-7 1989: Graham 25-0 1990: Graham 17-0 1991: Bluefield 6-4 1992: Bluefield 20-14 1993: Graham 24-14 1994: Bluefield 7-0
1995: Graham 26-20 1996: Bluefield 34-20 1997: Bluefield 19-14 1998: Bluefield 24-0 1999: Bluefield 14-8 2000: Bluefield 17-10 2001: Graham 56-8 2002: Graham 21-14 2003: Bluefield 24-21 2004: Bluefield 48-21 2005: Graham 21-14 *2005: Bluefield 7-0 2006: Graham 26-6 2007: Bluefield 26-12 2008: Graham 25-23 2009: Bluefield 48-7 2010: Bluefield 48-0 2011: Bluefield 51-14 2012: Graham 23-21 2013: Bluefield 60-38 2014: Bluefield 76-48 2005: Aug. 28, at Mitchell Stadium
pionships: 0. Montcalm (2014 record, 2-7): Class A. Head coach: Jimmy Redmond. Last playoff appearance: none since 2001. Record since 2001: 34-101, 252. State championships: 0. PikeView (2014 record, 2-8): Class AA. Head coach: Bobby Wyatt. Last playoff appearance: 2010, lost to Chapmanville, 1st round, 30-14. Record since 2001: 29-114, .203. State championships: 0. Virginia Richlands (2014 record: 10-4): Group 2A West, Southwest District. Head coach: Greg Mance. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Wilson Memorial, 4th round, 13-7 OT. Record since 2001: 145-35, .806. State championships: 2 (last in 2006). Giles (2014 record: 12-1): Group 2A West, Three Rivers District. Head coach: Jeff Williams. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Glenvar, 3rd round, 35-0. Record since 2001: 133-38, .778. State championships: 4 (lost in 2013). *Haysi (2014 record: 11-3): Group 1A West, Black Diamond District. Head coach: James Colley. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Essex, 4th round, 3513. Record since 2001: 115-45, .719. State championships: 0. (school no longer in existence). Honaker (2014 record: 13-1): Group 1A West, Black Diamond District. Head coach: Doug Hubbard. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Altavista, 4th round, 31-7. Record since 2001: 112-50, .691. State championships: 0. Graham (2014 record: 4-7): Group 2A West, Mountain Empire District. Head coach: Tony Palmer. Last playoff apperances: 2014, lost to Gate City, 1st round, 70-0. Record since 2001: 90-72, .556. State championships: 3 (last in 1995).
2014 Prep Standings
Virginia Southwest District Abingdon 4-0 Richlands 3-1 Lebanon 2-2 Tazewell 1-3 Virginia High 0-4 Mountain Empire District Galax 5-0 Fort Chiswell 3-2 Graham 3-2 Grayson County 3-2 Bland County 1-4 Narrows 0-5 Black Diamond District Honaker 4-0 Haysi 3-1 Hurley 2-2 Twin Valley 1-3 Grundy 0-4 Three Rivers District Giles 5-0 Glenvar 4-1
8-3 10-4 6-5 5-6 2-8 8-3 7-4 4-7 3-7 3-7 1-9 13-1 11-3 7-4 6-5 0-10 12-1 14-1
RIVER VIEW RAIDERS
2015 River View Football Schedule
Aug. 27 Mount View Sept. 4 Grundy Sept. 11 Herbert Hoover Sept. 18 Man Sept. 26 (Sat.) Notre Dame Oct. 2 Wyoming East Oct. 9 Montcalm Oct. 16 PikeView Oct. 23 Westside
Nov. 6
James Monroe
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A
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The Raiders
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Simon says... Bluefield head coach Fred Simon had led the Beavers to a 226114 record in 29 seasons, with four state championships. Grundy (2014 record: 0-10): Group 2A West, Black Diamond District. Head coach: Jeremy Ward. Last playoff apperance: 2012, lost to Fort Chiswelll, 1st round, 44-3. Record since 2001: 7083, .458. State championships: 0. Hurley (2014 record, 7-4): Group 1A West, Black Diamond District: Head coach: Greg Tester. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Radford, 1st round, 42-0. Record since 2001: 65-81, .417. State championships: 0. Narrows (2014 record, 1-9): Group 1A West, Mountain Empire District. Head coach: Kelly Lowe. Last playoff appearance: 2009, lost to Bath County, 1st round, 48-7. Record since 2001: 55-92, .374. State championships: 0.
Tazewell (2014 record, 5-6): Group 2A West, Southwest District. Head coach: Shane Allen. Last playoff apperance: 2014, lost to Union, 1st round, 30-20. Record since 2001: 54-96, .360. State Championships: 1 (1986). Bland County (2014 record, 3-7): Group 1A West, Mountain Empire District. Head coach: Harris Hart. Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost to Bath County, 1st round, 17-13. Record since 2001: 47-94, .333. State championships: 0. Twin Valley (2014 record, 6-5): Group 1A West, Black Diamond District. Head coach: Tommy Crigger. Last playoff appearance: 2014, lost to Galax, 1st round, 52-7. Record since 2001: 33-109, .232. State championships: 0.
Radford Auburn Floyd County Eastern Montgomery
4. Haysi 5. Honaker 6. James Monroe 7. Graham 8. River View 9. Grundy 10. Wyoming East 11. Princeton 12. Hurley 13. Narrows 14. Tazewell 15. Mount View 16. Summers County 17. Bland County 18. Montcalm 19. Twin Valley 20. PikeView
Princeton Bluefield Wyoming East James Monroe PikeView River View Summers County Mount View Montcalm
3-2 2-3 1-4 0-5 ••• West Virginia Class AAA Class AA
Class A
••• Records since 2001 (by winning percentage) Team W-L Pct. 2014 rank 1. Richlands 145-35 .806 2. Giles 133-38 .778 3. Bluefield 126-46 .733
6-5 7-4 2-8 3-7
4-6 10-2 7-4 3-7 2-8 2-8 1-9 0-10 2-7
1 2 3
115-45 .719 4 112-50 .691 5 103-54 .656 92-70 .556 8 29-25 .537 7 70-83 .458 9 62-75 .453 11 63-81 .438 10 65-81 .417 12 55-92 .374 13 54-96 .360 15 52-94 .356 14 51-99 .340 16 47-94 .333 17 34-101 .252 18 33-109 .232 19 29-114 .203 20 ••• State Championships: Bluefield (10): 2009, '07, '04, '97, '84, '75, '67, '65, '62, '60. Giles (4): 2013, '05, '93, '80. Graham (3): 1995, '89, '62. Richlands (2): 2006, '92. Tazewell (1): 1986.
Justice expects Raiders to ‘look like’ Concord By BOB REDD Bluefield Daily Telegraph BRADSHAW — The 2014 River View Raiders struggled on the gridiron, playing to a 2-8 mark, the fewest wins recorded in the school's short history. However, the Raiders look to rebound in 2015 with a less difficult schedule and a lot of weapons. “Our numbers are up. We're up to the low 40s. We had about 50 come out and we're at 43 right now. That's a big plus from last year,” said head coach Gehrig Justice. “Last year, for whatever reason we didn't have that many bodies, may have finished up with 27, 28 kids. It's hard to work when you don't have numbers.” One thing that did not affect the number of players this year, but may in the future was the fact that one of River View's feeder schools, Southside, did not have a program last year. “Our focus as a program is to get Southside back on its feet because right now we're playing double-A with one leg,” Justice said. For the past three years Jordan Wilson has been the focus of the River View offense. Now graduated, the Raiders will have to turn to other weapons. “The first year I took over I said Don Shula, to me is the ideal NFL coach. He always changed his scheme according to the players he had,” said Justice, whose brother, Garin, is the head coach at Concord. “When he had (Larry)
Czonka he ran. When he had (Dan) Marino he threw. “We'll be more under center in two-back sets but again we'll still be up-tempo. We're going to zone block most things. We'll look a little like Concord (University). We'll be in some spread stuff, we'll be in some two-back, use our tight end, our fullback and take advantage of those type of kids versus more of the wide receivers I've had the last two years.” Justice ran down a potential starting offensive lineup that has Chance Stone at quarterback, with Tyree Baker and Nick Bailey as running backs or slot receivers. Along the line Jonathan McCoy is the center with Jim Bob Sparks at a guard spot and Logan Kennedy ( and Clayton Reed (5'10 205 Jr.) at tackles. Others to see action along the line will be Seth Perkins, Dakota Cline, Caleb Elmore and Sam Stamper . The receivers are big as 6-foot-6, 230-pound Jonah Baker and 6-2 Cordel Click will line up wide, with tight ends Justin Riggs and Tyler Cooper battling for playing time. “We'll post them up,” Justice said. We have the biggest wide receivers in the state and we'll post them up and feed the post versus trying to stretch the field.” Slot receivers include Tyree Baker, Nick Bailey, Isom Bailey, Jacob Campbell and Josh Bryant. Baker suffered an injury in the team's first scrimmage game and his status for the season is currently unknown. Defensively, former Hurley head
coach Wayne Hall will serve as coordinator for the Raiders, with plans to line up in a 4-3 formation. Among those look for playing time are Christian Neely, Sparks, and Riggs to rotate at tackle, while Bradley Mullins and Ryan Roberts will come in on passing situations. The defensive ends will be Jonah Baker and Click. McCoy holds down the middle linebacker spot while Reed and Cooper along with Perkins and Elmore will be in the mix on the outside. Tyree Baker and Stone are penciled in at the safety positions while Isom Bailey and Nick Bailey hold down the corners. Kicking is an issue as returning specialist Hunter Crigger injured his knee in the offseason and his status is unknown at present time. Elmore will handle the placements while Josh Walker, a freshman will take on the punting chores. The long snappers are Perkins and Kennedy. Justice is optimistic as the s e a s o n approaches. “I think we can surprise a lot of people this year,” Justice commented. “Our experience is good, the kids
have logged on-field minutes, but not on-field minutes at the positions they are playing.” The schedule remains tough, though there are three powerhouses that are not on this year's slate, Bluefield and Class A powers Bishop Donahue and Buffalo. “Our schedule is no slouch. It is nowhere what it was last year. There is no Murder's Row, but it's competitive,” Justice said. “Bluefield is gone. The truth is in three years playing them we haven't been competitive. It has been 50-something to nothing, to six, to 12, whatever it was. It didn't do Bluefield good and it didn't do us good. Right now we don't need to play that game.” To replace Bluefield, Bishop Donahue and Buffalo the Raiders
No. Player 3 Josh McCoy 4 Josh Walker 6 Dillon Robinette 7 Chance Stone 8 Jacob Campbell 9 Jonah Baker 10 Tyree Baker 12 Josh Bryant 13 Robert Ball 14 Quinten Dawson 15 Nick Bailey 21 Isom Bailey 24 Nicholas Hale 25 Zachary Boothe 28 Bobby Horn 31 Kenneth Parsons 34 Robert Baker 35 Tyler Cooper 40 Bradley Mullins 42 Jacob Collins 44 Ryan Roberts 45 Ryan Johnson 50 Jacob Stiltner 51 Jacob Hicks 52 Seth Perkins 55 Clayton Reed 57 Jonathan McCoy 58 Sam Stamper 60 Creed Morgan 62 Caleb Elmore 66 Dakota Cline 71 Logan Kennedy 72 Dustin Roberts 74 Dalton Akers 75 Jim Bob Sparks 80 Zack Perdue 83 Cordel Click 86 Justin Riggs
Pos. QB/DB QB/DB WR/DB QB/LB WB/DB WR/DL RB/DB WR/DB TE/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB RB/DL RB/DB FB/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL WR/LB TE/DL
Ht. 5’9 5’7 5’8 5’9 5’2 6’6 5’10 5’7 5’6 5’10 5’5 5’10 5’8 5’6 5’4 5’4 5’6 6’1 5’11 5’7 5’9 5’11 5’6 5’7 5’8 5’10 5’7 5’10 5’9 6’ 5’6 5’9 5’7 5’8 5’8 5’6 6’2 6’1
Wt. 163 145 137 192 122 230 190 146 122 160 145 147 121 116 125 143 117 210 183 135 215 217 156 212 190 205 222 282 243 222 227 208 194 213 285 176 210 278
Yr. So. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. So. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr.
have added James Monroe, Montcalm and Grundy, which is a neighboring school across the Virginia border. Additionally the Raiders will take on Westside, Wyoming East and county rival Mount View. The Raiders open the season on Thursday, Aug. 27 with a visit to Welch to take on the Golden Knights of Mount View.
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2015 BDT BLITZ 37
MOUNT VIEW GOLDEN KNIGHTS
2015 Mount View Football Schedule
Aug. 27 River View Sep. 4 Man Sep. 11 Independence Sep. 18 Liberty Raleigh Oct. 2 Chapmanville Oct. 9 Meadow Bridge Oct. 16 Wyoming East Oct. 23 PikeView Oct. 30 Westside Nov. 6 Summers County
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The Golden Knights
Thompson focused on ‘new’ for Golden Knights By BOB REDD Bluefield Daily Telegraph WELCH — It's a new look for The View. Second year head coach Larry Thompson is going back to the future at Mount View High School this fall, bringing back the white helmets with the “MV” logo and instilling a sense of pride and history into a once proud program that has fallen on hard times in recent years. “Last year I kind of got thrown into the fire and everything was discombobulated.,” Thompson said. “This year we had a nice offseason, the kids really dedicated themselves to the weight room, they started to buy into the program and everything from there
has been going up. “We're excited for this year. We're trying to do everything new this year, a new outlook, a new mindset with the same scheme as last year, just trying to add on to it.” That scheme Thompson refers to is an up-tempo offense, a modified spread that utilizes Mount View's speed and power. “We have a plethora of backs. We also have a little power as well. We have a plethora of receivers so we like to mix it up,” Thompson said. “I feel like the strongest aspect of our team this year will be our running game. We have two veteran receivers and some depth behind those guys. We can call it a smash mouth team with a little bit of spread concept in there.”
The quarterback position will be manned by either Steven Brown or Elijah Collier. Running backs will be Joseph Hayes and Elijah Barner, while the wideouts are Marquis Bonds and Jaquane Imes. Chris Muncy is the tight end. Others who will see action at wide receivers are Shemar Hairston, Dakotah Waldron, Josh Witchem and Andrew Frazier. Along the line freshman Mark Horn will be the center with Montay Bailey and Micah McLaughlin at guard. The tackles will be Mel Scott and Deon Diggs. Defensively the Golden Knights are going to throw different looks at the opposition. “I've had all summer to look at film and we're going to mix it up a little bit,” Thompson said. “I love
Good Luck To All Area Football Teams!
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blitzing with the backers I've got. They're huge and athletic. The defensive ends are tall, real long and physical, so I love that 4-4 front. When we play a power team I'll throw a nose guard in there and we'll go to a 5-3 look. I'm going to put a lot of pressure on my cornerbacks this year. “I am an SEC guy, so I like playing hard-nose football, pressing the edge and sending guys up the gut all day long. If they can stop us and beat us over the top, that's the risk you take when you blitz. If not, it's going to work out in our favor.” Running down the defense, the ends are Muncy and Imes with freshman Ty Powell vying for time. Inside on the front will be Tariq Carr and Diggs while the
No. Name 1 Quavon Valentine 2 Shemar Hairston 3 Elijah Collier 4 Jaquane Imes 5 Quis Bonds 6 Steven Brown 7 Treyvon Richardson 8 Dakotah Waldron 9 Terry Headen 9 Darrick Scott 10 Andrew Frazier 11 Chris Muncy 12 Anthony Hall 15 Aaric Gross 17 David Helm 20 Tyler Rotenberry 21 Ryan McGinnis 22 Sidney George 23 Jojo Hayes 25 Jordan Franklin 28 Demicko King 30 Elijah Barner 35 Mickey Hearns 42 Aaron Pendry 45 Kamal Collins 50 Montay Bailey 51 Fred Minco 55 Micah McLaughlin 58 Drew Andrigo 60 Deon Diggs 63 Tariq Carr 65 Mark Horn 66 Mikey Spencer 73 Austin Goins 74 Mel Scott 76 Jordan Mitchem 78 Ty Powell 81 Malik Cowan 83 Deandre Legget 88 Michael McNeely 89 Justin Lanier 90 Josh Mitchem
Pos. LB/FB RB/CB QB WR/DE WR/DE QB/DE RB/CB WR/CB WR/LB WR/CB WR/FS TE/DE QB/CB TE/DE WR/CB WR/FS WR/CB WR/CB RB/FS WR/FS RB/LB FB/LB FB/DE WR/CB FB/LB OG/LB OT/DT OT/DT OG/DT OT/DL OG/DT C/DT OT/DT OL/DT OT/DT OG/DT OT/DT TE/CB CB/WR WR/CB TE/DE TE/LB
Yr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. So. So.
outside linebackers will be Ryan Thompson and Quavon Valentine. Inside will be Barner and Bailey. Treyvon Richardson and Sidney George are the corners while the safety is Hayes.
