The Shadow
Swoope, Va (VR)- The Bath County Chargers and the Buffalo Gap Bison are set to clash in a highly anticipated football matchup on Friday, September 5, at Buffalo Gap High School in Swoope, Virginia.
Both teams, coming off deep playoff runs last season, are looking to make a statement early in the 2025 campaign.
Buffalo Gap, under the leadership of head coach Brad Wygant, is hoping to build on a remarkable turnaround from two seasons ago. After a difficult 1-9 regular season, the Bison rebounded last year, racing out to a 4-1 start before stumbling into the Region 1B playoffs on a five-game losing streak. However, the team found its stride when it mattered most, winning its first two playoff games and advancing to the region championship.
The Bison are without 11 seniors from last year’s squad, including standout running back Colby Yeago, a second-team all-state selection. Despite these losses, Buffalo Gap returns several key contributors, most notably running back Isaac Goff and offensive lineman Shane Huffer. Coach Wygant believes the experience gained during last year’s playoff run will be invaluable to starting off this season. Players echo the coach’s sentiment, expressing both gratitude for last year’s success and a determination to surpass it. Buffalo Gap opened its season on the road against Broadway on August 29, in a campaign that left the bison stunned losing to the Gobblers 49-7.
With a challenging schedule ahead, including a September 19 matchup against Riverheads and a regular season finale at Stuart’s Draft on October 31, all eyes are on the September 5 showdown with Bath County to see if the Bison have what it takes to turn the corner and get a very much needed win.
Meanwhile, the Chargers are coming off a dominant 36-0 road victory over the Stonewall Jackson Generals. Under head coach Jake Phillips, Bath County looked sharp, dispelling concerns about the loss of star quarterback Wyatt Campbell. New quarterback Hunter Kirby demonstrated poise and control, leading the offense efficiently and taking advantage of a strong front line.
The Chargers’ offensive and defensive lines were particularly impressive, creating running lanes for standout running back Ethan Bryant and stifling the Generals’ offense with constant backfield penetration. Bryant, who had an outstanding season last year, appears to have picked up right where he left off, providing a reliable and explosive option in the backfield. Any concerns that losing key players in the offseason would cause Bath County to look stale were quickly destroyed.
Quarterback, Kirby, had full control of the Chargers offense, and the Bath County front lines looked very impressive, holding their ground, making good running lanes for their running back, and giving Kirby plenty of time in the pocket to get rid of the ball. The Chargers’ defense was equally dominant, preventing the Generals from gaining any momentum and consistently disrupting plays in the backfield. This balance on both sides of the ball could be the key to Bath County’s success this season. Both teams are eager to build on last year’s playoff runs. The matchup promises to be a test of experience, resilience, and emerging talent.
With both programs aiming for another deep postseason push, Friday’s game could set the tone for the rest of the season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Buffalo Gap High School in Swoope, Virginia.
Fans from both communities are expected to turn out in force, hoping to witness the next chapter in what promises to be an exciting rivalry. As the Chargers and Bison prepare to take the field, the stakes are clear. It is a chance to prove themselves early, to honor the lessons of last season, and to set a course for another memorable year of high school football.
