River Ridge District Football Previews
Blacksburg Bruins head coach David Crist explains a play to one of his players during a recent practice. Blacksburg, who lost in the first round of the Region IV playoffs in 2007, is facing a major rebuilding year as only three starters return from last year's squad.
Photo by David Grimes
Until someone knocks off the Salem Spartans, they will still be the team to beat in a very tough River Ridge District this season. However, many observers are saying that 2008 could be the year in which the Pulaski County Cougars could take the Spartans down from their throne and claim the district title.
River Ridge District
Salem: 10-0
Pulaski County: 8-2
Christiansburg: 7-3
Hidden Valley: 6-4
Blacksburg: 3-7
Cave Spring: 1-9
Salem:
If you are looking for a weak spot for the Spartans this season, it may be at quarterback. But again, that's been the case for the last couple of years and it has yet to hurt Salem, as the Spartans finished 12-1 in 2007, losing to eventual state champion Amherst in the state semi-finals.
Coach Steve Magenbauer, who took over for the legendary Willis White, enters his fifth season sporting a 50-3 mark.
Salem will be strong on defense and has a solid offensive line as well. The quarterback position right now is the only crack in the Spartan armor and it's a very small one at that.
Looking to call the plays is junior Hunter Sturgill or sophomore Adam McGarrell.
The backfield will consist of Kirk Coles at fullback and Antonio Medley at tailback.
The offensive line will see the likes of seniors Tyler Person (6-4, 232), Matt Carr (6-1, 242) and Kyle Wilson (6-0, 237) leading the troops.
On the defensive side of the ball, look for a strong defensive line consisting of returnee's seniors Ryan Dow (6-1, 230) and Brandyn Turley (6-2, 244).
The linebacker chores will be handled by Jonathan Walker and Lang Hawkins, while Kyle Schwizer will lead the secondary.
From the coaches mouth:
"We will definitely run the ball a lot this year, especially between the tackles," said head coach Steve Magenbauer. "We have some quickness and we are going to utilize it."
Mark it on the calendar:
The district title will all boil down to the final game of the regular season on Friday, November 7 when Salem travels to Pulaski County. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. and you better arrive early, as a crowd of about 8,000-plus will turnout for this showdown. Last year, Salem defeated Pulaski County 21-14in the final game of the regular season and in the first game of the Region IV playoffs 17-7.
Pulaski County:
Although there are some question marks about the 2008 edition of the Cougars, many observers feel the Cougars could be the team to beat Salem this season.
At quarterback, Pulaski County appears to be solid with some experience, as well as some depth. The starting nod will go to junior Auburn transfer Luke Watson (6-1, 180). Backing up Watson will be senior Zane Quesenberry(5-11, 170) and junior J.T. Edney (6-2,160).
Watson is not only a solid passer, but he is also an explosive runner. The big question surrounding Watson will be, can he handle the pressure from playing Group A ball to competing in a tough Group AA district? Only time will tell.
One of the biggest strengths for the Cougars will be their running backs. Leading the charge will be senior halfback Nubian Peak (5-9, 190), who has committed to Virginia Tech. Peak is an explosive back that ran for more than 1,400 yards last season and hauled in around 300 yards in passes. Others running out of the backfield include senior Seth Parris (6-0, 190), junior Tahrick Peak (6-2,200), the younger brother of Nubian, junior Trey Smith (5-9, 175) and senior E.J. Dobbins (5-11, 225).
The defensive line will be one of the Cougars strongest points with senior Josh Miller (6-3, 305), senior Langston Lewis (6-3, 360) and senior Jared Cole (6-0, 230). Defensive end will be handled by senior Brandon Hazzard (6-0, 245).
From the coaches mouth:
"We have to take it one game at a time," said head coach jack Turner. "We have got to get the job done and move on to the next game."
Mark it on the calendar:
The district title will all boil down to the final game of the regular season on Friday, November 7 when Salem travels to Pulaski County. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. and you better arrive early, as a crowd of about 8,000-plus will turnout for this showdown. Last year, Salem defeated Pulaski County 21-14in the final game of the regular season and in the first game of the Region IV playoffs 17-7.
Christiansburg:
The Blue Demons, who return 12 starters, are hoping to make it back into postseason play after missing out last season for the first time in four years.
One of the big question marks this season will be at the quarterback spot as four players, up from the JV team, are vying for the starting nod. They include junior Chris Dobbins (6-3, 170), junior D.J. Palmer (5-10, 165), junior Chris Smith (6-2, 165) and sophomore Stephen Wills (6-1, 191). At the current moment, Wills has the starting nod.
You will probably see a lot of running from the Blue Demons in 2008. Leading the pack will be senior Keith Johnson (6-0, 200). Others coming out of the backfield include sophomore Greg Lee (5-8,157), and junior Ryan Fisher (5-6, 152).
Senior Brent Bostwick (6-2, 233), junior Aaron Linkenhoker (6-3, 212) and junior Kevin Meredith (6-0, 258) will be returning to the offensive line this season.
On the defensive line, look for Bostwick and junior Donte Hayden (5-11, 253) to lead the way, while junior Zach Weller (6-0, 207) and senior Ethan Dickerson (6-0, 183) will handle things at the linebacker slots.
