Sports Dogs Podcast: Week 2 recap, Week 3 preview

The Sports Dogs are barking about High School Football again this week as we put Week 2 in the books and look ahead to Week 3.

Click HERE to listen to the latest episode on The River 95.3 app or website, iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon music.

This week, the Dogs:

  • Look back at big wins for Sherando, Skyline, Handley, and James Wood
  • Tough losses for Strasburg, Millbrook, Clarke County and Central
  • Select Brady Lupton’s one-handed snag as Play of the Week
  • Select Owen Neal and Jaylen Tasco-Murray as Players of the Week
  • Rank our Power 5 (with some big shakeups in the rankings)
  • Look ahead to Game of the Week-Strasburg vs Warren County and all other Week 3 matchups
  • and more…

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

The Duke’s Preview: Skyline @ Strasburg

8/28/26 Strasburg, VA– Skyline makes the short trip to Strasburg for the first High School Football Game of the Week brought to you by the Hike Kidz Foundation c/o Brickhouse Bar and Grill with coverage starting at 6:30 for the Tana Hoffman Pregame Show then the 7 pm kick-off on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, TheRiver953.com, and The River 95.3 app.

Strasburg ended a program long State Championship drought last season and will now look to prove this is the start of a dynasty, not the book after a Cinderella story.

The Rams return Class 2 Offensive Player of the Year RB Quincy Williams (2,000+ yards, 27 Touchdowns) and 2x All State selection Gage Gutierrez along the offensive line but will look to replace some key players including QB Brayden Hough, RBs Brady Knight and Linkyn Bosworth, and other key pieces along the offensive line.

OT Cooper Miller filled in during the playoff run due to injury and played will during crucial games for the Rams while many other younger players like Brady Knight’s brother Tyler Knight were able to get varsity playing time thanks to lopsided scores down the stretch.

TEs Carson Duckworth and Alexander Mudd love to block and will provide senior leadership on the ends of the OL.

The defensive side of the ball contains more question marks as the Rams will graduate four Class 2 All State Defensive selections including Brady Knight, Nathaniel Turner, Jacob Britton, and Defensive Player of the Year Hutson Conrad.

Quincy Williams will make impact plays on the defense as well and provides good versatility thanks to his speed and physicality.

James Trainor and Pablo Mora Hernandez will be looked to on the backend after strong junior campaigns and playoff runs.

Skyline is still searching for the school’s first football State Title but did claim the program’s first Region Runner-Up after falling short to Kettle Run in last year’s playoffs.

The Hawks also bring back an All-State level running back in Zayden Burks.

Burks led  Virginia with an astounding 2,897 yards and 28 touchdowns and could realistically surpass those numbers this season.

If Burks can reach that total this year, he would have the second most career rushing yards in VHSL history and he is just 1,236 yards away from 6,000 career yards and ranking in the top 27 in state history.

Skyline returns a strong offensive line including four seniors Tytus Drake, Ryan Held, Adrian Schmitz, and Christian Boone who take pride in opening lanes for their RB and protecting first year starter QB Brentley Grindle.

Grindle’s raw talent, athleticism, and performance as JV QB last year made the decision easy for the Hawks coaching staff and the sophomore has impressed his teammates with his play and leadership in 7-on-7 tournaments and training camp.

Grindle has already formed a good connection with Jr TE Brady Lupton (6’4″ 230 lb) and WRs Caydin Jenkins and Lane Kenney.

Defensively, the Hawks will have many of those OL playing both ways with Lupton and Drake ready to wreak havoc again along the defensive line.

Skyline will need to figure out life without All State LB Andre Ford and the Hawks other leading tackler, Marques Lockhart-Wright (TE at Virginia University of Lynchburg).

With that duo now graduated, Burks could enter the rarified air of 100-plus tackles to go with 2,000-plus rushing yards this season.

Skyline’s defensive backfield of Kenney, Jenkins, and Isiah Grady should be a strong unit again this season.

Now to the matchups, Skyline’s new LB unit without Ford and Lockhart-Wright will be tested in Game 1 against Strasburg’s unique T-Formation.

The Hawks have started the last few season against the Rams so it is not an entirely new concept, but it is still difficult to prepare for, especially at the game speed of the Rams.

Skyline’s new QB Brently Grindle will also get to experience a Varsity defense for the first time and it as a Rams unit that allowed just 12.5 ppg last season.