Knights, 44
The must-see high school games of the season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — High school football has arrived. Seventeen of the 19 schools in the region will be playing 10 games apiece, while Bluefield and Twin Valley will get in nine each. That is 188 games before the postseason arrives. Of course, many of those will involve local teams facing off with each other, but you get the point. There are plenty of games ahead. Some are better than others. Here is a small sampling of the best games awaiting in the 2015 season. Let's start with a different game than what normally appears in this top spot. 1. Richlands at Bluefield (Oct. 2): Why not. With the possible exception on Giles, these have been the top two programs in the region for the past decade. Richlands' win over the Beavers last season spurred the Blue Tornado to an overtime loss away from the 2A state championship game. 2. Graham at Bluefield (Aug. 28): This is still a great rivalry, but it has lost its luster in recent years because of the struggles experienced by the G-Men. New Graham coach Tony Palmer, who has been around this series his entire life, is working toward bringing it back to what it once was. 3. Richlands at Union (Sept. 4): These clubs have split four meetings in thrilling contests decided by a combined 11 points. Union won the last two in dramatic fashion, rallying for 22 points in the fourth quarter last year, and a pick-six in the final minute led to another shocker in 2013. 4. Giles at Glenvar (Oct. 10: The last two 2A state champions meet on a Saturday night, thanks to Virginia Tech playing on the previous night. Giles soundly defeated the Highlanders in the regular season last year, and then got whipped 35-0 in the postseason to snap a 27-game win streak. 5. Bluefield at Princeton (Sept. 4): Welcome new Princeton coach Wes Eddy to one of the area's most competitive rivalries. Hunnicutt Stadium is usually full when the Beavers play there, and it always seems to be close, no matter the struggles the Tigers might have later in the season. 6. Gate City at Richlands (Aug. 28): Not a bad way to start the sea-
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87th meeting awaits... The Bluefield and Princeton football rivalry was first played in 1925. The Beavers lead the series 58-26-2. Those clubs will meet on Sept. 4 at Hunnicutt Stadium in Princeton. son at Ernie Hicks. Two of the better programs in Virginia will meet in what is always a close, competitive game. They met twice last season, with the Blues winning when it counted most in the 2A state quarterfinals. 7. Wayne at Bluefield (Nov. 6): This could easily be much higher. Bluefield hasn't been to Wheeling since 2009, and the Pioneers have lost in the Class AA state finals the last two seasons. Bluefield defeated Wayne in the season finale last year, and then lost its opening playoff game. 8. River View at Mount View (Aug. 28): Larry Thompson enters his second season with the Golden Knights, who have now lost 16 straight games dating back to 2013. River View has never lost to their McDowell neighbors, but lost two key transfers to Bluefield and Richlands. 9. Bluefield at Woodrow Wilson (Sept. 11): This matchup was created when Princeton left the MSAC, and won't be able to play the Flying Eagles for a while. That is good news for area fans, in what could become one of the better rivalries in the region over time. 10. Bland County at Narrows
(Oct. 8): A salute to the small schools. Dropping enrollment has made winning games difficult when the Mountain Empire District schedule begins, but both teams see this as a chance to shine. Another Thursday night game thanks to the Hokies. 11. George Wythe at Honaker (Oct. 2): Two of the better Division I teams in Virginia, the Maroons defeated the Tigers in the 2012 title game, and the Tigers knocked off George Wythe in the quarterfinals last season. With Haysi no longer on the schedule, this will be the Tigers' marquee game. 12. James Monroe at PikeView (Sept. 18): Name the sport and these schools have become rivals. John Mustain returns for his second season as coach of the Mavericks, while Bobby Wyatt seeks to develop a football culture at a school that is highly competitive in every other sport. 13. Richlands at Tazewell (Oct. 9): Richlands has won every meeting since 2003. Nick Blankenship, a standout for three seasons for the Bulldogs, will be in the other uniform, which should be interesting to watch. At least Tazewell
does finally have stability on the sidelines with Shane Allen. 14. Martinsburg at Princeton (Sept. 11): Princeton goes from hosting Bluefield to welcoming Martinsburg, which won four straight Class AAA state titles before falling short last season. The Tigers had to significantly alter its schedule after the departure from the MSAC. 15. Graham at Richlands (Sept. 11): The third of three straight rivalry games for the G-Men, Graham has lost eight straight to the Blues, who could be the best team in the region this season. Richlands has added a pair of transfers that could definitely make a difference. 16. Narrows at Giles (Sept. 18): OK, this rivalry has lost some of its luster, but it's still a big deal in Giles County. It has been years since Narrows won, but the crowd is large, and fun is had by all. Enrollment declines have hurt the Green Wave, but the Spartans just seem to keep on winning. 17. Tazewell at Graham (Sept. 4): The second of three straight rivalry games for the G-Men. Tazewell had lost seven straight to Graham before last season. Expect this one to be close and possibly come down to the end. Both teams are in rebuilding mode after a few lackluster campaigns. 18. Gate City at Bluefield (Sept. 18): Two tradition-rich programs meet at Mitchell Stadium. Both teams have proud traditions, with Bluefield winning 10 state championships, while Gate City has claimed five. The Beavers have scored 112 points in their last two meetings with the Blue Devils. 19. Galax at Giles (Oct. 2): Galax has always been a thorn for the Spartans, who squeaked past the Maroon Tide in each of the last two seasons. Both teams have athletes playing at Virginia Tech, including Cody Rhodes from Giles, and record-setting Steven Peoples from Galax. 20. Shady Spring at Princeton (Aug. 28): The Wes Eddy era begins with this game between Tigers at Hunnicutt Stadium. With the schedule that awaits, it is imperative that Princeton starts with a win. Shady Spring, which reached the state semis in 2011, is 3-17 over the last two years. 21. Ridgeview at Honaker (Nov. 6): It's not Haysi, but it is as close as it can get. Ridgeview was created out of a consolidation between Haysi and Clintwood. Rick Mullins, who coached the
Greenwave, will do the same for the Wolfpack. James Colley will be Ridgeview's athletic director. 22. Princeton at James Monroe (Oct. 16): Princeton won an entertaining game at Hunnicutt Stadium last season, the final game for then-head coach Randy Peek for the Tigers. Two young teams should be showing improvement by this point in the campaign. 23. Bland County at Montcalm (Oct. 2): The two smallest football playing schools in the region. Both have few numbers, with kids who rarely ever leave the field when the game in taking place. That is fine with them. They do it for the love of the game, and their schools. 24. Wheeling Park at Princeton (Oct. 23): Patience will be needed for Princeton fans. The schedule ahead might be tougher than what they faced in the MSAC. Wheeling Park is 20-5 in the last two seasons. Point Pleasant could have been this spot, they travel to Princeton on Nov. 6. 25. Wise Central at Grundy (Oct. 2): Luke Owens, who played at Grundy, will return to Buchanan County in his second year as head coach at Wise Central. Grundy is looking to rebound from a winless season. Grundy has lost 12 straight games dating back to 2013. This is far from it. Here are 10 more. Abingdon at Richlands: Falcons ended Blues' nine-year run of SWD titles. Blacksburg at Giles: Richlands product Thad Wells is coach of Bruins. Giles at Graham: Giles won 5642 the last time single wing visited Mitchell. Honaker at Lebanon: Russell County braggings rights. Hurley at Twin Valley: Small schools meet with pride on the line. James Monroe at Bluefield: Beavers have recently dominated the Mavs. Mount View at Liberty: Knights' last win came vs. Raiders in 2013. PikeView at River View: Lots of Views for PikeView, Mount View follows. Radford at Giles: Always a Three Rivers District slobberknocker. Wyoming East at Summers County: Always close and competitive. More? There are plenty, but there is only so much room. bwoodson@bdtonline.com /
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Checking out the best college games of the season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — Every football team has a schedule. Some are better (or worst) than others. Too many schedules are rated on what teams did the year before. If you go by that logic, then Marshall has the worst slate in all of Division I college football. In reality, that might be the truth. The Herd definitely trails, Virginia, West Virginia and Virginia Tech — in that order — in terms of difficulty of schedule for the upcoming season among the regional NCAA Division I schools. Bluefield might actually face a most difficult slate than Concord among the local schools if you just look at the conferences. The MidSouth is the among the best in the NAIA, while the Mountain East is still building its brand. The schedules of the six regional teams come in different categories. Virginia could be playing to save Mike London's job, but the schedule maker did him no favors. Good luck being better than 1-3 in September, and it only gets worst with a rugged ACC road schedule. West Virginia's non-conference slate isn’t easy either, not with rival Maryland on there, and the Mountaineers had better not overlook Georgia Southern. They also have to travel to Big 12 favorites, Texas Christian and Baylor in consecutive weeks, and a visit to Oklahoma awaits two weeks later. Virginia Tech has a schedule that should give the Hokies a chance to get back to double digit wins. There is no Clemson or Florida State from the West, and get Duke, Pittsburgh and North Carolina at home. A visit to Georgia Tech could tell the tale of their ACC title hopes. Marshall faces the same situation it had last season. All those wins will pile up, and the Herd will get no respect. They do bring a Big 10 foe into Huntington, but the Boilermakers might be the worst team in that league. Only a season ending Friday night trip to Western Kentucky could stand in the Herd's way of another Conference USA title. Concord was able to get past Shepherd last season, and advanced all the way to the Division II national semifinals. They'll be the hunted this year. The Mountain Lions have received plenty of preseason attention, having been picked fifth nationally by The Sporting News and seventh by Lindy's.
AP file photo
Coming to Blacksburg... Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, left, and Ezekiel Elliott celebrate after they defeated Oregon 42-20 in the national championship game in January. The Buckeyes will open the season on Labor Day night at Virginia Tech Bluefield won three games last season, but improving on that total won't be easy in the MidSouth Conference, which might be the best league in the NAIA ranks. The Rams also lost their expected starting quarterback (at least until midseason) in spring practice, and one of their better defensive players for the season in the spring game. •Here is a look at the top 25 college football games this season involving local and regional clubs. 1. Ohio State at Virginia Tech (Sept. 7): Labor Day night in Lane Stadium. Ohio State had to listen all last season how embarrassing their loss was to the Hokies, but the Buckeyes still won it all. Virginia Tech heard the same insults, and the Hokies aren't used to be a punchline. 2. West Virginia at Texas Christian (Oct. 29): TCU is a popular pick to reach the CFP this season. This should be an entertaining Thursday night. These teams have played the last three seasons, with TCU winning twice by one point each, while the Mountaineers survived by a field goal in 2013. 3. West Virginia at Baylor (Oct. 17): The Bears are expected to challenge TCU for the Big 12 championship, and the Mountaineers have to face both of them on the road in consecutive weeks. Baylor's lone regular season loss to West Virginia last year may have cost them a playoff spot. 4. Shepherd at Concord (Oct. 24): Shepherd has long been the dominant program, both in the WVIAC and in the youthful Mountain East Conference. Concord took over that position last season, and a win here could
be the difference in another MEC crown. 5. Marshall at Western Kentucky (Nov. 27): If you like offense, this is your game. It was last year, with the Hilltoppers costing the Herd an undefeated season with a 67-66 win in Huntington. The winner of this one could be playing in the Conference USA championship game. 6. Point at Bluefield (Sept. 5): This could be Bluefield's first home win at Mitchell Stadium since 1941. The Rams did get in the win column three times last season, but still haven't won on friendly turf since the program was disbanded at the onset of World War II. Point was 1-9 last season. 7. Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech (Nov. 12): A Thursday night in Georgia. A pair of Techs could meet with the ACC Coastal Division lead at stake. The Yellow Jackets are the popular choice to defend its title, but the Hokies could be a darkhorse if answers can be found on offense. 8. Notre Dame at Virginia (Sept. 12): The hallowed Fighting Irish in Charlottesville, one week after the Cavaliers have to visit UCLA. Notre Dame is a darkhorse to compete for a national playoff spot, while the Cavaliers will probably be facing an 0-2 start to the season. 9. Concord at Charleston (Oct. 1): Shepherd isn't the only team that should concern the Mountain Lions. Not only is this a Mountain East game on Thursday night, but the last three games between these clubs has been decided by 13 points, with Concord winning the last two.
10. Virginia Tech at Virginia (Nov. 28): How long has it been since Virginia won the Commonwealth Cup? Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller was in his final season with the Cavaliers. Ouch. Virginia Tech has won 11 straight, with the last three being by a combined 17 points. 11. West Virginia at Oklahoma (Oct. 3): The Big 12 opener does West Virginia no favors. Just check out the Mountaineers' four game stretch that begins with this one. Oklahoma has underachieved in recent seasons, but this could begin the Dana Holgorsen hot seat watch. 12. Boise State at Virginia (Sept. 26): If Virginia must play on a Friday night, make it worth it. The Broncos are giant killers, but they still must really need the exposure, six of their 12 games this season are being play on Friday nights. A must win for Virginia bowl hopes, or a 1-3 start looms. 13. Oklahoma State at West Virginia (Oct. 10): This might be a must win for West Virginia, which plays three of its first four Big 12 teams against the projected best teams in the league, and all on the road. Dana Holgorsen's Mountaineers have defeated his former team the last two seasons. 14. The Apprentice School at Bluefield (Oct. 24): Not only could this be the opportunity for that first home win if the Rams are not successful with Point, Bluefield's next five opponents before this one all had winning records last season. Four of them finished in the NAIA's Top 15. 15. Purdue at Marshall (Sept. 6): OK, at least Marshall can claim a "Power 5" team on their schedule this season, but the Purdue is expected to be the worst team in the Big 10. The Boilermakers will be the first Big 10 team to visit Huntington. Marshall must shine in a rare Sunday kickoff. 16. Virginia at UCLA (Sept. 5): This probably should be higher, but the Cavaliers schedule is just plain brutal. Virginia only lost 2820 last year against the Bruins in Charlottesville, and UCLA is replacing Brett Hundley at quarterback. Still, it won't be easy for the Cavaliers to win this one. 17. North Carolina at Virginia Tech (Nov. 21): Opinions differ on what to expect from the Tar Heels, but the same goes for the Hokies, and just about every other team in the Coastal Division. Virginia Tech is on the road in three of its final four games so they can't afford to lose this one.
18. Texas at West Virginia (Nov. 14): After a brutal start to the Big 12 schedule, the Mountaineers will be favored in at least three of their five final games. This isn't one of those. Charlie Strong is turning the Longhorns around, and he was able to win in Morgantown while at Louisville. 19. Duke at Virginia Tech (Oct. 24): Duke is no longer a pushover. Virginia Tech lost to the Blue Devils at home by three points in 2013, and the Hokies won by one point last year in Durham. Virginia Tech will play four of its final six games on the road, and five against Coastal Division clubs. 20. Marshall at Middle Tennessee (Nov. 7): It isn't that easy to find difficult games for the Thundering Herd. This could be one. The Blue Raiders beat Marshall by two in 2013 in Murfreesboro. Devon Johnson could have fun, MTSU was 108th in the nation last season in rushing yards per game. 21. West Virginia at Kansas State (Dec. 5): While everyone else is playing championship games, the Big 12 will be finishing its regular season. How did that work out last season? The Big 12 has to fix that, or last year could become the norm in the future. Where have the 'Eers heard that before? 22. Bluefield at Union (Nov. 7): Bluefield has to visit Union for a second straight season. The Rams ran all over the Bulldogs last season, scoring 68 points behind a solid running game, but they also gave up 56. The Rams play five of its final six games at home. This is the lone exception. 23. N.C. State at Virginia Tech (Oct. 9): A dreaded Friday night game, the Hokies will avoid the top three teams in the Atlantic Division this season, with the Wolfpack expected to be in the middle of the pack. Virginia Tech will play four of its next six games on the road. 24. Concord at West Liberty (Sept. 5): A road game to start the season. Expectations are possibly the highest in program history. This is a close call over a trip to Notre Dame later in the season, a possible trap game the week before the a visit to Shepherd. 25. Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech (Oct. 3): The ACC opener is also at Lane Stadium for the Hokies. Pat Narduzzi has taken over at Pittsburgh, and the Panthers have won two of the last three meetings against Virginia Tech. A short turnaround follows with a Friday night date with N.C. State.
