Friday, August 24, 2018
2018 FOOTBALL
Comprehensive Coverage of All 25 Regional Football Teams
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West Virginia High School Football Teams Bluefield Beavers Location: Bluefield, W.Va. Home: Mitchell Stadium Seasons: 101 (1909-11, ‘13, ‘22-2018) Games: 1,008 Overall record: 659-326-23 .665 State Championships: 11 2017 record: 14-0 Head coach: Fred Simon (33rd, 253-122, .675) Preview: Page 6
Preview: Page 12
Location: Lindside, W.Va. Home: H.E. Comer Jr. Sports Complex Seasons: 25 (1994-2018) Games: 272 Overall record: 181-91 .665 State championships: 0 2017 record: 8-3 Head coach: Chris Booth (first season) Preview: Page 23
Location: Montcalm, W.Va. Home: Prudich Stadium Seasons: 24 (1995-2018) Games: 222 Overall record: 46-176 .207 State championships: 0 2017 record: 4-5 Head coach: Adam Havens (first season) Preview: Page 14
Location: Bradshaw, W.Va. Home: Mitchell Estep Field Seasons: 9 (2010-18) Games: 84 Overall record: 34-49-1 .411 State championships: 0 2017 record: 2-8 Head coach: George Kennedy (first season) Preview: Page 13
Location: Welch, W.Va. Home: Vic Nystrom Stadium Seasons: 41 (1987-2018) Games: 407 Overall record: 171-236 .420 State championships: 0 2017 record: 4-6 Head coach: Larry Thompson (5th, 10-30, .250).
James Monroe Mavericks
Montcalm Generals
River View Raiders
Mount View Golden Knights
Summers County Bobcats
PikeView Panthers
Location: Hinton, W.Va. Home: Bill Garten Stadium Seasons: 102 (1911,’15-16, 20-’94 as Hinton; ‘95-2018, as Summers County) Games: 985 Overall record: 503-452-30 .526 State championships: 2 2017 record: 8-5 Head coach: Chris Vicars (2nd, 8-5, .615) Preview: Page 26
Location: Gardner, W.Va. Home: Ben Disibbio Athletic Complex Seasons: 25 (1994-2018) Games: 245 Overall record: 65-180 .265 State championships: 0 2017 record: 7-3 Head coach: Bobby Wyatt (7th, 16-44, .267) Preview: Page 8
Wyoming East Warriors
Princeton Tigers Location: Princeton, W.Va. Home: Hunnicutt Stadium Seasons: 95 (1924-2018) Games: 924 Overall record: 441-459-24 .490 State championships: 0 2017 record: 1-9 Head coach: Chris Pedigo (2nd, 1-9, .100) Preview: Page 5
Location: New Richmond, W.Va. Home: The WarZone Seasons: 21 (1998-2018) Games: 214 Overall record: 106-108 .495 State championships: 1 2017 record: 2-8 Head coach: Donald Jewell (4th, 8-22, .267) Preview: Page 32
West Virginia College Football Teams Concord Mountain Lions Location: Athens, W.Va. Home: Callaghan Stadium Seasons: 96 (1922-2018) Games: 888 Overall record: 422-436-30 .492 National championships: 0 2017 record: 2-9 Head coach: Paul Price (3rd, 4-18, .182) Preview: Page 30 Mountain East Conference Preview: Page 41
Marshall Thundering Herd
Location: Huntington, W.Va. Home: Joan C. Edwards Stadium Seasons: 122 (1895-2018) Games: 1,167 Overall record: 582-537-48 .519 National championships: 2 (1-AA) 2017 record: 8-5 Head coach: Doc Holliday (9th, 61-42, .592) Preview: Page 28 Conference USA Preview: Page 34
West Virginia Mountaineers
Location: Morgantown, W.Va. Home: Milan-Puskar Stadium Seasons: 126 (1891-2018) Games: 1,280 Overall record: 744-491-45 .599 National championships: 0 2017 record: 7-6 Head coach: Dana Holgorsen (8th, 53-37, .589) Preview: Page 26 Big 12 Conference Preview: Page 36
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 3
Virginia High School Football Teams Grundy Golden Wave
Bland County Bears
Location: Grundy, Va. Home: Nelson Memorial Field Seasons: 93 (1926-2018) Games: 837 Overall record: 371-437-29 .461 State championships: 0 2017 record: 7-4 Head coach: Craig Plymal (3rd, 14-8. .636) Preview: Page 17
Location: Rocky Gap, Va. Home: Bland County Athletic Fields, Bastian Seasons: 17th (1992-2018) Games: 270 Overall record: 96-174, .356 State championships: 0 2017 record: 3-8 Head coach: Harris Hart (15th, 53-82, .393) Preview: Page 11
Honaker Tigers Location: Honaker, Va. Home: Fuller Field at Emats Stadium Seasons: 71 (1930-1945, 1961-2018) Games: 656 Overall record: 321-322-13 .499 State championships: 0 2017 record: 4-7 Head coach: Doug Hubbard (36th, 222-163-1, .576) Preview: Page 31
Giles Spartans Location: Pearisburg, Va. Home: Stephen C. Ragsdale Stadium Seasons: 58 (1961-2018) Games: 636 Overall record: 409-218-9 .650 State championships: 3 2017 record: 9-3 Head coach: Jeff Williams (11th, 91-29, .700) Preview: Page 25
Hurley Rebels
Location: Hurley, Va. Home: Smiley Ratliff Field at The Cliff Seasons: 67 (1946, 1951-2018) Games: 629 Overall record: 286-329-14 .460 State championships: 0 2017 record: 7-6 Head coach: Anthony Church (first season) Preview: Page 20
Graham G-Men Location: Bluefield, Va. Home: Mitchell Stadium Seasons: 93 (1926-2018) Games: 925 Overall record: 532-355-38 .596 State championships: 3 2017 record: 11-2 Head coach: Tony Palmer (4th, 28-10, .744) Preview: Page 7
Twin Valley Panthers Location: Pilgrim’s Knob, Va. Home: Twin Valley Elementary/Middle School Seasons: 18 (2001-2018) Games: 175 Overall record: 49-126 .280 State championships: 0 2017 record: 3-7 Head coach: Jeremy Ward (first season) Preview: Page 30
Narrows Green Wave Location: Narrows, Va. Home: Harry Ragsdale Field Seasons: 91 (1917, ‘19, ‘27 19312018) Games: 859 Overall record: 436-393-30 .525 State championships: 0 2017 record: 11-2 Head coach: Kelly Lowe (16th, 67-93, .479) Preview: Page 24
Richlands Blue Tornado Location: Richlands, Va. Home: Emats Field at Ernie Hicks Stadium Seasons: 92 (19262018) Games: 926 Overall record: 528-36434 .589 State championships: 2 2017 record: 4-7 Head coach: Greg Mance (22nd, 190-69, .734) Preview: Page 19
Tazewell Bulldogs Location: Tazewell, Va. Home: Witten Field/Bulldog Stadium Seasons: 92 (1926-2018) Games: 904 Overall record: 473-402-29 .539 State championships: 1 2017 record: 3-7 Head coach: J’me Harris (2nd, 3-7, .300) Preview: Page 18
Virginia College Football Teams Bluefield College Rams Location: Bluefield, Va. Home: Mitchell Stadium Seasons: 6 (2012-2018; 20, 1922-41); Total 26 Games: 66 (‘12-18); 139 (‘22-41); Total 205 Overall record: 11-55 .167 (‘12-18); 75-59-5 .558 (‘22-41); Overall 86-114-5 .432 National championships: 0 2017 record: 6-5 Head coach: Dewey Lusk (2nd, 6-5, ,545) Preview: Page 31 Mid-South Conference Preview: Page 42
Virginia Cavaliers Location: Charlottesville, Va. Home: Scott Stadium Seasons: 129 (1888-2018) Games: 1,292 Overall record: 649-595-48 .521 National championships: 0 2017 record: 6-7 Head coach: Bronco Mendenhall (3rd, 8-17, .320) Preview: Page 29 Atlantic Coast Conference Preview: Page 38
Virginia Tech Hokies Location: Blacksburg, Va. Home: Lane Stadium Seasons: 125 (1982-2018) Games: 1,225 Overall record: 724-455-46 .610 National championships: 0 2017 record: 9-4 Head coach: Justin Fuente (3rd, 19-8, .704) Preview: Page 27 Atlantic Coast Conference Preview: Page 37
4 | Friday, August 24, 2018
Bluefield Daily Telegraph 304-327-2813 / 800-763-2459 sports@bdtonline.com Please call in game reports, statistics, schedule changes, etc. to the Daily Telegraph
Bluefield Daily Telegraph Sports Staff/Photographers
Brian Woodson
Tom Bone
George Thwaites
Eric DiNovo
Jessica Nuzzo
Virginia District, Region affiliations / West Virginia State classifications Virginia Black Diamond District: Council, Grundy, Honaker, Hurley, Twin Valley. Cumberland District: John I. Burton, Castlewood, Eastside, Rye Cove, Twin Springs, Thomas Walker. Hogoheegee District: Chilhowie, Patrick Henry-Glade Spring, Holston, Northwood. Mountain District: Abingdon, John Battle, Central-Wise, Gate City, Lee, Ridgeview, Union. Mountain Empire District: Auburn, Bland County, Fort Chiswell, Galax, Grayson County, Rural Retreat, George Wythe. Pioneer District: Bath County, Covington, Craig County, Eastern Montgomery, Highland, Narrows, Parry McCluer, Southwest District: Graham, Lebanon, Marion, Richlands, Tazewell, Virginia High. Three Rivers District: Alleghany, Carroll County, Floyd County, Giles, Glenvar, James River, Radford. Class 2, Region D (13 schools): Graham, Richlands, Tazewell (John Battle, Central-Wise, Gate City, Grayson County, Lebanon, Lee, Marion, Ridgeview, Union, Virginia High). Class 2, Region C (13): Giles
(Appomattox, Buckingham County, Chatham, Dan River, Floyd County, Fort Chiswell, Glenvar, Gretna, James River-Buchanan, Nelson County, Martinsville, Radford. Class 1, Region D (15 schools): Council (no football), Grundy, Honaker, Hurley, Twin Valley (John I. Burton, Castlewood, Chilhowie, Eastside, Patrick HenryGlade Spring, Holston, Northwood, Rye Cove, Twin Springs, Thomas Walker. Class 1, Region C (12): Bland County, Narrows (Auburn, Bath County, Covington, Craig County, Eastern Montgomery, Galax, Highland County (no football), Parry McCluer, Rural Retreat, George Wythe). West Virginia Class AAA (29 schools): Princeton (1,018, fifth smallest AAA in state). Cabell Midland (1,965), Morgantown (1,808), Parkersburg (1,798), Huntington (1,658), Parkersburg South (1,576), Musselman (1,525), Jefferson (1,515), Wheeling Park (1,514), Woodrow Wilson (1,351), Martinsburg (1,313), Capital (1,275), University (1,264), Spring Mills (1,252), Hurricane (1,237), Hedgesville (1,228), Riverside (1,207), Preston (1,205),
Washington (1,172), Greenbrier East (1,171), George Washington (1,098), John Marshall (1,082), Spring Valley (1,050), BuckhannonUpshur (1,037), Hampshire (1,036), St. Albans (1,012), South Charleston (968), Brooke (963), Ripley (933). Class AA (44): PikeView (693, 21st in state), Bluefield (675, 24th), Wyoming East (542, 5th smallest AA in state), James Monroe (524, 4th smallest AA), River View (498, 3rd smallest AA). Lincoln County (871), Winfield (861), Oak Hill (851), Shady Spring (849), Elkins (833), Fairmont Senior (811), Robert C. Byrd (780, North Marion (775), Herbert Hoover (770), Bridgeport (762), Nitro (759), Lewis County (757), Logan (757), Point Pleasant (751), East Fairmont (746), Nicholas County (720), Berkeley Springs (719), Wayne (715), Mingo Central (699), Chapmanville (694), Scott (682), Philip Barbour (680), Keyser (670), Roane County (668), Sissonville (637), Grafton (636), Westside (633), Weir (628), Independence (628), Braxton County (580), Frankfort (566), Liberty-Raleigh (564), Lincoln (562), Liberty-Harrison (557), Poca (552), Clay County (551), Oak Glen (544), Petersburg (466), Man (460).
Class A (54 schools) Mount View (420, 3rd largest A in state), Summers County (401, 11th), Montcalm (218, 34th). Ravenswood (433, largest), Tyler Consolidated (422), Sherman (416), Magnolia (414), Williamstown (413), Webster County (412), Tolsia (410), Ritchie County (409), Moorefield (406), Greenbrier West (392), South Harrison (391), St. Mary’s (391), Richwood (383), Tug Valley (366), Doddridge County (342), Buffalo (341), Midland Trail (338), Tucker County (333), Fayetteville (326), Pocahontas County (310), ValleyFayette (302), Wirt County (301), Calhoun (293), Pendleton County (276), Gilmer County (271), Wheeling Central (257), Tygarts Valley (247), Wahama (246), East Hardy (243), Cameron (240), ClayBattelle (230), Charleston Catholic (210), Hannan (196), Madonna (179), Valley- Wetzel (177), Meadow Bridge (165), Huntington St. Joseph (152), Notre Dame (145), Van (140), Paden City (115), Bishop Donahue (107), Hundred (106), Parkersburg Catholic (106), Trinity (103), Greater Beckley Christian (94), Union Educational Complex (68), Paw Paw (65), Harman (36), West Virginia School for the Deaf (30), Pickens (15), West Virginia School for the Blind (13).
2018 BDT BLITZ
Contents High Schools Bland County Bears............................11 Bluefield Beavers..................................6 Giles Spartans....................................25 Graham G-Men....................................7 Grundy Golden Wave.........................17 Honaker Tigers...................................31 Hurley Rebels.....................................20 James Monroe Mavericks...................23 Montcalm Generals.............................14 Mount View Golden Knights...............12 Narrows Green Wave.........................24 PikeView Panthers................................8 Princeton Tigers....................................5 Richlands Blue Tornado.......................19 River View Raiders.............................13 Summers County Bobcats..................26 Tazewell Bulldogs...............................18 Twin Valley Panthers...........................30 Virginia football teams..........................3 West Virginia football teams.................2 Wyoming East Warriors.......................32 Colleges Bluefield Rams....................................42 Concord Mountain Lions.....................41 Marshall Thundering Herd...................35 Virginia Cavaliers................................38 Virginia Tech Hokies............................37 West Virginia Mountaineers.................36 College Conferences/Previews ACC Preview.......................................40 Big 12 Preview.....................................39 Conference USA Preview....................34 Mid-South Conference Preview..........44 Mountain East Conference.................43 The Rest Blitz Index.............................................4 More prep records...9, 16,.21, 22, 29, 33 Player of Week info.............................29 Prep coaching records.........................45 Records vs. 2018 opponents..............15 2017 All-FSC football team.................29 Selected Virginia districts......................4 Top college football games.................34 Top high school football games..........27 Virginia, West Virginia classes..............4 Week-by-Week schedules..................46 BDT BLITZ 2018 a product of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, A CNHI newspaper ••• The Daily Telegraph sports staff: Brian Woodson bwoodson@bdtonline.com Tom Bone tbone@bdtonline.com George Thwaites gthwaites@bdtonline.com • • • Publisher: Randy Mooney Editor: Samantha Perry Sports Editor: Brian Woodson Cover Design: Leigh McVey Staff photographers: Eric DiNovo, Jessica Nuzzo ••• Contributing reporters: Lloyd Combs, The Virginia Mountaineer; Tyler Jackson, The Register-Herald, Anthony Stevens, The Lebanon News; Dan Stillwell, The Register-Herald Contributing photographers: The Register-Herald, Bristol Herald Courier, The Lebanon News Contributing stats: Rick Baker
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 5
Princeton Tigers
The Games
Aug. 24 Buckhannon-Upshur 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at Bluefield 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Parkersburg South 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Musselman 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Graham 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Ripley 7 p.m. Oct. 12 James Monroe 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Wheeling Park 7 p.m. Oct. 26 Greenbrier East 7 p.m. Nov. 2 Brooke 7 p.m.
Tigers determined to achieve success for ‘Big Jo’ By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph
PRINCETON — Stay healthy Tigers. Princeton could have the potential to be a contender for a postseason berth, but injuries could prove to be a problem. “Praying for no injuries. We don’t have a lot of linemen, we feel like we will be OK and the guys are working extremely hard,” Princeton second year head coach
Chris Pedigo said. “I am proud of them. We have just got to pray we don’t have any injuries because if we get some injuries it would make for a long year. We have got some young kids, but they are not quite ready yet.” Princeton already had an off-field injury, with junior Josiah Gore hospitalized in Roanoke after being severely injured in an ATV accident earlier this month. The Tigers are dedicating the season to Gore, who would have been a three-year
starter on the defensive line. “It is about ‘Big Jo,’” Princeton junior captain Aaron Edwards said. “It is for him this season, man. We are really going to miss him on the field, he is our man.” Much has changed since last year’s 1-9 campaign, including an entire new spread offensive attack, which will be led by junior quarterback Ranson Graham, who replaces Devon Sibley, who carried the Tigers on offense last season. “He is doing a great job of lis-
tening and learning what we are asking him to do, which is a totally different style from what we have done in the past,” Pedigo said. “He can run with the football, he is doing a good job of throwing the football. In this offense we are running we have to make reads and he is doing a good job with that. Obviously we have still got a long ways to go with what we are trying to do, but as we have evolved
Achieve, 10
The Tigers No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 1 Chiron Cannady WR/DB 6’2 177 Sr. 2 Cameron Shumate RB/DB 5’7 145 Sr. 3 Tyler Smith RB/DB 5’7 165 Sr. 4 Justin Akers RB/DB 5’8 170 Sr. 5 Jacob Holston TE/LB 6’1 220 Sr. 6 Ethan Parsons WR/DB 6’3 170 So. 7 AJ Jenkins WR/LB 6’1 160 Jr. 8 Brady Martin TE/DE 6’1 180 Jr. 9 Tanner Powers WR/LB 5’10 170 Jr. 10 Ranson Graham QB/DB 5’10 175 Jr. 12 Reece Burton QB/LB 5’6 135 Fr. 15 Jordan Bailey QB/DB 5’7 150 Fr. 19 Steven Lugo WR/DB 5’6 135 Sr. 20 Elijah Padgett RB/LB 5’10 150 So. 21 Amir Powell RB/DB 6’0 170 So. 22 Ta’Vahjay Smith WR/DB 5’8 160 Fr. 23 Aaron Edwards RB/LB 5’10 210 Jr. 26 Khamrin Hurte RB/DB 5’7 132 Fr. 27 Caleb Burress RB/LB 5’7 156 Fr. 28 Devin Vest RB/LB 5’8 185 Jr. 29 Brennon Anderson TELB 5’11 185 Sr. 32 Peyton Clemons WR/DB 5’6 118 Fr. 34 Noah Basham RB/LB 5’7 170 Fr. 35 Connor Padgett WR/DB 5’6 110 Fr. 36 Carter Mays TE/LB 5’8 135 Fr. 38 Brandon Belcher RB/LB 5’6 147 Fr. 40 Louis Torrifiel WR/DB 5’8 128 Fr. 42 Joe Barton G/DE 6’0 200 Sr. 45 Jon Higginbotham WR/DB 5’6 130 Fr. 50 Jaylin Gore OT/LB 6’0 195 Jr. 51 Ja’marien Howard OG/LB 5’3 175 So. 52 Corey Nelson OT/LB 5’11 255 Sr. 55 Khayman York OG/DT 5’10 220 Sr. Tigers, 10
Have a Safe Season!
Good Luck to our Hometown Tigers in 2018!
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6 | Friday, August 24, 2018
Bluefield Beavers
The Games
Aug. 24 at Graham Aug. 31 Princeton Sept. 14 Greenbrier East Sept. 21 at Tazewell Sept. 28 at Richlands Oct. 5 at PikeView Oct. 12 Lord Botetourt Oct. 19 Oak Hill Oct. 26 at James Monroe Nov. 2 at Woodrow Wilson
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Beavers No. Name
State championship repeat the goal for Beavers By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph
BLUEFIELD — It is hard to do much better than 14-0 and Class AA state champions. The task ahead now is to do it all over again. “The whole year was amazing. That is something you don’t ever forget,” Bluefield head coach Fred Simon said. “For our bunch to experience something like that,
you are going to have to be the same as that. Mentally, you are going to have to be very focused and be very disciplined and self-controlled for all that to happen. “If it doesn’t happen then we are going to get our feelings hurt at some point. We will see what it is and I hope it doesn’t happen. It worked out last year so we will see.” Only five seniors departed after
last season, although that includes Kennedy Award winner Mookie Collier (Marshall) and first-team all-state performer Jason “Truck” Edwards (Pittsburgh), both of whom are now playing Division I football. “All of them in their own little way were very instrumental because they were never a problem, they did everything we asked them to do, they cared about winning, they cared about the team,” Simon said.
“The talent of the two, between Mookie and Truck, you don’t replace two like that. You just hope that you have something close.” Bluefield, which averaged 45.4 points per game last season, will be led by an interior line that could look college-like, including center Mason Walker (6’6, 280), guards Deiyantei Powell-Woods (6’5, 279) and Nathan Pettus (6’2, 267), along with tackle Sean Martin (6’6, 227)
Goal, 9
Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr.
2 Ronnell Blevins WR/DB 5’11 175 Sr. 3 Isaiah Johnson WR/DB 6’1 182 So. 4 Arnold Martin FB/LB 6’0 218 Sr. 5 Tony Webster RB/LB 5’4 164 Jr. 6 Javontae Smith RB/DB 5’7 140 So. 7 Chandler Cooper QB/LB 6’0 191 Sr. 8 Juwaun Green WR/DB 5’10 143 So. 9 Markeice Neal WR/DB 5’10 154 Sr. 10 Jaheim House WR/DB 6’3 170 Jr. 11 Kaulin Parris K/P 6’3 170 Jr. 12 Carson Deeb QB/LB 5’11 206 So. 14 Ethan Jordan WR/DB 5’9 145 So. 15 Kaden Meadows WR/DB 6’0 148 Sr. 16 Dwight Fuller FB/LB 5’10 210 Fr. 18 Logan Hyder WR/DB 5’9 149 So. 19 Raven Simpkins QB/LB 6’2 160 Fr. 20 Shawn Mitchell RB/LB 5’5 153 So. 21 Drake Mullins TE/LB 6’1 207 Sr. 22 Gaige Sisk FB/LB 5’11 160 Fr. 23 Jamere Edwards RB/CB 5’10 173 Sr. 24 Jacob Martin RB/LB 5’9 163 So. 25 Kelsey Nichols WR/DB 5’7 165 Sr. 28 Javon (JJ) Davis RB/LB 6’2 193 Jr. 30 Imir Dowell WR/DB 5’3 103 So. 31 Gillis Walker TE/DE 5’11 174 So. 32 Jaeon Flack RB/DB 5’9 147 Fr. 33 Jacorian Green RB/DB 5’11 147 Fr. 34 Chance Johnson WR/DB 5’9 134 Fr. 35 Marq. Saunders RB/DB 5’9 140 Fr. 40 Dazhaun Giles WR/DB 5’7 134 So. 42 Brandon Wiley WR/LB 5’8 141 So. 44 Logan Mounts TE/LB 5’9 168 Sr. 45 Bristol Thompson OL/DL 5’10 165 Jr. 50 Ross Simon OL/DL 5’8 191 So.
Beavers, 9
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Friday, August 24, 2018 | 7
GRAHAM G-MEN
The Games
Aug. 24 Bluefield 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Tazewell* 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at Giles 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Central-Wise 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Sept. 28 Princeton 7 p.m. Oct. 5 Lebanon* Oct. 11 (Thurs) at Virginia High* 7 p.m. Oct. 18 (Thurs) Richlands* 7 p.m. Oct. 26 Fort Chiswell 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at Marion* *Southwest District game
The G-Men
Offseason distractions no longer a concern to G-Men By GEORGE THWAITES Bluefield Daily Telegraph
BLUEFIELD, Va. — During the off-season, the Graham High School football team couldn’t help but notice the political football being kicked around regarding the ultimate disposition of Bluefield’s historic Mitchell Stadium. At stake was the facility’s ongoing association with the G-Men, who’ve called it their home field for decades. It’s a convoluted narrative, but for the time being, at least, it’s no longer an issue for Graham. An
anonymous donor picked up the school’s tab for the 2018 season and the G-Men won’t be borrowing any other Tazewell County facilities this year. “When I heard that we were supposed to play in Tazewell, I was really discouraged,” said Graham senior quarterback Cam Allen. “Once we got out here I just knew the community was going to be behind us and they wanted us to be here.” G-Men head coach Tony Palmer has nine seniors returning to a talented team with lofty pre-sea-
son expectations laid upon it. By now, it’s obvious that Palmer has turned things around at Graham in a big way. But the program still has hills to climb and the fewer distractions from the business at hand, the better. “We’ve dealt with multiple distractions during the offseason. The thing is, when you have those type of issues, you’ve got to focus on what you can control, and one thing you can control is your personal work ethic. So we just kept our noses to the grindstone and kept working,” said Palmer, whose
team wrapped up an 11-2 campaign for the second consecutive season. “In high school, you’ve got to play the hand that is dealt. We’ve been fortunate to have some good players here over the last few years. That has a lot to do with it. You factor in winning some ballgames. When you win some ballgames, kids get interested in it, the community gets behind you and the next thing you know you’ve got more numbers,” he said. On offense and special teams,
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 1 Jackson Spencer QB/DB 5’9 145 So. 3 Jazaire Reed RB/LB 5’9 215 Sr. 4 Devin Lester RB/DB 5’11 175 Jr. 5 Landon Atkins TE/LB 5’11 210 Jr. 6 Treveese Booker RB/DE 5’8 205 Jr. 7 Colton Wimmer RB/LB 5’10 170 Jr. 8 Xayvion Turner RB/DB 5’8 140 Fr. 9 Ian Repass K/P 6’0 140 Jr. 10 Cameron Allen QB/DB 6’2 185 Sr. 11 Peyton Kiser TE/LB 6’0 210 Jr. 12 Donald Carbaugh TE/LB 6’2 175 Jr. 13 Chris Shinault RB/LB 6’1 200 Sr. 14 David Brown RB/LB 6’0 180 Fr. 15 Zachary Blevins RB/DB 5’11 155 Fr. 16 Noah Bennett WR/DB 5’9 165 Sr. 17 Jacob Dolin RB/DB 5’8 125 So. 19 Isaac Dalton RB/DB 6’2 175 Jr. 20 Isaiah Justice RB/DB 6’2 175 Jr. 21 Zachary Dales RB/DB 5’10 140 Jr. 22 Danny Dales RB/LB 6’0 175 Jr. 23 Ethan Church RB/DB 5’8 125 Fr. 24 Landon Ortiz RB/DB 5’10 155 Fr. 25 Juvonta Reed RB/DB 5’11 240 So. 29 Brenen Salyers RB/DB 5’10 150 Fr. 30 Jackson Ward WR/DB 5’10 140 Fr. 32 Adam Justice WR/DB 5’11 150 Fr. 34 Jayden Hearn WR/DB 5’5 155 Sr. 35 Elijah Mounts WR/DB 5’7 120 Fr. 42 Nathan Presley WR/DB 5’10 155 Fr. 43 Jacob Hounshell FB/LB 5’9 150 Jr. 44 Elijah Sarver OL/LB 5’4 100 Fr.
G-Men, 10
Distractions, 10
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8 | Friday, August 24, 2018
PIKEVIEW PANTHERS
The Games
Aug. 24 Summers County 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Independence 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 Liberty 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at James Monroe 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22 (Sat) at Shady Spring 1 p.m. Sept. 28 at Oak Hill 7 p.m. Oct. 5 Bluefield 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at River View 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 Mount View 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 Clay County 7:30 p.m.
The Panthers
‘Unfinished business’ the theme for PikeView GARDNER — After dwelling for a good while under a cloud of relative indifference, PikeView High School football finds itself to be one of the area’s programs of consequence. Last year, PikeView football narrowly missed slipping into the WVSSAC Class AA playoffs after a 7-3 regular season finish. Its newfound status is probably as fragile as that of a Third World democracy. There hasn’t really been a bandwagon effect. The roster hasn’t swelled with an influx of fresh talent. However, most of the kids who made last year happen have returned to take care of unfinished business. The Panthers appreciate their burgeoning fan following and they are on a mission. “We want to work harder this year and hopefully make the playoffs,” said three-year starting center Logan Price. “We all felt like we should’ve made it and missing it by just that much really made it sting.” Head coach Bobby Wyatt said his roster has seen relatively low attrition since the rigors of preseason camp got underway at the start of August. “We only lost a couple. Our numbers started out at 34 or 35. Once these kids start, we haven’t really
fallen off too bad. The bunch that’s here has kind of held strong. We’re sitting at 33 and I think we’ll probably finish at 33,” Wyatt said. Some Four Seasons Country football fans still may have trouble grasping the concept that PikeView, of all places, has the top returning rusher in our area. Evan Rose is no flash in the pan: he has been a consistent producer since he arrived on the scene. He broke 1,000 yards as a freshman, crossed 1,300 yards as a sophomore and had around 1,600 as a junior. Last year he captured the Panthers’ single game rushing record (361 yards) a week after teammate Hunter Mitchelson re-set the bar at 293. Obviously, he’s being courted by several college football programs. There’s no use pretending that Mitchelson’s graduation isn’t a significant loss: he was also a 1,000plus yard rusher for PikeView lasts season. But Rose is still Rose and another key component in the Panthers’ offensive uprising returns chiefly intact: the big cats. “When you talk about a Logan Price and a Jordan Vaught and a Tanner Hazelwood and then you throw in Jacob Hutchinson and Logan Krauss, all those kids played. Three of those five started every game last year. Five of the five started every game from game six on. It’s not like we don’t have
experience there,” said Wyatt. Rose also has some supporting casts members among the skill players who might collectively help fill the void created by Mitchelson’s exit. Jared Ellison, who missed his sophomore and junior year due to injury has returned for his senior season at quarterback. Junior Ethan Begovich is his backup and While Rose is the obvious focal point of PikeView’s offense, so he will be the focal point of opposing defensive schemes. Diversifying the attack is a priority. “We’ve got to have a passing game,” Wyatt said. “ S o m e h o w, some way we have to be able to throw between five to 10 passes a game and complete four or five of those. We’ll see how it goes.” Sophomores Brent Meadows and Anthony Bisaha — the latter of whom returns to Gardner after a short stint
at Richlands — have both had some nice carries in the preseason. Senior Jacob Honaker earned some street cred in several roles last season and Jacob Duncan could also help take some of the pressure off of Rose. If Begovich isn’t lining up at QB, moss probably won’t be growing on him. These kids also have decent hands, and can step in as slots or receivers. Defensively, the Panthers have some veterans around which to build depth. The defensive front will see contributions from some of the same stalwarts on the OL,
Unfinished, 9
Good Luck to the
Pikeview Panthers & All Area Teams
Princeton Health Care Center
Courthouse Rd. Princeton WV 304-487-3458
132876-1
By GEORGE THWAITES Bluefield Daily Telegraph
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 5 Jerrett Ellison QB/LB 5’10 160 Sr. 7 Matthew Johnston SE/DB 6’0 175 Sr. 10 Ethan Begovich QB/S 5’9 160 Jr. 12 Nicholas HolbertWR/DB 5’10 155 So. 20 Christian Phillips WR/S 5’11 170 Sr. 22 Matthew Lilly K 5’9 150 Jr. 23 Caleb Pritchard WR/DB 5’8 155 Fr. 27 Michael Whittaker RB/LB 5’10 205 Jr. 32 Jacob Honaker RB/LB 6’0 175 Sr. 33 Jacob Duncan RB/LB 5’9 155 Sr. 36 Chase Conner SE/LB 5’8 155 Jr. 39 Nicholas Browning WR/S 5’8 150 So. 40 Brayden Fleeman RB/DB 6’1 170 So. 42 Anthony Bisaha RB/LB 5’9 190 So. 43 Brent Meadows RB/LB 5’8 170 So. 44 Evan Rose RB/LB 5’11 200 Sr. 45 Devyn Burley RB/DB 5’10 165 Sr. 51 Ty Williby OL/DL 5’9 180 Fr. 52 Ronald Helsel OL/DL 5’10 230 Jr. 53 Jacob Hutchinson OL/DL 5’10 225 Sr. 54 Chase Roberts OL/DL 6’2 185 So. 55 Logan Price OL/DL 6’3 255 Sr. 56 Domink Broughton OL/DL 5’8 180 So. 57 Timothy Laxton OL/DL 5’8 170 So. 61 Samuel Mathena OL/DL 5’0 160 Fr. 67 Tyler Tiller OL/DL 6’0 190 Sr. 69 Jordan Vaught OL/DL 6’2 220 Sr. 70 William Hazelwood OL/DL 6’2 230 Jr. 75 Jason Belcher OL/DL 6’0 225 Fr. 76 Matthew Spradlin OL/DL 6’0 220 Fr. 79 Logan Krauss OL/DL 6’2 270 Jr. 81 Brian Keen SE/DB 5’10 170 Sr. 82 Mac Stemple WR/DB 5’10 155 Fr.
