Sports Dogs Podcast: High School Football Week 1 recap, Week 2 preview

In this episode, The Sports Dogs are barking a day early due to the shortened week for many schools.

Check out the episode HERE featuring:

  • Week 1 recaps including:
    • Strasburg vs Skyline in the first Game of the Week
    • Big wins by Sherando, James Wood, and Handley
    • A heartbreaker for the Pioneers
  • Week 2 previews of:
    • Game of the Week-Millbrook vs Heritage
    • Rematches of Broadway vs Strasburg and Loudoun County vs Sherando
    • Handley’s new game change and more..
  • The first Player of the Week nominees including Millbrook’s Carter Kinley and James Wood’s Jackson Ledford
  • an updated Power Five rankings
  • and more…

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

The Duke’s State Championship Preview: Clarke County vs Union

3/13/26 Richmond, VA- Clarke County High School returns to the VHSL Class 2 Girls Basketball State Championship game to take on Union High School in the first game of our coverage from VCU starting at 12:10 pm, 12:30 tip-off on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, TheRiver953.com, and The River 95.3 app brought to you by the Hike Kidz Foundation c/o Brickhouse Bar and Grill.

Clarke County has dominated their way to the State Championship game from the regular season all the way to the Siegel Center.

The Eagles only losses came to State Semifinal opponent Strasburg and a team still in play for the Maryland state title.

In the first year under Coach Shadd McCaw, Clarke County has had a clear goal of reaching Richmond and he has already referred to the game as a “business trip.”

Once the playoffs began after the late regular season loss to Strasburg, the Eagles found another gear and have won each postseason game by at least 11 points.

Alainah McKavish reclaimed District and Region Player of the Year and still upped her play for the title run.

She has increased her points, blocks, and assists per game since the end of the regular season and now stands at 22 ppg, 2.4 blks, and 3.2 ast.

Paige Stemberger’s return from injury added another senior leader to a youthful team (four sophomores) and her defensive ability raises the ceiling for a Clarke County team that could likely compete for a championship at any of the Classifications in the VHSL.

Team defense will be key for the Eagles to slow down Union’s star Katelynn Witt.

Witt is the greatest scorer in Union history after eclipsing 1,300+ points and has averaged 30+ through the playoff run.

She is coming off a 38 point Semifinal win over Ridgeview but the Bears did not have any other players in double-figures.

Clarke County has already succeeded in limiting stars throughout the Valley like Emily Gorrell and JMU-bound Reagen Edsall, but Witt may be the most pure scorer they have faced so far.

I look for the Eagles to throw a lot of fresh defenders at Witt to try to wear her down and force off balance shots.

Overall, Clarke County has a more well-rounded roster and players who can step up even if their player of the year has an off night…

Spoiler Alert: She won’t.

The Eagles finally get to celebrate with the trophy they have really wanted all year long, Clarke County 76- Union 56.

For more pregame coverage of the Class 2 girls state championship, CLICK HERE for color commentator Josh Kirby’s interviews with both coaches and Alainah McKavish.

For previews of all our local state championship teams from the latest Sports Dogs Podcast, CLICK HERE.

The Duke’s Preview: Clarke County @ Strasburg

Clarke County travels to Strasburg in tonight’s Dave’s Diversified Services Game of the Week on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, theriver953.com, and The River 95.3 app with coverage starting at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm kick-off.

Clarke County finally found their way into the win column on Homecoming with a classic performance by a squad coached by Casey Childs.

In the 34-8 victory, the Eagles did not punt or pass the entire game as Grady Ferrell led the way with 197 yards and 2 TDs.

The young Eagles had a long journey to the first win of 2025 and will look to carry that momentum into Strasburg to take on an experienced Rams squad.

After a one score loss to 7-1 Broadway, Strasburg has averaged 40.8 points per game and allowed just 8.8 points per game with a shutout.

