Craig County Rocket’s Post Season Review

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The J<a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2141/register/stock-up-showcase-virginia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anuary 2026 Player Showcase</a>&nbsp;is coming up quickly in Springfield, VA on January 24! Open invite to any player classes 2026-2029. Use code&nbsp;<strong><em>LaingWinterPRZ</em></strong>&nbsp;for a discount on your registration fee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prior to the 2025 season, I wrote a Team Preview on the Craig County Rockets. You can view that article <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/przva-team-previews-craig-county-rockets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>here</strong></a>. Coming off a 6-4 record in 2024 and their first playoff appearance since 2012, Craig County finished the regular season with a 9-1 record, making the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history. The Rockets finished with a 10-2 overall record after losing to Grayson County in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></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-6938a54f4ee27"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The speedster for Craig County had a monster senior season at Safety and Running Back. He amassed 47.5 TKL, 7 TFL, 1 INT, 5 PBU, and 1 FR on defense. On offense, he had 150 Rush ATT, 1,439 YDS, and 23 TDs. He also added 3 Punt Return TDs as well. His speed and athleticism is attractive to any D2 or D3 school looking to add a playmaker to their team. </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:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Carter_Calfee/status/1994424662957199709","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/Carter_Calfee/status/1994424662957199709 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- 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-6938a54f4ee94"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A key piece to the Rockets defense the last couple years finished this season with 90 TKLs, 18 TFLs, 2 INTs, and 1 FF from his OLB position. He is able to align on the ball or back in coverage and complete his assignment. Shows good processing, technique and toughness makes him a strong run defender leading to his 17 TFLs. High motor player who can be a nice addition to a D3 school roster.</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: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-6938a54f4eee0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A new player for Craig County this fall made an impact at DB and RB, earning 1st Team All District RB and 2nd Team All Region RB. He is an elusive player with vision to find the hole and toughness to take on contact. He came in a raw prospect and became a key part of Craig County's success this fall.</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>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jayyscs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Jayyscs/status/1979927110706737302","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/1979927110706737302 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- 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-6938a54f4ef2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our highest ranked player on Craig County, Carter continued to prove himself on the DL, and this year became a key starter on the OL as well, earning 1st Team All Region on both sides of the ball. A physical player, who greatly improved his use of hands on his tape this fall. He finished the season with 72 TKLs, 15 TFLs, 4 Sacks, and 1 FF. He is also returning to our January 26 Showcase, and will have the interest of the college coaches there.</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: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-6938a54f4ef97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Arguably the most physical player on the Rockets, Noah is a force at Linebacker and Running Back. He can hit the hole with power and burst, will run through opponents and then outrun them. With the graduation of Carter Calfee, expect Noah to have an even bigger role next season.</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__paxton33" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JDowdy31/status/1987341571420049455","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/1987341571420049455 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1773004"],"_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-6938a54f4efe2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caleb has not been featured before but had a breakout season for the Rockets after transferring from Pulaski County. He set the school record for total season interceptions with 9, and added 6 PBUs and 45 TKLs from his Safety position. On offense, he plays WR/TE and made a big impact in the passing offense for Craig County. I expect him to get some recruiting attention this off season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20560633/Caleb-Cregger" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/CalebCregger" 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":["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-6938a54f4f048"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The sophomore had a nice season and is an up and coming player to keep an eye on. Listed with a 4.84 40-time, he has speed at his Cornerback position. At the <a href="https://x.com/Bentley362043/status/1974887104241959259" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>midway point</strong></a>, he accounted for 12 TKLs and 2 PBUs, and added 7 Rush Attempts on offense for 74 YDS and 3 TDs. He is another player I expect will be making a bigger impact next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22971160/Bentley-Smith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Bentley362043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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>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;</em><a href="https://x.com/robking2020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>@robking2020</em></a>&nbsp;|<br><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 -->