Background image courtesy of: Elizabeth Bennett Photography
The Tazewell Bulldogs will host the Virginia High Bearcats on Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium, officially kicking off the high school football season in southwest Virginia.
In last year’s season opener, the Bulldog’s youthfulness was on full display. The Bearcats scored on their opening possession and never looked back, coming away with a 35-0 win.
Head Coach Michael Crist’s Virginia High team comes into the 2018 season after going 7-4 in 2017. The Bearcats lost their first round playoff game against Southwest District foe Marion. They have high hopes for a successful season after getting a taste of the playoffs last year. Among those returning is second year starting QB Jamie Lathrop and last year’s leading rusher and tackler RB/LB Aaron Rose.
Head Coach J’me Harris Bulldog team only lost three seniors last year but they remain one of the youngest teams in the area. They now have 37 young men on the roster after having sometimes as few as 22 dressed players available a year ago. Despite the low number and inexperience, the Dogs went 3-7 in 2017. The Dogs were victorious over Riverview (WV), Hurley, and Lebanon. This Tazewell squad is led by six seniors and a trio of sophomores; RB/DB Chancellor Harris, RB Jayden Taylor and WR/DB Josiah Jordan.
Can this experienced Virginia High team take that next step and compete for the district championship and make a deep playoff run?
Will the youthful and athletic Tazewell Bulldogs make some noise in the SWD and surprise many of their doubters?
That’s what you have to love about high school football. Both teams will take the first step in answering those questions on Thursday night at a packed out Bulldog Stadium.
However, there is one thing for certain.
High school football is back in SWVA!
Leave a vote on how you think Thursday’s showdown ends up..
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*Additional information provided by Doug Rose.
I’m a 2003 graduate of Tazewell High School and love the town I grew up in. After graduation I continued my education at Radford University getting my Bachelor’s degree in Management and a Master’s in Business Administration.
Personally my life revolves around my family and main profession. I have an amazing wife and two beautiful, sweet little girls. Throughout the week you can find me at Ramey Automotive in Richlands where I’m the General Manager. I’m blessed to be a part of a family business that is eager to support multiple things and especially high school football.
My grandmother lives in Bastian, Va and she has a sign that hangs in her carport that says “If you’re lucky enough to live in the mountains, you’re lucky enough”. Man is that sign true. I’ve lived here all my life and there’s a few things constant; high school football being one of them. In 2017 I was fortunate to get to provide the color commentary for Tazewell Football on Kicks Country and G98 radio. I’ll continue to do so this year as well. Follow me as I share past stories and cover your Tazewell High School Football team throughout the season.
