HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL2 0 1 1

T H U R S D A Y, A U G U S T 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

Hidden Valley searching for winsAfter going 0-10 last year, the Titans and coach Scott Weaver are

excited for a fresh start — and to have 20 returning starters. PAGE 3

In a Franklin County state of mindFormer Pulaski County head coach Jack Turner spent a year away

from coaching. He returns refreshed and rejuvenated. PAGE 10

insideTIMESLAND TOP 10 1. Christiansburg 2. Northside 3. Franklin County 4. Magna Vista 5. Pulaski County 6. Salem 7. Jefferson Forest 8. George Wythe 9. Cave Spring 10. Galax

CONVERGING PATHSNorthside’s Dakota Jackson, Christiansburg’s Brenden Motley

and Glenvar’s Seth Dooley didn’t take shortcuts on their way

to making commitments to Virginia Tech. PAGE 4

WESTERN VALLEY DISTRICT

Franklin County 2010 resultAug. 26 William Fleming Sept. 2 at Woodbridge DNPSept. 9 Salem L, 34-14Sept. 16 at Magna Vista W, 34-26Sept. 23 Bassett W, 34-23Sept. 30 at Christiansburg DNPOct. 7 at William Fleming W, 30-7Oct. 14 Halifax County W, 35-9Oct. 21 George Washington W, 14-7Oct. 28 at Patrick Henry W, 28-0

Patrick HenryAug. 26 at Hidden Valley W, 35-7Sept. 2 Bassett W, 26-7Sept. 9 at Pulaski County l, 43-42Sept. 16 Blacksburg w, 41-17Sept. 23 Battlefield DNPOct. 7 at George Washington W, 30-7Oct. 14 at Martinsburg, W.Va. DNPOct. 21 Halifax County W, 32-12Oct. 28 Franklin County L, 28-0Nov. 4 at William Fleming W, 37-0

William FlemingAug. 26 at Franklin CountySept. 2 at Amherst County DNPSept. 9 Magna Vista L, 32-14Sept. 16 at E.C. Glass L, 14-6 L, 20-17Sept. 23 at R.J. Reynolds, N.C. DNPSept. 30 at Salem L, 27-21Oct. 7 Franklin County L, 30-7Oct. 14 at George Washington L, 37-0Oct. 28 at Halifax County L, forfeitNov. 4 Patrick Henry L, 17-0

BLUE RIDGE DISTRICT

AlleghanyAug. 26 at Covington W, 26-6Sept. 9 at Rustburg W, 31-24Sept. 16 Bath County W, 35-13Sept. 23 at Cave Spring W, 28-27Sept. 30 James River DNPOct. 7 Northside L, 42-7Oct. 14 at William Byrd W, 14-7Oct. 21 Rockbridge County W, 31-7Oct. 28 at Lord Botetourt W, 35-7Nov. 4 Staunton River L, 48-28

Lord BotetourtAug. 26 at James River L, 15-9Sept. 2 Salem L, 18-13Sept. 9 Hidden Valley W, 27-23Sept. 16 Cave Spring DNPSept. 23 at Blacksburg L, 35-0Oct. 7 William Byrd L, 14-13Oct. 14 at Rockbridge County DNPOct. 21 at Staunton River L, 28-8Oct. 28 Alleghany L, 14-7Nov. 4 at Northside L, 31-0

NorthsideAug. 26 Amherst County DNPSept. 2 at Pulaski County W, 27-7Sept. 9 at Cave Spring W, 37-21Sept. 16 at Hidden Valley W, 13-10Sept. 23 Salem L, 17-13Oct. 7 at Alleghany W, 42-7Oct. 14 Staunton River W, 28-7Oct. 21 William Byrd W, 24-0Oct. 28 at Rockbridge County DNPNov. 4 Lord Botetourt W, 31-0

Rockbridge CountyAug. 26 at Parry McCluer DNPSept. 2 at Waynesboro W, 38-0Sept. 9 Fort Defiance W, 26-7Sept. 16 at Robert E. Lee L, 40-9Sept. 23 Amherst County DNPOct. 7 at Staunton River DNPOct. 14 Lord Botetourt DNPOct. 21 at Alleghany L, 31-7Oct. 28 Northside DNPNov. 4 William Byrd DNP

Staunton River Sept. 2 Jefferson Forest W, 21-7Sept. 9 Liberty L, 18-7Sept. 16 at Patrick County W, 58-12Sept. 23 at James River W, 42-21Sept. 30 Tunstall W, 37-0Oct. 7 Rockbridge County DNPOct. 14 at Northside L, 28-7Oct. 21 Lord Botetourt W, 42-6Oct. 28 at William Byrd W, 28-8Nov. 4 at Alleghany W, 48-48

William ByrdAug. 26 Cave Spring DNPSept. 2 at Hidden Valley W, 25-0Sept. 9 Brookville L, 55-0Sept. 16 at Salem L, 35-6Sept. 30 at Glenvar DNPOct. 7 at Lord Botetourt W, 14-13Oct. 14 Alleghany L, 14-7Oct. 21 at Northside L, 24-0Oct. 28 Staunton River L, 28-8Nov. 4 at Rockbridge County DNP

PIEDMONT DISTRICT

BassettAug. 26 Carroll County W, 17-14Sept. 2 at Patrick Henry L, 26-7Sept. 9 Jefferson Forest W, 42-7Sept. 16 at Christiansburg L, 29-0Sept. 23 at Franklin County L, 34-23Sept. 30 Hidden Valley DNPOct. 7 at Tunstall W, 43-6Oct. 21 Martinsville L, 23-0Oct. 28 Patrick County W, 43-0Nov. 4 at Magna Vista L, 48-7

Magna VistaAug. 26 Heritage W, 41-7Sept. 2 at Morehead, N.C. W, 44-14Sept. 9 at William Fleming W, 32-14Sept. 16 Franklin County L, 34-26Sept. 23 at Pulaski County DNPSept. 30 Halifax County W, 54-24Oct. 7 at Patrick County W, 50-7Oct. 14 Tunstall W, 62-7Oct. 28 at Martinsville W, 21-6Nov. 4 Bassett W, 48-7

Martinsville 2010 resultAug. 26 at Brookville L, 55-13Sept. 2 Cave Spring DNPSept. 16 at Liberty L, 27-6Sept. 23 at Halifax County W, 21-14Sept. 30 Carroll County DNPOct. 7 Heritage L, 49-12Oct. 14 Patrick County W, 59-0Oct. 21 at Bassett W, 23-0Oct. 28 Magna Vista L, 21-6Nov. 4 at Tunstall W, 42-7

Patrick CountyAug. 26 at North Stokes, N.C. L, 26-21Sept. 9 Floyd County L, 48-19Sept. 16 Staunton River L, 58-12Sept. 23 at Richlands DNPSept. 30 at Radford DNPOct. 7 Magna Vista L, 50-7Oct. 14 at Martinsville L, 59-0Oct. 21 Tunstall L, 14-0Oct. 28 at Bassett L, 43-0Nov. 4 Carroll County L, 47-19

RIVER RIDGE DISTRICT

BlacksburgAug. 26 at Giles W, 30-7Sept. 2 at Liberty L, 47-17Sept. 9 Tazewell DNPSept. 16 at Patrick Henry L, 41-17Sept. 23 Lord Botetourt W, 35-0Oct. 7 at Hidden Valley W, 30-14Oct. 14 Salem L, 13-7Oct. 21 Cave Spring L, 49-21Oct. 28 at Pulaski County L, 34-0Nov. 4 Christiansburg L, 38-21

Cave SpringAug. 26 at William Byrd DNPSept. 2 at Martinsville DNPSept. 9 Northside L, 37-21Sept. 16 at Lord Botetourt DNPSept. 23 Alleghany L, 28-27Oct. 7 at Salem W, 34-6Oct. 14 Pulaski County W, 41-19Oct. 21 at Blacksburg W, 49-21Oct. 28 Christiansburg L, 42-18Nov. 4 at Blacksburg W, 49-21

ChristiansburgAug. 26 at Floyd County W, 40-12Sept. 2 Giles W, 35-0Sept. 9 at Carroll County W, 40-0Sept. 16 Bassett W, 29-0Sept. 30 Franklin County DNPOct. 7 at Pulaski County W, 27-17Oct. 14 Hidden Valley W, 41-14Oct. 21 Salem W, 28-14Oct. 28 at Cave Spring W, 42-18Nov. 4 at Blacksburg W, 38-21

Hidden ValleyAug. 26 Patrick Henry L, 35-7Sept. 2 William Byrd L, 25-0Sept. 9 at Lord Botetourt L, 27-23Sept. 16 Northside L, 13-10Sept. 30 at Bassett DNPOct. 7 Blacksburg L, 30-14Oct. 14 at Christiansburg L, 41-14Oct. 21 Pulaski County L, 22-21Oct. 28 at Salem L, 38-3Nov. 4 at Cave Spring L, 34-10 Pulaski CountyAug. 26 at Radford L, 32-29Sept. 2 Northside L, 27-7Sept. 9 Patrick Henry W, 43-42Sept. 16 at Richlands DNPSept. 23 Magna Vista DNPOct. 7 Christiansburg L, 27-17Oct. 14 at Cave Spring L, 41-19Oct. 21 at Hidden Valley W, 22-21Oct. 28 Blacksburg W, 34-0Nov. 4 at Salem W, 21-13

SalemSept. 2 at Lord Botetourt W, 18-13Sept. 9 at Franklin County W, 34-14Sept. 16 William Byrd W, 35-6Sept. 23 at Northside W, 17-13Sept. 30 William Fleming W, 27-21Oct. 7 Cave Spring L, 34-6Oct. 14 at Blacksburg W, 13-7Oct. 21 at Christiansburg L, 28-14Oct. 28 Hidden Valley W, 38-3Nov. 4 Pulaski County L, 21-13

SEMINOLE DISTRICT

Jefferson ForestAug. 26 Halifax County DNPSept. 2 at Staunton River L, 21-7Sept. 9 at Bassett L, 42-7Sept. 16 Turner Ashby W, 27-26Sept. 23 at Brookville L, 48-35Oct. 7 E.C. Glass L, 30-16Oct. 14 at Liberty L, 33-6Oct. 21 Amherst County L, 55-21Oct. 28 at Heritage L, 20-7Nov. 4 Rustburg W, 37-14

LibertySept. 2 Blacksburg W, 47-17Sept. 9 at Staunton River W, 18-7Sept. 16 Martinsville W, 27-6Sept. 23 at Heritage W, 24-7Sept. 30 Rustburg W, 43-10Oct. 7 at Brookville L, 28-14Oct. 14 Jefferson Forest W, 33-6Oct. 21 at E.C. Glass W, 34-15Oct. 28 Harrisonburg DNPNov. 4 Amherst County W, 27-0

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

Carroll CountyAug. 26 at Bassett L, 17-14Sept. 2 Mt. Airy, N.C. DNPSept. 9 Christiansburg L, 40-0Sept. 23 Grayson County W, 36-35Sept. 30 at Martinsville DNPOct. 7 at Abingdon W, 28-3Oct. 14 Richlands L, 63-0Oct. 21 Tazewell W, 50-13Oct. 28 at Marion W, 39-0Nov. 4 at Patrick County W, 47-19

Marion 2010 resultAug. 26 at Chilhowie L, 14-0Sept. 2 Northwood W, 21-0Sept. 9 at Fort Chiswell DNPSept. 16 Rural Retreat W, 27-14Sept. 23 at Graham W, 29-25Sept. 30 at George Wythe DNPOct. 7 Richlands L, 51-6Oct. 14 at Tazewell L, 17-14Oct. 28 Carroll County L, 39-0Nov. 4 Abingdon L, 7-6

HOGOHEEGEE DISTRICT

ChilhowieAug. 26 Marion W, 14-0Sept. 2 at Grayson County L, 48-22Sept. 9 Abingdon DNPSept. 16 at Fort Chiswell W, 35-7Sept. 23 at Northwood W, 35-0Sept. 30 Virginia High W, 59-33Oct. 7 Rural Retreat W, 37-13Oct. 14 at George Wythe L, 14-13Oct. 28 at PH-Glade Spring W, 62-0Nov. 4 Holston W, 38-10

George WytheAug. 26 at Tazewell W, 28-0Sept. 2 at Fort Chiswell L, 16-14Sept. 9 Radford L, 35-35Sept. 16 at Floyd County L, 17-7Sept. 30 Marion DNPOct. 7 Northwood W, 35-12Oct. 14 Chilhowie W, 14-13Oct. 21 at PH-Glade Spring W, 49-6Oct. 28 at Holston W, 38-3Nov. 4 Rural Retreat W, 31-20

Rural RetreatAug. 26 Fort Chiswell L, 41-25Sept. 2 at Bland County DNPSept. 9 Grayson County L, 55-20Sept. 16 at Marion L, 27-14Sept. 23 Narrows DNPOct. 7 at Chilhowie L, 37-13Oct. 14 PH-Glade Spring W, 35-14Oct. 21 at Holston W, 40-6Oct. 28 Northwood W, 49-28Nov. 4 at George Wythe L, 31-20

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE DISTRICT

Bland CountyAug. 26 PH-Glade Spring W, 34-14Sept. 2 Rural Retreat DNPSept. 16 at Holston L, 14-6Sept. 23 at Eastern Montgomery L, 42-0Sept. 30 Northwood W, 21-0Oct. 7 at Narrows L, 20-13Oct. 14 Grayson County L, 48-7Oct. 21 at Graham DNPOct. 28 Galax L, 32-7Nov. 4 at Fort Chiswell L, 35-7

Fort ChiswellAug. 26 at Rural Retreat W, 41-25Sept. 2 George Wythe W, 16-14Sept. 9 Marion DNPSept. 16 Chilhowie L, 35-7Sept. 23 at Floyd County W, 22-21Oct. 7 at Galax W, 20-16Oct. 14 at Narrows W, 48-8Oct. 21 at Grayson County L, 35-28Oct. 28 Graham DNPNov. 4 Bland County W, 35-7

GalaxAug. 26 at Glenvar DNPSept. 2 Floyd County DNPSept. 9 Eastern Montgomery L, 38-26Sept. 16 Radford L, 27-21Sept. 23 at Craig County W, 30-21Oct. 7 Fort Chiswell L, 20-16Oct. 14 at Graham DNPOct. 21 Narrows W, 48-8Oct. 28 at Bland County W, 32-7Nov. 4 at Grayson County L, 23-14

Grayson CountyAug. 26 at Alleghany, N.C. W, 34-14Sept. 2 Chilhowie W, 48-22Sept. 9 at Rural Retreat W, 55-20Sept. 16 Clintwood DNPSept. 23 at Carroll County L, 36-35Oct. 7 Graham DNPOct. 14 at Bland County W, 48-7Oct. 21 Fort Chiswell W, 35-28Oct. 28 Narrows W, 54-14Nov. 4 Galax L, 23-14

NarrowsAug. 26 James Monroe, W.Va. L, 46-8Sept. 2 Eastern Montgomery L, 48-6Sept. 9 at Craig County L, 34-6Sept. 16 at Giles L, 42-14Sept. 23 at Rural Retreat DNPOct. 7 Bland County W, 20-13Oct. 14 Fort Chiswell L, 48-8Oct. 21 at Galax L, 41-0Oct. 28 at Grayson County L, 54-14Nov. 4 Graham DNP

PIONEER DISTRICT

Bath CountyAug. 26 at E. Montgomery L, 27-20Sept. 2 at Riverheads DNPSept. 9 Buffalo Gap L, 19-13Sept. 16 at Alleghany L, 35-13Sept. 30 Pocahontas Co., W.Va. L, 7-6Oct. 7 Covington W, 27-12Oct. 14 at Parry McCluer W, 21-0Oct. 21 Craig County W, 28-15Oct. 28 at James River W, 28-0Nov. 4 Pendleton Co., W.Va. W, 32-8

CovingtonAug. 26 Alleghany L, 26-6Sept. 2 Auburn DNPSept. 9 at Giles DNPSept. 16 at Eastern Montgomery DNPSept. 23 Glenvar L, 35-14Sept. 30 Summers Co., W.Va. DNPOct. 7 at Bath County L, 27-12Oct. 14 James River L, 37-18Oct. 28 at Craig County W, 23-14Nov. 4 Parry McCluer W, 26-0

Craig CountyAug. 26 at Auburn W, 42-6Sept. 2 at East Hardy, W.Va. DNPSept. 9 Narrows W, 34-6Sept. 16 Roanoke Catholic DNPSept. 23 Galax L, 30-21Oct. 7 Parry McCluer W, 41-0Oct. 14 at Montcalm, W.Va. W, 57-0Oct. 21 at Bath County L, 28-15Oct. 28 Covington L, 23-14Nov. 4 at James River W, 35-33

James River 2010 result

Aug. 26 Lord Botetourt W, 15-9Sept. 2 Glenvar L 41-34Sept. 9 at Altavista L, 29-13Sept. 16 at Auburn W, 41-6Sept. 23 Staunton River L, 42-21Sept. 30 at Alleghany DNPOct. 14 at Covington W, 37-18Oct. 21 at Parry McCluer W, 51-8Oct. 28 Bath County L, 28-0Nov. 4 Craig County L, 35-33

Parry McCluerAug. 26 Rockbridge County DNPSept. 2 at Buffalo Gap L, 28-0Sept. 9 at Montcalm, W.Va. DNPSept. 16 Riverheads L, 49-0Sept. 23 at Roanoke Catholic DNPSept. 30 Auburn W, 54-32Oct. 7 at Craig County L, 41-0Oct. 14 Bath County L, 21-0Oct. 21 James River L, 51-8Nov. 4 at Covington L, 26-0

THREE RIVERS DISTRICT

AuburnAug. 26 Craig County L, 42-6Sept. 2 at Covington DNPSept. 9 at East Hardy, W.Va. DNPSept. 16 James River L, 41-6Sept. 30 at Parry McCluer L, 54-32Oct. 7 Giles L, 42-7Oct. 14 at Radford L, 49-6Oct. 21 Eastern Montgomery L, 55-0Oct. 28 at Glenvar L, 42-6Nov. 4 Floyd County L, 42-6

Eastern MontgomeryAug. 26 Bath County W, 27-20Sept. 2 at Narrows W, 38-6Sept. 9 at Galax W, 38-26Sept. 16 Covington DNPSept. 23 Bland County W, 42-0Oct. 7 Radford W, 50-21Oct. 14 at Floyd County W, 36-19Oct. 21 at Auburn W, 55-0Oct. 28 Giles W, 53-27Nov. 4 at Glenvar W, 47-14

Floyd CountyAug. 26 Christiansburg L, 40-12Sept. 2 at Galax DNPSept. 9 at Patrick County W, 48-19Sept. 16 George Wythe W, 17-7Sept. 23 Fort Chiswell L, 22-21Oct. 7 at Glenvar L, 21-20Oct. 14 Eastern Montgomery L, 36-19Oct. 21 at Giles L, 42-28Oct. 28 Radford W, 20-12Nov. 4 at Auburn W, 42-6

GilesAug. 26 Blacksburg L, 30-7Sept. 2 at Christiansburg L, 35-0Sept. 9 Covington DNPSept. 16 Narrows W, 42-14Sept. 23 at Tazewell DNPOct. 7 at Auburn W, 42-7Oct. 14 Glenvar W, 20-17Oct. 21 Floyd County W, 21-20Oct. 28 at E. Montgomery L, 53-27Nov. 4 at Radford L, 34-25

GlenvarAug. 26 Galax DNPSept. 2 at James River W, 41-34Sept. 9 at James Monroe, W.Va. DNPSept. 23 at Covington W, 35-14Sept. 30 William Byrd DNPOct. 7 Floyd County W, 21-20Oct. 14 at Giles L, 20-17Oct. 21 at Radford L, 42-7Oct. 28 Auburn W, 42-6Nov. 4 Eastern Montgomery L, 47-14

RadfordAug. 26 Pulaski County W, 32-29Sept. 9 at George Wythe W, 36-35Sept. 16 at Galax W, 27-21Sept. 23 at Virginia High DNPSept. 30 Patrick County DNPOct. 7 at E. Montgomery L, 50-21Oct. 14 Auburn W, 49-6Oct. 21 Glenvar W, 42-7Oct. 28 at Floyd County L, 20-12Nov. 4 Giles W, 34-25

VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT CONF.