The Hawks rebuttal to these perceived disadvantages can be pretty simple… we have a hulk… or Zayden Burks.

Burks has game breaking potential every time he touches the ball, even when he is a defenses #1 priority.

Skyline would have an advantage in the defensive backfield against a new starter at QB for Strasburg but the Rams would be completely fine without passing the entire game which would negate that potential edge.

Both team’s offensive and defensive lines should dominate all year long and I would say that category is a push in this matchup.

With two teams who enter the season with high expectations, it may truly come down to who can minimize mistakes and based on the youth at key positions for the Hawks, that could be an issue.

Look for the Rams to come out with some extra energy early as it will be their first time back on Glenn Proctor Field since hoisting the State Title, but this is a motivated Skyline team that would take pride in raining on the Rams return to their homefield.

This game will come down to the final possession, but based on recent history of the Rams undefeated record on the field vs the Hawks since COVID and the momentum from the hometown crowd behind them, it will be tough to unseat the champions in Week 1.

Williams and Burks put on a show with ZB2K slightly outgaining QW1 in yardage, but with the Rams taking the edge on the scoreboard, Strasburg 28-Skyline 22.

For a preview of all the Week 1 matchups, check out the latest Sports Dogs Podcast HERE.

Sports Dogs Podcast: Duke meets The Royal Family? Commanders Draft, Skyline Signing Day

In this edition, The Dogs:

  • discuss the King and Queen coming to Front Royal and how The Duke plans to join in on the festivities
  • review and grade the recent Commanders’ NFL Draft picks
  • The Duke also chats with several Skyline HS athletes who are looking ahead to the next level including Day’Shawn Haley and Barrett Stephens.

Click HERE for the latest episode of the Sports Dogs Podcast on TheRiver953.com, Spotify, iTunes, or Amazon Music.

Brought to you by Energy Windows, LLC. Don’t monkey around with 5 different contractors. Dave does it ALL! Call him at 540-671-9243 or visit https://energywindowsllc.com

The Duke’s Preview: Skyline vs Meridian

11/14/25, Front Royal, VA- The high school football playoffs begin tonight with Skyline hosting Meridian in the Region 3B Quarterfinals for the 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 the Tana Hoffman Pregame Show starting at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm kick-off.

The Hawks fly into this matchup on a seven game win streak and outscoring opponents in the stretch 301-127.

Skyline’s offensive production is based on the ground game led by Virginia’s top running back in rushing yards, Zayden Burks.

Burks eclipsed the 2,000 yard mark after 11 straight carries to start the game vs Warren County and went on to finish the night with 331 yards and a third River Rivalry win.

Burks has rushed for over 250 yards in six straight games and was only under the mark against Manassas Park.

Due to the lopsided score, he carried the ball just three times for 130 yards and 2 TDs.

He also ran all over Meridian in their previous matchup just two weeks ago and accounted for 345 rushing yards and an 86 yard kick-off return for a touchdown.

After their season finale against Manassas Park was cancelled, the Mustangs have spent a long time thinking about Skyline.

Meridian limped into the playoffs winning just two of the last six games and those wins came against Fauquier and Warren County who have combined for just three wins this season.

While struggling in the W/L column, Meridian still possesses an offense that can give you nightmares led by their tandem of 1st Team All District running backs Duke Dawson and Oumar Thompson.

The duo combined for three touchdowns in the first matchup against Skyline and will not want their high school careers to end Friday night.

Defensively, Meridian is led by JR LB Keaton Grace.

Grace is a two-sport standout in lacrosse and football and already claimed 1st Team All District at linebacker.

Skyline’s defense has benefitted from a deep line led by Jonathan Leach which opens up space for linebackers Andre Ford and Marques Lockhart-Wright to fly around and make plays.

Burks has also stepped up defensively this year and joined Leach, Ford, and Lockhart-Wright as 1st Team All District selections.

When these teams take the field, I look for Skyline to use there momentum entering the playoffs to come out of the gates firing.

QB Day’Shawn Haley will attack over the top if the defense keys in on Burks.

Haley has benefitted from defenses focusing on the run game and against Meridian two weeks ago he put up a stat line of 11/14, 174 yds, and 3TDs.

His early success followed by the ground attack of Burks will push the Hawks to the Region Semifinals, Skyline wins 43-24.

For a preview of all the local playoff matchups, a look back at the final week of the regular season, Player of the Year acknowledgements, and more, check out the latest Sports Dogs Podcast.

