Richlands has been the dominant team in the Southwest District for five years running and will look to continue that streak in 2009. After overcoming district foe Tazewell in the regular season and then again in the region IV, division 3 championship, the Blue Tornado earned their fifth straight regional title, as well. Along with those two schools, Graham also earned a playoff spot in 2008, while Abingdon, Carroll County and Marion finished with identical 5-5 records and Grundy struggled to its fourth straight losing season. The chase to knock Richlands off of the district pedestal continues this season. Check out the Graham preview below!

2008 Record: 4-7 | Postseason: Lost 43-14 to Tazewell in Region IV, Division 3 1st Round

QB David Marrs, Sr.

OG/LB Tony Barreras, Sr.

C/DL Alex Marrs, Sr.

WR Torren Byrd, Sr.

RB/LB Zack Mickel, Sr.

Coming off of a disappointing 4-7 campaign that saw them qualify for the postseason despite a losing record, the Graham G-Men enter 2009 looking to challenge for a district title and make a better showing in the playoffs. Offensively, the team returns starting quarterback David Marrs. Joining him in the backfield will be fullback Zack Mickel and tailback Tanner Howell, among other runners. Wide receiver Torren Byrd could be ready to break out this season, as well. Up front, the line returns center Alex Marrs, tackle Darrius Carper and guard Tony Barreras.

Defensively, coach Marrs tells VirginiaPreps.com that the team returns 9 starters. Barreras and Mickel should anchor a dependable group of linebackers, while senior Austin Bokish returns in the secondary.

Coach Marrs says that the G-Men can ill afford any injuries this season, with depth a concern at most positions. On offense, the play out of the backfield will be the key and the running backs, while talented, are also unproven. On defense, the secondary will need to improve on its performance in 2008 in order for Graham to challenge in the Southwest District.