High school football record book Compiled by Rick Baker (more to follow)
Prep Records by percentage points t1. Bluefield (101st season) 659-326-23 .665 (1909-11, ‘13, ‘22-2017, 1,008 games) t1. James Monroe (25th season) 181-91 .665 (1994-2017, 272 games) 409-218-9 .650 3. Giles (57th season) (1961-2017, 636 games) 4. Graham (93rd season) 532-355-38 .596 (1926-2017, 925 games) 5. Richlands (92nd season) 528-364-34 .589 (1926-2017, 926 games) 6. Tazewell (92nd season) 473-402-29 .539 (1926-2017, 904 games) 7. Summers County (102nd) 503-452-30, .526 (1911-1916, 1920-1994 as Hinton, 1995-2017 as Summers County, 985 games) 436-393-30 .525 8. Narrows (88th season) (1917, ‘19, ‘27, ‘31-2017, 859 games) 321-322-13 .499 9. Honaker (71st season) (1930-1945, 1961-2017, 656 games)
Unfinished... Continued from 8
but Wyatt is also hoping to see kids like sophomore Chase Roberts and junior Ronald Helsel to fill in so that Wyatt doesn’t have to two-platoon all of his draft hosses. Rose will return at outside linebacker, where he also flourished
Goal...
Continued from 6 and tight end Drake Mullins (6’1, 207). Candidates to fill Julius Gaddy’s tackle position include massive Matthew Peters (6’7, 296) and Derick Flack (6’5, 335). “As long as we can move the ball and we are getting first downs,” Simon said. “We may not have that electrifying 70-yard run, but we will take a 20 here and there, and a 10 and a 5 and a 3 and 3 1/2, 4, something like that, all consistently, then we will be OK.” That unit will be expected to open holes for Jamere “Juice” Edwards, JJ Davis and Arnold Martin, along
10. Wyoming East (21st season) (1998-2017, 214 games) 11. Princeton (95th season) (1924-2017, 924 games) 12. Grundy (93rd season) (1926-2017, 837 games) 13. Hurley (67th season) (1946, ‘51-2017, 629 games) 14. Mount View (41st season) (1978-2017, 407 games) 15. River View (9th season) (2010-2017, 84 games) 16. Bland County (27th season) (1992-2017, 270 games) 17. Twin Valley (18th season) (2001-2017, 175 games) 18. PikeView (25th season) (1994-2017, 245 games) 19. Montcalm (24th season) (1995-2016, 222 games)
last season. Honaker, if fully healthy, will be an asset at that level. Meadows, Bisaha, Duncan and Devyn Burley will also test their mettle at linebacker. The entire secondary returns intact: Begovich, who had six interception, at safety; and Matt Johnston and Brian Keen — the latter of whom was battling a serious infection at the time of this
writing. Some of the aforementioned linebacker candidates are capable of stepping back into the secondary, if necessary. “The only thing that really develops you is getting high school reps. I feel like as we go on if we can stay healthy and not run into that kind of ordeal, we’re going to build some depth as we go through the year,” Wyatt said. “It’s probably
going to take the first two or three games to figure out what we can do to help ourselves depth-wise.” Matthew Lilly, a PikeView soccer crossover, will assume placekicking duties while Rose will continue to handle the punting. “Every school in West Virginia that’s putting on pads and getting ready to play wants to make the playoffs,” Wyatt said.
with protecting Chandler Cooper, who will look to connect with receivers Ronnell Blevins, Isaiah Johnson and Jaheim House. “I do think Chandler will be improved passing the ball. That will be a big key for us because he has a year under his belt and he will have more confidence,” Simon said. “We will throw more, yes we will.” Bluefield, which held all but two teams to 17 or fewer points last season, expects to be stingy again on defense, led by Martin, who recorded 176 tackles while playing alongside Edwards. He will be joined on the inside by Mullins and Logan Mounts, while Markeice Neal, Davis and Cooper will be on
the outside. The interior line will include most of the offensive linemen, along with Alahzjoe Dowell and others. Johnson, Blevins and Edwards will step into a secondary that will be missing the contributions of Collier. Junior Kaulin Parris returns to do the kicking duties for the Beavers. “When we had to have a play (Mookie) made it. Truck was kind of the same. They just found a way to help us win,” said Simon, who expects Weir, Fairmont Senior, Point Pleasant and Bridgeport to be among the threats to a Bluefield repeat. “Players have to step up that didn’t have the opportunity to last year and that is what makes
a team. That is what is exciting about each year. We are going to find out. “It will be a tough regular season, but whoever wins in double-A this year will have had to play their guts out.” Will the Beavers be better too? They might have to be to become the first Bluefield football team to repeat as state champs. “Teamwork with everybody. Everybody on the same page following our team goals,” Simon said. “I think that is the key this year, teamwork with everybody, tight and coordinated and doing the right thing... “I would love to do it and we are going to work towards that.”
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 9
106-108
.495
441-459-24 .490 371-437-29 .461 286-329-14 .460 171-236
.421
34-49-1
.411
96-174
.356
49-126
.280
65-180
.265
46-176
.207
“We have to be realistic here and realize what our goals may be. We were disappointed not to make the playoffs last year. It’s a goal that they’ve set to make the playoffs, but it’s like I told them— we’ve got to win as many football games as we can. We dropped one single A school and now we’re playing eight double-A and one single A. That’ll help a bit in that territory, too.”
Beavers...
Continued from 6 54 Sean Martin OL/DL 6’6 227 Jr. 55 Tyrone Moore OL/DL 5’9 199 So. 56 John Duffy OL/DL 5’8 196 Sr. 57 Mason Walker OL/DL 6’6 280 Sr. 61 Matthew Rolen OL/DL 5’7 126 Fr. 62 Chris Adams OL/DL 5’11 241 Sr. 63 Ashton Hayes OL/DL 5’10 151 Fr. 64 Elijah Powell OL/DL 5’7 278 So. 65 Deiyantei P-Woods OL/DL 6’5 279 Sr. 66 Nathan Pettus OL/DL 6’2 267 Sr. 68 Ethan Spangler OL/DL 5’11 173 Fr. 70 Matthew Peters OL/DL 6’7 296 Jr. 71 Jordan Jones OL/DL 5’9 259 Jr. 72 Daevon Hairston OL/DL 6’1 300 Jr. 73 Garrett Jordan OL/DL 5’11 234 Jr. 75 Robert Nelson OL/DL 5’11 273 Fr. 76 Derick Flack OL/DL 6’5 335 So. 78 Alahzjoe Dowell OL/DL 5’9 300 Sr. 79 Tyler Watson OL/DL 5’11 287 Sr.
10 | Friday, August 24, 2018
Achieve... Continued from 5
he has done everything we have asked and we are proud of him at this point.” Expect touches for lots of different athletes, including running backs Devin Vest and Justin Akers, slotbacks Cameron Shumate, Tyler Smith and Edwards, along with promising receivers Chiron Cannady, Ethan Parsons and AJ Jenkins. Jacob Holston, Brady Martin and Brennon Anderson will see action at tight end. “My goal is if this is working right you are going to see maybe five or six guys that will have 20 or 30 touches by the end of the year,” Pedigo said. “If we are spreading it around we are keeping a lot of
Distractions... Continued from 7
the biggest loss from last year is receiver and defensive back Taymon Cooke, who is at Marshall this fall. The most visible losses from the defensive side of the football are linebacker Dante Vineyard and defensive lineman Ajai Oakes, both of whom have moved on to the next level of play. In spite of those key losses, the G-Men are still brimming with gifted players on both sides of the football. The tip of that returning talent iceberg includes Allen, fellow senior Jazaire Reed and junior Devin Lester. Allen, who started at quarterback for much of last season, is a multifaceted big-play threat who has committed to Purdue University as a defensive back. Reed is a powerful and elusive running back looking to make up for missing most of last season due to a torn ACL. Lester is and all-around skill threat and top returning receiver who quarterbacked the G-Men during a three-week period last season while Allen sat out injured. “Cam is healthy. He’s done a good job this year. He’s put on some weight and it seems like he’s gotten a little bit taller. He’s hit the weight room extremely hard in the off-season. You can tell in his speed and his strength,” said Palmer. “Devin will play multiple posi-
guys involved which keeps it exciting for everybody and it is not as easy to key on what we are trying to do.” That offense will go as the interior line allows, which will be anchored at center by four-year starter Jakeb Lilly. A.J. King, Joe Barton, Malachi Cooper and Klayman York are working at guard, while Corey Nelson and Gore’s cousin, Jaylin Gore, lining up at tackles. Six-foot-8 freshman Logan Stepp could also see playing time in what is a depth-shy position. “We feel like we are going to put a better product on the field, but it all comes down to trying to keep our guys healthy,” Pedigo said. “A lot of it stems from the weight room. We feel like those guys have prepared in the weight room and we hope that preparation will help tions for us this year. He’s a good athlete and we’re going to put him pretty much where we need him. I think he can play every skill position we have, if we need him to. He’s gotten bigger. He’s worked hard during the off-season as well,” Palmer said. Judging from preseason scrimmages, Reed is may be even harder to tackle than he was at the beginning of last season. He loves the new wrinkles that have been folded into the G-Men’s multiple offensive scheme. “I’m not going to say much, but we’ve got a lot of things going on. We’ve got something brand-new and fresh we’re going to try out to see if it works. In my eyes, nine times out of 10 it’s going to work,” said Reed, who noted that the seriousness of the team’s work-ethic mantra belies the G-Men’s fun-loving exteriors. “Finish every play. Finish every game. Finish until the buzzer goes off on the scoreboard. Finish, finish, finish,” Reed said Tre Booker, returned to Graham after a two-season sojourn at Richlands, and fellow senior Chris Shinault provide Palmer with some other rushing options. Joey Dales, Shinault and Isaiah Justice join Lester at the slots, providing Graham with multiple prospects of creating things in space. There are other kids who are going to contribute/ in any number of roles. Palmer is also pleased with what
keep us a little bit better from the injuries.” Defensively, many of the names are the same, although the loss of Gore creates a hole on the line. Lilly will play anywhere on that revamped line, and will be joined at times by Barton, Nelson, York, Cooper and King. Edwards is the leader of the defense for a linebacker corps that will include Jaylin Gore, Elijah Padgett, Edwards, Jenkins, York and Vest. The secondary will include Cannady, Smith — who is a transfer from Huntington — Shumate, Parsons and Akers, all of whom will be running an odd front on defense, a concept favored by former Concord standout and Princeton assistant coach Davon Marion. “He has kind of brought that style
Staff photo by Eric DiNovo
Purdue bound...
Graham senior quarterback has verbally committed to play at Purdue in 2019-20. he’s seeing out of his offensive front. “I’ve liked the work ethic of our linemen, this year. I feel like that’s an area where we needed to improve on and for us to take the next step. I think they’ve worked extremely hard. Gabe Sesco, he’s
here,” Pedigo said. “Our defense played really hard last year, kept us in a lot of ball games. We just weren’t scoring a lot of points.” Nick Whittington, who also plays soccer for the Tigers, will handle the kicking chores. The schedule is difficult as always, with the Tigers playing six road games this season, including five in a row. Don’t look for excuses, just effort and hard work ahead. “Winning more than we lose,” said Pedigo, of the Tigers’ goals for the season ahead. “I am realistic and I think these guys understand we only have one way to go, but they didn’t put this hard work in during the offseason to come out here and just win a couple of games. “We have high expectations, we a returning senior this yer. He’s put on 45 pounds since last football season. He’s 6’7” 278,” Palmer said. Other guys who’ve worked hard during the off-season include Nick DiMarzo (6’1”, 220) and veteran returning center Thomas Wimmer (6’0, 245), who has played multiple sports. Palmer has also been impressed by 6’6”, 268 sophomore Brody Meadows since camp started in August. Between some of the veterans and the newcomers — and the 5’8”, 205 Booker moving in at defensive end — Palmer believes he’ll have a solid foundation up front for a defensive unit that ought to make some noise. “|I think that we’re in a position where we can do multiple things on both sides of the football. Defensively ... I’m excited about our defense. I think we should perform well there if guys do what they’re supposed to do and execute their assignments,” Palmer said. Nick Kastner is a potent force returning at linebacker. Reed was a solid linebacker before he got hurt last year and guys like Juvonta Reed (his younger brother) and Peyton Kiser should prove valuable additions to the defense. Shinault and Isaiah Justice will join proven veterans Allen and Lester in a very talented secondary unit. “Every day we come out here working. We study all the time. We
Tigers...
Continued from 5 56 Malachi Cooper OG/DT 6’0 300 Jr. 58 Riley Kanode OG/DT 5’9 265 Jr. 63 Ben Beckner OT/DT 5’8 225 Jr. 67 Logan Stepp OT/DE 6;8 210 Fr. 70 Josiah Gore DT 6’0 275 Jr. 71 Bryton Combs WR/DB 5’8 128 Fr. 73 A.J. King OG/DE 6’1 230 Sr. 74 Logan Johnson C/DT 5’8 200 Fr. 75 Jakeb Lilly C/DT 5’11 290 Sr. 76 Matt Lewis OG/DT 5’9 325 Fr. 80 Nick Whittington K 5’10 155 Jr. 81 Ali Abdelwahed TE/LB 6’ 175 Jr. 82 Nick Hurt TE/LB 5’7 160 Fr. 84 Jayshawn Woodson WDB 5’11 150 Fr
want to get better. Obviously the playoffs are our goal and we are not going to quit working until we have reached that goal and above and beyond that.”
G-Men...
Continued from 7 50 Ashton Kastner OL/LB 5’10 180 So. 52 Trent Sagady OL/DL 6’2 200 Jr, 54 Nick Kastner OL/LB 6’0 215 Jr. 55 Tyler Brewster OL/LB 5’10 210 Jr. 57 Nicholas DiMarzo OL/LB 6’1 220 Sr. 60 Dylan Mullins OL/DL 5’10 215 Fr. 62 Gabriel Sesco OL/DL 6’7 275 Sr. 63 Keontae Ellison OL/DL 5’11 225 Sr. 66 Ethan Short OL/DL 5’7 150 Fr. 72 Thomas Wimmer OL/DL 6’0 245 Sr. 75 Jahshawn House OL/DL 5’7 230 So. 77 Kayin Carson OL/DL 6’2 295 Jr. 78 Brody Meadows OL/DL 6’2 280 Fr. 80 Jacob Compton WR/DB 6’2 140 Fr. 81 Drake Dishman WR/DB 5’11 120 So. 82 Michael Shinault WR/DB 5’7 160 Fr.
watch film whether we’re here or at home. We’re just making sure that we come together as a group this year and just know what the coaches want us to do and to execute it to the best of our abilities,” Allen said. Dales, a soccer crossover, is likely to handle most of the placekicking duties. But like at most spots on the G-Men depth chart, he still has to keep working to keep his job. “We have to try to take that next step in our program. We’re just trying to get better every year. As players and as a program as a whole. That’s what we’re shooting at,” Palmer said. “Our goal is to be playing on the last double A football game in December. That’s our goal every year,” he said.
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 11
BLAND COUNTY BEARS
The Games
Aug. 24 at Craig County Aug. 31 Narrows Sept. 7 at Northwood Sept. 21 Eastern Montgomery Sept. 28 at Grayson County* Oct. 5 Rural Retreat* Oct. 12 at Auburn* Oct. 19 George Wythe* Oct. 26 at Galax* Nov. 2 Fort Chiswell* *Mountain Empire District game
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 Bears
Bears practicing ‘iron man’ football in season ahead By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph BASTIAN, Va. — There are 29 names on the Bland County Bears football roster, and a limited number of those are gridiron veterans. That means “iron-man” football for several two-way players. A prime example is 6-foot-3 senior Ethan Buchanan, whose job description includes offensive line, defensive end, kicker and, probably, punter. “Some of them won’t come off the field very much, if at all,” said head coach Harris Hart on a hot August 10. He said that facing that challenge underscores the need of “making yourself get in shape, and understanding why you’re having to do the extra work, and just try to get your body ready to play. And it’s difficult, when it’s 85 (or) 90 degrees.” Despite the steamy working conditions, he said about the 2018 Bears, “They’re working hard; they’ve got a great attitude.” Hart said he’d like the offense to run the ball 60 percent of the time, “or even 50-50.” But that is purely theoretical. “That varies so much from week to week for us, especially, depending on who we’re play-
ing, and field conditions,” he said. Four seniors anchor the offensive line: Buchanan, Dakota Burnette, David Coe and Logan Porter. “Those four young men played last year, and for several of them, this is their third year either starting or getting playing time,” Hart said. “The offense we’re running is consistent with what we’ve done the last two years, so they should understand our blocking schemes and understand the calls. That should help as we go through the season.” The same can be said for a corps of running backs that includes seniors Ethan Cook and Ty Ritter and junior Sammy Wright. Hardrunning Nate Saunders, who was hurt early in the 2017 campaign, is back and raring to go for his senior year. “He got injured the second week,” Hart said, “but up to that point he’d been a starter. So we’ve got four young men who’ve gotten a lot of experience.” They will be joined by a new quarterback, either Trey Harden or freshman Tanner Myers. Harden “has stepped up as a junior,” Hart said. “He is a very intelligent young man, and very, very coachable. He works hard.
If something’s not working out in practice, he’s the kind of young man who’s going to stay after practice and try to fix it on his own. (He’s) a lot of fun to be around.” Last year’s signal caller, Jake Watters, chose not to play football this season, Hart said, adding “Jake’s a fine young man and we wish him the best.” “We’ve got to go out with the athletes who are here, and do the best we can.” The defense will feature “an even front, for the most part,” Hart said. The defensive line is pretty well set, with Coe and Porter at the tackle positions and Buchanan and Patrick Christian at the ends — though that was subject to change as the preseason evolved. H a r t said, “Patrick’s really grown and gotten stronger,
over the year. We’ll probably move him around some. He might have to play some on the offensive line (and at) tight end. And he might be split out some. He’s a really good athlete.” The depth chart for the line includes seven other players with varying amounts of football experience. Hart said, “These other young men are coming on and I’m hoping they’ll step up and give us depth, because we’re not in
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 2 Tanner Myers QB-DB 5’3 108 Fr. 3 J.C. Bryan RB-LB 6’1 161 Jr. 4 Blake Buchanan E-DB 6’2 158 Soph. 7 Samuel Bright RB-DB 5’7 138 Jr. 10 Brandon Weidman RB-DB 5’6 131 So. 11 Trey Harden QB-DB-P 6’0 172 Jr. 14 Corey Harden RB-DB 5’10 156 Soph. 15 Jonathan Bright E-OLB 5’7 144 Sr. 22 Ethan Cook RB-OLB 5’9 178 Sr. 23 William Sisk — 5’8 153 Soph. 32 Kalen Morehead — 5’8 172 Fr. 35 Nate Saunders RB-ILB 5’9 245 Sr. 44 Ty Ritter FB-TE-ILB 6’1 219 Sr. 50 Ethan Buchanan OL-DE 6’3 200 Sr. 52 Joseph Lyles — 5’6 176 Fr. 53 Thomas Blankenship O-DL 5’7 214 Jr 54 Corey Hall — 5’9 140 Fr. 55 Dakota Burnette OL-ILB 5’7 180 Sr. 58 David Coe OL-DT 6’0 251 Sr. 60 Joe Adair OL-DL 5’4 210 Soph. 62 Jacob Hagy OL-DL 5’8 288 Soph. 63 Tana Lindamood — 5’5 189 Soph. 64 Kendrick Morehead O-DL 5’10 156 So 72 Wesley Potter OL-DL 5’8 165 Jr. 74 Cameron Woolwine DL 6’0 321 Jr. 75 Josh Pauley OL-DL 6’0 280 Soph. 77 Logan Porter OL-DT 6’0 303 Sr. 81 Colby Gusler E-LB 5’5 152 Jr. 89 Patrick Christian E-DE 6’3 226 Sr.
good enough shape yet to play both ways full time ... .”
Iron, 16
Good Luck Bears On Your 2018 Season!
For All Your Primary Care Services See Us! Bland County Medical Clinic • Exit 58 Off I-77 12301 Grapefield Road • Bastian, VA 24314
276.688.4331 132864-1
12 | Friday, August 24, 2018
MOUNT VIEW GOLDEN KNIGHTS
The Games
Aug. 24 at River View Aug. 31 at Man Sept. 7 at Shelton Clark, Ky. Sept. 14 at Summers County Sept. 21 Webster County Oct. 5 Tolsia Oct. 12 at Tug Valley Oct.19 at PikeView Oct. 26 Fayetteville Nov. 2 Greenbrier West
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 Golden Knights
Golden Knights aiming toward playoff berth WELCH — Like most years, the Mount View Golden Knights have a multitude of talented skill position players on their football roster, and size on the line. If they can “keep their heads straight,” the team in brown and gold could easily make the Class A playoffs, a goal that burns in their minds after a near miss in 2017. “All wintertime, all spring, those kids dedicated themselves to the weight room,” said head coach Larry Thompson. “I was very impressed by their efforts. … All summer, we had high numbers (also). So I was excited for those kids to show back up in shape, a little bit bigger, thicker and stronger.” “We have a senior class that, all of them have been playing football for Mount View since they were maybe 3 or 4 years old. So this is the year, these kids, they said they’re ready to make something happen.”
The coach’s plan is to have a “diverse” offense. “We have a combination spread, power, some misdirection, some play-action RPO (run-pass option) stuff,” Thompson said. “We have so many different skill players, I have to keep all of them happy somehow, so I’m trying to use as many different formations and personnel groupings as possible.” Elijah Barner headlines the running back group along with fellow senior Terry Headen, who provides a slashing run game and also plays slotback. Another senior, 6-foot-4 Tyyoun Powell, is eager for playing time after being out last year due to an off-field injury. Aliki Barner, is “more of a speedster, a scatback,” Thompson said, and young TJ Bell is already 6-feet-2, about 210 pounds. “The backfield is loaded,” Thompson said. “We’ve just got to stay healthy. That solid rotation will kind of wear teams down.” Honor student Mark Horn returns at center, flanked by
guards Omarion Cummings and Josh Lucas, a 210-pound freshman. Aaron Jackson returns at right tackle and Liam Fultineer, a transfer from Lewis County, is working at left tackle. “Up front, it’s a pretty solid group,” Thompson said. “The outside is kind of anchored with some experience and size. The inside, those kids are a little undersized, but they’re tenacious.” Marqus Ray is the front runner in a receiving corps that “is probably the best route-running group of receivers I’ve had,” Thompson said. Micah McGlaughlin has made the transition from lineman
to tight end. Sophomore Jesse Rose steps in at quarterback, after Elijah Collier’s graduation last spring. Thompson said that Rose is “a young kid, but he’s a very, very
Aiming, 16
Knights, 16
GOOD LUCK MOUNT VIEW GOLDEN KNIGHTS!
CITIZENS PHARMACY
70 Wyoming Street • Welch • WV
304-436-4932
Shawn Jenkins, Pharmacist/Owner
126354-1
By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Year 1 Cole Anderson SB-FS 5’5 145 Sr. 2 Cody Muncy SB-FS 5’11 165 Soph. 3 Jesse Rose QB 6’0 165 Soph. 4 Malik Cowans SB-CB 5’10 150 Sr. 5 Marqus Ray SB-CB 5’9 130 Jr. 6 Darrick Scott WR-CB 6’2 150 Sr. 7 Terry Headen RB-SB-FS-LB 5’11 160 Sr. 8 Micah McGlaughlin TE-DL 5’10 185 Sr. 9 Tyyoun Powell RB-DL 6’4 180 Sr. 10 Justin Haggerty QB 5’3 110 Fr. 11 Tony Bailey SB-CB 5’9 140 Fr. 12 Jasauni Sizemore WR-FS 6’0 150 Jr. 15 Aaron Pendry WR-LB-P 6’0 150 Sr. 17 Bobby Hairston SB-FS 5’4 145 Sr. 21 Khiamani Vineyard SB-CB 5’6 120 Fr. 22 Matt Thompson RB-SB-CB 5’6 130 Jr. 28 Jason Haggerty RB-SB-CB 5’3 110 Fr. 30 Elijah Barner RB-LB 5’11 220 Sr. 32 Ryan Short RB-LB 5’7 185 Soph. 33 Eliki Barner RB-WR-FS 6’0 165 Soph. 34 Levone Stephens OL-DL 5’8 175 Soph. 35 Anthony Rocchetti OL-LB-5’6 155 Soph. 40 Tj Bell RB-LB 6’2 190 Fr. 41 Cody England OL-LB 5’10 175 Soph. 44 Kamal Collins RB-DL-LB 5’10 200 Sr. 45 James Horton WR-DL-LB 6’2 185 Fr. 50 John Roberts OL-DL-LB 6’0 175 Fr. 51 Willbert Addair OL-DL 5’11 190 Fr. 54 Nate Hargrave OL-DL 6’5 200 Soph. 56 Josh Lucas OL-LB 6’0 210 Fr. 57 K’Jai Brown OL-LB 5’8 175 Fr. 58 Phillip Lucion OL-DL 6’1 210 Soph. 61 Omarion Cummings OL-DL 5’11 200 So 63 Darius Lester OL-DL 5’9 220 Jr. 65 Mark Horn OL-DL-LB 5’6 205 Sr.
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 13
RIVER VIEW RAIDERS
The Games
Aug. 24 Mount View Aug. 31 Grundy Sept. 7 at Tazewell Sept. 14 at Hurley Sept. 21 Man Sept. 28 at Wyoming East Oct. 5 at Montcalm Oct. 12 PikeView Oct. 19 Westside Oct. 26 at Sherman
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 Raiders
River View not focused on just wins and losses BRADSHAW — It has been a long dry spell for River View, which has won just seven games over the last four seasons, including consecutive 2-8 campaigns. George Kennedy has taken over as the third coach in three years in Bradshaw. He has given himself a three-year window to get it turned around, having brought a disciplined style, along with “Ironhead,” a bell that sits on the corner of one end zone at Mitchell Estep Field. “We are very happy with their effort and their adjustment to
Jason “Truck” Edwards Bluefield Pittsburgh
this really quick-paced, structured atmosphere,” said Kennedy, whose staff includes Estep, who was ultra-successful at Iaeger and for three seasons at River View, and Mike Vallo, who was formerly at Big Creek. “We don’t have any expectations of wins and losses. What we want is, ‘Are we are going to see a greater progression, are we going to see team, are we going to see these guys looking out for each other, being dependable. That is what we have sought, that is all we can ask for. We are pleased.” Kennedy’s son, Colton, will play a key role for River View, having moved from guard to fullback, replacing the graduated Bradley
Mullins, who was an all-state honoree last season. Another former Raider, Josh McCoy, is now playing at West Virginia State. Among the candidates joining Kennedy in the backfield is halfback Jacob Justice and wingback Austin Cooper. Dalton “Boo” Roberts returns at quarterback, while Kobe Halstead is also challenging for playing time in the Winged-T offensive scheme. “(Colton) is strong and fast...He has really worked hard at it. He is strong, he is running fast, squatting about 440 pounds, benching about 270, and just turned 16,” Kennedy said. “(Boo) is an exceptional kid, great student, very accurate when he throws the ball.