PIKEVIEW PANTHERS
2015 PikeView Football Schedule Aug. 28 Summers County Sept. 4 Independence Sept. 11 Liberty Raleigh Sept. 18 James Monroe Sept. 25 Shady Spring Oct. 2 Midland Trail Oct. 9 Wyoming East Oct. 16 River View Oct. 23 Mount View Oct. 30 Nicholas County
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The Panthers
Panthers getting defensive in search of success By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph GARDNER — It’s been defense first in the PikeView Panthers’ preseason checklist. “I told my coaches, we have to find people that can play defense,” said Bobby Wyatt, starting his 31st year as a head football coach. The Panthers will primarily be in a 4-4 defensive set, but Wyatt said, “You’ve got to be able to
change that. That’s why we wanted to start defense early, to teach them all the techniques, teach them where they could possibly be.” On both defense and offense, Wyatt said, “The strength of our football program is our front line. If we can control both sides of the line of scrimmage, then we should have some chances to win some football games – as long as we stay healthy.”
Senior Ethan Donley, after hard work in the weight room, is assured of a defensive end role. As for the rest of the line, the coaches “are real high on” freshman Zach Shorter, Wyatt reported.. Younger linemen who already have game experience include defensive tackle Trey White, Matt Damewood and Dakota Mullins. Freshmen Logan Price and Jordan Vaught could also see
time. Senior Kevin Hubbard is a lineman who did not play the last two falls. “He’s a big ol’ boy,” the coach said. “If we can get him going, I think he can help us out a little bit.” The linebacking corps lacks veteran depth besides junior Nick Shrewsbury. Senior Ethan Smith is moving off the line to play outside ’backer. Junior Ty Hoston and sophomore Hunter
No. Name Pos. 2 Levi Nash QB 5 Hunter Mitchelson B 7 Joe Jennings B 10 Ty Hoston B 11 Michalen Chapel B 12 Jerrett Ellison QB 20 Christian Phillips E 22 Nick Shrewsbury B 23 Zach Powell QB 27 Marcus Phillips E 30 Michael McGrady E 32 Jacob Honaker B 33 Matt Johnston E 44 Evan Rose B 45 Devyn Burley E 50 Ethan Donley G 51 Dakota Mullins C 52/25 Ethan Smith G 53 Jacob Hutchinson G 54 Caleb Lucas G 55 Zack Shorter C 56 Logan Ballengee T 57 Logan Price C 58 Matthew Carter G 61 Jacob Reedy G 62 Matt Damewood T 64 Vernon Stapleton G 69 Jordan Vaught G 72 Trey White T 76 Hudson Shrewsbury T 81 Tyler Masters E 82 Alec White K 88 Kevin Hubbard TE
Ht. 5’11 5’10 5’7 6’0 5’8 5’11 5’8 5’8 5’0 5’8 5’10 5’7 5’9 5’7 5’9 6’0 6’0 5’11 5’9 6’3 5’9 6’1 6’2 5’7 6’1 6’1 5’7 6’2 6’1 6’0 5’11 5’10 6’3
Wt. 170 165 175 180 140 135 125 185 105 145 153 150 135 150 145 245 205 190 205 210 225 215 215 170 215 250 180 225 230 205 150 130 255
p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
Yr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.
Mitchelson are strong possibilities, and freshman Brendan Anderson is in the mix. Multi-talented Levi Nash established himself at safety toward the end of last season. Competing for starts at cornerback was a fiveman pool – Evan Rose, Joe Jennings, Marcus Phillips, Mick Chappell and freshman Jared
PikeView, 43
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2015 BDT BLITZ 39
PRINCETON TIGERS
2015 Princeton Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Shady Spring Sep. 4 Bluefield Sep. 11 Martinsburg Sep. 18 Lincoln County Sep. 25 Buckhannon-Upshur Oct. 2 Liberty Raleigh Oct. 16 James Monroe Oct. 23 Wheeling Park Oct. 30 Greenbrier East Nov. 6 Point Pleasant
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The Tigers
Eddy brings positive outlook to Princeton By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph PRINCETON — Wes Eddy could be called the Frasier Crane of high school football. At least at Princeton. “It is not Xs and Os, it is not anything like that, it is so much mental prep and getting kids to do the right things out here, that is what it is about,” said Eddy, who replaced Randy Peek after the Tigers’ 4-6 season in 2014. “It is not Mouse Davis coming in and putting in the run-and-shoot as the answer. “It was actually Frasier Crane, the psychologist, coming in and
getting that mentality and behavior pattern that is conducive to winning football. That is what it was.” Princeton, which is no longer in the Mountain State Athletic Conference, has a revamped schedule, which begins with Shady Spring on Aug. 28, and continues with home games against powerhouse clubs Bluefield and Martinsburg. “We only have one game on the schedule right now and that is Shady Spring,” Eddy said. “We are not talking about Bluefield, Martinsburg or (Wheeling) Park or Point Pleasant, we are not talking about them.
“We are talking about Shady and we are talking about prepping for that.” Gone from Princeton, in addition to Peek, is all-everything signalcaller Jay Palmer, who is currently listed as a freshman running back at the University of Richmond. “They know he was an outstanding playmaker, but they really haven’t mentioned him,” Eddy said. “They are not living in the past at all, they are all looking forward to the future and moving forward.” There are several seniors available for the Tigers, including the starting backfield of speedy
Jordan Jones and Kevin Phillips. Zack Standifur returns at fullback. Look contributions as well from Je’nye Hearn, Jaden Thorne, William Nelson, Josh Craighead and Bryant Godsey. Christian Shafer and Jared Hamm was competing to replace Palmer at quarterback. Cole Cochran and Tyler Whitt are receivers, while Mohammed Abdelwahed will be spelled at tight end by Bryan Lyons, Tim Parks and Cochran. Princeton has been a groundoriented for much of its recent history, but Eddy is looking to change that perception. “We have got to get 60 (run) / 40
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 1 Cole Cochran WR/DE 6’3 175 Jr. 2 Cameron Shumate WR/CB 5’5 135 Fr. 3 Christian Shafer QB/LB 6’3 200 Jr. 6 Kevin Phillips RB/S 6’1 180 Sr. 7 Jacob Whittington K 6’0 150 Sr. 8 Jared Hamm QB/S 5’11 150 Jr. 10 Robbie Lambert K/P 5’10 155 Sr. 11 Je’nye Hearn RB/CB 5’6 150 Jr. 12 Logan Watkins WR/CB 6’0 175 Sr. 12* Khayman York QB/CB 5’8 160 Fr. 15 B.J. Pedigo WR/CB 5’8 145 So. 19 Tyler Whitt WR/CB 5’10 155 Sr. 20 Justin Akers RB/CB 5’6 140 Fr. 21 Alec Winfree RB/CB 5’7 160 Fr. 22 Jordan Jones RB/FS 5’11 190 Sr. 23 William Nelson FB/LB 5’10 180 Sr. 26 Evan Thompson OL/DL 5’8 195 Fr. 28 Jacob Holston FB/LB 6’0 180 Fr. 30 Bryant Godsey FB/DL 5’10 225 Sr. 32 Chase Carty WR/CB 5’10 150 So. 34 Jayden Hearn FB/S 5’5 150 Fr. 35 Joseph Barton WR/S 6’9 160 Fr. 40 Nick Debusk WR/CB 5’6 145 So. 42 Tanner Lockhart WR/DE 6’2 155 So. 44 Zach Standifur FB/LB 6’0 190 Jr. 48 Josh Craighead FB/SS 5’10 175 Sr. 50 Isaiah Edwards OL/DL 6’1 250 Sr. 52 Nick Mason OL/LB 5’10 195 Jr. 54 Tanner Cline OL/DL 6’0 250 So. 55 Garrison Hartwell OL/DL 6’5 290 Jr. 56 Kenny Perkins OL/DL 5’10 240 So. 58 Brad Howard OL/DL 5’7 195 Jr. 65 Clayton Rickman OL/DL 5’10 265 Sr. 66 James Thompson OL/DL 5’9 170 Fr. 67 Vaughn Thacker OL/DL 6’1 225 So. 70 Jakeb Lilly OL/DL 5’10 210 Fr. 75 Houston Coburn OL/DL 5’11 180 Sr. 76 Justin King OL/DL 5’10 240 Sr. 77 Ricky Sawyers OL/DL 6’5 280 So. 78 Andrew Perkins OL/DL 5’11 200 So. 80 Heath Robinette TE/DL 6’0 235 Sr. 81 Chiron Cannady WR/S 5’9 145 Fr. 82 Jaden Thorne RB/CB 5’10 175 Sr. 84 Bryan Lyons TE/DL 6’2 230 Sr. 85 Tim Parks TE/DL 6’1 225 Sr. 88Mohammad AbdelwahedTE/LB 5’9 215 Jr. n/r Alex King OL/DL 5’8 195 Fr. n/r Treylen Whittaker OL/DL 5’9 215 Jr. n/r B.J. Jarvis TE/LB 5’9 150 So.
College football invading on football Friday nights By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — Friday nights in the fall have long been reserved for high school football. That seems to be changing, and that's not a good thing. Bland County will travel to Narrows on Thursday, Oct. 8, this season instead of the usual Friday, in what is always one of the better small school games of the season. The reason? Virginia Tech is playing North Carolina State the following night, which is a Friday, in Blacksburg. Yep, Lane Stadium will be hopping on a Friday night, and ESPN is your culprit. That is far from the only change. Giles will travel to Glenvar in what will be a matchup between the last two 2A state champions on Saturday instead of Friday. Blacksburg, which is now coached by Richlands graduate Thad Wells, will host perennial power Salem on Thursday of that same week.
They have to do it to allow their fans to not only see their high school team, but also travel to Virginia Tech to see their beloved Hokies, or at least watch them on TV. What about those schools that don't tweak their schedules, which means they're in direction competition with Virginia Tech football. As Giles head coach Jeff Williams texted me, "It's all about the money." They're not the only ones. High schools in the Huntington area might have to do the same to their schedules, with Marshall slated to host Southern Mississippi on the very same Friday night on something called CBS Sports Network. I can save you the trouble, Marshall wins by 30. Yep, Virginia Tech and Marshall are playing on the same Friday night at home. Boo to them. It doesn't stop there, or even begin there. Virginia will host Boise State on Sept. 25, also a Friday night. This
(pass),” he said. “We have got to get to a point where we are not predictable.”
Princeton, 40
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Giles at Glenvar, Saturday night, Oct. 10... Brett Whitlow of Giles runs for yards during the Spartans’ victory over Narrows last season. Giles has moved its game on Oct. 9 with defending state champion Glenvar to Saturday avoid conflict with Virginia Tech playing on a Friday night. Whitlow is now playing at East Tennessee State.
is nothing new for the Broncos. Six of their 12 games are on the same night that used to be reserved for high school football. It is new for Virginia, at least prior to Thanksgiving weekend, and let's hope it stops at one. Marshall will also play another Friday game on Nov. 27, but at least most high schools will be finished before the Herd visits Western Kentucky for what could decide the Conference USA East Division title. Schools have long spoke about the exposure (specifically cash) that playing on other nights besides Saturday will provide. Virginia Tech made its surge to national prominence on Thursdays, but are Fridays really necessary, especially for the ACC? The ACC is a Power-5 conference, they shouldn't need to infringe on Friday nights, but they are far from the only leagues doing it. Division I college football schedules are littered with Friday night games this season, especially among the non-Power 5 conference schools and less relevant Power-5 schools that probably do need a little attention. Football fans barely know a school like Marshall is even playing on a Saturday at times so some of those schools do need a change. Just pick a night other than Friday. The Mid-American Conference has a slew of games being played on Tuesday and Wednesday. Let's give them some competition. Check this out. Ohio from the MAC will play its final three games on Tuesday, and will play its previous contest on a Wednesday. Northern Illinois is better than many Power-5 schools, but the Huskies will play its final four games, in order, on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Wednesday and Tuesday. How about Kent State? The Golden Flashes will play on a different night in each of their final four games, but none will be on Saturday. How about a Thursday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday end to the season. Someone is putting these games on television because apparently America can't get enough of college football. That is why the number of bowl games just keeps growing. There is a point when it needs to stop. Look what happened to baseball. A game of the week became every game on every night, and now fewer people are
File photo
Green Wave vs. Bears, Thursday, Oct. 8...
Narrows quarterback Jackson Blankenship, who signed with Bluefield College after last season, throws a pass against Giles last year. Narrows has moved its annual game with Bland County to a Thursday because Virginia Tech will playing on the following night, which is a Friday. even bothering to watch any games. While some schools might have good reason to play on a Friday, but why does Michigan State, Southern California, Stanford, Washington, Florida State, Miami, Virginia Tech and so many other big name schools have to infringe on Friday nights in the season ahead? Do they really need more exposure? We know they always need (want) more cash. High school football already struggles to draw fans in many towns, and especially in this region. The Bluefield and Graham game will get all the hype, draw 10,000 or so fans to Mitchell Stadium for the first game of the season. Where are all those fans the rest of the year? Must be watching Friday night college football because the large majority of them won't be at a high school game. Call me old-fashioned if you must, but college football has its Saturday. True, there are so many games that it is easy to get lost which is why many schools are switching to other days of the week. Thursday makes perfect sense. A Friday late in the season, during
Thanksgiving weekend works just fine. But, not this early in the season: Florida State plays at Boston College on a Friday on Sept. 18. Michigan State opens the season at Western Michigan on a Friday, and Utah State will visit Utah for bragging rights on Sept. 11. Why must USC travel to Colorado or Stanford visit Oregon State on a Friday? There are 12 non-Thanksgiving Friday games involving teams from the American Athletic Conference. A trend usually becomes the norm, and that is what is going to eventually happen. College football will take over Friday nights because of the allure of TV (and cash), and high school football will pay the price. How many Virginia Tech fans in this area will pass up either going to Blacksburg or watching their Hokies on television to watch a high school game? Not many. High schools will then have to settle for whatever fans they can get, or begin to play on other nights of the week. It's a decision they shouldn't have to make. Boo on college football. Stay away from Friday nights.
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Princeton... Continued from 10 There is experience on the offensive line. Garrison Hartwell and Clayton Rickman will start on the left side, while Nick Mason will be on the right side with Isaiah Edwards or freshman Jakeb Lilly. Houston Coburn will start at center. Eddy know what must happen for these Tigers to be successful in the season ahead. “The key for this season, who can buy in and how quick, that is basically it,” Eddy said. “If we all buy in next week or the week we practice for Shady, they have a chance to do something very special.” Defensively, many of the bodies are the same. Edwards, Cochran and
Hartwell are competing at ends, while the tackle competition includes Rickman, Godsey and the duo of Andrew and Kenny Perkins. Nelson, Abdelwahed, Standifur, Mason and Shafer are candidates at linebacker. Jones and Phillips will man the safety slots, Hamm and Thorpe are competing at the rover position, while Whitt and Hearn will play cornerback. Vaughn Thacker and Heath Robinette could also get on the field. “This whole team is talented, as soon as the heads are right and the behavior patterns of being able to bring it every day and learn how to prep, once they do that this is going to be a great program,” Eddy said. “It is all about getting the psychology and the behavior right. “Physically talented kids,
yes, once they become a mentally talented group, the sky is the limit.” Jacob Whittington returns at kicker, while Robbie Lambert is the punter. “We have shown some moments of greatness, we have shown some moments where we don’t come prepared to work so right now we are an inconsistent group,” Eddy said. “There is a very, very good group of kids here, they are talented, they have to learn to work, they have to learn to be ready after school every day, you can’t practice hard one day and not the next. “Once we get our behaviors correct there is no telling what we can be because the talent is here, but it is all about getting heads right and getting behaviors right. Do that, and then you have a successful program.”
