T-shirts read that Friday’s contest between Blacksburg and Salem was a battle of last year’s 3A and 4A champion, and it was Blacksburg who got the t-shirt and more in a 49-12 win. The matchup could be a preview of a playoff game with the two now in the 4A classification.
The school’s marketing department also reeled in the dough as the showdown shirts were a hot seller on both sides of the field.
The Bruins will travel to a pesky Patrick Henry team this Friday night.
Salem, who might be a little testy after the loss, will host winless Christiansburg.
Auburn fell short in a Mt. Empire District game against George Wythe and will now have to face another Wythe County team in Ft. Chiswell.
Radford found ways to win their first game of the year in a Three Rivers District contest against Alleghany County and it was thanks in part of the continued outstanding play of freshman, P.J. Prioleau. Now, they get the honor to face perennial power Giles and its head-scratching single wing offense.
Meanwhile, Eastern Montgomery is riding on Cloud Nine after picking win number one over Bland. The Mustangs will now take a week off to soak in the win.
This week’s games:
Christiansburg (0-4) at Salem (3-2):
Last week for Christiansburg: Open. Two weeks ago, the Blue Demons fumbled the ball twice in loss to Abingdon.
Last week for Salem: Lost to Blacksburg 49-12. Jake Owen had 97 yards rushing to lead the Spartans who fell to the defending state 3A champs. QB Jack Gladden threw for 136 yards on a nine of 21 night with two interceptions.
Scouting report on Salem: Stephen Magenbauer is in his 14th season at the school with a 149-21 record at the school including two straight state titles. The Spartans return six starters on the offensive of the ball with running back De’Angelo Ramsey (6-0, 214) being a load to pull down. Also watch for Salem to go to the air with first year starter QB Gladden (6-1, 182). Receiver Viante Tucker (5-10, 178) is one of his favorite targets.
Salem has been a state power for the past 15 years and is looking to continue that streak. Owen has rushed 33 times for a total of 307 yards this season. Gladden has passed for 720 yards but does have three interceptions.
Christiansburg update: QB Nic Cook leads the Blue Demons in the rushing category with 35 for 160 yards. He is 17 of 42 through the air for 280 yards with two interceptions. Matson Stanley leads the team in tackles with 32.
Radio broadcast: 100.7 FM.
Auburn (2-3) at Ft. Chiswell (3-1):
Last week for Auburn: Lost to George Wythe 34-14. Payson Kelley had 30 carries for 75 yards. Kelly now averaging 57 yards rushing per game.
Last week for Ft. Chiswell: Open week. Two weeks ago, lost to Floyd 21-14.
Scouting report on Ft. Chiswell: The Pioneers beat GW 14-7 earlier in the season. Todd Tiller is in his third season at the school and was 9-4 last season, losing in the Group 1A quarters. Receiver Tanner Bailer (6-1, 190) and back Tyler Jakubiak (6-0, 190) provide a 1-2 punch for the Fort who moves up to the 2A classification this season. Jakubiak had 585 yards last season with an amazing 8.6 yards per attempt clip. Bailey had 478 yards on 30 receptions in 2016. This season Jakubiak has 164 total rushing yards.
Radio broadcast: 95.3 FM.
Radford (1-4) at Giles (3-2):
Last week for Radford: Beat Alleghany 24-7. P.J. Prioleau rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw for another score. Kam Edwards picked off Alleghany twice to preserve their first victory of the season.
Last week for Giles: Beat Floyd 38-17. Ryan Beidleman rushed for 226 yards on 25 carries to hand Floyd their first loss of the season. Beidlemann scored four times in the win.
Scouting report on Giles: Jeff Williams, who is his 10th season with an 82-26 record, has guided the team to the playoffs every year of his tenure. Last season, the Spartans were 8-4 and lost to eventual state champion Appomattox in the 2A West Region second round. Since 2011, the school is 57-7 with a state title under their wings. Beidleman (6-1, 170) is the team’s workhorse
He rushed for 704 yards last season. Tight end Kip Green (6-4, 286) provides size on both sides of the ball. The team’s offensive line averages 250 pounds.
Radio broadcast: 101.7 FM.
Blacksburg (4-1) at Patrick Henry (3-1):
Last week for Blacksburg: Beat Salem 49-12 as Cole Beck rushed 27 times for 305 yards and three touchdowns. Grant Johnston threw for 179 yards on a nine of 15 night with 179 yards and a touchdown. Johnston also rushed for another score. The Bruins held the defending 4A state champs to 186 yards on the ground.
Last week for PH: Off week. Two weeks ago, PH beat Albermarle 28-27.
Scouting report on PH: Blacksburg has outscored opponents 204 to 90 this season, while PH has been outscored 122 to 116. Alan Fiddler is in his seventh season at the PH helm and finished 8-3 last year losing in the first round of the 5A North Region. Signal caller Grant Jennings (6-3, 200), who broke his hand during summer workouts but has now recovered, replaces Jontae Murray. The team will also have to replace four receivers who combined for 124 receptions last season. This season, Jennings is 27 of 49 through the air for 408 yards. Charles Boxley is one of the area’s top sack masters with five. Brandon Smith has 259 yards on the ground this season.
Update on Blacksburg: Beck, who has announced his final three for college to Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and North Carolina, now has 658 yards rushing on 73 carries with 10 touchdowns. Johnston has thrown 67 times with 43 completions with 724 yards.
Radio broadcast: 105.3 FM.
Eastern Montgomery (1-4): Open Friday.
Last week: Beat Bland County 25-7. Devin Owens rushed 15 times for 154 yards and three touchdowns.