Brian Mann Giles Ferrum
(Halstead) is another really good athlete.” The returning cast up front includes tackles Dakota Cline and Gabe Blankenship, guards Dustin Roberts and Robert Baker and center Blake Lockhart, along with tight end Cody Mullins. Matthew Kerkes — who Kennedy compares to former River View speedster Jordan Wilson – Freddie Dawson, Hunter Ritchie and Wyatt Dotson, along with Jacob Collins and Timmy Blankenship will also see the field on offense. “We will adapt our plays and we will modify those for our personnel. We are unique in the fact that
Focused, 16
Raiders, 16
GOOD LUCK RAIDERS! BRADSHAW ECONOMY DRUG
10029 Marshall Highway, Bradshaw, WV 24817 (304) 967-9333
130082-1
By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 3 Kobe Halstead QB/C 6’0 150 Sr. 4 Josh Walker HB/S 5’8 146 Sr. 6 John Jewell RB/LB 5’10 165 Sr. 7 Dalton “Boo” Roberts QB/S 5’10 140 Jr. 8 Josh Campbell QB/LB 5’2 121 Fr. 9 Wyatt Blankenship C/LB 5’3 115 Fr. 10 Jacob Collins HB/DL 6’0 168 Sr. 11 Freddie Dawson 6’1 160 WR/S Jr. 12 Hunter Ritchie QB/LB 5’10 165 So. 13 Austin Profitt RB/CB 5’9 160 So. 14 Austin Cooper RB/CB 6’0 158 So. 15 Dominic Falgioi RB/S 5’9 141 Fr. 20 Dacoda Perkins TE/DE 5’6 176 Jr. 21 Jacob Sweeney HB/S 5’6 140 So. 24 Ashton Vance HB/S 5’3 125 Fr. 25 Michael Fannin HB/CB 5’6 150 Sr. 28 Colton Roberts TE/DE 5’2 154 Fr. 30 Donovan Short RB/S 5’4 169 Fr. 32 Jacob Justice HB/DE 6’1 165 Jr. 33 Brandon Roberts FB/LB 5’11 212 So. 34 Robert Baker G/LB 5’8 165 Sr. 35 Colton Kennedy FB/LB 6’0 195 Sr. 40 Nathan Bailey FB/LB 5’7 180 Fr. 42 Riley Morgan FB/DT 5’9 181 Fr. 43 Skyler Payne G/LB 6’0 200 So. 44 Shawn Mullins F/LB 5’10 195 Sr. 45 Matthew Kerkes FB/LB 5’9 170 Fr. 50 Billy Honaker OT/DT 5’10 228 So. 51 Justin Justice OT/DT 5’10 250 Fr. 53 Dakota Cline OT/LB 5’10 258 Sr. 55 Brent Shupe G/LB 5’8 150 Jr. 58 James Cooper OT/DT 5’9 260 So.
14 | Friday, August 24, 2018
MONTCALM GENERALS
The Games
Aug. 31 at Twin Valley Sept. 7 at Narrows Sept. 14 at Craig County Sept. 21 Hurley Sept. 28 at Van Oct. 5 River View Oct. 12 Hannan Oct. 19 at Meadow Bridge Oct. 26 Webster County Nov. 2 at Hundred
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
The Generals
Generals looking to build off last season’s success By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph
MONTCALM — The Montcalm football program lost 11 seniors, and one head coach, last spring. But the Generals are reloading behind a stout offensive line, and a continued commitment to an exciting offense and stingy defense. Adam Havens moves up to the top coaching spot after Jimmy Redmond moved on. “Eleven seniors are very hard to replace, but we’ve had several freshmen come out,” Havens said. “Our underclassmen from last year really worked hard this summer, and we’re expecting them to step up and fill some roles this year.” The spread offense will continue. “That’s been kind of successful for us in the past, and we have some skill guys that we hope can take advantage of the open field,” Havens said. “But we have the power option as well, with (senior fullback) Christian Carper. Getting him up between the tackles is always something we try to do as much as possible.” Zach Sayers anchors the line at center for the third year, surrounded by veterans Alex Pruitt and Zach Yost, along with junior John Ferrell and sophomore Markus
Thomason. They add up to an average of 238 pounds of blocking power per man. The size “definitely helps,” Havens said. “We’re fortunate in that we do have some size up front, and then we have the skill guys.” Basketball standout Devon Brooks has signed up for football for his senior year and has impressed at slotback. Maverick Parks and Austin Lockhart are the split ends, with Christian Hudgins sure to get some time there, too. Brendan Warden will also play slotback. Senior Jared Bailey will man the tailback position. Doug Belcher, a backup quarterback and all-around utility man for the past two falls, is in charge of the huddle this season. Havens said, “He’s taken right up with the offensive sets, and he’s done a great job for us this preseason.” The other side of the ball will be guided by “basic defensive principles,” Havens said. The Generals will deploy a 3-5 look “to get some extra ‘backers on the field,” the coach said, but also some 4-4 lineups as strategy dictates. Senior Kolby Williams will hold down one defensive end, and Ferrell will be playing defensive end and sometimes nose guard.
Dylan Perkins moves back from the line to outside linebacker for his junior season. Carper is the solid middle linebacker with Sayers probably also mixing it up in the middle. Warden and Tyler Pigg are being counted on at outside ‘backers. The secondary includes Belcher and Lockhart on the edges. Parks is at home at safety and, Havens said, “maybe some outside spur linebacker type position in the 3-5.” As is typical of a Class A football program, Havens said, “We get reps with guys at, sometimes, four or five positions. Especially d e f e n s i v e l y, we try to be as versatile and as interchangeable as possible with those guys.” For instance, Carper might line up at nose guard, or at middle or outside linebacker. “We just put guys wherever we need them
for that play,” Havens said. The whole kicking game will rely on the foot of sophomore Tyler Erpenbach, who attended kicking camps in the offseason. Havens reported, “ He’s been working really hard in the kicking game.” Havens said that the Generals have “great fans” and he wants to reward their loyalty. “We had some success last year,” he said. “Unfortunately, we only have four home games this year, but we’re planning on making the best out of those four games. “We’re going to be exciting to
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr 7 Doug Belcher QB-DB 6’0 154 Jr. 12 Luke Nunn — 5’6 136 Fr. 14 Christian Hudgins SE-DB 5’9 140 Jr. 20 Brendan Warden SB-OLB 5’8 153 Jr. 21 Tyler Poynter — 5’9 180 Fr. 23 Devon Brooks SB-LB 6’3 180 Sr. 24 Jared Bailey TB 5’10 170 Sr. 31 Kevin Robertson — 5’9 125 Fr. 40 Christian Carper FB-MLB 5’10 235 Sr. 42 Tyler Pigg RB-OLB 5’10 176 So. 48 Dylan Perkins OLB 5’10 187 Jr. 50 Zach Sayers C-MLB 5’10 200 Jr. 52 Kolby Williams OL-DE 5’11 210 Sr. 54 Blake Hodge — 5’10 240 Fr. 55 Kevin Blankenship — 6’2 203 Sr. 56 Donald Weese — 6’0 300 Fr. 60 Shaun O’Donnell — 5’11 210 Jr. 62 Markus Thomason OL-DL 6’0 264 So. 64 Zach Havens — 6’1 166 So. 66 Jon Ferrell OL-DE-NG 6’0 204 Jr. 72 Will Call — 6’1 275 Sr. 74 Austin Stevenson — 5’9 240 Fr. 75 Alex Pruitt OL 5’10 263 Jr. 76 Zack Yost OL-DL 5’10 260 Sr. 77 A.J. Perry — 5’9 312 Jr. 80 Tyler Erpenbach K-P 5’10 205 So. 82 Zakk Gibson — 6’3 174 Jr. 84 Maverick Parks SE-S 5’11 157 Jr. 85 Austin Lockhart SE-DB 6’0 160 Sr.
watch, we’re going to, hopefully, put up some points. And we’re going to play great hard-nosed defense, and make the best out of what we’ve got.”
Go Generals! Good Luck to All Area Teams
Princeton Health Care Center Courthouse Road, Princeton WV 304-487-3458
132877-1
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 15
West Virginia records vs. 2018 opponents
Virginia records vs. 2018 opponents
Bluefield Beavers Graham (1911-2017, 67-23-2), Princeton (1925-2017, 60-272), Greenbrier East (1971-2017, 32-8), Tazewell (1929-2017, 13-5), Richlands (1938-2017, 25-7), PikeView (1995-2000, 6-0), Lord Botetourt (first meeting); Oak Hill (1926-2017, 37-8-1), James Monroe (1994-2017, 19-4), Woodrow Wilson (1925-2017, 27-43-2). James Monroe Mavericks Greenbrier East (1994-2017, 15-9), Weir (2004-08, 1-1); PikeView (1994-2017, 20-1), Wyoming East (1999-2017, 8-5), Greenbrier West (1996-2003, 6-2); Westside (2013-17 3-2); Princeton (1998-2017, 6-5), Liberty (2004-17, 9-2), Bluefield (1994-2017, 4-19). Point Pleasant (2014-17, 3-1). Montcalm Generals Twin Valley (2004-17, 4-8), Narrows (2013-17, 0-5), Craig County (1997-2017, 3-12); Hurley (2003-17, 1-12), Van (1995-2015, 0-10), River View (2015-17, 0-3), Hannan (1995-2017, 13-4), Meadow Bridge (200312, 0-10), Webster County (2017, 0-1), Hundred (1998-2017 5-5). Mount View Golden Knights River View (2010-17, 3-5), Man (1978-2017, 16-24), Sheldon Clark, Ky. (first meeting), Summers County (2013-17, 1-4), Webster County (200304, 1-1), Tolsia (2015-17, 0-3), Tug Valley (2010-17, 0-6), PikeView (19952016, 1-3), Fayetteville (2011-12, 1-1), Greenbrier West (first meeting). PikeView Panthers Summers County (1994-2017, 8-11), Independence (1994- 2017, 5-19), Liberty (1994-2017, 4-17), James Monroe (1994-2017 1-20), Shady Spring (1994-2017, 6-13), Oak Hill (1997-2012, 2-10), Bluefield (19952000, 0-6), River View (2010-17, 5-3), Mount View (1995-2017, 4-1), Clay County (first meeting). Princeton Tigers Buckhannon-Upshur (2015-17, 2-1), Bluefield (1925-2017, 27-602), Parkersburg South (1978-2017, 1-7), Musselman (2002-17, 1-2), Graham (1937-2017, 9-16), Ripley (2007-08, 0-2), James Monroe (19982017, 5-6), Wheeling Park (2000-17, 1-3), Greenbrier East (1968-2017, 21-25), Brooke (1986-2017, 0-4) River View Raiders Mount View (2000-17, 5-3), Grundy (2015-17, 0-3), Tazewell (2017, 0-1), Hurley (2017, 0-1), Man (2010-17, 3-5), Wyoming East (2010-17, 3-5), Montcalm (2015-16, 3-0), PikeView (2010-17, 3-5), Westside (2010-17, 1-6-1), Sherman (2017, 0-2). Summers County Bobcats PikeView (1994-2017, 11-8), Shady Spring (1926-2017, 43-22-1), Mount View (2013-17, 4-1), Greenbrier West (1968-2017, 12-39), Liberty (19972015, 3-12), Independence (1976-2017, 19-23), Meadow Bridge (19772016, 8-3), Pocahontas County (1971-2017, 16-5), Richwood (19382017, 24-17), Fayetteville (1937-72, 6-4-1). Wyoming East Warriors Fayetteville (2017, 0-1), Westside (4-12, 2002-17), Nicholas County (2013-17, 0-5), Oak Hill (1998-2017, 4-2), James Monroe (1999-2017, 5-8), River View (2010-17, 5-3), Shady Spring (2011-17, 3-3), Man (19992009, 5-6), Independence (1998-2017, 12-9), Liberty (1998-2017, 11-7).
Bland County Bears Craig County (1992-2017, 13-11), Narrows (1992- 2017, 10-17), Northwood (1994-2017, 7-5), Eastern Montgomery (Shawsville) (1992-2017, 9-17), Grayson County (1992-2017, 3-23), Rural Retreat (1996-2017, 2-7), Auburn (1992-2008, 7-10), George Wythe (1995-2017, 1-4), Galax (1992-2017, 7-20), Fort Chiswell (1992-2017, 9-17). Giles Spartans Blacksburg (1961-2017, 24-31-2), Christiansburg (1961-2017, 27-18-1), Graham (1986-2017, 5-4), Narrows (1961-2017, 40-16-1), Floyd County (19642017, 37-7), Radford (1961-2017, 28-29), James River (1980-2017, 4-1), Carroll County (Hillsville) (1961-2017, 17-10-1), Glenvar (1996-2017, 21-4), Alleghany (1984-2017, 2-1). Graham G-Men Bluefield (1911-2017, 23-67-2), Tazewell (1927-2017, 56-37-5), Giles (19862016, 3-5), Central-Wise (2017, 0-1), Princeton (1937-2017, 16-9), Lebanon (1956-2017, 14-1), Virginia High (1937-2017, 24-15-2), Richlands (1927-2017, 51-39-5), Fort Chiswell (2011-2017, 6-1), Marion (1941-2012, 36-16-4). Grundy Golden Wave Ridgeview (2015-17, 0-3), River View (2015-17, 3-0), Lebanon (1936-2017, 13-11-1), Honaker (1935-2017, 15-9-1), Twin Valley (2001-17, 11-1), Hurley (1952-2017, 22-6), John I. Burton (2017, 1-1), Pikeville, Ky (1941-2017, 1-11), Tazewell (1928-2017, 30-39-2), Central-Wise (2015-2017, 1-2). Honaker Tigers Lebanon (1936-2017, 14-37-2), Castlewood (1963-2017, 29-20), Twin Valley (2001-17, 16-1), Grundy (1935-2017, 9-15-1), George Wythe (2012-17, 1-4), John I. Burton (1940-2017, also Norton, 2-10), Hurley (1961-2016, 31-9-2), Patrick Henry (1962-2017, 7-3), Northwood (1987-2017, 4-3); Ridgeview (201517, 1-2) Hurley Tigers Rye Cove (1965-2017, 9-13), Eastern Montgomery (2017, 1-0), Pike Central, Ky. (1953-2017, 0-2), River View (2017, 1-0), Montcalm (2003-17, 12-1), Tazewell (2017, 0-1), Grundy (1952-2017, 6-22), Honaker (1961-2017, 9-31-2), Tug Valley (2003-17, 1-5), Twin Valley (2001-17, 12-5). Narrows Green Wave Auburn (1988-2017, 15-8), Bland County (1992-2016, 17-10), Montcalm (2013-17, 5-0), Giles (1961-2017, 16-40-1), Holston (2017, 1-0), Covington (1989-2017, 3-5), Eastern Montgomery (1927-2017, plus Shawsville, 18-12-1), Craig County (1999-2017, 14-3), Bath County (1993-2017, 3-2), Parry McCluer, (1990-2017, 1-3). Richlands Blue Tornado Gate City (1933-2017, 25-23-1), Union (2011-17, 3-5), Blacksburg (1991-2017, 2-3), Willliam Byrd (1990-2017, 2-1), Bluefield (1938-2017, 7-25), Tazewell (1926-2017, 50-41-2), Marion (1930-2017, 41-17-1), Graham (1927-2016, 39-515), Lebanon (1962-2017, 23-7), Virginia High (1937-2016, 36-28-2). Tazewell Bulldogs Virginia High (1928-2017, 42-32), Graham (1927-2017, 37-56-5), River View (2017, 1-0), Bluefield (1929-2017, 5-13), Hurley (2017, 1-0), Richlands (19262017, 41-50-2), Fort Chiswell (2017, 0-1), Marion (1941-2017, 40-25-2), Grundy (1928-2017, 39-32-2), Lebanon (1967-2017, 18-14). Twin Valley Panthers Jenkins Ky. (2017, 1-0), Montcalm (2004-2017, 8-4), Honaker (2001-17, 1-16), Northwood (2011-17, 0-7), Craig County (2017, 1-0), Grundy (2001-17, 1-11), East Ridge Ky. (2013-17, 2-3), Thomas Walker (2015-17, 2-1), Rye Cove (201217, 4-2), Hurley (2001-17, 5-12).
Opponents records compiled by Rick Baker
Opponents records compiled by Rick Baker
16 | Friday, August 24, 2018
High school football record book Compiled by Rick Baker (more to follow)
Most wins among 19 area high school football teams Most wins: 1. Bluefield 659 2. Graham 532, 3. Richlands 528, 4. Summers County 503, 5. Tazewell 473 6. Princeton 441, 7. Narrows 436, 8. Giles 409, 9. Grundy 371, 10. Honaker 321 11. Hurley 286, 12. James Monroe 181, 13. Mount View 171, 14. Wyoming East 106, 15. Bland County 96, 16. PikeView 65, 17. Twin Valley 49, 18. Montcalm 46, 19. River View 34.
Iron...
Continued from 11 The coaching staff is figuring on rotating the inside linebacker assignment among Burnette,
Aiming...
Continued from 12 special young man. A smart kid, he knows the game and can read a defense real well. He’s a little green, but with the backfield we have, he doesn’t really have to take on all that pressure of throwing the ball 80 percent of the time … .” Defensively, the Knights feature “probably the biggest defensive line that Mount View has had — in awhile. All of them are returning
Focused...
Continued from 13 we have dual position athletes that can play multiple positions...,” Kennedy said. “We have an abundance of utility player athletes. Guys who can run, jump, catch and throw and we are going to try just to keep them on the field.” Defensively, the Raiders could be led by lineman Creed Morgan, who is possibly the strongest of the seven members of the 1,000-
Most losses among 19 area high school football teams
Most games played by 19 area high school football teams
Most losses: 1. Princeton 459 2. Summers County 452, 3. Grundy 437, 4. Tazewell 402, 5, Narrows 393 6. Richlands 364, 7. Graham 355, 8. Hurley 329, 9. Bluefield 326, 10. Honaker 322 11. Mount View 236, 12. Giles 218, 13. PikeView 180, 14. Montcalm 176, 15. Bland County 174, 16, Twin Valley 126, 17. Wyoming East 108, 18. James Monroe 91, 19. River View 49.
Most games: 1. Bluefield, 1008 2. Summers County 985, 3. Richlands 926, 4. Graham 925, 5. Princeton 924 6. Tazewell 904, 7. Narrows 859, 8. Grundy 837, 9. Honaker 656, 10. Giles 636 11. Hurley 629, 12. Mount View 407, 13. James Monroe 272, 14. Bland County 270, 15. PikeView 245, 16. Montcalm 222, 17. Wyoming East 214, 18. Twin Valley 175, 19. River View 84.
Ritter and Saunders. Cook and Jonathan Bright look to start as outside linebackers. Hart said, “Johnny Bright is ... a good athlete, a quick young man, intelligent, works real hard.” Sammy Bright and Harden return
as starters at defensive back. Hart added, “Corey Harden got a lot of playing time last year. And Blake (Buchanan) and Brandon (Weidman) have had a really good two weeks. So we’re hoping all five of those guys can contribute.”
Buchanan and Harden were trying out for the punting job as of early August. Hart said, “We’ve got some experience, and they’ve got a good attitude, and more importantly than anything, we’re going to have fun.
starters, (a) pretty huge, pretty stout group.” The nose tackle is 350-pound Trevon Banks. Jashawn Collins and Fultineer handle the tackle positions and Powell and McGlaughlin are at ends. Linebacker Cody England is “a clear-cut leader and he’s only a sophomore,” Thompson said. “And I look for him to lead this team the next two or three years.” Elijah Barner provides heads-up play at middle linebacker. Ron Short, who Thompson calls “an excellent run
stopper,” is a key piece of the puzzle. Matt Thompson is a three-year starter at cornerback and will be paired with Darrick Scott. Headen is a savvy ball-hawk at free safety, and nickel back Jasauni Sizemore is “one of the best athletes on the team,” Thompson said. “He can run and jump out the gym.” The head coach said that the defense’s No. 1 goal this season is, “Stop the run, stop the run, stop the run.” “Offensively, we’ve got so many
weapons, we’re going to put one in, once in awhile. Defense is the focus. If we can be physical, if we can match teams’ physicality, that’s really our focus going into the season.” The punter is senior Aaron Pendry, an honorable mention in all-state balloting. The kicking chore is likely to be handled by freshman Justin Haggerty. Thompson concluded, “It’s a new feel this year, it’s a new vibe, a new atmosphere. I really think that these seniors are ready to lead and
pound club for the Raiders, a good sign for a team that Kennedy called “one of the weakest teams in the state of West Virginia last year.” Others expected to contribute are linemen Garrett Auville, Tim Crabtree, Shawn Mullins and Andrew Walker, while Kennedy and Baker could be joined at linebacker by John Jewell, Michael Fannin or Brent Shupe. Austin Profitt and Josh Walker are candidates to see playing time in the secondary. “We have simplified our defense,” Kennedy said. “We are allowing the
guys to understand their role and play...It is never going to change so they can play fast.” Jewell will be called upon to lead the “berserkers”, which is what Kennedy is calling his special teams unit this season. “Your job is going to be to wreak havoc in the 15 seconds you are on the field,” he said. “You are going to go down and you are going to make a mess of things and take pride. That is what we want, take pride in what you are doing.” That goes for all the Raiders, who
won 23 games in the first three years of the program. “I just pray to God that we can see some success because I want these young men to see that the formula that we are preaching is the road less traveled, but obviously it is the right road to travel,” he said. “It is not about football, it is about ‘let’s change the culture, let’s change our society, let’s change the community.’ Let’s be the ones to be a shining example out there.” River View won 23 games in the first three years of the program.
We’re going to work hard, but we’re going to have fun. And if we can get some wins, great, but we’re just going to do the best we can.” “If we stay healthy and get in shape, we feel like we can be a pretty good football team.”
Knights...
Continued from 12 66 Bradi Marrs OL-DL 5’6 215 Soph. 67 Dillon Addair OL-DL 5’8 200 Jr. 70 Brandon Evans OL-DL 6’0 260 Sr. 73 Trey Banks OL-DL 5’4 280 Soph. 74 Aaron Jackson OL-DL 6’1 260 Soph. 75 Dewey Williams OL-DL 6’2 315 Soph. 76 Carter Bolden OL-DL 5’7 280 Soph. 77 Liam Fultineer OL-DL 6’6 270 Jr. 78 Austin Litwin OL-DL 5’4 210 Fr. 84 Blake Mitchem WR-CB 6’1 120 Soph. 90 Jashawn Collins OL-DL 6’2 220 Sr. 99 Justin Hicks OL-DL 5’7 180 Soph.
Raiders...
Continued from 13 61 Gabe Blankenship OT/DT 5’10 321 Jr. 64 Blake Lockhart C/NG 5’8 298 Jr. 65 Dustin Roberts OG/DT 5’10 210 Sr. 69 Creed Morgan OT/DT 6’3 326 Sr. 71 Andrew Walker C/DE 6’0 209 So. 74 Shane Barton TE/LB 5’8 139 Sr. 75 Timothy Crabtree OT/DT 6’1 310 So. 76 Eli Morgan OT/DT 6’1 231 So. 80 Tim Blankenship WR/CB 5’8 135 So. 81 Ethan Mullins RB/S 5’0 90 Fr. 82 Caden Bishop QB/S 5’4 129 Fr. 83 Garrett Auville TE/DE 6’3 210 Sr. 84 Elijah Payne RB/CB 5’8 128 Fr. 86 Cody Mullins DE/TE 5’10 236 Jr.
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 17
GRUNDY GOLDEN WAVE
The Games
Aug. 24 Ridgeview 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at River View 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Lebanon 7 p.m. Sept. 21 Honaker* 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Sept. 28 Twin Valley* Oct. 5 at Hurley* 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at John I. Burton 7 p.m. Oct. 19 Pikeville, Ky. 7 p.m. Oct. 26 Tazewell 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at Central-Wise 7 p.m. *Black Diamond District game
The Golden Wave
Golden Wave looks to rule the Black Diamond again By LLOYD COMBS Bluefield Daily Telegraph
GRUNDY, Va. — Grundy expects to have a banner year, and why not? Despite losing its all-time rushing leader, the Golden Wave have talent and experience with eight returning starters on both offense and defense from a 7-4 team that swept the Black Diamond District and reached the playoffs for the
second year in a row. Leading will be a fourth-year starter in the backfield and a thirdyear starter at quarterback. A 3-time state champion wrestler, Gabe Fiser led Grundy in rushing last season with just under 1,600 yards, finishing ahead of the biggest graduation loss, Jacob McNutt, the program’s career rushing leader with 4,245 yards. Fiser also amassed 2,054 all-purpose yards last fall.
“You got to realize all the numbers Gabe put up, all-purpose yards the last two years and he was a thousand-yard rusher last year,” said third-year Grundy coach Craig Plymal. “We’ve just got to be able to give him some help through the air and on the ground. Sage Keen ran the ball pretty well for us last year. “I don’t think there’s anything Gabe can’t do. He’s a solid receiver, he’s gonna be a threat out of
the backfield as a receiver. If we get some matchups we’re gonna isolate him here and there. I think he can handle the load and I think we’ve got the kids to surround him with help.” Back as QB is senior Derick Endicott. Another state wrestling champion, the lanky 6-foot-3 QB only attempted 94 passes in 11 games last season, completing 52 for 586 yards. His only two touch-
Rule, 22
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 1 Kendall Hawks QB/WR 5-11 150 So. 2 Johnny Rice WR/CB 6-4 160 So. 3 Gabe Fiser RB/OLB 5-9 165 Sr. 8 Casey Lawson WR/OLB 5-10 175 So. 10 Sean Ward RB/CB 5-6 158 Jr. 11 Jake McCoy WR/CB 6-0 165 Jr. 12 Derick Endicott QB/FS 6-3 180 Sr. 15 Maverick Honaker WR 5-4 130 Fr. 17 Tyler Griffey WR/CB 5-5 135 Fr. 18 Clay Anderson WR/FS 6-2 160 Jr. 19 Christian McGeorge WCB 5-7 140 Jr. 20 Adrian Looney RB/LB 5-8 170 Jr. 21 Austin Russell WT/LB 5-9 170 Fr. 22 Sage Keen RB/OLB/K 5-10 190 So. 24 Kaden Vanover WR/CB 5-6 145 Fr. 26 Robert Spake WR/DB 5-8 150 Fr. 27 Matt Riley RB/LB 5-7 160 So. 30 Devin Cook WR/TR/FS 6-0 200 So. 32 Connor Snead LB/DE/TE 6-0 190 Jr. 33 Zach Stiltner WR/CB 6-0 175 Sr. 35 Kevin Matney RB/CB 5-9 150 Fr. 40 Justin Owens WR/DB 5-5 139 Fr. 42 Tanner Bishop TE/DE 5-11 235 So. 43/60 Matt McCowan OT/DT 6-1 250 Sr. 44 Jacob Stiltner FB/MLB 5-5 165 Fr. 45 Jack Cooper TE/DE 6-0 205 50 Colton Justus RG/MLB 6-1 210 Jr. 51 Hunter Scarberry C/N 5-9 230 So. 52 Cullen Nash-Cleek G/DE 6-0 225 So.
Wave, 22
Good Luck to All Teams! Go Grundy Golden Wave! 133196-1
276-964-2511 • Clinch St., Richlands
18 | Friday, August 24, 2018
TAZEWELL BULLDOGS
The Games
Aug. 23 (Thurs) Virginia High* Aug. 31 Graham* Sept. 7 River View Sept. 21 Bluefield Sept. 28 at Hurley Oct. 5 at Richlands* Oct. 12 at Fort Chiswell Oct. 19 Marion* Oct. 26 at Grundy Nov. 2 at Lebanon* *Southwest District game
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 Bulldogs
By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph
TAZEWELL, Va. — It has been 10 years since Tazewell football had a winning season. Changing that is the goal ahead. “We just want to be relentless and get back to playing tough football,” said J’me Harris, Tazewell’s fifth head coach since the Bulldogs last reaching a 9-3 mark in 2008. “The kids really want to change the perception of Tazewell. There hasn’t been a winning season in Tazewell since 2008 and so the baby step we are trying to take right now is to change that and try to come out of the regular season with a winning record.” Don’t count them out. The Bulldogs do have talent, it’s just young, led by 11 sophomores, including Jamir Blevins, Chancellor Harris, Jayden Taylor, Josiah Jordan, Josh Herndon and Gavin Nunley. “We have a lot of guys, they may be sophomores or juniors, but they have all started or played a lot of football so that helped them with their football IQ,” Harris said. “We have had some guys work really
hard this offseason and doing the 7 on 7s, attend some college camps so that has helped them develop. Athletically we are pretty deep there, we are just a little weak on the offensive line right now, but we are hoping that comes around.” Blevins, who threw for 1,078 yards and 11 touchdowns last season — including five in one game — returns at quarterback, but Nunley or Jordan could be there when the Bulldogs kick the new season off. “(Jamir) is still suffering from a shoulder injury that he sustained last year. It has not fully healed yet so we are taking it a little slow with him,” Harris said. “Gavin has had an excellent summer and the one game we started Jo at quarterback last year we scored 53 points. It is hard to take a guy out who did that too.” The coach’s son, Chancellor Harris had a stellar freshman campaign, running for 794 yards and 11 touchdowns, five of which came in a homecoming win over Hurley. “Most of that came on the back end as the offensive line got better,” said Harris, who is also
Chancellor’s father. “He ran for 100 yards in five of his six games... We are going to need some other guys to step up so we can run the football. Taylor will join Harris in the backfield with the loss of graduated Derrick Young and Hunter O’Quinn, while Jordan (21-486, 6 TD), Josiah Honaker and Lucas Honaker will catch passes. Herndon will lead an offensive line that also includes classmate Tristan Brewster and seniors Barry and Marcus Sluss. A freshmen, Octavius Pridgen, Jacob Witt or Hagen Cochran, will take the open slot. “We were able to put up points once we were able to run the ball so a lot of that is going to depend on when the offensive line gels,” Harris said. “Are we able to get the ball in space and limit the hits
on the quarterback that we sustained last year? “I think we will be able to score the ball as long as we can get the offensive line to gel earlier than it did last year.” Defensively, Taylor will lead a unit that will definitely have to be more stingy in the season ahead. He will be joined on the interior
Bulldogs, 21
133051-1
Tazewell seeks first winning season since 2008
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 1 Chancellor Harris RB/S 5’9 173 So. 2 Josiah Jordan WR/S 5’10 150 So. 3 Mike Jones RB/CB 5’8 142 Fr. QB/CB 6’0 165 So. 4 Gavin Nunley 5 Cameron Sanders WR/DE 6’1 164 Jr. RB/S 6’0 195 So. 6 Jayden Taylor 7 Josiah Honaker WR/DE 6’0 165 So. RB/LB 5’11 200 Sr. 8 Thaddeus Mitchell 10 Lucas Honaker WR/S 5’10 150 Jr. WR/CB 5’8 143 So. 14 Tanner Wimmer 15 Jamir Blevins QB/LB 5’11 195 So. WR/CB 6’3 150 Fr. 16 Ethan Mills 17 Jared Mullins QB/S 5’11 135 Fr. WR/DE 5’11 145 Fr. 18 Austin Hale 20 Trae Thompson WR/DE 5’11 170 Sr. RB/DE 6’4 202 So. 21 Cort Meade 22 Jacob Mullins WR/CB 5’10 125 Fr. RB/S 5’9 182 Jr. 24 Isaiah Rife 25 Kaleb Hurd WR/DE 6’0 162 Jr. WR/S 6’2 180 Jr. 27 Tyler Puckett 31 Cameron Taylor RB/LB 5’11 220 Jr. 35 Braden Keene WR/DE 6’0 165 Jr. 42 Allan Knight RB/DE 6’0 150 Jr. 6’1 210 Fr. 50 Octavius Pridgen OL/LB 51 Hunter Infante OL/LB 5’9 175 Fr. 52 Ben Remines OL/DL 5’9 220 So. 53 Chandler McDonald OL/DL 6’0 220 Jr. 56 Hagen Cochran OL/DL 5’10 270 Fr. 58 Tristan Brewster OL/DL 6’1 256 Sr. 66 Marcus Sluss OL/DL 5’11 189 Sr. 68 Barry Sluss OL/DL 6’0 208 Sr. OL/DL 6’0 235 So. 70 Travis Brewster 72 Cameron Ashby OL/DL 5’9 225 Fr. 73 Josh Herndon OL/DL 6’4 255 So. 75 Jacob Witt OL/LB 6’3 215 Fr. 77 John Smith OL/DL 6’2 258 Jr.
