The Duke’s Hoops Preview: Warren County vs Luray
Warren County (2-0) hosts Luray (0-1) tonight in the High School Basketball Game of the Week on Fox Sports Radio 1450 WFTR, theriver953.com, and the Tune In Radio App with coverage beginning at 7:20 pm.
Warren County enters the game 2-0 for the first time since 2011 (according to MaxPreps) and looks to have taken a big step forward in their second year under Head Coach TJ Atlee.
In a tight season opener, Warren County took down Strasburg, one of last year’s state quarterfinalists.
The Wildcats did a great job responding to each run Strasburg put together and locked in defensively to contain the Rams 6’7″ star forward Walker Conrad.
Warren County dominated the 4th quarter 11-2 to come away with the 48-43 win.
The Wildcats followed up that performance with 67-50 home win over Manassas Park where they dominated the glass.
Will Bergmann finished with a double-double including 14 rebounds and Jayden Jefferies added 7 boards in his return from injury.
Luray is coming off a tight loss to East Rockingham but also looks to have taken a step forward this season.
Head Coach Mat Huff is really excited about the Bulldogs balance of experience and youth for this year’s squad.
Senior 6’4″ center Christian Lentz returns to the paint where he was a 1st Team All-District and 2nd Team All-Region selection last season.
In their opening game, the underclassmen led the way including sophomore guard Conner Hillard and freshman guard Ayden Haddock who finished with 15 and 14 points.
Warren County appears to have an advantage in three point shooting thanks to Marshall Barton, Raymond Dingess, and Ethan Bare while Luray only converted on two attempts from the perimeter in their first game.
I predict Warren County’s defensive effort and momentum entering their third consecutive home game will contribute to the win in what should be a tight and competitive game, 57-53.
Next week, we will head across town as Skyline hosts Brentsville in our first look at the Hawks this season on 1450 WFTR, theriver953.com and the Tune In Radio App with coverage beginning at 7:20 pm.
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The Duke’s Hoops Preview: Strasburg vs Warren County
Basketball season has arrived and our coverage tips off tonight at 7:20 as Warren County hosts Strasburg on Fox Sports Radio 1450 and streaming at theriver953.com and the Tune In Radio App.
Strasburg is coming off a great season last year as they advanced all the way to the State Quarterfinals before falling to the Division I basketball factory, John Marshall.
The Rams have some star power returning including a favorite for Player of the Year in the Bull Run District, Walker Conrad.
The 6’7″ senior forward, was a 1st team All District and 2nd team All State selection last season after finishing with 16 ppg, 8.2 rpg, and 2.9 apg.
Another returner for the Rams is Conrad’s tight end counterpart on the gridiron, Griffin Carter.
Carter was a 2nd team All District selection last year and averaged 7.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, and 1.2 apg.
Warren County struggled last season but returns an experienced team with 11 seniors.
Marshall Barton and Raymond Dingess were two of the teams leading scorers last year and either one can light up the score sheet on any night.
Barton was a 2nd team All District selection and an extremely efficient shooter averaging 14.8 ppg shooting 40.4%.
He also shot 32.2% from outside the arc and was one of the area leaders from the free throw line shooting 71%.
Dingess averaged 7.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, and 1.1 spg with his season high coming against Brentsville where he finished with 25 points including 11 in the first quarter.
Last year when Strasburg and Warren County faced off, the Rams took the win in both matchups.
Strasburg led basically from start to finish in both games with a combined score of 99-56.
Conrad led the way with 25 points and 15 rebounds the first go round and 17 points the second.
The first matchup also saw Warren County held scoreless for the entire second period.
Strasburg’s emphasis on defense and having the largest, most talented player on the floor in Conrad will help them secure the victory, 55-32.
Next week, we will be back at Warren County High School as the Wildcats host Luray High School with a tip off scheduled for 7:30, pregame coverage at 7:20 on Fox Sports Radio 1450 and theriver953.com.
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The Duke’s Preview: Warren County vs Skyline featuring Coach Breeden and Gilbert
The annual Warren County (1-8) and Skyline (3-6) football game has even more on the line this year with the addition of The River Rivalry Trophy which will be presented to the winner on the field following the game.
