THE GAME: Holston (0-0) at Southern Gap (0-0)
THE SETTING: Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Red Robertson Athletic Complex at Southern Gap High School in Grundy.
HOLSTON: The Cavaliers are led by senior all-purpose back Eli Tweed, who averaged nearly 150 rushing yards per game in 2025. Tweed and senior running back Desmond Mickens give head coach Chris Akers a talented one-two punch in the backfield as Holston looks to build on last season’s 6-5 record.
SOUTHERN GAP: The Eagles enter their inaugural season with plenty of depth and playmakers. Senior quarterback Ayden Whited will direct an offense featuring a talented group of backs, including Aidan Baker, Gunner Baker, Carson Blankenship and Brayden White, along with fullbacks R.J. Rowe and Caden Justice. Up front, Chase Baker will be counted on to lead the way on both sides of the ball.
FINAL WORD: History will be made Friday night when Southern Gap takes the field for the first football game in school history. With most Southwest Virginia teams not opening their seasons until Aug. 28, a capacity crowd is expected at the Red Robertson Athletic Complex as fans from across Buchanan County gather for the long-awaited debut of the Eagles.
Holston is coming off a 6-5 season and has a dangerous offensive weapon in Tweed. However, the Cavaliers must replace talented middle linebacker and fullback Collin Widener, who played an important role on both sides of the ball last season.
Southern Gap looked strong in its lone preseason scrimmage against Patrick Henry last Saturday. The Eagles displayed physicality, depth and several explosive playmakers in what served as an encouraging first look at the new program.
Holston should provide a solid opening test, but Southern Gap appears ready for the moment. With an energized home crowd behind them, I expect the Eagles to begin their historic first season with a convincing victory.
PREDICTION: Southern Gap 42, Holston 0.