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 19
RICHLANDS BLUE TORNADO
The Games
Aug. 24 at Gate City Aug 31 Union Sept. 14 at Blacksburg Sept. 21 at William Byrd Sept. 28 Bluefield Oct. 5 Tazewell* Oct. 12 Marion* Oct. 18 (Thurs) at Graham* Oct. 26 Lebanon* Nov. 2 at Virginia High* *Southwest District game
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 Blue Tornado
Losing season not acceptable for Blue Tornado By GEORGE THWAITES Bluefield Daily Telegraph RICHLANDS, Va. — A year after appearing in a state championship game, the 2018 Richlands High School football team posted a 4-7 finish, keeping its playoff appearance streak alive despite the first losing season since 1999. Even though it was a ‘man-bitesdog’ situation, the Blue Tornado have wearied of discussing the subject of losing. It isn’t what the program has traditionally been about. That’s not what they see in
their future. “We don’t accept losing here. We don’t make excuses. We don’t accept losing,” said Richlands head football coach Greg Mance. “We told the kids it was unacceptable and we pushed the kids real hard in the summer and in two-a-days. I hope to God it doesn’t happen again. I don’t know if I could take it if it does. It was a long year last year, but we were proud of the kids’ effort,” he said. That much said, it’s worth remembering that the 2017 Blues were a pretty decent foot-
ball team in the grand scheme of things. Their luck was not decent. Richlands has made a lot of its own breaks over the years, but the Tornado was probably overdue for some things to go sideways, if only given the law of averages. “We played a lot of young kids last year based on injuries and we played a really tough schedule. We just got caught with a good schedule and good teams,” Mance said. “We were in every game in the fourth quarter. We got two or three we were winning and got beat at the ends. We were close to
Blacksburg. We had Bluefield on the ropes in the fourth quarter. We were close. We’ve got to take that. We worked harder in the off-season to get stronger, faster and a little smarter.” Again, it will be a challenging season. But any reports of an extended decline in Richlands football appear to be greatly exaggerated. “We’re excited. We’ve got good numbers. We had 72 this morning we had 75 and lost three over the two weeks. Our eighth grade’s
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 1 Will Tarter WR/DB 5’10 160 Jr. 2 Trey Brown RB/LB 5’11 200 Sr. 3 Sean Toney RB/LB 5’10 190 Sr. 4 Sage Webb WR/DB 5’11 150 Fr. 5 Logan Steele RB/DB 6’2 180 So. 6 Race Moir QB/LB 6’2 220 Sr. 7 Logan Altizer WR/DB 5’10 150 Jr. 8 Hayden Whited TE/DE 6’5 215 Jr. 9 Colton Medley QB/DE 6’4 230 Jr. 11 Ian Wade WR/LB 6’3 200 Sr. 12 Jake Altizer WR/DB 5’9 150 So. 13 Noah Spencer WR/DB 5’7 140 So. 14 Gavin Cox QB 6’4 210 Fr. 15 Brandon Hess WR/LB 5’11 180 Sr. 16 Nick Houchins WR/DB 6’1 185 Jr. 17 Evan McNerlin WR/DB 5’7 140 So. 21 Jakob Cole WR/DB 6’5 185 Sr. 23 Taylor Horn WR/DB 6’2 190 Sr. 24 Dalton Smith WR/DB 6’0 160 So. 25 Jacob Hess WR/DB 5’10 180 Sr. 27 Bowen Tarter WR/LB 5’11 185 So. 30 Anton Curry RB/LB 5’10 180 Sr. 31 Kenny Coburn WR/DB 5’8 150 So. 33 Levi Forrest K/P 6’5 160 Jr. 34 Christian Ratliff WR/DB 5’8 170 So. 35 Keyshawn Woodson RB/DB 5’7 150 So. 37 Dylan Adkins TE/LB 6’3 240 Sr. 40 Bryce Taylor WR/LB 6’1 170 Fr. 42 Zack Gillespie TE/DE 5’9 180 So. 44 Ethan Lester WR/LB 5’10 160 So. 45 Rae’Quan Jones RB/LB 5’10 185 Sr. 50 Shawn Royal OL/DL 6’0 235 So. 51 Austin Martin OL/DL 5’7 180 Jr. 52 Isaac Cole OL/DL 5’10 170 So. 53 Jacob Maggard OL/DL 5’11 210 Fr.
Acceptable, 21
Good Luck To All Teams!
Tornado, 21
Go Richlands!
276-964-2511 • Clinch St., Richlands
133193-1
20 | Friday, August 24, 2018
HURLEY REBELS
The Games
Aug. 24 at Rye Cove 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at Eastern Montgomery 7 p.m. Sep. 7 at Pike Central, Ky. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 River View 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Montcalm 7 p.m. Sept. 28 Tazewell 7 p.m. Oct. 5 Grundy* 7 p.m. Oct. 12 Honaker* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Tug Valley 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 Twin Valley* 7 p.m. *Black Diamond District game
The Rebels
Foundation strong as Rebels begin Church era By LLOYD COMBS for the Daily Telegraph
HURLEY, Va. — The post-Tester era begins in Hurley football, but Greg Tester built a very good foundation. Anthony Church, a former standout at Grundy and Emory & Henry College takes over for Greg Tester, who has built a top-notch small school program. The Rebels advanced in the playoffs in Tester’s final three seasons and reached the post-season seven times in the final eight of his
12-year tenure as head coach. Church, an assistant last year to Tester, inherits a mix of youth, experience and size. He has to replace quarterback and all-state defensive back Tayten Sykes, but he has plenty of capable ball carriers and receivers and depth up front. “Our team has a nice blend of veteran players mixed with young players that are hungry to keep the winning tradition at Hurley,” Church said. “We have five seniors that have been a part of some suc-
cessful teams and are now ready to step up and play leading roles. Fourth-year standout Taylor Justus will be joined at receiver by Tyler Young, Keaton Matney and Dylan Hall. “Tayten Sykes was a very explosive player,” Church said. “Replacing him is going to be tough. Tayten was a scoring threat any time he touched the ball. This year in the backfield we have several kids that could step up and play his role as a true unit. “The great thing about the
Wing-T offense is that it’s a fourback system and we are deep with running backs that have speed and grit.” The signal caller will be sophomore Chad Justice and the second-leading rusher behind Sykes a year ago, sophomore Matt Blankenship will work behind him. “Matthew will be our fullback this season and will give us an explosive threat between the tackles,” added Church, who said the wing-backs and half-backs are juniors Jonathan Hurley and
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 1 Keaton Matney WR/DB 5’10 168 Sr. 3 Martin McCoy WR/DB 6’0 150 So. 4 Will Justice WR/DB 5’7 120 Jr. 6 Randal Stacy WR/LB 5’9 145 7 Chad Justice QB/DB 6’0 165 So. 10 Matt Justice WR/LB 5’9 145 So. 11 Tyler Young WR/DB 5’8 136 Jr. 12 Dustin Hardin FB/LB 5’9 190 Jr. 20 Seth Freeman K/DB 5’8 131 Jr. 21 Matt Blankenship RB/LB 6’0 175 So. 22 Dustin Stinson RB/LB 5’7 135 Jr. 23 Anthony Stevens RB/DB 5’9 140 Jr. 25 Jonathan Hurley FB/LB 6’4 180 Jr. 31 Dylan Hall TE/LB 6’0 205 Jr. 33 Taylor Justus TE/DE 6’3 200 Sr. 50 Jacob Sutherland OL/DE 6’3 224 Jr. 51 Jacob McClanahan OL/DL 6’2 240 Jr. 52 Shane Boyd OL/DL 6’1 225 Sr. 54 Brandon Kyle OL/DE 5’9 160 Jr. 55 Matthew Young OL/LB 5’8 200 Sr. 59 Jacob McMurray OL/DL 5’10 236 Jr. 60 Cody Justus OL/DL 5’11 260 Sr. 62 Tony Justus OL/DL 5’5 190 So. 63 Austin Hagy OL/DL 6’1 270 Jr. 72 John A. Justus OL/DL 6’2 336 Jr. 74 Trevor Dotson OL/DL 6’2 305 Jr. 76 Trevor Blankenship OL/DL 5’7 210 So. 77 Randal Bailey OL/DL 5’8 344 Jr. 84 Austin Boyd WR/LB 5’8 165 Jr.
Dustin Stinson, sophomore John
Foundation, 22
Serving Both WV and VA
We Want to WISH all our teams a GREAT Season (276) 326-6969 2005 Leatherwood Ln Suite A Bluefield, VA 24605
(304) 205-9918 1295 Stafford Drive, Suite 4 Princeton, WV 24740
Barry Perdue
https://agents.allstate.com/barry-perdue-bluefield-va.html 132542-1
High school football record book VIRGINIA Bland County (2017, 3-8). Class 1A, Region 1D. Head coach: Harris Hart. Last playoff appearance, 2017, lost to Galax, first round, 62-13. State championships: 0. Giles (2017, 9-3): Class 2A, Region 2C. Head coach: Jeff Williams. Last playoff appearance, 2017, lost to Appomattox County, second round, 45-14. State championships: 4 (last in 2013). Graham (2017, 11-2): Class 2A, Region 2D. Head coach: Tony Palmer. Last
Bulldogs... Continued from 18
line by Trae Thompson, Herndon, Brewster and Cochran. Cameron Taylor, Thaddeus Mitchell and Pridgen are candidates at line-
Acceptable... Continued from 17
got 47. We’re out of equipment. We’re having to borrow equipment and order new equipment,” Mance said. “It’s a great thing. Next year we’re expecting over 100 kids 9-12. So that’s what you want.” The Richlands skipper believes his 2018 team will be competitive in all three phases of the game. The kicking game is solid with all-state placekicker Levi Forrest returning. Forrest, a junior who is projected to own all Richlands kicking records by the time he graduate. He has recorded a 48-yard field goal on a free kick and his range has increased. is also a top-notch punter, averaging over 40 yards per boot last season. Offensively the Blue Tornado tried some new things, with Trey Brown starting the season at quarterback and Race Moir taking the snaps later in the season. Both returning veterans factor in the
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 21
Compiled by Rick Baker (more to follow) Capsule look at Virginia high schools
playoff appearance, 2017, lost to Union, third round, 37-0. State championships: 3 (last in 1995).
Hurley (2017, 7-5). Class 1A, Region 1D. Head coach: Anthony Church. Last playoff appearance, 2017, lost to Chilhowie, second round, 35-0. State championships: 0.
Region 2D. Head coach: Greg Mance. Last playoff appearance, 2017, lost to Union, first round, 13-10 State championships: 2 (last in 2006). Tazewell (2017, 3-7). Class 2A, Region 2D. Head coach: J’me Harris. Last playoff appearance, 2014, lost to Union, first round, 30-20. State championships. 1 (1986).
Virginia State Championships
Richlands (2017 record, 4-7): Class 2A,
Twin Valley (2017, 3-7). Class 1A, Region 1D. Head coach: Jeremy Ward. Last playoff appearance, 2016, lost to Fort Chiswell, first round, 61-12. State championships: 0.
Giles (4) 2013, 2005, 1993, 1980 Graham (3) 1995, 1989, 1962 Richlands (2) 2006, 1992 Tazewell (1) 1986
backer, while the secondary returns intact with Harris, Harris, Jordan, Nunley and the Honaker duo. “Jayden will lead the defense, especially up front and then we will have a couple of guys on the back end, all of them played so we
have got a lot of experience back on defense,” Harris said. Another sophomore, Tanner Wimmer, is the kicker, with a field goal range of 40 yards. Jayden Taylor will punt for the Bulldogs. “Coming into this season, right now we have got the foundation
already laid so the kids already understand our terminology and concepts and what we are trying to do,” Harris said. “Last year when we came in the majority of the team had never played high school football on Friday nights so it was hard for them to understand what
they were getting ready to get into or imagine what they getting into.” That has changed. “With the quality schedule we were able to play last year a lot of them have an understanding of what we are going to be up against this year,” he said.
2018 offense, which returns to the spread system that has been so successful at Richlands for most of Mance’s career there. “Race Moir has done great in 7-on-7’s, he’s throwing the ball better than anyone I’ve had at quarterback in a long time. He was actually throwing it better than John Luke (Asbury) out here in 7-on-7s in preseason. He’s got a cannon. He’s smart. He can run it and can throw it. His fundamentals have improved. His arm strength has improved. He understands what we’re doing on offense,” Mance said “Trey Brown was our leading rusher last year from quarterback so we moved Trey to running back. He’s done a great job in the preseason running the ball, hitting the zones, picking up protection and catching the ball from the backfield,” Mance said, who’ll also utilize Sean Toney and Logan Steele in ball-carriers’ roles. Brown is looking forward to his new role.
“The running plays I ran last year are very similar to the ones I’m running this year. So, there wasn’t much of a transition really. I’ve played other sports all my life so that’s really helped me develop my ball skills. It’s helped me develop my hands,” Brown said. Richlands has some height, speed and athleticism with which to spread the field. “We’ve got two exceptional wideouts in Taylor Horn and Jakob Cole — we call him ‘George,’ he’s 6’5”. Taylor has been a three year starter. He’s exceptional and he can run, jump, catch.. Those two are special out there,” Mance said. “We like our slots, Logan Altizer and Will Tarter. We’ve got a little freshman who’s going to be good ... Sage Webb. He’s the fastest eighth grader I’ve ever clocked, so we feel really good about our receiving corps,” Mance said. On the offensive line, Richlands returns two players who started last season due to injuries— Luke Martin and Ethan Phipps — to join
returning veteran Zack Moore. “Basically we’ve got two or three guys that have played a ton of football. They’re very athletic,” said Mance, who named Thomas Blankenship, Dakota Ball and Jake Absher as prime candidates to see lots of time up front. “We feel really good about that group. They’re very athletic. They’re moving good,” he said. Defensively, Mance places a great deal of stock in returning veterans Ian Wade at linebacker, Dylan Adkins, an all-regional defensive end that is being moved to linebacker and Moir, who was a first team all-region defensive end. “We’ve got a good nucleus and all the secondary is back. We’ve got Taylor on a corner. We’ve got Logan Altizer at a corner. We’ve got Will Tarter and J.J. Hess back at safety. So we return our secondary and feel great about that. They’re a year older and stronger and faster,” Mance said. “Our linebackers are going to be strong. Defensive ends are going
Grundy (2017, 7-4): Class 1A, Region1D. Head coach: Craig Plymal. Last playoff appearance, 2017, lost to John I. Burton, first round, 19-14. State championships: 0. Honaker (2014, 4-7): Class 1A, Region 1D. Head coach: Doug Hubbard. Last playoff appearance, 2017, lost to Ridgeview, first round, 42-13. State championships: 0.
Narrows (2017, 11-2). Class 1A, Region 1D. Head coach: Kelly Lowe. Last playoff appearance, 2017, lost to Galax, third round, 28-27. State championships: 0.
Tornado...
Continued from 17 54 Shane Vencill OL/DL 5’10 220 Fr. 55 David Compton OL/DL 6’0 155 So. 56 Jake Absher OL/DL 6’0 215 Jr. 58 Thomas Blankenship OL/DL 6’3 240 Jr. 59 Isaac Griffith OL/DL 6’0 210 Jr. 60 Devin Ratliff OL/DL 6’2 210 Jr. 61 Collin Richardson OL/DL 5’11 230 Fr. 64 Dakotah Street OL/DL 5’10 180 Jr. 66 Dakota Ball OL/DL 6’0 210 Jr. 71 Luke Martin OL/DL 6’1 225 Jr. 72 Jacob Proffitt OL/DL 6’2 200 So. 75 Zack Moore OL/DL 5’11 250 Sr. 76 Christian Plaster OL/DL 5’11 200 So. 78 Ethan Phipps OL/DL 6’2 245 Jr. 80 Jay Fuller K/P 6’2 195 Sr. 81 Austin Newberry RB/DB 5’6 115 Fr.
to be strong. We’ve just got to get some interior linemen,” Mance said. “A year’s experience really helps. Hopefully it’ll pay off this year in the fourth quarter in close games. It’s going to be a brutal schedule again and we’re going to have to play excellent football for 48 minutes to come out successful,” he said.
22 | Friday, August 24, 2018
High school football record book Compiled by Rick Baker (more to follow)
WEST VIRGINIA Bluefield (2017 record, 14-0): Class AA. Head coach. Last playoff appearance: 2017, def. Fairmont Senior 29-26 to win Class AA championship. State championships: 11 (last in 2017). James Monroe (2017, 8-3): Class AA. Head coach: Chris Booth. Last playoff appearance: 2017, lost to Mingo Central, first round 29-0. State championships: 0. Montcalm
Foundation... Continued from 20
Matt Justus, and junior Anthony Stevens. “They each have their own unique style of running” Church said. “Jonathan is one of those players that has the speed to get to the outside and the power to run inside. He’s also a receiving threat and gives Chad a go-to target. Dustin is a smaller back, but has no fear.” Church must replace two offensive linemen and he has plenty of candidates. The returnees are three juniors: guard Jacob
Rule...
Continued from 17 down throws were to Fiser. His other top receivers are back: senior Casey Lawson (5-10, 175) and junior Jacob McCoy (6-0, 165). Joining Fiser in the backfield on a fulltime basis will be Keen (5-10, 190), a sophomore. “Derick is a third-year starter,” added Plymal. “Last year we had two thousand-yard rushers, so you don’t have to throw a lot. Then we lost Casey Lawson and that hurt us at receiver. “We’ve got him back with us now
Capsule look at West Virginia high schools
West Virginia State Championships
PikeView (2017, 7-3). Class AA. Head coach: Bobby Wyatt. Last playoff appearance, 2010, lost to
River View (2017, 2-8) Class AA. Head coach: George Kennedy. Last playoff appearance: 2012, lost to Bridgeport, first round, 24-14. State championships: 0.
Wyoming East (2017, 2-8): Class AA. Head coach: Donald Jewell. Last playoff appearance, 2014, lost to Franklin, first round, 39-0. State championships: 1 (1999).
Bluefield (11) 2017, 2009, 2007, 2004, 1997, 1984, 1975, 1967, 1965, 1962, 1960. ••• Summers County (as Hinton) (2) 1968, 1937 Wyoming East (1) 1999
Sutherland, center John A. Justus and tackle Trevor Dotson. “Last year we started two seniors on the offensive line along with three sophomores,” Church said. “Not only did we start three sophomores, we had several other young players get valuable playing time throughout last season. “I have coached high school football for 15 years and I have never been blessed to have so many high-quality linemen. These guys have been in the Wing-T offensive system since their freshman year. They know the offense and they are a very tight group.” The leading candidates to start
at the other two spots are juniors, Jacob McClanahan at tackle and Austin Hagy at guard. Hurley football has always taken pride in a hard-hitting and aggressive defense. That isn’t likely to change under Church with a defensive unit that was very young last season. “Those young kids are now a year older and a year stronger,” he said. “We averaged 22 kids in the weight room this summer. So, hopefully, we can eliminate the arm tackling.” Sutherland and Taylor Justus are the defensive ends and McClanahan and senior Cody
Justus will line up at tackle. Senior Matthew Young, Hardin and Hall will rotate at inside linebacker, with Matt Blankenship, Chad Justice and John Matt Justus outside. Church says Hurley will be the leader of a young, but experienced secondary at safety and Stinson, Stevens, Martin McCoy and Tyler Young are fighting for a starting role on the corners. The first-time head coach says Tester has helped him ease into the new position and the experience one of his former coaches, Jack Compton brings to his staff, have been a huge help. “I am grateful for this opportunity to be a head football coach, espe-
cially at Hurley,” Church added. “The community involvement and support for their football program is unbelievable. Greg Tester has been there for me to answer any questions that I’ve had about day to day operations. “The football boosters have spent countless hours raising money for new equipment and making sure our boys have what they need this season. Also, veteran Jack Compton is still on the coaching staff and has been an asset to me and to our young coaches. He gives us over 30 years of coaching experience. He will help us grow as a coaching staff.”
and, hopefully, that’s going to open it up more for McCoy, Vanover and our tight ends, Jack Cooper and Bishop.” Kaden Vanover (5-6, 145) is a freshman; Tanner Bishop (5-11, 235) is a sophomore and Jack Cooper (6-0, 205) is a junior. The Golden Wave have a truly balanced roster with 11 seniors, 11 juniors, 11 sophomores and 12 freshmen. The offensive line returns guards Tristan Justus (6-1, 255, sr.) and Colton Justus (6-1, 210, jr.) and three tackles with starting experience: sophomore Reid Campbell (6-1, 245) junior Chris St. Clair (6-3,
305) and senior Mike McCowan (6-3, 310). Sophomore Hunter Scarberry (5-9, 230) takes over for Jacob I. McCoy at center. The defense replaces key starters in McNutt and safety Jordan Hardin. McNutt earned second team all-state honors at linebacker. “We basically got everyone back with the exception of McNutt in the middle and Jordan Hardin in the secondary,” Plymal said. “We have Endicott and McCoy at the corners, with Vanover taking over for Hardin. “Our outside linebackers will be
the same with Gabe and Casey Lawson. In the middle Colton Justus is gonna fill in for McNutt. Right now the interior should be good with both McCowans at the defensive tackles. We’ve got Tristan Justus back at defensive end and we’ve got Cullen NashCleek now at defensive end and we’ve got some good kids like Peyton McComas.” Matt McCowan (6-1, 250) is a senior as is Nash-Cleek (6-0, 225). McComas (6-3, 195) is a sophomore. Keen will once again handle the place-kicking duties and McCoy the punting.
(2017, 4-5): Class A. Head coach: Jimmy Redmond. Last playoff appearance, none since 2001. State championships: 0. Mount View (2017, 4-6): Class A. Head coach: Larry Thompson. Last playoff appearance, 2006, lost to Grafton, first round, 33-14. State championships: 09.
Chapmanville, first round, 30-14. State championships: 0. Princeton (2017, 1-9): Class AAA. Head coach: Chris Pedigo. Last playoff appearance, 2015, lost to Cabell Midland, first round, 55-7. State championships: 0.
Summers County (2017, 8-5): Class A. Head coach: Chris Vicars. Last playoff appearance, 2017, lost to Wheeling Catholic 42-14, semifinals. State championships: 2 (as Hinton, last in 1968).
Wave...
Continued from 17 55 Brandon Moore DE/TE 6-0 235 So 63 Tristan Justus LG/DE 6-2 255 Sr. 64 Chris St. Clair OT/DT 6-3 305 Jr. 66 Dylan Pack OT/DT 5-9 285 Jr. 68 Jeremiah Hensley OT/DT 6-1 240 Fr. 70 Zach Coleman C/NG 6-0 235 So. 71 Richie Smith G/LB/DT 5-9 210 Sr. 72 Keaton Honaker OT/DT 6-0 210 Jr. 75 Reid Campbell LG/DT 6-1 245 So. 77 Mike McCowan DT/NG 6-3 310 Sr. 80 Wade Clevinger RB/LB 5-10 180 Jr. 81 Isaac Coleman WR/CB 5-8 130 Fr. 83 Garrett Keen CB/WR 5-8 160 Sr, 89 Peyton McComas TE/DE 6-3 195 So.
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 23
JAMES MONROE MAVERICKS
The Games
Aug. 24 Greenbrier East Sept. 8 (Sat) at Weir Sept. 14 PikeView Sept. 21 Wyoming East Sept. 28 at Greenbrier West Oct. 5 Westside Oct. 12 at Princeton Oct. 19 at Liberty Oct. 26 Bluefield Nov. 2 at Point Pleasant
7:30 p.m. 4 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
Booth expects tradition to continue at James Monroe By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph
LINDSIDE — The new coach at James Monroe, Chris Booth, has a clear idea of what he wants the Mavericks to do on the field this fall. This year’s plan is “to be competitive in every game, and win our fair share, or more,” Booth said, “and carry on the tradition of mak-
ing the playoffs here … .” Booth, the longtime head coach at Peterstown Middle School in Monroe County, has taken over the job held by his friend John Mustain, who retired in the spring. He had 35 players in preseason camp early this month, most of whom he already knew, “so it was an easy transition,” he said. “Everything’s gone well.” “We’re getting these kids repped
up and coached up, and we’ll be ready to go.” On offense, he’s shooting for a 50-50 mix of run and pass, stating, “I figure if our passing game is adequate enough, it’ll thin the (defensive) box out, which will open up the running game.” “We’re going to try to play fast, we’re going to try to play as many skill people as possible, to keep them fresh.”
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The quarterback is likely freshman Ryker Brown. Booth said, “He looks really good throwing the football, he’s got good command of the huddle. He’s a freshman, but in classification only. Mentally, he’s about a junior. And he’s gained the respect of these kids.” “Of course, Monroe Mohler can throw the ball and (play) QB for
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No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Year 2 Jaylon Lewis 5’9 178 Sr. 5 Channing Carr 6’0 180 Sr. 8 Ryker Brown 5’9 141 Fr. 9 Xander Castillo 5’10 160 Jr. 11 Phillip Truitt 5’5 130 Soph. 12 Monroe Mohler 5’7 154 Jr. 13 Nick Jewell 5’10 152 Sr. 15 Dylan Page 5’8 145 Fr. 18 Peyton Whitt 6’0 162 Soph. 19 Gavin Taylor 5’4 116 Soph. 20 Cody Moore 5’8 165 Soph. 22 Jacob Mann 5’8 161 Sr. 23 Jordan Feamster 5’10 145 Fr. 24 Grant Lively 5’3 128 Fr. 25 Evan Blankenship 5’10 151 Fr. 28 Thad Fullen 5’8 179 Sr. 29 Sean Page 5’8 121 Fr. 35 Landon Hall 5’9 200 Jr. 40 Cameron Thomas 6’2 178 Fr. 50 Adam Durham 6’0 222 Jr. 52 Brady Hunt 6’0 237 Soph. 53 Garrett Huffman 6’0 192 Jr. 54 Noah Dillon 6’1 260 Sr. 56 Jaden Clarkson 5’10 214 Sr. 57 Mason Atwood 5’4 150 Sr. 58 Carter Brown 5’10 204 Jr. 59 Dylan Brim 6’2 236 Fr. 60 Jakobey Meadows 5’7 252 Fr. 62 Kaine Thorn 5’11 244 Soph. 64 Brady Chinault 6’0 282 Sr. 65 Josh Fleeman 5’8 266 Sr. 68 Steven Belcher 6’0 305 Soph. 69 Dakota Jones 5’7 173 Sr. 74 Brian Carter 5’10 272 Jr. 75 Tristan Wills 5’10 217 Jr. 77 Luke Woodson 6’0 304 Jr. 84 Kaleb Ganoe 6’0 209 Jr.
Wishing James Monroe A Great 2018 Season!!
a great upcoming season. 605 Snidow Street, Pembroke, VA 24136 540-626-7221 Eddie Kendall, Director
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24 | Friday, August 24, 2018
NARROWS GREEN WAVE
The Games
Aug. 24 at Auburn Aug. 31 at Bland County Sept. 7 Montcalm Sept. 14 Giles Sept. 28 Holston Oct. 5 at Covington* Oct. 12 at Eastern Montgomery* Oct. 19 Craig County* Oct. 26 at Bath County* Nov. 2 at Parry McCluer* *Pioneer District game
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
Young Green Wave benefited from postseason run By GEORGE THWAITES Bluefield Daily Telegraph NARROWS, Va. — Last season, the Narrows High School football program reasserted itself in a big way, winning a Pioneer District Championship and advancing three games deep into the postseason to a 1C regional title clash with perennial power Galax. The Green Wave (11-2) ended up losing 28-27 to the Maroon Tide, which, in spite of some injury issues on its own part, ultimately relied on its many preceding seasons’ worth of postseason snaps to pull out the victory. That’s an advantage Narrows has ceded to numerous postsea-
son foes in recent years. But head coach Kelly Lowe is seeing his own program reap the benefits of ever-lengthening playoff forays. “What happened to us last year, our JV season ended about week eight of our varsity season. So we moved our ninth graders up. They were with us week 9 and 10 and three weeks of the playoffs. They go five extra weeks of practice and five extra weeks of game experience. Which is huge,” said Lowe, who has gotten the Green Wave back to a level not seen since his own father coached at Narrows back in the 1990s. “So now, you don’t look at them as first year players because they got a lot of reps ...playoff games and
even right at the end of the season. I don’t look at them as first-year varsity players, they played a half a season last year with us. Those three weeks in the playoffs were huge,” he said. These days, it’s more about the program gathering collective momentum rather than two or three exceptional kids. Which doesn’t mean Narrows lacks exceptional kids. One prime example is quarterback Wyatt Freeman, who started at QB at Eastern Montgomery as a sophomore and transferred to Narrows on the other side of the holiday break. Last season he passed for close to 1,300 yards and 30-plus touchdowns in a multiple
offensive scheme.` “He came in here last year and was new to our system. We demand a lot from the quarterback in our system and he bought into it and learned it exceptionally fast,” said Lowe. “He’s just taken off and run with it now. Everybody looks to him. He’s the calming influence out there. He’s the leader and he does a really great job in that capacity.” Juniors Matthew Morgan and Chad Blaker will line up in the Narrows backfield. While the team lost top pass-catcher Gavin Pruett to graduation, there is still a solid group of receivers in the house, including juniors Chase Blaker and Dustin Wiley and senior Slater
No. Name Pos. Ht Wt. Yr. 3 Chad Blaker RB/DB 5’9 137 Jr. 4 Chase Blaker QB/DB 6’1 147 Jr. 5 Braiden Lyle RB/LB 5’11 170 Sr. 6 Slater Ferguson WR/DB 5’7 151 Sr. 7 Reid White WR/DB 5’8 145 So. 9 Blake Kirby WR/DB 5’9 130 So. 11 Reid Bowman RB/LB 5’8 145 So. 12 Wyatt Freeman QB/DB 6’3 186 Sr. 14 Logan Green WR/DB 5’7 118 So. 17 Logan Conley WR/DB 6’0 172 Jr. 20 Matthew Morgan RB/LB 6’2 172 Jr. 22 Cole Needham TE/DE 6’0 166 So. 23 Ty Robertson RB/LB 5’7 159 So. 24 Dustin Wiley WR/DB 5’11 163 Jr. 30 Jake Robertson RB/DB 5’7 127 So. 33 Brett Humphrey RB/LB 6’0 228 Sr. 44 Isaac Taylor TE/DE 6’2 186 Sr. 50 Garrett Wolfe OL/DL 6’4 295 Sr. 51 Michael Bailey OL/DL 5’9 220 Jr. 54 Jonathan Holman OL/DE 6’0 198 So. 55 Cota McGlothlin OL/DL 6’0 204 Sr. 57 Parker Shuff OL/DL 5’6 195 So. 61 Isaiah Coffey OL/DL 5’11 258 Jr. 63 Hunter Smith OL/DL 6’0 215 So. 65 Ben Clemons OL/DL 6’2 240 So. 68 Shyla Quesenberry OL/DL 5’5 190 Sr. 71 Caleb Clemons OL/DE 6’2 210 Sr. 72 Jonathan Ingle OL/DL 6’0 190 Jr. 74 Tony Meredith OL/DL 6’0 288 Jr, 76 Fleet McDaniel OL/DL 6’2 269 Jr.