The Rams are using the same combo that brought them to Salem last season: winning at the line of scrimmage, a strong running game, and swarming defense.

Leading the backfield is Quincy Williams, who is coming off nearly 200 total yards and 3 TDs against Luray last week.

Williams was one of the few offensive standouts in last year’s bash between unbeatens.

The game was ultimately decided by a Rams missed PAT, but Coach Lamb and Co. would rally from that loss for six straight wins and a trip to the State Championship game while Clarke County continued an undefeated regular season before falling in the first round of the playoffs.

Strasburg will look for revenge against their Bull Run rival after falling to the Eagles in Feltner Stadium and looking up to a Clarke County student section full of “I hate Strasburg” shirts.

Maybe the memory of that loss will prompt the Strasburg seniors to ask Coach Lamb for one more drive when up big in the second half.

This game appears to be all Rams on paper and I am predicting another big Strasburg win, 49-12.

For a preview of all the Week 9 matchups, a Week 8 recap, Power 5 rankings, and more, click here. 

The Duke’s Preview: Central @ Clarke County

Central heads to Berryville to take on Clarke County in the Dave’s Diversified Services Game of the Week tonight on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, TheRiver953.com, and The River 95.3 app with coverage starting at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm kick-off.

Both teams are struggling this season much more than years past.

Some seniors on these squads have experienced an undefeated regular season for Clarke County and a State Championship run for Central, but that seems long ago at this point.

Central is sliding backwards and finds themselves in their first 3 game losing streak since the COVID shortened season, but the Falcons remain in the playoffs based on the Region 2B rankings and have everything they wanted to accomplish this season still in front of them.

Central’s offense boasts explosive play potential led by quarterback Noah Moss (51/85 908 yds 9TD 3INT) and receivers Vincent Charity and Sean Stead.

Both Charity and Stead average over 21 yards per catch and have combined for 7 of Moss’s 9 TDs.

While most teams in the Valley rush by committee, Chris Brown leads the region with 109 carries, just one of two backs in the area with over 100 carries.

The bell-cow is efficient averaging 5.5 yards per carry and adding 7 TDs.

Brown also leads the defense in tackles (43) from his linebacker position.

Central’s defensive line led by Tavion Dodson, Matthew Folk, and Carter Steed add 3 sacks a piece.

The Central defense is looking forward to a struggling Clarke County offense after allowing 42 points in the loss to Skyline last week.

Clarke’s offense has yet to find its way for this young and inexperienced roster.

Last week, the offense was kept in the negatives for total yardage thanks to some bad snaps and has only scored two offensive touchdowns all season.

Ball control through stringing together first downs and avoiding penalties will be the key for the Eagles to keep this one close.

Sophomore running back Grady Ferrell runs hard and averages 4.1 yards per carry with many of those coming after early contact.

Ferrell is the other area back joining Brown with over 100 carries.

The Clarke County defense is anchored by one of two seniors on the roster, Joseph Stem, and he has led by example with 26 tackles and special teams touchdown on a fumble recovery.

The defense will need to play fundamentally sound football to keep Central’s playmakers in front of them and watch for the underneath plays to Stead that often lead to big gains.

I look for Clarke County to continue to take steps forward but Central’s offense should be able to put up enough points regardless to keep this game out of reach, Central wins 34-6.

For a look at all of the upcoming games, a look back at last week, and more, check out the latest Sports Dogs Podcast here.

Local basketball teams conclude playoff runs

The remaining local high school basketball teams wrapped up their seasons over the weekend in the State Semifinals after incredible playoff runs.

The Clarke County girls and Luray boys fell to John Marshall High School in the Richmond area.

Handley came up just short in front of a sold-out crowd in Winchester against Varina.

All three teams earned Regional Championships to make their way to the State playoffs.

Some other accomplishments for these teams includes the 21-0 best start in school history for the Judges, Clarke County retaking the top spot in the Bull Run winning the regular season and tournament championships in addition to the Region, and the Lurays boys program rebounding from six wins just two years ago to back-to-back state playoff and Regional Championships.

