By Marty Gordon
The high school football season might be five months away, but several area schools released their 2023 schedules this week.
Auburn, who has yet to complete a full-season in almost two years because of the lack of players, will open Aug. 24 at home versus Narrows. Out-of-district games this season will include Craig, Eastside, and Bath County. The annual battle with crosscounty rival Eastern Montgomery is set for Sept. 15 at home.
Galax, Giles and Grayson will all travel to Auburn for games..
Blacksburg will face Glenvar in a benefit game on Aug. 25 at Glenvar. Perennial state power Lord Botetourt will invade Bill Brown Stadium on Sept. 1.
On the Blacksburg schedule are home games against Rockbridge County, Pulaski, Hidden Valley, and the season finale against Salem on Nov. 3.
Blacksburg will hit the road for games at Floyd, Cave Spring, Patrick Henry, and Christiansburg.
Christiansburg will have two interesting games on the schedule this fall at Riverheads (Sept. 29) and at Abingdon (Sept. 1).
Home games for the defending 3D region winners are Floyd (Aug. 25), William Byrd, Cave Spring, Blacksburg, and Patrick Henry.
CHS will hit the road for games against Pulaski, Hidden Valley, and Salem.
The Blue Demons will benefit from an open date on Nov. 3 to help prepare for future playoff appearances.
One of the biggest changes will be in the realignment of Class 3’s Region D, which will have 13 total teams with the addition of Pulaski County. The region lineup will now be Christiansburg, Pulaski, Abingdon, Bassett, Carroll County, Cave Spring, Hidden Valley, Lord Botetourt, Magna Vista, Northside, Staunton River, Tunstall, and William Byrd.