CarlisleAug. 26 Roanoke Catholic L, 42-32Sept. 2 Virginia Episcopal L, 36-12Sept. 10 at Broadwater Academy DNPSept. 16 at Brunswick Academy L, 60-42Sept. 23 Kenston Forest L, 44-20Sept. 30 Walsingham Academy DNPOct. 14 at Isle of Wight Aca. L, 48-14Oct. 22 at North Cross DNPOct. 28 at Fishburne Military DNPNov. 4 Hargrave Military L, 45-37

North CrossAug. 27 Charlotte Latin, N.C. L, 35-21Sept. 3 Norfolk Christian DNPSept. 9 at Blessed Sacrament W, 32-28Sept. 17 at Bishop Sullivan W, 21-0Sept. 24 Blue Ridge W, 34-14Sept. 30 at Hargrave Military W, 49-6Oct. 7 at Liberty Christian L, 24-14Oct. 15 Atl. Shores Christian W, 14-12Oct. 22 Carlisle DNPNov. 5 at Virginia Episcopal W, 16-10

Roanoke CatholicAug. 26 at Carlisle W, 42-32Sept. 2 Fredericksburg Christian DNPSept. 9 Brunswick Academy W, 28-14Sept. 16 at Craig County DNPSept. 23 Parry McCluer DNPSept. 30 at Fishburne Military W, 31-30Oct. 8 at Virginia Episcopal L, 45-12Oct. 15 Walsingham Academy DNPOct. 21 at Fuqua W, 34-16Oct. 28 Blessed Sacrament L, 59-25

TIMESLAND SCHEDULES

2011PREDICTIONS

WESTERN VALLEY1. Franklin County2. Patrick Henry3. George Washington4. William Fleming5. Halifax County

BLUE RIDGE1. Northside2. Staunton River3. Rockbridge County4. William Byrd5. Alleghany6. Lord Botetourt

PIEDMONT1. Magna Vista2. Martinsville3. Bassett4. Tunstall5. Patrick County

RIVER RIDGE1. Christiansburg2. Pulaski County3. Salem4. Cave Spring5. Hidden Valley6. Blacksburg

SEMINOLE1. Brookville2. Amherst County3. Jefferson Forest4. Liberty5. E.C. Glass6. Heritage7. Rustburg

SOUTHWEST1. Richlands2. Abingdon3. Carroll County4. Marion5. Tazewell

HOGOHEEGEE1. George Wythe2. Chilhowie3. Rural Retreat4. Northwood5. Holston6. PH-Glade Spring

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE1. Galax2. Grayson County3. Graham4. Fort Chiswell5. Narrows6. Bland County

PIONEER1. James River2. Covington3. Bath County4. Craig County5. Parry McCluer

THREE RIVERS1. Giles2. Radford3. Glenvar4. Floyd County5. Auburn6. Eastern Montgomery

VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT1. Liberty Christian2. North Cross3. Blue Ridge4. Hargrave

Robert Anderson’s 2010 predictionsRegular season: 235-55 .810 Playoffs: 26-6 .813Overall: 261-61 .811

Team capsules compiled byRobert Anderson, Ray Cox,

Aaron McFarling, Chuck Altizer, John Montgomery

Copy editorsShaun Hoy,

Rich Mathieson, Howard Wimmer

Cover photoKyle Green

Section designMark Shaver

Sports editorSteve Hemphill

2011 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL2 THE ROANOKE TIMES Thursday, August 25, 2011

Photos by KYLE GREEN | The Roanoke Times

Hidden Valley’s football team comes together at the end of practice earlier this month. The Titans were one of three Timesland teams to endure a winless season last year. Another (William Fleming) got branded with an 0-10 record, too, when it had to forfeit its lone victory over Halifax County because of an ineligible player. It’ll probably happen to some team again this year.

Nobody quit the team.Not when one loss turned to three, then

six, then nine. Not when whispers in the hall-ways at school evolved into blatant taunts. Not when practices got tougher, hopes got slimmer and fate got crueler.

The Hidden Valley team that ended last season 0-10 was the same group that had entered the year with playoff aspirations. One player got kicked off the team for off-the-field issues, but not a single kid hung ’em up.

And maybe that’s the biggest lesson to take from a season like that: Commitment means something, and not just when times are good.

But there’s another lesson here, too: If last year’s Titans could go an entire season and not win a game, it could happen to almost any team.

Didn’t see it coming

Only the biggest schadenfreude practitio-ners want to see a program endure a winless season. Last year, three teams — Hidden Val-ley, Patrick County and Auburn — lost all 10 of their games. Another (William Fleming) got branded with an 0-10 record, too, when it had to forfeit its lone victory over Halifax County because of an ineligible player. It’ll probably happen to a team this year, some squad previewed in this very special section.

Perhaps you can even see the misery com-ing.

Hidden Valley could not.“I’ve been around long enough,” coach

Scott Weaver said. “I’ve seen a lot of really bad teams win some ballgames. And last year, we weren’t that bad of a team. We just didn’t catch any breaks. It was just one of those things.”

The Titans knew they’d have a hard time replacing All-Timesland running back David Williams, who graduated after a record-breaking career. Still, after going 7-4 in 2009, they fancied themselves a playoff contender again.

Strategically, they adjusted to the loss of Williams, building their offense around a strong-armed, intelligent quarterback named Michael Simonic and their defense around a punishing middle linebacker named Jake Hubbard.

By the end of Hidden Valley’s first game (a 35-7 loss to Patrick Henry), both of those leaders were out for the year. Simonic tore his ACL in the team’s last scrimmage. Hub-bard suffered a serious concussion against PH.

The road had just gotten a lot tougher. Expectations of an eight-win season would have to be revised. The Titans instead would

try to win five or six and sneak into the play-offs.

But 0-10? Never.“I coached on the 2003 Northside team,

and we went 1-9,” Weaver said. “I believe by our first ballgame, we had lost three of our four captains to season-ending injuries. And that year just seemed like you couldn’t catch a break. But then one game, everything lined up.”

This time, it never did.

The bad breaks pile up

Simonic remembers the day the team started losing hope.

It was Sept. 10, and the Titans were host-ing Lord Botetourt. Simonic watched from the sidelines as Hidden Valley led much of the game, only to fall 27-23.

“I think that’s what really did it,” Simonic said. “We were playing just great; we were all going full speed, and we were all really excit-ed. We should have won that game. I think when we lost that game, it was just awful. We played our best game, and we still didn’t win.”

Two weeks later, the Titans lost at North-side by a mere field goal to drop to 0-5. Then they fell to Blacksburg 30-14. The next week, they were hanging with the top-ranked team in Group AA, Christiansburg, and had a chance to cut the deficit to a touchdown with 10 minutes left. Instead, they fumbled into the Blue Demons’ end zone and watched the ball get scooped and taken 102 yards the other way. Oh-and-seven.

Suddenly, their own disappointment wasn’t the only thing the Titans had to stom-ach. They were hearing it from their own classmates, too.

“That’s what upset me the most,” Simonic said. “Even though I wasn’t out there with them, they’re still my teammates. I had peo-ple come up to me and say, ‘What’s wrong with you guys? Why are you guys so terrible?’ I would have to kind of keep my cool a little bit, because I really could say some things I would regret.”

Weaver tutored his players on how to handle the barbs.

“We had that talk several times last year: Nobody knows what we go through but us,” he said. “And until we win a ballgame, we have nothing to say. You’ve got to earn that right by winning some ballgames to have those people not talk about it.

“We had adversity everywhere but on our team. We had adversity in games, we had it in our school, with the other athletes and kids in our school. But our kids bonded together, and they never blinked at it. They just kept working.

And the following week at Pulaski Coun-ty, they were almost rewarded for it.

Almost.

‘It’s still hitting hard’

By the time they got to Dublin on Oct. 22, the Titans barely resembled their former selves. Eleven JV players had been called up to varsity to cover for various injuries. Only three healthy defensive backs remained. Because of the inexperience, only the most basic plays could be called.

But they never stopped hustling, and they gave themselves a chance against Pulaski.

Tied 14-14 late in regulation, the Titans appeared to set up the game-winner with a long passing play. It was negated by a hold-

ing penalty.In overtime, the Titans scored first and

converted the extra point to go up 21-14. A personal foul against Pulaski on the P.A.T. meant the Cougars needed to gain 25 yards in four downs to win it.

They did. Then they went for two — and got it. Final: 22-21, Cougars.

“I think that’s what kind of summed up our season,” Simonic said. “Every time some-thing started kind of going in our favor, some-thing would just happen to take it completely away and put us a few steps back. We’d get in the game and we’d get momentum and then we’d have something just completely go the opposite way.”

Salem blew out the Titans 38-3 the next week to drop them to 0-9. That left one game, against rival Cave Spring, as the last oppor-tunity.

“That Wednesday — our very last prac-tice that they knew we were going to have — was the most intense, physical, get-after-it practice that we’ve had in eight years that I’ve been here,” Weaver said. “And it was the last practice we had before the last game, when we were 0-9.”

The gritty response lifted Weaver’s spir-its but couldn’t lift the team to victory. Cave Spring won 34-10.

“It was heartbreaking,” wide receiver Dee Fletcher said. “It was kind of hard to believe we actually had a goose-egg season. Couldn’t believe it. It hit hard. It’s still hitting hard.”

At least until this Friday night.

Remember how last year felt

This year’s Titans occasionally talk about 0-10, but only as a motivational tool.

“There’s no point in dwelling on it,” Weaver said. “But every time you get tired or you don’t want to do something or you think you’re going to take a play off, they need to think about how last year felt. Remember how it felt and use that to suc-ceed this year.

“Nobody wants anyone to go 0-10. It’s over. It’s done with. This isn’t the same team. We’re more experienced. We’re bigger. We’re faster. We’re stronger. But it still was the same people that had to go through it. That’s a bond that those kids have.”

Although Hubbard has not been cleared by doctors to play, Simonic is back to lead the offense. Counting him, 20 starters return. The Titans secondary enters this season with 80 combined starts. The three linebackers have 60 starts among them.

“Quite frankly, we were embarrassed about last year,” Simonic said. “We really thought we were better than that. ... We’re all ready to surprise some people.”

And if they endure some struggles again? Well, nobody quit the first time around.

Don’t expect them to start now.

By Aaron McFarlingaaron.mcfarling@roanoke.com

981-3124

“Last year, we weren’t that bad of a team. We just didn’t catch any breaks. It was just one of those things.” Hidden Valley head football coach Scott Weaver says.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM LOSSES

The Hidden Valley football team went into the 2010 season with playoff aspirations, but injuries and three close losses ultimately left the Titans winless. This Friday, the team begins its climb back from 0-10.

2011 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL THE ROANOKE TIMES 3Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Roanoke Times | File December

Christiansburg’s Brenden Motley led the Blue Demons to the Group AA Division 4 state semifinals last year where they lost to Harrisonburg 28-21 in double overtime.

The Roanoke Times | File November

Northside’s Dakota Jackson will get a chance to play tight end at Virginia Tech.

Traffic to Blacksburg faces various obsta-cles:

Construction ongoing, explosives blast-ing, tractor-trailers trucking, workers repav-ing, holes sinking, drivers texting, deer cross-ing and the western sun setting.

It can be a tough trip.But you can get there from here.Even if you are a football player at one of

Timesland’s 45 high schools.Since 2000, only 13 Timesland players

have signed a scholarship with Virginia Tech, which has become a perennial Top 25 college football program.

Against growing odds, three Timesland athletes — Christiansburg quarterback Brenden Motley, Northside tight end Dako-ta Jackson and Glenvar defensive end Seth Dooley — have committed to the Hokies’ 2012 recruiting class.

How did they find the way?U.S. 460? The back way through Ironto?Nope.None of the three took a shortcut.

Branching out

Christiansburg coach Tim Cromer said he believes Brenden Motley is the first Chris-tiansburg football player to earn a scholar-ship since Mark Franklin played for N.C. State from 1982 to 1985.

Motley is far from the first scholarship athlete in his family.

His father, Andre, was a 1,000-point scor-er in basketball at East Tennessee State. His uncle, Donald Wayne Snell, is a former Vir-ginia Tech wide receiver. His sister, Daniella, is a women’s basketball standout at Wofford.

On the football field, Motley’s athleticism oozes … and sometimes goes unnoticed.

“He has a long stride,” Cromer said. “I think sometimes it doesn’t look like he’s running as fast as he’s running. It’s effort-less. At times, we get on him about going a little harder, but I think that’s what athletes do: They make it look easy.”

Since taking over as the starting quarter-back midway through his sophomore season in 2009, the 6-foot-4 Motley has led Chris-tiansburg to back-to-back Region IV Divi-sion 4 championships.

Motley also starred on the Blue Demons’ basketball team that rolled through an unbeaten regular season and reached the Group AA Division 4 semifinals in March.

In the spring, he played No. 4 singles on Christiansburg’s tennis team.

“He’s the best athlete I’ve coached, for sure,” Cromer said.

Motley, also a starting free safety, did not produce eye-popping statistics for Chris-tiansburg’s balanced offense in 2010, com-pleting 50 of 93 passes for 982 yards and eight touchdowns.

College coaches looked at other qualities.“His size and athleticism, the physical-

ity he shows on defense, and then his arm strength and ability to run the offense,” Cromer said.

Motley says he is a better player in 2011.“I feel like I’m making smarter decisions,”

the senior said. “I’ve got to learn to throw the ball away more than trying to force a play to happen. A couple of guys, we come up to the school sometimes just to throw around. The whole team’s making me better.”

Virginia Tech recruited Motley exclu-sively as a quarterback.

“I think he can play quarterback,” Cromer said. “You get people all the time saying, ‘He’ll go there and play safety.’ Well, if he plays safety, what’s wrong with that?

“Jake Locker was a wing-T quarterback. Some people think whatever. But Brenden, he’ll be able to show it.”

Motley picked Virginia Tech over subse-quent offers from Virginia and Georgia Tech. Cromer said his star has remained grounded throughout the process.

“I think it’s great for him. It’s great for our program,” Cromer said. “But he’s still Bren-den. I’m still Coach Cromer. We’re going to continue to keep doing what we’ve been doing.

“But every time I bring a new concept or I make changes, he’s all for it. It’s nice to have that unassuming calmness there. He just wants to win.”

Been there, done that

Dakota Jackson already has made some big plays in Lane Stadium.

As a sophomore, he had a key first-down pass reception and a crucial quarterback sack in Northside’s 21-17 victory over Bruton in the 2009 Group AA Division 3 championship game in Blacksburg.

By then, Jackson was already on the Divi-sion I-A recruiting radar. Northside lineback-er Nick Sigmon was a highly coveted senior two years ago, eventually signing with Lib-erty University.

“When they were all coming in to see Nick, they would say, ‘What year is that kid?’ ” Northside coach Burt Torrence said.

The Vikings’ 2009 playoff run didn’t hurt.“When you play that late in the season

and guys start hearing the name, they want

to come in and check him out,” Torrence said. “When they see him walk in as a 15-year-old, 6-foot-4, 205-pound tight end, they’re like, ‘Wow!’ ”

Now Jackson hardly resembles his former self. He’s bigger — 250 pounds — and, get this, faster.

Jackson is one of many Northside football players on head coach Jamie Price’s track and field team.

“Dakota was running the second leg on our 4-by-100 relay team, at 250 pounds,” Tor-rence said. “That shows you. One of the other competitors said, ‘What are you doing over here?’ He said, ‘You’re about to find out.’ ”

Jackson’s combination of size and speed earned him a scholarship offer from Tech in January. He committed before any other school made a bid.

“I’ve liked all Virginia teams, but growing up 35 minutes from Blacksburg, that kind of tugs on you a little bit,” Jackson said.

Torrence said Tech’s rivals wanted in on the act but it was too late.

“They tried,” the Northside coach said. “I wouldn’t let ’em. We make sure that’s where they want to go, and when they tell a coach, ‘You’ve got my word, I’m coming,’ you’re going to live up to that word.

“He would have got more than one offer, bottom line. But for him, there wasn’t a better offer than Virginia Tech.”

Like Motley, Jackson is about more than statistics.

In 11 games last year, he had 18 catches for 343 yards and four touchdowns. As a defen-sive end, he was Northside’s fifth-leading tackler.

