2013 River Ridge District football preview capsule

BLACKSBURG

Coach: David Crist (39th season)

Record at Blacksburg: 229-185-4

Last season: 2-8, 0-5 (did not make playoffs)

Returning offensive starters: 5

Returning defensive starters: 4

Players to watch: RB-LB Korbin Hendricks (5-11, 197, sr.), OT-DT Adam Peton (6-5, 285, sr.), QB-DB Kaleb Bohrnstedt (6-6, 190, jr.), TE-DE Adam Vaught (6-7, 235, sr.), OG-DE Wayne Myers (5-10, 215, sr.), C-DT Brett Palmer (5-11, 228, sr.), WR-LB Morgan McCoy (5-7, 145, soph.), RB-CB Grayson Shelton (5-10, 155, jr.), WR-LB Ethan Goforth (5-8, 160, jr.), WR-PK Carson Wise (5-10, 154, sr.).

2012 summary: The Bruins missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season after early-season injuries to their running backs helped limit the offense to just 12 touchdowns all year. Blacksburg's top effort was an 11-0 victory at Lord Botetourt. The Bruins also had close losses to Hidden Valley and Cave Spring. Blacksburg enters 2013 with a nine-game home losing streak.

Outlook: Blacksburg should be among the improved Timesland teams in 2013. Obviously, the offense has to produce more points. Hendricks, who had a variety of injuries last year, wound up leading the team in rushing with just 125 yards. Bohrnstedt will look for consistency after a 2-to-1 interception to TD pass ratio last year. The Bruins got some early bad news when Vaught, who is drawing recruiting interest as a long snapper, suffered a broken foot. He might miss the first half of the season. Wise has kicked 21 of 27 field goals in the last three years and needs just three to tie for 10th place in VHSL history. The Bruins should win more games in 2012, but reaching the Group 3A West playoffs would require a big jump.

CARROLL COUNTY

Coach: Tom Hale (15th season)

Record at Carroll County: 76-73

Last season: 2-8, 0-4 in Southwest (did not make playoffs)

Returning offensive starters: 5

Returning defensive starters: 5

Players to watch: QB Conner Lundy (6-4, 195, sr.), HB-FS Josh Blankenship (5-9, 145, sr.), C-LB Daniel Wolford (5-8, 183, jr.), HB-LB Ethan Underwood (6-1, 171, sr.), C-DT Jacob Adams (5-11, 244, jr.), TE-DE Jared Haga (5-11, 200, jr.), WR Duncan Reece (6-7, 174, sr.), OT-DT Garrett Burcham (5-11, 221, jr.), OG Chanz Quesenberry (5-9, 215, soph.), FB-LB Kirk Jones (5-9, 177, sr.).

2012 summary: The Cavaliers ended their tenure in the Southwest District with a last-place finish as the defense gave up some big numbers including 55 points to Christiansburg and 45 to Grayson County in nondistrict games. Carroll's lone victories were against Piedmont District bottom feeders Martinsville and Patrick County. A 27-26 loss to Tazewell kept the Cavaliers from finishing a rung higher.

Outlook: Carroll County has a small varsity roster, but the Cavs might have the best QB in the River Ridge. Lundy passed for 1,723 yards and 11 TDs with just six interceptions last year. The senior has drawn recruiting interest from James Madison, VMI, William and Mary, and Elon. The Cavaliers will run a new defense, featuring a more aggressive approach with plenty of pre-snap movement. The changeover has been slightly complicated by the departure of three coaches, bringing the number of assistants who have left in the last three years to six. Carroll is embarking on a new era as a member of the River Ridge. Hale, a former Pulaski County assistant who owns the Cavs' only two playoff wins, is bracing for the ride.

CAVE SPRING

Coach: Tim Fulton (ninth season)

Record at Cave Spring: 50-43

Last season: 7-6, 3-2 (lost in Region IV Division 3 final)

Returning offensive starters: 4

Returning defensive starters: 5

Players to watch: FB-ILB Kyle Curtis (6-0, 200, sr.), WR-SS Zac Foutz (6-4, 223, jr.), QB-DB Alex Emery (6-1, 151, jr.), TE-DT Anthony Ball (6-2, 186, sr.), FB-LB Austin Amos (6-0, 205, sr.), TB-DB Jon Roach (5-11, 185, jr.), OL-DL Hunter Barker (6-1, 206, sr.), WR-DB Sebastian Wellford (5-8, 156, sr.), RB-DB Tyler Rice (5-10, 160, soph.), TB-LB Jacob Cash (5-6, 169, sr.).

2012 summary: The Knights nearly reached the Division 3 state semifinals for the second straight year before dropping a 19-15 playoff game at Tunstall. QB Connor Baker was the Region IV offensive player of the year, passing for 2,160 yards and 22 TDs in 13 games. Seniors John Evans, Jack Woody and Jordan Bryant combined for 147 receptions. The Knights were 1-3 against Blue Ridge District teams.

