High School

MARION –– The realignment of the Virginia High School League this year resulted in the creation of the Southern Empire Conference, which, for all intents and purposes, is a new moniker for the old Southwest District.

Whatever the name, Grayson County is making itself at home.

The overall top seed Blue Devils had little trouble advancing to the conference’s inaugural championship volleyball match, shaking off a wobbly start to thump Tazewell 25-15, 25-14, 25-14 Thursday at Marion High School.

HILLSVILLE –– On a night when Carroll County won big on the field, it must have felt like a loss in the locker room after long-time head coach Tom Hale announced his plans to step down after 15 years at the helm of the Cavalier football team.

Hale met with the media following a dominating 77-28 victory at Tommy Thompson Field over neighboring Patrick County (0-10) and said he felt like it was time to move on.

UPDATE: In the time since this story was written, the VHSL has adjusted Grayson County's ratings points in accordance with Alleghany, N.C.'s schedule. Grayson County now is rated 14th in the 2A West Region.

There is still a lot to be decided in the western half of the state as high school football draws down to its final week of the regular season.

HILLSVILLE –– Times were, Carroll County slugged it out all season only to match up against a River Ridge District powerhouse in the playoffs. This year, it’s all kind of backwards.

The Cavaliers concluded their first regular season as a member of that River Ridge and will move on to a postseason devoid of Cave Spring and Hidden Valley. Carroll solidified its No. 5 standing in the eight-team district with a 25-17, 25-21, 25-23 senior night win over 6A Patrick Henry and will open Conference 24 tournament play Monday against an opponent to be determined.