1995.

That was the last time that Covington defeated their cross-town rivals. 2010 was no different as Alleghany came away Friday night with yet another victory, 26-6.

Much like the past two years, Alleghany had pure dominance over the Cougars, outgaining them 329-73 in the yardage department. 113 of those yards were hauled in by senior wide out Lucas Kirby on eight receptions courtesy of junior quarterback Seth Bradley.

Bradley racked up 184 yards total through his aerial attack, going 16-25 and falling just ... << MORE >>

In the last decade, Charger Football has become somewhat of a religion for the residents of Bath County. With playoff appearances in nine of the last ten years and one state championship, it's easy to see why Carl F. Williams Field is jam-packed with fans for every home game.

Things should be no different for the Charger's season opener this Friday night against Eastern Montgomery.

This match up between the two Region C powerhouses quickly turned into a must watch game after the second of two match ups between ... << MORE >>

High school football.  The sport that arguably educes more enthusiasm from students and fans than any sport in America, its violent nature unrivaled by any other athletic competition.  The passion in the game is elevated to yet another level when a storied trophy is on the line, a symbol of a long-standing rivalry between two prestigious programs. << MORE >>

HOT SPRINGS - Parry McCluer utilized its depth to win the first ... << MORE >>

LOW MOOR - Alleghany's golf team continued its recent string of success against rival Covington with a 153-209 victory on Monday.

Mountaineer senior Lacy Broughman continued his torrid pace on the links with a two-over 37 to earn medalist honors in the match.

David Terry and Brian Bess both fired 38's to help Alleghany's cause. Logan Bryant and Anthony Thompson joined in the low scores with matching 40's. Ben Vess rounded things out with a respectable 42.

"We had a good day. 153 is ... << MORE >>

"We've played outstanding games and we've played terrible games this season."

That quote came from Alleghany Coach Gary Rice after his Mountaineers lost 9-1 in the Region III semifinals tonight with an opportunity for a Group AA state berth on the line once again.

The Indians from Fort Defiance proved to be too much to handle though.

Alleghany started things off with Cody Nida stepping out in the two spot and belting a liner to center. He would advance to third after a Nicely shot ... << MORE >>

More hardware is coming back to Alleghany's trophy case.

This coming after the Mountaineers' 3-0 win over Staunton River Saturday afternoon at Northside high school.

In a match-up of two teams that no one would've seen coming, Alleghany clinched a number two seed in the Region III tournament next week.

After 33 minutes of scoreless play, Tyler Farrar took it upon himself to give Alleghany a quick 1-0 lead. Off his direct kick from approximately 24 yards out, the Mountaineers had the early advantage. ... << MORE >>

Different location, same result.

Those words describe what happened in the Blue Ridge District Tournament championship game Saturday at Jackson River Sporting Complex.

Due to a fifteen minute torrential downpour on Friday afternoon that prevented the championship game from being played, the two teams were set to play today following a thrilling eight-inning showdown that gave Lord Botetourt the third and final BRD spot in the Region III tournament next week.

First-team BRD Sophomore Kristen Rose lead things off for Alleghany with an infield ... << MORE >>

COVINGTON - Win or go home. << MORE >>

One game. One Shot. One Goal.

That's all it took Wednesday night for the Mountaineers to dethrone Blue Ridge District rival Lord Botetourt and treat them to an early exit in the BRD tournament.

Previously unbeaten in district play, the Cavaliers looked poised to capture another piece of hardware. The assurance of a Region III berth and the possibility of that same piece of hardware propelled Alleghany to a 4-3 double overtime win.

Nine minutes into play, Alleghany was looking like a team on ... << MORE >>

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Coming in to the Blue Ridge District Play-In game this evening, the Northside Vikings had failed to win a district game this season. Monday evening at Mountaineer Field, the Vikings clearly showed why they did not want their season to come to a close just yet.

It wasn't long before arguably the best duo in the BRD hooked up for the first goal of the night for Alleghany.

Off an assist from BRD Player of the Year, Tyler Farrar, Cassidy Burns headed yet another goal into the net, adding ... << MORE >>

Dear Faithful Readers, << MORE >>

It's often said that pitching is the most important aspect in baseball. With Covington hitting the ball the way they are, some Cougar fans might have to disagree.

The Cougars drilled Craig County 11-1 at Casey Field in the final regular season game for both teams. The five-inning victory finalized Covington's district record at 5-3 on the year.

"We are hitting the ball really well. Several guys stepped up big, Matthew (Myers) and Adam (Simmons) at the plate and Shawn Perkins made some spectacular plays in the field," Covington skipper Mick ... << MORE >>

Rain wasn't a problem for once this week at Mountaineer Field on Wednesday, unfortunately grabbing a key win that would have made for a 4-way tie for first in the Blue Ridge District was for Alleghany.

