Ospreys jumped to a 14-0 halftime advantage in a half full of turnovers for both sides.

The team made up of local home school student-athletes is entering its first year under new head coach Milton West II.

In the end, Roanoke Catholic defended their stomping grounds and took the win - 44-14.

John serves as the Sports Director at WSLS 10. From Virginia Tech, to NASCAR and everything in between, WSLS 10 Sports covers the names making big plays in the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB.

ROANOKE, Va. – The North Cross Raiders opened up their season on Friday against the Virginia Spartans, beating them 69-0. “We had some explosiveness on defense, got some turnovers, scored a defensive touchdown which I like,” Raiders head coach Stephen Alexander said. More than that, just excited to be out here. One of the few teams in the state who can do it. They feel very privileged and a great honor to play, so they’re just excited to play ball.”Next for the Spartans, they will take on Advancing Christ Through Sports at home on Saturday, and the Raiders will face Fork Union Military Academy on Friday.

ROANOKE, Va. – It’s been a long time coming, but the North Cross Raiders will open the season on Friday against the Virginia Spartans. The Raiders are notorious for their explosive offense, but quarterback Gabe Zappia said there’s one thing that makes them stand out this year. Same with Michael Mack too, those guys are fast.”But Spartans assistant coach David Heckman said their experience last week helped prepare them for players like Virginia commit James Jackson. And the Spartans have play makers to get after the ball, “They’ve got some talented guys, big bodies, they’re tough. I know we’re one of the only teams in southwest Virginia playing,” said senior Carlton Ward.

Roanoke, Va. – The Virginia Spartans are one of two high school teams playing this fall. The Spartans are made up mostly of home-schoolers, like Gabriel Sweat, who is in his first year on the team. “It’s something I’ve always wanted, a dream I wanted to pursue,” Sweat said. With the cancellation of nearly all high school fall sports, players like Franklin County’s Jamerise Holland knew he needed to play, and was allowed to join the Spartans. :That will be put to the test on Saturday, when they open up the season against Beacon Hill out of Richmond.