The Duke’s River Rivalry Preview: Skyline vs Warren County

The River Rivalry resumes tonight when Warren County hosts Skyline in the 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 the Tana Hoffman Pregame Show starting at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm kick-off.

Skyline has claimed the first two River Rivalry trophies and leads the All-Time series vs Warren County 14-7.

The Wildcats last win came in 2018 and was the final of four game winning streak.

Just like any other great rivalry, you can throw out the record books when these teams take the field and upsets can emerge when least expected.

Warren County has shown improvement over last year’s squad and displayed great perseverance when bouncing back from a five game losing streak to start the season to win there next two in a row to get back in play-off positioning.

While equaling last year’s win total, the Wildcats have already out scored the 2024 iteration and allowed 161 less points.

Injuries have started to accumulate for Warren County in the later stages of this season and former leading rusher Blaise Skube is no longer on the roster.

Junior QB Bryce Bergmann has looked solid and recently eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark on the season with over half of those going to SR WR Nick Harlow (45 rec 552 yds 7 TDs).

Warren County’s offense must string together drives and prepare to answer Skyline, which has averaged 43.2 points per game during its six-game win streak.

The Hawks AND THE STATE OF VIRGINIA are led by Jr Running Back Zayden Burks.

Burks currently sits at 1,894 yards rushing and should easily surpass the current leading rusher for The Commonwealth, Anton Carter.

Carter currently sits at 1,932 yards but Nottoway High School’s regular season is over.

With the single season school record behind him, the next milestone for Burks is the 2,000 yard mark which was last seen in Warren County by Wildcat Alum H.B. Banjoman.

Like Burks, Banjoman’s squad was also led by Heath Gilbert, Skyline’s current head coach.

Reaching the 2,000 yard threshold would be another feather in the cap for the future All-State back but an even bigger source of pride for one of the best offensive lines in Skyline history led by seniors Barrett Stephens and Isaiah Caton.

Injuries have pushed Warren County’s LB Frank Nelson to take more snaps at running back, so fatigue for the team’s leading tackler could lead to an even bigger day for Burks.

Skyline’s defense is also led by the linebacker position in the duo of Andre Ford and Marques Lockhart-Wright.

Both basketball standouts fly around the field forcing turnovers, tackles for loss, and delivering punishing blows while eliminating offensive mismatches due to their size and speed.

In addition to The River Rivalry Trophy, these teams are playing for crucial playoff positioning.

Skyline is clinging to the #2 seed which would provide a couple home playoff games and keep them away from reigning State Runner-Ups Kettle Run a little longer.

Warren County is fighting for the chance to play Kettle Run as the #8 seed and gain valuable playoff experience for a young roster.

When these teams take the field, don’t be surprised to see some early trick plays as both coaches dig a little deeper in the playbook for the final week of the regular season.

As the dust settles, I anticipate the Hawks will pull away thanks to a few huge runs from Zayden Burks as he eclipses 2,000 yards and leads the way for his third straight River Rivalry win, 46-12.

For a preview of all of the regular season finale matchups, listen to the latest Sports Dogs Podcast here. 

The Duke’s Preview: Skyline vs Millbrook

Skyline heads to Millbrook tonight in the 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 pregame coverage starting at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm kick-off.

The Pioneers will look to end a two game losing skid while the Hawks have rebounded from losing their first three games to a three game win streak.

The game has all the makings of a high scoring affair where both team’s strengths appear to matchup with the other’s weaknesses.

Millbrook boasts a high flying passing attack led by one of the area’s top quarterbacks Keon Lewis.

Lewis leads the area in passing completions and attempts, but also interceptions with 7.

He has two dangerous receiving threats in Rome Johnson and Cam Clark who have combined for over 600 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.

This duo could cause problems for a Skyline defense that has given up big games to some of the other top receivers in the area.

Handley’s Will Yoder put up 145 yards and 3 TDs on 9 receptions against the Hawks and Central wide outs Vincent Charity (6 rec 162 yds 3 TDs) and Sean Stead (4 rec 133 yds TD) had huge games two weeks ago in the 42-40 shootout Skyline win.

The Hawk’s offense has been able to take some pressure off the defense as their strength comes from the ground game led by Zayden Burks.

Burks is a dynamic back with breakaway speed and an array of moves to get into space.

