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Behind The Gobbler CallAn Inside Lens Into Broadway High School Sports
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Both the Boys and Girls teams look to remain consistent down the stretch and into the postseason. By: Ben Elliott We were earlier on in the 2023-2024 basketball season the last time I talked with you all. The early season is always such an interesting time in many different regards. After months of being away from any real action on the hardwood, you never truly know what to expect until you take the floor on opening night in late November, (usually my birthday, everybody’s favorite holiday, the 29th). Then you get into season play early on and like every other team in the country, you have many skills or schemes to smooth out. As time rolls on however, you hope to gradually improve on a nightly basis in all aspects of your game, and it may not happen quickly but, slowly but surely as you’re watching the film from earlier on in the year, you think back on just how far your team has come.
We’ve hit that stage in the season thus far. I’m sure both teams would say, there were some games early on that we’d wish we could do over again. Moments where we didn’t necessarily execute like we’d have liked and some shots we wished would’ve fell down the stretch. Yet, at this point in mid-January, each team is at a spot to humbly be proud of, not enough to be complacent and lose sight of the larger goal, but a spot to be proud of as something to build on later in the season. Let's take a quick look at where we stand going deeper into district play. Through the first 17 games of the season, my beloved Lady Gobblers stand at 12-5. Just like I mentioned above, looking back on November/Early December, there were some games I wish went the other way and some spots where we didn’t hit our shots. However, it’s all part of the larger game script. We’ve improved a ton in our offensive game since the beginning of the season. Attacking the rim and making our free throws (most of the time). But most importantly to my happiness, we’ve developed an identity as a Tom Izzo or Tony Bennett type of team. A team that plays exceptionally physical defense and takes care of the boards. Like I said in the preseason show, I’ll always prefer my teams take on a defensive identity. When you play great defense, you’re never truly out of the game. If we’re down by 10 points or less at the half, I know we’ll have a shot to come from behind in the second half due to just how well we’re playing defensively. The boys stand at an impressive record of 12-4 through 16 games. The boys have the same identity we’re building over on the other side. A selfless offensive team that doesn’t care who scores when or how. A team that plays solid defense that also just like us, has them in many games down the stretch. The thing I've loved the most out of the boys team this year is the cohesion between the lower and upperclassmen. The team has a great balance between hardened veterans and young guys that are hungry to make a spot for themselves at the highest local level of basketball. When you have a great mix like the boys (and girls) team’s have, the possibilities are endless on each end of the court, especially on the offensive end. When you have players that have experience running through an offense, it becomes much easier for the younger more inexperienced players to catch along. And the more experience you have, the better off you are. I’m overjoyed with where both teams are at at this point in the season. Broadway has an identity for playing the game the right way. Both teams embody that play style to a T. I’m grateful to bear witness to all of it. As the Calendar gets set to flip to 2024 the BHS Basketball teams hit their stride.