RICHLANDS BLUE TORNADO
E
19-0 0-0 34-6 8-0 7-0 12-6 14-0 12-7 21-0 27-0 6-0
O
7-6 27-6 20-0 7-6 13-12 2-0 6-0 37-0 12-0 0-0 7-6
1947: Princeton 1948: Bluefield 1949: Princeton 1950: Bluefield 1951: Princeton 1952: Princeton 1953: Bluefield 1954: Bluefield 1955: Bluefield 1956: Bluefield 1957: Princeton 1958: Bluefield 1959: Bluefield 1960: Bluefield 1961: Bluefield 1962: Bluefield 1963: Bluefield 1964: Bluefield 1965: Bluefield 1966: No game 1967: No game 1968: No game 1969: No game
13-12 25-12 12-6 20-7 31-13 25-7 13-0 21-7 19-6 20-13 12-7 39-0 42-19 53-0 80-7 27-0 38-0 19-0 33-0
1970: Bluefield 1971: Bluefield 1972: Bluefield 1973: Bluefield 1974: Princeton 1975: Bluefield 1976: Bluefield 1977: Bluefield 1978: Bluefield 1979: Bluefield 1980: Bluefield 1981: Bluefield 1982: Bluefield 1983: Bluefield 1984: Bluefield 1985: Princeton 1986: Princeton 1987: Bluefield 1988: Bluefield 1989: Bluefield 1990: Bluefield 1991: Bluefield 1992: Bluefield
20-10 32-6 64-0 50-8 22-14 28-22 27-12 18-0 12-6 3-2 34-32 22-20 27-9 27-0 28-20 28-22 28-6 37-7 28-21 22-13 7-0 28-0 44-0
1993: Princeton 21-13 1994: Bluefield 41-8 1995: Bluefield 20-0 1996: Bluefield 44-0 1997: Bluefield 34-14 1998: Princeton 27-12 1999: Bluefield 23-10 2000: Princeton 23-7 2001: Princeton 20-0 2002: Princeton 18-14 2003: Bluefield 21-14 2004: Bluefield 49-21 2005: Princeton 43-24 2006: Bluefield 7-0 2007: Bluefield 20-0 2008: Princeton 15-13 2009: Bluefield 27-13 2010: Bluefield 17-0 2011: Princeton 35-21 2012: Bluefield 52-44 2013: Princeton 32-29 2014: Bluefield 40-21 2015: Sept. 4, at Princeton
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Kevin Phillips
Beavers... Continued from 6 That includes Jordan Smith and Mookie Collier at quarterback. Collier and Jason Edwards are also candidates to replace Stewart and Coppola in the backfield. Defensively Bluefield lost a lot, including Jordan Masterson and Jordan Huckleberry, both of whom are now at Shepherd University. Coppola is at Davidson University and Stewart is at Carson-Newman. “We lost some nice guys on defense. We're inexperienced so we're trying to put them out there and see what goes,” Simon pointed out. The kicking game will be han-
dled by a pair of players who are also on the Bluefield soccer team, Tyler Easley and Zac Springman. They’re getting help from former Princeton head coach Ted Spadaro. “Tyler is in his second year and Coach Spadaro is working with them. Coach Spadaro is great with special teams, “Simon said. “He has done a great job working with them throughout the summer. We should be pretty good in the kicking game. Our special teams should be better.” Looking back at the 2014 campaign, Simon is a disappointed and he and the players have been working since last November to make sure an early playoff exit does not occur in 2015. “We had a letdown. I can't pinpoint exactly whether it was the coaches lightened up, or the play-
ers, but it was a disappointing loss,” Simon said. “We came back (against Ravenswood) did a decent job in the second half, but it hurt. I thought about it a lot in the offseason. “It's not what you get in the playoffs for, to go out in the first round. Hopefully we learned some lessons from it and it'll help us going into the regular season.” Bluefield has only a nine-game schedule this season but it is a tough one. Four of the nine teams are Class AAA, including Woodrow Wilson, who hasn’t played the Beavers since 2004. The schools were once big rivals, playing from the 1920s until the 1990s. The Beavers open the season on Aug. 28 in the Battle of the Bluefields against Graham at Mitchell Stadium.
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Carlos Reed
Aug. 28 Gate City Sept. 4 Union Sept. 11 Graham Sept. 18 Wise Central Sept. 25 Virginia High Oct. 2Bluefield Oct. 9Tazewell Oct. 16 Grundy Oct. 23 Abingdon Oct. 30 Lebanon
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The Blue Tornado
Bluefield 58 wins, Princeton 26 wins, 2 ties 1925: Bluefield 1926: Tie 1927: Princeton 1928: Bluefield 1929: Princeton 1930: Bluefield 1931: Bluefield 1932: Princeton 1933: Princeton 1934: Princeton 1935: Princeton 1936: No game 1937: Bluefield *1937: Princeton 1938: Bluefield 1939: Bluefield 1940: Bluefield 1941: Bluefield 1942: Princeton 1943: Princeton 1944: Bluefield 1945: Tie 1946: Bluefield
2015 Richlands Football Schedule
State championship hopes alive at Richlands By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph RICHLANDS, Va. — As far as Greg Mance is concerned, the Richlands football team that lost in the 2A state semifinals in overtime last season was an “average” football team. “If you go in our locker room, we have a sign in there that says the ‘Great’, which is (state champ) Glenvar, and then we have the
‘Good’, which is Wilson Memorial, they were runner-up at state,” Mance said. “The ‘Average’ was Richlands so we are average, we have got to take our average up to great. “We looked at that board every day before we lifted weights this winter, this spring and this summer. It is still up there.” Mance, who is in his 19th season as head coach at Richlands, couldn’t say enough good things about his football team. It starts
with his defense. “We are real excited about this bunch,” Mance said. “We have nine starters back on defense from last year that got beat in the final four in overtime. We have a lot of kids coming back, we have got experience, we have size, we have got athletic ability.” Mance “really likes” his front seven, and should, with all of them back from last year, led talented linebackers Bryce Wade, who was an all-state performer last season,
along with Canaan Addison. Danny Anderson and Kevin Alley are three-year starters at tackle, while Tyler Cordle and Landon Lowe have size and experience on the ends. Add unsung nose guard Austin Holmes, and that could be a stingy unit. A pair of transfers, Nick Blankenship and Cody Howie, will be in a secondary that lost allstate performer Zeke Vance to
Blue Tornado, 41
No. Name Pos. 1 Bryce Farris WR/DB 2 Luke Phillips WR/DB 3 Austin Atkinson WR/DB 4 Matt Harris WR/DB 5 Chace Collins WR/DB 6 Brandon Waldron RB/DB 7 John-Luke Asbury QB 8 Landon Lowe TE/DE 9 Trey Brown QB 11 Cody Howie WR/DB 12 Cody Fuller WR/DB 13 Race Moir QB/WR 14 Nick Blankenship RB/DB 15 Scottie Ball WR/DB 16 Dakota Johnson DB 17 Daniel Brown WR/DB 21 Will Moir K/P 23 Matt Perry WR/DB 24 Dillan Elswick RB/LB 27 Bryce Wade TE/LB 30 Nick Barrett K/P 31 Jakob Cole WR/DB 33 Hagen Brown WR/DB 34 James White RB/LB 37 Dylan Adkins WR/DB 40 Jacob Reynolds WR/DB 42 Cayden Lowe RB/DB 44 Seth Johnson RB/LB 51 Kevin Alley OL/DL 52 Canaan Addison OL/LB 54 Greg Griffith RB/LB 55 Richard Compton OL/DE 56 Austin Holmes OL/DE 58 Logan McGlothlin OL/DE 59 Jason Medley OL/DL 60 Zack Moore OL/DL 61 Kaleb Begley OL/DL 63 Thomas Wimmer OL/DL 64 Cody Helton OL/DL 65 Andrew Hicks OL/DL 66 Hunter Ball OL/DL 67 Brandon Harrison OL/DL 68 Cameron Davis OL/DL 70 Neil Carini OL/DL 71 Aaron Doud OL/DL 72 Danny Anderson OL/DL 75 Landon Mance OL/DL 78 Jacob Helmandollar OL/DL 80 Tyler Cordle TE/DE 81 Stephen Mullins WR/LB 85 Michael Brown WR/DB 87 Cody White WR/DB
Ht. 6’2 6’4 5’10 5’10 5’8 5’10 6’1 6’3 5’10 6’4 5’10 6’0 5’10 6’2 5’9 5’10 5’11 5’1 5’9 5’10 5’10 6’3 5’9 5’8 6’3 5’6 5’9 5’10 6’0 6’0 5’10 6’3 5’10 6’4 5’11 5’8 5’10 6’2 5’10 6’1 5’11 5’8 5’10 6’1 6’0 6’1 6’2 5’9 6’4 6’2 5’9 5’9
Wt. 165 190 180 155 155 210 180 260 170 195 165 170 190 180 165 150 160 162 185 215 175 160 145 150 205 140 160 150 250 215 200 215 215 195 250 240 205 230 210 240 210 185 165 240 210 270 275 235 205 170 155 150
Yr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.
8 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 41
TAZEWELL BULLDOGS
2015 Tazewell Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Virginia High Sept. 4 Graham Sept. 11 Grayson County Sept. 18 Chilhowie Sept. 25 Rural Retreat Oct. 2 Marion Oct. 9 Richlands Oct. 23 Grundy Oct. 30 Abingdon Nov. 6 Lebanon
A A H A A H H A A H
By BOB REDD Bluefield Daily Telegraph TAZEWELL, Va. — The 2014 Tazewell Bulldogs played to a 5-5 regular season mark before falling to Union in the first round of playoffs. The Dogs lost some key players, but the cupboard is not bare, and fourth year coach Shane Allen
said the team could be very successful, or the extreme opposite, or most likely somewhere in between. “I told the kids we’ve got as much odds of going 10-0 as 0-10, but I really feel good about this team,” Allen said. “I really like this group of kids. They’re hard workers, they are team-first kids. We may not be quite as talented as
we were last year, athletically, but I think we are probably a little better overall team than we were last year. “I feel like these guys will play hard for four quarters. We’re going to surprise some people. We’ll surprise some teams athletically and I think on the scoreboard too.” While key players Malik Davis
Chistopher H. White, Manager
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE BULLDOGS
Service with Sincerity Since 1988
and Garrett Jesse have graduated along with others, the Dogs have a backfield Allen believes will keep Tazewell competing with the teams on its slate. Look for Corey Brewster (5’9 145 Sr.) and Josh Hayes (5’11 195 Sr.) to be the running backs, with Mason Mullins (5’10 145 Soph.) and Dakota Griffith (6’ 165, Jr.) as
Bulldogs, 42
No. Name 1 Jashawn Collins 2 Dakota Griffith 3 Trae Thompson 4 Josh Murray 5 Deyvon Coxton 6 Alic Hass 7 Corey Brewster 8 Jacob Pilkins 10 Mason Mullins 12 Dakota Crouse 13 Bubba Asbury 14 Zack Griffith 15 T.J. Kitts 16 Derrick Young 18 Brent Dunn 20 Nathan Boutin 21 Josh Hayes 22 Billy Wright 23 Ryan Prater 24 Chris Solic 25 Jason Watson 26 J.P. Marnius 31 Zach Hurley 32 Thaddeus Mitchell 34 Tyler Wright 42 Travis Gee 45 Elijah Dawson 50 Hunter Mash 51 Corey Honaker 52 Josh Blackwell 53 Trey Boothe 54 Andrew Comer 55 Matthew Allison 56 Hunter O’Quinn 57 Levi Rose 58 Tristan Tulluck 60 Demtrie Wallace 65 Jason Blackwell 66 Marcus Sluss 68 Barry Sluss 69 Kyle Lester 70 Tyler Ramey 74 Stuart Waddle 75 Matt Witt 76 Robert Beavers 77 Carl Davis 78 Jacob Cunningham 83 Hunter Mash 86 Josh Blackwell n/r J.J. Huffman
Ht. 6’0 6’0 6’0 5’10 5’8 5’10 5’9 5’10 5’10 6’4 5’10 5’7 6’0 6’0 5’10 5’9 5’11 5’8 5’8 5’11 6’4 5’10 5’11 5’11 5’9 6’2 5’11 6’0 6’1 6’2 5’11 6’1 5’11 5’10 5’9 6’1 6’0 6’3 5’11 5’11 5’11 5’10 5’11 6’3 5’9 6’1 6’4 6’0 6’2 5’8
Continued from 7
8:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs
Playoff appearance has Bulldogs drooling for more
G-Men...
Wt. 170 165 160 155 145 135 145 130 145 215 155 118 193 165 180 150 195 193 170 170 215 183 190 195 212 192 170 190 250 245 215 334 234 235 185 230 190 305 190 190 245 305 220 311 265 365 300 190 245 140
Yr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr.
didates at running back for the GMen, which must replace Cook, who was a two-time 1,000-plus yard rusher. Promising sophomore Mike Mason was lost in the first scrimmage with a severe leg injury. Graham is deep at receiver, with Booker joined by Taymon Cooke, Paris Ballard and possibly even Meade. “I want to be a physical football team, I want to be a football team that our opponents respect,” Palmer said. “I want our opponents to know that we are going to play them hard and we are going to play them hard for 48 minutes.” 1958: Graham 1959: Richlands 1960: Graham 1961: Graham 1962: Graham 1963: Graham 1964: Richlands 1965: Richlands 1966: Graham 1967: Graham 1968: Graham 1969: Graham 1970: Graham 1971: Richlands 1972: Richlands
27-13 14-6 26-12 32-7 14-13 6-0 13-12 14-6 12-7 33-6 19-14 21-8 27-6 20-14 10-2
Defensively, the G-Men were a mess last season, allowing 40 or more points in six games, and at least 70 on two occasions. Leading the defense on the inside will be Adrian Gray who has been an all-state performer in each of the last two seasons. He could be joined by Looney, Miller and possibly Thomas Clarke, a basketball player who is playing football for the first time. Among the candidates at the other positions are Workman, who saw playing time at linebacker last season, while Cooke, Ballard, Meade and Booker are have experience in the secondary. “Right now we have an idea who are going to put in these positions, but we are not solid or sold on
anything else,” Palmer said. “We have still got scrimmages to go so there are no positions that are guaranteed to anybody.” Soccer import Logan Surface returns, and will kick and punt for the G-Men. Graham’s roster of 44 is young, which bodes well for the future. Of course, Palmer is more concerned about the present. "We are trying to win now. You can't wait for the future because no one knows what the future holds,” Palmer said. “We are going to make things happen and we are going to force things to happen by our work ethic. Guys are going to work hard and we are going to try to control our own destiny.”
Graham 33 wins, Richlands 27 wins
1973: Graham 1974: Graham 1975: Richlands 1976: Graham 1977: Graham 1978: Graham 1979: Graham 1980: Graham 1981: Graham 1982: Graham 1983: Richlands 1984: Graham 1985: Richlands 1986: Graham 1987: Richlands
22-14 14-0 18-7 13-7 14-0 34-18 9-0 13-12 32-14 40-28 21-14 10-0 7-6 14-13 21-0
1988: Richlands 1989: Graham 1990: Richlands 1991: Graham 1992: Richlands 1993: Richlands 1994: Graham 1995: Graham 1996: Graham 1997: Graham 1998: Richlands 1999: Graham 2000: Graham 2001: Graham 2002: Graham
6-3 20-0 30-6 21-0 35-20 14-7 16-6 31-3 41-27 13-3 32-6 28-7 15-7 22-0 34-21
2003: Graham 28-21 2004: Richlands 25-9 2005: Richlands 30-0 *2005: Richlands 19-13 2006: Richlands 33-9 2007: Graham 18-13 2008: Richlands 41-20 2009: Richlands 49-21 2010: Richlands 56-14 2011: Richlands 38-0 2012: Richlands 24-8 2013: Richlands 27-26 *2013: Richlands 31-21 2014: Richlands 40-0 2015: Sept. 11, at Richlands
File photo
Roman Workman
Blue Tornado... Continued from 9 Emory & Henry. That duo will be joined in the backfield by Brandon Waldron and Austin Atkinson. “They are all 20 pounds heavier, and it's good weight, it is muscle, and they are running faster than they were last year,” Mance said. “We are very, very excited about our defense.” The offense isn’t bad either, led by a receiving corps that Mance calls the best he has ever coached, including Bryce Farris, basketball import Scottie Ball, Atkinson and Howie, who had 56 catches for 878 yards and 10 touchdowns last year at River View. Chace Collins, Landon Lowe and Luke Phillips are also options. The speedy Blankenship, who has run for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons at Tazewell, will share running back duties with bruising Waldron, who was pushed into a starring role due to injuries in the playoffs last season.
