A year ago, Robert C. Byrd made the Class AAA playoffs in football. The Flying Eagles were below .500 for a second consecutive season as injuries and a lack of depth were major factors in the four and six record.
Robert C. Byrd Head Coach Austin Scott was frustrated throughout the 2024 campaign. He lost one of his top defensive players, James McMillion, in the season opener and the starting offensive line only played a couple of games together the entire season. The Flying Eagles faced a brutal schedule and, because of the new system put in place by the WVSSAC, they were able to make the playoffs before losing in the opening round to crosstown rival and eventual state champion Bridgeport in the opening round.
Scott is a much happier coach entering this campaign because of a large influx of players who are on his roster. With Liberty High School closing last year and merging with Robert C. Byrd, and a sizable group of youngsters out, Scott is looking at 54 players. It’s the most the program has seen in a long time and it solves several problems for Scott heading into what looks to be a promising season.
He told me this is by far the deepest he has been since taking over the program at his alma mater. The best part is that it is talented depth because of the quality players that gained valuable experience for the Mountaineers in previous years before coming to One Eagle Way. That will help with two major issues, injuries and heat, especially early on in the schedule. As long as there isn’t a rash of injuries, Scott will be able to overcome a setback or two by plugging in capable players that are looking for playing time.
Also this has been one of the most consistently hot summers we have had here in North Central West Virginia for quite some time. If that trend continues into the fall, cramping could be an issue for teams. Scott will be able to rotate players throughout contests to stay away from the cramps and keep players fresh for the fourth quarter.
Line play is a strong point for this group with four returning starters, Trevor Dean, Logan Fordyce, Julian Bailey, and Gage Parker are all back and healthy. Throw in Braydon Hendricks, a starter from Liberty a year ago, and it becomes one of the better lines in the area. Junior Isiah Herlin was the Mountaineer signal caller in 2024 and this year he will assume the duties for Scott.
Scott will be calling the plays on both sides of the ball. Long time offensive coordinator Sam Alvaro stepped down and Scott has assumed the playcalling duties. He will look to get back to the ground game this year with a running back by committee approach. A trio of sophomores, Issac Barksdale, Isaiah Calvery, and Colton Lindsay will get the majority of the carries this season.
The schedule sets up well for Scott as his team will have an opportunity to gel before hitting the key contests that come midway through the year. The opener is tonight versus Lewis County. Weeks three and four are Keyser and Preston. Games six through nine are pivotal with East Fairmont, Lincoln, Grafton, and North Marion. It’s a loaded schedule with plenty of bonus points that could propel the Flying Eagles back into the playoffs for a second consecutive season. That will do it for now! Until next time . . . take care and God Bless!!!
