HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: 2024 Southwest District Preview Capsules (2024)

Southwest District

Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Graham

2. Tazewell

3. Virginia High

4. Lebanon

5. Marion

6. Richlands

Graham G-Men

Coach: Tony Palmer

2023 record: 12-2 (5-0)

Key returners: Yubrenal Isabelle, RB/LB, sr.; Omarri Hill, DL, sr.; Chris Edwards, WR, sr.; Jamel Floyd, RB, sr.; Ben Hendrick, OL, jr.; Dylan Nash, PK, sr.

Promising newcomers: Gage Palmer, RB, soph.; Xavier Kennard, OL, soph.; Cambel Fix, WR/DB, soph.

Key losses: Ty’Drez Clements, RB; Sean Hughes, DL; Kaden Rotenberry, OL; Daniel Jennings, DE

Outlook: With size, speed and stability in the coaching staff, Graham continues to serve as the gold standard in Region 2D.

The 2023 playoff run ended with a 22-10 loss at eventual state champ Radford in the VHSL Class 2 semifinals.

With eight returning starters on each side of the ball and nine seniors, the ingredients are in place for more trophies.

The record-setting Clements is now at Virginia Tech, but Isabelle, Hill and Edwards all earned all-state honors in 2023. Floyd has shown potential as playmaker in the past.

The 6-foot-1 Edwards will be an enticing target for emerging junior quarterback Dalton Roberts.

Isabelle is one of the top linebackers in far Southwest Virginia, while Hill (6-1, 275) is a dominant force on the defensive line. With a number switch to 35, don’t be surprised if Hill sees time in the offensive backfield.

Nash converted five field goals and over 65 extra points as a junior

Coach’s Quote: “We’re proud of what we’ve built and are still building. This could possibly be one of the better lines I’ve had since I’ve been here, and the guys are still young.”

ROSTER

1 Gabe Lilly

2 A.J. Bradshaw

3 Isaiah Pruett-Saunders

4 Brody Sharp

5 Cambel Fix

6 Blake Graham

7 Ethan Horn

8 Chris Edwards

9 Maliki Flick

10 Dalton Roberts

11 Gage Palmer

12 Dylan Nash

13 Jamel Floyd

14 Jeremiah Quick

15 Kaden Banks

16 Deion Cooper

17 Yubrenal Isabelle

20 Jordan Kegley

21 Matt Billips

22 Jonathan Ray

24 Connor Calloway-Cecil

25 Kevin Jones

29 Tristen Shupe

32 Chaun Dowell

35 Omarri Hill

42 Mike Billips

52 Troy Anderson

55 Ben Hendrick

60 Andrew Creasy

72 Trevor Williams

62 Kaeden Groseclose

64 Jermonte Hendricks

65 Jaysir Williamson

71 Austin Brewster

74 Aiden Bailey

75 Xavier Kennard

80 Bryson Walker

81 Lucas Nash

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 Bluefield (W.Va.) H

Sept. 6 Galax H

Sept. 13 George Wythe H

Sept. 20 Union A

Sept. 27 Virginia High A

Oct. 4 Marion A

Oct. 18 Lebanon A

Oct. 24 Pulaski County H

Nov. 1 Tazewell A

Nov. 8 Richlands H

Lebanon Pioneers

Coach: Hunter Norris

2023 record: 3-7 (1-4)

Key returners: Mike Reece, QB, jr.; Toby Baker, WR, jr.; Hunter Cox, OL, sr.; Gio Hernandez, OL, sr.

Promising newcomers: Layne Jessee, RB, fr.

Key losses: Andrew Calhoun, OL; Walker Dillon, RB

Outlook: Lebanon has a new boss in the 28-year Norris, but the philosophy remains the same.

The Pioneers will base their offense on the strong-armed Reece. Over the past two seasons, the 6-4 junior has thrown for over 4,700 yards with 55 scores.

Norris described Reece as a “generational talent” on media day.

The clever and quick Baker is the favorite target for Reece.