Join Randy and Ryan for the Sports Dogs Podcast on Thursday to recap these incredible runs.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

The Duke’s Preview: Clarke County vs Prince Edward

The VHSL State Playoffs begin with tonight’s Van Metre Homes Game of the Week as Clarke County hosts Prince Edward County in girls basketball with coverage starting at 5:45 pm for the 6 pm tip-off on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, theriver953.com, and The River 95.3 app.

Clarke County has coasted through the District and Regional Tournaments with an average margin of victory of 38.2 ppg and claimed both tournament trophies.

Clarke County now turns their attention to the State Tournament where they look to put together the same run like they did just two years ago to hoist the third and most significant trophy a team can aspire to attain.

Alainah McKavish and Devin Simmons-McDonald were members of the 2023 Championship Team and know what it takes to get back to the promised land.

McKavish upped her game each season since the Freshman campaign and recently earned the Region 2B Player of the Year while Simmons-McDonald provided great post presence on her way to a 2nd Team All-District selection.

Alainah’s sister Paige and Paul VI transfer Paige Stemberger also earned All-Region nods and when the starters faulter or get in foul trouble like in the Regional Championship Game, underclassmen like Anna Taylor, Haley Foltz, Kendall Harman, and Savannah McCaw have stepped-up.

Clarke County’s depth and post season experience will pose problems for a Prince Edward team that will enter the State Quarterfinal after their first loss of the season to John Marshall in the Regional Championship Game.

Prince Edward coasted to an undefeated record through the regular season and early rounds of Regionals before falling to last year’s State Runner-Up.

While Prince Edward dominated regular season play, they did not see many competitive teams throughout their schedule with only two opponents finishing the season over .500.

Clarke County on the other hand faced a competitive Bull Run District schedule and only district loss came to the Co-Regular Season Champions, Strasburg, while the other losses came against opponents from higher classifications.

This battle tested schedule has allowed Clarke County to transition well to the heightened stakes of the playoffs and some of their most significant contributors are already familiar with the State stage.

Clarke County will also have a distinct height advantage over Prince Edward as all five starters are over 5’8″ while Prince Edward does not have a player on the roster over 5’7″.

The experience and length of Clarke County will help the Eagles of Berryville maintain control of the tempo of tonight’s ball game and dominate the boards while the Eagles of Farmville may leave the 3+ hour bus ride to be shell-shocked by a better team like they were against John Marshall.

Clarke County advances to the State Semifinals, 65-42, and will likely see the Justices then.

The Duke’s Hoops Preview: Clarke Co vs Page Co

The Region 2B Quarterfinals begin tonight with the Van Metre Homes Game of the Week featuring #1 seed Clarke County and #8 seed Page County with pregame coverage starting at 5:45 pm for the 6 pm tip on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, theriver953.com, and The River 95.3 app.

Clarke County soars into the Regional Playoffs after winning their last 11 games on the way to a regular season and playoff Bull Run District Championship.

Alainah and Paige McKavish led the way this season with both earning 1st Team All District.

Alainah claimed District Player of the Year shortly after recording 29 points and 11 rebounds in the District Championship game last week.

The duo regularly creates offense from their aggressive defense and four of Clarke County’s five starters average over 2 steals a game.

Clarke County’s full-court and half-court zone defense caused problems in the Bull Run District playoffs allowing the Eagles to open up massive leads including a 27-5 1st quarter against Central and a 19-2 lead through the first 6:49 against Rappahannock County.

Page County has struggled against these Eagles twice this season with two losses by a combined 94 points.

The first meeting saw Clarke County win 83-23 which was their largest scoring output and margin of victory on the season at that point.

While the Panthers will enter the game well rested after being off for the last 10 days and preparing for the likely opponent of Clarke County, that much time off could lead to a slow start which would be insurmountable against a team like the #1 seed Eagles.

