Marty Gordon
Radford and Blacksburg both picked up Week 1 wins with the Bobcats having the best performance in a win over former New River District foe, George Wythe 40-0.
Blacksburg rallied to down longtime rival Giles, 27-22.
Quarterbacks were key in both games. Radford’s Peyton Dobbins completed seven of 15 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns. The Bobcats also rushed for 209 yards.
In Blacksburg, Sam Szefc was outstanding with his legs, scoring three touchdowns in his return from a season-ending injury in Week 5 last season.
Meanwhile Christiansburg’s game with Carroll County had to be stopped midway through the third quarter after a serious injury to a Christiansburg player. Carroll was declared the 30-8 winner.
Off the field, good news on that player’s condition after he was airlifted from the game with a spinal injury. In a social media post, the Christiansburg football community thanked the Carroll County community for its support.
“Last night (Friday) reminded all of us that football is important because of the relationships it creates and the people it brings together,” the statement said.
The player, Dellinger Collins, was released from the hospital late Saturday. His mother posted on social media the situation turned out better than first expected because of the severity of the injury. She said her son is showing very encouraging signs of progress but has a long road of recovery. She said don’t count him out.
Christiansburg officials expressed gratitude to the athletic training staffs at both schools for their immediate response, professionalism and care.
Christiansburg also praised the Carroll County coaching staff for recognizing that something was wrong, alerting medical personnel and helping manage the situation with “grace, compassion and leadership.”
Carroll County Rescue and EMS personnel were also recognized for their emergency response and care for the injured player and his family.
Christiansburg also commended its coaching staff and players for helping one another navigate what the school described as a frightening and emotional situation.
The Christiansburg staff was very thankful to everyone on the opposite side of the field. “The Cavaliers showed leadership, toughness and compassion toward the injured player and his teammates during the difficult circumstances.”
The Blue Demons program awards its players a Trident sticker when they demonstrate leadership, toughness and a commitment to a positive culture. In a symbolic gesture, the school said Carroll County’s players had “earned a Trident” for the way they responded.
“Brotherhood in this game extends far beyond the colors on our jerseys,” Christiansburg said.
The school also thanked the Christiansburg and Carroll County communities for the calls, messages, prayers and offers of support for the player and his family.
Back on the field, both Auburn and Eastern Montgomery lost their Week 1 contests.
An Alabama high school football team with 101 straight losses, the longest losing streak in the country, is winners once again.
Columbia High’s Eagles faced Greensboro High’s Raiders in a rare Saturday night game. Going into the game, Columbia had a losing streak of 101 games, the longest in the nation. Their last win was in 2015.
Player of the week: Blacksburg QB Sam Szefc had 13 carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns in a first week win over Giles. He also was five of 10 passing for 67 yards.
This week’s games:
Abingdon (1-0) at Christiansburg (0-1)
Abingdon took the 28-9 victory over Christiansburg last season. The Blue Demons had last week’s game stopped midway in the third quarter after an injury to a player and only had three offensive possessions in the contest. Trent Byrd did run for over 100 yards, mainly in the first half including a 45-yard first quarter score.
Abingdon dominated John Battle 62-6 as Isaiah Draper took the opening kickoff to the house to set the stage for a 340-to-107-yard advantage on offense. Draper’s return was 91 yards.
Abingdon scored eight touchdowns in the first half. Draper’s return was 91 yards. Abingdon scored eight touchdowns in the first half.
Prediction: Abingdon 40, Christiansburg 21.
Blacksburg (1-0) at James River (1-0)
Blacksburg rolled up 241 yards in a win over Giles. Trick Sams rushed 19 times for 92 yards with a touchdown.
James River won their season opener 21-0 over Auburn as quarterback Merit Hammons threw a touchdown and ran for another.
Prediction: Blacksburg 34, James River 20.
Smith Mountain Lake at Auburn (0-1)
Riverheads beat SML 69-21, while Auburn could not find any offense in a 21-0 loss to James River. Auburn finished the game with only 40 rushing and 79 yards through the air. Prediction: Auburn 27, SML 21.
Eastern Montgomery (0-1) at Rural Retreat (1-0)
Eastern Montgomery starts the season with a 49-16 loss to Holston. The Mustangs led 16-6 at halftime before giving up 43 unanswered points in the second half.
Prediction: Rural Retreat 42, Eastern Montgomery 7.
Radford (1-0) at Giles (0-1)
Giles could not hold off Blacksburg in their first game of the season.
Radford’s Trenton Carter caught five passes for 151 yards in a big shutout of George Wythe.
Prediction: Radford 36, Giles 21.