By: Ben Elliott Vince Guaraldi’s piano is in the air everywhere you go, the meal of toast, jelly beans, popcorn and pretzels has been eaten amongst the best of friends and the weather (for the most part), is very very chilly. That can only mean one thing…. We’ve made it through the first chunk of the basketball season and it's time for our 2023-24 Broadway Basketball preview through the first ten-ish games of the season! Starting with the girls. Through our first eight games, we stand at 4-4 after a gauntlet of a five game road streak of games that we finished up in Bridgewater, with a tough four point, 40-36, loss to the Knights. It’s been a ton of fun this season through the first couple months. We’ve steadily improved in every aspect of the game thus far after a couple months of play. We’ve played some opponents over the mountains in Page Co. and Luray, splitting with both the Panthers and Bulldogs. We’ve picked up a couple wins over Fort Defiance and a win over Rockbridge to make up our four wins to date. We played Spotswood in Penn Laird to a nail biting finish earlier this month. We made what we thought was a three to tie the game in the final seconds which would’ve taken us to overtime. At first we thought the three was good, then out of the corner of my eye, the play was reviewed and called a two pointer due to the shooter’s foot being on the line. It’s a heartbreaking way to lose however, I include this here because it’s a perfect example that basketball is a game of inches. We played a really good Spotswood team on their home floor and almost walked out with a win. I’m super proud of how far the kids have come and I cannot wait to see them compete for the rest of the season. Onto the boys. Through nine games, the boys have an impressive record of 7-2! In my season preview as customary for every other preseason story I've ever written, I predicted that the boys team would be in good shape despite graduating a lot of talent due to not only their returning talent on the court, but also their returning talent on the sideline. Coach Walton and Coach Jameson are two of the greatest coaches I’ve ever had the honor to be around throughout my career at BHS as a student and coach. The boys team plays a selfless style of play that doesn’t care who gets the headline. And I feel as if that’s the biggest reason why the boys are playing so well so far. They’re getting contributions from up and down the roster which has made for an unpredictable style of play that leans on a number of different folks at any given time. Which, as a coach, is the hardest thing to gameplan for, when you have to keep multiple names in mind when evaluating a team. The highlight of a game so far for me this year has to be the 100 scoring output against Fort Defiance. And yes, Fort does run a run and gun style of play which produces a high volume of threes for both teams, however, any time you put up a hundred points, you know it’s been a good night. Fort’s head coach Mike Gale used to be the head coach of the school’s girls’ basketball team, so I’ve experienced this style of play first hand over the years. I left each matchup against the team feeling like I had played in the game myself. Overall, it’s been a great start to the season for each program. It’s been great to have gotten to see all of the fans at the games. We thank you for your continued support, as we love what we do because of our great community. Hope to see you all at some games in the future and go Gobblers! After a long wait, BHS Basketball Returns to Action By: Ben Elliott After a long wait we’re finally back! Don’t get me wrong, I love all sports, however, I have a particular love for the hardwood! I am so excited to get into the pre-season previews for both the BHS Boys and Girls Basketball Teams, so let's waste no more time and get into it! Starting with my beloved Broadway Girls basketball team. Last year was an epic triumph for the program. We made steady progress from the previous season to rack up 14 wins and a playoff victory in Fort Defiance. The game was an action packed one. We beat the high-flying Fort squad late in the 4th on some clutch free throws to win our first playoff game in a handful of years. Unfortunately, the season came to a closer with a hard-fought loss in Lynchburg to LCA in the Region 3C Quarterfinals. So, the real question is, where do we go from here? Well, for starters, the team will be led by interim coach Zach Yoder. Yoder a Broadway legend on and off the court, brings an unmeasured basketball IQ to the sideline. I’ve heard him referred to as the smartest player one has ever seen. I’m excited to learn from him this year on the sideline. Coach Willie Tinnell, Coach Janna Grandle and Coach Ben Elliott will each return to the sideline as Assistant Coaches for the Gobblers. The JV staff will see Coaches Delawder and Bland back as well. I love these folks dearly and cannot wait to learn from all of them. With the staff shout outs out of the way, how’s the roster looking? Last year we graduated two seniors, Lindsey Wimer and Lily Gatesman who both made invaluable contributions to the program and I am eternally grateful for the two of them. They taught me a ton and I owe a lot of what I know to the two of them and I wish them all the best moving forward. We introduce a handful of fresh faces to the mix. Seniors Keely