Lebanon dropped its final four games last season while allowing an average of 42 points.

The highlight was a 28-7 defeat of Richlands that ended a 15-game losing streak to the Blues. Reece passed for 132 yards and ran for 103 with three scores to engineer the win.

Lebanon can relay on 15 seniors and 20 players who saw playing time last season.

The experienced tandem of Cox (6-3, 240) and Hernandez (5-11, 260) must play key roles on the line.

Seniors Robert Stevenson and Dalton Hess have some experience in the backfield, while the 6-1, 230-pound Jessee is a prospect.

Junior Luke Garrett and senior Peyton Mabry are other receiving options for Reece.

Players to watch on defense include Cox and Hernandez on the defensive line, with Stevenson, Hess and Jessee at linebacker. Senior Eli Cook anchors the secondary.

Lebanon fans are hoping for a smoother start. The Pioneers opened the 2023 season by allowing 425 total yards in a 52-7 home loss to rival Honaker.

Coach’s Quote: “Lebanon has a good tradition for football. This year’s team has a lot of skill players and experience, so we’re looking to add to that tradition and get this program back to the level it needs to be.”

ROSTER

1 Peyton Mabry

3 Brenna Hess

4 Maddox Nuckols

5 Robert Stevenson

7 Dalton Long

8 Dalton Hess

8 Cole Morrison

10 Michael Reece

11 Toby Baker

12 Grayson Brammer

13 Elijah Cook

14 Caden Boyd

15 Francisco Hernandez

20 Ayden Cook

21 Jack Garland

23 Luke Long

24 Levi Hughes

28 Caleb Taylor

29 Hunter King

30 Ayden Domby

31 Kaimen Casey

32 Easton Taylor

41 Kolby Frye

44 Layne Jessee

52 Garrett Grag

53 Jaden Slate

54 Blaine Frye

55 Luke Monk

61 Dylan Clark

62 Jordan Keith

63 Kaiden Woodward

66 Connor Griffith

68 Isaak Olvero

70 Ethan Wright

73 Tristian Clay

74 Lucas Peck

75 Jesus Hernandez

78 Hunter Cox

79 Haiden Sears

82 Luke Garrett

84 Brock Keene

85 Rylen Brown

88 Oliver Snowden

SCHEDULE

Aug. 29 Honaker A

Sept. 6 Patrick Henry H

Sept. 13 Marion H

Sept. 20 Castlewood H

Sept. 27 Richlands A

Oct. 4 John Battle H

Oct. 11 Rural Retreat A

Oct. 18 Graham H

Oct. 25 Virginia High A

Nov. 8 Tazewell A

Marion Scarlet Hurricanes

Coach: Jack Ginn

2023 record: 5-6 (3-2)

Key returners: Jordan Miller, RB, sr.; Jalen Miller, RB, sr.; Levi Testerman, OL/DL, sr.

Promising newcomers: Colton Branson, QB, sr.

Key losses: Austin Coe, DE; Hunter Robinson, LB; Reid Osborne, QB; JB Carroll, WR

Outlook: Following years of struggle, Marion made progress in several areas last season.

The key was the installation of the run-oriented flexbone offense and emergence of Jordan Miller at running back.

Using his 5-foot-6 frame to advantage, Miller rushed for 646 yards and delivered in several clutch moments.

The payoff was a 5-6 record and the first playoff bid since 2019. The ride ended with a 28-14 loss at Gate City, but the season was a big contrast to the 1-9 mark and fifth straight losing record in 2022.

Marion’s 2024 roster includes 15 seniors on a roster of 46.

Jalen Miler, Jordan’s twin brother, provides help in the backfield with his quickness and blocking ability.

Senior receiver Brody Whitt returns at receiver, while senior Cash Pruitt will work with Testerman on the offensive line.

Senior Connor Henderson joins Testerman on the defensive front. Junior Daniel Lee has experience at linebacker and senior Sean Stuart returns in the secondary.

Just like last season, look for Marion to finish the regular season strong.