Outlook: Cave Spring has a major rebuilding job as virtually all the key playmakers are gone from the 2012 team. New faces are everywhere. Only one starter returns to the offensive line, which was anchored last year by Liberty University signee Dylan Brucki. Emery steps in at QB, while Rice and Roach will share the running back spot vacated by 2012 leading rusher James Jackson. Curtis, Amos, Ball and Foutz should be two-way starters. Foutz has recovered from a case of meningitis that sidelined him midway through last season, but he has been battling some leg problems. Fulton will shift from defensive coordinator to offensive coordinator with the departure of assistant Louie Pitts to Salem. A playoff berth looks out of reach.

CHRISTIANSBURG

Coach: Tim Cromer (12th season)

Record at Christiansburg: 82-48

Last season: 8-5, 1-4 (lost in Region IV Division 4 final)

Returning offensive starters: 7

Returning defensive starters: 9

Players to watch: HB-DB Tanner Reed (6-0, 173, sr.); OT-DE Jordan Fenton (5-11, 299, sr.); HB-LB Kory Hendricks (5-9, 147, sr.), OL-LB Seth Wills (5-11, 207, sr.), QB Charlie Jackson (6-1, 161, jr.), RB-LB Logan Adkins (5-11, 192, sr.), OT-DL Andrew McFee (6-2, 326, sr.), NG-OL Logan Winters (6-4, 284, sr.), RB-LB Drew Dunn (5-10, 170, jr.), TE-DL Zach Kingrea (6-4, 206, sr.).

2012 summary: The Blue Demons recovered from a four-game losing streak in the River Ridge to win a pair of playoff games before falling to Salem in the region final. Christiansburg made changes at quarterback throughout the season for different reasons. Backs Joey Augustin and De'Quan Green-Gause, a pair of signees at Division II Charleston (W.Va.), combined for 2,120 rushing yards and 29 TDs during the regular season. The Blue Demons' playoff berth was their eighth in the last 10 years.

Outlook: Christiansburg should be strong defensively. The Blue Demons are big up front. While Augustin and Green-Gause left a big hole in the offense, Reed and Hendricks should be a formidable duo if they stay healthy. Reed was the River Ridge 100-meter dash champion last spring. His football season was curtailed by a broken collarbone in preseason. Hendricks, the son of former Pulaski County star Kirk Hendricks, also missed time with an injury. Jackson, the JV quarterback last year, appears to have won a battle with incumbent part-time starter Mack Muldoon. Pencil Christiansburg in for another playoff berth.

HIDDEN VALLEY

Coach: Scott Weaver (fifth season)

Record at Hidden Valley: 20-25

Last season: 6-5, 4-1 (lost in Region IV Division 4 semifinal)

Returning offensive starters: 4

Returning defensive starters: 7

Players to watch: MLB Massi Flici (6-2, 220, sr.), RB-CB Walker Brand (5-7, 185, sr.), FB-LB Nate Atkins (6-1, 222, jr.), RB-SS Mason Dermott (5-7, 172, jr.), DE-QB Jake Smiley (6-3, 182, soph.), DE-LB Tyriq Harris (6-3, 200, jr.), TE-DE Bryant Bredberg (6-1, 183, jr.), OT-DL Kole Bridgers (6-3, 245, fr.), WR-CB Billy Howe (5-10, 175, sr.), OT-DL Hunter Boone (6-2, 215, jr.).

2012 summary: The Titans were close to winning the River Ridge title as a 24-14 home loss at home ruined their hopes. Nevertheless, a 6-4 record was good enough to earn a No. 2 seed in the region where Hidden Valley lost to Christiansburg. The Titans started 1-3 before winning four in a row including three in the River Ridge. Senior QB Nic Ratliff passed for 1,030 yards in 11 games.

Outlook: Hidden Valley has mix of veterans and impressive young talent. However, the Titans must replace two-time Timesland defensive player of the year Jake Kite, a defensive back who signed with Duke. Flici is drawing recruiting interest from FCS schools such as William and Mary, Richmond and James Madison. Brand returns after gaining 1,039 yards and scoring 15 TDs in 11 games. Smiley was the JV quarterback last year, and he already is turning some heads. Bridgers is a rare freshman starter in the OL and it's not by default. He is already holding his own against Harris and Bredberg, two quality ends. A berth in the Group 3A playoffs West is highly likely, but a first-round home game might be a stretch.

PATRICK HENRY

Coach: Alan Fiddler (third season)

Record at Patrick Henry: 15-6

Last season: 8-3, 3-1 in Western Valley (lost in Northwest Region Division 6 first round)

Returning offensive starters: 7

Returning defensive starters: 6

Players to watch: FB-DE Nate Lee (6-2, 245, sr.), OL-DE Zach Baker (6-2, 245, sr.), OL-DL Damien Davis (6-2, 265, sr.), RB-DB Rasheed Whorley (6-0, 180, jr.), WR-DB Cortez Ogden (5-11, 175, sr.), FB-LB Jordan Bass (5-11, 225, sr.), RB-DB Trevor Mike (5-11, 195, sr.); QB-DB Anthony Merritt (6-4, 195, sr.), RB-DB Trey Terry (5-7, 170, sr.), WR-DB Marcus Terry (5-10, 165, sr.).

