For the first time ever, area youth football players are being recognized for their
accomplishments with the selection of “All-Tri County” teams. Teams for 10-and-under and 12-
and-under were chosen by youth coaches for players from Roanoke County, Franklin County and
Botetourt County as well as the City of Salem.
“It’s something new we’re doing this year to bring some recognition to youth football in
the valley,” said Cody Underwood, a Vinton youth football coach and recreation booster.
“Players are chosen by opposing coaches. Coaches could not vote for their own players.”
On the 10U team Byrd had three players named to the 11 member first team offense,
Riggins Hill at quarterback, Ashby Bernard at “skill” and Hayden McClure on the offensive line.
Byrd’s Owen Gibson was named to the first team defense on the line.
On the second team 10U team Grayson Underwood was selected on the offensive line
while two Byrd players were second team defense, Hill at skill and Underwood at defensive line.
In 12U the Super Bowl runner-up Vinton team put five on the first team offense. Zach
Taylor was named at quarterback, Briggs Kotz at skill, Peyton Underwood at tight end and both
Jackson Poindexter and Jake Morris on the offensive line.
The 12U first team defense also had five Byrd players. Taylor and Kotz were both named
at linebacker/defensive back and on the line Underwood, Morris and Brennan Leary were named
to the first team.
The second team 12U offense had Byrd’s Liam Roberts at a skill position and on defense
second team selections for the Terriers are Jr. Hicks and Roberts at LB/DB and Poindexter on the
line.
“Vinton is a football town and these teams reflect that,” said Underwood. “We’re
proud of all of the young men in our program and there were several not mentioned that
were more than deserving to make All-Tri County. The continued investment from coach
(William Byrd High School coach Brad) Lutz and the varsity staff will pay off for years
to come.”
