The Blue Devil

Blue Devil

The

History Made Grayson County writes new chapter in the history books with state finals bid.

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Brothers in Arms

Excellence on the football field a family affair for Goad siblings

By Jessica Blevins-Hoerter Grayson County High School reached new heights this season, advancing to the VHSL Class 1 championship game for the first time in its 37-year history.

Though the season concluded with a 22-0 loss to Essex in the state final, the Blue Devils’ journey captured the heart of the community. At the heart of the Blue Devils’ success were the Goad brothers—senior Mac and his younger brothers, juniors Maverik and Makray— whose standout performances propelled the team throughout the season.

The Goad brothers shone brightest in the state semifinal against Rye Cove, combining for all six touchdowns in a thrilling 40-34 road victory.

Maverik Goad’s 1-yard touchdown run with just 27 seconds left sealed the win, sending Grayson County to Salem and giving the Blue Devils their first shot at a state title.

“They’ve been a huge asset to the Blue Devil community, impacting GCHS on and off the field,” said Grayson County High School Athletic Director Will Anders. “The list of these young men’s accomplishments is impressive.”

From Early Struggles to Unforgettable Wins Though the Blue Devils’ journey ended just short of their ultimate goal, the Goad /2

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Grayson’s Maverik Goad slips a few Eagle pursuers during a semifinals win over Rye Cove. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography. com brothers were instrumental in Grayson County’s historic season. However, the team’s path to success was anything but easy. After starting 0-2, the Blue Devils rallied to win 10 games, with Maverik, Mac, and Makray leading the charge

in key moments.

One pivotal performance came in the region semifinal against George Wythe, where quarterback Maverik Goad orchestrated a crucial 77-yard touchdown drive to secure the victory. Building on that

momentum, the Blue Devils’ defense, bolstered by strong leadership from the Goad brothers, dominated in a 20-0 shutout of a Bath County team that had been averaging more Continued on Page 3

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Grayson’s defense denies Rye Cove a reception in the last play of the semifinals game. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com Continued from Page 2

than 55 points per game.

Their most remarkable performance, however, came in the state semifinal against Rye Cove. Trailing 28-13 entering the fourth quarter, the Goad brothers led a dra-

matic comeback. Maverik passed for 283 yards and four touchdowns, rushed for 66 yards and two more scores, and combined with Mac and Makray to deliver all 40 points. Mac’s 150 receiving Continued on Page5

Jessica Hoerter/SWVA SUN / 3

High Honors

Grayson’s Mac Goad named defensive player of the year The Virginia High School League announces its 2024 Class 1 all-state football team. Rye Cove senior quarterback Landon Lane is the Class 1 Offensive Player of the Year, and Grason County senior defensive back Mac Goad is the Class 1 Defensive Player of the Year. Essex head coach Todd Jones is the Class 1 Coach of the Year.

Rye Cove’s 5-foot, 9-inch, 186-pound dual-threat quarterback, Lane, passed for 1,697 yards (95-144 for 65.9 %) and 23 touchdowns and rushed for 1,486 yards on 175 attempts and 28 rushing touchdowns this season, leading the Eagles to the state semifinals and a 14-1 record. He finished the year with 3,183 total yards from scrimmage and accounted for 51 touchdowns (26.2 pts. per game). Lane accounted for 366 of the team’s 685 total points for the season. Additionally, Lane earned second-team allstate honors as the all-purpose defensive player.

The 6-foot, 2-inch, 175-pound Gould was a dominant force in his defensive back position for the Blue Devils. He finished his senior year with 58 tackles,19 assists, six tackles-for-loss, five pass deflections and three interceptions, including an interception return for a touchdown. A two-way star, Goad caught 42 passes for 921 yards (17.7 yards per catch) and 12 touchdowns. He had 15 rushing attempts for 104 yards and one touchdown. He totaled 1,156 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns and handled /4

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Grayson’s Mac Goad hauls in a pass from his brother during the state finals game.

To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com kick-off duties, finishing with 52 kicks for 2,358 total yards and nine touchbacks.