He’s the only area back with over 1,000 rushing yards and is starting to distance himself from the pack.

Strasburg’s Quincy Williams is second with 813 yards then Central’s Chris Brown at 633.

Burks would be the first to tell you he couldn’t do it without his offensive line led by Sr. OT Barrett Stephens (6’3″ 260 lb.).

The junior back could run wild against the Pioneers who have given up chunk rushing plays in their two game losing skid.

Both Sherando and James Wood had huge days on the ground with JWHS QB Owen Neal rushing for 145 yards last week and Sherando’s combo of QB Jacob Henry and RB Jaylen Tasco-Murray helping the Warriors to 392 rushing yards.

As many high school games do, this one could come down to who makes the fewest mistakes as Skyline has had issues with penalties and Millbrook’s turnovers have loomed in losses.

I look for the Hawks to ride their current momentum and running game to another high scoring win,

Millbrook scores a late touchdown but the two point attempt comes up short, Skyline 40-Millbrook 38.

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

The Duke’s Preview: Strasburg @ Skyline

Skyline High School hosts Strasburg High School in the first 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 pregame coverage starting at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm kick-off.

Strasburg enters Front Royal off one of the best seasons in school history that ended in a State Championship game appearance in Salem.

The Rams started off in a big hole before settling in and eventually falling to State Championship game regulars, Graham.

Coach Lamb and Co. return a lot of talent from that team, especially along the trenches.

Strasburg’s offensive line has elite size for the Class 2 level and returns elite talent in First Team All-State selections Gage Gutierrez and Jacob Britton.

Benefitting from their blocking is returning QB Braden Hough (545 passing yards, 7 touchdowns) and RB Quincy Williams (933 yards, 12 touchdowns).

Defensively, the Rams return linebacker and tackling machine Nate Turner who combined with Williams for nearly 250 tackles last season.

Britton will also be a force on the defensive line again this season along with Hutson Conrad.

Conrad missed time with injury last season but is a game-wrecker for offenses trying to run the ball near his 6’4″ 250 lb frame.

Strasburg will certainly miss the speed of Takhi Coates and Riley Walker against a Skyline squad that also returns talent in the trenches and one of the top skill groups in the Valley.

Skyline’s offense looks dangerous this year with the backfield combination of athletic QB Day’Shawn Haley and dynamic running back Zayden Burks.

Burks is back for his junior season after running around defenses last season to the tune of 1,642 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.

The multi-sport athlete is finally getting D1 attention after contributing at the Varsity level since his freshman year.

Barrett Stephens (6’3″ 260 lb.) will lead the convoy to help open holes for Burks along a deep and experienced offensive line.

Playmakers Andre Ford and Marques Lockhart-Wright can line-up anywhere from TE, WR, H-Back, or take direct snaps in the Wildhawk.

Ford and Lockhart-Wright bring that same energy to the defensive side of the ball to lead the linebacking crew with physicality.

The duo combined for 13 touchdowns and 166 tackles last season for the Hawks.

Along the defensive line, Skyline returns area sack leaders Jonathan Leach (85 tackles and 6 sacks) and Tytus Drake (5.5 sacks).

Like Strasburg, the defensive backfield will have some new faces after the graduation of Isiah Maxwell and Donnell Turner.

When both teams take the field tonight, fans will see experienced teams that have played a lot of football together at this point in their careers and enter the season with high expectations.

Both teams elite line play is a relative push while Skyline appears to have the advantage at skill positions, but Strasburg will be playing for something bigger than themselves as Coach Lamb continues his battle with cancer and is anticipated to be on the sidelines tonight.

Skyline is 1-3 against Strasburg in season openers since 2021 with the lone win coming via forfeit after an off-field incident.

I look for the Rams to continue their hot streak against Skyline and come out with a tight win by controlling the clock, 27-24.

For a look at all of the Week 1 games, check out the latest Sports Dogs Podcast here.

The Duke’s Playoff Preview: Skyline vs Brentsville ft Coach Gilbert

The Skyline Hawks (7-3) soar into the Region 3B VHSL playoffs to face Brentsville (4-6) in tonight’s Game of the Week on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, and streaming on The River 95.3 app and theriver953.com with coverage starting at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm kick-off.

Skyline defeated Brentsville just two week ago, 37-22, but the score is closer than the game really was.

Skyline took off to a 22-0 lead before Brentsville got on the board off a botched snap on a punt.