“People look at him and say, ‘He should be dominating on defense,’ ” Torrence said. “He is, in our scheme. We don’t ask kids to run up the field and get 30 sacks. In our scheme, each man has a piece of the puzzle.”

Torrence said Tech offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring insists Jackson will fit into the Hokies’ panorama at tight end.

“There’s rumblings in the community and stuff that he’ll be an offensive guard,” Torrence said. “Coach Stinespring told me, ‘I don’t deal with rumors. He’s going to be a tight end at Virginia Tech.’

“But if offensive guard was where they wanted to move him, you wouldn’t hear a word out of Dakota. He’d put his hard hat on.”

A rare harvest

Seth Dooley lists his career ambition as “farmer.”

He’s done some impressive growing in the past year.

The 6-foot-6, 221-pound senior defensive end had just one season of football under his belt when Virginia Tech offered him a schol-arship in July.

How long did Dooley wait to make a deci-sion?

“About two hours,” he said. “I always dreamed I would play at Tech, but I didn’t really think I’d make it.”

Glenvar coach Kevin Clifford had a few hints.

Dooley hoisted 365 pounds in the power clean lift. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.59 sec-onds at a University of Virginia combine. He turned in a 35-inch vertical jump at a Tech camp, then ran the “pro shuttle” in 4.22 sec-onds.

Clifford said college recruiters evaluate prospects using video of game footage and up-close workouts in one-day camps on their campuses or at regional scouting combines.

Dooley made an impression.

“Certainly, when you look at him he passes the eyeball test,” Clifford said. “Then we sent him to all the one-day camps. People want-ed to see him for themselves. When you’re talking about giving somebody $100,000 in scholarships, film is fine, but you also want to see him move.

“Those guys do that for a living, They know what to look for.”

Before Dooley got recruited, Clifford had to make his own sales pitch.

Dooley’s parents, Hugh and Monique, were hesitant to let the youngest of their three sons play football, even though Hugh Dooley played at Salem High School.

“His parents are great,” Clifford said. They stay on top of him. “They told him in high school he could play one sport. That was it. He was playing basketball.

“One day I just happened to bump into them at Walmart. I went over to them and said, ‘Look, Mr. and Mrs. Dooley, there’s a good chance someone’s going to look at him. I’m not going to promise anything, but if he dedicates himself he’ll be a very good football player.”

Clifford coached numerous future Divi-sion I players when he was in Florida. Dooley is the first Glenvar player to get a Division I-A scholarship out of high school since Brandon Semones went to Virginia Tech in 1992.

“Seth’s an anomaly here,” Clifford said. “We won’t see another kid like him for a while.”

Dooley’s only I-A offer came from Tech. Clifford said that UVa was waiting to see Dooley’s SAT scores and that Tennessee was showing interest.

“He’s just a great kid,” Clifford said. “I’ve coached a lot of kids that were good foot-ball players but were not very good kids. I’d adopt him in a heartbeat. You can’t lie about that.

“He’s going to do fine. He’ll get up there and get his degree and hopefully have a good career. If Seth had wanted to go to Ferrum, I’d have been just as happy.”

By Robert Andersonrobert.anderson@roanoke.com

981-3123

ON THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO LANE STADIUM

After this year, Christiansburg quarterback Brenden Motley, Northside tight end Dakota Jackson and Glenvar defensive end Seth Dooley will head to Blacksburg to play for Virginia Tech.

2011

Michael Cole Cave Spring

2010

Caleb Farris Rockbridge County

2009

Cody Journell Giles Andrew Miller Bassett Nubian Peak Pulaski County

2006

Darryl Robertson Liberty

2005

Brandon Holland Northside via Hargrave Sam Wheeler Blacksburg via Hargrave

2004

Brandon Holland Northside Sam Wheeler Blacksburg

2003

Kory Robertson Magna Vista

2002

Chris Burnett Liberty Nic Schmitt Salem

2001

Jeff KingPulaski County

2000

Josh Spence Floyd County

None in 2007, 2008

Virginia Tech signees from Timesland schools since 2000

“He’s the best athlete I’ve coached, for sure.”

Christiansburg coach Tim Cromer On quarterback/defensive back Brenden Motley

“Dakota was running the second leg on the 4-by-100

relay team, at 250 pounds.”Northside coach Burt Torrence

On Virginia Tech-bound Dakota Jackson

2011 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL4 THE ROANOKE TIMES Thursday, August 25, 2011

SETH DOOLEY DAKOTA JACKSON BRENDEN MOTLEY

Glenvar | seniorLinebacker/fullback 6-foot-5 | 230 poundsJersey No. 2

Favorite athlete: Michael Vick

Favorite food: Mac and cheese

Least favorite food: Beets

Best career moment: Beating James River in my junior year.

Most embarrassing career moment: Running right by the quarterback in my first game.

Favorite musical artist: Dave Matthews, Lil Wayne.

Favorite book: “Of Mice and Men”

Favorite movie: “The Other Guys”

Favorite actor: Will Smith

Favorite class in school: U.S. History

Favorite person in history: My dad

Talent outside of sports: Fishing and hunting

Tattoos, yes or no: No

Career ambition: Farmer

One thing people do not know about me: I like to lift weights.

Northside | seniorTight end/defensive end 6-foot-4 | 250 poundsJersey No. 44

Favorite athlete: Dallas Clark

Favorite food: Steak

Least favorite food: Sushi

Best career moment: Winning the state championship

my sophomore year

Most embarrassing career moment: I had a kickoff hit me

in the facemask during my sophomore year.

Favorite musical artist: Eminem

Favorite book: The Bible

Favorite movie: “Remember the Titans”

Favorite actor: Jim Carrey

Favorite class in school: Chemistry with Ms. Woods

Favorite person in history: George Washington

Talent outside of sports: Mostly anything outdoors in the

wild, like hunting and fishing.

Tattoo, yes or no: Yes

Favorite tattoo: I have a cross on my shoulder with Isaiah

40: 31. It’s one of my favorite verses and also is a dedication

to my grandfather.

Career ambition: I would love to own my own business and

to raise a healthy family.

One thing people do not know about me: I am an only child.

Christiansburg | seniorQuarterback/free safety 6-foot-4 | 191 poundsJersey No. 8

Favorite athlete: LaDainian Tomlinson, Kobe Bryant.

Favorite food: Philly cheese steak!

Least favorite food: Sushi

Best career moment: Winning the Region championship

in 2009

Most embarrassing career moment: Whenever I’ve gotten

trucked at the safety spot. It happens to the best of us.

Favorite musical artist: Kanye West

Favorite book: “The Hanging Woods”

Favorite movie: “Hancock”

Favorite actor: Chris Rock

Favorite class in school: Any of the art classes, I have

taken them all.

Favorite person in history: Martin Luther King Jr.

Talent outside of sports: Drawing

Tattoos, yes or no: No, but I would like to get one.

Career ambition: To be successful in whatever it is that I

choose to do.

One thing people do not know about me: I don’t like chocolate.

GETTING TO KNOW ...

Head coach Kevin Clifford says Seth Dooley (2) has size and athleticism that make him “an anomaly” at Glenvar.KYLE GREEN | The Roanoke Times

“I always dreamed I would play

at Tech, but I really didn’t think I’d make it.”

Seth DooleyGlenvar linebacker/fullback

2011 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL THE ROANOKE TIMES 5Thursday, August 25, 2011

2011DIVISIONS enrollment at right

VHSL GROUP AAA

NORTHWEST REGION

DIVISION 6

Battlefield..............................2,982

Osbourn.Park..........................2,742

Woodbridge...........................2,546

Gar-Field................................2,467

Stonewall.Jackson................2,442

Forest.Park.............................2,290

C.D..Hylton..............................2,195

Franklin.County..................... 2,164

Colonial.Forge........................2,053

Osbourn..................................1,953

Patrick.Henry......................... 1,948

Riverbend................................ 1,917

Stafford...................................1,887

DIVISION 5

Massaponax...........................1,874

Freedom-Loudoun................. 1,814

Freedom-Prince.Will..............1,794

Mountain.View.......................1,760

Halifax.County........................ 1,742

Albemarle...............................1,709

North.Stafford........................ 1,691

Broad.Run................................ 1,661

Potomac..................................1,655

Brooke.Point........................... 1,631

Orange.County.......................1,552

William.Fleming......................1,511

George.Washington...............1,377

GROUP AA

REGION III

DIVISION 4

Amherst.County.................... 1,468

E.C..Glass................................ 1,374

Jefferson.Forest.................... 1,288

Harrisonburg..........................1,282

William.Byrd........................... 1,160

Heritage-Lynchburg................1,111

Lord.Botetourt....................... 1,089

Staunton.River....................... 1,088

Turner.Ashby......................... 1,058

Broadway................................1,023

DIVISION 3

Brookville.................................1,011

Northside..................................989

Rockbridge.County.................. 963

Liberty.......................................920

Rustburg....................................919

Fort.Defiance............................856

Waynesboro..............................851

Alleghany..................................850

Spotswood................................ 810

R.E..Lee-Staunton......................743

REGION IV

DIVISION 4

Pulaski.County...................... 1,450

Salem.......................................1,239

Bassett....................................1,228

Carroll.County........................ 1,186

Hidden.Valley......................... 1,096

Christiansburg...................... 1,062

Blacksburg............................. 1,050

Magna.Vista.............................. 953

DIVISION 3

Abingdon.................................. 925

Tunstall...................................... 836

Cave.Spring..............................820

Patrick.County.......................... 778

Richlands.................................. 736

Marion........................................715

Martinsville.............................. 705

Tazewell.................................... 663

DIVISION 2 WEST

(Timesland schools only)

Floyd.County............................. 636

Grayson.County....................... 632

Glenvar......................................600

Giles............................................512

Fort.Chiswell.............................496

James.River............................... 479

DIVISION 1 EAST

(Timesland schools only)

Parry.McCluer.......................... 329

Covington..................................251

Bath.County.............................. 232

Craig.County..............................217

DIVISION 1 WEST

(Timesland schools only)

Radford...................................... 455

Chilhowie..................................445

George.Wythe.......................... 435

Auburn....................................... 387

Galax.......................................... 387

Rural.Retreat............................360

Bland.County............................ 299

Eastern.Montgomery.............. 298

Narrows..................................... 233

VIS

DIVISION III

Fishburne.Military..................... 147

Covenant.................................... 147

Hampton.Roads........................145

Atlantic.Shores.......................... 133

Fredericksburg.Christian..........121

Portsmouth.Christian...............120

Massanutten.Military............... 110

Virginia.Episcopal.................... 108

Norfolk.Christian........................112

Isle.of.Wight............................... 98

North.Cross................................. 95

DIVISION IV

Carlisle........................................ 83

Greenbrier.Christian.................. 83

Fuqua........................................... 83

Hampton.Christian.................... 70

Quantico..................................... 69

Roanoke.Catholic....................... 68

Blessed.Sacrament.................... 64

Brunswick.Academy.................. 60

Southampton.Academy.............55

Broadwater................................. 48

Tidewater.................................... 44

NOTES: Numbers used to determine VHSL divisions are March 31, 2011, average daily membership for grades 9-12 submitted to the Department of Education by each school. Classification into three groups is based on Sept. 30, 2009, membership. VIS enrollment figures are for male students only and are 2009 figures.

FRANKLIN COUNTYCoach: Chris Jones (third season)Record at Franklin County: 18-6Last season: 9-3, 4-0 (lost in Northwest Region Division 6 semifinal)Returning offensive starters: 6Returning defensive starters: 7Players to watch: RB-DB Alex Keys (6-0, 185, sr., OT-DT Shaun Greer (6-4, 295, sr.), WR-DE Tarell Basham (6-5, 225, sr.), QB Kyle Ellis (5-11, 165, jr.), RB Ryan Wade (5-11, 225, jr.), DB Christian Witcher (6-2, 190, jr.), DL Xavier Hunt (6-0, 285, sr.), LB Zach Schiemann (6-0, 195, sr.), LB Chance Tyree (5-8, 175, jr.), TE Lucas Thomasson (5-11, 205, sr.).2010 summary: Franklin County won a second straight Western Valley title and achieved a milestone with the first home playoff game in school history, a 17-14 victory over Woodbridge. An early-season loss to Salem and a 32-21 loss in Week 10 at Osbourn Park were all that marred the regular season. Senior linebacker Tre Preston was named the Timesland defensive player of the year.Outlook: Replacing graduated quarterback T.J. Shaw could be tough. Shaw set regular-season school records with 1,163 yards and 17 TDs. The Eagles have switched to the wing-T offense, where Keys spent some time at QB in preseason. Keys set a school record with 304 yards rushing last year against Bassett. Greer anchors a massive offensive line, while Witcher is back after being named Timesland Sizzlin’ Sophomore defensive player of the year. Circle this date: Oct. 21, when George Washington visits Rocky Mount. The outcome of that game figures to decide the WVD title.

PATRICK HENRYCoach: Alan Fiddler (first season)Last season: 6-4, 3-1 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 5Returning defensive starters: 4Players to watch: QB-DB David Prince (6-0, 175, jr.), OL-DL Ryan Revia (6-6, 290, sr.), QB-DL Jaquan Taylor (6-2, 235, sr.), RB-DB Xavier Whorley (5-11, 185, jr.), RB-LB Nick Ollie (6-2, 225, sr.), RB-DB Shaheed Fitzgerald (5-8, 175, sr.), WR-DB Cortez Ogden (5-10, 170, soph.), TE-DL Matt Wood (6-2, 220, sr.), P Nick Conte (6-3, 200, sr.), TE-LB Trey Mauck (6-2, 210, sr.).2010 summary: Patrick Henry carved out its first winning season since 2000 and was one victory away from winning the WVD title. The Patriots played just one close game, a 43-42 triple-overtime loss at home to Pulaski County. PH won three of its last four after Prince took over the starting quarterback duties, highlighted by 214 yards rushing in a 30-7 victory at George Washington. Outlook: Fiddler became PH’s sixth head coach in the past 11 years when he was hired in April after seven seasons as the head man at Division II Glenville (W.Va.) State College. An offensive guru, he led Moorefield (W.Va.) High School to six Class A state titles. The Patriots will run the spread, utilizing Prince’s speed, perhaps with more option plays. Ollie, a transfer from Roanoke Catholic, will be a factor on both sides. Taylor could also play QB if he and Prince are on the field together. PH’s schedule is tough. A winning season is possible, but a first playoff berth since 2000 is a long shot.

WILLIAM FLEMINGCoach: Lee Johnson (second season)Record at William Fleming: 0-10Last season: 0-10, 0-4 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 3Returning defensive starters: 5Players to watch: QB Dom Dunnaville (5-9, 167, soph.), RB-LB Jonathan Hagins (6-1, 203, sr.), FS Miles Henderson (5-9, 161, sr.), RB-LB DeRell Stone (6-2, 221, jr.), DL Darius Medley (5-9, 216, sr.), OT Darius Burks (5-9, 282, sr.), LB Trevor Mike (5-10, 169, soph.), CB DaShawn Hodnett (5-10, 171, sr.), TE Martiesse Hill (6-1, 174, sr.), CB DaVonte Martin (5-10, 178, sr.).2010 summary: Fleming lost four close games in the first five weeks last year and never got rolling. The Colonels did defeat Halifax County 24-14 but forfeited the victory because they used an ineligible player. Fleming’s offensive line struggled to get in gear early, and the Colonels scored just 15 points combined in four losses. Fleming is still looking for win No. 1 in its on-campus stadium.Outlook: Weapons return, including Dunnaville, who started two games at QB as a freshman. He should be effective on keepers and rollouts. Assistant Don Holter has been moved from defensive coordinator to offense and will run a power-based game with 200-pounders Hagins and Stone, a transfer from Lord Botetourt. Fleming’s questions are up front, where college signees Sedale Young (Richmond) and Marcus Firebaugh (Carson-Newman) starred. Veteran coaches John Hinkle and Bob Gray are new on the staff, but with just three home games this could be another long season.

JEFFERSON FORESTCoach: Don Rice (eighth season)Record at Jefferson Forest: 36-37Last season: 2-8, 1-5 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 10Returning defensive starters: 10Players to watch: QB-LB Marcus Jones (6-0, 195, sr.), TE Ryan Gingrich (6-3, 235, sr.), TE-LB Mikey Wallman (5-10, 185, sr.), OL-DL Michael Yost (6-4, 310, sr.), K-P Dylan Sims (6-1, 185, sr.), LB Garrett Neal (5-11, 205, jr.), DE Chad Pinigis (6-3, 230, sr.), WR Dominique Royal (6-2, 175, jr.), G Alex Bennett (5-11, 220, sr.), TB Tyler Fowler (5-11, 190, sr.).2010 summary: The season got off to a terrible start when Jones broke a finger in the opener against Northside. Without their offensive engine, the Cavs struggled while dropping their

first four games. Jones returned in October and led the team to back-to-back wins over Turner Ashby and Rustburg. JF closed 0-4 against the class of the rugged Seminole. Only two seniors saw significant action all year.Outlook: Despite his lost opportunities, Jones finished just seven rushing yards shy of 1,000 last year and will be the dual-threat catalyst again. He’s got sure-handed passing targets in Gingrich and Royal. JF’s pistol offense will feature Wallman and Fowler in the backfield, often at the same time. Defensively, Yost is a massive disrupter up front, tying up blockers for experienced linebackers. Sims is one of the better place-kickers in Timesland. The Cavaliers will be much improved and should challenge for their first Region III Division 4 playoff berth since 2008.

LIBERTYCoach: Chris Watts (10th season)Record at Liberty: 79-29Last season: 10-2, 5-1 (lost in Region III Division 3 final)Returning offensive starters: 2Returning defensive starters: 1Players to watch: RB-S Breon Brawley (5-10, 185, sr.), OG DT Dennis Shoen (5-11, 235, sr.), OL-DL Dashe Reaves (5-11, 305, sr.), QB Josh Martin (6-1,180, sr.), TE-LB Hunter Taylor (6-2, 215, jr.), QB-RB Trevon Lightfoot (5-10, 180, jr.), C-LB Hunter Patterson (5-11, 200, jr.), OL-DL Josh Quick (6-2, 275, jr.), RB-DB Chase Key (5-8, 165, jr.), T Adam Nott (6-0, 185, sr.).2010 summary: The veteran Minutemen posted a second straight 10-2 season, including a 27-0 victory over Seminole power Amherst County.

