From the sidelines
Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Virginia Tech released its fall roster Wednesday, and it’s heavy on the underclassmen with 29 freshmen compared to 27 upperclassmen.
Absent is Mook Reynolds, who was released from the team on Monday following his arrest for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. His first court date is in two weeks in a Montgomery County after his arrest by the Blacksburg Police Department.
Reynolds’ arrest comes on the heels of his spring suspension from the team for undisclosed reasons.
The roster does include Blacksburg High School’s Zach Treser (redshirt-Junior) and incoming freshman Cole Beck. Cole Blaker from Narrows is listed as a tight end.
Kicking duties could make for some interesting competition this summer with Redshirt-freshman Jordan Stout from Honaker and returning kicker Brian Johnson both vying for the job. They are the only two kickers on the roster.
Nothing like a brotherly connection as freshman offensive lineman Louis Mihota (6’2, 278) doesn’t have to look far for some advice. He is the brother of senior defensive lineman Vinny Mihota.
Quarterback Josh Jackson’s summer academic problem placed a shadow on the position, but now he is cleared and ready to play. The question that now remains is whether he’s worked his way back into Coach Justin Fuente’s good graces. So, look for a certain transfer from Kansas to get his shot under center this summer, which could push Jackson.
The Las Vegas SuperBook is listing Virginia Tech’s chance of making the College Football Playoff as 12-1 odds.
In the high school ranks, new Blacksburg coach Eddie Sloss has announced his coaching staff for the upcoming season. They include: James Shealor, Chad Johnston, Chris Lucas, Vaughn Phipps, Ronald Eakin, Tyler Dawson, Deonte Watkins, Adam Peton and Adam Taraske.
The Virginia High School League has released the 2018 high school master football school, and there are several intriguing matchups.
Blacksburg: Giles and Blacksburg will open the season again on August 24. The game typically spring boards both teams into their full schedule.
The Bruins will then face Lord Botetourt, Amherst and Richlands the next three weeks before facing Salem Sept. 21. Of course, the November contest against Christiansburg could be very interesting to end the season.
Christiansburg’s opener against Floyd on Aug. 24 will be the school’s first on the new turf and could dictate the Blue Demons season. One of the team’s interesting dates is Sept. 21, an open date before the Blue Demons face Salem.
Radford’s opener at George Wythe on Aug. 24 is an interesting matchup between former New River District foes. Radford will then host Galax the following week with Giles on September 28.
Auburn’s season can be built over two weeks with games at Floyd (9/7) and at Eastern Montgomery (9/14). The Eagles then travel to George Wythe (9/21) for an early Mt. Empire District matchup.
Of course, Eastern Montgomery’s regular matchup with Auburn could set the stage for its season. Also, the Mustangs will play deep southwest powerhouses Holston (8/24) and Hurley (8/31) to begin the season with both games being in Elliston.
Additionally, I noticed that William Byrd plays William Fleming twice in a three-week span (Sept. 28 and Oct. 12).
Last week, Radford University announced a men’s basketball pre-season trip to Europe and now comes news of two major matchups for the upcoming season. Last year’s NCAA participant will face Clemson (Dec. 15) and Texas (Nov. 3) this winter.
The Texas contest will bring Radford coach Mike Jones together with his former boss, Shaka Smart, at Virginia Commonwealth. Radford will be paid $100,000 by Texas to make the trip and $85,000 by Clemson.
Radford is also slated to travel to Notre Dame for the 2018-2019 season. All of these games are major upgrade for a team that won their first NCAA tournament contest this past year.
The school also needs to step up and give Jones a new contract. His current one is scheduled to run out later this year.
A great showing by the area’s two softball representatives in the state Babe Ruth 10 and under tournament. Montgomery County finished as the state runner up and Blacksburg received the sportsmanship award.
Montgomery beat Blacksburg for the District title earlier this month, and then knocked out the Bruins in an elimination game Saturday night. Montgomery won three elimination games before losing to Manassas in the championship game. Also, the Montgomery County 12 and under fell in two state tournament games this past weekend.
Patrick County is the 2018 Dixie Ozone state champion. The represented District 3, which encompasses the New River Valley.
Also from Appalachian League to the big show. The St. Louis Cardinals fired their manager on Saturday, and replaced him with Mike Shildt, who was the manager of the Johnson City Cardinals from 2009-2011. He won Appalachian League titles in 2010 and 2011 and compiled a 124-77 record in the rookie league.
Shildt joined the big show in 2017 as a bench coach.
