PRZVA Team Previews: Craig County Rockets

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Years Results: </strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/va/new-castle/craig-county-rockets/football/24-25/schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6-4</a>. Lost in Region Quarterfinals in <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/tournament/Br-kv9woZk2EkRATw2hwPA/wSwPwRuBE02rD06G5IkY2Q/football-24/2024-vhsl-football-state-brackets-(virginia)-class-1.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VHSL Class 1 Playoff</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Craig County is a small school about forty minutes north of Roanoke, Virginia. A VHSL Class 1 program who competes in the <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/va/football/24-25/region/pioneer/?leagueid=9c41efec-9c87-4d7a-9996-86139fafa109" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pioneer Region</a>. Craig County has not experienced high success in recent years, but that changed in 2024, and much of the team returns this fall and is hungry for more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator <a href="https://x.com/JDowdy31" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Jayke Dowdy</strong></a> told me this concerning last year's success:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expectations haven't been this high in New Castle in 20 years. Last year's team was the first to start 5-1 since 1984, the first winning season since 2010, and first playoff appearance since 2012 (only 4 total in school history and never back-to-back years).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We look forward to covering Craig County this season as they look to achieve their high expectations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Returnees:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1173067' first='Carter' last='Russell Calfee'], [player_tooltip player_id='1405184' first='Tristan' last='Dooley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1178325' first='Carter' last='Price'], [player_tooltip player_id='1171993' first='Noah' last='Paxton']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1173067"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687e6f29d6a21"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carter is a player who will be counted on by the Rockets this fall. He will be a two-way player at Running Back and Safety. He has a top end speed that not many will catch on the field that I was able to witness last fall at <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/10/craig-county-vs-bath-county-game-report-and-standout-players/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>a game I attended</strong></a>. Expect him to make a presence on Special Teams as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18126730/Carter-Calfee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Carter_Calfee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JDowdy31/status/1887836988176261443","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JDowdy31/status/1887836988176261443 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1405184"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687e6f29d6abf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tristan is a Linebacker and Wide Receiver for Craig County. He played a key role at his OLB position where he posted 70.5 TKLs, 8 TFLs, and 2 Sacks. He has the athleticism to align in off ball positions and defend the pass, and the strength and quickness to align on the line of scrimmage and provide pass rush. As a WR in Craig County's Wing-T offense, he is a willing blocker and provides an elusive YAC option with the ball in his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19039190/Tristan-Dooley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/tristan_dooley5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/tristan_dooley5/status/1945895863865184557","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/tristan_dooley5/status/1945895863865184557 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1178325"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687e6f29d6b45"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our highest ranked player from Craig County, Carter is a defensive line prospect who had Division 1 upside. He has attended both of our Prep Redzone Player Showcases and has shown demonstrated improvement in technique. He will be the anchor to the Rocket's defensive and offensive line this fall, and a major piece to their success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18969975/Carter-Price" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Carterprice64" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Carterprice64/status/1944138144867119143","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Carterprice64/status/1944138144867119143 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1171993"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687e6f29d6bcb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Noah is poised for a break out season and is one we are watching as a possible rankings riser in next year's update. Of all the returning players, Noah's play could have the biggest impact as the starting Middle Backer and Tailback. As a focal point on both sides of the ball, he displays the physical toughness to match up with anyone. He has put in a lot of work this offseason in honing his technique and learning his positions. Be sure to have an eye on him this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18973599/noah-paxton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/noah_paxton3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Newcomers:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1694494' first='Bentley' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1684816' first='Bradyn' last='Dunbar'], [player_tooltip player_id='1694496' first='Peyton' last='Fields'], [player_tooltip player_id='1720317' first='Jerry' last='Smith']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1694494"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687e6f29d6c4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A class of '28 Cornerback, Bentley has his opportunity to be a starter this fall. He has good length as a corner, and his coach tells me he likes what he has seen out of him in off season workouts and 7v7s. We look forward to seeing him with the pads on this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22971160/Bentley-Smith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Bentley362043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1684816"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687e6f29d6ccd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A class of '28 Cornerback, Bradyn may become a play maker for Craig County's defensive backfield. Coach Dowdy tells me he has a knack for playing through the hands of receivers and is "a PBU machine." If Bradyn and fellow classmate [player_tooltip player_id='1694494' first='Bentley' last='Smith'] play to their expectations, they will provide stability for Craig County for the next three seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22970934/bradyn-dunbar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/BradynDunbar16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1694496"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687e6f29d6d4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1694496' first='Peyton' last='Fields'] is not a name we have mentioned before. Coach Dowdy tells me he has been working hard in the weight room this summer and put on good weight to be an anchor at Defensive End for the Rockets this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22997032/Peyton-Fields" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/peytonfields54" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1720317"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687e6f29d6dc8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">No tape available on Hudl for Jerry. He is new to Craig County this year and coach Dowdy tells me he is raw but believes he has the potential to be a breakout player for the Rockets this fall, playing Defensive Back and Running Back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26396745/Jay-Jay-Smith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/jayyscs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Jayyscs/status/1945987999885381880","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jayyscs/status/1945987999885381880 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach's Thoughts on Expectations for this Fall:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The boys are bought into how we do things here. They're coached hard, and have had excellent attendance for offseason activities going all of the way back to December. We have a bruising stable of backs returning behind a hungry offensive line. The defense that tied the school record for shutouts a year ago looks to be even more improved from last season. With a school of only 140 kids, health is your number 1 enemy, but this team is primed for a big year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"right"} --> <p class="has-text-align-right">-Jayke Dowdy, <em>Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>**Cole cannot communicate with prospects directly due to his work in college football. Any questions related to his content must be directed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a></em>&nbsp;<em>account**</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to claim your Prep Redzone Prospect Index profile.<br>Follow me on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GoLions1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@GoLions1934</a>&nbsp;for further content |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzone</a>&nbsp;| Virginia Scouts&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/carljfred" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@carljfred</a>,&nbsp;</em><a href="https://x.com/EdOBrienCFB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>@EdOBrienCFB</em></a><em>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/coachbrown757">@coachbrown757</a></em>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<em>View my previous Prep Redzone articles&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/author/cole-laing-author/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->