The only losses were to Brookville in Week 6 and again in the regional final. Senior Anthony Reynolds finished fourth on the Timesland scoring list with 127 points. The defense held opponents to a touchdown or less in six games.Outlook: Liberty has the fewest returning starters in Timesland. Five QBs worked during two-a-days, with Martin and Lightfoot emerging as the top candidates. Both are mobile and have strong arms but possess little experience. Brawley will be leaned on heavily in the running attack — always the focus in Bedford. This will mark the fifth straight year the team is breaking in a new corps of offensive linemen. Young talent is on the horizon, but Liberty ranks behind Brookville and Amherst in the Seminole forecast. A ninth trip to the playoffs in the past 10 years is likely but not a lock.

ALLEGHANYCoach: Jack Baker (ninth season)Record at Alleghany: 34-50Last season: 9-3, 2-2 (lost in Region III Division 3 semifinals)Returning offensive starters: 6Returning defensive starters: 4Players to watch: QB Seth Bradley (6-4, 225, sr.), RB-LB Casey Walker (5-10, 185, jr.), RB-LB Conner Simpson (6-2, 220, sr.), OL-DL Casey Smith (6-5, 265, sr.), WR-DB DeAndre Burks (5-9, 155, jr.), WR-DB Tanner Seay (5-10, 175, jr.), OL-DL Ethan Dew (6-1, 245, sr.), WR-DB Kendall Kessinger (5-7, 145, soph.), OL-DL Dustin Via (5-9, 195, sr.), WR-DB Dalton Unroe (5-10, 165, jr.).2010 summary: Alleghany reeled off six wins, including an overtime victory over Cave Spring, to open the season. The Mountaineers’ spread offense produced 256 points, but the defense gave up 90 in two Blue Ridge losses at home to Northside and Staunton River. Alleghany won both its BRD road games. A playoff win over Robert E. Lee was the program’s first since 1984. Outlook: Bradley finished third in Timesland in passing yardage in the regular season with 1,853 yards at the helm of the spread. He also ran for 564 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns. Alleghany must break in new receivers. Four wideouts who combined for 125 catches graduated, and so did their backups. Simpson returns as the team’s leading tackler, and he might move from down lineman to tight end on offense. Smith, Dew and Via also return as starting offensive linemen. Alleghany should not have trouble scoring points. If the defense can hold, a return to the playoffs is likely. LORD BOTETOURTCoach: Tater Benson (sixth season)Record at Lord Botetourt: 17-36Last season: 3-7, 0-4 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 3Returning defensive starters: 7Players to watch: QB Will Cline (5-9, 165, jr.), FB-LB Thomas Kennedy (6-0, 230, jr.), WR-DB Connor Bronson (5-10, 170, jr.), TE-DL Andrew Williams (6-2, 240, jr.), WR-PK Jay Phillips (6-0, 170, sr.), LB Max Dannhardt (5-9, 185, sr.), TE-DE Brandon Kibler (6-1, 190, sr.), FB-DE Daniel Rader (5-9, 225, soph.), NG Nic Saylor (6-3, 250, sr.), RB Chris Thompson (5-10, 185, soph.).2010 summary: Lord Botetourt posted three straight wins early, but two of them — Hidden Valley and Patrick County — were against teams that finished 0-10 and the other one was against a 2-8 Rustburg team. The Cavaliers averaged just 3.4 yards per carry as a team and completed just 64 passes all year. The result was a second straight last-place finish in the Blue Ridge.Outlook: Cline already has 16 starts at quarterback under his belt. He completed 53.6 percent of his attempts last year but had just two touchdown

passes and seven interceptions. Botetourt is without 2010 leading rusher DeRell Stone, who transferred to William Fleming. Kennedy should be able to open some holes inside for Thompson and pick up some carries. Botetourt could have an edge in close games thanks to Phillips, who kicked five field goals last year, three longer than 40 yards. It is hard to fathom another last-place finish, but this is a junior-dominated team with better days ahead. NORTHSIDECoach: Burt Torrence (sixth season)Record at Northside: 30-27Last season: 9-2, 4-0 (lost in Region III Division 3 semifinals)Returning offensive starters: 6Returning defensive starters: 7Players to watch: TE-DE Dakota Jackson (6-4, 250, sr.), WB-DB Tyler Fisher (5-11, 166, sr.), QB-LB Adam Hardister (5-11, 167, sr.), RB-LB Isaiah Kelso (5-6, 183, jr.), RB-LB Jeremy Williams (5-10, 230, jr.), OT-LB Mikey Epilon (5-10, 234, sr.), OT-NG Naji Link (5-10, 230, sr.), OT-DE Demetreus Ferebee (6-4, 221, jr.), RB-LB Blair Johnson (5-9, 194, sr.), OG-DT Gino Saunders (6-2, 256, sr.).2010 summary: Northside sailed through most of a 9-1 regular season but hopes for a second straight Group AA Division 3 state title came to crashing halt with a 12-10 regional semifinal playoff loss at home to Brookville. The Vikings won their second straight

Blue Ridge title, outscoring four league opponents 125-14. The only regular-season loss came 17-13 at longtime nemesis Salem.Outlook: How could the forecast be anything but positive? Hardister returns after setting school records with 1,505 passing yards and 19 TD passes. Jackson, who has committed to Virginia Tech, should wreak havoc on both sides of the line. Fisher returns after suffering a broken leg in October. He is a major talent. Look for Kelso to make an impact at running back, while Epilon was the team’s leading tackler in 2010. Place-kicker Sean Joyner tore an ACL playing soccer and will not handle kickoffs this year. Look for another Northside-Brookville playoff game, this time in the regional final.

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTYCoach: Jason White (seventh season)Record at Rockbridge County: 28-38Last season: 3-7, 2-3 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 8Returning defensive starters: 7Players to watch: QB-FS Porter Abell (6-0, 176, jr.), RB-DB Ling Zheng (5-8, 174, sr.), OL-DE Angelo Harris (6-0, 225, sr.), OT-DT Add Siler (5-11, 214, sr.), OL-DT Austin Doll-Hennis (6-0, 227, sr.), OL-DL Allen Chappell (6-2, 271, sr.), TE-LB Adam Doll-Hennis (6-1, 215, soph.), RB-LB Quinten Youngblood (6-0, 184, sr.), LG-DL Curtis Fridley (6-1, 272, jr.), WR-DB Colton Wilson (5-9, 153, jr.).2010 summary: Smiles were not abundant in Lexington after the 2010 season, but considering Rockbridge County went 0-10 in 2009, a record of three wins was an improvement, although none of the victims owned a winning record. The Wildcats lacked a consistent passing game, and other than Zheng’s 970 yards, no other threat on the ground existed. The defense registered just one interception all season.Outlook: Rockbridge should be one of the most improved teams in Timesland. Abell, the son of Washington and Lee assistant and former Liberty and Amherst County coach Scott Abell, should be one of the area’s best young QBs. Zheng has rushed for more than 2,000 yards in the past two years, while Harris was one of the district’s premier linemen. Rockbridge returns to the Blue Ridge for the first time since 2000. The Wildcats should finish in the top half of the standings. A 7-3 regular-season record and a No. 4 seed in the Region III Division 3 playoffs are not out of the question. STAUNTON RIVERCoach: Chuck Poston (second season)Record at Staunton River: 8-4Last season: 8-4, 3-1 (lost in Region III Division 4 semifinals)Returning offensive starters: 6Returning defensive starters: 5Players to watch: OL-LB Brian Ellis (5-11, 205, sr.),

RB-DB Jarret Moon (5-7, 180, sr.), FB-LB Trevion White (5-10, 190, sr.), OL-DL Asa Walvoort (6-1, 215, sr.), OL-DL Zach Miller (6-2, 245, jr.), OL-DL Ryan Willis (5-8, 185, sr.), QB-LB Paul Williams (5-9, 170, jr.), Deshawn Martin (5-8, 160, soph.), WR-DB Sam Jennings (5-8, 150, sr.), OT-DT Chris Moon (6-5, 364, jr.).2010 summary: Staunton River had perhaps the second-best season in school history, including a victory over E.C. Glass for the Golden Eagles’ second playoff win ever. The only regular-season losses were to three teams — Northside, Liberty and Cave Spring — that combined for a 25-5 record. Seniors Meech Coles and Cody Jones combined for almost 2,400 yards rushing.Outlook: Coles is gone after rushing for more than 3,000 yards in the past two seasons counting the playoffs. Jarret Moon, a track speedster, will be the tailback in Poston’s stack-I set. Williams, who directed the playoff win, will take the snaps, but Martin will be used at QB in the Wildcat formation. Ellis made 100 solo tackles last year and had three interception returns for TDs. Walvoort and Miller were second-team All-Blue Ridge picks. Chris Moon is back on the team after skipping last season. Seven wins might be a lot to ask, but a winning season is a possibility.

WILLIAM BYRDCoach: Jeff Highfill (31st season)Record at William Byrd: 157-148-3Last season: 4-6, 1-3 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 6Returning defensive starters: 6Players to watch: RB-LB Simeon Horstmann (5-7, 190, soph.), QB-DB Jake Barton (5-7, 167, sr.), TE-LB Timmy Meador (6-1, 204, jr.), TE-DE Seth Webb (6-4, 195, sr.), OG-DE Brandon Harless (5-11, 189, jr.), WR-LB Joe Barton (5-7, 167, sr.), FB-LB Darryl Preston (5-7, 180, jr.), OT-DL Sean Jackson (6-1, 261, jr.), RB-DB Keith Jennings (6-0, 207, sr.), QB-DB Zac Hill (5-10, 160, soph.).2010 summary: William Byrd got the most out of its schedule, winning close games against Dan River and Lord Botetourt to avoid what could have been a two-win season. Other than a 14-7 season-ending loss to Alleghany, the Terriers’ other defeats were decisive. Horstmann set himself up for some impressive career numbers with 847 yards as a workhorse freshman. Outlook: Jake Barton returns as Byrd’s starting quarterback; the Terriers will need him to improve on a 42 percent completion rate. Horstmann averaged 4.9 yards per carry last year and should wind up with about 200 attempts this season if he stays healthy. Far from the biggest team in the trenches, the Terriers will feature a physical style of play. Overall, the schedule is tougher, with Cave Spring, Glenvar and Rockbridge County replacing Rustburg, Dan River and Patrick County. As Highfill begins his fourth decade at Byrd, it might be a challenge to exceed last year’s four wins.

WESTERN VALLEY

SEMINOLE

BLUE RIDGE

The Roanoke Times | File September

The Roanoke Times | File 2010

DAVID PRINCEPatrick Henryquarterback/defensive back

ADAM HARDISTER Northsidequarterback/linebacker

Only two seniors saw significant action last season for the Jefferson Forest Cavaliers.

2011 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL6 THE ROANOKE TIMES Thursday, August 25, 2011

BASSETTCoach: Jay Gilbert (eighth season)Record at Bassett: 50-33Last season: 4-7, 2-2 (lost in Region IV Division 4 first round)Returning offensive starters: 8Returning defensive starters: 7Players to watch: QB-SS DaShaun Valentine (6-0, 208, jr.), RB-LB Eddie Bowman (6-0, 205, jr.), RB-QB-DB Tra Ross (5-8, 167, jr.), RB-DB Daniel Martin (5-6, 153, jr.), SE-OLB Bryor Daniels (5-10, 167, sr.), OL-DL Chris Hilton (6-0, 237, jr.), OL-DL Roger Woody (6-3, 248, jr.), OL-DL Dustin Craig (5-9, 201, jr.), RB Devontae Jordan (5-9, 148, fr.), K Zach Atwood (6-0, 182, sr.).2010 summary: The Bengals fielded a young team for the second straight year. They started well, with road wins over Carroll County and Jefferson Forest in their first three games, before dropping four in a row. The offense averaged just 7.5 points per game during the skid. Bassett rebounded to thump Tunstall and Patrick County by a combined score of 86-6, securing a postseason berth. The season ended with a 39-21 loss to Carroll County in the region semis.Outlook: Mason Maples, last season’s leading tackler and part-time quarterback, has transferred to Franklin County. One positive that could come of that: Valentine won’t be looking over his shoulder now. He’s the guy

under center — a QB with a fullback’s body who can get some tough yards. The entire offensive line returns to help. Keep an eye on the freshman Jordan, a small but unflinching athlete who could emerge as a four-year starter at running back. Bowman should be the leading stopper in Bassett’s 3-4 defense. The Bengals replaced Amherst County with Hidden Valley on the nondistrict slate. A .500 season would be a very good year. MAGNA VISTACoach: Joe Favero (fourth season)Record at Magna Vista: 18-17Last season: 11-2, 4-0 (lost in Region IV Division 4 final)Returning offensive starters: 5 Returning defensive starters: 3Players to watch: QB Harvey Taylor (5-9, 178, sr.), WR-LB Zaukeus Witcher (6-3, 200, sr.), G Dillon Christian (6-2, 285, sr.), WR-CB DeShaun Penn (6-0, 162, sr.), RB-LB Cire Silver (5-11, 175, sr.), RB Antonio Wells (6-4, 264), sr.), RB-LB Keon Mabin (6-2, 205, jr.), RB-LB Marque Carter (5-10, 180), WR-DB Jalen Hayden (5-10, 147, sr.), DE Gabe Hagwood (6-3, 246, sr.).2010 summary: Two years removed from an 0-10 season, the Warriors surged to the Region IV Division 4 title game, where they fell to then-unbeaten Christiansburg 41-27. Taylor and running back T.C. Carter both finished with more than 1,000 yards rushing. Magna

Vista’s average margin of victory in its 11 wins was 29.9 points, allowing plenty of reserves to see action.Outlook: The Warriors are in good hands with Taylor, an accurate passer (14 TDs vs. three INTs last year) who makes plenty of plays with his feet. Both middle linebackers from last year are gone — including leading tackler Dexter Dodson — so Mabin moves down from safety while Silver slides inside. Wells will be a bruiser as a first-year starting running back, and Carter should show off his speed. Despite a slew of personnel losses, the Warriors should be quicker on both sides of the ball this year. Their Oct. 28 trip to Martinsville projects as the game of the year in the Piedmont. MARTINSVILLECoach: Bobby Dalton (third season)Record at Martinsville: 8-14Last season: 6-6, 3-1 (lost in Region IV Division 3 semifinals)Returning offensive starters: 5Returning defensive starters: 9Players to watch: RB-DB Cedric Tarpley (5-7, 160, sr.), RB Freddie Williams (5-9, 190, sr.), QB-S Ishmel Hairston (5-11, 190, sr.), G Tyshawn Williams (6-1, 310, jr.), WR Damien Patterson (6-1, 175, sr.), LB Herman Jones (5-9, 180, sr.), DT Alberto Garcia (5-7, 200, jr.), TE Jontae Powell (6-2, 250, jr.), T Darius Simington (6-4, 250, jr.),

K Zach Corcoran (6-0, 170, sr.).2010 summary: The Bulldogs switched to a triple-option offense and struggled early against a tough schedule. Without a passing threat, the running game was stuffed by opponents. Better balance in the second half of the season, combined with stellar defense, helped Martinsville reel off four straight wins, including three shutouts, before being blasted by Richlands in the regional semifinal.Outlook: Leading tackler Kisharn Starkie is gone, but the defense Martinsville returns ranks among the fastest in the region. Jones, who reads opposing offenses extremely well, will be a stalwart at linebacker, while the secondary features a trio of three-year starters. Garcia and Hairston, who’s moving from linebacker to safety, are both first-team all-district picks. Hairston’s switch to quarterback provides hope for a more productive passing game. The Bulldogs will battle it out with Magna Vista for Piedmont supremacy and should get a No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the regional playoffs. PATRICK COUNTYCoach: Brad Dalton (sixth season)Record at Patrick County: 22-30Last season: 0-10, 0-4 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 6Returning defensive starters: 8Players to watch: C-DE Austin Helms (6-0,

240, sr.), G-DE Marquise Nowlin (6-0, 250, jr.), WB-LB Corey Hammond (5-8, 170, sr.), FB-LB Brad Lewis (5-0, 185, sr.), OT-LB Devin Merriman (5-10, 210, sr.), WB-DB Jared Wright (5-7, 155, sr.), QB-DB Brian Drewery (5-6, 145, jr.), G-NG Brode Corns (6-1, 275, jr.), TE-DE Jacob Gunter (6-1, 180, sr.), QB-LB Jonathan Goad (6-0, 180, sr.).2010 summary: The Cougars — who lost 17 key players off the 2009 squad — entered the year aware that victories would be elusive. One chance came in the opener against North Stokes, N.C., when a late lead turned into a 26-21 loss. Defeats and injuries mounted from there. Patrick County scored just 20 points in the final six games as the season came to a merciful end with a 59-0 home loss to Martinsville.Outlook: The Cougars should be slightly improved. Drewery, a first-year starter at QB, will need to move the pocket to compensate for his lack of size, but he has a good arm. Lewis is a throwback fullback who will attack defenses between the tackles, while Hammond also can pick up tough yards. Last year’s No. 2 rusher, Jalen Reynolds, didn’t qualify academically, while Merriman is out until at least mid-September with a fractured leg. Richlands and Radford replace William Byrd and Lord Botetourt on a tough nondistrict slate. Three wins would be a solid season in Stuart.

BLAND COUNTYCoach: Harris Hart (seventh season)Record at Bland County: 31-31Last season: 2-8, 0-4 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 3Returning defensive starters: 2Players to watch: QB-S Raymond Greene (6-1, 170, sr.), OL Ryan Hagy (5-9, 276, jr.), FB-DE Jakob Haun (5-11, 185, sr.), S-RB Josh Tiller (5-10, 146, sr.), RB-CB Ray Holston (5-8, 145, sr.), DE-TE James Collins (6-3, 176, sr.), C-LB John Griffth (6-0, 255, jr.), DE-TE Cody Radford (5-10, 229, jr.), CB-WR Shane Linkous (5-9, 143, sr.), OG Cody Nelson (5-8, 160, sr.).2010 summary: Bland County lost senior Jacob Lambert, the best player on both sides of the line of scrimmage, to injury the second game of the season, fell into disarray and never recovered. The Bears’ struggles were acute on offense. They were shut out three times and scored seven or fewer points in four more losses, missing the playoffs for the second straight year.Outlook: Much will be expected of Greene, who is close to indispensable. He caught 13 passes as a receiver last year. The Bears will be big up front, which could give Greene time to run the option out of the wing-T. Haun led Bland in rushing last year with 473 yards, but he did not find the end zone. Linemen will be platooned if possible, but inexperience and a lack of depth may force a change of plans at a moment’s notice. The roster includes 11 sophomores and nine freshmen, so the Bears will be young next year too. Even with the new playoff system, making the postseason will be a stretch.