The broadcast for the Game of the Week will begin at 6:40 pm with Randy Woodward and Ryan Rutherford on The River 95.3, 1450 WFTR, streaming at theriver953.com and the Tune In Radio App.
This rivalry has fired up both teams.
Warren County has nothing to lose as they sit outside the playoff picture.
Coach Josh Breeden emphasized to his team in practice this week the importance of this rivalry and trying to get the senior class their first win over Skyline.
The Wildcats hope to have P.J. Dellinger back at quarterback as he returns from injury, but the offense will rely on the backfield of Gavin Dodson and Blaise Skube.
Skube has looked strong lately with a 37-yard touchdown last week and a kickoff return for a touchdown the week prior, despite being bogged down by an injury earlier in the season.
Dodson has been steady for the Wildcats with his best game coming against one of the toughest defenses they have faced at Sherando.
Dodson finished that outing with 15 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown.
Last week, Warren County went to a “Wildcat” formation with both Dodson and Skube in the backfield and used a zone blocking scheme for their most successful drive against Meridian.
Last year, the Hawks contained the Warren County rushing game, holding the backfield to 72 yards on 28 carries.
This year, Skyline will rely on a defense that swarms to the ball carrier led by linebackers Marques Lockhart-Wright (73 tackles) and Andre Ford (71 tackles).
Offensively, the Hawks know their identity lies with the running game led by Aidan Vaught.
Vaught recently had one of the best games in state history against Meridian where he reached 452 rushing yards on 17.4 yards per carry with five touchdown.
In general, it has been a slower season for Vaught who certainly looks to end his regular season career at Skyline with a bang.
Vaught is back at his running back position this year, but last year as quarterback, he led the team with 112 rushing yards, 129 passing yards, and two rushing touchdowns against the Wildcats.
Skyline is currently in the playoffs, but Warren County would love to play spoiler of their cross-town rivals and put the first plaque on The River Rivalry Trophy.
Both teams will pull out all the stops and we may see a few exciting trick plays along the way.
Skyline has focused on accomplishing three goals this regular season:
- Winning Homecoming
- Winning Senior Night
- Beating Warren County
They accomplished the first two and now look to check one more box before the playoffs.
Skyline will have more on the line tonight fighting for their playoff birth and a more experienced roster.
I predict that combination will help the Hawks secure the victory at Warren County and earn The River Rivalry Trophy in a thrilling 28-22 win.
Press play below for my interview with Skyline Head Coach Heath Gilbert and Warren County Head Coach Josh Breeden.
1450 WFTR presents The River Rivalry Trophy to Skyline and Warren County High Schools
1450 WFTR proudly presents The River Rivalry Trophy.
The winner of the annual football matchup between Skyline High School and Warren County High School will receive the trophy to hoist and display for the following year.
Inspiration from the trophy came from other local rivalries like the Barr-Lindon Crimson Apple, which is awarded to the top high school football team in Winchester and Frederick County, and the Shenandoah County Championship.
1450 WFTR worked with Jean’s Jewelers to select a high quality trophy with a classic look that measures nearly three feet high and features a traditional gold cup design at the top.
Each year, the winning school will add a plate to the base with their name, final score, and year.
From when the school’s first began competing against each other in the 2007-2008 school year, the series has stayed close with Skyline currently holding an edge 12-7.
Skyline has won the last four matchups in a row by a combined score of 123-27, but all time, the series has provided some instant classics with eight games decided by one score or less.
The schools played each other twice in 2007, 2008, and 2017.
1450 WFTR coincides the inaugural trophy presentation with the station’s celebration of 75 years of serving the Front Royal and Warren County community.
The latest installation of The River Rivalry will begin Friday, November 3rd at 6:40 pm on 1450 WFTR, The River 95.3, theriver953.com, and the Tune In Radio App with Randy Woodward and Ryan Rutherford.
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The Duke’s Preview: Warren County vs Clarke County featuring Coach Breeden
This week’s Friday Night Game of the Week on Fox Sports Radio 1450, The River 95.3 and streaming at theriver953.com and the Tune In Radio App features Clarke County (3-0) hosting Warren County (0-2), two team’s trending in opposite directions.
