Marty Gordon
This week’s “Battle of the Burgs” between Christiansburg and Blacksburg high schools will be for a symbolic trophy that features the area’s coal mining history.
Starting in 2019, the winner of the contest was presented the “Huckleberry Coal Miner’s” helmet.
The Huckleberry Trail has deep roots and a long history in providing transportation between Blacksburg and Christiansburg. It began as the Virginia Anthracite Coal and Rail Company in 1902 to transport coal, and soon extended to Blacksburg. On Sept. 15, 1904, the first passenger train rolled into Blacksburg. It was soon nicknamed
“Huckleberry Crossing” because when the train would stall, passengers could step off the train and pass time picking the abundance of huckleberries along the route. The name stuck, and “Huckleberry Crossing” was soon painted on the depot.
On July 25, 1958, the Huckleberry made its last steam run and operated on power until Aug. 9, 1958. In the summer of 1966, the Blacksburg depot was closed.
In 1966, work began to transform the train path into a nature trail for about one mile between the Blacksburg Library and Airport Road. The paved trail now extends to Christiansburg High School, an estimated eight miles. Christiansburg has held the helmet for the past four years.
Area top five: 1) Glenvar, 2) William Byrd, 3) Salem, 4) Floyd, 5) Northside
This week’s games:
Christiansburg (3-3) at Blacksburg (3-2)
The Battle of the Burgs could be a dandy as Blacksburg has approved every week with their last game being a 27-13 win over Cave Spring. Their other wins are over Rockbridge and Giles. A common opponent is Floyd, who Christiansburg beat while Blacksburg fell by a 34-14 score. Blacksburg has been outscored 141 to 120 clip this season.
Blacksburg leads the series 57-40, but Christiansburg has won five straight, stretching back to 2018.
Blacksburg had an open date to watch and prepare for their cross-county rivals.
Christiansburg will be trying to recover from a heartbreaking 10-7 loss to Riverheads. Isaaih Cotto led Christiansburg 12 carries for 112 yard including a 64-yard score.
Radford (3-3) at James River (1-5)
James River is coming off a 32-25 loss to a 5-1 Carroll County squad. Josiah Merchant threw a 63-yard touchdown in the loss as JR used three different quarterbacks.
Radford fell to 3-3 after a 37-12 loss to Glenvar after being held to a season low 30 yards rushing. QB Luke Gaither finished 15 of 27 for 176 yards through the air with a touchdown.
Craig County (2-1) at Eastern Montgomery (0-5)
Craig picked up their second win of the year as they traveled across the state line into Kentucky. Craig downed Phelps 49-0. Carter Calfee rushed for 143 yards on seven carries with two touchdowns.
Eastern Montgomery continued its backslide in a 55-6 loss to Giles. Marshall Tate scored the lone touchdown.
Predictions:
Christiansburg 24, Blacksburg 21
Radford 34, James River 10
Eastern Montgomery 20, Craig 14