FORT CHISWELLCoach: Stephen James (seventh season)Record at Fort Chiswell: 36-29Last season: 9-3, 3-1 (lost in Region C Division 2 semifinals)Returning offensive starters: 5Returning defensive starters: 5Players to watch: OL-ILB Coleman Thomas (6-6, 260, soph.), G-NT Justus Houston (5-10, 260, sr.), QB Cory Mabry (6-5, 170, sr.), FB-S Daniel Hamm (5-11, 175, jr.), OT-DT Josh Gleason (6-1, 235, sr.), FL-CB Trey Jackson (6-0, 180, sr.), TB-S Ray Rodriguez (5-11, 175, sr.), WR-CB Corey Gravely (6-5, 180, sr.), WR-OLB Desmond Perry (6-0, 170, jr.), CB-WR McKenzie Mabe (5-10, 155, sr.).2010 summary: Fort Chiswell mixed some big wins (Galax, George Wythe, Floyd County twice) with some frustration (two losses to Chilhowie, including an 28-14 defeat in the regional semifinals). The Pioneers were a pleasant surprise given significant graduation losses from the 11-2 team in 2009. A 35-28 loss at home to Grayson County in Week 10 kept Fort Chiswell from winning the district title outright.Outlook: Mabry moves to QB after serving a backup role under Will Freeman last year. Also gone is Johnse Hatfield, who rushed for 1,488 yards in the regular season. Thomas, the first-team All-Region C center as a freshman, could very well end up an NCAA Division I prospect. Hamm, the reigning Group A triple jump champ, and the explosive Rodriguez, give the Pioneers offensive firepower. James’ program has developed an enviable consistency. If Fort Chiswell can get through a difficult early schedule, the Pioneers should advance to the Division 2 West playoffs. GALAXCoach: Mark Dixon (second season)Record at Galax: 9-4Last season: 9-4, 3-1 (lost in Region C Division 1 final)Returning offensive starters: 6Returning defensive starters: 8Players to watch: RB-LB Jordan Vaughan (6-0, 190, sr.), OL-DL Darius Brown (5-11, 220, sr.), WR-S Deion George (6-3, 190, sr.), RB-LB Jacob Fisher (5-10, 185, sr.), QB Austin Pack (6-2, 175, sr.), OL-DL Woody Dixon (6-1, 200, sr.), OL-DL Colton Turbyfill (6-1, 200, sr.), FS Devonte McKinney (6-3, 200, sr.), SS Dante Ravenell (5-9, 150, sr.), CB Donte Peoples ( 5-8, 175, jr.).2010 summary: Galax produced a blockbuster start to the Dixon regime. Ultimately, the Maroon Tide could not solve the Eastern Montgomery riddle, losing twice

to the Mustangs. When Galax won a state basketball title last spring, head coach Verl Brown repeatedly praised new assistant Dixon, a former Miami Dolphins lineman. That’s an indication Galax might continue to be a force.Outlook: Is the Maroon Tide the next EastMont? There will be real disappointment in these precincts if this group of mold-breaking seniors doesn’t make a big run at Division 1 glory. The first four weeks or so, Galax will be without injured lineman Brown. Vaughan (99-670) will be a workhorse if he can avoid the injuries that slowed him in 2010. George (20.7 per catch, 10 TDs) is big and play-ready, and the multitalented Pack won the Region C high jump title in May. Although big-play QB Terrance Mazon graduated, don’t be surprised if Galax wins more than nine games this year. GRAYSON COUNTYCoach: Brett McPherson (sixth season)Record at Grayson County: 23-30Last season: 6-5, 3-1 (lost in Region C Division 2 first round)Returning offensive starters: 6Returning defensive starters: 7Players to watch: TB-CB Xavier Rodriguez (5-6, 150, sr.), FB-LB Darren Anderson (5-9, 215, sr.), WR-DB Mike Rodgers (6-2, 190, jr.), C-DE Dan Crawford (5-9, 200, sr.), OL-DL Chris Shaw (6-2, 200, sr.), QB-S Max Rodgers (6-3, 185, soph.), LB-RB Zach Vaughn (5-11,160 sr.), DE-TE Ty McMillian (5-9, 230, sr.), DE-RB Jarel Smith (5-9, 165, jr.), WR-DB Spencer Roberts (5-7, 140, jr.).2010 summary: Grayson County was strong early in the campaign and late, drubbing Chilhowie 48-22 in Week 2 and clinching a Division 2 postseason berth by winning three of the its four MED games. The two hot streaks bookended a four-game midseason losing skid. The Devils could score, averaging 45.6 points in their wins and booking 34 more in the 1-point loss to Carroll CountyOutlook: The Blue Devils will be explosive again. Last year, Rodriguez averaged 105.4 rushing yards per game and scored 110 points, No. 7 in Timesland. Mike Rogers caught 26 passes and will be the focus after the graduation of star receiver Eric Harvey. Max Rogers, coming off a shoulder injury last year, replaces Ethan Hash at QB. This could be McPherson’s best team in Independence. Expect Grayson to challenge Galax, Fort Chiswell and new addition Graham for supremacy in a much-improved MED en route to a spot in the Division 2 West postseason. NARROWSCoach: Kelly Lowe (ninth season)Record at Narrows: 40-45Last season: 2-8, 1-3 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 6Returning defensive starters: 6Players to watch: RB-LB Wyatt Robertson (5-7, 150, sr.), RB-LB Joe Butler (6-0, 188, sr.), RB-LB Adrian Parcell (5-205, sr.); OL-DL Cody Cumbee (6-3, 185, sr.), OL-DL Cody Ludwig (5-9, 230, sr.), TE-LB Taylor Craft (6-2, 195, sr.), OL-DL Tyler Evans (5-9, 180, jr.), SE-DB Jared Brown (5-10, 150, jr.), RB-DB Rodney Perdue (5-10, 150, soph.), QB-DB Joe Hall (6-2, 160, soph.).2010 summary: Narrows lost five of its first six games and never gained any traction once it reached the district portion of its schedule. The only victories came against winless Auburn in the fifth game and against Bland County, a win that saved Narrows from the district cellar. Defense was a major problem.Outlook: Narrows can bank on tradition. Several prominent players are sons or relatives of Narrows stars of the past. Expect the Wave to return to the basics of wing-T offense. Butler and Robertson last year combined for 811 rushing yards. Robertson added a team-leading 55 solo tackles. Hall, the JV QB last year, won the varsity job over another sophomore. Hall has good size and has displayed a strong arm and solid mechanics. It probably will take three wins to qualify for the new Division 1 West playoffs. Narrows will be better, but the MED is improved. A playoff berth is a possibility.

BLACKSBURGCoach: David Crist (37th season)Record at Blacksburg: 226-168-4Last season: 3-7, 1-4 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 3Returning defensive starters: 3Players to watch: OG-LB Marcus Ilardo (6-0, 260, jr.), RB-LB Ryan Sims (6-0, 160, soph.), PK-P Carson Wise (5-9, 135, soph.), WR-CB Corey King (5-8, 147, sr.), WR-FS Luke Grant (5-9, 146, sr.), FB-LB Joe Lucas (5-10, 160, soph.), OT-DE Adam Vaught (6-6, 230, soph.), OG-DT Adam Peton (6-2, 240, soph.), TE-DE Parker Robertson (6-3, 220, jr.), TE-LB Sam Robinson (6-0, 170, sr.).2010 summary: Blacksburg’s program made most of its news off the field when it was learned that Crist would be inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame this fall. Blacksburg’s wins were against Giles, Lord Botetourt and Hidden Valley. Other than a close loss to Salem, the Bruins were beaten decisively in their losses against some very strong competition.Outlook: Most, if not all, of the playmakers on last year’s team are gone. The big loss was QB Terrence Travis, who led Blacksburg in rushing and passing. The top three tacklers graduated as well. The Bruins do have good size up front defensively. Ilardo, the son of former Virginia Tech linebacker Leno Illardo, packs a wallop at linebacker. Sophomores might start at quarterback, tailback and fullback. Wise kicked six field goals last year and was Blacksburg’s second-leading scorer. Given the youth and inexperience, this shapes up as a tough season for the Bruins. CAVE SPRINGCoach: Tim Fulton (seventh season)Record at Cave Spring: 34-33Last season: 8-4, 4-1 (lost in Region IV Division 3 final)Returning offensive starters: 5Returning defensive starters: 7Players to watch: RB Sam Wright (5-11, 195, sr.), TE-LB Jordan Bryant (6-1, 224, jr.), QB-DB Reece Kingery (6-0, 185, sr.), WR-DB Tony Simmons (6-3, 190, sr.), WR-DB Jon Evans (5-10, 150, jr.), OG-LB Tyler Francis (6-0, 180, sr.), C Kyle Harris (5-10, 255, sr.), OG Daniel Cloeter (5-11, 190, sr.), RB-LB Ryan Gerhardt (5-8, 175, sr.), OL-LB Nick Frohock (5-9, 205, sr.).2010 summary: Cave Spring is coming off back-to-back seasons in which the Knights reached the state semifinals in 2009 and the regional final last year. The Knights had a landmark 34-10 home win over Salem. QB Josh Woodrum finished his career with more than 5,300 passing yards and signed with Liberty University. Top receiver and defensive back Michael Cole signed with Virginia Tech.Outlook: Wright is back for his third year as Cave Spring’s featured running back. He topped the 1,000-yard mark for the regular season and finished with 1,252 yards and 18 TDs in 12 games. Kingery will replace Woodrum at QB and should bring a high level of athleticism. Simmons, the team’s leading tackler with 85 solo hits, will try to fill Cole’s role. Three of five starters return on the offensive line, which includes Dylan Brucki (6-4, 290, jr.). Cave Spring will be hard-pressed to repeat last year’s second-place finish in the River Ridge, but another berth in the regional final is possible.

CHRISTIANSBURGCoach: Tim Cromer (10th season)Record at Christiansburg: 62-41Last season: 12-1, 5-0 (lost in Group AA Division 4 semifinal)Returning offensive starters: 4Returning defensive starters: 6Players to watch: QB-FS Brenden Motley (6-4, 194, sr.), RB-LB Zach Snell (5-10, 171, sr.), NG Ervin Buchannon (5-8, 226, sr.), RB Kam Johnson (6-0, 168, sr.), OG-LB Seth Wills (6-0, 191, soph.), WR-CB Zach Davis (6-3, 175, sr.), LB Addam Scott (6-0, 183, sr.), DE Alex Dunn (6-2, 219, sr.), DE Jonathan Galante (5-11, 189, sr.), WR Dee Kelly (5-11, 167, sr.).2010 summary: Christiansburg averaged 36 points per game in rolling to the first 10-0 regular season in school history. The Blue Demons used a devastating running game out of the wing-T to win a second straight regional title. The defense posted three straight early-season shutouts and one in the playoffs. A 28-21 loss to Harrisonburg in double-OT in the snow ended hopes for a first state title. Outlook: The Blue Demons are favored to repeat as River Ridge and Region IV champs. Motley, who has committed to Virginia Tech, headlines an athletic backfield that includes Snell, who averaged nine yards per carry. Johnson could be as quick as any back in Timesland. The new receiving corps is tall, deep and athletic. Buchannon is a returning All-Group AA player. The kicking game is solid. The schedule is tougher with Franklin County replacing Patrick Henry. Christiansburg is a lock for a postseason berth and is a decent bet to advance at least one step further in the postseason. HIDDEN VALLEYCoach: Scott Weaver (third season)Record at Hidden Valley: 7-14Last season: 0-10, 0-5 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 8Returning defensive starters: 9Players to watch: QB Michael Simonic (6-1, 198, sr.), WR-SS Jake Kite (6-1, 175, jr.), RB Walker Brand (5-7, 168, soph.), WR-FS Dee Fletcher (6-2, 178, sr.), RG Chris Moses (6-1, 221, jr.), RT Jordan Parke (5-11, 285, jr.), LT Trevor Holdren (6-4, 277, sr.), LB Kyle Stanley (6-2, 184, sr.), LG Jared Repass (5-11, 230, sr.), TE Shane Foley (5-10, 200, sr.).2010 summary: Hidden Valley’s troubles began in the preseason when Simonic was lost for the year with a knee injury and linebacker Jake Hubbard suffered a season-ending concussion in the first game. Hubbard will not play this year either. Despite having freshmen starting at quarterback and tailback, the Titans lost to Northside, Pulaski County and Lord Botetourt by a combined total of seven points. Outlook: Barring major injuries, the picture has to look brighter this year for Hidden Valley. Simonic is 100 percent and has set team weightlifting records, while the offensive line returns virtually intact. Kite has started in the secondary since his freshman year and is among a number of juniors in the lineup. Sophomore Massi Flici will start at middle linebacker. The Titans have replaced Brookville on the schedule with Bassett, which could be a very important game. Hidden Valley will be improved, and grabbing one of the six Region IV Division 4 playoff spots could be within reach.

PULASKI COUNTYCoach: Todd Jones (second season)Record at Pulaski County: 5-5Last season: 5-5, 3-2 (ineligible for playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 5 Returning defensive starters: 6 Players to watch: LB Cody Long (6-1, 191, sr.), RB Rick Cobbs (5-10, 201, sr.), DL Pierce Rigney (6-2, 212, sr.), DL Phoenix Ramsey (6-1, 230, sr.); OG Sammy Songer (5-11, 228, sr.), QB Tyler Dotson (5-11, 171, jr.), RB Marcus McClanahan (5-10, 187, jr.), DL James King (6-3, 225, jr.), WR Zack Akers (6-2, 208, jr.), DL Kareem Calfee (6-3, 270, soph.).2010 summary: Jones’ first year on the job had to rate as a major success. He was hired in mid-summer and he inherited a one-year VHSL probation that left the Cougars ineligible for postseason play. Pulaski had early-season wins over Patrick Henry and William Fleming, and closed with three straight wins including a 21-13 victory over Salem, its third over the Spartans in the last four meetings.Outlook: Who expects Pulaski to hover around the .500 mark for long? The Cougars appear to be on the way up again and why not? Jones is one of the state’s winningest active coaches from his tenure at Group A Essex. Pulaski should be stronger defensively after giving up more than 30 points three times in 2011. Long has established himself as one of the area’s premier linebackers. Dotson takes over at QB and his performance will be critical. Somebody in Pulaski must be optimistic. Otherwise, the Cougars wouldn’t be playing at Richlands this year. Count on a return to the playoffs and a chance to make some noise. SALEMCoach: Stephen Magenbauer (eighth season)Record at Salem: 77-11Last season: 7-4, 2-3 (lost in Region IV Division 4 semifinals)Returning offensive starters: 5Returning defensive starters: 5Players to watch: QB Matt Hill (6-5, 198, jr.), WR-FS Chad Fisher (5-9, 163, jr.), WR-SS Mic Edwards (5-11, 198, sr.), RB-DE Marty Bishop (5-11, 209, sr.), TE-DE Colton Taylor (6-1, 206, sr.), OG Devin Smith (5-10, 199, sr.), RB Jordan Daniels (5-5, 149, sr.), OT Alex Light (6-5, 259, soph.), LB Jamal Holland (5-11, 207, jr.), NG Quan Lee (5-9, 197, sr.).2010 summary: Salem’s 7-4 season would be a success at most schools, but the four losses were the most for the Spartans since 2002. However, Salem did defeat Franklin County and Northside along with a comeback win over William Fleming. Salem committed 17 turnovers in its four losses, including six against Christiansburg and three in a 48-35 regional semifinal playoff loss to Magna Vista.Outlook: Hill, the JV quarterback last year, takes over following a two-year run by Adam McGarrell. At 6-5, he is Timesland’s tallest QB. Daniels led the Spartans in rushing with 554 yards while Bishop had a team-high nine TDs. Edwards is the leading returning receiver with 14 catches. Smith and Brandon Spangler are the two returning starters on the offensive line. Edwards, Smith, Fisher, Taylor and Bishop should be two-way starters. Salem has excellent team speed, led by freshman RB Isaiah Harris. Another seven-win season and an eighth straight playoff berth seem like a realistic forecast.