Spencer and Natalee Strawderman and freshmen Mady Ennis and Ella Yoder. Along with Junior transfer Izzy Von Arnswaldt. Addison Shanholtz comes up from JV to complete our round of new faces! Returners are Wren Wheeler, Lexie Dingus, Maya Bacon, Hannah Tinnell, April Gingerich and Kaley Runion. We’ve got a great group of kids here that I am beyond grateful to coach again. A huge list of personalities and hard workers that I know will do what our staff tells them to do in order to succeed. As for the schedule, we have our normal valley district matchups in addition to two new faces to the valley this season. William Monroe Hawks and Jordan Biller’s East Rockingham Eagles. I’ve faced these programs sparingly over the years and am more than happy to have them in the district this year. The only new opponents on the schedule this year are Luray, and Page County! We’ve also got the holiday tournament in Strasburg where we’ll take on Sherando and another to be determined opponent. I’m really looking forward to this season for my Lady Gobblers. I hope for steady improvement and growth for everyone involved on and off the court. Of course, I’d love to be right back in the playoffs and if everything goes to plan that’s where we’ll be! Next up on the docket is the boys program! The BHS Boys basketball program is faithfully led by recent 200 game winner Dwight Walton and his trusted assistant Terry Jameson. I say it every year and I'll say it again for years to come. I’m forever indebted to these two men; they’ve taught me more than I could express and they instilled in me a love for the game that I hope to pass along to the next generation! The JV program will be led once again by coach Wilkerson and Coach Reardon! Both are great guys who I’ve been lucky to get to know over the years. The roster construction for the boys is missing a handful of notable players who have graduated to the next level. The team will be tasked with replacing Jowell Santiago, Caleb Barnes and Breylon Miller, three starters from a year ago. The 2023 team will feature a group of three seniors including Conner Michael, Jet Gonzalez and Eric Santiago. The roster is made up of a large group of Juniors this season, including newcomers Grayson Jacquez, Brady Ray and Tucker Trout. The Junior class also features three returning players this season including Samuel Post and Braden Burkhalter, both of whom played impactful minutes last season. Junior Tristan Yoder returns as well after a big sophomore season. Yoder, who holds the school record for three pointers in a game, is expected to be one of the focal points of the offense this season. Sophomore Victor Diaz-Hernandez and Freshman Elijah Post make up the underclassman for the team, but could each provide valuable minutes for the Gobblers this season. The Boys schedule is virtually the same as the girls, except swap holiday tournaments. The boys will play Monticello and a to-be determined opponent in December at Cave Spring High School in Roanoke. Despite some of the new faces on the court for the boys this season yet, there’s no one else better fit to lead this team than the legendary duo of Walton and Jameson. These two are as good as it gets, and I have zero doubt in my mind that the boys will be in the playoffs hunt as the season draws to a close in February. As always, I am really looking forward to another great winter for each team! Most importantly, to the fans. You are the reason why we love what we do here. If it wasn’t for you guys this experience wouldn’t be nearly what it is. Thank you for all your continued support!! You can hear many of the BHS Basketball games live on the Gobblers Sports Network. The tentative schedule is to broadcast 25 games this coming season. Be sure to check out the 2023-2024 BHS Basketball Broadcast Schedule at http://www.gobblerssportsnetwork.com  BHS Football leads the Broadway Community in Keeping Bucky's Memory Alive By: Ben Elliott In my first year coaching, I gained a reputation for being jittery before games. There were even such accusations of me pacing back and forth which I can’t confirm or deny. However, over the years I've learned to stay more level headed which I’m usually very good about. Yet despite the change, there’s one game that I always revert back to that first year all over again. The Soldier Tribute Game. Being here at Broadway means we get to shed light on some pretty important issues throughout the football season. We do games for childhood cancer & breast cancer awareness in addition to the final home game of the season which is always Soldier Tribute Night. These nights are cherished by all those involved. As a player, wearing the jerseys into school during any one of these nights is a different feeling. You’re playing for something much bigger than yourself. And Soldier Tribute is a perfect reminder of playing for something bigger than you. I remember my first tribute experience as a member of the program back in 2019. Our Thursday night pregame meal featured various speakers that discussed their experiences and battles with PTSD since returning from combat. It gave us an eye opening moment that none of us will ever forget. You get a sense of just how real that experience is and more importantly, how universal that experience is all across the country. My great grandfather served in World War II in the Army and my