Coach’s Quote: “We’ve made strides on getting some of the underpinnings in place that are required to develop a good program. I think we have a chance to be competitive again. The kids have bought into what we’re trying to do and we’ve improved physically.”

ROSTER

1 Jalen Miller

2 Colton Branson

3 Sean Stuart

4 Jordan Miller

6 Ethan Hylton

7 Chandler Moore

8 Daniel Lee

9 Brody Whitt

10 Colby Heath

11 Terrance Armstrong

12 Tyler Pierce

13 Kendrick Smith

14 Max Goloiher

15 Colton Jesse

18 Brayden Bowman

22 Ben Garrison

23 Nathaniel Edwards

24 Aryus Meckly

25 Brycen Severt

30 Colton Ferland

32 Taelyn Parrish

34 Liam Stamper

36 Darius Robinson

40 Victor Reinoso

42 Hughie Smith

49 Preston Harrington

50 Cash Pruitt

51 Levi Testerman

52 Devon Cantu

53 Connor Henderson

54 Slate Parnell

56 Peyton Ratcliffe

57 Colden Greer

58 Spencer Shaffer

60 Dajwan Diggs

63 Anthony Pasinato

64 Konner Whitt

65 Zerrick Jarman

66 Ethan Whitt

68 Dayton Jones

70 Brent Tolbert

72 Cooper Hall

76 Charlie Umbarger

77 Ryan Mullins

82 Jenna Rose

84 Landon Testerman

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 Chilhowie H

Sept. 6 Wise County Central A

Sept. 13 Lebanon A

Sept. 20 Gate City H

Oct. 4 Graham H

Oct. 11 Abingdon H

Oct. 18 Tazewell A

Oct. 25 Grundy A

Nov. 1 Richlands A

Nov. 8 Virginia High H

Richlands Blue Tornado

Coach: Ronnie Davis

2023 record: 0-10 (0-5)

Key returners: Collin Adkins, RB, jr.; Gavin Whited, WR, sr.; Zeke Mullins, OL, sr.

Promising newcomers: Jamie Capshaw, QB, soph.; T.J. Lawson, RB, fr.; Cooper Hurst, PK, jr.

Key losses: Cole Vanover, WR; Kaden Dupree, RB

Outlook: The past four years have been dark for Richlands fans, but the popular Davis is eager to spread some sunlight.

The roster has grown to 58, with 10 seniors in the mix. There is also a new layer of colorful AstroTurf at Ernie Hicks Stadium.

According to Davis at media day, every starting position is up for grabs. But athletes like Adkins and Whited are proven talents.

Now for the bad news.

The Blue Tornado endured an 0-10 record in 2023, with many of the games decided by halftime.

While Richlands was overpowered by the power of Grundy in a recent VHSL Benefit game, Capshaw was impressive at times in the spread offense.

The left-hander figures to make steady strides under the guidance of creative new offensive coordinator Bubba Edwards.

Adkins can generate big plays in a variety of spots, including receiver. Whited and junior Riley Perkins are also targets for Capshaw.

Mullins (6-5, 230) will be joined on the offensive line by veterans Ryan Perkins (6-2, 250) and 5-11, 230-pound senior center Parker Spencer.

Adkins anchors the defense at linebacker. Junior Hunter Ratliff (5-10, 200) is a name to watch at inside linebacker.

Richlands has lost 12 straight games, just one away from the school record.

