Mike Yew has resigned as head coach for Central High School’s football program.
Yew led the program for the last 17 years and has coached football at various levels in the Shenandoah Valley for over 25 years.
He helped build Central into a powerhouse in the region and the state level, winning two regional titles in the last three seasons and advancing to the Class 2 State Championship game in 2022.
His Falcons earned the second undefeated regular season in school history last year.
Before Yew took over, Central had not won a playoff game or regional title.
He finished his first two seasons with a 2-18 record before building up the program and going 119-53 the rest of his career.
The Falcons advanced to the playoffs 7 of the last 8 years with the only exception being the COVID shortened season.
Yew continues to serve as the interim athletic director.
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For the sixth time in the last three years, Central (11-0) and Strasburg (8-2) meet on the gridiron; this time in the second round of the VHSL playoffs.
In their first meeting this year, Central emerged victorious and claimed the Bull Run District Championship with a 28-7 win.
That game was closer than the final score implies as Central added a few late scores.
Strasburg had numerous opportunities in that game to put points on the board where they came up short and a few defensive plays that allowed 4th down conversions.
If Strasburg can correct those mistakes, they will be able to go toe-to-toe with one of the most dominant teams in Virginia over the last two years in Class 2 football, the Central Falcons.
Central has not lost since last year’s State Championship against Graham and has looked to be on a mission to get back to Salem.
The Falcon’s dynamic running game was too much for the Rams in the last matchup which allowed star running back Tyler Forbes to reach 164 yards and Jacob Williams-Warner to reach 140 yards on two carries.
Forbes recently claimed the Central High School career rushing record in the first round matchup against Stuarts Draft when he passed Johnnie Williams with 3,308 yards.
Central’s gameplan will once again revolve around Forbes and his bruising style, but they have shown some big play capability through the air as the season has progressed.
Both team’s have been dominant in the trenches and it will basically be a Bull Run All District All Star game between both team’s lines.
The more physical team who can limit mistakes will win the game.
Strasburg has a nasty taste in their mouth after losing to Central in last year’s playoffs and in the regular season finale, but the Falcons playoff experience and home field advantage should give them the boost they need to get past the Rams in a tight one, 22-14.
Press play below for my interview with Strasburg Head Coach Mark Roller.
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