There is still plenty of time for Head Coach Josh Breeden’s Wildcats to turn things around and they have showed some bright spots.
Sr. Sully Zewar has looked strong at wide receiver, a position featured much more in the new spread offense.
Sr. QB PJ Dellinger has showed confidence at quarterback, his first year in the position.
Before the bye week, Millbrook applied a lot of pressure on Dellinger, but he stayed calm and confident in the pocket throughout the game.
The early bye week could help Warren County get their offense back on track, as they are still scoreless in the second half of their first two games.
Clarke County looks to be back in their usual form as a power in Class 2.
They have destroyed their opponents through the first three games averaging 38.7 points per game and allowing just 6.7 points per game.
Clarke County relies on a balanced rushing attack with a number of ball carriers who carry the ball efficiently.
The entire offensive line returned from last season and features four seniors.
They helped lead the Eagles to 305 yards on the ground against Buffalo Gap last week.
Warren County’s bye week and recent experience against Millbrook’s single wing offense could help the Wildcats keep it close early, but Clarke County’s rushing attack may be too much, Eagles 34- Wildcats 16.
Press play below to hear my interview with Warren County Head Coach Josh Breeden.
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Ryan’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Get ready for tonight’s NFL Draft with Ryan’s Mock draft, and don’t forget to listen to this week’s Sports Dogs Podcast focusing on the top 10 pick and the Commanders’ selection.
- Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Steph Curry of football - Houston Texans: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
I don’t think the Texans like the other QBs.2022: 65 Pressures (2nd) 2021: 82 Pressures (1st) 2020: 60 Pressures (1st)
- Arizona Cardinals: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Cardinals Trade back to Raiders - Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Colts can’t keep sending out retread future retirees at QB. - Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
Could’ve been first non-QB taken. Off the field concerns. Pleaded no contest in reckless driving and racing which led to a death. Overweight at combine. Doesn’t like hard coaching, Pete Carroll is a good fit for that. - Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Best pure corner in draft. Long. WD40 smooth hips - Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Cardinals trade back to Raiders spot and get a guy with great potential - Atlanta Falcons: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
Falcons defensive line was baddddd. Van Ness did not play a ton at Iowa. Big potential pick. - Chicago Bears: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
Traded back showed confidence in Fields. A new OL will help him succeed. Only 2 sacks and No hits allowed at LT last season. - Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Eagles always pick players that terrify me and I don’t want to play against. Ran a 4.39 40 yd dash and was MAD - Tennessee Titans: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Consensus All-American and First-Team Big Ten in 2022. Titans just addressed other needs in free agency. 5.2 QBR when targeted. - Houston Texans: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Saquon. Stud. Teams started drooling over him last year. Instant fantasy football impact - Green Bay Packers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Best WR in draft. Could be a steal. 347 yards in Rose Bowl. OSU record for receiving yards in a season. First WR drafted in first round in 21 years in GB. Would also be absolutely hilarious to make Rodgers mad and draft a WR like he always wanted. - New England Patriots: Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State
Another pick because it would be funny. Steelers and Pats big rivals at the time his Dad was in league. Spygate was Pats on Steelers. “I have a natural hate for them. Period. “And that’s just gonna be with me forever.”- Joey Porter Sr. - New York Jets: Peter Skoronski, IOL, Northwestern
Best interior lineman. Could play outside down the road but has short arms. - Washington Commanders: Darnell Wright, OT, Tenn
Shut down Will Anderson who will be top 5 pick in game vs Bama. Moves Wylie to guard which should help him. Versatile and experienced(played senior year and in senior bowl). Only 6 teams allowed more sacks than Commanders last year. Chris Samuels, Brandon Scherff and Trent Williams last OL taken by Washington in 1st round - Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Highest ceiling of any lineman in draft. Steelers OL was so bad. Will help Pickett and Najee. - Detroit Lions: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Need to fill hole left after trading away Hockenson. Kincaid is a better offensive weapon. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Bucs need a QB. Levis falls. - Seattle Seahawks: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Seattle completely rebuilds DL in one round. Father attended Warren County High School. - Los Angeles Chargers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
New OC Kellen Moore likes two tight end sets - Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, BC
