Max Meadows… The Pioneers coming off a 35-0 defeat, which was the second time in four games they’ve been shut out, will take the Knights Friday night.

James River (3-2) has won three in a row after starting the season 0-2. They defeated Radford this past Friday 34-22. They have wins over Floyd Co. and well as Chatham. Their two losses were to Lord Botetourt 24-14 and defending state champions, Glenvar, 20-9.

Fort Chiswell head coach Todd Tiller said, ” James River looks to be athletic and quick. They are under a new coach (Shawn Phillips) and play differently than they do last year. They play out of the pistol formation. Will use double wing and jet sweep. They also will throw the football. ” Coach then added,” Harman (Luke) and Schulz (Jack) both are interchangeable at quarterback and running back. The Wright kid (Sean) is a hard runner that picks up tough yards. They will use three or four different receivers to throw to. ”

Defensively the Knights only gave up one score to Radford in the second half last week. Coach Tiller remarked,” They will play a 50 scheme. Send linebackers at different times at different positions. They are diverse on defense as well as offensively.

The Pioneers (0-4) are averaging just 11.5 points a game, while they are giving up 43.8 points a game. Their big downfall has been they haven’t had the same offensive line to start a game. They have had very little ground game and have had to depend on throwing the football. Last Friday at Parry McCluer the Pioneers got four, five players back from injury. They may get two more back this Friday. That still leaves three or four on the injury list. Offense is putting pressure on their defense by not being able to control the ball and with the injuries, it’s the ingredients for no victories after four games. Last year the Pioneers beat the Knights 24-21 in Buchanan. Start of the game is slated for 7 pm at Fort Chiswell High School.