Max Meadows… The Pioneers of Fort Chiswell, looking in get into the win column, will play host to the Graham G-Men this Friday. In their last few years, Fort Chiswell has had trouble beating the G-men even when their record was very good.

Injuries and bad breaks have hampered this year’s Pioneer football team. It doesn’t get any easier this Friday as they play Graham who’s been a thorn in their side in the past.

Graham will enter the game with a 3-5 record. They are under the direction of first year head coach Tony Palmer. They will feature over a 1,000-yard rusher junior Jamorya Cousin. He isn’t their only weapon though. Senior quarterback Roman Workman likes to run and throw the ball. Israel Harris, a junior, also is a very athletic running back and wide receiver. Taymon Cooke is another very athletic player for the G-men. The offensive line is senior laden with Canaan Looney, Jarod Brown, Tanner Miller and Adrian Gray.

The G-men are averaging 35 points a game, while giving up 32 a game. They have wins over Tazewell, Grayson Co. and beat Bland Co. last Friday 62-14. Their losses are to some very good football teams. The Bluefield Beavers beat them 28-21, Richlands drubbed them 49-7, Giles defeated them 42-14 and Galax behind running back Charles Harris’ over 400 yards of rushing beat them 41-33.

The Pioneers come into the game 0-8 and are averaging just 10 points a game, while giving up 43 a game. Their starting quarterback Warren Moore is scheduled to return Friday as is his back-up Tanner Bailey. Their offensive line has and still is a question mark. They have had more injuries than any team on their offensive line. Coming into the season, head coach Todd Tiller said, “We are thin on the offensive line,” and no truer words were spoken.

Coach Tiller said, “Graham has some very good athletes and are well coached. They like to run mainly, but their quarterback can throw the ball as well. The Cousin (Jamorya) kid is very good. Their main receiver Cooke (Taymon) and the other back Harris (Israel) both are fast, quick and athletic. “Coach Tiller then added, “Defensively they will show a couple of fronts. They like a 44 and 53 scheme. Will send linebackers from different areas. The secondary likes to match up. They will be a hand full for us.”

Fort Chiswell will be missing somewhere around six, seven player’s because of injuries. That’s the way it’s been all season. Sometimes it’s been as high as 12 kids out.

Kickoff is slated for 7 pm Friday at Fort Chiswell High School.