The Skyline defense put on an incredible performance by forcing seven turnovers including a school record six interceptions.

Offensively, the Hawks were about as efficient as possible accumulating over 500 yards.

Senior quarterback Nate Ballard was balling once again throwing for 216 yards and having more touchdowns (4) than incompletions (3), while sophomore sensation Zayden Burks rushed for 191 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.

It will be difficult to duplicate a performance like that in the playoffs, and Brentsville Head Coach Loren White has only known winning in the playoffs with his Tigers claiming the last three Region 3B Championships.

While the days of Caleb Alexander and Nico Orlando are finally over, Brentsville has reloaded during their rebuild with QB Sam Richards and athlete Wyatt Vonderhaar.

Richards has shown the ability to put up big numbers and is coming off a solid 147 yard and two touchdown performance against a tough Kettle Run defense.

Vonderhaar is one of his favorite targets out of the tight end slot, but he was also an All-District selection at defensive end, kicker, and punter.

If the game comes down to a late field goal, Vonderhaar has the ability to knock them home from 60 yards out according to a video on his X account.

He already has a game winning kick against Millbook while another potential game winner vs James Wood was blocked.

Skyline’s offensive fire power should keep this game further than a field goal difference and I predict another big Hawks win to extend the longest winning streak in school history, 41-20.

To listen to my interview with Skyline Head Coach Heath Gilbert, click here.

For coverage on all of this week’s games, a look back at the final week of the regular season, and much more, check out the latest Sports Dogs Podcast here.

The Duke’s River Rivalry Preview: Skyline vs Warren County ft Heath Gilbert and Josh Breeden

Tonight’s Game of the Week features the River Rivalry matchup between Skyline (6-3) and Warren County (2-8) on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, and streaming on The River 95.3 app and theriver953.com with coverage starting at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm kick-off.

Skyline is soaring into the matchup with five straight wins, four of which were on the road.

The offense and defense are now firing on all cylinders after a slow start for Skyline.

The Hawks offense will take advantage of whatever the defense gives them with one of the most balanced attacks in the Valley.

Senior quarterback Nate Ballard has improved throughout the season and is the area’s leader in passing yards at 1,259 and passing touchdowns with 17.

If defenses drop back to key in on the pass, sophomore running back Zayden Burks will eat up yards on the ground and is one of just three area backs to go over 1,000 yards this season.

Burks and Ballard have been rolling lately with Burks coming off a career high 260 yard performance two weeks ago followed by a 191 yard outing on offense to go with two interceptions on defense against Brentsville.

Last week against the Tigers, Ballard racked up 216 yards and 4 touchdowns through the air.

Senior wide receiver Isiah Maxwell and junior tight end Marques Lockhart-Wright have proven to be reliable targets this season for Ballard combining for over 900 yards and 12 touchdowns (11 from Maxwell).

Defensively, the unit went on a 3 game stretch during the winning streak where they allowed a total of just 8 points and are coming off a 7 turnover showing against Brentsville.

The group will be tasked with slowing down Warren County’s talented backfield of Senior Gavin Dodson and Junior Blaise Skube.

The last time the Wildcats were our featured Game of the Week, Skube ran for over 100 yards against a stingy Handley defense.

Dodson put the Cats on his back last week during his Senior Night with three touchdowns including two in the 4th quarter to bring Warren County back and the game winning two point conversion.

The Wildcats defense is led by, yup, you guessed it, Gavin Dodson with 76 tackles and the sensational sophomore Frank Nelson with 68 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception.

In the secondary, freshman defensive back Kaiden Abell has stepped up after starting his season with the JV squad and has added 23 tackles and 2 interceptions in his short time on varsity.

Warren County has been forced to look for reinforcements after the already small roster dwindled down to just 16 players against Kettle Run.

Warren County’s small group has battled like the Spartans in 300 all season long, but Skyline may be the Persians emerging through the pass of Thermopylae.

Skyline’s explosive play potential with Burks, Maxwell, and Co. along with a fast and physical defense will be too much for the Cats to contain.

Skyline will hold on to the River Rivalry trophy for the second consecutive year and win their 6th straight against Warren County and tie the school record with 6 wins in a row to close out the regular season, 34-21.

To listen to my interview with coaches Josh Breeden and Heath Gilbert, click here.

For breakdowns of all the weekend’s games, a look back at last week, and much more, check out the latest Sports Dogs podcast here.