PIEDMONT

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE RIVER RIDGE

The Roanoke Times | File November

From left

BRENDEN MOTLEY Christiansburgquarterback/defensive back

HARVEY TAYLORMagna Vistaquarterback

ZACH SNELLChristiansburgrunning back/linebacker

2011 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL THE ROANOKE TIMES 7Thursday, August 25, 2011

AUBURNCoach: Phil Collett (fifth season)Record at Auburn: 8-32Last season: 0-10, 0-5 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 4Returning defensive starters: 4 Players to watch: RB-LB Dustin Simpkins (5-10, 185, jr.), QB-MLB Gabe Spencer (5-8, 160, soph.), RB-WR Nick Parsell (5-7, 150, soph.), TE-NG Jacob Mullins (6-1, 290, sr.), OL-DE Michael Hinkley (6-3, 255, soph), WR-CB Ethan Hale (6-0, 165, jr.), OL Caleb Harless (5-11, 205, soph.), LB-FB Luke Wilson (5-7, 150, soph.), OG-DE Josh Simpkins (5-9, 185, sr.), WR-DB Cody Quesenberry (5-11, 175, sr.).2010 summary: Highlights were few in a winless grind, but there was no overlooking Mullins’ hauling 290 pounds through a Timesland-leading 250 carries for 1,005 yards. The overworked Mullins, who also played nose tackle, could get the Eagles close to the end zone but couldn’t get them in. Auburn was outscored 427-83 and gave up at least 41 points in nine of the losses.Outlook: Better days have to be ahead. Spencer has the tools at QB, but at 160 pounds he also will play middle linebacker. Dustin Simpkins is moving to his natural offensive position. Auburn will try to get him in the open field. Parsell will be much more of a factor. With Green up front, there is still size and ability there. There is also Mullins, among the most unique players in Timesland. He won’t be getting all the carries he did last year, the hope being he won’t be worn out for defense. The horizon is brighter now that Auburn is in Division 1, but this could be another long season in Riner. EASTERN MONTGOMERYCoach: Mark Poston (sixth season)Record at Eastern Montgomery: 35-21Last season: 13-1, 5-0 (lost in Group A Division 1 championship)Returning offensive starters: 3Returning defensive starters: 4Players to watch: DE-QB James Fields (6-2, 180, jr.), MLB-OL Shane DeWeese (6-2, 230, soph.), OLB-Ol Caleb Woods (6-2, 215, sr.), Christopher Yarbrough (6-1, 190, jr.), WB-DB Matt Epperly (6-0, 165, sr.), QB-DB Troy Rucker (5-7, 140, jr.), OL-DL Eli Motley (6-3, 280, jr.), RB-DL Kendall Sisson (5-9, 135, jr.), WR-DB J.T. Shrader (5-11, 150, soph.), OL-DL Jacob East (6-1, 180, jr.)2010 summary: Eastern Montgomery’s historic season ended one win short with a 63-49 loss to Riverheads in the Division 1 state championship. Timesland offensive player of the year Shawn Christian finished his career No. 3 on the VHSL list in passing yardage. Among EastMont’s many accomplishments was a sweep of district big boys Radford, Giles, Floyd County and Glenvar.Outlook: Not only did Christian graduate, but receivers Brad Wooten and Julian Stewart are gone along with 1,100-yard rusher Michael Shelor. The QB job has been a battle between Glenvar transfer Fields and Rucker, both of whom took equal snaps in practices and scrimmages. The new QB ought to have a solid line and running game to help make

his job easier. The schedule will be a test with games against three 2010 postseason teams in the first five outings, plus some eager Three Rivers opponents. Two victories could be the ceiling for the Mustangs. FLOYD COUNTYCoach: Winfred Beale (31st season)Record at Floyd County: 188-126-4Last season: 5-6, 2-3 (lost in Region C Division 2 first round)Returning offensive starters: 7Returning defensive starters: 6Players to watch: RB-DE Dorian Harris (6-0, 205, jr.), WR-DB Matt Hollandsworth (6-3, 200, sr.), FB-OLB Eli Overstreet (5-11, 175, sr.), FL-DB Cole Worrell (5-10, 160, jr.), DE-TE Tyler Vaught (6-2, 185, jr.), ILB –OG Zak Sickey (6-0, 195, sr.), OLB-QB Gus Underwood (6-0, 160, jr.), C Dustin McGuire (6-1, 198, sr.), OT Peter Martin (6-3, 306, sr.), DT-OG Jacob Newman (6-1, 195, sr.).2010 summary: Despite seasonlong in con-sistency, the Buffaloes reached the Division 2 Region C playoffs, losing to Fort Chiswell for the second time. Floyd County defeated strong teams from George Wythe and Radford and played Fort Chiswell tough but got hammered 42-28 by Giles. It was a breakout year for Harris, who led Timesland in rushing during the regular season with 1,617 yards.Outlook: Despite throwing for 633 yards and nine TDs with a 63 percent completion rate, Hollandsworth has faced a stiff challenge from Underwood for the starting job. If Underwood hangs on, Hollandsworth moves to wide receiver. One of them is going to have to produce in order to take some of the pressure off Harris. Beale vows that the Buffaloes will be no one-man gang. Injuries have slowed preseason development on the offensive line. It might take five or six wins to make the 16-team Division 2 West playoffs. Floyd should be somewhere around that number.

GILESCoach: Jeff Williams (fourth season) Record at Giles: 17-15Last season: 3-2, 5-5 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 4Returning defensive starters: 6Players to watch: TB-DB Brad Kessinger (5-8, 155, sr.), G-LB Tyler Nelson (5-9, 172, sr.), C Bubba Workman (6-1, 230, sr.), G-DL Kearsley Dillion (5-10, 234, jr.), OG-DL Zebb Wall (5-8, 215, sr.) WB-DB Zach Keaton (5-11, 160, sr.), TB-FS Ian Mann (6-1, 157, jr.) OL-DT Kevin Ferrell (5-11, 220, sr.), WB Cody Vaught (6-0, 137, sr.), WB-DB Garrett Lee (6-1, 166, jr.).2010 summary: Giles’ season was summed up in Week 5 when the Spartans coughed up a three-point lead in the last 48 seconds and lost 21-17 to George Wythe, costing them a postseason bid. Giles had trouble with teams that had speed and quickness. Kessinger missed half the season with a concussion and ankle injury. Giles had its moments, particularly a late-season two-TD win over Floyd County. Outlook: Kessinger, who ran for 597 yards and averaged 6.8 yards per carry, is back at full strength, which adds to the best speed and quickness in the skill positions of the single-wing offense the Spartans have had in years. Nelson is a three-year starter and the leader of the offensive line, a unit that also includes vets Workman, Dillon, Wall and Ferrell. A major strength: Williams thinks he has the best kicking game in the state with Keaton on placements and Lee as a punter. Giles is a strong contender for the Three Rivers title and at least should nail down a Division 2 West playoff berth.

GLENVARCoach: Kevin Clifford (fifth season)Record at Glenvar: 22-18Last season: 6-4, 2-3 (did not make playoffs)Returning offensive starters: 5Returning defensive starters: 5

Players to watch: MLB-RB Seth Dooley (6-5, 225, sr.), QB-S Jacob Mabry (5-11, 165, sr.), OL-DL Sean Biddle (6-4, 315, sr.), OL-DL Camren Wynn (6-0, 200, sr.), OL-LB Troy Philpott (5-10, 195, sr.), WR-DB Tyler Haynie (5-9, 150, sr.), TE-DE Jacob Noble (6-3, 230, sr.), C-DL Zach Irish (6-0, 205, sr.), OL-DE Hunter Graham (6-0, 195, sr.), TE-LB Derek Alba (5-11, 195, sr.).2010 summary: The Highlanders started with a four-game win streak, before injuries struck. Among the most notable losses was Noble, who tore an ACL, played with it for a while, then was done. Glenvar lost four of its last six, including back-to-back losses to Radford and Eastern Montgomery by a combined 84-21. A one-point win at Floyd County in the finale wasn’t enough to salvage a playoff berth.Outlook: Dooley, only in his second high school season, already has committed to Virginia Tech. He will move from end to linebacker. Noble is still battling knee problems but is expected to play. Already looking to replace graduated 1,293-yard rusher Tim Woods, the Highlanders suffered a blow when senior back Tommy Roach tore his ACL in the first scrimmage. Mabry will provide an experienced hand at QB behind an imposing front line that includes Biddle, Wynn, Philpott and Graham. Glenvar hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2005 but that might change. RADFORDCoach: Matthew Saunders (fifth season)Record at Radford: 32-16Last season: 9-4, 3-2 (lost in Group A Division 2 semifinals)Returning offensive starters: 5Returning defensive starters: 8Players to watch: WB-LB Corey Dark (6-2, 220, sr.), WB-S William Minter (5-10, 165, jr.), WR-CB Dashon Devore (6-1, 165, sr.), OG-NG Cody Morgan (6-0, 255, jr.), OG-DT Justan Bland (5-8, 200, sr.), OT-DL D’Vante Edwards (5-11, 250, sr.), DE Shaquille Saunders (5-11, 245, sr.), DE-TE Deion Baylor (5-11, 185, sr.), NG Alan O’Berry (5-9, 170, sr.), QB-LB Hunter Marshall (5-11, 155, jr.).2010 summary: Radford started 3-1, but a 50-21 loss to Eastern Montgomery took the wind out of the Bobcats’ sails. Radford decked George Wythe and Chilhowie before crashing with a season-ending state semifinal loss to champion-to-be Gate City. That was the end for a crack senior class led by Dontae Carter, one of the top quarterbacks in a program that has had some stellar ones.Outlook: Marshall won’t be asked to fill the athletic shoes of Carter, but he should provide some cool-headed decision-making. Dark, 20 pounds heavier than last year, has a chance to be the best player present every time out if he hasn’t lost any of his quickness. Minter, who was away from Radford football for a time as he evaluated his priorities, started as a freshman in the 2009 state championship game. Radford should be at or near the top of the Three Rivers. The Division 2 West playoff field will be loaded with strong teams, but the Bobcats should be in the mix.

CHILHOWIECoach: Larry Russell (11th season)Record at Chilhowie: 74-34Last season: 9-3, 4-1 (lost in Region C Division 2 final)Returning offensive starters: 4Returning defensive starters: 5Players to watch: RB-LB Brett Johnson (5-8, 175, sr.), DB-RB Aaron Conley (5-9, 165, sr.), DL-OL Jacob Shuler (5-11, 220, sr.), WR-DB Reid Sturgill (6-0, 140, jr.), TE-LB Levi Gillespie (6-0, 185, sr.), FB-DE Forrest Haga (6-0 170, jr.), QB-DB Dylan Thomas (6-0, 145, jr.), QB-DB Tyler Pierce (5-10, 150, jr.), C-DT Dalton Snider (5-11, 200, jr.), OG-DT Ben Whitley (5-11, 210, jr.). 2010 summary: Chilhowie was consistently strong, other than a 48-22 drubbing at the hands of Grayson County in Week 2. Seeking their first Hogoheegee title since 2001, the Warriors had the grail snatched away from them by George Wythe in a 14-13 game in the district opener. In its third straight trip to the playoffs, Chilhowie lost 14-6 to Radford in the regional final.Outlook: The Warriors have skill players all over the field. They’re led by Johnson, who rushed for 1,365 yards and scored 33 TDs in 12 games. Conley, who gained 839 yards with 12 TDs, is also

multitalented. Chilhowie must replace QB Rhett Sturgill and most of the offensive line. Thomas and Pierce could share the duties at quarterback, while Shuler is the only offensive lineman with experience. Chilhowie dropped down to Division 1 in the new playoff format. J.I. Burton, Clintwood and Appalachia could loom as playoff foes. The Warriors certainly should qualify this year. GEORGE WYTHECoach: H.S. Ingo (third season)Record at George Wythe: 15-8Last season: 8-4, 5-0 (lost in Region C Division 2 semifinals)Returning offensive starters: 5Returning defensive starters: 8Players to watch: TE-DE Myron Wynn (6-1, 180, sr.), RB-LB Jonathan Turpin (5-11, 200, sr.), RB-DB Hunter Tolley (6-3, 165, sr.), WR-DB Nick Hagy (6-0, 150, sr.), RB Isaac Young (5-10, 160, sr.), RB-DB Mitch Castanon (5-11, 150, sr.), P-PK Mikel Hawks (6-1, 136, sr.), TE-DE Hardy Lester (6-4, 190, jr.), FB-LB Jordan Atwood (6-0, 169, jr.), QB-DB Alex Willis (6-0, 157, jr.).2010 summary: George Wythe won the Hogoheegee title for the fourth straight year. The three regular-season losses came to Radford,

Floyd County and Fort Chiswell by a combined 13 points. Two of those losses were at home. The Maroons defeated Grayson County in the opening round of the playoffs before falling to Radford 26-0 in the regional semifinal.Outlook: The Maroons are loaded with speed. Hagy, Tolley and Young made up three-fourths of the winning 400-meter relay team in the Group A track and field meet. The rich get richer as Turpin is back with the Maroons after playing at Knox Central (Ky.), adding more skill and speed. Willis is a first-time starter at QB, and the Maroons must develop consistency along the offensive line where Lester is a force. Wythe is an overwhelming favorite to win the Hogoheegee title. Now a Division 1 school, the Maroons figure to be playing somewhere in December. RURAL RETREATCoach: Christopher Moore (second season)Record at Rural Retreat: 4-7Last season: 4-7, 3-2 (lost in Region C Division 1 first round)Returning offensive starters: 10Returning defensive starters: 10Players to watch: WR-DB Travis Foster (6-2,

190, sr.), QB Zayne Williams (5-8, 200, sr.) RB-DB Lukas Langston (5-8, 160, sr.), RB-DB T.C. Caudill (5-8, 160, jr,), OL-DL Dillon Cregger (5-11, 205, sr.), OL-LB Ryan Justus (5-8, 200 sr.), TE-LB Jay Linkous (5-11, 200, jr.), OL-DL Jacob Lawson (6-0, 210, sr.), RB-DB Dominque Epps (5-7, 160, jr.), OL-DL Hunter Addison (5-10, 210, soph.).2010 summary: Rural Retreat started 0-4 but used a four-game winning streak in the middle of the season to secure a second straight playoff berth. A 27-20 victory over Glenvar at home sparked the turnaround. The Indians finished Moore’s first season with three straight losses, including a 55-21 first-round playoff defeat at Galax. Outlook: The Indians, who lost just one starter on each side of the ball, are led by six seniors entering their fourth varsity season. Williams passed for 1,177 yards and 11 TDs last year. Foster, who caught all 11 TD throws, had 41 catches overall. Rural Retreat added Bland County and Narrows to its schedule, so the early schedule isn’t as daunting. District rivals Chilhowie and George Wythe are now in Division 1, but the West Division will include 16 schools. Five wins are a strong possibility, which would easily qualify the Indians for the postseason.

THREE RIVERS

HOGOHEEGEE

ERIC BRADY | The Roanoke Times

DORIAN HARRIS Floyd Countyrunning back/defensive end

2010 REGULAR SEASON STATS SCORING TD XPt FG PtsJohnson,Chilhowie 30 6 0 186Shelor,EMont 26 0 0 156Helton,Covington 22 2 0 134D.Harris,Floyd 21 2 0 128Reynolds,Liberty 17 25 0 127Hatfield,Chiswell 20 6 0 126Rodriguez,Grayson 17 8 0 110Taylor,M.Vista 18 4 0 108Coles,S.River 17 0 0 102Mollett,Carroll 16 0 0 96Ollie,RCatholic 15 6 0 96Wright,C.Spring 16 0 0 96Lee,Christiansburg 15 0 0 90Wooten,EMont 14 0 0 88Carter,M.Vista 14 0 0 86Adkins,Radford 14 0 0 84Cole,C.Spring 14 0 0 84Martin,N.Cross 14 0 0 84Preston,Franklin 14 0 0 84Carter,Radford 13 0 0 78Tolley,Wythe 13 0 0 78Woods,Glenvar 13 0 0 78

RUSHING Att Yds. Avg.GAvg.D.Harris,Floyd 208 1617 7.8 161.7Hatfield,F.Chiswell 221 1488 6.7 148.8Coles,S.River 213 1448 6.8 144.8Woods,Glenvar 208 1293 6.2 129.3Johnson,Chilhowie 134 1236 9.2 123.6Helton,Covington 161 1185 7.4 118.5Taylor,M.Vista 152 1152 7.4 115.2Shelor,EMont 142 1130 8.0 113.0Carter,M.Vista 154 1097 7.1 109.7Rodriguez,Grayson 149 1054 7.1 105.4Wright,C.Spring 173 1045 6.0 104.5Tolley,P.McCluer 165 1006 6.1 100.6Mullins,Auburn 250 1005 4.0 100.5M.Jones,J.Forest 152 993 6.5 99.3Keys,Franklin 182 986 5.4 109.6Zheng,Rockbridge 191 970 5.1 97.0Martin,N.Cross 164 948 5.8 94.8Lee,Christiansburg 126 928 7.4 92.8Carter,Radford 135 906 6.7 90.6Reynolds,Liberty 110 903 8.2 90.3Deer,Catholic 127 888 7.0 98.7C.Jones,S.River 103 878 7.7 87.8Prince,P.Henry 105 863 8.2 86.3Snell,Christiansburg 97 859 8.9 85.9Horstmann,Byrd 171 847 5.0 84.7Graves,Carlisle 102 821 8.0 102.6Fry,Bath 162 816 5.0 81.6Travis,Blacksburg 149 786 5.3 78.6Lewis,Covington 144 771 5.4 77.1Gibson,Alleghany 119 750 6.3 75.0Hardy,Fleming 117 748 6.4 74.8Baker,Giles 105 736 7.0 73.6Martin,Craig 115 732 6.4 73.2Ollie,Catholic 71 696 9.8 99.0Cobbs,Pulaski 128 687 5.4 68.7Conley,Chilhowie 94 685 7.3 76.1M.Ouellette,Craig 77 681 8.8 68.1Crouse,Bath 131 678 5.2 67.8Vaughan,Galax 99 670 6.8 67.0Cochran,P.Henry 129 663 5.1 66.3Ziglar,Martinsville 101 644 6.4 64.4Tolley,Wythe 93 642 6.9 64.2Stone,Botetourt 135 631 4.7 63.1Garrett,J.River 115 609 5.3 60.9Terry,P.Henry 90 601 6.7 60.1Kessinger,Giles 88 597 6.8 85.3Finney,Bassett 89 595 6.7 59.5Clark,Liberty 93 584 6.3 58.4Anderson,R.Retreat 89 576 6.5 57.6

RECEIVING Rec Yds TD Avg.Wooten,EMont 62 1002 13 16.2King,J.River 55 714 6 13.0Gunter,Carlisle 52 875 10 16.8Ware,J.River 49 679 7 13.9Stewart,EMont 48 833 9 17.3Hughes,Salem 41 639 7 15.6Kirby,Alleghany 40 601 7 15.0Trent,N.Cross 38 471 4 12.4Foster,R.Retreat 36 709 10 19.7Carter,Alleghany 35 540 5 15.4George,Galax 35 724 10 20.7Akers,Pulaski 33 430 3 13.0Harvey,Grayson 32 667 4 20.8Preston,Franklin 32 712 13 22.3Falls,J.River 31 440 3 14.2Anderson,C.Spring 30 295 2 9.8Clark,N.Cross 30 546 8 18.2Fry,Bath 30 426 3 14.2Porter,Blacksburg 29 471 1 16.2Shelor,EMont 28 363 1 13.0

