High School football season is less than three days away with players strapping on their helmets Friday night for benefit games throughout our area.
One of the most interesting matchups will be in Radford where the Bobcats host “across the bridge” rival Pulaski County.
This is a contest that dates back to the original New River District. There are plenty of people living in Fairlawn that have gone to Radford High School, so their loyalty will be tested.
I was so glad the two schools were able to agree upon the game. It not only promotes a great night at the gate, but it also brings back a natural rivalry that had been forgotten.
In other benefit games, Christiansburg hosts Floyd, Auburn travels to James River, Eastern Montgomery is at Tazewell, and Blacksburg travels to Glenvar.
Of course, none of the benefit games count on the team’s final record but they do provide an interesting final scrimmage to kick off the season.
I am seen all five of our Montgomery County/Radford teams in practice and scrimmage, and I am optimistic at least one or two are capable of winning their respective districts and making a run into this year’s state playoffs.
Of course, Blacksburg is still among the state’s elite programs but will be tested with a new coach at the top of their staff. They will be strong especially on defense. Look for the Bruins to throw the ball more this year.
Both Radford and Auburn will have to have a lot of youngsters to grow up fast to make a difference down the stretch. But many of those players saw time last season.
Eastern Montgomery could have one of its best squads in years, and their second year in the Pioneer District could be interesting.
Over in Christiansburg, the school will have to break out a very big vacuum as they unveil a new “rug” field. The question is what type of team will second-year coach Alex Wilkens have to play on the turf. It has the capabilities of providing a much faster field for the team, but that’s also true for its opponents.
Both Hidden Valley and Patrick Henry have similar turf fields.
Over in Blacksburg, the Hokies are coming down the home stretch with lots of questions including: who will be the team’s starting quarterback and who will step up and fill some major holes on defense?
Virginia Tech has several things going for it. Bud Foster is still a mastermind on the defensive side of the ball, and head coach Justin Fuente is a “quarterback guru.”
I expect returning starter Josh Jackson will be given every chance to the lead the team, but he will be on a short leash. Kansas-transfer Ryan Willis should see some time under center, and with the new red-shirt rule, we might catch a glimpse of the future as freshman Quincy Patterson will dazzle us with his pure talent before the season is over.
I do expect the running back position to remain one by committee, but we should see one or two returning backs step up and be a team leader.
The Hokies opener at Florida State will be one of many tests as the Seminoles are still getting used to a new head coach. If the Hokies can pull out a win, they can very easily be undefeated going into a home contest against Notre Dame.
A later game with Miami still looms on the schedule, but the Hokies could be looking at a least an eight-game win season.
The National Football League season is just around the corner too, and who cannot cheer for the Redskins even a little as they are loaded with former Hokies. I expect Tim Settle to impress a lot of people before the season is over.
Good luck to all our teams, and don’t forget Friday nights for the next three months are a lot more fun under the lights.
