SALEM, Va. – The River Ridge District is full of talented teams including the perennial power Salem Spartans who are dialed in on focus, discipline and execution.
“It’s just Salem football,” said head coach Don Holter.
The Spartans return to the field with a solidified leader in signal caller DaRon Wilson and a tandem of running backs behind him in Javeon Jones and Chris Martin just to name a few. Salem’s defense is looking to dial up the pressure this season after serving up three shutouts last season. In fact, it was an 11-win season for Salem but it came to an end in the VHSL Class 4 State Semifinals. That’s all the motivation the Spartans need.
“I think we’re really still thinking about that,” said Wilson.
“Like, that burns in our hearts so we’re really determined to get back to that part of the season. I feel like Salem has the highest expectations and it has to be perfect. We may not be able to be perfect but we’re going to try.”
“Every kid in our program is going to be coached and as I said before, that torch is going to be passed and it’s their turn to understand what they’re doing and play smart, play fast, be physical, understand what their assignments are and have fun while their doing it,” Holter said.
For the second year in a row, Salem will open the season against powerhouse Martinsburg, West Virginia on August 26.