Ferguson. Reid Bowman, who
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Wishing The narroWs green Wave a greaT 2018 season
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GILES SPARTANS
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 25 The Games
Aug. 24 at Blacksburg Aug. 31 Christiansburg Sept. 7 Graham Sept. 14 at Narrows Sept. 21 Floyd County* Sept. 28 at Radford* Oct. 5 James River* Oct. 12 at Carroll County* Oct. 19 Glenvar* Oct. 26 at Alleghany* *Three Rivers District game
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 Spartans
Single wing football returns despite lack of numbers By GEORGE THWAITES Bluefield Daily Telegraph PEARISBURG, Va. — Giles High School head football coach Jeff Williams’ definition of gridiron success is fairly straightforward. “I tell my kids every year, I want you to be winners. When you win
more than you lose, you’re a winner. I don’t care what anyone says. If you play 10 games and win six, you’re a winner. Everything past that is icing on the cake,” said Williams. “I tell them every day. You want to be winners at the end of the year,” he said.
And so they have. Year after year after year. Just when you think the well is dry, they hit more water. In spite of a modestly upbeat preseason outlook, the 2017 Spartans went 9-3 and won the Three Rivers District title and, for the second consecutive year, it took the eventual 2A state champs to end their
all those single season records. Then we had Whitlow and Brian Mann who came along and broke all these records. We’re thinking,
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Giles Spartans
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playoff run. Ryan Beidleman, who’s now at Ferrum, rushed for 2,700 yards. He exceeded everyone’s expectations. Consequently, so did Giles. And that’s kind of been a thing. “We had Ian Mann a couple years ago. He was a great player for us. That was like in 2010 and he broke
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 3 Hunter Williams RB/LB 5’7 154 Sr. 4 Austin Perkins E/LB 5’7 141 Sr. 5 Chaston Ratcliffe RB/DB 5’10 180 So. 6 Chase Fleeman B/DB 5’8 141 Sr. 8 Dominic Collini B/DB 5’7 140 So. 9 Ty Lowery BB/LB 5’7 163 Jr. 11 Drew Ferrell BB/LB 5’10 166 Jr. 13 Preston Whitlock E/DL 5’11 183 So. 21 Logan Greenway RB/DB 5’9 140 Jr. 22 Charlie Craig E/DB 6’1 174 Jr. 24 Noah Jones RB/DB 5’11 164 Sr. 32 Jacoby Wilson RB/DB 6’2 198 Sr. 34 James Lyles RB/DB 5’10 141 Sr. 40 Kris Vaught RB/LB 5’11 176 So. 42 Kip Green E/DE 6’4 290 Jr. 53 Mason Greenway C/DE 5’10 180 So. 54 Alex Williams B/LB 5’9 181 Sr. 57 Bryson Martin T/DL 6’4 306 So. 61 Isaac Dotson G/DL 5’10 218 Jr. 62 Jay Anton G/DE 6’4 257 Jr. 64 AJ Conley G/DE 6’2 207 Sr. 65 Sky Lewis G/DL 5’10 261 Jr. 66 Trey Stewart T/DL 6’3 272 Jr. 67 Gregg Riggs G/DL 5’10 187 Sr. 75 Matthew Law G/DL 5’10 261 Jr. 78 Lucas Morris T/DL 6’3 210 Jr. 79 John Ratcliff T/DL 6’7 355 Sr.
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26 | Friday, August 24, 2018
SUMMERS COUNTY BOBCATS
The Games
Aug. 24 at PikeView Sept. 7 Shady Spring Sept. 14 Mount View Sept. 21 at Greenbrier West Sept. 28 Liberty Oct. 5 at Independence Oct. 12 at Meadow Bridge Oct. 19 Pocahontas County Oct. 26 Richwood Nov. 2 Fayetteville
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The Bobcats
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr.
Bobcats are confident after long playoff run By TYLER JACKSON CNHI Sports West Virginia
HINTON — Chris Vicars has the magic touch. After guiding Independence to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2015 and 2016, Vicars resigned as the head coach to take an administrative job at Summers County Middle School. He had no intentions of hopping back into coaching, but as fate would have it, there was a vacancy at the high school, and Vicars ultimately elected to take it.
The Bobcats faithful and the team were glad he did. In 2017, Vicars guided the Bobcats through injuries, including one to their starting quarterback, for a 6-4 regular season finish and a spot in the Class A playoffs. It was Vicars’ third straight year leading a team to the playoffs, and by far his most successful. Summers County won road playoff games against Webster County and Midland Trail before ultimately falling in the semifinals to eventual state champion Wheeling Central. Another year older and wiser,
Vicars and the Bobcats return to the gridiron looking to build on their success, which started with a defense that pitched shutouts in its playoff wins. “I would be remiss if I didn’t give credit to (former head) coach (Nate) Tanner and the program he built,” Vicars said. “He and I are good friends. He started off with a good foundation and these kids were really hungry last year. We didn’t change a lot early on. We stayed with the spread. After that first week, we played PikeView and thought we had some opportu-
nities that slipped through our fingers, so we changed our defense. “We were able to turn our kids loose, let them go make plays and have fun. They didn’t have to think much and that worked well for some of those kids last year, like Andrew Richmond and Tucker Bennett. Those guys are hard to replace and we don’t have anybody that can replace them as far as talent to a man goes, but I don’t see why we can’t have just as good of a defense, if not better. I don’t say
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1 Tyler Miller WR/DB 5’8 160 Jr. 2 James Taylor QB/LB 5-11 165 So. 3 Markis Crawford RB/DB 5-10 160 So. 5 Chris Forren WR/LB 5-6 150 Sr. 6 Marcus McGuire RB/LB 5-8 215 Sr. 8 Samuel Wykle WR/DB 5-9 155 Sr. 10 Timmy Persiani QB/LB 5-11 160 Sr. 11 Keandre Sarver WR/DB 6-3 175 So. 14 Christian Pack WR/DB 6-4 200 Sr. 21 Landon Richmond R/DB 5-9 150 So. 22 Mason Hicks WR/DB 5-8 140 So. 24 Cordell Meadows WR/DB 5-11 155 Sr. 32 Trent Meador RB/LB 5-11 185 Jr. 34 Jonathan Angell RB/LB 5-8 185 So. 40 Jalin Keaton OLLB 5-8 210 So. 42 Daniel Mansfield RB/LB 5-9 180 So. 43 Logan Fox WR/DB 5-9 150 So. 44 Dylan Hardy RB/LB 6-0 165 Jr. 45 Joseph Chastian RB/LB 5-6 150 Jr. 50 Jeremy Grimmett OLDL 5-9 190 Sr. 56 William Whittaker OLDL 5-11 195 Sr. 60 Jukien Keaton OLDL 5-5 180 Fr. 65 Nicholas Willey OLDL 6-0 150 Fr. 67 Logan Trahan OLDL 5-3 175 Fr. 70 Ethan Koenig OLDL 5-11 230 Sr. 71 Kaleb Vaughan OLDL 6-2 210 Sr. 73 Bradley Brooks OLDL 5-11 180 Jr. 75 Dustin Stephens OLDL 6-1 220 Jr. 76 Brandon Cales OLDL 6-1 240 Sr. 77 Gavin Cook OLDL 5-7 180 Fr. 78 Caleb Harvey OLDL 6-1 280 Sr. 80 Brandon Adkins WR/DB 5-8 140 Sr. 82 Anthony Buckland R/DL 5-10 175 Fr. 86 Samuel Wheeler WR/DB 5-6 130 Fr. 87 Tacoma Cook WR/DL 5-7 135 Fr. Ryan Wheeler Sr.
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Top High School Football Games to see Top 5 Games 1. Bluefield at Graham (Aug. 24): At least we know the 93rd edition of this rivalry WILL be played at Mitchell Stadium. Bluefield, which has won 67 of the previous 92 meetings, enters with a 14-game win streak, opening last year’s run to the Class AA state championship with a 17-14. victory over Graham. The Beavers are still loaded, Graham has Purdue commit Cam Allen at quarterback. Brace for a good one. 2. Union at Richlands (Aug. 31): Expect a close one. Even though
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us, but he looks really good (when we are) getting him the ball out in space, in the passing game and the running game … so we’re going to try to utilize his ability all over the field, at multiple positions.” Landon Hall, described as “a tough inside runner,” and Thad Fullen are among the other horses in the Mavericks’ stable of running backs. The new “jets” offense utilizes a couple of slotbacks, Cody Moore and Channing Carr, “though with us it’s more like a wing formation,” Booth said. The jet sweep made famous in a WVU bowl game is a potent weapon from that configuration.
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that to put pressure on these guys, but I feel confident.” It won’t be easy to replicate that success with the loss of two firstteam all-staters in Richmond and Tucker Lilly. Lilly took over for quarterback Timmy Persiani, who was injured early in the season, and never relinquished that role. Lilly’s versatility allowed him to throw and rush for 1,000 yards as well as aid the secondary on the defensive side of the ball. His top target in the air was Richmond, who caught the only touchdown in
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Richlands was just 4-7 last season, the Blues lost to the Region 2D champs by 9 and 3 points. In fact, in eight meetings since the Union was created in 2012, the Bears are 5-3 against Richlands, with games decided by 2, 2, 6, 1, 1, 1, 9 and 3 points. James Mitchell is now playing for Virginia Tech. That is good news for the Blues. 3. Bluefield at Richlands (Sept. 28): Bluefield had just three game decided by less than 20 points during last year’s 14-0 run, including a 28-14 loss to Richlands. Bluefield holds a commanding 25-7
edge in the series, but the Blues have won three of the five played over the last five seasons. The two head coaches in this one have combined for 443 wins (Fred Simon, 253; Greg Mance (190). 4. Graham at Giles (Sept. 6): Graham has won the last two games in this series, both by seven points, including an overtime decision last season. Giles, which holds a 5-3 advantage in eight overall meetings, won the three previous meetings by a combined 66 points. This will be the second of three straight road games for the G-Men after the
week one visit from Bluefield. 5. Richlands at Graham (Oct. 18): Graham snapped a 10-game losing skid against the Blue Tornado last season with a 20-13 overtime win. The G-Men had last defeated the Blues in 2007. This year’s meeting will be played on a Thursday night at Mitchell Stadium. Richlands played what may have been its toughest schedule in the Mance era last season. The Blues lost four of those seven game by a combined 19 points. ••• The next 16:
6. Lord Botetourt at Bluefield 7. PikeView at James Monroe 8. James Monroe at Princeton ‘ 9. Tazewell at Richlands 10. Richlands at Blacksburg 11. Graham at Tazewell 12. Richlands at Gate City 13. Mount View at Man 14. Princeton at Graham 15. Narrows at Bland County 16.James Monroe at Pt Pleasant 17. Princeton at Bluefield 18. Giles at Narrows 19. Bluefield at Woodrow Wilson 20. Honaker at Grundy 21. Hannan at Montcalm
Split end will rotate among Xander Castillo, Nick Jewell, Jacob Mann and Jaylon Lewis. Early in preseason, Carter Brown had the edge at center. Jaden Clarkson and Garrett Huffman were at guard and Noah Dillon was entrenched at right tackle. Options for the left tackle slot included Brady Chinault and Brady Hunt. “We’ve got to get them in good, proper shape, especially to play fast,” Booth said. “I’m hoping that with the reps we’re doing, the hurry-up in practice and the running we do, by the 24th we’ll have them in the proper shape to play Greenbrier East.” “We’re not the biggest team. We’re not the fastest team. But I think we’ve got enough skill position players that we can rotate
them in by groups and be able to play fast.” “Now, sometimes we’ll slow down, but I’m thinking, put as much pressure on the defense as possible at all times, and go from there.” Jason Goodman is now in charge of the defense, which was shaping up ahead of the offense one week into the preseason. Booth said, “My philosophy is, I want to play an attacking defense, play as aggressive as can be, put as many athletes on the field as possible — and run around and make plays.” The Mavs will employ both a 3-3-5 and 4-2-5 scheme, the head coach said. “It’s not going to be just read-and-react, it’s going to be attacking,” he promised.
Huffman, Fullen and Carter Brown were at various spots on the defensive front in early August, with Lewis at defensive end. As for Carr, “We can play him all over,” Booth said. “ He may put his hand in the dirt and play the defensive tackle some, but he also may play what we call the rover, and Cody Moore will play the joker.” Hall, Mann and Clarkson are available as inside linebackers and Dillon is an outside backer. Huffman is a versatile wild card on defense “wherever he plays,” Booth said. “Garrett’s got size, got some quicks about him, is aggressive. I like where that kid’s at.” Mohler and Jacob Mann “are two very good corners,” the coach said. Castillo or Jewell will be at free safety, and Ryker Brown could
play anywhere in the defensive backfield. “The kids are flying around the field, making plays,” Booth said. The schedule is a tough one, starting with Class AAA Greenbrier East and including Weir, Point Pleasant, PikeView and Bluefield, which Booth called “probably one of the marquee, if not the marquee, program in the state of West Virginia.” “So we’re going to have to get kids ready. It is what it is. I figure, if we can make it through this schedule and win seven or eight ballgames, we should be in position to be in the playoffs.” “We have really good kids,” he said. “They’re coachable, they’re ready to put in hard work … and they’re fun to coach.” “I’m having a ball.”
the quarterfinals against Midland Trail. Richmond graduated after causing headaches up front for area teams and now plays for Concord. Despite the loss of talent, Vicars feels confident in the team he brings back, not just on defense, but offense as well. “Starting with the quarterback, it’s hard to replace a kid like Tucker Lilly...,” Vicars said. “We’re going to put Timmy Persiani in there... He’s got a good arm and throws the ball well. He doesn’t bring the running style that Tucker brought, but he’s really smart and understands the game. I do feel like we’ll be able to throw the ball and run
the ball effectively, though. “We bring back Marcus McGuire, who was a 1,000-yard rusher last year. He got most of that in the first nine or 10 games and I think teams focused on him in the playoffs and he wasn’t quite as productive, but I expect him to have a good year. Christian Pack is probably our most versatile player. He can play out wide at receiver, we can bring him in and play him like a tight end, bring him in the backfield if we want, he’s going to be our all-around kid that doesn’t come off the field and should be our allaround leader on the team.” The advantage the Bobcats have with bringing back key core
players such as Pack, McGuire, Persiani and most of the offensive line is that those players experienced success during their run to the semifinals. Although they were eliminated by Wheeling Central, they saw what it takes to win and are now battle tested. Vicars plans to keep his team on its heels again this year with four games against Class AA teams and two more against Class A Fayetteville and Richwood, both of which qualified for the playoffs in 2017. “Last year every game...was competitive,” Vicars said. “I think our kids felt like they had to fight in every game, which made us better at the end of the year. It prepared us for the playoffs. I think
they understand that it’s going to be very much the same this year. Our first game we start off with PikeView, and they bring back a kid that rushed for almost 2,000 yards. We play Shady and they bring back most of their team. They’re athletic and physical and it just kind of goes down the line after that... “It’s going to be a tough road to go, but I think our kids can be competitive in every game and I think if your ultimate goal is to get in the playoffs at the end of the year, you have to schedule in a way that your kids will be ready. You’ve got to be able to qualify with your points, but you’ve got to be physically ready.”
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grew up fast out of the JV during the post-season, is another player to watch. The team lost two major forces on the interior line with the graduations of Derrick Stinson and ‘Big Jake” Martin. But the Green Wave still has punishers in the trenches: Garrett Wolfe (6’4”, 295), Cota McGlothlin (6’0” 204) and Caleb Clemons (6’2”, 210) return from last year. Ben Clemons (6’2, 240) and Hunter Smith (6’0, 215). The Green Wave will be able to pound the football. But they also have the potential to make big plays: 18 athletes competed in the state track meet last spring under offensive coordinator Joe Fraley. The Narrows’ 4x100 team finished
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Continued from 25 ‘There’s no way anybody is going to break these records.’ The next thing, here’s Ryan Beidleman breaking record,” Williams said. “We’ve been fortunate enough to have some kids really step up in some skill positions the last few years that I’ve been coaching. Like last year. I never would have expected for Ryan to have a season the way he did. His attitude got better. He grew up as a player and as a kid. He matured and had a record-breaking year,” he said. It remains to be seen how much longer the Spartans can sustain such a run of individual achievers. The consistent strength of the Giles program has been the single wing system itself. What concerns Williams more is sustaining the overall numbers to keep the machine running. “The problem is depth. We’re going to have so many kids going both ways. We just don’t have the numbers that we had in the past,” said Williams, who had 27 kids on his media day roster. “Numbers are way down. We’re going to have to be the best shape we’ve ever been as a football team since I’ve been a head coach,” he said. Up front the Spartans do have some size to play with. John Ratcliff, a 6’7”, 355 junior is the most startlingly huge specimen.
sixth in the state and they’re all football players. “I think we’re a little faster than we have been. Narrows is not typically known for having fast teams. I think our team speed is a little better this year,” said Lowe. “We’re not quite as big as we were last year but we’ve still got pretty good size. And I think we’re pretty daggone strong.’ On defense, Lowe is counting on Wolfe, McGlothlin and Fleet McDaniel as his primary inside guys up front. Caleb Clemons is a good bet to return at one defensive end while the competition remains thick for the other bookend. Morgan, Bowman and Ty Robertson are vying for time at linebacker. In the secondary, Chad and Chase Blaker, Wiley and Ferguson all return to the defenBut there are other big guys: including junior left end Kip Green (6’5”, 290), junior Bryson Martin, (6’4”, 306) and sophomore, Jay Anton, 6-4, 255, will line up on the right side of junior center Isaac Dotson (5’10”, 218), Greg Riggs (5’10”, 187) will be pulling guard on the left. Sophomore Preston Whitlock (5’11”, 183), junior Charlie Craig (6’1, 174) and senior Austin Perkins (5’7”, 141) are all vying for time at the left end. Williams’ leading candidate to step into the backfield role previously occupied by Beidleman is sophomore Chaston Ratcliffe. He put in some part-time reps as a fullback last season and, at 5’8”, 180, is a little taller and thicker than most of Giles’ backs. He’s got good speed and strength — and a lot of heavy expectations to meet. “It puts a lot of pressure on me, actually. But I’m just blessed and humble and thankful to the coaches. I was able to play a little bit beside Ryan last year and he taught me a few things and we can use them this year,” said Ratcliffe, who is well-schooled in the unique demands of the single wing. “We have a lot of footwork and handwork we’ve got to get down. We just have to give 100 percent in practice. There have been people saying we aren’t as good as we are but we just want to prove people wrong,” he said. Other backfield candidates include running back Hunter
sive backfield. Given all the spread the Green Wave normally see, it’s good to have a veteran corps back there. “We’re going to be multiple on offense and multiple on defense. What you run on offense is going to dictate what we run on defense. We’re very flexible. We’ve got a couple of moving parts that we can do here and there. We try not to be out of position. Whatever you line up in, we’re going to try to counter that with our defense,” Lowe said. “The kids understand it. It’s what we ran last year. We just try to make it as simple as possible so they can play as fast as possible,” he said. Morgan returns as Narrows’ offthe-tee kicking specialist. He’s not only an asset for field goals and extra points, but a big leg on kickoffs.
Well protected...
“We had a drill the other day and kicked 10 kicks and eight of them went into the EZ. In igh school football, that’s a weapon,” Lowe said. “ If you can make the opponent’s offense drive 80 yards, you put your defense in an advantage.” Isaac Taylor will draw punting duties. “We had a great season last year, but the kids really want to build on that. We haven’t talked a lot about last year because its’ in the past. We had a great year. Looking back on it years down the road, they’ll really relish that,” Lowe said. “These kids feel like we had some unfinished business last year. They came in and started working just the week after we got knocked out of the playoffs. They’ve been in the weight room all winter and all summer. They’re just really hungry. And they’re working to go a
File photo by Jessica Nuzzo
Giles offensive lineman John Ratcliffe towers of Spartans’ running backs Austin Perkins, left, and Hunter Williams during Giles’ media day earlier this month. Williams, fullback James Lyles, Chase Fleeman, Logan Greenway and Kris Vaught. Blocking backs include Noah Jones, Jacoby Wilson, Ty Lowery. “We’ve got some guys we feel comfortable can run the football. Hopefully we can get to where we can block people so they can run behind those big guys up front. If you’re not going to be good up front, you’re not going to be very good,” said Williams, who’d like to see his team retain the passing threat it had with Beidleman at tailback. “We’ve got guys who can catch the ball, but we’re going to have to get in there and just pound it, I reckon. Run the ball. That’s what
I tell our guys, that’s our culture. That’s what we’re about: running the football. But like I also tell them in practice, there’s going to be times in ballgames you’ve got to complete a pass. That’s what we’ve got to be able to do when the time comes,” he said. Williams still has a lot of question marks on the defensive side of the football, which hasn’t been a strong suit for Giles in recent seasons. He has high hopes for his front four, including Green and Anton at the defensive ends and Alex Williams and new arrival Sky Lewis on the interior. Giles has a lot of athletes that can put together a solid secondary but
little further this year,” the head coach said. The move to the Pioneer District turned out to be a big boost not only for Narrows football, but all the Green Wave athletic programs. Thanks in part to the move, the football program starts a new season with an entirely different perspective. “I told our kids, we haven’t been in this position in a very long time. We’ve always been the hunter. We’ve always been chasing people and giving the top guys our best shot. “Now we’re the hunted. Everybody is giving US their best shot. We’ve got to bring it every Friday night. We can’t have one slip up,” Lowe said. “Every Friday somebody is coming to knock us off because we’re the defending champions.” execution is an issue. Meanwhile, than Ty Lowery, Williams could not testify as to which linebacker candidates are most likely to earn starting spots. “I like some of the guys we’ve got int he secondary but for the most part, we’re a work in progress. That’s one place we’ve really got to improve.Our defense has been lackluster the past few years,” Williams said. “To play good defense you’ve got to have kids that aren’t scared and you’ve got to have kids who are tough and you’ve got to have kids who can run.” Jacoby Wilson is going to be doing all of Giles plackicking and punting. Preston Whitlock is his backup. Austin Perkins is the deep snapper. Williams believes that Radford and Glenvar are the two teams to watch in the Three Rivers District. He can’t really predict the placement of Giles or his other district-mates. “The thing I’ve been hearing is that the numbers are down at a lot of places. At a lot of these smaller schools, it’s harder to get kids to come out for football. It takes a special kid to play football,” Williams said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for kids who come out to play high school football and its going to help them in life and they’re going to be special people because of all the hard work it takes. It’s a different breed of sport from the other sports.”
2017 All-Four Seasons Country Football Team (Returning players in bold) First Team Offense QB—Cam Allen, Graham: RB—Ryan Beidleman, Giles: RB—Mookie Collier, Bluefield RB—Evan Rose, PikeView FB—Jason Edwards, Bluefield WR—Taymon Cooke, Graham WR—Dakota Waldron, Mt View TE—Matthew Mullins, Narrows C—Alex Gillespie, Giles OL—Tristan Justus, Grundy OL—Ajai Oakes, Graham: OL—Nathan Pettus, Bluefield OL—Derrick Stinson, Narrows K—Levi Forrest, Richlands RET:—Mason Mullins, Tazewell ATH—H.Mitchelson, PikeView First Team Defense DL—Andrew Dye, Richlands DL—Jake Martin, Narrows DL—Race Moir, Richlands DL—ARichmond,, Summers
LB—Elijah Barner, Mt View LB—Mikey McKinney, Narrows LB—Grant Mohler, JMonroe LB—Dante Vineyard, Graham DB—Tucker Lilly, Summers Co DB—Mon Mohler, J Monroe DB—Connor Moore, J Monroe DB—Tayten Sykes, Hurley P—Cory Boothe, JMonroe Player of Year: Mookie Collier, Bluefield Offensive Player of Year: Ryan Beidleman, Giles Defensive Player of Year: Mikey McKinney, Narrows Special Teams Player of Year: Taymon Cooke, Graham Coach of Year: Fred Simon, Bluefield. ——— Second Team Offense QB—Elijah Collier, Mount View RB—Gabe Fiser, Grundy
PCA/BDT Players of the Year
2018: ???? 2017: Mookie Collier, Bluefield 2016: Tripp Shiflet, James Monroe 2015: John-Luke Asbury, Richlands 2014: River Michaels, Richlands 2013: Tajh-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, JMonroe 2006: Justin McCracken, Richlands 2005: Robert Henry, Graham 2004: Rusty Coeburn, Bluefield
RB—Chanc Harris, Tazewell RB—Bradley Mullins, R-View FB—Jacob McNutt, Grundy WR—Gavin Pruett, Narrows WR—Aaric Gross, Mount View TE—Cody Dales, Twin Valley C—Jacob McCoy, Grundy OL—Neil Carini, Richlands OL—Logan Price, PikeView OL—Chase Sarver, Bland Co OL—DPow-Woods, Bluefield K—Kaulin Parris, Bluefield RET—Devon Sibley, Princeton ATH—Jam Blevins, Tazewell Second Team Defense DL—Dylan Adkins, Richlands DL—Noah Dillon, JMonroe DL—Jakeb Lilly Princeton DL—Matt McGowan, Grundy LB—Seth Johnson, Richlands LB—Nick Kastner, Graham LB—Arnold Martin, Bluefield LB—Drake Mullins, Bluefield
DB—Tylor Keen, Twin Valley DB—Devin Lester, Graham DB—Ian Lowe, Narrows DB—Christn Pack, Summers P—Aaron Pendry, Mt View ——— Honorable Mention Bland County: Ethan Cook, Ty Ritter, Jacob Watters; Bluefield: Chandler Cooper, JJ Davis, Julius Gaddy; Giles: Kip Green, Ty Ratcliffe, Jacoby Wilson; Graham: Emil Curto, Ty Gray, Michael Mason; Grundy: Colton Justus, Donavan Owens, Cole Street; Honaker: Bryce Dye, Trevor Dye, Chandler Hubbard; Hurley: Matt Blankenship, Steven Christian, A.J. Justus; James Monroe: Channing Carr, Landon Hall, Jaylon Lewis; Montcalm: Hunter
2003: Ahmad Bradshaw, Graham 2002: Ahmad Bradshaw, Graham 2001: H.T. Mathews, Graham
2018: ???? 2017: Fred Simon, Bluefield 2016: Tony Palmer, Graham 2015: Harris Hart, Bland County 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
LYNN’S DRIVE IN
Bouldin, Hunter Hodge, Jarred Parnell; Mount View: Jashawn Collins, Marcus Ray, Ryan Thompson; Narrows: Chase Blaker, Jake Bowman, Chase Kantsios; PikeView: Matt Damewood, Jordan Vaught, Trey White; Princeton: Aaron Edwards, Jacob Holston, Andrew Perkins; Richlands: Tre Booker, Taylor Horn, James White; River View: Jonathan Hatcher, Ronnie Morgan, Ryan Roberts; Summers County: Tucker Bennett, Ben Neal, Tommy Persiani; Tazewell: Josh Herndon, Hunter O’Quinn, Derrick Young; Twin Valley: Isaac Hampton, Joe Keen, Brandon Lester; Wyoming East: Jake Cannada, Tyler Haga, Seth Ross.
2017 Player of the Week honorees
PCA/BDT Coaches of The Year
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 29
Week 1: Connor Moore, James Monroe Week 2: Elijah Collier, Mount View Week 3: Jamir Blevins, Tazewell Week 4: Mookie Collier, Bluefield Week 5: Hunter Mitchelson, PikeView Week 6: Evan Rose, PikeView Week 7: Devon Sibley, Princeton Week 8: Taymon Cooke, Graham Week 9: Cameron Allen, Graham Week 10: Jason “Truck” Edwards, Bluefield Week 11: Mikey McKinney, Narrows
Longest Running Prep Football Rivalries
(from available records) Rk Games Teams 1. 98, Graham vs. Tazewell 2. 95, Graham vs. Richlands 3. 93, Richlands vs. Tazewell 4. 92, Graham vs. Bluefield. 5. 89, Bluefield vs. Princeton 6. 81, Richlands vs. Grundy 7. 80, Narrows vs. Galax 8. 73, Tazewell vs. Virginia High 9. 72, Bluefield vs. W.Wilson 10. 71, Tazewell vs. Grundy 11. 68, Graham vs. Grundy 12. 67, Tazewell vs. Marion t13. 66, Princeton vs. Oak Hil t13. 66, Richlands vs. Virginia High t13. 66, Summers Co. vs. S.Spring
Prep Football Records since 2011
Ranking Record Pct. 2017 rank 1. Richlands 173-46 .790 1 2. Giles 160-47 .773 2 3. Bluefield 153-54 .739 3 4. James Monroe 130-62 .677 4 5. Honaker 127-69 .648 5 6. Graham 118-82 .590 6 7. Hurley 91-90 .503 7 8. Grundy 88-97 .476 8 t9. Princeton 74-101 .423 9 t9. Narrows 77-105 .423 12 11. Wyoming East 70-97 .419 11 12. River View 34-49-1 .411 10 13. Summers Co. 75-110 .405 13 14. Bland County 62-112 .356 14 15. Mount View 62-114 .352 16 16. Tazewell 63-117 .350 15 17. Twin Valley 48-126 .276 18 18. Montcalm 42-121 .258 17 19. PikeView 40-133 .231 19
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30 | Friday, August 24, 2018
TWIN VALLEY PANTHERS
The Games
Aug. 24 at Jenkins, Ky. 7 p.m. Aug. 31 Montcalm 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at Honaker* 7 p.m. Sept. 14 Northwood 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Sept. 21 Craig County 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Grundy* Oct. 5 East Ridge 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at Thomas Walker 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 Rye Cove 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at Hurley* 7 p.m. *Black Diamond District game
The Panthers
Panthers have proper building blocks for success By LLOYD COMBS for the Daily Telegraph
PILGRIM’S KNOB, Va. — Jeremy Ward is a former offensive lineman in college, as is one of his top assistant coaches. Matthew Baldwin. Ward, a former Grundy player and coach, played at VMI and Baldwin did the same at Twin Valley and Virginia Tech. The first challenge for them is to build an offensive line at Twin Valley, where they have one of the best quarterbacks in the area and some solid skill people to go with
him. A First Team All-Black Diamond District performer on both offense, where he made it as a utility back, and defense, the athletic Tylor Keen is a fourth-year starter. He has the speed and arm to be a legitimate double threat. And he has a potential 1,000-yard rusher in senior running back Brandon Lester and an experienced wide receiver in senior Isaac Hampton. “We have an even mix of experience with this year’s team,” Ward said. “There are a few guys who
have had a lot of playing time the last couple of years and some who have very little. “Tylor Keen and Brandon Lester are two of those guys I mentioned who have a lot of experience. Having their leadership and experience helps to bring along the other guys, as well as allows us to push our offense in the direction we want to go.” A key as a wide receiver is Trevor McGlothlin. A 6-3 junior who missed most of last season with a hand injury, he should be a top target for the mobile Keen.