With the opportunity to have a district playoff series before the official post-season tournament started next week, the Mountaineers fell short, losing 7-5 to William Byrd.

Freshman Alex Javins got the nod from Alleghany Coach Gary Rice, but it seemed that the pressure was too much, as Javins only lasted two innings, giving ... << MORE >>

The Alleghany boys and girls' soccer teams closed out their regular season on Tuesday night, each squad facing off against William Byrd.

In Vinton, the Mountaineers fell to the Terriers by the score of 5-1.

"Tonight's game reminded me a lot of our earlier loss against Botetourt this season," commented Alleghany Coach Brian Berry.

William Byrd carried a 4-0 lead into half before Berry decided to switch things up on the field.

Henok Netere scored the lone goal for Alleghany ... << MORE >>

One year ago, junior Cassidy Burns was watching homerun balls fly over the "Black Holey Monster" from the baseball diamond onto the soccer field, now a senior, he has the Alleghany High School record for goals in a season on that same soccer field.

"Being converted from baseball to soccer makes (the record) pretty cool," said Burns on his record breaking night.

The record came on Senior Night where Alleghany turned the tables on Staunton River, avenging the 1-0 loss that was handed to them earlier in the season ... << MORE >>

Written by:  Jacob Downer and Travis Hammond




highlandsathletics.com is proud to announce the introduction of our newest member.

Alexis Brooke Burdette was born May 8 at 8:20 a.m, weighing eight pounds, twelve ounces.  She came in at a staggering 19.5 inches.

"Unbelievable," said a visibly emotional Darrin Burdette, the proud father.  "I had always pictured this day in my head but there is nothing that can prepare you for it."

No possible preparation, indeed.  Burdette received the call that "it was time" around 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning.  He immediately headed to Ogles Creek to pick up Bethany Charles, the mother-to-be, and they headed to Lewisburg.

Originally scheduled to travel to Harrisonburg for a Caesarean section on May 13, Charles began having contractions around 11 p.m. Friday night.  Once the rapidity of the contractions shortened to just seven and a half minutes apart, Charles knew the baby was going to arrive ahead of schedule.

Holding hands, speeding westbound on Interstate 64, Burdette and Charles made the necessary calls to family and friends to alert them of Lexi's early arrival. 

Upon entering the emergency room, Charles was quickly rushed into proper hospital attire and into obstetrics, while Burdette was instructed to stay in the waiting room.  In the great confusion, Jacob Downer, Travis Hammond and Mama Charles became disoriented in the three story building, finally being instructed by a nurse as to where "Ms. Charles" could be found.  Upon finding the proper floor and locating Burdette, the wait was on.

As friends and family such as Amanda Nichols, Heather Hinebaugh, Emily Burdette, Krista Taylor, and Mama and Papa Charles filed into the waiting room, the other patrons become to get aggravated due to the group's excitement.  Bets were placed on the length and weight of the coming newborn and there was more anticipation. 

At one point, a joint venture to the cafeteria yielded snack machines, saltine crackers, and stolen beef soup.   After even more anticipation, Charles was wheeled to the OR with an emotional Burdette not far behind.
 
After yet another hour the doctor, which we had been watching cleaning baby after baby, knowing how gentle his touch would be... (sorry) the doctor alerted us that Alexis would be out shortly and we would be able to observe her and her parents.

The remainder of the day involved countless pictures and tears.  Facebook was inundated with statuses, pictures, and comments related to the baby.  All in all, it was easy to see that the baby had quickly become the most popular thing in the Alleghany Highlands.

"We hope that Alexis brings a lot to the table," Burdette said at the hospital.  "If she's half as talented at writing as I am then we're in good shape."

We can only hope so.

Needing to beat all four of the other teams in the Pioneer to secure a tie for the championship, Covington started their campaign on Thursday. They got off to a incredible start, topping Parry McCluer 12-2 in six innings.

Aaron Fertig hit and Chad Lipes pitched the way past the Fighting Blues. Fertig finished 3-for-3 with four RBI and three steals. Lipes pitched all six innings, striking out nine and allowing only two earned runs.

Michael Myers also had a big day at the plate for the homestanding ... << MORE >>

HOT SPRINGS - A chance to take the top spot of the district standings. Neither team could do it.

Both the Bath County boys and girls soccer teams lost to James River at home on Wednesday, the girls by a 2-1 final in overtime and the boys 3-0.

Carrington Pasco scored the lone goal for the girls.

"We just came out flat in the first half. They fought harder for the loose balls and that was the difference in the game. We need to come ... << MORE >>