The winners of this matchup will face the winners of tonight’s  #4 Central vs #5 Buckingham County on Thursday in the Semifinals and the Region 2B Championship game will be held at Shenandoah University on Saturday.

I predict Clarke County to run out to another early postseason lead and keep their hopes of a State Championship alive, Eagles 65- Panthers 38.

The Duke’s Hoops Preview: Clarke County vs Central

The Central Falcons head to Clarke County to take on the Eagles in tonight’s High School Basketball Game of the Week on Fox Sports Radio 1450, theriver953.com, and The River 95.3 app with coverage starting around 7:15 pm.

Central has taken the region by storm and enters the evening with a perfect 5-0 record.

Coach Jeff Whittle’s squad has tremendous depth this year and an experienced roster of all seniors, juniors, and one sophomore which has helped them jump out to a hot start.

With the exception of the close win over Stuarts Draft, Central has jumped on their opponents in the second half this season to create insurmountable leads.

In their opening win over the Riverheads, Central dominated the 4th quarter 21-2 and mimicked that performance last game against the Gladiators with a 27 point 3rd period.

Central also tallied two impressive wins over Class 4 opponents James Wood and Sherando in the same fashion.

Against the Colonels, Central dominated the 4th quarter 20-7 while the Warriors were outscored 39-22 in the second half.

While the Falcons utilize a variety of players in their deep roster, leading the way for Central this season is 6’4″ senior Luke Williams, three point shooter Haiden Click, and sophomore sensation Dereck Batiz-Lugo.

Clarke County entered this year off an incredible 2023-2024 season which saw the Eagles advance to the State Quarterfinals before falling to eventual State Champions John Marshall, but this years team will look much different.

2nd year Coach Kent Auslander lost five of the top six performers from last season and will be without Tanner Sipe to start the season after a football injury, but there are some promising young players like sophomores Colton Johnson and Isaac Nei.

Returning contributor Lincoln Booker bring back the most varsity experience and averages 9 points this season.

Clarke County’s biggest issue so far this season is turnovers and the Eagles really struggled to get the ball up the floor in their last game against Skyline.

Central’s experienced roster will be able to take advantage of Clarke County’s turnover troubles and a big second half will put the Eagles away.

Central stays undefeated and advances to 6-0, 65-48.

The Duke’s Preview: Strasburg vs Clarke County ft. Coach Tripp Lamb

The High School Football Game of the Week features two unbeatens as Strasburg (7-0) travels to Clarke County (7-0) with coverage starting at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm kick off on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, theriver953.com, and The River 95.3 app.

While both team’s are fueled by a strong rushing attack and tough defense, they do so in different ways.

Schematically, Clarke County’s single wing creates an unbalanced look out by beefing up the strong side of the offensive line with an additional blocker and then letting the senior-filled backfield of QB Tanner Sipe, RB Wyatt Palmer, and WB Wilson Taylor make plays utilizing misdirection and speed off-tackle.

Palmer leads the area in rushing yards with 959 on a staggering 9.2 yards per carry to go with 13 touchdowns.

Sipe and Taylor have also combined for another 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Strasburg’s T-formation provides a more traditional look with the quarterback under center and a balanced line, but the confusion starts after the snap with misdirection and perfectly executed ball-fakes by Braden Hough before he hands it off to any of the three talented backs behind him.

Senior Takhi Coates leads the team with 643 rushing yards and 10.9 yards per carry in his return to Strasburg after spending last year at a different school.

The backfield’s newest edition is sophomore Quincy Williams, and he brings explosive play potential averaging 14.1 yards per carry while leading the Rams with nine rushing touchdowns.

In last year’s matchup vs Clarke County, RB Lucas Martinez dominated with three rushing touchdowns while Hough added two more on the ground.