“We feel our skill positions are our strength right now,” Ward said. “Our biggest concerns are low numbers and coming together up front.” A pair of sophomores could help the offense. Xzavier Ward will work out of the backfield and as a receiver, while Conner Welch can handle tight end. Ward has little depth in the offensive line. He’ll rely on senior Alex Blankenship, juniors Jordan Shelton and Alex Meadows, sophomore Dalton White and freshman Ethan Snead.
No. Name Pos. Yr. 1 Tylor Keen QB/DB Sr. 2 Lane Stiltner WR/DB Fr. 4 Chris Jackson WR/DB Fr. 8 Wade Cantrell QB/WR/DB Fr. 10 Jason Helton WR/DB So. 11 Jeighkob Duty WR/DB Fr. 14 Dustin Jones WR/DB Fr. 15 Xzavier Ward RB/DB So. 21 Skylar Vance RB/LB So. 24 Isaac Hampton WR/DE Sr. 34 Trevor McGlothlin WR/DB Jr. 40 Brandon Lester RB/LB Sr. 44 Garrett Horton RB/LB Fr. 50 Alex Blankenship OL/DL Sr. 51 Ethan Snead OL/DL Fr. 52 Jordan Shelton OL/DL Jr. 57 Dalton White OL/LB So. 65 Josh Lester OL/DL So. 77 Alex Meadows OL/DL Jr. 87 Justin Vance WR/DB Jr. 88 Connor Welch TE/LB So.
“The offensive line is one of our concerns for now, because we have low numbers in that group” explained Ward. “Putting the right combination of guys together is the challenge directly ahead of us, but they have all been working hard and competing every day.”
Blocks, 33
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Friday, August 24, 2018 | 31
HONAKER TIGERS
The Games
Aug. 24 Lebanon 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Castlewood 7 p.m. Sept. 7 Twin Valley* 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Grundy* 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at George Wythe 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 John I. Burton Oct. 12 at Hurley* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 Patrick Henry 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at Northwood 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 Ridgeview 7 p.m. *Black Diamond District game
The Tigers
Tigers not accustomed to three-win seasons By ANTHONY STEVENS for the Daily Telegraph
HONAKER, Va. — Not only was 2017 a tough season, the last two years have been problematic for the Tigers. Instead of their accustomed spot atop the Black Diamond District, Hurley and Grundy have garnered the last two BDD titles. Honaker finished last season with a 3-7 overall record and graduated 14 seniors off that team. “You can’t rebuild from 3-7, you can only get better,” veteran Tiger coach Doug Hubbard said. “We need to get better, we need to do things right, that’s the bottom line.
“We’re practicing better, we’re doing a lot more things that I like, but at the same time we have to take all of that to the field on Friday night. I’m hoping we’re much improved from last year.” Five starters return on offense. Both wideouts are back in Chandler Hubbard and Chase Miller. Back at tailback will be Trevor Dye, who rushed for 1,430 yards on 249 carries. Dye averaged almost six yards a carry and found the end zone 12 times. Also, in the backfield will be quarterback Levi Miller, who received a lot of snaps last year, due to injuries to Hartley Hilton. Miller started most of the season, completing
48-of-91 passes for 632 yards with a couple of touchdowns. The only starting lineman back will be Zack Hess, who will lineup at tackle. There will be options at running back. Blake Casey and Dylan Casey will add some speed. Dakota Casey will likely be at fullback. “I like the fact we have four kids that can run the football,” Hubbard said. “Trevor is coming back after a big year; the Casey boys are very quick and fast back there to compliment him. Levi is back with six or seven games under his belt from last year. I like the looks of our backfield.” Receivers with Hubbard and
Miller will be Connor Wallace who received some starts last year and Luke Goodie at tight end. “We’ve been working really hard in the weight room,” remarked Wallace. “On and off the field, we’ve gotten a lot closer as a team. We have some big goals and I believe we’re going to achieve them.” Honaker scored almost 24 points a game last year. They would like to put even more points on the scoreboard in 2018. “I think the offense has some deadly weapons,” Wallace said. “Our skill players are very athletic and can make some spectacular
Accustomed, 33
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 1 Trajon Boyd WR/DB 6’1 153 Fr. 2 Austin Marsh RB/LB 5’9 205 Fr. 3 Matthew Ball WR/DB 5’9 132 Sr. 4 Chase Miller WR/DB 6’0 159 Sr. 5 Tyler Stafford WR/DB 5’11 152 Sr. 6 Walker Perkins WRDB 5’11 135 So. 7 Levi Miller QB 5’9 166 Jr. 10 Blake Casey RB/LB 5’10 160 So. 12 Levi Glymp RB/DE 5’11 185 Jr. 14 Dakota Casey RB/LB 5’6 193 Jr. 16 Isaac Perkins QB/DB 5’7 138 Fr. 18 Trevor Miller RB/LB 5’9 194 So. 19 Theo Brock WR/LB 5’7 166 Fr. 20 Matthew Hurt WR/DB 6’1 148 Jr. 21 Nick Goodman K 5’5 129 Fr. 23 Paul Osborne WR/DB 6’1 179 So. 26 Trent Taylor RB/DB 5’9 148 Sr. 27 Caiden Ball WR/DB 5’7 127 Fr. 31 Landon Shelton RB/DB 5’4 111 Fr. 32 Dylan Casey RB/LB 5’9 181 Jr. 33 Charlie Eads RB/LB 5’11 150 Jr. 34 Trevor Dye RB/LB 5’11 189 Jr. 41 Luke Goodie TE/DE 6’4 168 Jr. 44 Chandler Hubbard WR/DB 5’9 150 Jr 45 William Peck RB/LB 5’5 201 Fr. 50 Lucas O’Quinn OL/DL 6’5 290 Fr. 52 Gary Hubbard OL/DL 5’8 168 Fr. 54 Travis Musick OL/DL 6’0 258 So. 55 Cameron Fry OL/DL 6’0 246 Sr. 57 Hunter Goodie OL/DL 6’0 189 Jr. 58 Dawson Reedy OL/DL 5’7 207 So. 59 Jacob Hess OL/DL 6’0 247 Jr.
Tigers, 33
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32 | Friday, August 24, 2018
WYOMING EAST WARRIORS
The Games
Aug. 24 at Fayetteville Aug. 31 at Westside Sept. 7 Nicholas County Sept. 14 Oak Hill Sept. 21 at James Monroe Sept. 28 River View Oct. 5 at Shady Spring Oct. 12 Man Oct. 26 Independence Nov. 2 at Liberty
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
Jewell hopes for turnaround at Wyoming East By DAN STILLWELL CNHI Sports West Virginia
NEW RICHMOND — It took Donald Jewell four seasons to get Herndon High School’s football program turned around back in the late 1980s. Now, as he begins his fourth season as coach of Wyoming East, he’s hoping to pull the same magic. “By the fourth year at Herndon, the kids had bought in to what we were doing and that’s what they’re doing here,” Jewell said. “Their attitude is very good. They’re enthusiastic. They’re tired of losing. I’m tired of losing.” It’s been a tough few years for East, which consolidated
Herndon, Mullens, Pineville and Glen Rogers back in 1998. The school had success early, winning the 1999 Class AA state championship, and in later years occasionally made the playoffs. But in recent seasons, inexperience, low numbers and, particularly in 2016, injuries, have taken their toll. The Warriors went 2-8 last season. They were young, with sophomores in the backfield and seniors starting for the first time on the line. Now the team is junior-dominated, with an experienced backfield. Jewell is optimistic, but he’s been around too long to be overconfident.
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“If we don’t go 7-3, I’ll be disappointed,” he said. “But football is a physical game, and if you’re not deep, you must make sure the kids are in shape. They have to hit properly and not do anything stupid.” East has 37 players out for football, but only 18 or so are ready for varsity action. Six starters will go both ways, starting on both offense and defense. “We had a good weight room. They got stronger and are more dedicated,” Jewell said. “But they have to get in better shape. I can’t afford any injuries.” That said, there’s talent in New Richmond. The backfield is quick-
er than its been the past few years, and quarterback Seth Ross has some fine receivers. But unlike last year, when the Warriors were forced to pass, Jewell plans to keep the ball on the ground. “We couldn’t open holes and establish the run, so that put Seth (then a sophomore) under the gun,” Jewell said. “This year we have three kids who run pretty decent, so we want to establish the run and pass when they’re not expecting us to pass.” Senior Gage Bailey and sophomore Caleb Bower are the halfbacks. Both run hard and also can catch the football.
Turnaround, 27
No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 1 Ethan Walls HB/LB 5-11 170 Fr. 2 Dalton Bishop LB 6-0 204 Jr. 4 Caden Lookabill E 6-0 152 Jr. 7 Seth Ross QB 5-11 176 Jr. 11 Christian Samms E 5-8 140 Jr. 12 Gage Bailey HB/S 5-6 173 Sr. 13 AJ Sturgill LB 5-6 177 Sr. 15 Brandon Simpson E 5-11 180 Soph. 20 Adam Delong S 5-7 122 Sr. 21 Jackson Nelson HB/S 5-9 154 Soph. 22 Caleb Bower HB/S 5-9 170 Soph. 24 Randy Raye E 6-2 186 Jr. 25 Alex Hall FB/LB 5-11 194 Jr. 30 Kyle Preece QB/S 5-10 127 Fr. 32 Michael Elkins FB/LB 5-8 176 Sr. 50 Matt Allen T/G 6-0 222 Soph. 51 Clinton Lester G 5-8 186 Sr. 52 Josh Reilley C 5-10 230 Soph. 53 Clay Lester G/LB 6-1 214 Jr. 54 Sean Carter G 5-11 191 Sr. 55 Joseph Watson T 5-9 237 Soph. 56 Preston Walls G/T 6-0 218 Fr. 60 Noah Francis G/T 6-0 250 Jr. 61 Elijash Tolliver G/T 6-1 304 Fr. 62 Elijah Lilly G 5-8 269 Jr. 65 Charlie Price T/G 5-11 211 Fr. 66 Tanner Jenkins T 6-1 324 Jr. 68 Hunter Sammons T 5-9 241 Jr. 70 Brandon Morgan T 6-0 252 Jr. 72 Jonathan Shrewsbury G/T 6-1 232 Fr. 75 Travis Williams C 5-8 192 Fr. 76 Isaac Perdue T 6-1 291 Jr. 77 Noah Perdue T/C 5-10 412 Soph. 81 Tanner Grant E 6-3 211 Sr. 85 Andrew Shrewsbury E 6-3 174 Sr. 88 Jamer Snuffer K/DE 5-7 199 Sr. 89 Jacob Bishop E 6-2 192 Jr.
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High school football record book
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 33
Compiled by Rick Baker (more to follow)
Most Games Played vs. Opponents
Virginia Bland County Most games: 27 vs. Galax, Narrows, 26 vs. Shawsville/Eastern Montgomery, 26 vs. Fort Chiswell, 26 vs. Grayson County.
Blocks...
Continued from 30 Players with varsity experience and some of the dozen or so newcomers will play both ways, so
Accustomed.... Continued from 31
plays.” The Tigers hope to be effective throwing and running the football. “Wallace and Goodie can catch the football,” Hubbard said. “Their blocking has improved. We have two really good wide receivers, skill wise I like what we have. The whole question offensively will be how well does our line play? Will they be consistent, steady, and a little more physical. That will be the key to our offense.” They will have some size and depth up front. Joining left tackle Zack Hess will be Cameron Fry
Turnaround... Continued from 32
“Gage has been with the system for four years. He’s got the strongest set of legs on the team — he squats and dead lifts around 500 pounds,” Jewell said. “He’s quick and deceptive. At 5-foot-7 he’s built low to the ground.” Bower saw plenty of action last season as a freshman and is the team’s strongest back, benching 315 pounds while weighing 170. He’s also the fastest back. “Caleb is quick and hard to bring down — he doesn’t want to go down,”
Giles Most games: 57 vs. Blacksburg, 57 vs. Narrows, 57 vs. Radford, 46 vs. Christiansburg, 44 vs. Floyd County. Graham Most games: 98 vs. Tazewell, 95 vs. Richlands, 92 vs. Bluefield, 67 vs. Grundy; 56 vs. Marion. Grundy
Most games: 81 vs. Richlands, 71 vs. Tazewell, 68 vs. Graham, 47 vs. Virginia High, 47 vs. Marion. Honaker Most games: 53 vs. Lebanon, 49 vs. Castlewood, 48 vs. Haysi, 42 vs. Hurley, 36 vs. Garden. Hurley Most games: 52 vs. Haysi, 49 vs. Garden, 42 vs. Honaker, 30 vs. St.
Paul, 29 vs. Pocahontas. Narrows Narrows: 80 vs. Galax, 57 vs. George Wythe, 57 vs. Giles, 55 vs. Christiansburg, 49 vs. Blacksburg. Richlands Most games: 95 vs. Graham, 93 vs. Tazewell, 81 vs. Grundy, 66 vs. Virginia High, 59 vs. Marion. Tazewell
Most games: 98 vs. Graham, 93 vs. Richlands, 74 vs. Virginia High, 74 vs. Grundy, 67 vs. Marion. Twin Valley Most games: 17 vs. Honaker, 17 vs. Hurley, 14 vs. Haysi, 12 vs. Grundy, 12 vs. Montcalm. •••
conditioning is a key. The defense will feature Keen, Ward, sophomore Wade Cantrell and freshman Jeighkob Duty in the secondary. Lester will anchor the linebacking corps and will be flanked by White and Shelton.
Hampton, Blankenship, Meadows and freshman Dustin Jones will work up front. “We expect our defense to be aggressive and disciplined,” said Ward. “Once again, putting the pieces of the puzzle together is the
biggest challenge. We need to put people in the right positions. The Panthers have several candidates to replace Tim Croley as the place-kicker. The goals are the same as they’ve been in the last few sea-
sons at Twin Valley. “Overall, we want to be able to compete every week,” added Ward. “We want to have a winning season and compete for the BDD. “We also want to make the playoffs.”
at center, Hunter Goodie and J.C. Horn will be at the guard position. Tyler Ratliff and Travis Musick are working at right tackle. Also, in the mix on the o-line are Derick Hess, Peyton Hess, Dawson Reedy, and Lucas O’Quinn. “I like the kids we have on the offensive line,” Hubbard said. “I’m interested in seeing how well they play. They are good kids but that doesn’t necessarily make them good football players.” The defensive side of the ball is where Honaker hopes to see much improvement. They allowed 33.7 points per game last year. “I don’t know how we can get worse,” stated Hubbard. “We real-
ly struggled in the major phases of the game last year. One of those was the offensive line, also our defensive line and our linebackers really struggled. The poor linebacker play could have been from the poor line play. We have to tackle better; our defense has to be better if we’re going to improve.” The defensive backfield returns some experience. Hubbard will be at left corner. Chase Miller and Tyler Stafford will work at right corner. Trent Taylor returns at free safety. Trajan Boyd also see some action at safety and Dylan Shortridge at corner. Blake Casey and Wallace will be at outside linebacker. On the inside will be Trevor Dye and Dakota
Casey. On the line, Hunter Goodie, Derick Hess, Levi Glymp and Luke Goodie are in the mix at end. At the tackle slots are Ratliff, Fry, and Zack Hess. Horn and Musick will also work at tackle. Stafford is back to handle the punting chores. Matthew Ball will handle most of the place-kicking duties. “These kids have worked hard in the off-season for the most part,” Hubbard said. “They have really good attitudes and a good team chemistry right now. They are really good kids in the locker room and they are really competitive. We’ll have to see but I really like this team, the question is will we compete on both sides of the foot-
Jewell said. “He will be the diamond in the rough for us.” Fullback Michael Elkins, a senior, is the versatile back, while junior Alex Hall and freshman Ethan Walls are the backups. Ross, a good pocket quarterback, will mix it up with passes in the flats to the backs, and longer passes to junior ends Jacob Bishop and Caden Lookabill and tight end Andrew Shrewsbury. Bishop, the top receiver last season, runs good patterns and is shifty enough to get open. Lookabill, a basketball player out for football for the first time, has good speed and hands. Shrewsbury, a senior, is
the tallest player at 6-3 and is wiry and aggressive. The line is mostly new. Center Josh Reilley saw some action last year as a freshman. Junior left guard Clay Lester, a fine middle linebacker, will also try his hand on offense. Right guard Elijah Lilly saw some action and has bulked up in the weight room. “We need an athlete on the line, and Clay is strong, quick and mean,” Jewell said. “Elijah is strong. We’re relying on those two to open holes. We’re expecting big things from them.” Right tackle Tanner Jenkins is the biggest lineman at 6-2, 320
pounds and also the strongest. Left tackle Isaac Perdue was a starter before getting hurt against Nicholas County. He hustles, works hard and is experienced. Senior guard Clinton Lester, junior guard Brandon Morgan and sophomore tackle Noah Francis add depth on the line. Defensive tackle Hunter Sammons could also help out. Senior James Snuffer is a fouryear starter at kicker and also does the punting. Wyoming East will use both a four-man and a five-man line on defense. Noah Francis and Tanner
Most, 46
Tigers...
Continued from 32 63 Derick Hess OL/DL 6’0 193 Jr. 65 Zachary Hess OL/DL 5’11 208 Sr. 66 James Horn OL/DL 6’1 284 So. 67 Peyton Hess OL/DL 6’3 228 So. 70 Logan Anderson OL/DL 6’1 241 Fr. 72 Daniel McGlothlin OL/DL 6’0 209 Fr. 73 Dalton Dales OL/DL 6’4 303 Jr. 78 Tyler Ratliff OL/DL 5’11 375 Sr. 80 Wesley Yates TE/LB 5’7 195 Fr. 81 Jacob Geary WR/DB 5’11 159 Jr. 82 Dylan Shortridge W/DB 5’11 143 Sr. 88 Connor Wallace TE/LB 6’3 198 Sr.
ball for four quarters. “Only time will answer that. A lot depends on how mentally and physically tough you are, that’s where we have to make a big leap.” Jenkins are the guards, while Andrew Shrewsbury and James Snuffer are the tackles in the 4-4. In the 5-3, Sammons will play tackle. The linebackers should be one of the team’s strengths. Clay Lester and Alex Hall started inside while Michael Elkins and Gage Bailey return on the outside. Two basketball players, Lookabill and sophomore Brandon Simpson, will man the corners. Caleb Bower is the safety. Linebackers A.J. Sturgill and Clint Lester will also help out. Wyoming East has added Man to its schedule, replacing PikeView.
34 | Friday, August 24, 2018
CONFERENCE USA
FAU favored to repeat at C-USA champ after change under Lane By STEPHEN HAWKINS Associated Press Lane Kiffin knew very little about Conference USA before he became Florida Atlantic’s head coach. Same for Butch Davis at Florida International. The high-profile coaches made immediate impacts in their new league, and at their new schools not all that far apart. FAU is the preseason favorite to repeat as league champs after a school-record 11 wins and its first C-USA title. The Owls, coming off three consecutive 3-9 seasons, overcame a 1-3 start last season and now and carry a 10-game winning streak into their 2018 opener at Oklahoma. FIU went 8-5, doubling its win total from the previous season for the team’s first winning record since joining the conference in 2013. “Way better than people think that it is,” Davis said about C-USA. “The level of the coaches in this conference, there’s some damn good football coaches in just about every place. ... There’s a lot more talent, there’s a lot of really good athletes in this conference.” Kiffin, who spent the previous three seasons with Nick Saban at Alabama, had a similar impression about a league that had 10 bowl-eligible teams and sent nine to postseason games (only the SEC and ACC has more). “Especially (when) you’ve got some games where they’re basi-
AP file photo
Father-son...
Middle Tennessee head coach Rick Stockstill hugs his son, quarterback Brent Stockstill (12), after beating Arkansas State in the Camellia Bowl last December in Montgomery, Ala. cally assuming that you’re going to lose early in the year, to be able to still have that many teams bowl-eligible again speaks to the players, but to the coaches, too,” Kiffin said. Rick Stockstill is the longest-tenured C-USA coach, going into his 13th season at Middle Tennessee. This is Doc Holliday’s ninth season at Marshall. Louisiana Tech has won bowl games each of the past four seasons under coach Skip Holtz, while North Texas has played in bowls both seasons since former North Carolina assistant Seth Littrell became its coach. Mike Sanford Jr. was Notre Dame’s offensive coor-
dinator before going to Western Kentucky last year. The whole league will be watching when FAU opens at Oklahoma, the preseason favorite to win its fourth consecutive Big 12 title after being in the College Football Playoff last season. So what if the Owls could pull off an upset Sept. 1? “That would do a ton for the program, and for the conference, and Group of Five,” Kiffin said. “We’ve got a very tough schedule, we’re not putting everything into that game. Then all of a sudden you don’t win that game and ... you start losing games that you should win.”
FATHER-SON FINALE Middle Tennessee quarterback Brent Stockstill remembers being a little standoffish with the head coach when he first got to school there “just to try to prove that I was there was a football player and not because of (being) his son.” Stockstill goes into his senior season already as the Blue Raiders career leader in touchdown passes (77) and 300-yard passing games (14). “It’s everything that I wanted it to be, and more,” said the younger Stockstill, who plans to be a coach like his dad. “We’ve grown closer and closer and really tried to just do it the right way and show people that it’s a special opportunity.” Rick Stockstill said it’s hard to put into words how much he’s enjoyed the time coaching his son. THE FAVORITES East Division: Florida Atlantic returns 15 starters, including running back Devin Singletary and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, the preseason C-USA offense and defensive players of the year. Singletary led the nation with 32 rushing touchdowns while running for 1,920 yards, and Al-Shaair had 147 tackles. The Owls will have a new starting quarterback — former Oklahoma player Chris Robison or DeAndre Johnson, by way of Florida State and East Mississippi Community College. West Division: Two of the losses by North Texas last season were to FAU, and both were lopsided — first in the regular season and then
Conference USA Media Poll
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
East Division Florida Atlantic (22) Marshall (4) Middle Tennessee FIU WKU Old Dominion Charlotte West Division North Texas (18) Louisiana Tech (4) UAB (3) Southern Miss (1) UTSA Rice UTEP
in the C-USA championship game. But the Mean Green were 7-0 against other C-USA opponents. Quarterback Mason Fine (school records of 4,052 yards passing and 31 TDs), last year’s C-USA offensive player of the year, is among 17 returning starters. Top tackler E.J. Ejiya is also back. FAU visits Denton on Nov. 15, about two weeks before the league championship game. NEW COACHES Mike Bloomgren takes over at Rice as a first-time head coach after the past seven seasons as a Stanford assistant. The 41-yearold Bloomgren replaced two-time C-USA coach of the year David Baliff, fired after Rice finished 1-11 in his 11th season. New UTEP coach Dana Dimel was previously head coach at Wyoming (1997-99) and Houston (2000-02), and was an assistant at Kansas State, his alma mater, the past nine years. The Miners were the only Division I team that didn’t win a game last season.
Top College Football Games to see The Top 5 1. Oklahoma at West Virginia (Fri, Nov. 23): Could this be the first of two straight games between the Mountaineers and Sooners, with the Big 12 Championship Game slated for the following week. WVU fans are hoping so, but the Mountaineers are 2-8 vs. the Sooners, losing six in a row.
Compiled by Brian Woodson
2. Notre Dame at Virginia Tech (Oct. 6): Notre Dame makes its first-ever trip to Lane Stadium. 3. Florida Atlantic at Marshall (Oct. 20): The expected top two teams in Conference USA’s East Division will meet in Huntington. Lane Kiffin directed the Owls to the C-USA’s title in his first season, defeating the Herd for the first
time along the way. 4. Concord at Charleston (Thurs, Sept. 6): This is an integral season for Paul Price, whose Mountain Lions have won just nine games in three years since Concord went 13-1 and advanced to the national semifinals. 5. Virginia at Virginia Tech (Fri, Nov. 23): Could this finally be the
season that the Cavaliers take home the Commonwealth Cup. The Hokies have won 14 in a row in this series. The next 15: 6. Cumberland, Tenn. at Bluefield 7. West Virginia vs. Tennessee 8. Virginia Tech at Florida State 9. Pikeville at Bluefield 10. Miami at Virginia Tech
11. West Virginia at N.C. State 12. N.C. State at Marshall 13. West Virginia at Texas 14. TCU at West Virginia (Nov. 15. 15. Concord at Shepherd 16. Marshall at South Carolina 17. North Carolina at Virginia 18. Reinhardt at Bluefield 19. Concord at Virginia-Wise 20. Marshall at Western Kentucky
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 35
MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD
Marshall returns most starters, but must replace Litton at QB By JOHN RABY The Associated Press
HUNTINGTON (AP) — The shock of Chase Litton’s departure for the NFL draft has transferred into uncertainty at quarterback for Marshall entering the 2018 season. The position appears to be the one of the few question marks on a team that has nine starters back on each side of the ball as Marshall goes after its first Conference USA championship since 2014. Litton, a three-year starter, threw for a career-high 3,115 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, then surprisingly opted to skip his senior season and went undrafted. The attention at quarterback has turned to Alex Thomson, a graduate transfer from Wagner of the Championship Subdivision. The 6-foot-5 Thomson missed most of last season with a shoulder injury and Marshall coach Doc Holliday has limited his work in preseason practice. Thomson threw for 2,436 yards and 16 touchdowns with five interceptions in 2016. Marshall also entered fall camp with junior Garet Morrell and sophomore Isaiah Green. Morrell is the only one among the pair with playing experience. He threw for four touchdowns and three interceptions in five games during the 2016 season.
Marshall also has a new offensive coordinator. Tim Cramsey arrived from Sam Houston State, which led the Championship Subdivision in scoring and total offense and passing yards. Cramsey replaced Bill Legg, who resigned last December and was hired at an offensive consultant at Mississippi State. Marshall is looking to improve on an 8-5 record from last season, which included a win over Colorado State in the New Mexico Bowl. Holliday, who enters his ninth season, is looking for a few more players to add depth at wide receiver and cornerback. “We’re the deepest we’ve ever been since I’ve been here,” Holliday said. Other things to know about the Thundering Herd, who open the season Sept. 1 at Miami (Ohio): OFFENSIVE STARS While it will take time for the new starting quarterback to get acclimated, look for Marshall to rely heavily on running backs Tyler King and Keion Davis. Each surpassed 800 rushing yards a year ago, and Davis returned a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns against Miami last season. Top receiver Tyre Brady also returns. He had 62 catches for 942 yards and eight scores last season and was a
AP photo
Doc Holliday Conference USA first team selection. DEFENSIVE PROMISE Marshall’s defense is anchored by last year’s top two tacklers, senior linebacker Chase Hancock and junior safety Malik Gant. The
Thundering Herd allowed just 19.9 points per game last season, the 17th best in the Bowl Subdivision. Defensive coordinator Chuck Heater left for Maryland in January and Adam Fuller was promoted from linebackers coach.
The Games
Sept. 1 at Miami (Ohio) 3:30 p.m. Sept. 8 Eastern Kentucky 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at South Carolina 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22 North Carolina State 7 p.m. Sept.29 at Western Kentucky* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 (Fri) Middle Tennessee* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Old Dominion* 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20 Florida Atlantic* 2:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at Southern Mississippi* 3 p.m. Nov. 10 Charlotte* 2:30 p.m. Nov. 17 Texas-San Antonio* 2:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at Florida International* noon *Conference USA game
KICKERS NEEDED Kaare Vedvik, who handled punting, placekicking and kickoffs last season, is gone. Junior college transfer Justin Rohrwasser is likely to take over on field goals and extra points with sophomore Robert Lefevre and walk-on Shane McDonough battling it out for punting and kickoff duties. SOLID O-LINE Marshall’s offensive line returns all five starters. Greg Adkins joins Marshall as offensive line coach this season. He held the same job at Oklahoma State in 2015 and 2016. Adkins also was an assistant at Marshall from 1991 to 1995. SCHEDULE Marshall’s tough nonconference schedule includes a Sept. 15 trip to South Carolina and a Sept. 22 home game against North Carolina State. After that, the Thundering Herd could make a run at a league title but has tough tests at home Oct. 5 against Middle Tennessee and Oct. 20 against defending champion Florida Atlantic.
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36 | Friday, August 24, 2018
WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS
Grier, Sills back as West Virginia seeks 1st Big 12 title By JOHN RABY The Associated Press
MORGANTOWN (AP) — Will Grier has cut the long locks that helped earned him the nickname “Touchdown Jesus,” yet the beard remains. More importantly, the West Virginia quarterback’s broken middle finger on his throwing hand is mended and he’s ready to lead the Mountaineers to even better things on offense in 2018. And the do-it-all Grier has learned one thing heading into his senior season — he doesn’t necessarily have to try so hard to make plays. The Mountaineers, who went 7-6 last season, are hungry for a Big 12 title that has eluded them since joining the league in 2012 and are buying into the hype for now, even launching a Heisman webpage for Grier. “I’m pretty narrowly focused on just winning games,” Grier said. “That stuff ’s great, but my main goal is to be 1-0 every week.” With Grier and West Virginia wide receiver David Sills returning and others added to the mix, the Mountaineers are hoping they can put up offensive numbers similar to a year ago. Grier’s 34 TD passes in 11 games were the second most in a single
season for West Virginia. He completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,490 yards. Sills tied for the national lead with 18 TD catches. What gives Dana Holgorsen optimism entering his eighth season as head coach is that from a maturity standpoint, West Virginia is “light years ahead of many of the teams I’ve had since I’ve been here.” Some other things to know about West Virginia, which opens the season Sept. 1 against Tennessee in Charlotte, North Carolina: DEFENSE QUESTIONS: As in past years, the Mountaineers’ success likely rests with its defense, which has nine players with starting experience back on a unit that ranked last in rushing defense and eighth in total defense in the Big 12. The defense is anchored by junior linebacker David Long (75 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss), and senior safety Dravon AskewHenry (57 tackles). CAUTION AHEAD: Grier said in light of his Nov. 18 injury on a scramble against Texas that cost him almost three full games, “the green light is still there” for him to run, “but I think there’s a certain balance to knowing when to try to try to get that extra yard, try to get that first down.” For instance, West Virginia faced
AP photo
Will Grier a fourth-and-5 against Virginia Tech on the last drive of the 2017 season opener. Grier scrambled nine yards to keep the drive alive, although WVU lost 31-24. “I’ve got to go get that first down and do whatever I can,” he said.
