By Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Blacksburg will host Salem this week in a rare Thursday night contest as Virginia Tech has a home game on Friday, and it will be the marquee matchup everyone has been waiting for. Blacksburg seems poised for another breakout year, while Salem is under a new coach. But nothing seems to have changed for either team.
The Bruins do have on blemish on their record, and the Spartans are doing what they have always done—produce, produce and produce. In so many ways, Salem has not lost a beat. Speed will be the key for both teams, and the question is whether the Bruins can outlast their River Ridge District rival on a shot week.
Radford travels to a wounded Giles, who for the first time in a decade is 0-4. The single-wing offense continues to put up yardage but not points. Radford held off a very good Gretna squad to move to 4-0.
Game balls this week go to:
Radford kicker Connor Lytton who fired a point after through the uprights for an overtime win on Friday night.
QB Zane Rupe racked up 82 yards on the ground as the Bobcat rushing attack has become consistent in the past three games.
Christiansburg’s MJ Hunter threw for touchdowns as he kept the Blue Demons in Friday’s game up until the last quarter of the loss to Rockbridge.
Also, a game ball goes to Jason Clarke who picked off a Rockbridge pass that produced a Christiansburg score.
Blacksburg’s Brian Mitchell deserves a game ball after scoring three times in his school’s win. He had two on the ground and one threw the air.
Auburn’s Payson Kelley continued a strong year with a two touchdown and 87 yards rushing night against Eastern Montgomery in the battle for the Golden Helmet.
The Top Five really has not changed: 1) Radford, 2) Blacksburg, 3) Pulaski, 4) Christiansburg, 5) Glenvar.
Games this week:
Radford (4-0) at Giles (0-4)
Last week: Giles continues to slip backwards, losing 20-8 to Narrows. The Spartans did manage 184 yards of rushing but failed to get into the endzone against their cross-county rivals. Dominic Collins led the team in rushing with133 yard on 16 carries.
Radford slipped by Gretna 21-20 in overtime. Darius Wesley-Brubeck scored a touchdown in the extra period, and kicker Connor Lytton connected on the point after for the win. Quarterback Zane Rupe also had an outstanding night rushing for 82 yards including a 50-yard scamper and score.
Game plan: Jeff Williams is in his 12th season at Giles, having compiled a 96-35 record. While the school advanced to the playoffs in 2018, they lost in the Region 2C first round and finished with a 5-6 record. Giles is facing a crossroads in its program after excelling for so many years as one of the top programs in southwest Virginia. Losing is not in its DNA, but so far this year, they have not scratched the win column.
Last season was the Spartans’ first losing record since 1987.
Logan Greenway (5-9, 140) returns after running for 783 yards last season with Chaston Ratcliffe (5-11, 140) being a second threat out of the single-wing offense after rushing for 564 yards in 2018. Collins (5-6, 145) adds to the firepower out of the backfield. Defensive lineman Bryson Martin (6-4, 322) does provide some size up front that needs to create holes for the three to run through.
Game time: 7 p.m.
Broadcast: Radio broadcast: 101.7 FM, 103.5FM and 1460 AM.
Salem at Blacksburg (3-1)
Last week: Salem slipped by Northside 21-14.
Blacksburg bombarded Staunton River early and often for a 49-14 win. Luke Goforth threw for 172 yards and three touchdowns as the school racked up 42 points by halftime. Brian Mitchell ran for two touchdowns and caught another score in the win.
Game plan: Longtime defensive coach Don Holter takes over for Stephen Magenbauer, but it is business as usual in Salem. Last year, the Spartans finished 7-4 after losing in the Region 4D first round, which was unusual for a team used to playing for a state title. They return seven starters to a defense that only allowed 15 points per contest a year ago.
Blacksburg took a 21-14 win in 2018.
Running backs Isaiah Persinger (5-10, 175) and Zavione Wood (5-10, 185) combined for 2,442 yards a year ago. Hunter Chaney (6-0, 212) has slid into the quarterback spot and done a good job. Tight end Bobby Pinello (6-2, 225) is back to provide a big target across the middle. Up front has been the big question for the Spartans as they have some inexperience this season, but the size is still there with at least five players weighing in at more than 250 pounds.
Game time: 7 p.m.
Broadcast: Radio broadcast: 93.1 and 97.1 FM.
George Wythe (3-1) at Auburn (3-1)
Last week: George Wythe rolled over Carroll County 65-35 as Ravon Wells rushed for 146 yards and four touchdowns, while Drayson McMillian added 106 yards and three scores. QB Cole Simmons continued an outstanding season by passing for 285 yards and a touchdown.
Auburn dominated cross-county rival Eastern Montgomery 44-0. Carson East rushed 14 times for 95 yards with two touchdowns and kicked a field goal in the win. Payson Kelley added 87 yards on the ground with two touchdowns.
Game plan: George Wythe brings a spread-attack offense into Riner that has consistently put up over 200 yards passing every game this season. Brandon Harner is in his sixth season at the school and has compiled a 46-18 mark including 7-5 last season when they lost in the Region 1C second seed. The Maroons return seven starters on both side of the ball led by QB Cole Simmons (6-1, 170), who combined for 1,900 passing and rushing yards last season. Wells (5-9, 165) returns after running for 986 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2018. The team has had 22 straight winning seasons and seems poised for another one.
Simmons’ favorite target is Dayson McMillian (5-9, 190), and he has a big secondary one in Davian Tillison (6-2, 175). Up front the Maroons have a lot of size: Dorrien McMillian (6-2, 22), Dorran Harmon (6-2, 250) and Nigel Skinner (5-10, 300). Harmon comes off the edge on the defensive side of the ball with book-end defensive end Connor Fowler (5-10, 195).
Game time: 7 p.m.
Broadcast: 95.3 FM.
Both Christiansburg and Eastern Montgomery are idle this week.