Head Coach Todd Jones led Essex to a 14-1 record and the school’s second state title with a 22-0 win over Grayson County in the Class 1 state championship game after losing in last year’s final to Galax, 7-6. It’s the Trojan’s first state title since 2009 when they won the Division 2 crown with a 30-0 win over Radford. The title is the second for Jones while at Essex. During his 27-year career as a head coach at Essex, Pulaski County, and Westmoreland, he has compiled a 249-87 record, which includes two state runner-up finishes in 2003 and 2023, 11 region and 15 district championships.

Goad was also named to the first team offense as a receiver.

He was joined on the offensive first team by junior teammate Kingston Cox. Cox is an offensive lineman.

Holston sophomore Aaron Smith was named to the first team offense as a kicker.

Cox was also named to the first team defense as a defensive lineman. Goad was named to the all-state defensive team as a defensive back.

Senior Tanner Melton was named to the All-State first team defense as a linebacker.

George Wythe senior Holden Luttrell was named to the first team as a defensive back.

Patrick Henry senior Tyler Barrett was named to the first

team as a defensive lineman.

Grayson County senior Omar Hernandez was named to the second team offense as a lineman. Junior Xavier Brown was named to the second team defense as a linebacker. Aaron Peterson, a senior, was named to the second team as a defensive back.

George Wythe senior Trey Rainey was named to the second team offense as a running back. Holston’s Hayden Sinclar was named as a second team tight end, and senior Tyler Barrett was named to the second team offensive line.

Brayden Billings, a senior at Fort Chiswell, was named to the second team as a punter.

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Grayson defenders make a big stop in the state finals. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.

SwvaPhotography.com Continued from Page 3

yards and three touchdowns, along with Makray’s touchdown reception and two-point conversion, secured a thrilling 40-34 victory and sent the Blue Devils to the state final for the first time in school history.

A Championship

Challenge The championship game at Salem Stadium, played before a packed crowd, showcased the Blue Devils’ resilience.

However, Essex’s dominant defense proved too much to overcome, and Grayson County fell 22-0.

Quarterback Maverik Goad

faced relentless pressure, leading the offense with 66 passing yards on 10 completions but taking three sacks, including a critical strip-sack in the third quarter. Despite their best efforts, the Goad brothers struggled to spark the offense against Essex’s well-prepared defense.

Trailing just 8-0 at halftime,

the Blue Devils had opportunities to get back in the game.

However, penalties and sacks stalled promising drives, and Essex took advantage in the second half to pull away.

Maverik continued to battle, completing key passes to extend drives, while Mac and Continued on Page 8

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Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Grayson’s Maverik Goad sets up for one of many passes during a win over Rye Cove as the O-Line keeps the defenders at bay. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com

Grayson stuns Chargers

By Jessica Blevins- Hoerter Hot Springs, Va. — The Grayson County Blue Devils delivered a historic performance in defeating Bath County 20-0 to claim their first-ever Region 1C Championship.

In freezing temperatures and falling snow, the Blue Devils (9-3) stunned the Chargers (11-1), who had averaged 55.5 points per game and scored at least 41 points in every previous contest this season. Grayson County’s defense rose to the

occasion, earning its second shutout in three games and allowing just two touchdowns during the playoffs.

Aaron Peterson powered the Blue Devils’ offense, rushing for 75 yards on 12 carries and scoring all three touchdowns. He found the end zone on runs of 19, 25, and 1 yards, while kicker Mac Goad added two extra points.

Despite a strong effort from James Campbell, who rushed for 98 yards on 30 carries, the Chargers couldn’t overcome Grayson County’s dominant defense.

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Grayson’s Maverik Goad gets ready to connect with Mac Goad. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Grayson’s Mac Goad stretches to haul in a touchdown pass during a game with Rye Cove. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Grayson’s Omar Hernandez-Perez, left, and Kingston Cox, right, celebrate the historical semifinals victory over Rye Cove. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com Continued from Page 5

Makray fought for every yard in a game where Essex controlled the pace.

Resilience and Legacy Despite the loss, the Goad brothers’ impact extends far beyond this historic season.

As standout athletes in basketball and baseball, they have represented their school with /8

the same determination and sportsmanship they’ve shown on the gridiron.

Mac Goad’s journey to his senior year was marked by remarkable perseverance.

