The James River and Lord Botetourt football teams were scheduled to play in benefit games this Friday, but now only James River will be participating. Lord Botetourt’s game in Magna Vista has been cancelled for health concerns.
The Magna Vista team had been battling a case of staph infection that affected the skin of some team members. Officials from the school called Lord Botetourt High early this week to assure the Cavaliers the problem had been cleared up, but LB school representatives decided it wasn’t worth the risk of playing the benefit game.
“It was an issue we didn’t want to take a chance with,” said LB coach Jamie Harless.
Harless tried to find another option, but at this late date it was impossible. So, the Cavaliers will begin the season at Brookville on August 30 with just one scrimmage under their belts.
The Cavaliers were impressive in last week’s scrimmage in Charlottesville. They ran 30 plays against Charlottesville and 48 against Turner Ashby and scored eight times while not allowing a single score. Still, Harless would have liked to have another scrimmage situation before heading into the season.
“It could hurt,” he said. “We like to have a benefit game to be in ‘playing shape.’”
James River scrimmaged Rockbridge County in Springwood last Friday, and the Knights will host a benefit game against Auburn this Friday. It’s scheduled for 7 p.m., and the Knights will open the regular season at Stuarts Draft on August 30.
Look for a preview of both the LB and River teams in a special “Fall Sports Preview” in next week’s edition of The Fincastle Herald.
