High school football season is here, and I have to say it’s one of the best times of the year. Friday night under the lights in the New River Valley is amazing. Of course, we are talking about youngsters between the ages of 15 and 18, thus the unexpected can always happen.
Blacksburg has two players to watch in QB Sam Szefc and running back Jaxon Keys. The two combined for over 20 scores this past year and will have to make a major difference in 2025.
Auburn is starting fresh after not having enough players to complete a varsity season for the past four years. In 2024, the school sat out the entire season and built a foundation with a very good junior varsity team. Those youngsters will lead the way this season.
Some key matchups to watch include an early season matchup for Blacksburg as they travel to Salem for its first River Ridge District game.
Christiansburg’s fate will ride on keeping its lone returning defensive player, Izaiah Cotto, healthy. Nothing new for a program that has had to ride the coat tails of one player for the past four seasons.
Their fortune includes regular season out-of-district contests against powerhouses, Lord Botetourt, William Byrd and Abingdon. All three are regional opponents and allowed Christiansburg to up its overall schedule, but the losses could come quickly.
Radford lost its all-everything quarterback and has yet to name a starter. Thus, this season will be filled with questions.
Predicted finish:
Radford will have a tough season as they try to develop a whole group of newbies on the offensive side of the ball. The team always finds a way to make the postseason and this should not be an exception, but the wins might come at a minimum. Radford could finish 5-5.
Christiansburg has a lot of questions and if Izaiah Cotto can stay healthy, they will have a chance at winning at least five games. Of course, the season could rest on the arm of an underclassman at QB1 who has taken a dozen snaps on a varsity field. Prediction: 5-5.
Eastern Montgomery continues to seek a way to reach the crest of the hill. The years have been lean in Elliston, and this year will be no exception. Some tough road games to deep southwest Virginia could decide the 2025 season. Prediction: 4-6.
Auburn has not played a full varsity schedule in over four years. A very good junior varsity program has set the stage for what should be a full season in 2025. But the wins will be hard to come by. Youngsters will have to grow up quickly, but the Eagles could surprise some people. Prediction: 4-6.
Blacksburg could be the surprise of Montgomery County bunch. Experience at quarterback and tailback could result in a season of more than six wins in years. Prediction: 7-3.