ROSTER

1 Landon Absher

2 Andrew Boyd

3 Gage Lewis

4 Gavin Whited

5 Drayton Smith

6 Bradley Fuller

7 Jamie Capshaw

8 Ethan Cordle

9 Treyton Kiser

11 Riley Perkins

12 Brock Hollenback

13 Braydon Jones

14 Jamie Stump

15 Keegan McGee

16 Briley Bevins

17 Collin Adkins

20 Bryan Hay

21 Wyatt Spencer

23 Xavier Lester

24 Logan Hubbard

25 Chandler Wimmer

27 Cooper Hurst

30 Lelin Dye

31 Connor Hess

33 Parker Hamilton

34 T.J. Lawson

35 Jayden Trusty

37 Logan Hurt

40 Brayden Davis

42 Hunter Ratliff

44 Matthew Edwards

45 Cameron Alley

50 Ean Horn

51 Christian Green

52 Nate Clifford

54 Ethan Smith

55 Zach Elkins

56 Parker Spencer

58 Kaden Matney

59 Mitchell Foland

60 Hunter Blankenship

61 Trevor Dupree

63 T.J. Stiltner

64 Caleb Mounts

65 Issac Shortt

66 Nathaniel Gross

67 Ryan Perkins

70 Ryder Perkins

71 Carter Shreve

72 Kalen Shreve

75 Lucas Lane

74 Caden Stapleton

78 Hunter Davis

79 Zeke Mullins

80 P.J. Taylor

81 Bryson Bilodeau

85 Landon Brakefield

87 Noah Newberry

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 Gate City A

Sept. 6 Union H

Sept. 13 Tazewell H

Sept. 20 Abingdon A

Sept. 27 Lebanon H

Oct. 4 Ridgeview A

Oct. 18 Virginia High A

Oct. 25 Galax H

Nov. 1 Marion H

Nov. 8 Graham A

Tazewell Bulldogs

Coach: J’Me Harris

2023 record: 8-4 (4-1)

Key returners: Carter Creasy, QB, sr.; Logan McDonald, WR, sr.; Reece Mullins, TE/LB, sr.; Jashon Taylor, DL, jr.; Caleb Bowman, OL, sr.

Promising newcomers: Jahkiem Beavers, DL, fr.; Chase McDonald, WR, fr.; Dejaun Viney, WR, soph.

Key losses: Kaizon Taylor, LB; Brock Alley, LB; Jaime Rizo, OL

Outlook: The Bulldogs have made steady progress under Harris.

Consider last season.

With Creasy firing away at quarterback, the Bulldogs earned their fifth straight playoff bid and first playoff victory since 2008.

There is potential for another breakthrough in 2024.

Tazewell’s 42-man roster features 12 seniors and 17 returning starters.

The fun starts with Creasy.

In another chapter of his record-setting prep run, the cerebral Creasy passed for 3,373 yards and 37 scores last season in his third year as a starter.

McDonald is a proven target. The 6-3, 205-pound senior caught 60 passes last season for 1,176 yards and set a single-season school record with 14 touchdowns.

The receiving cast is deep, with Mullins serving as a reliable option at tight end.

Bowman is the lone senior starter on the offensive line, while Taylor (6-2, 305) is an emerging star on both sides of the line.

Junior Isaac Muncy and Gunnar Stiltner must play key roles in at linebacker.

Tazewell allowed 285 yards rushing and six sacks in a 27-6 loss at Union in the second round of last season’s Region 2D playoffs.

More help at running back would also help. The Bulldogs were held to negative 10 yards rushing in that Union loss.

Coach’s Quote: “We’ve made progress each year. Step one is learning to compete. Step two is learning compete at a high level.”