2012 summary: The Patriots reached the playoffs for the first time since 2000, and they led eventual region runner-up Colonial Forge early before falling 27-20 in the first round. PH lost close home games to the two best teams on its schedule - Martinsburg (W.Va.) and George Washington. Four of the five nondistrict wins came against Group AA opponents, leading to a No. 6 playoff seeding.

Outlook: Patrick Henry should be one of Timesland's top teams. Local fans already are pointing to the Sept. 6 game at Salem as the two valley schools haven't played each other since 1995. PH has to replace QB David Prince, who signed with Virginia Tech as a receiver. However, Fiddler has a senior-laden starting lineup and a huge junior class ready to make some noise. Lee and Baker give PH perhaps the top pair of defensive ends in Timesland. RB Xavier Whorley graduated after rushing for 1,234 yards. Rasheed Whorley, his younger brother, averaged 11.5 yards per carry last year and was PH's leading receiver. There is no question PH will be strong, but qualifying for the Group 6A South playoffs is not easy. Pencil the Patriots in.

PULASKI COUNTY

Coach: Todd Jones (fourth season)

Record at Pulaski County: 12-21

Last season: 6-6, 2-3 (lost in Region IV Division 4 semifinal)

Returning offensive starters: 5

Returning defensive starters: 5

Players to watch: TE-SS Dillon Alley (6-2, 173, sr.), OT-DL James Reynolds (6-4, 252, sr.), RB-LB Quincy Rollins (5-6, 165, sr.), WR-KR Tyler Ervine (5-8, 155, sr.), QB-DB Marcus Johnston (6-1, 210, sr.), OT-DL Kareem Calfee (6-4, 284, sr.), OL-LB J.D. Sutphin (6-0, 211, sr.), HB-SS Brandon Jones (5-10, 170, sr.), WR-DB Malik Eaves (5-11, 140, jr.), RB-DB Jake Tabor (5-7, 143, sr.).

2012 summary: The Cougars defeated Northside, Christiansburg and Richlands en route to a 5-5 regular-season mark that earned them a playoff berth where they avenged a loss to Magna Vista with a 32-0 win. Losses to Hidden Valley and Cave Spring were by a combined seven points. While Pulaski has just 12 wins in Jones' three seasons, they beat every River Ridge team but Cave Spring during that span.

Outlook: Pulaski County is one of three River Ridge teams in the cavernous Group 4A North Section that includes Winchester in the north, Fredericksburg in the east and Danville in the south. The Cougars would have made the new playoffs last year at 5-5, and they are a decent bet to improve on that record this year. Johnston is back for a third year as the starting QB. The Cougars passed sparingly at times, but Johnston did have three games with more than 100 yards through the air. Rollins is back after rushing for 627 yards. The 5-foot-6 scatback could be poised for a big year. Ervine brings some excitement as a kick returner. Former Patrick County head coach Mike Souma has joined the staff along with former Cougars aide Buddy Ratcliffe. The Cougars' early schedule could lead to a good start. A 6-4 record would be worth a playoff berth.

SALEM

Coach: Stephen Magenbauer (10th season)

Record at Salem: 97-16

Last season: 12-1, 5-0 (lost in Group AA Division 4 semifinal)

Returning offensive starters: 4

Returning defensive starters: 4

Players to watch: OT-DT Alex Light (6-5, 280, sr.), RB-SS Devante Payne (5-9, 170, sr.), OT-DL Thomas Mitchem (6-2, 320, sr.), TB-FS Coleman Fox (5-11, 180, jr.), TE-DE Zack Hill (6-2, 209, sr.), QB Austin Coulling (6-3, 187, jr.), FB-LB Tyler Fedison (6-0, 202, jr.), WR-CB Isaiah Parker (6-0, 175, jr.), RB-CB Chandler Hunt (5-8, 155, sr.), C-DT Zach Hoyt (6-5, 250, jr.).

2012 summary: The Spartans posted their 10th 10-0 regular season in 35 years, winning the Region IV title before a playoff loss at home to Heritage. Five of Salem's victories were by seven points or fewer including a 16-14 victory over Northside, a 14-13 win over Christiansburg and an OT win over Franklin County. All three of those games were at home, where Magenbauer teams have just two regular-season losses

Outlook: Salem has lost more than two games in a season just once during Magenbauer's tenure. Optimism is high again this year, but the Spartans have to replace QB Matt Hill, who threw for 1,766 yards and 16 TDs, along with do-everything Chad Fisher. Coulling played in seven games in a mop-up role last year as a sophomore. Payne should be one of the area's top backs. He returned in the postseason from what appeared to be a season-ending knee injury. Fox, the son of former Virginia Tech fullback Rich Fox, moves from receiver to the backfield, and he has speed. Salem's line should bulldoze, led by Light, an All-Timesland tackle. The early schedule, featuring Patrick Henry, is front-end loaded. Regardless, expect more of the same in Salem.

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