Get ready for some serious Friday night lights action! Virginia high school football is back, featuring new coaching talent, rising stars like Georgia commit Valdin Sone, and fierce competition for state championships. Will your favorite team make a deeper playoff run this season, or perhaps even clinch a coveted title?
Anticipation is at an all-time high as the new Virginia high school football season approaches, with teams across the region gearing up for another shot at gridiron glory and aiming to surpass the impressive achievements of the previous year, which saw multiple undefeated seasons and coveted state championships.
Significant coaching changes mark the landscape for the upcoming campaign, most notably with Jahlil Puryear stepping in to lead the Blue Ridge program. Puryear takes the helm following Clint Alexander’s departure to Christ School in North Carolina, signaling a new era and strategic vision for the high school football team.
Coach Puryear’s philosophy extends far beyond the Friday night lights; his primary focus is on the long-term success of his athletes, particularly in their journey toward college football recruitment. He is dedicated to ensuring his players are on a trajectory to flourish beyond high school, guiding them to institutions where their athletic caliber can be fully realized.
Among the standout talents expected to dominate this season is Blue Ridge’s Valdin Sone, a formidable lineman who has already committed to the University of Georgia. Sone’s presence on the field was evident during the VISAA Division II state championship game in November 2024, showcasing the caliber of player that embodies the region’s robust youth athletic development.
The drive for excellence is palpable across various programs, with players articulating clear objectives for the upcoming campaign. Louisa County center Jahmere Ragland, for instance, expresses a strong desire for a deeper playoff run, confident in his team’s tools, skill, and heart to achieve their postseason aspirations.
The competitive spirit remains fierce as local programs strive to expand their trophy cases. Following a season that saw two state titles return to the area, the current crop of Virginia football teams is hungry to add more championship hardware, fueled by intense preparation and a collective will to win on the gridiron.
As the final whistle of the preseason fades, an almost tangible excitement builds for the opening game. As one coach aptly put it, “After the whistle blows in the first game, and we start with our first bit of contact and pads popping, I think all of those questions go away and you’re just playing football.”
This renewed focus on player pathways and collegiate opportunities underscores a broader commitment to nurturing American football talent. Coaches like Puryear are not just building winning teams; they are building futures for young gridiron athletes, ensuring their dedication on the field translates into success off it.
