Charlie Davis was a mainstay in Radford High School’s defense in winning a state football title three years ago.
This past week, he announced his retirement from the game he loved.
Davis, who had been playing at Roanoke College, cited an injury that would end his football career. Davis anchored a defensive line in winning a 2023 state title. It was an undefeated season and the school’s first football championship in 51 years. That year, he earned defensive player of the year honors and was selected to first-team All-State.
Back on the field, it was an interesting game for Davis’ former school as Radford experienced its first loss of the year on Thursday night as William Byrd rallied for the win.
Blacksburg picked up a win when the Bruins stopped Cave Spring at the goal line.
In another Thursday game, Auburn rolled 34-14 over Giles in their first win against the Spartans since 1997.
On Friday night, Eastern Montgomery picked up its second win of the year over Bland. Blacksburg beat Cave Spring, and Christiansburg slipped by Pulaski.
Player of the week: Gavin Neuse, who rushed for 148 yards and three touchdowns as Auburn won its fifth straight contest. Area Top Five: 1) Salem, 2) William Byrd, 3) Carroll County, 4) Radford, 5) Craig County.
Games this week: Patrick Henry (4-1) at Christiansburg (2-3)
Kyshead Arrington rushed for 216 yards this past week with four touchdowns in a 41-22 win over Salem. Jake Painter completed 10 of 20 passes for 260 yards with three touchdowns.
Christiansburg held off Pulaski in a 21-19 win. Quarterback Jeremiah Barnes came off the bench to finish seven of 12 for 177 yards with three touchdowns. He also had 37 yards rushing.
Prediction: Patrick Henry 34, Christiansburg 7.
Radford (4-1) at Patrick County (2-4)
Radford had the game of the year against William Byrd, who rallied in the fourth quarter for the win between two unbeatens.
Patrick County fell 34-21 last week to Floyd as Jayden Corns ran for 139 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown. He also completed 11 of 23 passes for 123 yards.
Prediction: Radford 40, Patrick County 20.
Blacksburg at Hidden Valley (0-5)
Hidden Valley has been outscored 219 to 54 this season, and in its last game lost to Patrick Henry 56-0.
Prediction: Blacksburg 38, Hidden Valley 20.
Craig County (4-0) at Eastern Montgomery (2-4)
Craig junior running back Noah Paxton scored four touchdowns with eight carries for 134 yards in a 78-28 win over Stonewall Jackson. Craig scored 11 touchdowns and totaled 474 yards on the ground. Robert Eakin added 127 yards on nine carries.
Eastern Montgomery picked up a win last week over Bland County.
Prediction: Craig 38, Eastern Montgomery 7.
Northwood (4-1) at Auburn (5-1)
Northwood downed Castlewood 42-0 last week and has outscored its opponents 179 to 74 this season. Northwood beat Eastern Montgomery 42-6 earlier this season.
Auburn has won five straight after this past week’s 34-14 win over Giles.
Prediction: Auburn 40, Northwood 10.
