Radford looking for second win of season

Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org

The road to the playoffs is starting to get less crowded as we head into the second part of the season. Christiansburg, Radford, Auburn and Eastern Montgomery could all be on the outside looking in when the dust clears in four weeks. Meanwhile, Blacksburg is in full playoff mode as the Bruins have already faced the meat of their schedule.

Last week, the Bruins showed their road toughness over Patrick Henry, but all of the other area teams came up empty with losses.

Blacksburg, Eastern Montgomery and Auburn, all return home in hope of wins this Friday, while Christiansburg and Radford will spend another week on the road.

This week’s previews:

Christiansburg (0-5) at Pulaski County (4-1)

Last week for Christiansburg: Lost 44-14 to Salem who ran just 11 plays to put up 30 points in the first half of the contest. The Blue Demons did manage to produce 125 yards in the passing game for the second week in a row. QB Nic Cook was six of 10 with a

Last week for Pulaski: Beat Hidden Valley 44-6 as QB Kade Akers threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed 11 times for 43 yards in the win.

Scouting report on Pulaski: The Cougars have turned to a high-octane aerial attack with Arizona-prep school transfer Akers (6-4, 212) at the helm. E.J. Horton, who is one of the fastest players in southwest Virginia, transferred from George Wythe and provides Akers a speedy target.

Stephen James is in his fourth season with an overall mark of 21-12 including 7-4 last season, losing in the 4A West Region first round. Runningback Jaceri Eaves (5-11, 200) provides a spark after the team lost Hunter Thomas to graduation. Jaylin Nowlin (5-11, 180) will also carry the rock from a crowded back field. Linemen Brody Fields (6-0, 275), Chandler Dunnigan (6-2, 27) and Sean Spender (6-0, 210) give the Cougars some size on both sides of the ball. Linebacker Reymon Willliams (5-8, 195) leads a stingy defense.

Radio broadcast: 100.7 FM.

Cave Spring (1-4) at Blacksburg (4-1)

Last week for Blacksburg: Beat Patrick Henry 42-9. Cole Beck returned a punt for a touchdown but was held to minus-1 yards rushing. QB Grant Johnston was 18 of 24 with no picks for 275 yards and three touchdowns. Tiquest Terry finished the night with 30 yards rushing to lead the Bruins. Noah Ramsey had six catches for 103 yards. Camden Wise added two receptions for scores.
Last week for Cave Spring: Open date, but lost to Pulaski 14-13 two weeks ago.

Cave Spring scouting report: Tim Fulton returns for his 13th season as head coach with a 66-68 mark including 3-7 last year. The key for Cave could be built around returning back Zach Bowling (5-9. 169) who rushed for 1,343 yards and 13 touchdowns last year as a sophomore. QB Jacob Knight passed for 847 yards and 13 TD’s in 2016. Initially Josh Woodum was calling plays this summer, but left when signed by the Baltimore Ravens. The team returns six starters on both sides of the ball.

Inside linebackers Austin Emery (5-8, 180) and John MIlby (5-10. 163) will drive the defense along with Nick Weitzenfeld (6-3, 281). Cave and Blacksburg are on the opposite ends of the spectrum with the Bruins doubling up opponents while Cave Spring have been on the losing end.

Radio broadcast: 105.3.

Bath County (1-4) at Eastern Montgomery (1-4)

Last week for Eastern Montgomery: Open date, but two weeks ago, beat Bland County 25-7 as Devin Owens rushed 15 times for 154 yards and three touchdowns.

Last week for Bath County: Beat Pocahontas County, West Virginia, 21-6.

Bath scouting report: The Pioneers were 2-8 in Larry Grubbs first season last year. The team had made the state playoffs 13 times in 14 seasons from 2000-2013, but has been hard to come by since. The team only has 25 players on the roster which carries six seniors. Runningback Bubba Maddow (5-10, 215) does return after rushing for 268 yards last season. QB Trey Shaver (5-9, 150) passed for 469 yards last season as a sophomore.

Defensive end Zach Rose (6-2, 225) and Billy Baldwin (5-11, 200) do provide some size for the Lancers up front. Austin Wolfe (5-10, 200) has also made some plays from his linebacker spot this season.

Radio broadcast: None.

Grayson County (3-3) at Auburn (2-4)

Last week for Auburn: Lost 35-7 to Ft. Chiswell. Tristan Perry rushed 11 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. The Fort held Auburn to 35 yards of total offense in the second half.

Last week for Grayson County: Beat Bland 49-7.

Grayson scouting report: Brett McPherson is in his 12th season with a 58-61 mark. Last year, the team was 2-8. McPherson is only the second coach in the school’s 29 year history. He returns six starters on each side of the ball. QB Jake Hollingsworth (5-8, 155) threw for 1,232 yards last season as a sophomore. Receivers Seth Phillips (6-2, 215) and Tanner McPherson (6-3, 190) are back with more than 175 career receptions amongst them. The team is built around youngsters this season with freshman Devonte Cox (5-9, 240) and Sophomore Grayson Osborne (6-0, 215). Grayson has outscored opponents 162-99 this season. Meanwhile Auburn has been outscored 131-65. Grayson only has 15 players on the active roster.

Radio broadcast: None.

Radford (1-5) at Floyd (5-1):

Last week for Radford: Lost 28-14 to Giles. P.J. Prioleau ran for 136 yards and a touchdown.
Last week for Floyd: Shutout Carroll County 28-0 as the Buffaloes rushed for 284 yards including QB Ian Bary who had 99 yards on four carries with two touchdowns.

Floyd scouting report: Winfred Beale is the elder statesman in the Commonwealth with 37 years under the belt as the head coach with a record of 210-168-4. Last season the Buffaloes finished 6-5 and lost in the 2A West Regional first round. Six starters return on both sides of the ball as the team’s lone lost has come to Glenvar. The team has plenty of beef up front with 11 players over 200 pounds. Tight end Austin Gallimore (6-1, 234) provides senior leadership along with QB Bary and fullback Jarrett Agree (6-0, 185) who has rushed for over a 100 yards in three games this season. Sophomore Micah Cook (6-2, 308) provides a major obstacle up front on the defensive side of the ball. He will receive help in stopping the run from Josh Landreth (6-2, 25) and Kameron Harris (6-3, 235). Corey Voss (6-3, 250) also provides size to plug the holes for the Buffaloes.

Radio broadcast: 101.7 FM.