BUENA VISTA (WSLS-10 SPORTS) Parry McCluer has defeated rival Rockbridge County three years running. The Blues are a 1A school, Rockbridge 3A.
So that's an indication that the Fightin Blues are back. The team has returned to the perennial playoff power status that they held during the decade and a half from the late 70's thru early 90's.
They won five titles and were runner-up once in that 14 year span. Coach Mike Craft's team has been back in the playoffs for the past five seasons including last year's 7-4 mark.
They are looking for more in 2016.
"It seems like we are coming back with a little resurgence. We have some good athletes, great participation for small school---we should have low 40's to mid 40's on the team this year. But the whole town has become excited in the last five years. We went through a time of losing and now that we are winning and it has improved the mood of the whole town my opinion, " explains head coach Mike Craft.
"We expect to win a state championship this year, but we know you have to take that one week at a time, it's a process. We have small goals we are going to accomplish each week, and eventually the state championship should be the end result," says senior linebacker K.J. Cook.
" We are just gonna pound it down your throat kind of offense, it's a great offense and it works, like I said just looking forward to football season, " says running back and Auburn transfer Jeremy Nelson.
The Blues open with rival Rockbridge County on August 26th.