But if it’s second down in the first quarter, “it’s maybe a time to take care of myself. We’ve had discussions about that. I don’t regret anything that I’ve done, but moving forward I want to be as smart as I can about taking care of my body
The Games
Sept. 1 Tennessee# 3:30 p.m. Sept. 8 Youngstown State 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at N.Carolina State 3:30 p.m. Sept. 22 Kansas State* TBA Sept. 29 at Texas Tech* TBA Oct. 6 Kansas* (HC) TBA Oct. 13 at Iowa State* TBA Oct. 25 (Thurs) Baylor* 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Texas* TBA Nov. 10 Texas Christian* TBA Nov. 17 at Oklahoma State* TBA Nov. 23 (Fri) Oklahoma* 8 p.m. *Big 12 game #Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
but also making sure I do everything I can for this team.” NEW FACES: West Virginia has several transfers on board, as Holgorsen seems to do every year, including Grier last year from Florida. This time, the Mountaineers welcome wide receiver T.J. Simmons, who played on special teams at Alabama as a freshman two years ago. Tight end Jovani Haskins sat out last year after transferring from Miami and has yet to play a down in college. After defensive linemen Adam Shuler and Lamonte McDougle transferred, graduate transfers Kenny Bigelow from Southern Cal and Jabril Robinson from Clemson were added. The defense also welcomes junior college safety Josh Norwood, who played in 2016 at Ohio State. BALL CARRIERS: Kennedy McKoy will take over for two-time 1,000-yard rusher Justin Crawford.
Title, 39
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Friday, August 24, 2018 | 37
VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES
The Games
Hokies need to rebuild defense to continue positive momentum BLACKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Tech has surged back into the national rankings in its first two seasons with Justin Fuente as coach. Fuente is staring down what could be his most challenging year yet with the Hokies. The Hokies had already lost six defensive starters — three to graduation, three who left early for the NFL — when Fuente dismissed defensive back Adonis Alexander for academic reasons and defensive back Mook Reynolds for violating program rules. That leaves defensive coordinator Bud Foster with eight starters to replace this season. It’s a tall task, but one Fuente is confident a very young defense can handle. “I know everybody knows this and our kids know this, but Bud’s not going to make any tackles out there,” Fuente said. “He’s going to line them up and coach them up and he’s going to get them in the right position, but ultimately they’re going to have to take ownership of what they’re doing. It’s the same in special teams and the same on offense. But I do like that they have that belief in what’s
going on.” The holdovers — defensive linemen Ricky Walker and Vinny Mihota and safety Reggie Floyd — are all solid, but experience at the other spots is slim and an opening game at Florida State will test everyone right away. Things look somewhat better on the offensive side with incumbent quarterback Josh Jackson back after a record-setting season as a freshman and two of his three primary targets also returning, but the loss of Hokies career receptions leader Cam Phillips means Jackson will be looking for new players to be his go-to targets. In the backfield, Steven Peoples and DeShawn McClease figure to get most of the work. Peoples has emerged as one of Fuente’s favorite players for his work ethic and versatility, and McClease finished strong last season. The offensive line has three starters back, but coach Vance Vice plans to move them around and finding at least two more capable of filling the roles of Wyatt Teller (43 career starts) and Eric Gallo (38) will be critical. Some other areas to watch with Virginia Tech this season: JACKSON’S ENCORE Quarterback Josh Jackson was brilliant at times last sea-
AP photo
Josh Jackson son and set a Hokies freshman record with 20 touchdown passes, but he’ll have to be better without wide receiver Cam Phillips. Receivers Sean Savoy (39 catches, 454 yards, 4 TDs) and Eric Kumah
(28, 324, 2) should help soften the blow, but promising players like Phil Patterson (9-88), Hezekiah Grimsley (12-139) and transfer Damon Hazleton (Ball State) need to emerge.
THE O-LINE As with any offense undergoing significant retooling, the offensive line’s ability to gel, protect the elusive Jackson and open holes for DeShawn McClease (530 yards, 3 TDs) and Steven Peoples (267, 2) will be huge. Tight end Chris Cunningham (19.4-yard average on nine receptions) should make their blocking job a bit easier. TRUST IN BUD Defensive coordinator Bud Foster is one of the best in the game and has more starters to replace than in any season since 2000, the year after the Hokies played Florida State in the national championship game. “We’re going to find out what some of these guys’ strengths are and liabilities or weaknesses, so to speak, and build off of those and find who can play here early and then we’ll go with that,” Foster, the former Broyles Award-winner as the nation’s top assistant coach,
Rebuild, 40
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By HANK KURZ Jr. The Associated Press
Sept. 3 (Mon) at Florida State* 8 p.m. Sept. 8 William & Mary 2 p.m. Sept. 15 East Carolina 12:20 p.m. Sept. 22 at Old Dominion 3:30 p.m. TBA Sept. 29 at Duke* Oct. 6 Notre Dame TBA Oct. 13 at North Carolina* TBA Oct. 25 Georgia Tech (Thurs)* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 Boston College* (HC) TBA Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh* TBA Nov. 17 Miami* TBA Nov. 23 (Fri) Virginia* TBA *ACC game
38 | Friday, August 24, 2018
VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
The Games
Mendenhall seeking big steps in third year at Virginia By HANK KURZ Jr. The Associated Press
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall hopes this is the season the Cavaliers turn the corner. Virginia reached a bowl game for the first time since 2011 last season with a 6-6 regular season, but after Joe Reed returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, Navy scored 49 unanswered points in a 49-7 Military Bowl loss . Mendenhall hopes the experience is one that lingers, both for the achievement and the result. “Qualifying for postseason a year ago certainly gave them an idea of what that looks like, and it also gave them an idea of once they are there, what they need to do,” Mendenhall, entering his third season at Virginia, said. “That’s framed an urgency, and I like that part.” These Cavaliers head into the season in a familiar position, with a quarterback they need to keep healthy in dual-threat junior college transfer Bryce Perkins and many weapons on offense that should make it easier. Along with Perkins, who threw for seven touchdowns and ran for four last season in leading Arizona Western Community College to the NJCAA national champion-
ship game, the Cavaliers will lean heavily on wide receivers Olamide Zaccheaus and Reed, along with bruising running back Jordon Ellis in what could be a highly productive offense. Reliable tight end Evan Butts also is expected to play a prominent role. He has some of the best hands on the team and “is always open,” Mendenhall said. Butts had 32 catches for 266 yards and two TDs last season. The memory of last season’s finale, when the offense mustered only 175 yards against the Midshipmen, has served as a motivator during the offseason, Ellis said. “Ending it that way. I mean, our offense didn’t really do anything the whole game,” he said. “It definitely put motivation in us to the spring and we’re definitely motivated every day to come out here on the practice field and ... show who we are as an offense.” Some things to watch with Virginia this season: ••• KEEPING PERKINS HEALTHY Perkins arrived last winter and was able to go through spring practice and spend the summer working with the team. He’s been a quick study on the offense, which will more closely fit Mendenhall’s preference for featuring a dual threat behind center, but he will
AP photo
Olimide Zaccheaus also need to be wary of taking too many hits. Behind him on the
depth chart are untested sophomore Lindell Stone and freshman
AP Top 25 College Football Poll The Top 25 teams in The Associated Press preseason college football poll, with firstplace votes in parentheses, records, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote, and 2017 final ranking:
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Cole Blaker Virginia Tech Narrows
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T.J. Kitts U. of Virginia Tazewell
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Jordan Stout Virginia Tech Honaker
1. Alabama (42) 2. Clemson (18) 3. Georgia 4. Wisconsin (1) 5. Ohio St. 6. Washington 7. Oklahoma 8. Miami 9. Auburn 10. Penn St. 11. Michigan St. 12. Notre Dame 13. Stanford
Record Pts Pv 13-1 1 505 1 12-2 1476 4 13-2 1350 2 13-1 1271 7 12-2 1256 5 10-3 1215 16 12-2 1173 3 10-3 1027 13 10-4 1013 10 11-2 1012 8 10-3 877 15 10-3 804 11 9-5 778 20
14. Michigan 8-5 773 NR 15. Southern Cal 11-3 543 12 16. TCU 11-3 533 9 17. West Virginia 7-6 511 NR 18. Mississippi St. 9-4 450 19 19. Florida St. 7-6 384 NR 20. Virginia Tech 9-4 351 24 21. UCF 13-0 3 12 6 22. Boise St. 11-3 292 22 23. Texas 7-6 216 NR 24. Oregon 7-6 148 NR 25. LSU 9-4 106 18 ••• Others receiving votes: South Carolina 96, Florida 68, Utah 60, Oklahoma St. 51, FAU 38, Arizona 28, NC State 22, Texas A&M 21, Boston College 18, Northwestern 13, Kansas St. 10, Iowa St. 8, Houston 6, Memphis 3, Troy 2, Iowa 2, Kentucky 1, Arkansas St. 1, Fresno St. 1. Not receiving votes: Marshall, Virginia
Sept. 1 Richmond 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at Indiana 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 Ohio 3 p.m. Sept. 22 Louisville* TBA Sept. 29 at North Carolina State* TBA Oct. 13 Miami* (HC) TBA Oct. 20 at Duke* TBA Oct. 27 North Carolina* TBA Nov. 2 Pittsburgh (Fri)* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 Liberty TBA Nov. 17 at Georgia Tech* TBA Nov. 23 (Fri) at Virginia Tech* TBA *ACC game
Brennan Armstrong. ••• AN IMPROVED ZACCHEAUS He set a school single-season record last season with 85 catches. He finished the year with 895 yards and five touchdowns, and Mendenhall has challenged him to do more this year. Some of that may come in the running game, but Zaccheaus said another area of emphasis is improving his yards after the catch. “I can improve on that, and not taking any catch for granted,” he said. “I had a lot of drops last season, a lot of missed opportunities.” ••• DEFENSIVE LEADERS The Cavaliers lost just three starters on defense, but those are big holes to fill. Linebacker Micah Kiser and safety Quin Blanding were the top tacklers in the ACC in each of the last three seasons. Up front, departed defensive end Andrew Brown shared the team lead with 10 1/2 tackles for loss.
Mendenhall, 40
USA Today Coaches Poll 1 Alabama (61) 13-1 2 Clemson (3) 12-2 3 Ohio State (1) 12-2 4 Georgia 13-2 5 Oklahoma 12-2 6 Washington 10-3 7 Wisconsin 13-1 8 Miami (Fla) 10-3 9Penn State 11-2 10 Auburn 10-4 11 Notre Dame 10-3 12 Michigan State 10-3 13 Stanford 9-5 14 Michigan 8-5 15 Sou California 11-3 16 TCU 11-3 17 Virginia Tech 9-4 18 Mississippi State9-4 19 Florida State 7-6 20 West Virginia 7-6 21 Texas 7-6 22 Boise State 11-3 23 UCF 13-0 24 LSU 9-4 25 Oklahoma State 10-3
1,621 1,547 1,458 1,452 1,288 1,245 1,243 1,091 1,050 1,004 892 870 768 752 691 530 524 407 328 310 265 261 259 254 168
1 4 5 2 3 15 6 13 8 12 11 16 19 NR 10 9 25 20 NR NR NR 22 7 18 14
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 39
BIG 12 CONFERENCE
Heisman hopeful Grier wants to lead WVU to Big 12 title By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer
Maybe Will Grier can do at West Virginia what Baker Mayfield did with Oklahoma before going to the NFL. If the senior quarterback can mimic the spectacular season had by Mayfield, the Mountaineers would have a couple of significant firsts. They have never won a Big 12 Conference title or had a Heisman Trophy winner. Oklahoma won its third Big 12 title in a row, and 11th overall, on the way to the College Football Playoff with the Heisman-winning quarterback who was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. While the Sooners are the preseason favorite again, there are also high expectations for Grier, the preseason Big 12 offensive player of the year who threw 34 touchdowns and 3,490 yards in his injury-shortened WVU debut. The Mountaineers even launched a Grier7Heisman.com website during the summer. The Big 12 has never had back-to-back Heisman winners. “I would never approve a campaign unless I felt like a player could handle it,” coach Dana Holgorsen said. “He’s ready for this. He’s prepared himself his whole life for this. ... I’ve got no worries about him not understanding expectations and how to deal with expectations.” The Mountaineers, who are 27-27 in conference games since joining the Big 12 seven years ago, were picked second in the preseason media poll, ahead of TCU, Texas and Oklahoma State. “We’re focused on winning games and being the best we can be, and I think Dana understands and trusts that I know that,” said Grier, the former Florida quarterback who broke the middle finger on his throwing hand when diving for the end zone in the 11th game last season. “What I’m focused on is not the expectations, but the preparation.” West Virginia also returns receiver David Sills, a former quarter-
Baseball millionaire...
AP Photo
Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray will replace Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield at quarterback for the Sooners this season. His fuure is in baseball, having been a first round selection selected by the Oakland Athletics in June. back who had 60 catches for 980 yards and a nation-best 18 TDs last season. Mayfield’s successor at Oklahoma is Kyler Murray , the ninth overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft this summer. The former Texas A&M transfer got a nearly $5 million bonus from the Oakland Athletics, who agreed to let the speedy outfielder play one more football season. Murray and the Sooners also have 1,000-yard rusher Rodney Anderson and 1,000-yard receiver Marquise Brown. “This is going to be an interesting team, no question,” Sooners coach Lincoln Riley said. “It’s got a chance to be maybe the most tal-
ented team that we’ve had in the now four years that we will have been at OU, but also probably our most inexperienced team as well.” ••• HERMAN’S HORNS Texas broke its string of three consecutive losing seasons in coach Tom Herman’s debut, but came close to being much better than 7-6. The Longhorns lost twice in overtime, including in two OTs at USC, and had two other losses by a combined nine points. “We have been training our guys how to finish,” Herman said. “Every drill that we do, every workout that we have, everything that we do has a finish component to it, meaning we require our guys
to be at their very best when the game is on the line.” SURGING CYCLONES Iowa State is coming off its best season since 2000, an 8-5 record with wins over Oklahoma and TCU, the teams that played in the Big 12 championship game. The five losses were by a combined 25 points. Among nine returning offensive starters are 1,000yard rusher David Montgomery and sixth-year quarterback Kyle Kempt, whose first career start was the stunning road win over the Sooners. “I was anxious to watch the response of our football team coming back in January from some of the lessons we learned from a year ago,” third-year coach Matt Campbell said. “It’s been fun.” TOP PLAYERS Grier and Sills, West Virginia’s standout QB-WR combo. Ben Banogu, TCU’s 6-foot-4, 249pound defensive end and preseason Big 12 defensive player of the year who had 8 1/2 sacks and 16 1/2 tackles for loss last year. Oklahoma State running back Justice Hill, who led the Big 12 with 1,467 yards rushing as a sophomore last year after being the FBS freshman rushing leader with 1,142 yards. Kansas senior linebacker Joe Dineen Jr., who led the Big 12 with 11.4 tackles per game and all FBS players with 7.6 solo stops per game last year. His 25 tackles for loss were a single-season school record. Rodney Anderson, who ran for 1,161 yards and 13 TDs for the Sooners, and had five receiving TDs. ON THE HOT SEAT Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury has been in this spot before — just last season. A win in the regular-season finale at Texas got the Red Raiders into a bowl game and pretty much saved their former quarterback’s job. He is going into his sixth year as coach with a 30-33 record after a loss to South Florida in the Birmingham Bowl, and a 16-29 mark in Big 12 games.
Big 12 Media Preseason Poll
1. Oklahoma (46) 2. West Virginia (2) 3. TCU (1) 4. Texas (1) 5. Oklahoma State 6. Kansas State (2) 7. Iowa State 8. Texas Tech 9. Baylor 10. Kansas
509 432 390 370 300 283 250 149 125 52
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Hook ‘em Horns...
Tom Herman enters his second season as head coach at the University of Texas. The Longhorns were 7-6 in his debut campaign in 2017.
Title...
Continued from 36 McKoy ran for 596 yards and tied Crawford for a team-high seven TDs. Backup Martell Pettaway figures to get significantly more carries than the three per game he had last year, while redshirt freshman Alec Sinkfield and freshman Leddie Brown could get some playing time. SCHEDULE: West Virginia has two Power Five opponents on its nonconference schedule. Besides the opener, West Virginia will play at North Carolina State on Sept. 15. The Mountaineers have five Big 12 home games, including the conference opener Sept. 22 against Kansas State. Their regular season will conclude with a tough stretch against TCU and Oklahoma at home sandwiched around a trip to Oklahoma State.
40 | Friday, August 24, 2018
ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE
Clemson aims for 4th straight ACC title in dominating run By AARON BEARD AP Sports Writer
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney isn’t changing how the Tigers approach each season — and there’s no reason he should. The repetition is working. His program is the unquestioned Atlantic Coast Conference favorite again and has become a perennial national power. Everyone else in the ACC is looking up at the three-time reigning champions and trying to figure out a way to loosen their grip on the league. “We start over every year, reinstall the program, reinstall the core values, the philosophy that we believe in, the why,” Swinney said, “and I just don’t vary from that.” The Tigers are the overwhelming favorite to win the ACC for a fourth straight season, which would make Clemson the first ACC team to win four straight since Florida State’s dominating romp through the 1990s. That would also make Clemson only the second power-conference team to win four straight league championship games. Over the past three years, the Tigers are 25-2 against league teams, with 18 wins by double-digit margins and the losses coming by a combined four points. They are returning seven offensive starters and eight on defense,
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Continued from 37 said. “... I’m excited about what these kids will bring to the table athletically. They seem to be quick learners and have a pretty good football IQ, so I’m excited about that.” DBU? The Hokies have self-proclaimed themselves as “Defensive Back University” after
including first-team all-ACC performers in offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt, defensive ends Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins, and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The biggest question around Clemson is whether quarterback Kelly Bryant keeps his job after guiding the Tigers to the College Football Playoff or if Swinney will switch to freshman Trevor Lawrence at some point during the year. As for the rest of the league, there continues to be an imbalance of power that has the Clemson-led Atlantic Division looking significantly stronger than the Coastal. But the Atlantic has plenty of change with Florida State bringing in new coach Willie Taggart, Louisville replacing former Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson and North Carolina State overhauling its defense. They all have the same goal. “You have to beat Clemson,” Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said. “There’s no question about that.” THE FAVORITES Atlantic: Clemson. There isn’t another team in the country — much less the division — that can match what Clemson has accomplished outside of reigning national champion Alabama. Coastal: Miami. The Hurricanes were the first preseason division favorite to actually finish in first by the end of the year since Virginia Tech did it in 2011. That was also
sending several players to the NFL, but with Reggie Floyd as the only returning starter and the linebacking corps all new, they will have to earn the label this season. “We lost a lot of big guys, but at the same time, we’ve just got to get prepared with the younger guys,” said Floyd, suddenly a secondary veteran with 12 career starts. “They’re here and we’ve got to
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Bama’ bred...
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is looking to lead Clemson to a fourth straight ACC championship and third straight appear the last Coastal team to repeat as division winner, so Mark Richt’s Hurricanes are trying to hold onto their perch in a division that frequently features the unexpected and could see several teams convert experience into defensive improvement . TOP PLAYERS AJ Dillon, Boston College. Last year’s ACC rookie of the year is this season’s preseason player of
get ready for the season, but yeah, that was a big chunk that we lost, but we’ll get right.” SEASON OPENER The Hokies open the season on Monday, Sept. 3 against Florida State in Tallahassee, Florida. After that, the schedule breaks right for the Hokies. They will play Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Coastal Division favorite Miami and Virginia all at typically raucous Lane Stadium.
the year after running for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. Ryan Finley, North Carolina State. Finley returned to school for his final season after flirting with entering the NFL draft in the offseason. He completed 65 percent of his passes last year and has three experienced wideouts in 1,000-yard receiver Kelvin Harmon, Jakobi Meyers and Stephen Louis.
Mendenhall.. Continued from 38
Chris Peace returns to lead the linebacking corps, one year after leading the team with 7 1/2 sacks, and the secondary is full of veterans led by Juan Thornhill, who moves into Blanding’s spot. “This defense is going to be strong,” free safety Brenton Nelson said. Nelson, Blanding and Thornhill shared the team lead with four interceptions apiece last season. •••
••• THE RIVALRY Mendenhall’s approach to the Cavaliers’ rivalry with Virginia Tech last season was that no one on the team was part of Hokies’ 13 consecutive victories. The streak is now 14, and Mendenhall has changed course. “When you have a rivalry game that you haven’t won in a significant amount of time, that’s one of the things that has to happen, regardless of where you are and so we’re open about it moreso now than I have ever
Atlantic Coast Conference Media Poll Atlantic Division Clemson (145) 1,031 Florida State (1) 789 NC State (2) 712 Boston College 545 Louisville 422 Wake Forest 413 Syracuse 232 Coastal Division 1. Miami (122) 998 2. Virginia Tech (16) 838 3. Georgia Tech (8) 654 4. Duke (1) 607 5. Pittsburgh 420 6. North Carolina (1) 370 7. Virginia 257 ACC Championship Votes 1. Clemson 139 2. Miami 5 3. NC State 2 T4. Florida State 1 T4 Virginia Tech 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Cam Akers, Florida State. The sophomore running back ran for 1,024 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Clemson’s defensive line. Wilkins, Lawrence and Ferrell are all top-tier NFL draft prospects. That could make for some long Saturday afternoons for offensive lines in the Atlantic Division. TaQuon Marshall, Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets’ quarterback ran for 1,146 yards and 17 touchdowns to go with 10 touchdowns passing in Paul Johnson’s runheavy attack. Jaylen Smith, Louisville. The senior receiver is recovering from an emergency appendectomy, but is a preseason all-ACC pick who had 980 yards and seven touch-
4th, 41 been,” he said, “just because it’s clear that has to happen for University of Virginia’s football program.” Virginia Tech leads the overall series 57-37-5. Honaker’s Heath Miller was a tight end for the Cavaliers the last time Virginia won in 2003. ••• SCHEDULE Virginia opens on Saturday, Sept. 1 at home against Richmond. Two years ago, in Mendenhall’s first game, the Cavaliers were never in the game in a 37-20 loss to the FCSlevel Spiders.
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 41
CONCORD MOUNTAIN LIONS
The Games
Sept. 1 at W.Virginia Wesleyan* noon Sept. 6 ( Thurs) Charleston* 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Virginia-Wise* 1 p.m. Sept. 22 Notre Dame* noon Sept. 29 at Shepherd* noon Oct. 6 Glenville State* (HC) 1 p.m. Oct. 13 at West Virginia State* 1 p.m. Oct. 20 at UNC-Pembroke 4 p.m. Oct. 27 West Liberty* noon Nov. 3 at Fairmont State* 1 p.m. Nov. 10 Urbana* noon *Mountain East Conference game
Newcomers, and lots of them, expected to contribute for Concord By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph
ATHENS — The fortunes of Concord University football will depend on many new faces in 2018. The Mountain Lions opened preseason camp with more than 110 players — 70 of whom are newcomers. Head coach Paul Price has led CU to two 2-9 seasons and that was a main reason the Athenians were picked 11th in the preseason poll of the 11-team Mountain East Conference. But Price is, characteristically, upbeat. “We do have some young players that are going to help us, and the sooner they mature, the better off we’ll be,” he said. “They can come in and show us what they can do ... and we’re going to be in good shape. We’ve got to coach them, develop them the right way and bring them along.” Quarterback Adam Fulton, in eight games, threw for more than 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first collegiate season. “(He) did very well as a freshman,” Price said. Richlands graduate JohnLuke Asbury has joined the quarterback room in Athens as well. JaVaughan Burruss appeared to be the primary running back as of mid-August. In 111 carries for Concord, he’s averaged 4 yards
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Continued from 40
season and is entering his 10th full season. Duke’s David Cutcliffe and Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson are in their 11th seasons after taking over their programs that same year. SHORTHANDED EARLY At North Carolina, 13 players will sit out games after committing NCAA secondary violations by selling team-issued shoes. That list includes quarterback Chazz Surratt — who was expected to compete for the starting job — returning starter Malik Carney at defensive end and another projected starter there in Tomon Fox.
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Adam Fulton Jonathan Roebuck are “two very good safeties, so that’s always a fun thing,” Price said. Shepherd was awarded an injury redshirt year and the sixth-year senior will provide leadership from his cornerback spot. Junior college transfer Jakil Sarhim was quite
The suspensions could cut into the Tar Heels’ depth in the opening month as they try to regroup from a threewin season, the first serious stumble under seventh-year coach Larry Fedora. MARQUEE OPENERS The league has a couple of marquee matchups in Week 1, two against the Southeastern Conference. Louisville plays Alabama in Orlando on Sept. 1, while Miami plays LSU in Arlington, Texas the next day. And on Labor Day, Taggart’s Seminoles face Virginia Tech in a conference matchup.
are a wide-open contest. Defensive linemen Justin Noble, a senior, and Ryan Gatrell will have new teammates around them in the front line, which was hit hard by attrition after last fall. Noble said about his new colleagues during the first week of preseason, “Just from these last couple of days, I’ve seen that these guys are hard workers. They have what we need. We just have to bring it out of them, the best that we can.” All-American punter Garrett Lee and longtime kicker Zack Keaton have graduated, and Alec Yost has assumed the kicking duties. Price said that Fulton, the quarterback, is “an exceptional punter.” Another intriguing option is freshman receiver Jamal Fisher, a rugby-style punter. Despite the youth and the preseason poll, Noble said, “Our goal is always to compete for a conference championship. Just because since I’ve been here, it hasn’t gone ultimately great, that doesn’t change what my overall goal is — what OUR overall goal is.”
impressive in spring workouts. Senior linebacker Zach Malone has already racked up 230 career tackles, good for 17th on the active tacklers’ list of NCAA Division II. Andrew Jakubowsky made 52 stops in his first year at CU in 2017. The remaining linebacker spots
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downs receiving in just 10 games last year. NEW FACES Taggart spent a season at Oregon before coming to Florida State to replace Jimbo Fisher after he left for Texas A&M. He inherits a team with 10 returning starters on offense and defense after a bumpy 7-6 season. LONGEVITY Three coaches have been in place at least a decade in the ACC. Clemson’s Swinney took over during the 2008
per rush. Price said, “J.J. had a very good spring, and is a player that I always liked.” The coach said that new runner Chris Copeland “looked very good inside.” Another rookie, Josh Maxwell, has opened eyes. Greenbrier East grad Zayvion Lawson is also in the mix. Receiver Tywan Pearce and cornerback Chaudlier Shepherd were being auditioned as running backs on offense as well. Pearce ranked second in the MEC as a kickoff returner last year as a freshman. He and Brandon Plyler head up the receiving corps after combining for 540 yards and five receiving touchdowns last season. All-conference center Derek Dressler, who has started 22 consecutive games, will provide stability to the offensive line. Nathan Toney started all last season at tackle and Jack Skidmore also returns to the trenches for his senior season. Keener Burke and Kole Bridgers are “up-and-coming” linemen, Price said. He added, “We signed some really good freshmen linemen, the best I’ve had here, and maybe the best I’ve ever signed.” Graham graduate Mark Large is the incumbent tight end and has been the long snapper for two seasons in kick and punt formations. The defensive backfield is CU’s strong suit. Ke’Shawn Hall and
42 | Friday, August 24, 2018
BLUEFIELD COLLEGE RAMS
The Games
Rams being coached up by veterans of the sidelines BLUEFIELD — Dewey Lusk has surrounded himself with coaching veterans at Bluefield College. Defensive coordinator Dino Kaklis is in his 25th season on the sidelines. New offensive coordinator Mike Ketchum is entering his 40th year as a college football coach. Add to them defensive assistants Rod White and Rod Howard, and Lusk’s son, Gil, on offense, and the Rams certainly aren’t lacking for leadership. “We have got a great coaching staff,” Bluefield senior defensive back Isaiah Fenner said. “Coach Lusk, Coach White, Coach Kak, they do a really good job of helping us be in perfect positions and helping us on defense or offense to be successful so a big props to them. We want to continue this train roll.” That is the plan for the Rams, which entered fall camp in late-July anxious to prove that last season’s 6-5 record and second place finish in the Mid-South Conference’s Appalachian Division was no fluke. “The guys have come into camp here working hard,” said Kaklis, a former player at Purdue, who was also Lusk’s defensive coordinator when he was head coach at Virginia-Wise. Kaklis has also been a coach at North Carolina A&T, Eastern Illinois and Bethel University in Tennessee. “We are trying to get the crop of new guys caught up so those guys have an opportunity to contribute.” Especially on the interior lines on both sides of the ball. Bluefield returns nine starters on defense and six on offense so don’t expect the Rams to slip much, but it’s never easy going into a season with freshmen lined up in the middle playing against juniors and seniors. Growing pains can be expected. “It is looking very good. We know they are young, but they have grasped what we want done and the concepts we are trying to teach very quickly for a young group,” said Kaklis, a four-year
starter at Purdue. “It is actually somewhat surprising, but we knew they were good kids and good football players so it was just a matter of time and it is clicking for them and it is exciting to see.” Ketchum, who will also be the offensive line coach, is in his first season with the Rams, having been friends with Lusk for most of his 40 years on the sidelines. He is excited about some of his returning prospects on offense, including quarterback Cason Whitt, returning backs Alex Martin and Malik Brown and receivers Antonio Strickland, Charles Black and Jeff Hughes. It is the really young men in the middle that is the biggest concern. “We have got quite a bit of speed, I am really pleased with the speed,” said Ketchum, who was most recently an assistant coach at Hampton University. He is a former head coach at Guilford, who spent two seasons in the early eighties as an assistant at the University of Florida, even having a part in the Gator’s first-ever SEC title. “Quarterback play has been pretty good so far, we are really, really young up front now. We are going to have to figure out what they can do.” Defensively, the Rams should be loaded, although they did lose some talented players in the middle. DeMarcus Wimbush, who led the Rams with 73 tackles last season, returns at linebacker, along with Logan Hinnant, Chris Deberry and Shaun Kolb, who missed much of last year’s success with a knee injury. The secondary could be the strong point of the unit, paced by Fenner, Devon Jackson and more. Special teams should also be a strength, with kicker Tanner Griffith and punter Drake Presley returning, with both getting a challenge from Richlands’ product Ben Brown, who set out last season with an injury. “We are all freshmen on the offensive line so that is obviously a concern, but they are coming along,” Lusk said. “We have got experience at quarterback, at
Malik Brown running backs and at wideouts. Defensively, we are very solid and have several returners back there. Our kicking game ought to be strong ... “We feel pretty good right now,” added Lusk, whose Rams host Cumberland, Tenn. to open the season on Saturday. “Obviously we haven’t won a game or snapped a ball yet, but I think we are sitting in a good position right now and we are excited to get going.” Both Kaklis and Ketchum are football lifers, with Kaklis having been involved in football his entire adult life, and before.