“We call them Thunder and Lightning,” Mance said. Junior southpaw John Luke Asbury will replace River Michaels at quarterback. He has gained 30 pounds in the offseason, and Mance says he has the strongest arm of any signal-caller he has had other than Justin McCracken, who led the Blues to the 2006 state title. “John-Luke is going to be special. He is smart, he understands the game, he has done a great job,” Mance said. “He is probably the second best passer I have ever coached in 19 years behind Justin McCracken, he can flat out throw the football and it is pretty to watch.” That unit will be protected by an offensive line that returns three starters, led by Mance’s senior son, Landon. Anderson and Alley return at guards, while Neil Carini is a tackle, and the center will be Richard Compton. The entire team has practically lived in the weight room since last season came to an end. “We have had a great offseason. I am telling you they have all put on 20, 25 pounds, they are running
faster so we are very excited about this year's potential,” Mance said “We had 17 in the picture the other night that benched over 300, we have got four kids that can squat over 500...” Another Tazewell transfer, Nick Barrett, will handle the kicking duties, while Daniel Brown will punt. Alley will be the Blues’ long snapper. Much will be expected from the Blues this season. Mance isn’t thinking ahead. Gate City is up first so all the focus is on the Blue Devils. “Nothing changes, everybody asks me, and I said, ‘We are expected to win the state championship every year’ and that is our goal is week by week,” said Mance, prior to the Blues’ first scrimmage of the month. “We don't put the cart before the wagon, we always go on one week at a time and all our energy and focus right now is on our scrimmage tomorrow night, next week it will be on (a benefit game with) Honaker, and the week after that it will be Gate City. We just go one week, put all of our eggs in that basket, and see how we do.”
File photo
Bryce Wade (27) and Brandon Waldron (6)
2015 BDT BLITZ 7
Spartans... Continued from 15 state linemen in Perkins and Cunningham, while Mann and Beidleman will be in the secondary. “I think anytime when you are around half the starters back on defense and you are coming off a good year,” Williams said, “and you still have got five or six returning starters on either on offense or defense, you are still in pretty decent shape.” Meadows, who started as a sophomore last season, is a talent at linebacker. “He is a good player,
he really is,” Williams said. “He is not very big, but he is a good player.” The rest of the lineup could include Sizemore and Matthew Midkiff on the interior line, with Kirk, Martin and Reynolds on the ends. Chapman and Mark Scott will see time at linebacker, while other defensive backs will include Zane Williams, Austin Pennington, Trent Pennington and Beidleman’s brother, Ryan. Max Riley will kick for the Spartans, while Patrick Beidleman will punt. Expectations are high as unusual for the four-time state champions, but the goal for Williams is
GRAHAM G-MEN
the same as it was for former Giles and now Hall of Fame coach Steven Ragsdale. “We want to start out having a winning season, this comes down through me from Coach Ragsdale, and that is what you should ask out of kids, you want to be winners,” Williams said. “To me, if you play 10 games and you win six games, and you lose four, you are still a winner, you still had a winning season and anything better than that is just comes because you worked hard. “That is what I tell the kids. We are looking at having a winning season and that is what we want to do.”
40-6 19-0 14-6 7-6 18-6 44-6 18-6 14-7 6-0 48-0 14-6 34-0 26-7 27-22
1974: Graham 1975: Tazewell 1976: Graham 1977: Graham 1978: Graham 1979: Graham 1980: Graham 1981: Graham 1981: Graham 1982: Graham 1983: Tazewell 1984: Tazewell 1985: Tazewell 1986: Tazewell 1987: Tazewell 1988: Tazewell
24-21 20-16 12-0 21-20 28-8 21-18 13-12 13-0 6-3 20-11 13-7 7-6 39-21 26-10 16-0 10-0
1989: Graham 1990: Graham *1990: Graham 1991: Graham 1992: Graham 1993: Graham 1994: Graham 1995: Graham 1996: Graham 1997: Graham 1998: Graham 1999: Graham *1999: Tazewell 2000: Graham 2001: Graham 2002: Graham
19-0 29-14 7-3 49-26 34-0 43-8 13-6 38-14 40-12 35-6 13-12 49-22 21-14 21-7 41-6 35-12
2003: Graham 2004: Tazewell 2005: Graham *2005: Graham 2006: Tazewell *2006: Graham 2007: Graham 2008: Tazewell *2008: Tazewell 2009: Graham *2009: Graham 2010: Graham 2011: Graham 2012: Graham 2013: Graham 2014: Tazewell
42-2 7-5 25-17 23-7 7-6 41-0 28-7 20-6 43-14 46-20 19-15 41-14 21-12 34-15 30-14 45-21
T Continued from 8
File photo
Corey Brewster
wideouts. T.J. Kitts (6’0, 193, Jr.) is expected to lead the Bulldogs at quarterback. Along the line the Bulldogs are looking at quite a few players, including Andrew Comer (6’1 334, Sr), Hunter O’Quinn (5’10 235 Soph.), Matthew Witt (6’3 311 Soph.), Corey Honaker (6’1 250 Sr.), Trey Boothe (5’11 215 Sr.), Kyle Lester (5’11 245 Jr.), Jacob Cunningham (6’4 300 Jr.) and Jacob Blackwell (6’3 305 Jr.). “We’re going to be power spread,” Allen said with regard to the team’s offensive scheme. “We’ll go with some tight end sets with Tyler Wright (5’9, 212 Jr.) and Dakota Crouse (6’4 215 Sr.) and our fullbacks will be a type of hybrid… put a hand down and be a tight end. “We’ve got pretty good speed at running back and I think we’ve had a couple of guys step up on the outside who are pretty good.” On defense look for Tazewell to mix it up in order to keep the opposition on its heels.
A 7:30 p.m. H 7 p.m. A 7:30 p.m. H 7 p.m. A 7:30 p.m. H 7 p.m. H 7 p.m. H 7 p.m. A 7 p.m. A 7 p.m.
The future can wait, G-Men want results now By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph File photo
Giles’ Brian Mann “I feel like we’ll be a little bit of a three (man front), a lot of four too, and we’ll have some five fronts,” Allen said. “We’ll have a lot of fronts just to keep the people offbalance up front.” Look for Robert Beavers (5’9 265 Sr.), Josh Blackwell (6’2 245 Sr.), Honaker, O’Quinn, Crouse and Comer to get time on the line. “We want to rotate a lot there,” Allen said. “We have an option to go two-deep and six to eight buys play consistently, every series, so we can keep kids fresh.” The linebacker will be Travis Gee (6’2 192 Jr.), Zach Hurley (5’11 190 Jr.) Hayes and Wright. T.J. Kitts (6’0 193 Jr.) and Brewster will be the safeties while Griffin and Jacob Pilkins (5’10 130 Sr.) will hold down the corners along with Alic Hass (5’10 135 Sr.). “I feel like we can match up with anybody we play secondary wise,” Allen said. The placekicking and punting will be handled by Josh Murray (5’10 155 Sr.). Kitts and Honaker provide special teams depth. The slate is a difficult one with Richlands, Abingdon, and rival Graham in the mix. “It’s going to be a tough sched-
ule. We’ve got six road games. We’re going to be road warriors this year. It had to work out that way this year to make sure we had 10 games…,” he said. “There are some tough teams on our schedule but I feel like we can line up and compete with anyone we face.” A pair of new assistants on the Tazewell staff are former Graham head coach Mike Williams and former Bluefield Barons coach Bill Dudley. Also on staff are Patrick Buckner, Deacon Young, Mike Catron, Shea Moore, Drennon Laney, Tony O’Quinn, Randy Honaker, Jeff Gee and Mason King. Allen enters the season with great optimism and believes they will rise to the task at hand as the season progresses. “Overall I really like this team. I think they have embraced the underdog role,” Allen said. “They’re excited about getting out and showing that this team can compete with anybody they face. Tazewell opens the season Aug. 28 at Virginia High. Kickoff has moved to 8:30 p.m. because the Bristol Pirates are playing baseball earlier on an adjoining field.
BLUEFIELD, Va. — Who is the team to beat in the Mountain Empire District? Tony Palmer doesn't hesitate with his answer. "I hear Grayson is pretty good," said Palmer, who replaced Mike Williams as the head coach at Graham after last season, "but I think the G-Men are going to be the team to beat in the conference." There is plenty of football to play before the G-Men play all MED clubs in the second half of the season. It starts with a trio of rivalry games — Bluefield, Tazewell and Richlands — followed by the sin-
gle wing of Giles, and then defending Southwest District champion Abingdon looms in place of Grundy. "The first five games, in my opinion, are tougher than our conference,” Palmer said. “At the same thing if we fare well in those games that could prepare us for the conference." Graham finished with a 4-7 season record last season, ending with a 70-0 playoff loss at Gate City. The G-Men had an uncanny number of season-ending injuries, including Dylan Cook, who is now wrestling at Virginia Tech, and Jarrod Richmond, who is playing at VMI. DeQuan Booker, one of the
area's best athletes at receiver, also missed most of the season with injuries. That was last year. "Last year is last year and this year is this year," said Palmer, who played on Graham's state championship team in 1989. "We can only try to do something about what is in front of us. Even though we do remind them of that (playoff loss) and to work hard, but at the same time we let them know that we are going to make our own way here." There was still plenty of uncertainty early in camp about who would play where, the G-Men do have experience back, including all five offensive linemen, led by
senior center Canaan Looney. He is joined by guards Tanner Miller and Jarod Brown, and tackles Jacob Lester and Cole Carter. "That does help, but the first thing we need to know is where we need to be and who we have to block," Palmer said. "Just being big and experienced, that is not going to do it. Those guys have got to get on the same page with the coaching staff with what we are trying to do here and just work together as a unit." Who the quarterback will be remains to be seen, but both senior Roman Workman and junior Ben Meade have played there in the past. Chandler Cooper and Cameron Allen could also be in
No. Name Pos. Ht. 1 Paris Ballard WR 5’9 3 DeQuan Booker WR 5’11 4 Logan Surface WR/K 5’7 5 Taymon Cooke WR 6’2 6 Chandler Cooper QB 6’0 7 Israel Harris RB 5’8 8 Emil Curto WR 5’10 9 Thomas Clarke WR 6’1 10 Cameron Allen QB 5’10 11 Tyler Bourne WR 5’11 12 Roman Workman QB 6’1 13 Chris Shinault WR 6’0 14 Eric Workman TE 6’0 15 Ben Meade QB 5’8 16 Cody Slusher WR 5’10 17 Jamorya’ Cousin RB 5’11 19 Mark Clary WR 5’6 20 Nathan Bradshaw RB 5’7 21 Amir Fields TE 5’11 22 Mason Raley RB 5’10 23 Ricky White WR 6’4 24 Garrett Collins RB 5’10 29 Dante Vineyard TE 6’1 32 Jevante Stevens TE 5’10 33 Patrick Fielder TE 5’8 34 Nathan Mounts RB 5’7 43 Michael Mason RB 5’10 45 Alex Hicks TE 6’1 50 Tanner Miller OT 6’3 51 Adrian Gray OG 5’7 53 Canaan Looney C 6’2 54 Jarod Brown OG 6’1 56 Tristan Epperson OT 6’0 57 Nick Dimario OG 5’10 58 Jacob Lester OG 5’11 60 Jordan Austin OT 5’9 61 Cameron Benfield OT 5’10 62 Gabe Sesco OT 6’4 63 Cole Carter OT 6’2 71 Ben Kastner OG 6’0 72 Thomas Wimmer C 5’8 74 Nick Miller C 5’11 78 Ajai Oakes OG 5’11 79 Steven Gaboriault OG 5’7 81 Tyler Moodie TE 6’1 82 Scott Tyson TE 6’1
Wt. 139 172 151 166 154 153 160 200 150 170 182 159 189 155 125 200 135 130 200 171 159 152 204 170 180 124 185 188 233 226 262 220 232 171 269 189 236 194 249 209 177 200 233 130 180 195
Yr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. So. Sr. So. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Sr.
the mix. Israel Harris and transfer Jamorya’ Cousin are leading can-
G-Men, 41
O
Bulldogs...
Aug. 28 Bluefield Sept. 4 Tazewell Sept. 11 Richlands Sept. 25 Giles Oct. 2 Abingdon Oct. 9 Grayson County Oct. 16 Galax Oct. 23 Bland County Oct. 30 Fort Chiswell Nov. 6 Narrows
The G-Men
Graham 40 wins, Tazewell 24, 1 tie 958: Graham 16-13 1959: Tazewell 1960: Graham 1961: Graham 1962: Graham 1963: Tie 20-20 1964: Tazewell 1965: Graham 1966: Tazewell 1967: Tazewell 1968: Tazewell 1969: Tazewell 1970: Tazewell 1971: Tazewell 1972: Tazewell 1973: Tazewell
2015 Graham Football Schedule
E
42 2015 BDT BLITZ
6 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 43
BLUEFIELD BEAVERS
2015 Bluefield Football Schedule
Aug. 28 Sep. 4 Sep. 11 Sep. 18 Sep. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6
Graham H Princeton A Woodrow Wilson A Gate City H Greenbrier East A Richlands H Oak Hill A James Monroe H Wayne H
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Beavers
Speedy Beavers anxious for deep postseason run By BOB REDD Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — For the Bluefield Beavers in 2015, it all begins up front. The Beavers return a core of starting lineman that will pave the way for runners and provide protection for passers. Coming off a disappointing first round playoff loss to Ravenswood, the Beavers' only other 2014 setback came at the hands of Richlands. “We've got some good, experi-
enced linemen coming back,” said Fred Simon, who is entering his 30th season as the head coach at his alma mater. “We've got Randall Maxey, Seth Silcox and Matt Belcher. Those three right there give us some pretty good experience on the line. We'll see how they can help us mold into a football team up front. “I feel our line will definitely have a good idea of what to do during games because they've played a lot since they were sophomores. The other two that we put in there
should be comfortable doing things because they will be able to help them out.” Bluefield lost key skill position players in quarterback R.J. Bourne and running backs D.J. Stewart and Corey Coppola. It will be a whole new look for Bluefield in the backfield and out wide. “Carlos (Reed) is the only one that has skill experience,” Simon said. “The others are going to have to work their way in, basically get experience with time. I've got an idea of who it might be, but
we can't guarantee it until scrimmages and really into the season.” Reed is a speedster who can line up wide or in the backfield. He is a two-time defending West Virginia Class AA champion in the 100 meters, recording the fastest time in the state each time regardless of school classification. While the starting lineups on either side of the ball are set, Simon and his staff have some players they believe will help fill the gaps created by graduation.