Still trying to make nice with Lamar. Need cheaper investment at position after giving OBJ 18 mil - Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
WR panic! Vikings need Thielen replacement and KJ Osbourne didn’t step up as much last year. - Jacksonville Jaguars: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Chiseled of stone. Freak athlete. Can play the run game. - New York Giants: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Giants WR room still stinks even after free agent signings. I don’t think Johnston will transition to NFL very well. - Dallas Cowboys: O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida
Cowboys always seem to draft lineman well. He should develop well at guard in their offense. - Buffalo Bills: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Alabama transfer then balled out. Buffalo needs to fill hole left by Edmunds. They also need to invest in Defense. - Cincinnati Bengals: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Miss State
FBS record holder in pick 6s - New Orleans Saints: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pitt
Undersized otherwise would go way higher. - Philadelphia Eagles: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Extremely unfair the eagles have two first round picks. They get lucky with Branch sliding to them. - Kansas City Chiefs: Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa State
Forced 10 fumbles in college.For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Front Royal fills Town Council seat
Front Royal has filled their vacant Town Council seat after appointing Dr. Melissa DeDomenico-Payne to the role.
She was born in New York and then moved to Front Royal where she is a graduate of Warren County High School.
She received her Bachelors Degree from Shenandoah University, Masters from Marymount University, and her Doctorate in Public Administration from Capella University.
Her career experiences include work in executive and administrative roles in non-profits and educational organizations.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Warren County School Bus driver charged in an accident
Warren County Public Schools Officials reported by email a bus accident in Rockingham County.
The incident involving a Warren County School bus occurred Wed. night Sept. 21 in Rockingham County.
The Warren County High School Competition Cheer team was returning from an event held at East Rockingham County High School.
That is when the bus struck the back end of a work truck setting up a work zone on Northbound Interstate 81 at mile marker 262.
The work truck was displaying a flashing sign directing traffic to the left lane when the accident occurred.
The school bus impact cushion device deployed at the time of the impact.
Of the 17 students on board 2 15 year old girls were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries evaluated and then released.
A few other students were treated by Emergency Medical Personnel at the scene.
Warren County Public School personnel informed parents of the incident.
Rockingham County Public Schools provided a bus and driver to transport students home after Virginia State Police cleared the scene.
All students arrived back at Warren County High School just before 1 a.m. Thurs. Sept. 22.
The driver of the work truck was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
The driver of the school bus 48 year old Jennifer L. Lowe of Markham Virginia was not injured in the accident but has been charged with reckless driving.
The incident remains under investigation.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
SABF Country Music Party features local talent
Sam Grow and Ryan Jewell took the stage for this year’s Country Music Party for the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.
The headliner, Sam Grow, returned for his third Apple Blossom but the first as the main performer.
Grow said, “The number one reason I wanted to come back is because of the people. These are amazing, salt of the earth people. When they called and asked me to headline, I was honored.”
Ryan Jewell, a Warren County High School alumni, was excited to return to the festival for his second year in a row. “I love having the event back at the Wilkins Center. The energy is much better this year with a full slate of events,” said Jewell.
Kara Britz, an alumni of John Handley High School, also graced the stage taking time out of her schedule which includes touring with former Country Music Party headliner Blake Shelton and backing up artists on The Voice.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Logan Series Community Day
The Safe At Home- Logan Series Community Day will be held from 4 pm to 8 pm today at Bing Crosby Stadium.
Reaching Out Now, the Front Royal Cardinals, and the Logan Maiatico Foundation are coming together for the event.
There will be three baseball games played by members of the community ranging from Alumni to current students.
The event is intended to become an annual gathering.
Proceeds will go to the Logan Maiatico Foundation to provide two scholarships for athletes from Warren County and Skyline High School.
Tickets are on sale now at reachingoutnow.org and admission is free for children under 13.
For more information on the Logan Maiatico Foundation, please visit their Facebook page.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.