The Shadow
BATH COUNTY, Va. — The Bath County Chargers and the Eastern Montgomery Mustangs are poised for a pivotal Pioneer District matchup this Friday, as both teams seek to turn the tide in their respective football seasons.
The contest, to be held on Eastern Montgomery’s home field in Elliston, Virginia, marks a crucial turning point as the district stretch begins for Bath County.
The Chargers, coming off a hard-fought 33-12 loss to Pendleton County (W.Va.) on October 10, currently hold a record of 3-2. Despite the disappointment of last week’s homecoming defeat, Bath County’s season has featured several highlights and growth moments that suggest brighter days could lie ahead in the back half of their schedule.
In their most recent outing against Pendleton County, the Chargers opened strong, controlling the game’s tempo with a methodical opening drive that consumed the entire first quarter and part of the second, culminating in points on the board and underscoring their offensive discipline. Head coach and players alike attribute much of that early success to a determined offensive line that continues to pave the way for their dynamic runners.
“We moved the ball methodically,” one team member recounted.
“Our offensive line did a great job.”
Bath County’s ground attack is anchored by running back Ethan Bryant and Hunter Kirby, both of whom made significant contributions in the team’s recent games. Kirby, who plays quarterback for Bath County, has grown steadily throughout the season. Coaches praise his evolution from a hurried, first-year signal caller to a poised and accurate passer capable of reading defenses and distributing the ball smartly to his receivers.
Despite their early dominance against Pendleton County, Bath County’s defense struggled to contain the Wildcats’ star athlete, Colton Roberson, during the second half. Roberson’s impact on both sides of the ball shifted the momentum away from Bath County, whose defense, though solid early, was ultimately overpowered by Pendleton’s passing prowess. The pivotal moment came midway through the third quarter, when the Wildcats pulled away for good. Yet, the Chargers’ offensive and defensive lines continue to stand out, frequently disrupting the opposing offense and protecting their own backs.
The secondary, while showing moments of vulnerability—especially against Pendleton’s passing attack—has also provided key plays, with standout performances from players like Walker Randozzo and Issac Phillips in both coverage and on kickoff returns.
Looking ahead, Bath County enters district play with both optimism and urgency. The Pioneer District standings are tightly packed: Craig County tops the table at 1-0, Narrows follows at 1-0, Parry McClure is third at 0-1, Eastern Montgomery sits fourth at 0-1, and Bath County rounds out the list at 0-0. Friday’s clash will not only set the tone for the Chargers’ district campaign but could also prove decisive in any potential playoff push.
On the opposite sideline, the Eastern Montgomery Mustangs face their own set of challenges, having endured a difficult season with just one win against six losses. Their sole victory came with a decisive 50-12 result over Bland County, but much of the year has been an uphill battle for the Mustangs, as evidenced by last week’s 44-6 district-opening loss to Craig County. Despite the record, Eastern Montgomery has shown resilience, putting up a fight in most games and finding ways to put points on the board.
The Mustangs rely heavily on senior Chase Biermann, a versatile presence who lines up at quarterback, running back, and linebacker. Biermann has tallied approximately 350 to 400 passing yards this season with much of that production aimed at sophomore receiver Kellen Stewart, who averages about 70 yards per game and boasts several touchdowns.
As both teams gear up for Friday’s matchup, the community and fans are encouraged to make the journey from Bath County to Elliston. Supporters will play a pivotal role as the Chargers aim to mirror last year’s playoff run and begin their district slate with a statement victory. Regardless of outcome, Friday night promises hard-nosed football, spirited competition, and an early test of mettle for both squads as district play kicks off in earnest.
Kickoff is scheduled for Friday evening at Eastern Montgomery High School in Elliston.
