CHRISTIANSBURG, Virginia. – We have a number of high school teams returning to the field with a new head coach. Among the teams on this list are the Blue Demons in Christiansburg – a new head coach, but a familiar face in the program.
Matt Herron has been the offensive coordinator for the past 6 seasons, but is now the boss after Alex Wilkins resigned. The transition has been pretty smooth for everyone involved. Christiansburg produced some great talent last year, including three-time All-State player Tanner Evans. But there is still confidence growing in the 12-plus returning starters.
“I’m excited. I couldn’t ask for a better group for my first time as head coach. Just being here with Coach Wilkins and coming all the way up and growing together,” Herron said. “It’s really exciting. It’s exciting to see where we are and understand that it’s not me, it’s not any of us, it’s all of us together that have gotten to this point. That’s why it’s exciting.”
Although they are still young in some key areas, the players are confident in the development of their skills over the past few seasons.
“We’re taking what we have. What I mean by that is we’re developing players who maybe didn’t play last year or are coming out of junior or middle school,” said veteran offensive and defensive player Tristan Sutphin.
The team also believes it can stay a little under the radar and surprise the rest of the River Ridge District.
“Nobody is expecting what we’re bringing,” said Blue Demons senior wide receiver and safety Colin Smith. “I think everyone saw Wilkins leave and how well known he was, and now we have someone new, and I think that’s going to surprise a lot of people this year.”
Creating a new identity will be a priority. We shouldn’t expect major changes, but rather adjustments to the schemes to suit this year’s personnel. Christiansburg’s lines should be strengthened, with Carter Stallard, who has committed to Virginia Tech, making a difference. The Blue Demons will play in Floyd County for the opener against their former athletic director Tim Cromer, who now leads the Buffaloes.
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