Clarke County’s senior linebacker and the area’s leading tackler (87) Carson Chinn had a front-row seat to that onslaught and will be flying from sideline-to-sideline Friday night looking to avoid a repeat performance.

Strasburg’s defense has retooled from last year with Nate Turner (62 tackles) and Jacob Britton (37 tackles, 3 sacks) now leading the charge.

While recent history has favored the Rams who have won the last two meetings, the all-time series remains about as tight as it can be with Clarke County leading 31-30-2.

While brainstorming my prediction for this game, I  initially leaned towards Clarke County due to some of the individual talent on the roster and the experience of Casey Childs against first year coach Tripp Lamb.

But as I looked more into these specific team’s and how they matchup, the Rams may have an edge when their offense is on the field.

Strasburg ran away with last year’s matchup after Clarke County struggled to figure out the T-formation and the Rams scored on each drive of the game until zeros hit the scoreboard.

While a few team’s in the region run variations of Clarke’s single-wing, Strasburg’s T-formation can be very difficult to gameplan against because it is difficult for the scout team to learn in just a week’s preparation.

Clarke County is also coming off two games in one week including a physical battle with Central.

Due to that, Strasburg may be able to wear down Clarke County if they can string together some long drives.

I predict Strasburg comes away with a tight win by going for 2 late in the 4th quarter in an instant classic, Rams 29- Eagles 28.

To hear my interview with Strasburg Head Coach Tripp Lamb, click here.

For a breakdown of all of the week’s high school football games, a look back at last week, and much more, listen to the latest Sports Dogs Podcast here.

The Duke’s Preview: Central vs Clarke County ft Coach Casey Childs

Clarke County (5-0) visits Central (1-4) for a Monday night edition of the High School Football Game of the Week on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, theriver953.com and The River 95.3 app with coverage starting at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm kick-off.

Clarke County enters the contest flying high with an undefeated start through non-district play including some tight contests against perennial playoff contenders and a few blowouts in typical Eagles fashion, tough defense and a strong running game.

Wyatt Palmer has taken over the role as the lead back totaling 667 yards this season for 9 touchdowns while averaging 9.4 yards per carry and is coming off his best game yet.

Palmer dominated Catoctin with 213 yards on the ground and two bookend touchdowns to secure the 21-13 victory.

Eagles linebacker Carson Chinn regularly stacks up defensive stats as one of the areas leading tacklers (63 total) and added Homecoming King to his accolades off the field during last week’s win.

Chinn, Palmer, and the rest of the Eagles will need to bring their A game to Woodstock to knock off a Central team that will be playing with a chip on their shoulder the rest of the season.

After three of the Falcons opening wins were forfeited due to an ineligible player, Central earned their first official victory of season last week against a tough King William team, 19-10.

While losing your starting quarterback is never an ideal situation, Central is fortunate to fall back on Nick Barahona.

The senior started at quarterback for two seasons including the Falcons run to the VHSL Class 2 State Championship game his sophomore season.

Central has lost a lot of production over the past few years due to graduation including Tyler Forbes, Nathan Lopez, Luc Retrosi and more, but like the Eagles, boast a strong rushing attack and tough defense.

The Falcons defense has not allowed more than 10 points in a game this season and is spearheaded by leading tacklers Brady Hecker (47 total) and Chris Brown (39 total, 2 INTs) along with one of the areas leaders in sacks Matthew Folk (5 sacks, 23 total tackles).

While Central has dominated the series lately, winning 5 of the last 6, the two teams have split the last 16 contests dating back to 2005.

On top of the change at quarterback and a recent tragedy in Woodstock that forced the game to be moved to Monday, Clarke County may be able to focus more on what lies between the chalk lines.

That clarity under longtime head coach Casey Childs will be an advantage over a Central team facing a lot of adversity with a first year head coach in Rowdy Hoover and help the Eagles to a tight victory, 20-16.

To listen to my interview with Clarke County Head Coach Casey Childs, click here.Â