Fort Chiswell (7-3) and coming off a 56-25 victory over Bland last Friday will host the Panthers of Twin Valley in the opening round of the Group 1A West playoffs this Friday. The Panthers from Pilgrims Knob are (6-4) and are coached by first year man ,Brian Moore. This is their third consecutive playoff appearance. They will come into the game averaging 33 points and giving up around 25 per game. They were defeated last Friday by Hurley 66-24.

Pioneer head coach Todd Tiller said, ” Twin Valley runs the pistol wing- T and on defense they show both a 50 and 40 look. They are a mainly running ball club with Austin Shortridge as their featured back and is a four year starter.. He runs real hard and is a load to bring down.” Coach then added,” On defense Cody Dale is their man guy. They like to line him up at defensive end and then at linebacker. Their secondary is primarily zone coverage.”

Fort Chiswell has had a remarkable turn around from last year. Winless to a seven win year and a fourth seed in the playoffs. They are scoring 28 a game and giving up a 27 per game. Seven of the 10 teams they have faced made the playoffs. Their three losses are to Graham ,George Wythe and Parry McCluer. Those three teams have a combined record of 27-3 !

Offensively the Pioneers will go with Logan Smith, Grant Milgrim, Alex Brooks, Patrick Crawford and Jacob Coake on the line. Warren Moore at quarterback, with Andrew Stoots at “H” back, with Sean Morgan and Tyler Jakubiak splitting the running back position. Colby Rider will be tight end, Tanner Bailey and Hunter Parrott the wide receivers.

On defense Fort Chiswell will have Devin Newman, Brooks and Crawford on the line. Rider, Milgrim and Billy Shrewsberry the inside linebackers. The outside backers will be Tanner Bailey and Parrott. Cornerbacks are Anthony Morris and T J James. The safety is Logan Newman.

The Pioneers are looking to take care of business and also as they have said all season , Redemption, Respect and Believe.

Kick off is scheduled for 7pm at C.F. McKinney Stadium at Fort Chiswell High School.