The Shadow
Lexington, Va (VR)- The Alleghany Cougars will wrap up a successful regular season on Friday night as they travel to Rockbridge High School to face the struggling Rockbridge County Wildcats. The game, which pits a surging 8-1 Alleghany squad against a 0-9 Rockbridge team, caps off a season of contrasting fortunes for the two county rivals.
The Wildcats, hosting their last game of the 2025 regular season, have yet to earn a victory. Their campaign began back on Aug. 29 with a 21-11 loss to Parry McCluer High School and went on to include defeats such as 44-6 to Turner Ashby, 14-7 in a closer contest against Stanton, and more sizable setbacks against teams like Wilson Memorial and Fort Defiance.
Despite the record, Rockbridge has at times flashed potential. The teams’ quarterbacks, Grayden Brown and Taylen Tyree, are both noted for their strong arms. With capable receivers, like Trevor Hoke, Cole Dorey, and Aiden Meyers, they’ve managed to stay competitive in many games, falling to Stanton by just seven and to Waynesboro by seven as well. The issue has often seemed to be on their defensive side, where the Wildcats have struggled against a tough schedule. They’ve played smart hardnosed football, but their defense has struggled.
Alleghany, meanwhile, along with last year, has enjoyed one of its best seasons in recent memory. With only a single blemish, a 17-3 loss to powerhouse Wilson Memorial, the Cougars currently boast an 8-1 record and are second in the Shenandoah district, holding a 6-1 mark in region play. Their high-powered offense is anchored by a dominant offensive line, with Owen Burch, Will Pallela, Cameron Wright, Ben Phillips Parker Osborne, and Zane George opening lanes for standout running back Carter Nicely and providing pocket time for dynamic quarterback phenom Des Jordan. Jordan, praised for his athleticism and ability to make throws on the run, has connected often with top targets like Jay Godfrey and Austin Greene.
The Cougars’ defense has likewise been a cornerstone of their successful season. Their ability to limit every opponent to under 30 points, including having strong offensive teams, set them apart. The defensive line excelled at applying pressure on rival quarterbacks, leading to consistent performances, and contributing significantly to the Cougars’ winning record. Standout players such as Julius Nevils, Jayvon Myers, Haiden Nicely, and Kymari Rice were key contributors to the defense’s dominance, making it a central reason for the team’s achievements this year.
The Cougars’ season began with a heart stopping 27-26 win over Brookville, followed by a 36-26 victory at Greenbrier East and another nail-biter, 22-21, over Staunton Storm. Alleghany continued to rack up wins against Waynesboro, Stuart’s Draft, and Buffalo Gap before suffering their only defeat to Wilson Memorial. They rebounded in style, defeating Riverheads 36-29 and Fort Defiance last week 35-21.
Head coach Will field’s group is known for its resilience, coming out on top in several close finishes with good teams this year, evidence of a team capable of executing under pressure on both sides of the ball. Defensively, the Cougars have held tough in the trenches, and key playmakers have delivered big moments in crunch time.
A look at common opponents tells the story: where Rockbridge lost 52-0 to Wilson Memorial, Alleghany kept it to 17-3. The Wildcats fell to Fort Defiance 54-7, while Alleghany prevailed 35-21. Although recent scores suggest a challenging night ahead for Rockbridge, fans and players alike know that football can deliver surprises, especially when a team’s pride and desire for an upset are on the line.
As both teams prepare for their season finale, Alleghany is determined to finish the campaign strong and build momentum for postseason play. Rockbridge, for its part, hopes to put together a complete performance in front of its home crowd and spoil the Cougars’ triumphant run.
Kickoff is set for Friday night at Rockbridge High School in Lexington. Cougar supporters are encouraged to make the trip and cheer as Alleghany aims to close out a remarkable regular season. For the Wildcats, it’s one final chance to send their seniors out with a surprise and provide fans with a glimpse of what could be with a few breaks and some resilience.
Whether it’s the Cougars’ march toward the playoffs or the Wildcats’ search for that elusive first win, this season-ending matchup promises plenty of action for local football fans.
