Countdown to Kickoff: Eastside Spartans have high expectations with 22 players returning

COEBURN, Va. (WJHL) — In Countdown to Kickoff, we head to Eastside, where the Spartans are clearly the team to watch this season. Under head coach Mike Rhoades, the Spartans return all 22 starters from a dominant 12-1 campaign that ended with a narrow finish as Region 1-D runner-ups.

Leading the way will be senior Keldan Hamilton, the reigning Cumberland District offensive and defensive player of the year. The team also returns running back Rocky Bond and quarterback Landon Pannel, meaning that on paper, the Spartans are looking virtually unbeatable as they gear up for the fall.

Despite high expectations, the locker room remains locked into a strict, single-minded focus. The goal every week is to go one and zero, explained tight end and linebacker Noah Hamilton, noting that the coaching staff preaches the importance of taking things one game at a time rather than looking down the road. Linebacker Braxton Freeman echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that they take it week by week with the ultimate hope of bringing home a state championship.

Coach Rhoades reinforced that disciplined mindset heading into the opening week. Next week doesn't matter, Rhoades said, emphasizing that last week is already in the past and only the opponent in front of them matters. He warned that looking too far down the road prevents a team from ever reaching its goals, keeping the main focus locked squarely on Friday night.

The Spartans open their highly anticipated season on Aug. 28 against Wise County Central.