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“I have been on the sidelines or involved some how, some way since really 1978 so I really don’t know what to do other than in the fall being involved in the game,” he said. “There are just so many lessons that you can teach young men that they can carry on through life.
It is onof the few opportunities where you get to challenge yourself as a person as well as a team from a physical standpoint, a mental standpoint and team unity. “Everybody has got to do their part. It is just the nature of the beast and there is just not anything like it.” Ketchum would certainly agree. He has also be an assistant at Carson-Newman, Winston-Salem State and Delaware State, having coached against Emory & Henry when Lusk was an assistant there and Ketchum was the head coach at Guilford. “I love it. I love being out on the field with the kids. Just having some positive effects on people’s lives and helping them learn a little football.” What awaits is another season of football, with the expectations having completely changed from the 5-50 mark the Rams compiled before last season. These Rams are excited and ready to play ball. “It is growing and it is fun to watch,” Ketchum said. “The kids are really excited, the coaching staff is excited.
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By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Aug. 25 Cumberland 6 p.m. Sept. 1 Keiser 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at Cincinnati Christian 1:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Webber International 4 p.m. Sept. 22 at Presbyterian 7 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at St. Andrews* Oct. 13 Reinhardt* 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at Cumberlands* 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at Union* 6 p.m. Nov. 3 PikeView* (HC) 6 p.m. Nov. 10 Point* 6 p.m. *Mid-South Conference Appalachian Division game
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 43
MOUNTAIN EAST CONFERENCE
Shepherd favored (again) in Mountain East Staff, wire reports
BRIDGEPORT — Shepherd, in its final football season in the Mountain East Conference, is the odds-on favorite to win the league for the fourth straight year even after the retirement of legendary head coach Monte Cater. The Concord Mountain Lions, after back-to-back 2-9 seasons, was last in the preseason poll released earlier this month. Ernie McCook is now in charge at Shepherd, which begin the season ranked 16th in NCAA Division II by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). Shepherd was 10-1 last year and again made the NCAA playoffs. The program, which will move to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference next summer, has lost prolific quarterback Connor Jessop and the school’s all-time sack leader Myles Humphrey. Ryan Feiss, who had nearly 1,400 receiving yards last summer, returns for SU. Here’s a look at the rest of the MEC field, listed in order of finish in the preseason poll. 2. Fairmont State. The Falcons bring back nine starters on offense and seven more on defense. Former Concord assistant Jason Woodman is enter-
ing his sixth year as FSU coach. Fairmont was 8-3 in 2017, finishing second in the standings for the second straight year. The program received votes in the preseason AFCA poll. All-American safety Stephen Turner, cornerback Michael Porter and linebacker Jerry Iweh return on defense. First-team All-MEC tackle Garrett Kapstein-O’Brien, quarterback Takwan CrewsNaylor and wide receiver Andre Hall will return to a young offensive attack. 3. Notre Dame College. The league’s other Falcons graduated productive quarterback Malik Grove, but running back D.J. Greene and wideout Marvelle Ross provide playmaking ability behind the steady offensive line led by Michael Kyle and Austin Treneff. Mike Jacobs coached NDC to an 8-3 record last fall, and the Ohio school was one point behind Fairmont in the preseason league rankings while also receiving votes from the AFCA panel. 4. Charleston. The Golden Eagles defense was among the best in Division II last season, racking up 33 sacks, but injuries at quarterback hampered UC’s offensive consistency. Defensive lineman John Cominsky is back for his senior season after finishing sec-
ond in the country in tackles for a loss (23) last year. Pat Kirkland, a former defensive assistant coach at WVU, will be in his seventh season at the private institution on the banks of the Kanawha River. 5. West Virginia State. The Yellow Jackets posted a 6-5 record in their last campaign, its first winning season since 2008. Another former Concord assistant, John Pennington, will try to build on that in his second year as head coach — and must address a defense that gave up more than 400 yards and 34 points per game. 6. West Liberty. Roger Waialae, in his 14th year running the Hilltoppers, is now the “dean” among MEC football coaches after Cater’s retirement from Shepherd. His new offensive coordinator is Mountain State native Mike Kellar, who rescued Concord’s football program from mediocrity as head coach in 2009-10. Cliff Clark and Logan Deri lead the way for the WLU defense. 7. UVa-Wise. The Highland Cavaliers, like Shepherd, will leave the MEC next summer, bound for
the South Atlantic Conference. Under coach Dane Damron last year, the southern-most school in the Mountain East was 5-6, but was 5-2 in games decided by 10 points or less. Linebacker Donavan Montague posted 16 1/2 tackles for a loss in 2017, including 8 1/2 sacks. Graham product Jamorya Cousin and Landon Mance from Richlands will play for the Cavs. 8. West Virginia Wesleyan. The Bobcats averaged just 17.5 points per game last season but was steady on defense all year long in a 5-6 season for coach Del Smith. The church-related college will welcome Concord to Buckhannon next week to launch the season. 9. Glenville State. Eric Smith, a former assistant coach on Rich Rodriguez’ staffs at WVU and Michigan, is an offensive mastermind who led GSC to a leaguebest 471.6 yards per game in 2015 as offensive coordinator. The Pioneers got off to a slow start last year but still finished 4-7. 10. Urbana. The Blue Knights have continued to improve under Tyler Haines with the team’s five wins being the most in a season since the first year of the MEC. The independent school located in central Ohio will rely on defensive standouts Duray Hall and Mikal
Mountain East Conference Media Poll
1. Shepherd (6) 94 2. Fairmont State (3) 88 87 3. Notre Dame (1) 4. Charleston (1) 63 61 5. West Virginia State 6. West Liberty 45 7. Virginia-Wise 44 8. West Virginia Wesleyan 42 9. Glenville State 35 34 10. Urbana 11. Concord 12
Toliver to lead the way. 11. Concord is in rebuilding mode under third-year head coach Paul Price, with the exception of a talented defensive backfield. Tywan Pearce provides spark at several positions. Quarterback Adam Fulton started the final eight games of 2017 as a true freshman and ended the year with 1,128 yards and 10 touchdowns, but the Mountain Lions’ offense struggled to score, averaging only 15.9 points per game. The Mountain East has had four different teams advance to the NCAA playoffs in its five-year history, including sending two teams in both 2015 and 2016. The MEC has also won Super Region I championships in three of the last five years. The new season begins with three games on Thursday, Aug. 31, West Liberty at Urbana, Glenville State at UVa-Wise and West Virginia State at Charleston. Concord opens its season on Sept. 1 at West Virginia Wesleyan.
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44 | Friday, August 24, 2018
MID-SOUTH CONFERENCE
Rams picked second in Mid-South’s Appalachian Division By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph
BLUEFIELD — The Mid-South Conference continues to grow. One season after the Mid-South Conference created the largest college football in America by combining with the Florida-based Sun Conference, the MSC has added school, with Keiser University making its football debut this season. The Seahawks will have the largest enrollment in the league, with more than 16,000 students located sunny West Palm Beach, Fla. It was another terrific 2017 season for the MSC, with all three division winners — Reinhardt (Appalachian), Lindsey Wilson (Bluegrass) and Southeastern (Sun) — advancing to the NAIA playoffs. Georgetown, which finished second to Lindsey Wilson, also advanced to the postseason. Reinhardt, in just its sixth season with a program, played in the NAIA championship game last season. Lindsey Wilson reached the quarterfinals, defeating Southeastern in the opening round. Georgetown advanced to the second round before falling to Reinhardt. Six MSC teams — No. 2 Reinhardt, No. 5 Lindsey Wilson, No. 7 Georgetown, No. 10 Southeastern, No. 20 Campbellsville and No. 22
Faulkner — were ranked among the top 22 teams in America in the final poll. Bluefield received three votes in the poll, after receiving support during the 2017 campaign for the first time in school history. All three division champions will once again earn an automatic berth into the NAIA playoffs. ••• Here is a look at each of the 21 Mid-South Conference football teams. Appalachian Division BLUEFIELD Bluefield, Va. Location: Nickname: Rams. Enrollment: 912. Head coach: Dewey Lusk (2nd year) 6-5. 2017: 6-5, 4-2. Bluefield’s 6-5 season included a second place finish in the Appalachian Division. The Rams had been 5-50 in the five previous seasons since the program was reinstated in 2012. CUMBERLANDS Location: Williamsburg, Ky. Nickname: Patriots. Enrollment: 6,031. Head coach: Matt Rhymer (5th year, 20-20). 2017: 6-4, 3-3). Record vs. Bluefield (4-1, lost 22-10 in 2017). Played in the NAIA national championship game in 2013, losing to Grand View (Mich.) 35-23. PIKEVILLE Location: Pikeville, Ky. Nickname: Bears. Enrollment:
2,500. Head coach: Allan Holland Jr. (5th year, 20-24). 2017: 5-6, 3-3. Record vs. Bluefield (6-0, wins 20-17 in ‘17). PikeView is the closest Mid-South Conference school to Bluefield, offering an opportunity to develop a rivalry with the Bears. POINT Location: West Point, Ga. Nickname: Skyhawks. Enrollment: 1,488. Head coach: Julius Dixon (2nd year, 3-8). 2017: 3-8, 1-5. Record vs. Bluefield (0-3, lost 36-33 in ‘17). Dixon was a captain on Furman’s 1998 NCAA Division 1-A national championship team. REINHARDT Location: Waleska, Ga. Nickname: Eagles. Enrollment: 1,425. Head coach: James Miller (2nd year, 13-1). 2017: 12-1, 6-0). Record vs. Bluefield (3-0, won 54-0 in ‘17. Reinhardt, which is 25-2 over the last two seasons, lost to Saint Francis (Ind.) 24-13 in the NAIA national championship game. ST. ANDREWS Location: Laurinburg, N.C. Nickname: Knights. Enrollment: 500. Head coach: David Harper (2nd year, 2-8). 2017: 2-8, 1-5. Record vs. Bluefield (0-1, lost 34-27 in ‘17). St. Andrews was 2-8 in its first season with a program. Harper was formerly a head coach at Ferrum.
UNION Location: Barboursville, Ky. Nickname: Bulldogs. Enrollment: 1,350. Head coach: Andrew Linn (2nd year, 6-6). 2017: 5-5, 3-3. Record vs. Bluefield (4-2, lost 17-7 in ‘17). Bluefield has beaten the Bulldogs twice, the most of any school since the Rams brought football back in 2012. ••• Bluegrass Division BETHEL Location: McKenzie, Tenn. Nickname: Wildcats. Enrollment: 5,600. Head coach: Brent Dearmon (1st year). 2017: 3-7, 2-4. Record vs. Bluefield (3-0, def. BC 49-21 in ‘14). Dearmon, who served in Gus Malzahn’s at Auburn for two years, replaces Chris Elliott at his alma mater. CAMPBELLSVILLE Location: Campbellsville, Ky. Nickname: Tigers. Enrollment: 3,560. Head coach: Perry Thomas (10th, 56-53). 2017: 8-2, 4-2. Record vs. Bluefield (3-0, def. BC 48-34 in ‘16). Campbellsville split a pair of overtime games last season. CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN Location: Cincinnati, Ohio. Nickname: Eagles. Enrollment: 1,025. Head coach: Travis Zelders (1st year). 2017: 0-11, 0-6. Record vs. Bluefield (0-1, lost to BC 24-7 in ‘16). Zelders takes over for for-
Mid-South Conference Media Poll
Appalachian Division Reinhardt (6) 36 30 Bluefield (1) Pikeville 27 Cumberlands, Ky. 17 Union 15 Point 12 St. Andrews 10 Bluegrass Division 1. Lindsey Wilson (5) 35 2. Georgetown (2) 32 3. Campbellsville 26 19 4. Cumberland, Tenn. 5. Bethel 18 11 6. Kentucky Christian 7. Cincinnati Christian 6 Sun Division 36 1. Southeastern (6) 2. Faulkner (1) 29 3. Webber International 24 4. Warner 21 5. Keiser 16 6. Ave Maria 12 7. Edward Waters 9 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
mer NFL All-Pro defensive back David Fulcher, who was 0-22 in two seasons. CUMBERLAND Lebanon, Tenn. Location: Nickname: Phoenix. Enrollment: 1,963. Head coach: Tim Mathis (1st year). 2017: 7-4, 3-3. Record vs. Bluefield (4-0, def. BC 24-17 in ‘17). Mathis replaces Donnie Suber, who spent five seasons in Lebanon, which is also the home office of Cracker Barrel.
Second, 45
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Friday, August 24, 2018 | 45
Ragsdale, Simon lead area football coaches in victories Compiled by Rick Baker Wins Leaders Steven Ragsdale, Giles 258, *Fred Simon 253, Glynn Carlock, Graham 244, *Doug Hubbard, Honaker 222, Mitch Estep 220 (River View-Iaeger combined) *Greg Mance, Richlands 190, Ernie Hicks, Richiands 170, Harry Ragsdale, Narrows 153, Greg Rowe, Grundy 148, John Chmara, Bluefield 130, Bill Garten, Summers County 123, Ted Spadaro, Princeton 113, Burrhead Bradley 110. *active
Percentage Leaders Staff pohto by Eric DiNovo
Fred Simon Bluefield 253 wins
Coaches by Schools Bland County (96-174-0, .356): Ed Selfe (199296, 27-29), Dave Lambert (‘97, 0-10), Dan Tibbs (‘98-00, 7-23), Doug Reavis (‘01- 02, 7-12), Ed Clyburn (‘03, 2-8), Harris Hart (‘04-present, 53-82, .393). Bluefield (659-326-23, .665): G.E. Glass (1909-12, 13, 4-3), Dick Nebinger (‘22-29-3, 31-25), Clark Brown (‘30-35, 30-23-3), Jake Miller (‘36, 6-6-1), Bill Dole (‘37-42, 32-253), Lambert Arrington (‘43, ‘46-49,
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Continued from 44 GEORGETOWN Location: Georgetown, Ky. Nickname: Tigers. Enrollment: 1,200. Head coach: Bill Cronin (22nd year, 192-53). 2017: 9-2, 5-1. Record vs. Bluefield (6-0, def. BC 24-13 in ‘17). Georgetown has won three NAIA football national championships, and two more in basketball. KENTUCKY CHRISTIAN Location: Grayson, Ky. Nickname: Knights. Enrollment: 550. Head coach: Corey Fipps (2nd year, 1-10). 2017: 1-10, 1-5: Record vs. Bluefield (5-0, def. BC 20-13 in ‘16). The 11th season of Kentucky
Merrill Gainer, Bluefield (87-6-1, .936), Johnny Worth, Hinton (30-4-4, .842, David Witt, James Monroe (53-10, .841), Mick Lusk, Tazewell (17-4, .810), Tony Lotito, Bluefield (15-2-2, .800), Casto Ramsey, Tazewell, 33-9, .786), Steve Ragsdale (258-82-1, .755), *Tony Palmer, Graham (29-10, .744); *Greg Mance, Richlands (190-69, .734), Dave Rider, Tazewell (65-22-5, .714), John Chmara (130-53-1, .711), Harry Ragsale, Narrows (153-6922, .704), #Mitch Estep, River View (only) (23-10-1, .701), *Jeff Williams, Giles (91-29, .700), Nick Colobro, Tazewell (24-11, .686), *Fred Simon, Bluefield (253-122, .675), Glynn Carlock, Graham (244-119-1, .674), Craig Plymal, Grundy (14-8, .636), Donnie Jackson, James Monroe (94-59, .614). *active (#Estep was 187-126 in 30 years at Iaeger, overall 220-136-1, .616).
Staff pohto by Eric DiNovo
Greg Mance Richlands 190 wins
29-20-2), Tony Lotito (‘44-45, 15-22), Moe Powers (‘50, 2-8), A.T. Howard (‘51-58, 40-33-6), Merrill Gainer (‘59-67, 87-6-1), John Chmara (‘68-85, 130-53-1); Fred Simon (‘86-present, 253-122, .675). Giles (409-218-9, .650): Virgil Bailey (1961-62, 6-14), Bill Perry (‘63, 5-4-1), Robert Farmer (‘64, 6-3-1), Jim Worley (‘65-66, 6-12-1), Dave Steorts (‘67-68, 2-17-1), Bill Lloyd (‘69-70, 9-10-1), Al Kincaid (‘7173, 15-10-2), Roy Bayless (‘74-77, 14-26), Steve Ragsdale (‘78-07, 258-82-1), Jeff Williams (‘08-present, 91-29, .700). Graham
(531-355-40 .595): Unlisted (1926, 0-1), E.C. Snyder (‘27-29, 5-5-5, known as Panthers in 1929), McGhee (‘30, 3-2), Ted Fix (‘31-35, 19-13-3, known as Bears in 1931), Percy McEldreth (4 games in ‘34, 2-1-1), Marshall Shearer (‘36-’39, 16-5-3), Mark Gillespie (7 games in ‘39, 5-2), John Farrar (‘40, 1-9), Johnny Anderson (‘41-43, 5-15-4), Lewey Dalton (‘44-48, 21-21-5), Burrhead Bradley (‘49-67, 110-6514), Bob Hedrick (‘68-72, 17-29-4), Glynn Carlock (‘73-04, 244-1191), Doug Marrs (‘05-’10, 32-36), Mike Williams (‘11-14, 22-22), Tony Palmer (‘15-present, 28-10, .737). Grundy
(371-436-30 .461): Unknown (1926-27, ‘29-33, ‘36-38, 18-148), Shorty Thompson (‘28, 1-2), (no data for ‘34), Stuart (‘35, 1-1), John Meade (‘39-41, 43, 12-15-2), P.L. Williams (‘42, 46-52, 26-284), Frank Porterfield (‘44, 1-7-1), Charlie Hale (‘45, 1-7), Frank Spraker (‘52-58, 67, 31-43- 4), Karl Reedy (‘59-62, 25-15), Brownie Cummins (‘63-66, 23-12-5), Blake Compton (‘68-72, 9-36-5), Don Newberry (‘73-75, 7-22-1), Verner Auville (‘76-77, 2-18), Larry Bradley (‘78-81, 22-19), Bruce Sizemore (‘82-84, 9-21), John Curia (‘85-86, 5-15), Greg Rowe (‘87-10, 148117), Jeremy Ward (‘11-15, 17-35),
Craig Plymal (‘16-present, 14-8. .636). Honaker (321-319-13 .502): Unknown (1930-31, 35-38, 44, 7-19-1), Lynn Moore (‘32, 0-2-2), ‘33-34, no team), Yuell Harris (‘39-41, 4-16-1), Snook Combs (‘42, 1-2), A.P. Baldwin (‘45, 1-1), Preston Buchanan (‘61-66, 5-40-2), Roger Childers (‘67, 1-8), James Dotson (‘68-69, 9-6-1), Larry Smith (‘7077, 48-31-4); John Bartee (‘78-82, 22-30-1), Doug Hubbard (‘83-present, 222-163-1, .576). Hurley (287-328-14 .467): Unknown
Christian football awaits, with the Knights enjoying one winning season, a 7-4 mark in 2012. LINDSEY WILSON Location: Columbia, Ky. Nickname: Blue Raiders. Enrollment: 2,600. Head coach: Chris Oliver (9th year, 53-27. 2017: 11-1, 6-0. Record vs. Bluefield (5-0, def. BC 62-23 in ‘16). The Blue Raiders have had six winning seasons in eight years on the gridiron. ••• Sun Division AVE MARIA Location: Ave Maria, Fla. Nickname: Gyrenes. Enrollment: 1,072. Head coach: Joe Patterson (3rd, 2-18). 2017: 2-8, 1-4. Record vs. Bluefield (never played): Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan is
perhaps the most famous alumnus of Ave Maria, the home of the Gyrenes. EDWARD WATERS Location: Jacksonville, Fla. Nickname: Tigers. Enrollment: 839. Head coach: Greg Ruffin (1st year). 2017: 0-10, 0-5. Record vs. Bluefield (0-1, lost 19-0 to BC in ‘17). Ruffin replaces Alvin Wyatt, who was 14-31 in five seasons. In 11 years, the Tigers have never had a winning season. FAULKNER Location: Montgomery, Ala. Nickname: Eagles. Enrollment: 2,583. Head coach: Shayne Wilson (1st year). 2017: 7-3, 4-1. Record vs. Bluefield: 3-0, def. BC 28-13 in ‘16). Wilson, who spent the last 12 years at Division I Troy, replaces Charlie
Boren, who won 29 games in four seasons. KEISER Location: West Palm Beach, Fla. Nickname: Seahawks. Enrollment: 16,379. Head coach: Doug Socha (1st year). 2017: no team. Record vs. Bluefield (never played). The Seahawks’ first three games are on the road, including trips to Pikeville, Bluefield, and Bethel in Tennessee. SOUTHEASTERN Location: Lakeland, Fla. Nickname: Fire. Enrollment: 4,500. Head coach: Keith Barefield (5th, 29-9). 2017: 8-2, 5-0. Record vs. Bluefield (1-0, def. BC 46-21 in ‘17). In just four seasons as a program, the Fire have won 29 games, and made two straight NAIA playoff
appearances. WARNER Location: Lake Wales, Fla. Nickname: Royals. Enrollment: 1,177. Head coach: Rod Shafer (6th, year, 20-32). 2017: 4-6, 2-3. Record vs. Bluefield (0-1, lost to 13-10 OT in ‘17). Warner enters just its sixth year with a program, compiling its lone winning season with an 8-2 mark in 2016. WEBBER INTERNATIONAL Location Babson Park, Fla. Nickname: Warriors. Enrollment: 759. Head coach: Kelly Scott (13th, 51-57). 2017: 5-4, 3-2. Record vs. Bluefield (never played). Bluefield head coach Dewey Lusk was the offensive coordinator for the Warriors in 2016.
Coaches, 46
46 | Friday, August 24, 2018
Most...
Most games: 24 vs. Greenbrier East, 23 vs. Bluefield, 21 vs. PikeView, 20 vs. Summers County, 15 vs. Narrows. Montcalm Most games: 17 vs. Hannan, 15 vs. Craig County, 13 vs. Hurley, 12 vs. Pocahontas, 12 vs. Twin Valley. Mount View Most games: 40 vs. Man, 31 vs.
Bluefield, 25 vs. Big Creek, 25 vs. Logan, 24 vs. Iaeger. PikeView Most games: 24 vs. Independence, 21 vs. James Monroe, 21 vs. Liberty, 19 vs. Shady Spring, 19 vs. Summers County, Princeton Most games: 89 vs. Bluefield, 66 vs. Oak Hill, 59 vs. Summers County/
Hinton, 57 vs. Woodrow Wilson, 51 vs. Gary, 51 vs. Welch. River View Most games: 8 vs. Man, 8 vs. Mount View, 8 vs. PikeView, 8 vs. Westside, 8 vs. Wyoming East. Summers County Most games: 66 vs. Shady Spring, 61 vs. Oak Hill, 59 vs. Princeton, 57 vs. Mount Hope, 51 vs. Greenbrier
West, 51 vs. Woodrow Wilson. Wyoming East Most games: 21 vs. Independence, 18 vs. Liberty, 16 vs. Westside, 15 vs. Summers County, 12 vs. James Monroe, 12 vs. Mount View.
Coaches...
5-24), Jimmy Redmond (‘11-present, 19-46, .292), Adam Havens (2018, first season).
ent, 16-44, .267).
Mance (‘97-present, 190-69, .734).
(1946, ‘66, 5-3-1), Smiley Ratliff (‘51-54, 18-9-2), James Fletcher (‘55-57, 6-12-3), James Barnette (‘58, 1-6-1), Buddy Poole (‘59, 5-1), Willie Sumrall (‘60-61, 64-65, 70, 14-25-3), (no team, 62-63), Paul Hatfield (‘67, 71-62, 9-18), Roger Gibbs (‘68-69, 12-6), Capp Smith (‘73-76, 8-30-1), Tommy Blankenship (‘77-82, 85-87, 52-402), Verner Auville (‘83-84, 9-10-1), Randy Justus(‘88-89, 3-17), Mark Hackney (‘90-93, 24-18), Wayne Hall (‘94-97, 02-05, 37-47), Mark Cooper (‘98-01, 10-30), Greg Tester (‘06-2017, 73-57), Anthony Church (2018, first season).
Mount View (171-236 .420): Sid Cure (197880, 13-15), Vic Nystrom (‘81-95, 75-77), Leon Gravely (‘96-11, 70-101), Todd McCoy (‘12-13, 4-16), Larry Thompson (‘13-present, 10-30, .250).
Princeton (441-459-24 .490): Dusty Rhodes (1924-29, 20-25-7), Lee Patton (‘3043, 69-40-11), Quentin Barnette (‘44-49, 47-11), Corky Caldwell (‘50-53, 15-23-2), Buster Brown (‘54-55, 2-17-1), Jimmy Walthall (‘56-57, 11-9), E.J. Lambert (‘5859, 4-16), Bill Roney (‘60, 2-8), Nick Diachenko (‘61-63, 10-172), Dave Steorts (‘64-65, 6-14), Eugene Price (‘66- 68) 15-15), Mike Basham (‘69-71, 9-21), Jack Pack (‘72-81, 55-45), Joe Trabucco (‘8288, 40-32), Ted Spadaro (‘89-2011, 113-128), Randy Peek (‘12-14, 12-18), Wes Eddy (‘15-16, 10-11); Chris Pedigo (’17-present, 1-9, .100).
River View (34-49-1 .411): Mitch Estep (2010-12, 23-10-1), Gehrig Justice (‘13-16, 9-31), Wayne Hall (’17, 1-9); George Kennedy (’18, first season).
“Bard” Byrd (1926-27, 9-6-1), Eugene Ross (‘28-30-1, 8-16-1), John Richmond (‘31-36, 23-185), Buddy Dotson (‘37-38, 11-51), Conley Snidow (‘39-42, 46-47, 42-11-6), (‘43, no team), C.A. Wilkerson (‘44, 2-6), Jack Witten (‘45, 2-4), Casto Ramsey (‘48-51, 33-9), James LaVanchie (‘52, 6-22); Howard Deel (‘53-54, 9-9-2), Howard Quillen (‘55-56, 6-10-1), Bob Miller (‘57-65, 52-33-4), Dave Rider (‘66-72, 74-75, 65-22-5), Jerry Perry (‘73, 2-7-1), Buddy Young (‘76-79, 15-25), Nick Colobro (‘80-82, 24-11), Mick Lusk (‘83-84, 17-4), Dave Litz (‘85-96, 66-64), Harris Hart (‘97-03, 27-46), Bobby Wyatt (‘04-09, 37-31), Terry Smith (‘10, 1-9), Brandon Tate (‘11, 0-10), Shane Allen (‘12-16, 15-37); J’me Harris (’17-present, 3-7, .300).
Continued from 33 West Virginia Bluefield Most games: 92 vs. Graham, 89 vs. Princeton, 72 vs. Woodrow Wilson, 55 vs. Welch, 48 vs. Gary. James Monroe
Continued from 45
James Monroe (181-91 .665): Donnie Jackson (1994-02, 08-12, 94-59), David Witt (‘03-07, 53-10), John Mustain (‘1317, 33-22), Chris Booth (2018, first season). Montcalm (46-176 .207): Keith Pennington (1995-99, 4-46), Craig Havens (‘0007, 18-60), Justin Gilbert (‘08-10,
Narrows .527): (433-388-28 Harry Ragsdale (1931-42, ‘46-62, 15369-22), Bill Simmons (5 games in ‘42, 1-3-1), C.G. Smith (‘43-44, 5-10-2), Jim Woods (‘45, 5-3), Bob Price (‘63-70, 41-32-1), Tom Martin (‘71-72, 3-17), Steve Miller (‘73-75, 12-18), Stuart Justus (‘76, 3-7), Bill Patteson (‘77-84, 49-33- 2), Charles Fraley (‘85-91, 31-38), Don Lowe (5 games in ‘91-’02, 63-65), Kelly Lowe (03-present, 67-93, .479). PikeView (65-180 .265): Ernie Martin (1994-98, 20-32), Charles Angell (‘99-01, 7-23), Eddie Niswander (02-05, 3-37), Jeff Damewood (‘0611, 19-44), Bobby Wyatt (‘12-pres-
Richlands (526-363-34): Ernie Hicks (‘2642, 44-64, 172-130-26), (‘43, no team), Woodrow Robinson (‘44, 3-2-2), Bill Peery (‘65, 7-2-1), Jim Hammond (‘66-78-4, 60-68), Todd Heldreth (‘79-81, 9-21), Bruce Evans (‘82-86,26-17-1), Billy Haun (‘87-90,15-26), Dennis Vaught (‘9192, 95-96, 29-18), Terry Wess (‘93, 7-3), George Brown (‘94, 9-3), Greg
Summers County (503-452-30, .526): Unknown (1911, 15-16, 3-2), J.S. Duncan and C.N. Gwinn (‘20, 3-3-1), C.N. Gwinn (‘21-22, 24-26, 32-11-2), V.J. Love (‘23, 2-5-1), Irish Garrity (‘27-35, 59-21-10), Johnny Worth (‘36-39, 30-4-4), John Newcombe (‘40, 8-3), Mickey McClung (‘41-42, 5-14-1), Stanley Huffman (‘43-47, 35-15-3), Charlie Schrader (‘48-50, 53-55, 26-32-1), Buck Porterfield (‘51-52, 3-15-1), Bill Garten (‘5678, 123-102-7), John Curia (‘79-84, 95, 04, 48-33), Buzzy Richmond (‘85-94, 20-40), Joe Blankenship (‘96, 3-7), Norman Farley (9703, 35-36), Stan Duncan (‘05-08, 9-31), Leon Franklin (‘09, 2-8), Josh Houchins (‘10-12, 12-19), Nathan Tanner (‘13-16, 26-17); Chris Vicars (’17-present, 8-5, .615) Tazewell (503-452-30, .526): Holmes
•Bluefield resident Rick Baker is a high school football historian for West Virginia and Virginia.; P.A. announcer for Bluefield Beavers football games
Twin Valley (49-126 .280): Frank Daugherty (2001-02, 8-13), Charlie VanDyke (‘03-07, 11-40), Tommy Crigger (‘08-15, 21-61), Brian Moore (‘1618, 9-12); Jeremy Ward (’18, first season). Wyoming East (106-108 .495): Kevin Grogg (1998-08, 67-54), Gary Poindexter (‘09-14, 31-32), Donald Jewell (‘15-present, 8-22, .267).
we want to wish all our teams a great upcoming season!
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Friday, August 24, 2018 | 47
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