Beavers, 40
No.Name Pos. 1 Carlos Reed RB/DB 2 Micah DeWitt QB/DB 3 Mookie Collier RB/DB 5 Jason Edwards FB/LB 7 Ronnell Blevins QB/DB 8 Tres Amaker RB/DB 9 John Neese RB/DB 10 Jordan Smith QB/DB 12 Mike Price QB/DB 14 Jachai Thomas WR/DB 15 Kaden Meadows WR/DB 16 Tyler Easley K 18 Jazaire Reed FB/LB 19 Arnold Martin RB/LB 20 Zac Springman K 21 Drake Mullins QB/LB 22 Clyde Baker TE/DL 23 Jamere Edwards RB/LB 25 Kelsey Nichols WR/DB 28 Justin Smith WR/DB 31 Anthony Mooney TE/LB 32 Russ Coleman WR/DB 33 Josh Fowler WR/DB 34 Ashton Shaw TE/DL 35 Brenden Wehrle WR/DB 40 Jared Sweigart TE/DL 42 Malik Harris FB/LB 43 Malik Green WR/DB 44 Colyn Pennington FB/LB 45 Logan Mounts TE/LB 50 Andrew King OL/DL 52 Elijah Hicks OL/DL 53 Seth Silcox OL/DL 54 Cole Honaker OL/DL 55 Julius Gaddy OL/DL 56 Dray-Quon HickmanOL/DL 57Mason Walker OL/DL 58 Nicholas Proffitt OL/DL 59 Tanner Spradlin OL/DL 60 Chad Cardwell OL/DL 61 Dakota Collins OL/DL 62 Chris Adams OL/DL 63 Edward Cox OL/DL 64 John Duffy OL/LB 65 Deontae Powell OL/DL 66 Skylar Lafon OL/DL 67 George Joyce OL/DL 68 Devon Blankenship OL/DL 71 Tyler Copley OL/DL 72 Dakota Sparks OL/DL 73 Matt Belcher OL/DL 74 Jordan George OL/DL 75 Randall Maxey OL/LB 76 Ezekiel Bennett OL/DL 78 Alahzjae Dowell OL/DL 79 Tyler Watson OL/DL
Ht. 5’8 5’10 5’11 5’11 5’6 5’4 5’8 5’7 5’6 5’8 5’10 5’11 5’7 5’9 6’0 5’10 5’9 5’9 5’6 5’4 6’3 5’8 5’9 6’1 6’0 5’5 5’10 6’2 5’10 5’9 6’0 6’0 5’11 6’0 5’11 6’1 6’2 5’9 5’8 5’11 5’11 5’9 5’11 5’6 6’0 5’7 6’1 6’3 5’11 5’9 6’0 6’3 6’2 5’9 5’7 5’11
Wt.Class 163 Jr. 159 So. 159 So. 213 So. 152 Fr. 120 Fr. 146 Jr. 174 Jr. 155 Jr. 148 Jr. 125 Fr. 200 Sr. 200 Fr. 169 Fr. 185 Jr. 181 Fr. 159 Fr. 180 Fr. 136 Fr. 124 Jr. 194 Sr. 148 So. 157 Sr. 201 Sr. 167 Sr. 154 Fr. 230 Jr. 163 Sr. 226 Sr. 214 Sr. 266 Jr. 266 Jr. 238 Sr. 243 Sr. 210 So. 260 Sr. 198 Fr. 190 So. 218 So. 184 Sr. 213 Jr. 202 Fr. 184 Sr. 157 Fr. 224 Fr. 264 Jr. 160 Fr. 315 Jr. 231 Jr. 198 Sr. 285 Sr. 311 Sr. 208 Sr. 342 Fr. 231 Fr. 250 Fr.
PikeView... Continued from 11 Ellison. On offense, Wyatt is returning to a power-I backfield and a doublewing set to “help us control the ball and control the game a little bit better.” Shorter is likely the center. Though a freshman, “I think Zach’s tough enough to handle that,” Wyatt said. Flanking him will be Donley and either Logan Ballengee or Smith. Competing to start at tackle were Damewood, White, Price and Vaught. The tight end options appeared to be Smith or Hubbard. Wideouts could be Phillips, Devyn Burley and /or Tyler Masters. “We don’t have a slew of backs, but what we do have, I’m very pleased with them,” Wyatt said. Jennings is at the top of the list; Ty Hoston is a talented junior. Nick Shrewsbury is solid at fullback. The coach wants to work Rose, a freshman, into the running game gradually. “I think if we give him a crack or two, he can cause some problems for other teams.” Other promising freshmen runners include Anderson and Jacob Honaker. Nash was switched to quarter-
Mavericks... Continued from 18 peting, (that) someone else is going to step in there. That’s what you want to see, the competitiveness,” Mustain said. “I see them getting better every day.” Whoever doesn’t play quarterback will see the field at another position. Grant Mohler, though a sophomore, established himself last year as “a natural running back,” Mustain said, while Devin Johnson “will help us out quite a bit.” Conner Boothe leads the receiving corps, and a fellow senior, 6foot-3 Cody Newhouse, is a big target. Colton Bradley, Landan Shires, Tyler Sams and Nick Horney are other receiving options. Newhouse and junior Dante Vest are tight end possibili-
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Ethan Donley back last year in his first season of varsity football. In the preseason, Mitchelson “has taken some reps there,” the coach said. The kicking game rides on the foot of senior Alec White, also a key member of PikeView’s successful soccer team. Meadow Bridge, a high-achieving Class A school, is no longer on the schedule and has been replaced by Class AA Mount View. Wyatt said, “Our strength of this program is probably going to be (the two Ethans), and our front line, offensively and defensively. ... That makes me feel good, that we have a chance to compete, each
week, as long as we can stay healthy up front (with) seven or eight kids there that we can count on.” The existence of the middle school and Little League programs has produced “kids that have been around each other, like each other and play for each other,” he said. “I would like for us to just be at a level that we’re competing, each week. “If we can get to that level, that we have that opportunity to win a game in the fourth quarter – on a consistent basis, we’re going to be succeeding.”
ties. The one thin area on the team is depth among the linemen. “Though they’re not that many ... that are varsity ready, we feel that they’ll be pretty solid,” Mustain said. He hoped to develop some platooning on the interior lines. “I just think we’ve got several kids who can help us out,” he said. Parker King, a 244-pound senior, will likely play both ways. The offensive line group includes Tripp Shiflet, Ty Wickline, Tyler Hawkins, Zachary Payne, Matt Meadows, Alex Spicer, and sophomores Noah Ramsey and Isaac McKlarney. The interior defensive line is likely to be decided among Parker, King, Meadows, Payne and Hawkins. Stationed at defensive end could be Newhouse, Vest and / or Boothe, who can also play linebacker and defensive back.
Shiflet is middle linebacker in the Mavericks 4-3 scheme. Beside him could be Mohler, Dalton Comer, Horney or Johnson, with sophomores Isaac and Ethan McKlarney seeking a shot there as well. The defensive backfield starters will be selected from among Bradley, Tyler and Conner Moore, Johnson and Horney. Beasley is “as good a punter as I’ve ever seen in several years,” Mustain said. Several of his boots last year carried over 60 yards. The kickoff chore had not been assigned as of the middle of the month, but the coaches are intent on guaranteeing a
Bluefield 17, James Monroe 3 1994: Bluefield 1995: Bluefield 1996: Bluefield 1997: Bluefield 2002: James Monroe *2002: Bluefield 2003: Bluefield
19-6 25-14 50-8 20-7 30-7 3-0 49-8
2004: Bluefield 2005: James Monroe *2005: Bluefield 2006: James Monroe 2007: Bluefield *2007: Bluefield 2008: Bluefield
34-0 17-14 24-14 41-28 14-7 20-12 34-21
2009: Bluefield 2010: Bluefield 2011: Bluefield 2012: Bluefield 2013: Bluefield 2014: Bluefield 2015: Oct. 30, at Bluefield
27-10 54-20 23-13 63-14 60-14 39-11
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Grant Mohler good kickoff coverage unit. The Mavericks have nine seniors and look to have experienced underclassmen for the next couple of years. Mustain said about last year, “We had some close contests. I think it definitely is motivation. You flip four of those games around and we’re 7-3 instead of 37, and very likely in the playoffs. A couple of close losses were to
triple-A schools. “I’m like any coach, my biggest goal is to get our kids playing to the best of their abilities and what happens, happens. ... I think that is the next step we’ve got to take, is to learn how to win.” The Mavs will try to take that first step on Friday in Fairlea against rival Greenbrier East. — Contact Tom Bone at tbone@bdtonline.com
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Green Wave... Continued from 14 Derrick Stinson. “They are really pushing for time on that line behind those guards and tackles,” said Lowe, whose Green Wave were 1-9 last season, with the lone win coming against Montcalm. “You can’t have too many.” Cole Blaker, who was injured for the majority of last season, is expected to handle the quarterback duties that were largely manned by Bluefield College signee Jackson Blankenship, “He put a lot of time there before he got hurt...,” Lowe said. “He did split reps throughout the year so he is a strong candidate at quarterback, he has gotten stronger, a good athlete.” He will be joined in the backfield by senior backs Bailey Snidow and Blaize Hopkins, along with Austin Evans, Cam Honaker and Mikey McKinney. Landon Neal,
2015 BDT BLITZ 5 who had around 400 yards receiving last season, will line up at receiver with Chase Lawson, while TJ Yopp, Chase Kantsious and Morgan Welch also in the rotation. Welch will also play tight end, along with Matthew Mullins. “Neal and Lawson are both coming back as returning leading receptions, and you have Bailey, who is the returning leading rusher and Cole is the returning quarterback,” Lowe said “We are looking for some big things from those guys, we have got to make sure we control the line of scrimmage.” Defensively, the Green Wave has several returnees, including Snidow, Jordan McKinney and Ethan Lowe at linebackers. “We have a lot of returneers on defense,” Lowe said. “A lot of kids that maybe didn’t start last year, but saw a lot of minutes on defense.” Lawson, Mullins, Honaker and Welch are candidates on the line, while the secondary will include
Blaker, Evans and Welch. “We have got to tackle better, we have got to make sure we are playing good assignment football,” Lowe said. “Everybody has got a job to do, one man lets down and it messes everything up. “I think if we do we that I think we have a chance to improve defensively.” Parcell, Neal and Snidow are competing for specialty kicking positions. Narrows will have its usual testy schedule, beginning with Auburn on Aug. 28, with archrival Giles following on Sept. 18. The Green Wave will play on a Thursday night against Bland County, a move made necessary with Virginia Tech slated to play on a Friday night in early October. “It is different from a preparation standpoint, but the kids are excited about it,” said Lowe, who wasn’t pleased with the move, but made the adjustments to ensure a better crowd at the gate. “It is a big game, the Bland game is always a big game for us, it will be
Pocahontas Coal Association marks 15 years of recognition By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph
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Eye on the ball... Narrows’ Bailey Snidow (33) closes in on Graham’s Kyshon Lee during the G-Men’s win over the Green Wave last season.
Knights... Continued from 12 Thompson believes the pieces are in place to help restore success atop Tom's Mountain. “I think we'll have a good season this year. I am not predicting records. I know we will be a better ball club than we were last season,” Thompson commented. “Discipline is a lot better than it was last year. I had to do away with a few players, but the guys we have now want to be here and they hold each other to a stan-
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Chris Muncy
dard. That's exactly what I want. The culture has changed.” Mingo Central and James Monroe are gone from the schedule and the Golden Knights have added PikeView and Wyoming East. The big game, however, is the season-opener against McDowell County rival River View. “The first game of the year is huge. We've got the Battle of the Views on Thursday, Aug. 27. We start the season off right, one of only two teams in the state playing that night,” Thompson said. “We have never beaten
them. “There is so much pressure on these boys going into that game and I'm glad it's the first game of the year because that's the only game they really think about. If we get over that hump week one, we come out with a win that day, at home as well, I feel like the confidence is going to skyrocket.” Mount View will honor the 1990 team that played for the Class AAA state championship prior to its game with Man in the second week of the season.
BLUEFIELD — Another football season, another award-winning season awaits. For the 15th straight season, the Pocahontas Coal Association and Bluefeld Daily Telegraph have combined to create the Player of the Week award in 2015, which will be followed by a Player of the Year banquet in December. Each week during the season, the Daily Telegraph sports staff will compile a list of worthy candidates for player of the week, and then write a feature article on the winner. Anyone from any team can win, but we need your help. Our staff can only get to go many games so we need help. Let us know if you saw a worthy candidate, either on offense, defense, special teams, offensive line, defensive line, whatever, it doesn't matter. Let us know who should be considered each week by Tuesday at 5 p.m. to give us time to get the information from respective coaches, and figure it out from there. Too often worthy candidates are omitted because we simply didn't know. Eleven winners are picked during the week, and all 11 will gather at the Princeton Elks Lodge in December when all the games have been played. Each player will receive a trophy of some kind of their weekly honors, and then a player of the year will be announced. Last year's winner was River Michaels of
2014 All-Four Seasons County Football Team
Player of Year: River Michaels, Richlands Offensive Player of Year: Brett Whitlow, Giles Defensive Player of Year: Corey Coppola, Bluefield Coach of Year: Jeff Williams, Giles First Team Offense QB River Michaels, Richlands, 6-1, 205, Sr. #RB Nick Blankenship, Tazewell, 5-10, 171, Jr. RB D.J. Stewart, Bluefield, 5-7, 170, Sr. RB Brett Whitlow, Giles, 5-9, 160, Sr. WR DeQuan Booker, Graham, 5-10, 163, Soph. #WR Cody Howie, River View, 6 2, 179, Soph. WR Jessee Mountain, Tazewell, 6-0, 183, Sr. TE Casey Harmon, Honaker, 6-4, 186, Jr. C Skyler Dillow, Bluefield, 6-3, 270, Sr. OL Steve Cook, Wyoming East, 5-11, 240, Sr. OL Landon Mance, Richlands, 6-2, 265, Jr.
Players of the Year
2014: River Michaels, Richlands 2013: Tahj-Sho Johnson, Princeton 2012: Ian Mann, Giles 2011: Devon Johnson, Richlands 2010: Devon Johnson, Richlands 2009: Jake Lilly, Bluefield 2008: Will Cole, Bluefield 2007: Taylor Robertson, James Monroe 2006: Justin McCracken, Richlands 2005: Robert Henry, Graham 2004: Rusty Coeburn, Bluefield
2003: Ahmad Bradshaw, Graham 2002: Ahmad Bradshaw, Graham 2001: H.T. Mathews, Graham •••
Coaches of the Year: (Award began in 2008)
2014: Jeff Williams, Giles 2013: Fred Simon, Bluefield 2012: Doug Hubbard, Honaker 2011: Mitch Estep, River View 2010: Greg Mance, Richlands 2009: Jeff Damewood, PikeView 2008: Bobby Wyatt, Tazewell
John-Luke Asbury, Richlands Tyree Baker, River View Patrick Beidleman, Giles Cole Blaker, Narrows Nick Blankenship, Richlands Marquis Bonds, Mount View Conner Boothe, James Monroe Isaiah Boyd, Bland County DeQuan Booker, Graham Corey Brewster, Tazewell Cole Cochran, Princeton Mookie Collier, Bluefield Colton Egnor, Montcalm
Nathan Grimmett, Summers County Hunter Hall, Wyoming East Israel Harris, Graham Joseph Hayes, Mount View Josh Hayes, Tazewell Hartley Hilton, Honaker Cody Howie, Richlands Dylan Jackson, Bland County Joe Jennings, PikeView Jordan Jones, Princeton Brady Justice, Hurley T.J. Kitts, Tazewell Zack Lester, Hurley Alec Lusk, Wyoming East Brian Mann, Giles Randy Maxey, Bluefield Ben Meade, Graham Anthony Meadows, Giles Marcus Mitchell, Montcalm Jacob McNutt, Grundy Grant Mohler, James Monroe Levi Nash, PikeView Landon Neal, Narrows Avin Parrott, Honaker Kevin Phillips, Princeton Carlos Reed, Bluefield Matt Ryan, Summers County Austin Shortridge, Twin Valley Chance Stone, River View Cole Street, Grundy Tayten Sykes, Twin Valley
OL Camron Perkins, Giles, 5-9, 214, Jr. OL Peyton Stevens, Honaker, 6-2, 256, Sr. UTIL Malik Davis, Tazewell, 6-1, 211, Sr. KR Jordan Wilson, River View, 5-6, 151, Sr. K Drake Presley, Twin Valley, Sr. n/a Defense DE Diante Cecil, Tazewell, 6-1, 226, Sr. DL Danny Anderson, Richlands, 6-1, 245, Jr. DL Kyshon Lee, Graham, 5-7, 168, Sr. DL Dean Taylor, Giles, 5 9, 168, Sr. DE Aaron Rose, Bland County, 6-1, 189, Sr. LB Corey Coppola, Bluefield, 6-4, 248, Sr. LB Jonathan Culicerto, Wyoming East, 511, 180, Sr. LB Dakoda Shrader, Giles, 6-0, 170, Sr. LB Tristan Yates, Haysi, Sr. n/a DB Casey Dye, Honaker, 6-0, 157, Sr. DB Jay Palmer, Princeton, 6-1, 195, Sr. DB John Teats, Giles, 5-9, 160, Sr. DB Zeke Vance, Richlands, 5-10, 190, Sr. UTIL Brian Mann, Giles, 5-9, 160, Jr. P Evan Beasley, James Monroe, 5-9, 162, Soph. Second Team Offense QB Jalen Sykes, Haysi, Sr. n/a
RB Griffin McCauley, Richlands,6-0, 185, Sr. RB Austin Smith, Honaker, 5-87, 182, Sr. RB Nik Walker, Wyoming East, 6-1, 200, Sr. WR Tyree Baker, River View, 5-10, 169, Jr. WR Juwan Jordan, Tazewell, 6-1, 153, Sr. WR Tim Nowlin, Mount View, Sr. n/a TE Landon Lowe, Richlands, 6-3, 260, Soph. C Canaan Looney, Graham, 6-1, 247, Jr. OL Austin Cunningham, Giles, 5-10, 223, Jr. OL Garrett Jessee, Tazewell, 5-9, 242, Sr. OL Trip Shiflett, James Monroe, 5-11, 196, Soph. OL Josh Smith, Summers County, 6-0, 205, Jr. UTIL Carlos Reed, Bluefield, 5-9, 175, Soph. KR Traquan Oliver, Hurley, 5-9, 160, Sr. K Jacob Whittington, Princeton, 5-10, 145, Jr. Defense DE Jordan Masterson, Bluefield, 5-11, 193, Sr. DL Andrew Comer, Tazewell, 6-1, 312, Jr.