PASSING C-A-I TD Pct YdsChristian,EMont 156-237-1027 65.8 2550Talbott,J.River 162-294-1017 55.1 2220Bradley,Alleghany 145-263-614 55.1 1853Woodrum,C.Spring 128-217-6 18 59.0 1704Hardister,Northside 97-169-7 19 57.4 1505McGarrell,Salem 106-176-1210 60.2 1468Taylor,M.Vista 86-140-314 61.4 1402Weaver,N.Cross 91-189-8 15 48.1 1337Hash,Grayson 64-153-9 11 41.8 1272Shaw,Franklin 68-138-8 17 49.3 1163Mitchell,Carlisle 83-166-13 11 50.0 1139Mazon,Galax 68-143-5 15 47.6 1109Williams,R.Retreat 54-116-5 10 46.5 1000Carter,Radford 65-119-10 12 54.6 995Motley,Christiansburg 50-93-5 8 53.8 982Robertson,Bath 94-158-7 5 58.2 935J.Ouellette,Craig 57-110-6 10 51.8 905Perry,Pulaski 62-135-1010 45.9 830RhettSturgill,Chilhowie 39-73-5 11 53.4 817Travis,Blacksburg 67-152-10 2 44.1 792Willis,Wythe 45-73-2 7 61.6 723Lusk,Narrows 44-95-7 4 46.3 700Cline,Botetourt 60-112-7 2 53.6 698Barton,Byrd 48-113-6 7 42.5 666Freeman,Chiswell 44-90-6 3 48.9 645Hollandsworth,Floyd 46-73-2 9 63.0 633Outhong,Liberty 33-82-4 4 40.2 532

PUNTING No. Yds. Avg.Coleman,Carlisle 23 907 39.4Cook,Pulaski 46 1807 39.3Mabry,Glenvar 22 845 38.4Corcoran,Martinsville 44 1571 38.0Carter,Radford 23 861 37.4Atwood,Bassett 36 1344 37.3Hawks,Wythe 20 742 37.1Austin,Blacksburg 18 656 36.4Wills,Christiansburg 19 688 36.2Foster,R.Retreat 19 686 36.1Joseph,Fleming 28 1009 36.0Brinkley,Bath 24 850 35.4Gibson,Alleghany 28 980 35.0

INTERCEPTIONS No.Finney,Bassett 9Porter,Blacksburg 7Calfee,Wythe 6Cook,Pulaski 6Haynie,Glenvar 5Martin,Bassett 5Peregoy,Salem 5Stevers,J.River 5TACKLES Ind. Ast. Tot.Hagins,Fleming 118 41 138.5Ellis,S.River 100 60 130.0Graham,Marion 105 48 129.0Brammer,EMont 85 56 113.0Lythgoe,J.River 38 148 112.0Maples,Bassett 84 47 107.5J.Ouellette,Craig 82 50 107.0Williams,Radford 72 69 106.5Youngblood,Rockbridge 73 63 104.5Cain,Chiswell 84 34 101.0Dodson,M.Vista 87 28 101.0Meador,Byrd 79 43 100.5Hite,Blacksburg 70 56 98.0Simpson,Alleghany 73 48 97.0Woods,Glenvar 78 37 96.5Carpenter,Alleghany 71 50 96.0Lamb,Carroll 71 49 95.5Robertson,Narrows 55 80 95.0Dunsmore,R.Retreat 77 28 91.0Graves,Carlisle 70 42 91.0Hodges,Carroll 62 56 90.0K.Starkie,Martinsville 70 36 88.0Atwood,Wythe 64 46 87.0Ashby,Chilhowie 64 45 86.5Hoover,Craig 61 50 86.0SACKS Tot.Waker,Fleming 14.0Brinkley,Bath 12.0Moran,Northside 12.0Alston,S.River 10.0Rigney,Pulaski 10.0Schacter,Liberty 10.0X.Stanley,P.Henry 10.0K.Starkie,Martinsville 10.0Wynn,Wythe 10.0

TACKLES FOR LOSS Tot.Mollett,Carroll 27.0Brammer,EMont 25.5Dooley,Glenvar 20.0Anderson,C.Spring 19.0Hagins,Fleming 19.0Vishneski,EMont 18.0Phillips,Blacksburg 17.0Simmons,C.Spring 17.0Wynn,Wythe 17.0Reynolds,Botetourt 16.0

2010 playoffs

VHSL GROUP AAA

DIVISION 6First roundEastern RegionBayside 26, Frank Cox 15Oscar Smith 35, Landstown 0Salem 27, Ocean Lakes 17Woodside 33, Grassfield 18 Northern RegionLake Braddock 34, Langley 10Centreville 24, Fairfax 6Chantilly 7, Westfield 0James Robinson 14, Oakton 7Northwest RegionBattlefield 17, Gar-Field 13Franklin County 17, Woodbridge 14Region semifinalsCentral RegionL.C. Bird 26, Highland Springs 0Hermitage 28, Varina 14Eastern RegionBayside 33, Woodside 13Oscar Smith 48, Salem 7Northern RegionLake Braddock 24, James Robinson 23Chantilly 30, Centreville 13Northwest RegionColonial Forge 43, Franklin County 19Battlefield 48, C.D. Hylton 14Region finalsCentral RegionHermitage 17, L.C. Bird 14Eastern RegionBayside 42, Oscar Smith 40Northern RegionLake Braddock 56, Chantilly 18Northwest RegionBattlefield 42, Colonial Forge 14State semifinalsHermitage 42, Bayside 27Battlefield 35, Lake Braddock 27State championshipBattlefield 26, Hermitage 7

DIVISION 5First roundEastern RegionPhoebus 49, Warwick 0G r e a t B r i d g e 4 9 , B o o ke r T. Washington 20I.C. Norcom 24, Churchland 18Hampton 36, Lake Taylor 7Northern RegionStone Bridge 55, J.E.B. Stuart 0

South Lakes 39, Mount Vernon 0Washington-Lee 28, Yorktown 7Hayfield 34, McLean 13Northwest RegionMassaponax 52, Brooke Point 45Loudoun Valley 27, Stafford 9Region semifinalsCentral RegionHanover 56, Petersburg 28Dinwiddie 43, Clover Hill 21Eastern RegionPhoebus 35, Great Bridge 6Hampton 24, I.C. Norcom 0Northern RegionStone Bridge 36, South Lakes 15Hayfield 28, Washington-Lee 15Northwest RegionOsbourn 41, Loudoun Valley 21Mountain View 18, Massaponax 12Region finalsCentral RegionDinwiddie 28, Hanover 21Eastern RegionPhoebus 12, Hampton 7Northwest RegionStone Bridge 35, Hayfield 7Northwest RegionOsbourn 48, Mountain View 7State semifinalsStone Bridge 21, Osbourn 0Phoebus 21, Dinwiddie 13State championshipPhoebus 36, Stone Bridge 17

DIVISION 4First roundRegion IILouisa County 34, James Wood 7Briar Woods 53, Orange County 7Liberty-Bealeton 49, Fauquier 27Broad Run 49, Sherando 26Region IIIBroadway 28, Heritage-Lynchburg 7Staunton River 21, E.C. Glass 10Region IVMagna Vista 42, Abingdon 3Carroll County 39, Bassett 21Region semifinalsRegion IEastern View 31, Powhatan 13Courtland 14, Grafton 13Region IIBroad Run 39, Louisa County 21Briar Woods 7, Liberty-Bealeton 0Region III

Harrisonburg 45, Staunton River 13Amherst County 47, Broadway 14Region IVChristiansburg 59, Carroll County 0Magna Vista 48, Salem 35Region finalsRegion ICourtland 31, Eastern View 10Region IIBriar Woods 24, Broad Run 21Region IIIHarrisonburg 28, Amherst County 23Region IVChristiansburg 41, Magna Vista 27State semifinalsBriar Woods 52, Courtland 8Harrisonburg 28, Christiansburg 21, 2 OTState championshipBriar Woods 41, Harrisonburg 21

DIVISION 3First roundRegion IIJohn Handley 30, W. Albemarle 7Warren County 29, Dominion 26Park View-Sterling 33, Millbrook 28Monticello 20, Goochland 17Region IIIBrookville 42, Stuarts Draft 18Alleghany 35, Robert E. Lee 25Region IVGrundy 45, Tunstall 14Martinsville 27, Marion 0Region semifinalsRegion IPoquoson 27, Nottoway 6James Monroe 23, Bruton 9Region IIJohn Handley 19, Monticello 0Warren County 14, Park View-Sterling 0Region IIILiberty 24, Alleghany 13Brookville 12, Northside 10Region IVRichlands 63, Martinsville 19Cave Spring 50, Grundy 14Region finalsRegion IPoquoson 42, James Monroe 7Region IIJohn Handley 49, Warren County 20Region IIIBrookville 26, Liberty 9Region IV

Richlands 36, Cave Spring 23State semifinalsPoquoson 10, John Handley 3Richlands 44, Brookville 7State championshipPoquoson 23, Richlands 17

DIVISION 2First roundRegion CFort Chiswell 28, Floyd County 13George Wythe 21, Grayson County 14Region semifinalsRegion AKing William 60, Nandua 21Lancaster 35, Essex 6Region BGretna 41, Manassas Park 7Buckingham County 7, Clarke County 0Region CRadford 26, George Wythe 0Chilhowie 28, Fort Chiswell 14Region DGate City 56, Coeburn 0Honaker 19, Powell Valley 13Region finalsRegion AKing William 36, Lancaster 7Region BGretna 42, Buckingham County 41, OTRegion CRadford 14, Chilhowie 6Region DGate City 53, Honaker 6State semifinalsGretna 35, King William 21Gate City 27, Radford 17State championshipGate City 27, Gretna 17

DIVISION 1First roundRegion CGalax 55, Rural Retreat 21Covington 21, Craig County 7Region semifinalsRegion AFranklin 45, Colonial Beach 12Sussex Central 52, Charles City 44Region BRiverheads 47, Amelia County 21Altavista 30, Madison County 22Region CEastern Montgomery 41, Covington 8Galax 21, Bath County 7

Region DClintwood 42, Twin Springs 7J.I. Burton 24, Hurley 8Region finalRegion AFranklin 26, Sussex Central 20Region BRiverheads 42, Altavista 14Region CEastern Montgomery 41, Galax 21Region DClintwood 27, J.I. Burton 14State semifinalsRiverheads 35, Franklin 8East. Montgomery 26, Clintwood 21State championshipRiverheads 63, East. Montgomery 49

VIS PLAYOFFS

DIVISION IFirst roundFork Union 16, Liberty Christian 10Collegiate 28, St. Christopher’s 16State championshipFork Union 16, Collegiate 14

DIVISION IISt. Anne’s-Belfield 48, Christchurch 13Potomac School 38, Pope John Paul the Great 7State championshipSt. Anne’s-Belfield 14, Potomac School 7

DIVISION IIIFirst roundNorth Cross 37, Hampton Roads Academy 0Norfolk Christian 43, Portsmouth Christian 34State championshipNorfolk Christian 29, North Cross 14

DIVISION IVFirst roundBlessed Sac.-Huguenot 48, Roanoke Catholic 7Fuqua 22, Greenbrier Christian 21State championshipBlessed Sac.-Huguenot 41, Fuqua 6

COREY DARK Radfordwingback/linebacker

2011 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL8 THE ROANOKE TIMES Thursday, August 25, 2011

BATH COUNTYCoach: Will Fields (10th season)Record at Bath County: 71-38Last season: 6-5, 4-0 (lost in Region C, Division 1 semifinal)Returning offensive starters: 4Returning defensive starters: 6Players to watch: C Mitchell Stinespring (6-2, 275, sr.), WR-DB Xavier Smothers (5-11, 180, sr.) TE Aaron Newmarker (6-2, 225, sr.), OL Matthew Quantz (6-3, 225, sr.), DB Dariene Helper (5-10, 170, sr.), LB Christian Woodzell (5-10, 205, soph.), DB Raymond Miller (5-9, 170, jr.), RB James McCulley (5-11, 190, sr.) RB Ben Wolfe (5-8, 140, soph.).2010 summary: Bath County continued its dominance of the Pioneer District, winning the trophy for the eighth time in Fields’ nine years as coach. The Chargers had a first-round bye in the Region C Division 1 playoffs then lost to Galax at home in the regional semifinal. Seniors Derek Brinkley and Dillon Fry were first-team All-Group A picks by the VHSCA.Outlook: There are a lot of question marks in Hot Springs, most notably who’s under center when the season opens. The running backs are inexperienced. Newmarker and Smothers combined for 50 receptions last year. If the defense steps up, the Chargers should be able to play with anyone in Division 1. The Chargers will be the presumptive champion until another team knocks the king off the mountain. Bath County is in the East Division of Division 1, making it imperative to win enough games to avoid a potential long postseason road trip.

COVINGTONCoach: Steve Dressler (fifth season)Record at Covington: 14-29 Last season: 6-6, 2-2 (lost in Region C Division 1 semifinals)Returning offensive starters: 3Returning defensive starters: 5Players to watch: QB Troy Helton (5-10, 155, jr.), WR Warren Harrison (5-9, 140, jr.), RB-DB Dominique Jordan (5-7, 175, sr.), RB-DB Brandon Phillips (5-11, 160, soph.), OL-LB Marcus Jeter (6-0, 235, jr.), RB-LB Colton Harris (5-11, 175, jr.), OG-DE Lucas Via (5-11, 190, sr.), OT-LB Darryl Tolson (6-0, 235, jr.), WR-DB Jacorey Hughes (5-10, 160, sr.), OG-DE Derek Dressler (6-1, 240, fr.).2010 summary: Covington matched its 2009 win total with six victories, a vast improvement over Dressler’s first two campaigns as head coach at his alma mater, where he started with consecutive 1-9 marks. The Cougars had three shutout wins last year and only allowed one TD in a playoff victory over Craig County. Helton, who has 2,159 career rushing yards, was responsible for 23 TDs.Outlook: Dressler has used a variety of offenses during his tenure, variations of the I-formation, the wing-T and the spread. Something new could be in store this fall. Covington is young with only three returning starters on offense. Phillips is expected to be an impact player on offense as he gained 146 rushing yards on just 12 carries and intercepted five passes as a freshman. Coming off its first .500 season since 2006, Covington is clearly headed in the right direction. The Cougars also might pack up and head east this time for a postseason game under the new playoff format in Group A.

CRAIG COUNTYCoach: Mark McPherson (eighth season)Record at Craig County: 22-48Last season: 6-5, 2-2 (lost in Region C Division 1 first round)Returning starters on offense: 4Returning starters on defense: 5Players to watch: RB Matt Ouellette (5-9, 170, jr.), RB Cody Dunbar (5-7, 160, soph.), OL-DL Kimzy Long (6-3, 270, sr.), OL-DL Jesse Crowder (6-4, 240, jr.), LB Matt Bryant (6-1, 175, jr.), K Jefferson Lee (5-6, 165, jr.) WR Derek Persinger (5-11, 150, sr.) C Kane Fields (5-10, 250, sr.), OL Andrew Newby (5-11, 240, soph.) FB Michael Brookman (5-11, 230, soph.).2010 summary: Craig County reached the playoffs for just the second time. The Rockets had a rare win over James River and hung with Division 1 state runner-up Eastern Montgomery for three quarters. A first-round playoff loss to Pioneer rival Covington prevented Craig from posting the first postseason win in school history.Outlook: With two speedy backs in Ouellette and Dunbar, Craig will go away from a traditional offense to a shotgun wing-t. Ouellette rushed for 681 yards on 77 carries

for a 8.8 yards per carry average, one of the best in Timesland. Lee has solid leg, but he attempted just three field goals last year. Craig has a chance to make waves in the Pioneer District where every team seems to be rebuilding. The new definition of success requires knocking off perennial power Bath County, and this could be the year the Rockets climb that mountain.

JAMES RIVERCoach: Philip King (ninth season)Record at James River: 33-38Last season: 5-5, 2-2 (did not make playoffs)Returning starters on offense: 2 Returning starters on defense: 2 Players to watch: WR Justin Stevers (6-0, 140, jr.), QB Kyle King (5-10, 160, jr.), C Jesse Witt (6-0, 180, sr.), RB Chris Moore (5-8, 140, jr.), LB Creek Turner (6-2, 185, sr.), LB Owen Deacon (6-0, 200, jr.), WR Dylan Flint (6-0, 135, jr.), QB-WR Sherman Austin (5-10, 165, soph) RB-LB Michael Lancenese (5-10, 165, sr.), RB-DL Travis Hays (6-0, 205, sr.), OL-DL Clarence Willis (5-9, 225, sr.), WR-LB Mitchell Caldwell (6-0, 170, sr.).Last season: James River opened the season with one of the biggest wins in school history, beating cross-county rival Lord Botetourt,

a Group AA Division 4 school. However, a 2-2 district record left the team 5-5 and outside of the playoffs, ending the season in disappointment. For a team loaded with seniors, this was not the ending they had in mind.Outlook: The Knights must replace QB Jordan Talbott, who threw for 6,082 yards in his career. Also gone are receivers K.W. King and Chris Ware, who combined for 104 receptions last year. Kyle King will direct the spread, which still should be a challenge for opponents to defend. King caught 16 passes last year at wide receiver. With an early schedule that includes Botetourt, Glenvar, Altavista, Staunton River and Alleghany, it might take some time for the Knights to get started. Even in a 16-team Division 2 West playoff field, five wins might not be enough to get included.

PARRY McCLUERCoach: Mike Craft (first season)Last season: 1-9, 0-4 (did not make playoffs)Players to watch: RB-LB Jacob Wheeler (5-9, 165, sr.), QB-DB Dylan Keckler (6-1, 148, sr.), OL-DL Trevor Roberts (5-11, 224, jr.), RB-DB Daquan Dawson (5-9, 160, soph.), WR-DB Taylor Walker (5-7, 143, sr.), Zack Stinnett

(6-3, 165, sr.) Bryson Adams, (6-4 198, sr.), Lucas Wheeler (6-1, 162, sr.) OL-DL Logan Longenecker (5-11, 197, sr.) OL-DL Todd Turner (6-2, 176, sr.) WR-DB Conrad Patterson (6-3, 157, sr.).2010 Summary: Parry McCluer suffered through a long season for a program with such a proud history. The only win came in a nondistrict game at Auburn. Attrition took its toll, as only 12 players dressed for the final game. Bryan Tolley’s 1006 yards were a bright spot, but the Blues were shut out six times and were outscored 393-74, with 54 of those points coming in the lone victory.Outlook: Craft was thrust into the job this summer after newly hired Matt Wheeler was indicted on a federal child pornography charge. Wheeler had replaced Chris Gardner, who resigned after a two-year stint. A longtime assistant, Craft must turn the turmoil into positive energy. The roster size is increased, although 1,000-yard rusher Bryan Tolley graduated. A number of seniors such as Stinnett and Adams are playing this season after not participating in 2010. There is nowhere to go but up for Parry McCluer and this team should take the first steps toward respectability.

