High school football success typically comes in cycles. For many teams outstanding players develop out of the blue and can quickly turn the tide for their programs. For others, it always seems that the cupboard is always full. Once those special players graduate, it’s back to the drawing board to fill in the spaces. And, like players, a new coach takes time to get his style of play incorporated into the system. Week-1 of the “Big-11” high school football slate proved much of this Friday night. Big wins, close misses and several surprises dotted the 8-game lineup. Here’s a quick recap of the games.
Amherst County-42 Salem-40
After 26 straight regular season wins, few were expecting a Salem Spartan hiccup in week-1. Especially with the Spartans being the defending 4A state champion and the game at Salem Stadium. The Salem defense gave up an uncharacteristic 466 total yards to the Lancers, allowing the visitors numerous opportunities to come back from deficits. Salem’s last loss in the regular season was to crafty Jeff Highfill’s William Byrd Terriers. Next up for Salem after a bye week-Highfill brings the orange claws to Salem on Sept.9th.
North Cross-34 Roanoke Catholic-14
There was a lot of revelry Friday night at Vinyard Park as the two private school programs met for the first time since 2009. North Cross jumped out to a 16-0 halftime lead and held off the Celtics the rest of the way to post the win. The passing game was the difference as North Cross more than doubled their opponents through the air, including two tosses for touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Catholic suffered three interceptions, including one returned for a TD by the Raiders late in the game.
Jefferson Forest- 36 William Fleming-27
After last year’s 64-14 setback to Jefferson Forest, Fleming saw plenty of bright spots Friday night before finally succumbing to the Cavaliers. Fleming led early and only trailed 22-21 at halftime before JF clamped down on defense to pull out the win. The highlight for the Colonels was the play of Malik Trayham, who scored on two running plays, threw for another and electrified the fans at Fleming Stadium with a 98-yard kickoff return for a second quarter Fleming TD.
William Byrd-42 Cave Spring-14
Williiam Byrd broke away from a 14-14 halftime stalemate with 28 unanswered second half points to knock off Cave Spring at Dwight Bogle Stadium. Terrier running back Larry Basham picked up right where he left off in 2015, rushing for over 250 yards and finding the end zone 5 times for the Terriers. Byrd dominated on the ground, out gaining the Knights 526-44 while getting the edge in first downs 31-9. The Terriers only attempted four passes on the night, while Cave Spring quarterback Jacob Knight completed 11-of-24, including both of Cave Spring’s touchdowns.
Pulaski County-44 Northside-6
The Cougar Den in Dublin proved to be quite a challenge for the Northside Vikings and new head coach Tyler Brown as Pulaski County dominated from the outset. The Cougars put up 27 second quarter points on their way to a 30-0 halftime lead and never looked back. Northside’s only points came from a pair of second half field goals as the Vikings were held to 28 yards on the ground for the game.
Patrick Henry-31 Hidden Valley-14
Patrick Henry broke open a 7-7 game with 17 second quarter points, and the Patriots held off the Titans in the second half for the victory at Gainer Field. PH dominated on the ground, out gaining the Titans by nearly a 3-1 margin. The Patriots also had the edge in passing yardage as Jonte Murray took over behind center after the graduation of Quishon Calfee. Navy recruit Ryan Mitchell caught 7 passes for 59 yards for the Titans.
Lord Botetourt-56 James River-0
In the final regular season matchup between the Botetourt County rivals, the 3A state runner-up Lord Botetourt Cavaliers had no trouble with the visiting Knights from Buchanan. Lord Botetourt rolled out to a 42-0 halftime lead in coasting to the easy win. Beginning next year, the long-time rivalry will become a benefit game prior to the regular season.
Galax- 31 Glenvar- 18
Galax took a 21-12 lead to the halftime break and the Maroon Tide held off Glenvar for their first win in the last four tries against the Highlanders. Galax scored the first 10 points of the second half and the 19-point deficit proved too much to overcome for Glanvar.
Bill Turner