Richlands. A coach of the year will also be selected. Jeff Williams of Giles was last year's honoree. College football does its annual watch lists for its many awards leading up the season. Here are the players to watch this year, but certainly not the only ones. The list below includes at least two players from each of the 19 teams in the Daily Telegraph coverage area.
2015 Player of Week Watch List
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Player of Year... Richlands quarterback River Michaels, who led the Blue Tornado to a 10-4 record and a berth in the 2A state semifinals, was the recipient of the Pocahontas Coal Association/Bluefield Daily Telegraph Player of the Year award last season.
Player of the Week nominations:
• Contact the Daily Telegraph each week of the regular season by Tuesday at 5 p.m. • Call 304-327-2813, email sports@bdtonline.com or tweet to@bdtwoodson Note: All players are taken into consideration. Coaches and fans are urged to participate. DL Adrian Gray, Graham, 5-6, 214, Jr. DL Dakota Wright, Bland County, 5-10, 198, Sr. DE Isaiah Edwards, Princeton, 6-0, 235, Jr. LB R.J. Bourne, Bluefield, 6-2, 208, Sr. LB Ty Hoston, PikeView, 6-3, 180, Soph. LB Bryce Wade, Richlands, 5 10, 195, Jr. LB Roman Workman, Graham, 5-11, 181, Jr. DB Patrick Beidleman, Giles, 5-10, 160, Jr. DB Reed McNeer, James Monroe, 6-0, 172, Sr. DB Casey Saunders, Wyoming East, 511, 150, Sr. DB Matt Ryan, Summers County, 6-0, 175, Jr. &UTIL Michael Price, River View, 5 -6., 136, Soph. P Jordan Stout, Honaker, 5-10, 124, Soph. Honorable Mention (3 per team) Bland County: Isaiah Boyd, Mason Christian, Dustin Pennington; Bluefield: Malik Craighead, Randy Maxey, Chris Taylor; Giles: Anthony Meadows, Hunter
Smith, Brett Suroski; Graham: Dylan Cook, Jacob Lester, Ben Meade; Grundy: Ethan Dillow, Corey McClanahan, Jacob McNutt; Haysi: Guage Hill, Hunter Sutherland, Robby Yates; Honaker: Hayden Horn, Branson Horton, Kraig McGlothlin; Hurley: Zach Deel, Nick Gibson, Craig Stacy; James Monroe: Josh Dransfield, Logan Hunnicutt, Grant Mohler; Montcalm: Jared Belcher, Colton Egnor, Dustin Williams; Mount View: Jaquane Imes, Marlin Marrs, ^Michael Mason; Narrows: Jackson Blankenship, Kyle Hall, Zach Parsell; PikeView: Daniel Brown, Ethan Donley, Ethan Smith; Princeton: Austin Fulp, Garrison Hartwell, Zach Standifur; Richlands: Canaan Addison, Cade Mullins, Joey Robinette; River View: Jeremy Crigger, Bradley Mullins, James Sparks; Summers County: Zach Grady, Nathan Grimmett, Dillon Smith; Tazewell: Chris Hall, Alex Hayes, Dallas Perry; Twin Valley: Brandon McGlothlin, Austin Shortridge, Tayten Sykes; Wyoming East: Colton Coomes, Jacob Dulcie, Aaron Griffith. *(Returning players in bold) #Now at Richlands &Now at Bluefield ^Now at Graham
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Coaching changes, state title hopes highlight start of season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD — As the high school football season kicks off this week across Four Seasons Country, it's time to start looking to what lies ahead. No state champions were crowned last season, although Richlands, Honaker and Haysi were within a game of getting to the finals. Nine schools in the region reached the postseason, with five losing in the opening round and Giles falling in the state quarterfinals. There were plenty of squads that struggled to get wins, and all will be looking to improve in the season ahead. In fact, nine area schools won three games or less, and two didn't win at all. Here are a few storylines to watch in 2015. 1. Graham hires Tony Palmer: He's been an assistant in both football and basketball for the GMen, but is now in charge on the gridiron. His job is to restore the tradition to Graham, and he means it, having been a talented player for the G-Men. There is work to do, the G-Men's last game under Mike Williams was a 70-0 playoff loss at Gate City. 1A. Wes Eddy takes over at Princeton: No school has a tougher climb in AAA than the Tigers, and now they will do it again a brutal schedule made necessary by the much-needed departure from the MSAC. It will be up to Eddy to get the interest up, get more kids out on the football field, and then deal with the Princeton faithful, who aren't known for patience. 3. State championship hopes. Richlands appears to be the safest bet to challenge for a state
title this season. The Blue Tornado lost plenty of last year's state semifinal squad, but they always seem to reload. They will have the use of at least a pair of talented transfers in Tazewell's Nick Blankenship and Cody Howie from River View. 4. Don't count out the Beavers. It has been six years since Bluefield played in a state championship game. A surprising first round playoff loss last season, which came one week after beating Wayne, should have the Beavers motivated for the season ahead. There are holes to fill, including six positions vacated by R.J. Bourne, D.J. Stewart and Corey Coppola. 5. Others to watch includes Giles. The Spartans had a 27game win streak snapped in the state quarterfinals last season, but the Spartans have to replace 20 seniors, a huge amount for any school. Don't count them out, they will have talent to run the single wing, led by Brian Mann and Patrick Beidleman. Rebuilding the offensive line will be the key. 6. Ditto for Honaker: The Tigers were 13-1 last season, losing in the state semifinals to Virginia signee Juan Thornhill and Altavista. Doug Hubbard has one of Southwest Virginia's most consistent programs. The Tigers lost lots of seniors, but always have a deep roster that would be the envy of many 1A schools in the state. 7. The bottom: Nine of 20 teams in the Daily Telegraph coverage area last years won three games or less. They combined for a record of 14-75, with James Monroe and Bland County securing three wins each. PikeView, River View and Montcalm each won two games, while Narrows
and Summers County won one apiece. 8. Not Golden: Both Mount View and Grundy finished with 0-10 records last season. The Golden Knights enter this year with a 16game losing skid, while the Golden Wave has dropped 13 in a row. Both programs have proud traditions, but it will take time to turn it around. 9. Only eight of the 20 schools: That is all the schools in the coverage area that finished with a winning record last season. That, obviously, needs to improve. Two of nine West Virginia teams finished above .500, while six did the same in Virginia. 10. No more Haysi: Don't look for anymore coverage of the Tigers. They don't exist, having been consolidated with Clintwood to create the Ridgeview Wolpack. Similar to Big Creek and Iaeger, these schools were bitter county rivals who will now be one. James Colley, one of the more innovative offensive minds in the region, is now an athletic director and no longer on the sidelines. Here is guessing he will help when needed. ••• Who are the teams to beat in 2015? Here is a look at the Daily Telegraph Top 10. 1. Richlands: Much like its name, the Blue Tornado are rich in talent. Nine starters back on defense, five have returned on offense, and they have even added three transfers who will contribute to the cause. Richlands reached the 2A state semifinals last season, and were a rainy overtime away from Salem. The Blues are a definite threat to win it all. 2. Bluefield: It has been six years since the Beavers were in
Staff photo by Eric DiNovo
Staff photo by Jon Bolt
Tony Palmer
Wes Eddy
Wheeling, and Fred Simon, now in his 30th season as the head coach at Bluefield, wants to return, and take his team with him. Bluefield lost plenty, but there is still speed, and plenty of it. The offensive line is experienced. If they open the holes, the speedsters can do the rest. Good luck catching them. 3. Giles: Yes, the Spartans lost 18 seniors, but the Spartans just seem to grow offensive linemen who can run the single wing offense, and even with the loss of all-time leading rusher Brett Whitlow, Giles has a pair of backs who can get it done. The goal is always a winning season at Pearisburg. That won’t be a problem. Let’s see how much further they can go. 4. Wyoming East: Donald Jewell is the new coach at Wyoming East, and he is proponent of running the football. The Warriors have the weapons to do it, with a big offensive line, although they are having to find replacements in the backfield. Wyoming East joined Bluefield as the only two
West Virginia schools from our region to make the playoffs last season. 5. Honaker: Graduation took a lot of the production that led to 46 wins over the last four seasons for Tigers. Honaker lost in the state finals to George Wythe in 2012, and were 13-1, falling the 1A state semifinals last season. The prep home of Heath Miller has become one of the more consistent winners in the region over the last half-decade. 6. Princeton: Wes Eddy has arrived just in time for a new era in Princeton athletics, with the Tigers no longer part of the Mountain State Athletic Conference. A new attitude mixed with a new offensive philosophy should make for an interesting season against one of the toughest schedules anywhere in West Virginia. 7. James Monroe: Once a playoff mainstay, the Mavericks have fallen on hard times, having won
Vols won’t be distracted by heightened expectations KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The timing may be right for Tennessee to reclaim its status as a Southeastern Conference contender. Tennessee has restocked its talent base and has ended a string of four straight losing seasons just as many of its SEC East Division rivals have entered a state of transition. That combination has led to questions about whether the Volunteers can challenge for their first division title since 2007. A preseason poll of SEC media has Tennessee finishing second in the East, behind Georgia. The Vols can’t help but hear about the heightened expectations from fans eager to see this storied program return to relevance after a prolonged slump. But they vow not to get distracted by preseason prognostications suggesting Tennessee’s on the rise. “We’re not getting big-headed,” senior safety Brian Randolph said. “We’re not coming out thinking that we already won the SEC East. We’re just working hard and just trying to stay focused and not listen to all the clutter.” Tennessee raised plenty of optimism by winning four of its lasts five games, including a 45-28 rout of Iowa in the TaxSlayer Bowl. The surge coincided with Joshua Dobbs’ emergence as the Vols’
starting quarterback. Vols coach Butch Jones has upgraded the roster by signing two straight recruiting classes rated among the nation’s top five by multiple services. The Vols played the most true freshmen of any Football Bowl Subdivision program last season and likely will give featured roles to plenty of newcomers again this season. “We still have a lot of true freshmen that are in the mix to play,” Jones said. “And we know that being in this conference, looking at the teams that have had success... they’ve been junior- and senior-dominated football teams.” ——— Some things to know about Tennessee. CAPABLE AT QUARTERBACK: For the first time in Jones’ threeyear tenure, Tennessee isn’t having a preseason quarterback competition. There’s no doubt the job belongs to Dobbs,. Tennessee went 4-1 in the five games Dobbs started after a torn labrum sidelined Justin Worley, who has since completed his eligibility. During a season in which most SEC teams have quarterback questions, Dobbs’ presence gives Tennessee an edge on its league rivals. POTENT PASS RUSHERS: Senior linebacker/defensive end Curt Maggitt and sophomore end
Derek Barnett give Tennessee one of the nation’s most productive pass-rushing tandems. Barnett had 20 1/2 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season. Maggitt had 15 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. The defensive line should be even deeper this fall due to the arrival of heralded recruits Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle at tackle and Kyle Phillips at end. MORE PLAYMAKERS: Tennessee returns all seven players who caught at least 20 passes or accumulated at least 200 yards receiving last season. The addition of junior-college transfer Alvin Kamara, who began his college career at Alabama, also should add some diversity to Tennessee’s rushing attack. Kamara will team up in the backfield with Dobbs and running back Jalen Hurd, who rushed for 899 yards as a freshman last season. QUESTIONS ON THE LINE: Tennessee won’t contend in the SEC unless it gets better production from its offensive line. The Vols gave up an SEC-high 43 sacks last season. The Vols will be more experienced on the line this season, but they already got some bad news at this spot with a training-camp injury to senior guard Marcus Jackson that likely will knock him out for the entire season. STAFF CHANGE: Mike DeBord
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Vol nation... Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs will lead the Volunteers into the 2015 season. His presence gives Tennessee an edge on its league rivals. takes over as offensive coordinator for Mike Bajakian, now the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterbacks coach. Jones was an offensive coordinator on DeBord’s Central Michigan staff from 2001-
Highlight, 29
Jarrod Richmond
Jay Palmer (5)
College: Richmond Class: Freshman Position: Running back Height/Weight: 6’0, 198 High school: Princeton No: 27
College: Virginia Military Institute Class: Freshman Position: Defensive end Height/Weight: 6’3, 230 High school: Graham No: 97 Prep notes: Richmond missed most of 2014 at Graham with injuries, but was still signed by VMI
Corey Coppola
College: Davidson Class: Freshman Position: Defensive line Height/Weight: 6’3, 242 High school: Bluefield No: 87
03. DeBord has a long resume that includes two stints as Michigan’s offensive coordinator, but he hasn’t coached in the college ranks since 2007 and hasn’t coached at all since 2012
46 2015 BDT BLITZ
2015 BDT BLITZ 3
2015 WEEK-BY-WEEK SCHEDULES WEEK 1 Thursday, Aug.27 HIGH SCHOOLS River View at Mount View, 7:30 p.m. COLLEGES Bluefield at Pikeville, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 HIGH SCHOOLS Auburn at Narrows, 7 p.m. Blacksburg at Giles, 7 p.m. Craig County at Bland County, 7 p.m. Hurley at Holston, 7 p.m. Montcalm at Hannan, 7 p.m. Gate City at Richlands, 7:30 p.m. Graham at Bluefield, 7:30 p.m. Grundy at Twin Valley, 7:30 p.m. Honaker at Lebanon, 7:30 p.m. James Monroe at Greenbrier East, 7:30 p.m. PikeView at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. Shady Spring at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. Wyoming East at Mingo Central, 7:30 p.m. Tazewell at Virginia High, 8:30 p.m. WEEK 2 Friday, Sept. 4 HIGH SCHOOLS Eastern Montgomery at Narrows, 7 p.m. Giles at Christiansburg, 7 p.m. Rural Retreat at Bland County, 7 p.m. Twin Valley at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Bluefield at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. Castlewood at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. Eastside at Hurley, 7:30 p.m. Independence at PikeView, 7:30 p.m. Man at Mount View, 7:30 p.m. Richlands at Union, 7:30 p.m. River View at Grundy, 7:30 p.m. Summers County at Liberty-Raleigh, 7:30 p.m. Westside at Wyoming East, 7:30 p.m. Open: James Monroe. Saturday, Sept. 5 COLLEGES Point at Bluefield, noon Concord at West Liberty, 1 p.m. Virginia at UCLA, 3:30 p.m. Georgia Southern at West Virginia, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 COLLEGES Purdue at Marshall, 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7 COLLEGES Ohio State at Virginia, 8 p.m. WEEK 3 Friday, Sept. 11 HIGH SCHOOLS Grayson County at Tazewell, 7 p.m. Narrows at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Northwood at Bland County, 7 p.m. Bluefield at Woodrow Wilson, 7:30 p.m. Graham at Richlands, 7:30 p.m. Independence at Mount View, 7:30 p.m. Herbert Hoover at River View, 7:30 p.m. Honaker at Eastside, 7:30 p.m. Lebanon at Grundy, 7:30 p.m. Martinsburg at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. PikeView at Liberty-Raleigh, 7:30 p.m. Shelby Valley, Ky., at Hurley, 7:30 p.m. Summers County at James Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Twin Valley at East Ridge, Ky., 7:30 p.m. Wyoming East at Nicholas County, 7:30 p.m. Open: Giles.