PIONEER

The Roanoke Times | File November

Far left

TROY HELTON Covingtonquarterback

CARLISLECoach: Mancino Craighead (third season)Record at Carlisle: 1-15 Last season: 0-8 Returning offensive starters: 7Returning defensive starters: 6Players to watch: QB-DB Tyshawn Mitchell (5-10, 165, sr.), WR-DB Eldrick Gunter (5-10, 170, sr.), TE, P-PK James Coleman (6-2, 195, sr.), OT-MLB Carter Wall (6-0, 215, sr.), RB-S Colton Akers (5-9, 160, soph.), OT-DE Lee Hamlett (6-1, 240, soph.), C-DT Aaron McCollum (5-9, 245, soph.), FB-MLB Christian Norris (6-1, 180, soph.).2010 summary: Carlisle was winless last season with two games vanishing from the schedule for different reasons. Moving the ball was not the problem. The Chiefs lost 42-32 to Roanoke Catholic, 45-37 to Hargrave and 60-42 to Brunswick. Carlisle, which revived its program four years ago after a long absence, will switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. Outlook: Carlisle returns 13 starters, led by Mitchell and Gunter. Mitchell threw for 1,139 yards while Gunter caught 52 passes for 875 yards and 10 TDs. Gunter also is a kick-return specialist with explosive speed. Many of Craighead’s seniors are in their third year with the program, same as the coach, and this could be the year the Chiefs win a couple although the schedule — which includes North Cross — is very difficult. Look for Wall, a transfer from Virginia Episcopal; and Norris, an aggressive soccer player out for football the first time, to add a boost. NORTH CROSSCoach: Stephen Alexander (second season)Record at North Cross: 8-4Last season: 8-4, 2-1 (lost in VIS Division III championship)Returning offensive starters: 5Returning defensive starters: 4Players to watch: QB Thomas Weaver (6-0, 180, sr.), DE Paul Smith (6-4, 265, sr.), OL Paul Ross (6-2, 235, sr.), WR Josh Murray (5-11, 180, sr.), C-DL Chris Shelton (5-11, 255, sr.), WR-LB George Revercomb (6-1, 190, sr.), DL Austin Mylott (6-1, 295, sr.), DL Derek Mason (5-10, 220, sr.), OLB Branden Taylor (6-0, 195, jr.), DB Kyle Fraser (6-0, 175, sr.). 2010 summary: North Cross made it all the way to the state championship in Alexander’s first year, as the rookie head coach implemented a completely new system and the team bought into it. After a crushing 54-0 loss to Ben L. Smith, a large public school in Greensboro, N.C., North Cross displayed a high-octane offense, scoring more than 30 points in five of its wins.Outlook: Weaver completed 48 percent of his passes

for 1,337 yards and 15 TDs after transferring from Salem. Murray should be the top target. Shelton knows how to open holes up front and has a relentless motor. Smith, with substantial size and quickness, is considered a Division I recruit, although he is still only 16. North Cross will play all its home games on Saturday afternoons, including a Sept. 3 rematch of the state final against Norfolk Christian. The Raiders have assembled a rugged schedule and will have to beat some strong teams to ensure another playoff berth. ROANOKE CATHOLICCoach: Bob Price (ninth season)Record at Roanoke Catholic: 47-31Last season: 6-4 (lost in VIS Division 4 first round)Returning offensive starters: 9Returning defensive starters: 8Players to watch: OT-DT Paul Blanton (6-1, 260, sr.), OT-DT Andrew Nolen (6-4, 290, sr.), WR-CB Christian Akers (6-3, 190, sr.), TE-DE Joseph McDaniel (6-5, 195, sr.), TE-DE Nick Nester (6-2, 195, jr.), FB-LB Sean Deer (5-10, 170, sr.), OG-LB Ben Price (5-9, 215, jr.), OG-LB Nick

Ruble (5-8, 180, soph.), QB David Hart (5-8, 140, soph.), WR-S Alex Wall (6-1, 160, jr.). 2010 summary: The Celtics barely squeezed into the playoffs, falling to eventual state champion Blessed-Sacrament Huguenot for the second time in 2010. Price, who played for longtime Cave Spring coach Charlie Hammes, regularly gets the most out of his roster. Catholic put up 45 points in a shutout of Montcalm (W.Va.) and scored 42 in wins over Carlisle and Massanutten.Outlook: With 17 returning starters — counting two-way players — optimism in the Celtics’ camp is high. However, there is no depth as Catholic has a 21-man roster. Catholic boasts substantial size, a result of offseason workouts. Deer rushed for 1,011 yards counting the playoff game. Akers and Hart will alternate series. Akers will also play wide receiver and cornerback. After road trips all over the state just to fill a schedule, the Celtics play nearby Group A public schools Craig County and Parry McCluer. Is Catholic a playoff team? The season opener at Carlisle should provide an indication.

CARROLL COUNTYCoach: Tom Hale (13th season)Record at Carroll County: 71-58Last season: 8-4, 5-1 (lost in Region IV Division 4 semifinals)Returning offensive starters: 4Returning defensive starters: 5Players to watch: FB-DT Jacob Mollett (5-11, 240, sr.), QB Conner Lundy (6-3, 160, soph.), RB-LB Logan Hodges (5-8, 171, sr.), RB-LB Brooks Hash (6-1, 184, sr.), HB-DB Kody Alley (5-10, 166, jr.), OT-DE Travis Kinney (5-9, 212, sr.), WR-DB Chris Smoot (6-0, 150, jr.), C-DE Graham Matthews (5-9, 182, sr.), OT-DE Lucas Holder (6-5, 238, jr.), WR-DB Travis Hunter (5-11, 156, sr.)2010 summary: Carroll County advanced to the regional semifinals where the Cavs lost 59-0 to Christiansburg. Carroll won seven of its last nine games, including a playoff victory over Bassett after losing to the Bengals in the season opener. The Cavs had trouble stepping up in class, losing twice to Christiansburg and once to Richlands by a combined 162-0.Outlook: Four different backs ran for more than 400 yards last year, but the hard-nosed Mollett in the lone returnee. He averaged 7.2 yards per carry, but missed the region semifinal game with an injury. Mollett is a defensive force, with 27 tackles for loss last year. Lundy replaces Blake Bowman at quarterback. He threw five passes last year in limited action. There are some critical road games on the schedule — Bassett, Martinsville, Marion — where Carroll County will need a victory or two. Otherwise, a seventh postseason berth in the last nine years might not happen. MARIONCoach: Joey Carroll (first season)Last season: 3-8, 1-5 (lost in Region IV Division 3 first round)Returning offensive starters: 7Returning defensive starters: 6Players to watch: QB-DB Marshall Wagner (6-0, 175, sr.), RB-LB Spenser Smith (5-10, 185, sr.), WR-DB Ethan Richardson (5-10, 175, jr.), C-NG Jeremy Stamper (6-0, 245, sr.) WR-CB Colin Gullion (5-8, 160, soph.), OL-DL Matthew Widner (6-1, 200, sr.), TE-LB Zach Pickett (5-10, 180, sr.), WR-CB Dylan Karriker (5-11, 160, sr.), TE-LB Tanner Cullop (6-0, 180, jr.), OL-DL Anthony Bowling (6-2, 255, soph.).2010 summary: Marion won three of its first four games and that garnered it enough points to make the Region IV Division 3 playoffs despite a six-game losing streak to end the season. Graham was the only Group AA opponent the Scarlet Hurricane defeated. Martinsville defeated Marion 29-0 in the first round of the playoffs, ending the three-year coaching tenure of Mike Briscoe.Outlook: Carroll a former player at Concord (W.Va.) University and an assistant at Marion for the last five years, is installing the spread offense. Wagner will run the show at quarterback with several quality skill guys behind him. He will have to improve on a 31-percent completion rate if the offense is going to produce. Richardson ran for team highs of 560 yards and seven TDs. If three victories are all that is necessary for a return to the Division 3 playoffs, Marion should be able to cover that number if not increase it.

VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SOUTHWEST

The Roanoke Times | File September

In red

KYLE FRASER North Crossdefensive back

2011 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL THE ROANOKE TIMES 9Thursday, August 25, 2011

Photos by ERIC BRADY | The Roanoke Times

“I’ve been happier in Franklin County than I have been in a good many years,” says Jack Turner, in the locker room at halftime during a scrimmage against Liberty this month.

THE LONG WAY BACK

After resigning as Pulaski County’s head coach under a cloud of controversy in June 2010, Jack Turner has found happiness as an assistant at Franklin County.

ROCKY MOUNT — The start of the school day for Jack Turner, assis-tant football coach at Franklin County High School, starts early, goes late and involves plenty of caffeine and looking at the world through a windshield.

His alarm clock goes off at 5 a.m. in Pulaski.

Turner, who was head coach at Pulaski County for seven seasons before abruptly resigning a year ago amid a VHSL investigation into the Cougars’ program, then hits Interstate 81 and U.S. 220, rolling into the Frank-lin County parking lot at 6:45.

He works out, showers and heads to the first of his three special-education classes.

He and the other assistants report, with the football players, to head coach Chris Jones’ practice field right after school.

In the evening, Turner takes the scenic route up the mountain into Floyd County — passing, he notes, some of the trout waters once favored by his old Ferrum College coach, grid-iron great and fly-fishing ace Hank Norton.

The round trip — 70 minutes to Rocky Mount on the major highways, then 55 minutes up back roads, down through Riner and on home — isn’t short.

“I just make a circle,” Turner said. “Get me a big Mountain Dew and head on up the road.”

A full circle, that’s what it has been for Turner — from playing for Joel Hicks at Pulaski County, to compet-ing for Norton at Ferrum, to getting his first high school coaching job at Franklin County, to coaching at Pulaski County, and then winding up at Frank-lin County as an assistant.

“Every single day I wake up, I can’t wait to get down here to Franklin County to be a part of this school sys-tem,” he said recently. “I’ve been hap-pier in Franklin County than I have been in a good many years.”

It took about a year to get to this point after parting ways with Pulas-ki County in the wake of what was described as a practicing-out-of-sea-son episode. But it seems a lot longer than that.

An abrupt exit

Turner left the job at Pulaski County, his alma mater, in June 2010. A charge of practicing out of season, bolstered by videos made by Cougars support personnel and distributed to the VHSL headquarters in Charlottes-ville and to rival schools, preceded his departure.

The VHSL found Pulaski County guilty of violating its out-of-season practice rule and handed down penal-ties that included a one-year postsea-

son ban. Turner disputes the characteriza-

tion of what he says was an open-to-anybody advanced physical educa-tion class, offered since the 1970s, as a football workout, but he tendered his resignation anyway.

“When all this stuff started coming down, I knew then that it was time to take a step back,” he said. “I needed a break away from football. I mean, I did. It was taking over my life. I couldn’t enjoy myself; I couldn’t enjoy my fam-ily. You know, I just wasn’t having fun. I needed time off. I was spending so much time at that field house that it was driving my family and me crazy.”

So a coach whose 2008 team fin-ished 12-1 and reached the Group AA Division 4 semifinals stopped coach-ing.

In his self-imposed exile from coaching, Turner developed a new Friday night routine. His 2010 season included nothing but road games.

“I’d take my 8-year-old daughter, and we’d go around and watch some high school football games. We’d get us a couple of hot dogs and something to drink and just enjoy ourselves,” Turner said.

Salem, George Wythe, Christians-burg — it didn’t matter. He went.

Armed with a notebook, he dia-grammed the plays he saw.

A change in the rules

Since Turner’s resignation, change has come to the VHSL.

High school teams in Virginia can now practice out of season nearly year-round, prompting Turner to pose a question:

“Now, if what Pulaski County did is so wrong, then why six months later, is it OK to do it?” he asked.

In addition to watching games last

season, Turner visited practices as well. He listened and learned.

He checked in with coach Tim Cromer at Christiansburg, observed how Burt Torrence was doing things at Northside, hung out with his old Fer-rum roommate Tater Benson at Lord Botetourt.

“I lived with Tater for eight years, and he never fussed at me once,” Turn-er said. “I wasn’t married six months before I was getting fussed at.”

Turner’s wife, Leslie, teaches at Pulaski County’s Dublin Middle School. The couple met when he was living in Franklin County the first time.

His year out of coaching might have tested her patience.

“When people started calling and asking if I was interested in getting back in it, I went to her and asked her what she thought,” Turner said. “She said, ‘As soon as you can.’ ”

Back in his element

Turner and Jones, Franklin Coun-ty’s head coach, have known each other for years. Turner can’t say enough nice things about the Eagles’ boss, or for that matter, about Franklin County Principal Deb Decker or even the folks in the district’s personnel office.

“I’m working for a great guy,” Turner said of Jones. “We’ve talked for years. We used to scrimmage each other when he was at Heritage and I was at Pulaski. I tell you what: He’s a top-notch coach. I’ve learned a lot of football from Chris. I tell you right now, I’m blessed to be with him. He allows me to coach football, and he allows me to be me. He enjoys that old-style football. It’s fun being with him.”

Turner presides over the offensive line and also helps with the defense. He’s in his element when he has the big boys in the weight room.

“Let’s go, men,” Turner says dur-ing one recent session, employing the collective Hicks always used when addressing the troops. “One right after the other — make sure you’re spotting each other.”

Shaun Greer, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound bruiser of a senior, is Turner’s kind of guy.

“He works us real hard,” Greer said. “You can tell he cares about us. You don’t mind doing it for him. He’ll make us stay low now. He’ll put the tape about two feet off the ground on the bag. If we get above that, we get a mouthful.”

Here’s what Turner has to say about that:

“If working kids hard is a crime, then I’m a criminal.”

Joy follows tumult

There’s no question much emo-tion has been expended the past year or so by the Eagles’ new offensive line coach. Emotion has always been a big part of Turner, and that’s been true from his playing days — he was a fero-cious, if undersized, defensive end — to the present.

His joy is hard to hide now.“That year off, that time with my

wife and daughters, did me more good than anything I’ll ever do in football,” he said.

He said there’s nothing he would change — except, perhaps, people’s perception that he was leading illegal practices or that he quit because of ensuing controversy.

He posed one more question.“If we had thought we were doing

something illegal,” he said, “why in the world would be filming it?”

While that one hangs in the air, all the current moving picture reveals is one happy assistant coach.

By Ray Coxray.cox@roanoke.com

381-1672

Franklin County quarterback Kyle Ellis scrambles with the ball during the Liberty scrimmage. Franklin County, which went 9-3 last season, returns six starters on offense and seven on defense.

2010STANDINGSWESTERN VALLEY

DistrictOverall

FranklinCounty 4 0 9 3

PatrickHenry 3 1 6 4

GeorgeWashington 2 2 5 5

HalifaxCounty 1 3 2 8

WilliamFleming 0 4 0 10

BLUE RIDGE

Northside 4 0 9 2

StauntonRiver 3 1 8 4

Alleghany 2 2 9 3

WilliamByrd 1 3 4 6

LordBotetourt 0 4 3 7

MASSANUTTEN

Harrisonburg 3 0 13 1

Broadway 2 1 8 4

TurnerAshby 1 2 5 5

Spotswood 0 3 2 8

PIEDMONT

MagnaVista 4 0 11 2

Martinsville 3 1 6 6

Bassett 2 2 4 7

Tunstall 1 3 3 8

PatrickCounty 0 4 0 10

RIVER RIDGE

Christiansburg 5 0 12 1

CaveSpring 4 1 8 4

PulaskiCounty 3 2 5 5

Salem 2 3 7 4

Blacksburg 1 4 3 7

HiddenValley 0 5 0 10

SEMINOLE

Liberty 5 1 10 2

AmherstCounty 5 1 9 3

Brookville 5 1 12 2

E.C.Glass 3 3 5 6

Heritage 2 4 4 7

JeffersonForest 1 5 2 8

Rustburg 0 6 2 8

SOUTHERN VALLEY

R.E.Lee-Staunton 4 1 7 4

WilsonMemorial 4 1 8 2

StuartsDraft 3 2 6 5

FortDefiance 2 3 5 5

RockbridgeCounty 2 3 3 7

Waynesboro 0 5 0 10

SOUTHWEST

Richlands 6 0 13 1

CarrollCounty 5 1 8 4

Grundy 4 2 9 3

Abingdon 3 3 6 5

Marion 1 5 3 8

Graham 1 5 1 9

Tazewell 1 5 1 9

HOGOHEEGEE

GeorgeWythe 5 0 8 4

Chilhowie 4 1 9 3

RuralRetreat 3 2 4 7

Holston 2 3 3 7

Northwood 1 4 1 9

PH-GladeSpring 0 5 0 10

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE

FortChiswell 3 1 9 3

Galax 3 1 9 4

GraysonCounty 3 1 6 5

Narrows 1 3 2 8

BlandCounty 0 4 2 8

PIONEER

BathCounty 4 0 6 5

CraigCounty 2 2 6 5

JamesRiver 2 2 5 5

Covington 2 2 6 6

ParryMcCluer 0 4 1 9

THREE RIVERS

EasternMontgomery5 0 13 1

Radford 3 2 9 4

Giles 3 2 5 5

Glenvar 2 3 6 4

FloydCounty 2 3 5 6

Auburn 0 5 0 10

VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT

LibertyChristian 3 0 9 2

NorthCross 2 1 8 4

BlueRidge 1 2 5 5

Hargrave 0 3 2 7

RoanokeCatholic 0 0 6 4

VirginiaEpiscopal 0 0 5 5

Covenant 0 0 1 9

Carlisle 0 0 0 8

2010 final Timesland top 10

1.Christiansburg(12-1)

2.FranklinCounty(9-3)

3.MagnaVista(11-2)

4.Liberty(10-2)

5.Northside(9-2)

6.EasternMontgomery(13-1)

7.CaveSpring(8-4)

8.StauntonRiver(8-4)

9.Alleghany(9-3)

10.Radford(9-4)

TheRoanokeTimes|FileNovember

Christiansburg’sBrendenMotleycelebratesaftertheDemonsdefeatedMagnaVista41-27fortheRegionIVDivision4title.

2011 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL10 THE ROANOKE TIMES Thursday, August 25, 2011