Let’s have some fun while we wait for the schedule release…

[Virginia HS Football Fan]

I love wacky matchups. You know…those crazy random non-district games that have no business taking place but create intrigue.

So to kill sometime before the schedule release takes place, name three games you would like to see in 2026 that have no chance taking place even in the playoffs. That means these teams have to come from different classifications and aren’t already scheduled to play one another this year.

Call it “fantasy scheduling”. I’ll start.

Rappahannock vs. Southern Gap (interesting to see a bunch of small schools who are now a bigger school play a small school that won a state title in 2025)
Lafayette vs. Strasburg (both programs are well coached…and yes, I know that Lafayette would “out-athlete” Strasburg)
Lee County vs. Northampton (because I’m a sicko for geographic craziness)

What say you?

 

[Lorkie12]

I’ll go Graham vs Salem - Salem has some talent coming back with several guys with offers. (not as good up front as years past especially last season) I imagine they will be more physical now.

Graham- solid program, checked their roster and they’re huge for a 2A school. Have some depth

 

[Virginia HS Football Fan]

I’ll go Graham vs Salem - Salem has some talent coming back with several guys with offers. (not as good up front as years past especially last season) I imagine they will be more physical now.

Graham- solid program, checked their roster and they’re huge for a 2A school. Have some depth

That one would be tasty indeed.

 

[CrushBlock]

 

[Pizzzzza2025]

That dude's YT page has lots of Graham highlights from late 80s to early 90s, as well as lots of interesting high school/sports videos.

 

[Real Sasquatch]

Grahahm lost that 89 matchup, then won in Bluefield in 90. I think it was 94 or 95 that Graham went back to Salem and lost 7-6. There was also a benefit game won by Graham in the mid 90's. Those were some good matchups back then.

 

[Hales Bottom]

89 Graham team that lost to Salem had national recognition by USA Today as one of 2 teams to not be scored on in the first 8 games. Salem beat Graham at Salem as Graham came into the game with 8 shutouts and 8-0. Salem had a solid team. Graham had 5 turnovers to Salem's 1 turnover and tripled Salem in total yardage and lost the game. Salem ended up losing to Blacksburg in the playoffs. Graham beat Blacksburg 26 to 0 in regular season before going on to win the Div 3 state title. Blacksburg won it in Div 4 that year. Salem had a bunch of injuries in the playoffs in their loss to Blacksburg, or they would have probably been Div 4 state champs. Salem, Graham, and Blacksburg were all solid that year.

 

[CrushBlock]

Coach mag was qb in that 89 game!

 

[Hales Bottom]

Coach mag was qb in that 89 game!

Yep, he suffered injury and wasn't the same after that. Would have likely been a different story against Blacksburg in the playoffs if he played. Blacksburg was good though, led by Jerome Trussell, all state Running Back.

 

[CrushBlock]

Think he handled it well. Great coach and even better man

 

[numb3rs2]

1989 Salem 23 - Graham 6 FFE Highlights

Between White, Carlock, Magenbauer, and Bradley this game featured four men who would win a combined 14 state championships as head coaches.

 

[numb3rs2]

I'd like to see the battle of the Salems: Spartans vs. Sun Devils. Also, the William Bryan Cup game of Salem (VA) vs Salem (NJ).

Salem vs Riverheads might be more realistic as an intriguing matchup.

 

[otnorot1]

Also, the William Bryan Cup game of Salem (VA) vs Salem (NJ).

Spotswood's girls basketball team played against Spotswood New Jersey a couple years ago, you could have a whole event where Virginia teams play against their twins from other states.

 

[Real Sasquatch]

For those interested, here is a video link to the 1990 matchup between Graham and Salem.

Bing Videos

 

[Real Sasquatch]

1989 Salem 23 - Graham 6 FFE Highlights

Between White, Carlock, Magenbauer, and Bradley this game featured four men who would win a combined 14 state championships as head coaches.

Don't forget that Tony Palmer played for Graham in 89 and went on to coach Graham to 3 state titles and is not done yet... Bring that total up to 17. Brad Bradley is not done either..

 

[numb3rs2]

Don't forget that Tony Palmer played for Graham in 89 and went on to coach Graham to 3 state titles amd is not done yet... Bring that total up to 17. Brad Bradley is not done either..

Thanks. I didn't know that Graham's current coach was on that team. I agree that Bradley may not be done.

 

[Hales Bottom]

Thanks. I didn't know that Graham's current coach was on that team. I agree that Bradley may not be done.

And had what was probably his worst HS football game played that day in Salem. Palmer was a phenomenal running back and defensive back. Had 2 fumbles that day at Salem and had a total of only 3 fumbles his junior and senior year combined, with 2 of those 3 total fumbles that day at Salem. One of those on a kickoff return where he was untouched and might have went for a touchdown in open field.