1st and 10 Camp Tour: North Cross Raiders
North Cross was one of the handful of teams able to have somewhat of a fall season in 2020. Although they only played four games, they put up big numbers in all of the wins. They also had a complete offseason, creating a bit of normalcy for the Raiders who are back stronger and faster after nine months.
North Cross’ Michael Mack signs with Navy
ROANOKE, Va. – It’s always a good day when we get to see schools sending their players off to the next level, especially after a year like this. On Friday, North Cross linebacker Michael Mack put pen to paper with the Naval Academy to play football. Mack helped lead the Raiders to a VISAA State Championship in 2019 and earned all conference and all state honors that year.
North Cross’ James Jackson, Patrick Henry’s Trace Pedigo sign to play at the next level
ROANOKE, Va. – On Friday, North Cross senior James Jackson signed to play football at UVA with plans to enroll early in January. He had 77 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks during this fall’s shortened season. Patrick Henry’s Trace Pedigo also put pen to paper. While he’s hopeful for a senior season, he’s ready for the next chapter. Just being able to actually go play division I sports is God’s blessing,” he said.
North Cross football cancels Saturday game due to Covid
Roanoke, Va. – North Cross’s football game against Woodberry Forest set for Saturday at 1 p.m. has been canceled. The change occurs due to a single positive test at North Cross. Coach Stephen Alexander says his team hopes to be ready to play against Fork Union Military Academy next Friday. That contest is scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m. at Fork Union. The Raiders are the defending VISAA Division II State champions, and are currently 2-0 on the season.
North Cross beats prep school powerhouse Fork Union 50-14
ROANOKE, Va. – The North Cross Raiders were in action Friday night, beating Fork Union Military Academy 50-14. The Raiders looked prepared in all three phases, but head coach Stephen Alexander wanted to make sure their special teams was ready. “We had to win in special teams to beat these dudes because there’s many more of them and they’re bigger than us,” Alexander said. FUMA is a good squad, a tough squad, hats off to the way these guys prepared," said Alexander. The Raiders will take on St. Michael the Archangel on the road next Friday.
North Cross preps visit from Fork Union Military
ROANOKE, Va. – The defending state VIS Division II champion North Cross Raiders are back on the field Friday, taking on prep school powerhouse Fork Union Military. The Raiders proved in their home opener their offense hasn’t missed a beat, but head coach Stephen Alexander says this will be a ‘true test’. Fork Union Military is bringing a level of athleticism and roster size that we usually don’t host schools this big or play schools this big in football. So we’re really excited about the challenge, they are very athletic across the board, they’re big, they’re physical, they’re going to bring a big challenge to Roanoke,” North Cross head coach Stephen Alexander says. North Cross and the Virginia Spartans home school team are the only two area teams playing fall football in our SW Virginia viewing area.
North Cross Raiders beat Virginia Spartans in home opener
ROANOKE, Va. – The North Cross Raiders opened up their season on Friday against the Virginia Spartans, beating them 69-0. “We had some explosiveness on defense, got some turnovers, scored a defensive touchdown which I like,” Raiders head coach Stephen Alexander said. More than that, just excited to be out here. One of the few teams in the state who can do it. They feel very privileged and a great honor to play, so they’re just excited to play ball.”Next for the Spartans, they will take on Advancing Christ Through Sports at home on Saturday, and the Raiders will face Fork Union Military Academy on Friday.
North Cross Raiders and Virginia Spartans to square off on Friday
ROANOKE, Va. – It’s been a long time coming, but the North Cross Raiders will open the season on Friday against the Virginia Spartans. The Raiders are notorious for their explosive offense, but quarterback Gabe Zappia said there’s one thing that makes them stand out this year. Same with Michael Mack too, those guys are fast.”But Spartans assistant coach David Heckman said their experience last week helped prepare them for players like Virginia commit James Jackson. And the Spartans have play makers to get after the ball, “They’ve got some talented guys, big bodies, they’re tough. I know we’re one of the only teams in southwest Virginia playing,” said senior Carlton Ward.
North Cross Raiders still playing football this fall
Roanoke, VA. – After weeks of uncertainty, North Cross head football coach Stephen Alexander finally knows he will see his team play football this fall. The Raiders are coming off of a VISAA Division II State title in 2019, and while they did lose a few seniors, Alexander is confident in the weapons he still has. We have two seniors who are college level players and some new guys that will be pretty good as well,” Alexander says. “I don’t think we have a secret weapon, I think we’re all pretty pretty deadly wherever you put us on the field,” Cann says. North Cross is set to open the season on Friday night the 18th against the Virginia Spartans home school squad.
Area Football stars are busy during early signing period
Roanoke – On the heels of a VISAA Division 2 State Championship, North Cross Raiders receiver Zae Baines is headed to Temple University. Baines’ career included 153 catches for more than 2600 yards and 41 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Lord Botetourt’s 14-1 state runner-up season in VHSL Class 3 football has produced a pair of high profile signees. “The coaching staff, the academics, the school, they just do it top notch- their facilities, everything. And that big offensive front was a large part of an offense that averaged 414 yards per game.