Everything comes down to this weekend. If the football program at Staunton River High School wins this Friday against Fleming, they could make the playoffs; if they lose, Bedford County likely will not be seeing Golden Eagle football until 2024. The season has been filled with ups and downs, positive and negative moments, however this Friday’s matchup against William Fleming High School is all that matters.
The Golden Eagles come into the regular season finale after nine long weeks filled with major ups and downs. Several days ago, the black and gold went to Vinton to take on William Byrd in a contest that showcased the team’s ability to contend with tough opponents. Even though the squad ultimately lost (as predicted), it was impressive that the Golden Eagles managed to score against the Blue Ridge District’s top team and hold them to a reasonable number of points. Throughout the season Staunton River has shown that one of two teams can show up on any given Friday. The first team is a squad that was able to hang with impressive teams like Jefferson Forest and George Washington, beat down teams like Liberty and Tunstall, and go toe to toe with Franklin County. The second team is one that gave up over sixty to Lord Botetourt, lost by over thirty on opening night to Magna Vista (a team the Golden Eagles eliminated in 2022), and that the record suggests that they are. At 3-6, Staunton River needs some of the magic they have displayed from time to time in order to creep their way into the postseason.
