Max Meadows…Coming off a huge upset of the defending state champions Galax and stopping their 15 game winning streak, the Pioneers need to get back to work to get ready for the visiting Narrows Green Wave.

Narrows will come into the game with a 5-1 record and coming off a win over Bland Co. 47-20. Narrows is averaging over 41 points per game, while giving up under 14 a game. Their lone loss was to arch rival Giles 28-14. They have beaten not only Bland Co; they have wins over Auburn, Eastern Montgomery, Montcalm, WV and Craig Co.

Kelly Lowe is their head coach and is in his 14th season. His overall record is 55-87. Last year they finished 5-6 and made the playoffs, losing to Galax 48-18. It was the first time since 2009 they had made the playoffs. They return five offensive starters and six defensive starters.

Offensively senior quarterback Cole Blaker leads them. Blake is 6-5, 205 pounds and can beat you with his arm and legs. Austin Evans, a 6-1, 200-pound senior, leads the running backs, and Landon is a big target at his wide receiver position. Neal is a 165-pound senior. Two other skilled players to watch are running back Mikey McKinney and tight end Matthew Mullins. Their offensive line is big in Jake Martin a junior who is 6-3 and 275 pounds. Tyler Riddle is 225-pound lineman as is Derrick Stinson a 280-pound junior.

On defense Blaker who is their safety also leads the Green Wave. Neal also is a starter in the secondary. The linebacker positions are Evans, McKinney and TJ Yopp. The anchor on the line is Martin. He gets help from Cam Honaker, Mullins and Riddle.

Fort Chiswell head coach Todd Tiller said, ”Narrows is a very sound football team. Blaker can beat you in two ways. He is big and is an excellent runner. He has a strong-arm thrower. The Evans (Austin) kid is a fine looking back and so is McKinney. It seems on film that Neal is the main target for Blaker by way of the pass.” Coach then said, ”Narrows will use a pro-style attack. Likes to run out of an I-formation as well. On defense they will show a 50 scheme. They stay with their basic defense with two safeties. The linebackers like to read and then react. They are well coached and we have to get to work to be ready.”

It is the Fort Chiswell Pioneers homecoming, and they are in seventh this week in the VHSL power point ratings.

Last year the two teams met at Narrows with the Green Wave coming away with a 53-20 blowout. The game was close for three quarters but the Pioneers suffered some injuries. In that game the Fort Chiswell team used not one, or two, or three and not four but five quarterbacks. All five of them completed at least one pass. They had eight players out with injuries before the game even started.

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