Overcoming a ruptured kidney, knee surgery, and a broken leg, Mac returned to lead his team with determination, setting an example of resilience that inspired teammates and fans alike.

Grayson County Athletic Direc-

tor Will Anders praised the brothers’ character and influence.

“Every time you see them in the halls, it’s ‘Yes sir, No sir, How’s it going, Coach,’” Anders said. “They’ve been a huge asset on and off the field.”

Mac’s achievements earned him VHSL Class 1 Defensive Player of the Year honors, along with multiple regional and district awards. Makray and Maverik also received all-region and all-district hon-

ors, further cementing their status as some of the best athletes in the state.

Although the season’s final chapter didn’t unfold as they had hoped, the Goad brothers and the 2024 Blue Devils leave behind a legacy defined by hard work, determination and unwavering pride—one that will inspire future players to strive for greatness in the years to come.

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Grayson County senior Aaron Peterson breaks free from the Rye Cove Eagles during the semifinals game. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com

Punching the ticket

By Jessica Blevins-Hoerter Grayson County High School’s football team is making history, punching its ticket to the VHSL Class 1 state title game with a thrilling 40-34 comeback win over Rye Cove in the semifinals.

Down 28-13 early in the fourth quarter, the Blue Devils launched an incredible rally, scoring 27 points in the final period to erase the deficit and secure the victory.

Junior quarterback Maverik Goad led the charge, throwing two touchdown passes to Continued on Page 20

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Senior Noah Armstrong battles with a Maroon during a win at George Wythe. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com

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The first Grayson County team to play in a state finals charges onto the field. To purchase photos, cont

tact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

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A comeback season

By Jessica Blevins-Hoerter

The Grayson County Blue Devils are on a journey unlike any other in their program’s history. Once a team that began the season with two tough losses, the Blue Devils (9-3) have become champions of Region 1C and now stand just two wins away from a VHSL Class 1 state title.

Their next challenge comes Saturday afternoon, as Grayson County faces unbeaten Rye Cove (13-0) in the state semifinal.

A Season Turned Around Grayson’s remarkable turnaround has been fueled by a combination of grit, defensive dominance, and standout performances from key players.

Quarterback Maverik Goad has been instrumental in directing the offense, including a 77-yard touchdown drive against George Wythe in the regional semifinal. Defensive back David Mitchell has been the heart of the defense, delivering game-changing plays like a 50-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the same game.

Running back Aaron Peterson has powered the ground game, scoring all three touchdowns in the regional championship win over Bath County.

Historic Accomplishments The Blue Devils’ 20-0 victory over Bath County in last week’s Region 1C final wasn’t Continued on Page 13 / 12

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Grayson senior Peyton Burnett celebrates a hard-fought win over MED rival George Wythe. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Through rain, snow and cold, the community turned out to support the history-making Blue Devil bunch. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com Continued from Page 12

just a win — it was a statement.

Bath County entered the game averaging over 55 points per contest, but Grayson’s defense rose to the occasion, shutting down one of the most potent offenses in the state.

The win marked Grayson County’s first-ever regional football championship, a milestone that has energized the Independence community “This is a huge accomplishment for our kids, coaches, school, and community,” said Grayson County athletic director Will Anders. “We have been to a region title game three times before this (1988, 1991, and 2022), and to finally break through that wall, win the championship, and qualify for the state tournament is

huge. Our coaching staff continues to raise the bar, and our kids are always up for the task.”

Anders added that while the team is celebrating its historic achievement, they remain fo-

cused.

Continued on Page 17 / 13

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

David Mitchell turns on the jets to get up the field in win over the Maroons. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

(Left) A dogpile stops forward momentum. (Above) Goad hands off the ball during a winning drive this season. / 14

Blue Devils whip Maroon Tide to earn MED title Grayson County nabbed a Mountain Empire District title, taking down Galax 47-3.

The Blue Devils last topped the MED in a tie with Galax, but this year, the Grayson boys put the final nail in an 0-9 season for the Maroon Tide.

Aaron Peterson capped off his regular season with four touchdowns in the win.

