BLACKSVILLE — The Cee-Bees were back in a big way in 2021.
After missing the playoffs for seven straight years since 2014, veteran coach Ryan Wilson led the Clay-Battelle football team to a 9-3 record and a first-round exit in the Class A playoffs in 2021. Now, C-B is ready for a repeat performance in 2022.
“We have had a great turnout for the weight room,” Wilson, in his 28th year, said. “Our numbers for the three weeks were some of the best that we have had for a while.”
That optimistic outlook is bolstered by the fact that Clay-Battelle returns 18 players from a year ago, including two starters along the offensive line. Jacob Kassay and Tate Elliott all started last year on the line while Easton Rowan saw considerable time, as well. Gabe Thomas is back after taking a year off football while Brendon Skavinsky, Joe Stewart and Alex Danser all have some level of experience up front.
“Our offensive line, we feel they are a fast group,” Wilson said. “People are going to see some different things with them so we can take advantage of that. I like how they have picked up well with each other.”
With the returning beef up front and returning quarterback Carson Shriver, the Cee-Bees should be quite explosive on offense.
“People ask me what kind of offense I run,” Wilson said. “We have three categories, we can spread teams out, we can throw it and we can run it. We can also run power. We do what we feel comfortable against a team we are playing. What is our best option of attacking a team?”
Shriver leads that attack as he currently sits seventh all-time in the C-B record book for career rushing yards. But an improved passing game and a defense that should be stingy is going to go a long way toward a return trip to the playoffs.
“If we can get back in the playoffs with me having zero rushing runs, I am okay with that,” Shriver said. “Whatever it takes to win this year — I really don’t care about the stats.”
While Carson Shriver is going to carry his share of the load, his brother Maddox is also going to get some carries as a fullback.
“Maddox is a throwback powerful runner,” Wilson said.
Also expected to see carries is junior Zac Hall, who will also play wide receiver. Mason Chisler, a senior wide receiver, should also figure in the passing game, while senior tight end Matthew Gadd is a big target at 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds.
“Matthew has had a fantastic summer,” Wilson said. “He has really hit the weight room and he has come in and really improved himself. He has done exactly what we wanted him to do.”
Also expected to see touches on the offensive side of the ball is Adam Kolat and backup quarterback JC Spears, who also will get work at wide receiver.
Defense is going to be key for Clay-Battelle this year, as it was last season. They held opponents to just over nine points per game in all nine of their victories. That statistic includes giving up 30 points in an overtime win over Tygarts Valley and includes four shutouts. But in the three losses, the Cee-Bees gave up an average of 45 points per contest.
“Defense wins ball games” Wilson said. “The score of every ball game is 0-0 if defense can hold that, we will win a lot of games. Offense is exciting to watch, but if your defense can’t stop anyone, you’re in for a toughie.”
Many of the Cee-Bees play both ways, but Wilson pointed to Drew Mercer’s improvement at defensive end and Gadd’s beef on the defensive line as key areas of a possible defensive improvement. Joe Stewart, Thomas and a couple of freshmen coming from the middle school program — including the middle school leading tackler — could help provide some depth.
“I think we can be a playoff team,” Wilson said. “The potential is there. You show up on Friday nights and see what we have. I am really pleased with our summer and chemistry and the work ethic.”
The Cee-Bees open their season at home Aug. 26 against Massanutten Military Academy.
By ERIC HERTER
TWEET @DomPostSports
