GREENVILLE – Riverheads football will look to make history this season. The team needs three wins in its first three games to break the state record for consecutive wins. The Gladiators’ winning streak currently stands at 50.
They will have to do so with a new coach, although Ray Norcross is not new to the program. Longtime defensive coordinator Robert Caston takes over and looks to continue the team’s dominance, which includes winning the last six state championships.
As Riverheads tries to make it seven straight state titles, we asked Norcross a few questions about the preseason.
Head of News: What have you been satisfied with so far in practice?
Norcross: The kids have great attitudes and are in better shape than I expected.
Headline: What are the expectations and goals for the team this year?
Norcross: Our expectations are the same as always. We want to play in the playoffs and win a state championship.
News Leader: Who are your top returning players?
Norcross: We have five returning players on offense and six on defense. I can’t single out anyone in particular, but a lot of guys are going to have to step up. We have 51 kids on our team and they all want to play.
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RIVERHEADS football schedule
(all matches start at 19:00 unless otherwise stated)
- August 26: at Waynesboro
- September 2: at Parry McCluer
- September 9: Lord Botetourt
- September 16: Open
- September 24: Tazewell (Saturday, 1 p.m.)
- September 30: at Westmoreland
- October 7: Buffalo Gap
- October 14: Wilson Memorial
- October 21: at Fort Defiance
- October 28: at Staunton
- November 4: Draft of Stuarts
Patrick Hite is The News Leader’s education reporter. Story ideas and tips are always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com