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography Blue Devils defense Grayson County cheerleaders are all smiles as they delivers blow to mark another Blue Devil victory. (Top) Grayson George Wythe The Maroon were on the march, getting in with striking distance in the final frame, but the Grayson defense proved to be too much as the Blue Devils took a 35-28 MED win.

Maverik Goad tossed a pair of touchdown passes, one to Mac Goad and the other to

cheerleaders welcome the Grayson boys to the state finals. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com Aaron Peterson.

Shane Huff tallied 261 yards in the air, including a three touchdowns.

Grayson girl on volleyball All-State first team A Grayson County junior

was selected for the Class 1 AllState volleyball first team.

Kensey Parks was picked among nine other players to represent the first team.

The Virginia High School League named its all-state teams-, picking Giles junior Sophie Taylor as the Class 1 Player of the Year.

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Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

(Left) Omar Hernandez-Perez gets hold of the GW quarterback. (Above)Dazion Thompson pounces on a loose ball for a turnover against George Wythe.

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Aaron Peterson gets ready to wrap up and haul down a George Wythe player in a game that saw the Blue Devil defense get big and stingy. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com / 16

To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com Continued from Page 13

“The job is not finished. Our eyes are set on our next task in Rye Cove, and then hopefully a trip to Salem Stadium.”

A Community United The Blue Devils’ playoff run has brought the Independence community together in a way few other events could. From packed stands to countless social media posts celebrating the team’s success, the support for Grayson County has been unwavering.

“To drive down through the Town of Independence and see the ‘Congratulations Blue Devils’ and ‘Region C Champs’ signs is amazing,” Anders said. “The close-knit community we have in

Grayson County wholeheartedly supports these kids. Our social media tags and motto for our community support is #BlueDevilNation. #BlueDevilNation is anyone past, present, or future who bleeds Blue and Gold!”

Several community members have expressed how long they’ve waited for this moment.

“Our school and community are very deserving of having this title etched in history,” Anders added.

“That school spirit displayed through our community members and students is a huge motivator for these football players and coaches,” Anders said. “Throughout the season, we have packed the home bleachers in Blue and Gold, and our support system is always cheering on our kids win, lose or draw. When our coaches and players see hundreds of fans in the stadium, they go out and leave everything on that field. I am very proud of this program and all they have accomplished this season.”

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Essex and Grayson battle for the ball during the state finals. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com / 18

Photos from the big game.

Jessica Hoerter/SWVA Sun

Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography

Aaron Peterson leaps over Essex defenders. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com Continued from Page 9

his brother, Mac Goad, and rushing for two more scores.

Grayson County (10-3) will face Essex (12-1) on Dec. 14 at Salem Stadium. The game marks the first state final appearance in school history for the Blue Devils, who have defied the odds throughout their playoff run.

Rye Cove entered the semifinal riding a 13-game winning streak and quickly built momentum. The Eagles had the momentum for most of the game and opened the scoring with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Landon Lane to Luke Jessee early in the fourth quarter, extending their lead to 28-13. However, Grayson County adjusted its pace, responding with an up-tempo offense that turned the tide of the game.

The Blue Devils’ defense also delivered a pivotal stand, forcing Rye Cove into desperation mode in the game’s final moments. Despite a valiant effort, Rye Cove’s final drive ended at the Grayson County 13-yard line, just short of a chance to tie or take the lead.

David Mitchell had one of the game’s most crucial plays for Grayson County, making his only catch count in a big way.

Mitchell hauled in a 53-yard pass from Goad late in the fourth quarter, setting up the Blue Devils at Rye Cove’s 3-yard line. That play ultimately led to Goad’s game-winning 1-yard touchdown run with just 27 seconds remaining.

Maverik Goad finished the game with 282 passing yards and four touchdowns.

His brother, Mac, was his top target, racking up 151 receiving yards and three scores.

Rye Cove quarterback Landon Lane

matched Goad’s intensity, throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 130 yards and two additional scores.

Junior fullback Will Rollins added a 2-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter, briefly giving Rye Cove a 34-33 lead.

The Blue Devils’ resilience has been the story of their postseason. After starting the season 0-2, Grayson County defied expectations with gritty wins over George Wythe, Bath County, and now Rye Cove to advance to the finals.