The Salem native returns home to lead the Titans program.

"I think last year was my first season in a while where I felt comfortable in my own skill set."

SALEM, Va.- - When you're doing things right, people notice. In southwest Virginia, everyone knows who the Salem Spartans are. "The way he makes us work hard and makes us great every day. After an unconventional finish in 2018 in the first round of the playoffs, the Spartans are ready to get back to their standard. "Last year, we got a little bit lazy and sloppy, and we're going to be ready this year."

Back in 2013 Salem fell 7-0 to this team in the state semifinals. The Spartans are two wins from a state title three-peat. Coach Stephen Magenbauer's gang is playing at the playoff level we've come to expect from his perennial power. Magenbauer says the experience his team is carrying after back to back titles is paying dividends in 2017. They been in these situations a lot so hopefully when some bad things happen they know to just keep playing.