Saturday, Sept. 12 COLLEGES Fairmont State at Concord, noon Faulkner at Bluefield, 1:30 p.m. Liberty at West Virginia, 3 p.m. Furman at Virginia Tech, 3:30 p.m. Notre Dame at Virginia, 3:30 p.m. Marshall at Ohio, 7 p.m. WEEK 4 Friday, Sept. 18 HIGH SCHOOLS Hurley at Castlewood, 7 p.m. Narrows at Giles, 7 p.m. Tazewell at Chilhowie, 7 p.m. Gate City at Bluefield, 7:30 p.m. Grundy at East Ridge, Ky., 7:30 p.m. Honaker at Holston, 7:30 p.m. James Monroe at PikeView, 7:30 p.m. Mount View at Liberty-Raleigh, 7:30 p.m. Princeton at Lincoln County, 7:30 p.m. Richlands at Wise Central, 7:30 p.m. River View at Man, 7:30 p.m. Twin Valley at Northwood, 7:30 p.m. Wyoming East at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. Open: Bland County, Graham, Montcalm. Saturday, Sept. 19 COLLEGES Bluefield at Lindsey Wilson, 1:30 p.m. Norfolk State at Marshall, 3:30 p.m. Virginia Tech at Purdue, 3:30 p.m. William & Mary at Virginia, 3:30 p.m. Concord at Urbana, TBD Bye: West Virginia WEEK 5 Friday, Sept. 25 HIGH SCHOOLS Bland County at Eastern Montgomery, 7 p.m. Giles at Graham, 7 p.m. Tazewell at Rural Retreat, 7 p.m. Bluefield at Greenbrier East, 7:30 p.m. Grundy at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. Greenbrier West at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. James Monroe at Wyoming East, 7:30 p.m. Montcalm at Hurley, 7:30 p.m. Narrows at Craig County, 7 p.m. Phelps, Ky., at Twin Valley, 7:30 p.m. Princeton at Buckhannon-Upshur, 7:30 p.m. Shady Spring at PikeView, 7:30 p.m. Virginia High at Richlands, 7:30 p.m. COLLEGES Boise State at Virginia, 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 HIGH SCHOOLS River View at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. Open: Honaker, Mount View. COLLEGES Bluefield at Campbellsville, noon West Virginia Wesleyan at Concord, noon Marshall at Kent State, TBD Maryland at West Virginia, TBD Virginia Tech at East Carolina, TBD WEEK 6 Thursday, Oct. 1 COLLEGES Concord at Charleston, 7 p.m. HIGH SCHOOLS Twin Valley at South Floyd, Ky., 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 HIGH SCHOOLS
Bland County at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Galax at Giles, 7 p.m. George Wythe at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. Graham at Abingdon, 7:30 p.m. James Monroe at Nicholas County, 7:30 p.m. Marion at Tazewell, 7:30 p.m. Midland Trail at PikeView, 7:30 p.m. Mount View at Chapmanville, 7:30 p.m. Princeton at Liberty-Raleigh, 7:30 p.m. Richlands at Bluefield, 7:30 p.m. Summers County at Webster County, 7:30 p.m. Wise Central at Grundy, 7:30 p.m. Wyoming East at River View, 7:30 p.m. Open: Hurley, Narrows. Saturday, Oct. 3 COLLEGES Reinhardt at Bluefield, 1:30 p.m. Old Dominion at Marshall, 3:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech, TBD West Virginia at Oklahoma, TBD WEEK 7 Thursday, Oct. 8 HIGH SCHOOLS Bland County at Narrows, 7 p.m. Hurley at Grundy, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 HIGH SCHOOLS Grayson County at Graham, 7 p.m. Richlands at Tazewell, 7:30 p.m. PikeView at Wyoming East, 7:30 p.m. Montcalm at River View, 7:30 p.m. Mount View at Meadow Bridge, 7:30 p.m. James Monroe at Westside, 7:30 p.m. John I. Burton at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. Independence at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. Open: Bluefield, Princeton, Twin Valley. COLLEGES Southern Mississippi at Marshall, 7 p.m. N.C. State at Virginia Tech, 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 HIGH SCHOOLS Giles at Glenvar, 7 p.m. COLLEGES Georgetown at Bluefield, 1:30 p.m. Virginia-Wise at Concord, 2 p.m. (HC) Oklahoma State at West Virginia, TBD (HC) Virginia at Pittsburgh, TBD WEEK 8 Friday, Oct. 16 HIGH SCHOOLS Fort Chiswell at Narrows, 7 p.m. Galax at Graham, 7 p.m. Grayson County at Bland County, 7 p.m. Radford at Giles, 7 p.m. Van at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Grundy at Richlands, 7:30 p.m. Hurley at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. Meadow Bridge at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. Mount View at Wyoming East, 7:30 p.m. PikeView at River View, 7:30 p.m. Princeton at James Monroe, 7:30 p.m. Open: Bluefield, Tazewell, Twin Valley. Saturday, Oct. 17 COLLEGES Marshall at Florida Atlantic, Noon Concord at Notre Dame, TBD Syracuse at Virginia, TBD (HC) Virginia Tech at Miami, TBD West Virginia at Baylor, TBD Bye: Bluefield
WEEK 9 Friday, Oct. 23 HIGH SCHOOLS Bland County at Graham, 7 p.m. Floyd County at Giles, 7 p.m. Narrows at Galax, 7 p.m. Tug Valley at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Abingdon at Richlands, 7:30 p.m. Bluefield at Oak Hill, 7:30 p.m. Liberty-Raleigh at James Monroe, 7:30 p.m. PikeView at Mount View, 7:30 p.m. River View at Westside, 7:30 p.m. Tazewell at Grundy, 7:30 p.m. Twin Springs at Hurley, 7:30 p.m. Twin Valley at Rye Cove, 7:30 p.m. Wheeling Park at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. Open: Honaker, Summers County, Wyoming East. Saturday, Oct. 24 COLLEGES Shepherd at Concord, noon The Apprentice School at Bluefield, 1 p.m. (HC) North Texas at Marshall, 3 p.m. (HC) Duke at Virginia Tech, TBD (HC) Virginia at North Carolina, TBD Bye: West Virginia WEEK 10 Thursday, Oct. 29 COLLEGES West Virginia at Texas Christian, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 HIGH SCHOOLS Galax at Bland County, 7 p.m. Giles at Eastern Montgomery, 7 p.m. Graham at Fort Chiswell, 7 p.m. Montcalm at Phelps, Ky., 7 p.m. Grundy at Ridgeview, 7:30 p.m. Honaker at Twin Valley, 7:30 p.m. Narrows at Grayson County, 7 p.m. James Monroe at Bluefield, 7:30 p.m. Nicholas County at PikeView, 7:30 p.m. Phelps, Ky. at Hurley, 7:30 p.m. Princeton at Greenbrier East, 7:30 p.m. Richlands at Lebanon, 7:30 p.m. Summers County at Richwood, 7:30 p.m. Tazewell at Abingdon, 7:30 p.m. Westside at Mount View, 7:30 p.m. Wyoming East at Independence, 7:30 p.m. Open: River View. Saturday, Oct. 31 COLLEGES Concord at Glenville State, 1 p.m. Cumberlands at Bluefield, 1:30 p.m. Georgia Tech at Virginia, TBD Marshall at Charlotte, TBD Virginia Tech at Boston College, TBD WEEK 11 Friday, Nov. 6 HIGH SCHOOLS Bland County at Fort Chiswell, 7 p.m. Giles at Auburn, 7 p.m. Graham at Narrows, 7 p.m. Midland Trail at Montcalm, 7 p.m. Hurley at Twin Valley, 7:30 p.m. Lebanon at Tazewell, 7:30 p.m. Liberty-Raleigh at Wyoming East, 7:30 p.m. Mount View at Summers County, 7:30 p.m. Point Pleasant at Princeton, 7:30 p.m. Ridgeview at Honaker, 7:30 p.m. River View at James Monroe, 7:30 p.m.
Wayne at Bluefield, 7:30 p.m. Open: Grundy, PikeView, Richlands. Saturday, Nov. 7 COLLEGES West Virginia State at Concord, noon Bluefield at Union, 7 p.m. Marshall at Middle Tennessee, TBD Texas Tech at West Virginia, TBD Virginia at Miami, TBD Bye: Virginia Tech WEEK 12 Thursday, Nov. 12 COLLEGES Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 or Saturday, Nov. 14 HIGH SCHOOLS West Virginia High School playoffs, first round Virginia High School playoffs, first round (Fri or Sat) COLLEGES Saturday, Nov. 14 Kentucky Christian at Bluefield, 1:30 p.m. Florida International at Marshall, TBD Texas at West Virginia, TBD Virginia at Louisville, TBD WEEK 13 Friday, Nov. 20 or Saturday, Nov. 21 HIGH SCHOOLS West Virginia High School playoffs, second round Virginia High School playoffs, second round (Fri or Sat) Saturday, Nov. 21 COLLEGES Duke at Virginia, TBD North Carolina at Virginia Tech, TBD West Virginia at Kansas, TBD Bye: Marshall WEEK 14 Friday, Nov. 27 COLLEGES Marshall at Western Kentucky, noon Friday, Nov. 20 or Saturday, Nov. 21 HIGH SCHOOLS West Virginia High School playoffs, semifinals Virginia High School playoffs, third round (Fri or Sat) Saturday, Nov. 28 Iowa State at West Virginia, TBD Virginia Tech at Virginia, TBD WEEK 15 Friday, Dec. 4 HIGH SCHOOLS West Virginia, Class AA state championship game, at Wheeling Saturday, Dec. 5 COLLEGES West Virginia at Kansas State, TBD ACC Championship Game, TBD (at Charlotte) C-USA Championship Game , TBD (at TBD) HIGH SCHOOLS West Virginia, Class A, AAA state championship games, at Wheeling Virginia High School playoffs, semifinals WEEK 16 Saturday, Dec. 12 HIGH SCHOOLS Virginia High School, 1A, 2A championship games, at Salem
It’s official: BDT Blitz 2015 kicks off football season By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph
BLUEFIELD — Another football season has arrived. That means it is time for Blitz 2015, an annual tradition that many newspapers have stopped, but not this one. We hope this is an enjoyable beginning to the upcoming season, which will begin on Thursday and will conclude in December, hopefully with local teams competing for state or even national championships. August is always a busy time at the Daily Telegraph. The Appalachian League season is winding down, and other high school and college sports are beginning, but football must come first. (All Pride edition stories are also due at the same time). Our staff of three — and plenty of others who step in and help — began tackling this 48-page issue in early August, days after practice begins. Actually, this article was started in late June to get ahead for a change. Much like last season, we will be short-handed by one, with one of our reporters leaving us this month. The process of finding a third person to replace Bob Redd is ongoing, but the football season must go on. What follows are photos, features and schedules for each of the area high school and all six of the regional college football teams. We also include the rosters for each of the high school teams, but please understand the numbers change often at some schools, but it is at least a guide. There are also other features, such as looking at the best of the
Asking the questions....
upcoming high school and college games. There are conference previews for the ACC, Big 12, Conference USA, Mountain East and Mid-South. There will also be a look at how the local teams have stood for the last 14 years, along with a composite schedule that starts on Thursday and goes to the end of the season. This will be the 15th season of the Pocahontas Coal Association/ Bluefield Daily Telegraph player of the week and year award. Listed are the top candidates to be honored, but that doesn't mean someone else won't also get recognized. What are the storylines this season? There are two for sure, leading with Graham, which replaced Mike Williams as head coach with former G-Men star and longtime assistant Tony Palmer. Don't forget Wes Eddy, who has taken over the reins at Princeton from Randy Peek. Wyoming East also made a change, with Donald Jewell taking the place of Gary Poindexter. There will be one team missing from this publication. Haysi closed its doors after last season, and has combined with Clintwood to create Ridgeview High School. No team won a state championship last season, although Richlands was an overtime loss to Wilson Memorial away from advancing to the 2A state title game. Both Haysi and Honaker also reached the 1A state semifinals. Giles, which was 15-0 en route to the 2013 state title, saw its win streak end at 27 with a loss in the
Staff photo by Eric DiNovo
Daily Telegraph sports reporter Tom Bone interviews Bland County senior Dustin Pennington during the Bears’ media day on Aug. 14 at the football fields in Bastian, Va.
Staff photo by Eric DiNovo
Answering the questions... Daily Telegraph sports editor Brian Woodson listens to answers provided by Richlands football coach Greg Mance on Aug. 13 at Ernie Hicks Stadium. 2A quarterfinals to eventual champion Glenvar. No team on the West Virginia side won a playoff game. Only two teams advanced to the postseason, with Bluefield and Wyoming East dropping first round games. Who will be the teams to beat this season? Here is guessing it will be the usual teams, led by Bluefield in West Virginia and Richlands on Virginia. College football hasn't been forgotten either. The personal favorite of mine, there is no greater sport out there, including the NFL, in my opinion. What a season last year was for Concord, which finished 13-1 and advanced all the way to the NCAA Division II semifinals. How about Bluefield College breaking through with three wins. We also didn’t forget Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Marshall or even Virginia. Football Friday Night is a big deal in Four Seasons Country, and anywhere else high school football is played. We, at the Daily Telegraph, try to treat it that way. We try to do as many in-depth previews or at least capsules of each upcoming game, and run a story on the games as well. Our football website, bdtblitz.com, is also available for use. We try to provide in-depth coverage for a "Game of the Night" and then do as much as we can on the rest of the games. The site will include features
and previews done from preseason to the end of the season, along with game stories, standings, scores, team photos and much more. It can be a bear to update, especially after a late Friday night of football, but we try the best we can. Also, we are also doing "Pigskin Pickers" again this season. Give it a shot. Just let us know you want to be involved and we will see how you stack up against the rest of us. The Pickers usually run in the Daily Telegraph on Friday, and will include your picture, nickname, and combined records of the participants throughout the season. We do, however, need help with our coverage. We can't get to every game. With a staff of three, and a few correspondents, that doesn't compute. That is where we need help. Coaches are urged to cooperate with us. I usually try to contact each coach of games we won't be at it, and beg for a call-in. Some do, others forget about it. It doesn't take long, and gives your kids a chance to get their names in the paper. That matters to them. Please call by 11 p.m. on a Friday night. Most coaches get an assistant or stat keeper to do it. That is fine, just let us know what happened, a scoring summary if possible, a few stats and we can get by. That also helps for the weekly award that we do. We need help with statistics, and candidates for
CONTENTS ACC Preview.....................................32 Big 12 Preview..................................31 Bland County Bears..........................16 Blitz Introduction................................3 Bluefield Beavers...............................6 Bluefield College Rams.....................30 Concord Mountain Lions...................29 Conference USA Preview..................33 Friday college football.......................39 Giles Spartans..................................15 Graham G-Men..................................7 Grundy Golden Wave........................19 High School facts page.....................36 High School lookahead......................4 Honaker Tigers.................................22 Hurley Rebels...................................20 James Monroe Mavericks.................18 Marshall Thundering Herd................28 Mid-South Conference preview.........35 Montcalm Generals...........................17 Mount View Golden Knights..............12 Mountain East Conference preview..34 Narrows Green Wave........................14 PikeView Panthers............................11 Player of Week...................................5 Princeton Tigers................................10 Richlands Blue Tornado.....................7 River View Raiders............................13 Summers County Bobcats................23 Tazewell Bulldogs...............................8 Tennessee Volunteers......................45 Top college games............................38 Top high school games.....................37 Twin Valley Panthers.........................21 Virginia Cavaliers..............................27 Virignia Tech Hokies.........................26 Week-by-Week Schedules................46 West Virginia Mountaineers..............25 Wyoming East Warriors....................24 BDT BLITZ 2015 a product of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, a CNHI newspaper. The Daily Telegraph sports staff: Brian Woodson bwoodson@bdtonline.com / Twitter @bdtwoodson Tom Bone tbone@bdtonline.com / Twitter @BDTBone Bob Redd (is now Sports Information Director at Bluefield College) Publisher: Randy Mooney Editor: Samantha Perry Sports Editor: Brian Woodson Cover Design: Lisa McDaniel Photographers: Eric DiNovo, Jon Bolt Contributing reporters: Lloyd Combs, Anthony Stevens, Dan Stillwell, The Register-Herald. Contributed photos: Anthony Stevens, Emily Ball, Roger Shrewsbury, The Virginia Mountaineer, The Register-Herald, Athletic departments at WVU, Va Tech and Marshall.
those honors. It is difficult enough to pick a winner from our limited collection of information from various games, but we need folks to report outstanding performances that we may have missed. That is why a call, email, text or tweet is helpful. Please help. Anything to make sure everyone is getting a fair chance. Call 304-327-2813, email sports@bdtonline.com or just send me a note at @bdtwoodson to provide information. If a text will work, I will get you my personal phone number. That's enough for now. Read on, and let's play ball, pigskin-style.