Also returning are senior Scott Hampton (6-3, 190) at free safety and senior Brad Cox (5-10, 174), who will handle the kicking duties.
From the coaches mouth:
"I like this team. They have displayed the best off-season work ethic of any team I have had in my tenure at Christiansburg," said head coach Tim Cromer. "We have had a solid camp and are getting better each day. We are hungry to get back to the playoffs but are smart and patient enough to take it one week at a time."
Mark it on the calendar:
The Blue Demons have two very important non-district which will mean a lot in the point standings should they win. They include a road game at Bassett on Sept. 19 and a home encounter with Patrick Henry, a Group AAA team, on Sept. 26. Key district games include an away game at Salem on Oct. 10, a road game at Pulaski County on Oct. 31 and the regular season finale with cross-town rival Blacksburg on Nov. 7 in Blacksburg.
Hidden Valley:
The Titans have a lot of skill players back after coming off a 2-3 district campaign in 2007 and are hoping that the leadership from their older players will pay off this season.
Leading Hidden Valley will be senior quarterback Alan Castro (6-0, 194). Coming out of the backfield with be senior running back David Turner (5-11, 181) and senior Matt Aiken (6-1, 185) at wide receiver.
Manning the defensive line will be returning starters seniors Daniel Teal (6-0, 274) and Greg Scialabba (5-10, 196). Senior Greg Coots (6-2, 215) will handle the chores at defensive end and senior Chad Earhart (5-11, 175) will take care of business at linebacker.
Other returning players who will be making a major impact for Hidden Valley this season include senior Tim Rowe (6-3, 191, TE/DT), junior Tyler Wright (6-1, 221, OT), junior Josh Kite (5-10, 165, OLB/RB) and junior Dylan Horton (6-0, 205, MLB).
From the coaches mouth:
"We are a question mark right now, only to be answered by ourselves," said head coach J.R. Edwards.
Mark it on the calendar:
A home date with Salem on Oct. 24 and the regular season finale with rival Cave Spring at home on Nov. 7.
Blacksburg:
The Bruins are facing a major rebuilding year in 2008 as they lost more starters than any other team in the River Ridge District this season. In fact, only three starters return off of last year's team that finished second in the district and lost in the first rounds of the Region IV playoffs to Bassett.
The one bright spot will be senior Trey Gresh (6-2, 200) at quarterback. Gresh, who will be starting his fourth year at the QB spot, will be the workhorse on an offensive unit that has an inexperienced offensive line. Backing up Gresh at quarterback will be senior Spencer Link (5-9, 145).
Players to watch in the backfield include senior David Bales (5-11, 180), senior David Cook (5-7, 156), senior Jon Jennings (6-0, 190) and senior Brad Graves (5-7, 160).
Hauling in the passes include senior Eric Houff (6-1, 185), senior Casper Violette (5-10, 180) and senior Ryan Cox (5-6, 140).
Looking to protect Gresh is an offensive line that will include senior Dale Davis (6-3, 285), senior Devin Skinner (6-0, 250), senior Michael Schmolitz (6-1, 211), senior Steven Ball (6-2, 200), senior Zach Bowyer 6-2, 240) and senior William Bracken (6-4, 180).
Defensively, the Bruins have only one returning starter in Houff at the linebacker spot. Otherwise, there will be a new secondary, as well as a some new linebackers.
Some other Bruins, who should make an impact before the year is out, include junior Antoine Martin (5-9, 180, RB/MLB), junior Ricky Sowers (5-8, 167, WR/FS), sophomore Terrence Travis (5-9, 166, QB/FS) and senior Evan Sunshine (6-1, 185, TE/DE).
From the coaches mouth:
"The River Ridge District will be as strong as ever with quality players, some of whom have already received scholarship offers," said head coach David Crist. "If we can make rapid improvements in the early games, play fundamentally sound football, be consistent, and secure the football, we could be in the mix as a contender. I enjoy working with this group of young men."
Mark it on the calendar:
One of the key games will be a home game on Aug. 29 against Giles. These two teams always plays to the final horn. Another big game is the final game of the regular season when the Bruins take on cross-town rival Christiansburg. This year's game will be played in Blacksburg.
Cave Spring:
The Knights, who finished 2-8 last year, are looking to turn it around in 2008 despite having a lot of young players this season.
Leading the offensive attack will be senior Zac Osborne (5-7, 150), who is the Knights leading rusher.
Defensively, Cave Spring will be led by junior Jacob Walters 5-8, 202), junior Alex Berry (6-4, 259), junior Cray Webb (5-7, 223), junior Tucker Green (6-0, 190) and senior Evan Sexton (6-1, 207).
From the coaches mouth:
"We are going to be a young team," said head coach Tim Fulton. "But, as the season progresses we should become a fun team to watch."
Mark it on the calendar:
The Knights is the only Division 3 team in the district and some big wins against the likes of non-district foes Staunton River (Aug. 29), Patrick Henry, a Group AAA team, on Sept. 19 and William Byrd on Oct. 3 could give Cave Spring some much needed points that may propel them into the playoffs.
