Countdown to Kickoff: Rye Cove looking to repeat the success they had in 2025
DUFFIELD, Va. (WJHL) — In today’s Countdown to Kickoff, we check in on another team preparing to get their season started this weekend. The Rye Cove Eagles were one of the biggest surprises of last season. They put together an impressive 11-4 campaign, captured the Region 1D title, and finished as the VHSL Class 1 […]
DUFFIELD, Va. (WJHL) — The Rye Cove Eagles, once considered a surprise team last season, are set to kick off their 2026 campaign with high expectations. The Eagles, who finished as the VHSL Class 1 state runner-up to Rappahannock, have lost 12 seniors to graduation, necessitating a rebuilding process. Central to their new strategy is the addition of West Virginia University commit Ethan Lawson to the offensive line.
Coach Gary Collier credits the team's resurgence to their commitment to rigorous weight room training and a schedule filled with challenging games against larger schools. Quarterback Tyler Shupe sees these tough matchups as crucial for setting the tone for the season. Lawson attributes their success to hard work in the weight room, individual dedication, and strong leadership from the coaching staff.
Collier observed that the players' improved physical condition, coupled with their hunger for improvement, has been instrumental in the program's transformation. The Eagles will host Lord Botetourt at Emory & Henry on Saturday, with kickoff at 7 p.m.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
