From the sidelines
Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
If this summer’s 7-on-7 competition is any indication of the upcoming high school football season, Blacksburg’s opponents will have their hands full. In three different contests, the Bruins have dominated teams throughout southwest and central Virginia.
Christiansburg has showed some improvement, while Eastern Montgomery had great 7-on-7’s. But in the midst of this, you have to remember 7-on-7 means no shoulder pads, no offensive or defensive linemen, and in many cases, no helmets. Did I mention there is no real contact?
The 7-on-7 games are a passing league that are run on a 40-yard field, and participation allows these athletes a competitive way to hone their skills.
For the most part, 7-on-7 is used as a way to improvement your passing game and the defense there of.
Blacksburg fans were critical of last week’s VHSL preseason poll for the 4A ranks that did not place their team anywhere in the top 10. The website has no relationship with the Virginia High School League but continues to be confused every time it mentions its polls.
Salem, Dinwiddie, Lake Taylor and Monacan were 1-4 in 4A. The 3A poll has Phoebus, Hopewell, Rustburg, Brookeville and Heritage 1-5. Blacksburg’s opponent in the state championship game, Staunton River, is listed at number eight and Abingdon is ninth.
In 1A, the preseason poll has Riverheads, Galax, Altavista, George Wythe and Sussex are ranked 1-5. In 2A, Appomattox is number one with Richlands second, Union third and Dan River fourth. Glenvar is number six followed by Graham and Giles.
These polls really mean nothing except echo historically the schools that have done well year-in and year-out.
Of course, Blacksburg moves up to the 4A classification this year after winning the 3A crown last season. Critics need to remember VHSL bases its preseason poll upon each team’s regular season record and points allowed versus points scored. Blacksburg finished 5-5 and no one, and I mean no one, expected last year’s result. I do believe Blacksburg will be ranked in the 4A “real” polling.
Matter of fact, I think the Bruins will give everyone in 4A, including Pulaski and Salem, all that they can handle when the season finally gets underway.
With the fall sports just around the corner, Eastern Montgomery High School is looking for a new athletic director. Anthony Kidd resigned to accept the assistant principal’s job at Riverlawn Elementary. Kidd came to Montgomery County two years ago after serving as AD at Bland High School.
Last year’s Eastern Montgomery starting quarterback Wyatt Freeman has transferred to Narrows and looks to be in the mix at his new school. Mark the Oct. 10 contest against the Green Wave in Elliston.