ROSTER

0 Gunnar Stiltner

1 Reece Mullins

2 Chase McDonald

3 Dejaun Viney

4 Kaleb Price

5 Keenon McGuire

6 Isaac Muncy

7 Walker Patterson

8 Logan McDonald

9 Carter Creasy

10 Cole Price

13 Mit Patel

14 Jason Vadola

15 Blake Reedy

16 Kaden Perry

17 Sean Dillion

18 Isaac Quisinberry

19 Hunter Snapp

21 Austin Graham

22 Finn Moss

23 Braxton Sparks

24 Caden Williamson

25 Javon Jordan

27 Robbie Galloway

28 Tayvion Tucker

31 Branson Nguyen

33 Jayson Hanco*ck

34 Justin Thomas

35 Wes Dudley

50 Harley Asbury

51 Chace Reedy

52 Jashon Taylor

53 Malakhi Sessoms

54 Jahkiem Beavers

55 Jessie McGraw

56 McKinley Stilwell

57 Caleb Bowman

60 Andrew Bogle

62 Trevor Cordle

63 Ethan Beavers

72 Zane Settle

77 Gabe Beavers

82 Brandon Hamilton

SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Riverheads A

Sept. 13 Richlands A

Sept. 20 Fort Chiswell H

Sept. 27 Princeton (W.Va.) A

Oct. 4 Grundy A

Oct. 11 Virginia High H

Oct. 18 Marion H

Oct. 25 Giles A

Nov. 1 Graham H

Nov. 8 Lebanon H

Virginia High Bearcats

Coach: Derrick Patterson

2023 record: 4-7 (2-3)

Key returners: Alijah Burks, RB, sr.; Deion Graham, QB, soph.; Logan Slagle, WR, sr.; Keshawn Smith, WR, sr.; Carter McReynolds, OL, sr.

Promising newcomers: Owen Dean, PK, jr.; Davy Woolen, LB, soph.; Jarae Bryant, LB, soph.

Key losses: Lewis Stuart, TE/DE; Cody Griffith, OL; Chandler Lowe, OL/DL

Outlook: Virginia High has earned three straight playoff berths and two winning records over the past three years with a mix of athletic playmakers and gritty linemen.

Look for the same formula this season.

Along with the passing combination of Graham, Slagle and Smith, the Bearcats can rely on a proven power back in Burks and a veteran line corp.

Overall, the 36-man roster features 12 returning starters and six seniors.

McReynolds fronts the offensive line with fellow seniors Conner Watts and Jaden King, while big junior Braylon Lester is also in the mix.

The 225-pound Burks is a four-year starter who rushed for 101 yards and three touchdowns in the 28-24 victory at Richlands.

Slagle earned first-team All-Region 2D honors in his breakout 2023 season.

The veterans on defense include sophom*ores Kayden Laws and Bryant at outside linebacker. The trio of Burks, senior Trystin Denny and Woolen operate at inside linebacker.

Smith, Roe and Slagle have starting experience in the secondary.

Dean has returned to the program after converting two field goals and scoring 28 points two years ago.

After starting last season with a 1-5 record, the Bearcats crafted a three-game win streak behind the dynamic play of Graham and the strength of Burks.

With Smith sidelined due to injury, VHS closed the regular season with a 22-20 loss to Marion. The Bearcats then managed just one first down in a 34-6 playoff setback at Union.

The continued development of Graham is the key here.

Coach’s Quote: “This is one of the more balanced teams I’ve had in terms of having a good mix of skill players and linemen. Our schedule is tough again, so staying healthy is a must.”

ROSTER

1 Jacob Roe

2 Kayden Laws

3 Keshawn Smith

4 Owen Dean

5 Davy Woolen

6 Nixon Nowiski

7 Chance Wellington

8 Logan Slagle

9 Trystin Denny

10 Grayson Dingus

11 Bryson Poole

12 Deion Graham

13 Isaiah Jones

14 Jeremy Quinto

15 Leelyn McDavid

18 Bryson Lester

20 Joel Edwards

22 Kawani Elder

23 Noah Ellison

24 Alijah Burks

28 Jarae Bryant

30 Eli Osborne

52 Carter McReynolds

53 Peyton Sturgill

54 Aaron Joyce

56 Jacob Burks

57 Conner Watts

59 Chris King

60 Isaiah Johnson

66 Jeremiah Diggs

69 Clayton Tedder

70 Braylon Lester

71 Jaden King

72 Ethan Tedder

74 Anthony Galbreth

75 Conner Knight

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 Patrick Henry A

Sept. 6 John Battle H

Sept. 13 Radford A

Sept. 20 Ridgeview A

Sept. 27 Graham H

Oct. 11 Tazewell A

Oct. 18 Richlands H

Oct. 25 Lebanon H

Nov. 1 John Marshall H

Nov. 8 Marion A