grandfather served in Vietnam with the Navy. Although I wasn’t old enough to ask either one of them about their various times in the service, I’ve gotten to know stories from people that remind me of them. My family and I are from Worcester, Massachusetts, which like any other small town or city, holds a huge veteran population. And I remember having my grandmother down to visit in person at Soldier Tribute Night in 2019 and it was an unbelievable time. It showed me that this game is much bigger than us, and its reach is truly nationwide. By far the most goosebumps inducing moment of the tribute night has to be pregame. We warm up as normal in our compressions, saving the big uniform reveal for game time. We come back down to the locker room and one deserving player gets to wear Bucky Anderson’s #21. One of Bucky’s officer’s hands out the jersey to the player minutes before the game. Hearing the famous “number so and so, you’re in the wrong jersey tonight” speech never gets old and brings goosebumps to me every time I think about it. Having the number 21 back on the field with us is a testament to just how big a community can be. When asked about what Soldier Tribute Night means to her, Margaret Anderson, Bucky’s Mom said: "As a mother it means they haven't forgotten my son. The soldier tribute game means so much to my family and I. I truly believe the community loves this night, Bucky loved playing football at Broadway and on Thursday night before the game I would fix a big meal at our house for Bucky and some of his teammates. It is always an honor to me when they hand out the 21 jersey on that Friday night. Bucky's commanding officer makes the trip from Pennsylvania to give out that jersey. The soldiers that come to Broadway on Soldier Tribute Game are from all over our country. They come Arizona, Pennsylvania, Georgia. Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York,”. I must admit, winning the game and going to see the Anderson family and members of Bucky’s regiment is a feeling that is second to none. And I am sure that everyone who has ever been apart of that night will tell you, we may not remember every detail of most games we play however, we remember every little detail about every tribute night we’ve ever been a part of. We remember the motorcycles blaring pregame, we remember the heart wrenching stories and most importantly, we remember to always look for #21 on the scoreboard because it always has a way of showing up. We remember that community support goes further than one could ever imagine. When we asked Margaret Anderson what she would say to the Broadway Community, her response shows just how special this community is; "My family and I would like to thank our Broadway community for the love and support they have shown us since this nightmare happened. The community is so awesome and always welcomes the soldiers that Bucky served with and the soldiers from Ft. Drum that attend the soldier's tribute game. We live in a great community. Broadway football coaches, players and parents are the best. Coach Grogg always tells me if you need anything please let me know. Coach Grogg is one of my biggest supporters for Bucky's bingo and any fundraiser I need him for. Coach Trumbo and former Coach Herndon were Bucky's coaches when he played for Broadway. Coach Willie Tinnell has been my biggest supporter since 2010 when Bucky was KIA [Killed In Action]. So yeah the community we live in is the greatest community around." Broadway will hold Soldier Tribute Night activities on Friday, November 3 when the Gobblers host Harrisonburg.  Bucky Anderson's family is honored as Honorary Captains during the 2022 Soldier Tribute Game at BHS.
By: Micah Morris Broadway High School didn’t have to look far for it’s Interim Girls Basketball Coach, turning to a familiar face within BHS athletics to lead the program. On Tuesday, Broadway Athletic Director, Ryan Ritter announced that Zach Yoder has been named the new Girls Basketball Coach for the Gobblers. Yoder, a BHS Alumni (Class of 1997) is best known for his standout career on the BHS Boys Basketball Team. Yoder finished his distinguished BHS career with 1,641 career points, a school record that still stands. Yoder, also made 375 career Free Throws, a BHS record and set the school record for Season Points with 574 in 1996-1997, a record that remains intact. During the 1996-1997 season, Yoder also set the school record for Assists in a season, with 216. It was also during that season that he set the school record Assists in a Single Game with 17. Yoder was named to the 1996 All-District First Team and All-Region Second Team, and in 1997 was 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Region and 2nd Team All-State. In 1997 he was also named to the Virginia All-State Team by USA Today. Yoder, a 2015 inductee into the Broadway High School Hall of Fame, will be make his coaching debut when BHS opens the 2023-2024 season by hosting Fort Defiance on November 28.  By: Micah Morris
The Broadway High School Athletics Hall of Fame welcomed six new individuals into the fraternity with it’s Class of 2023. The BHS Hall of Fame has welcomed 68 members since the inaugural class, in 2012. The BHS Hall of Fame Class of 2023 includes: Jesse Fulk (BHS Class of 1961) Jesse Fulk was a multi-sport athlete, lettering in Basketball, Football and Track, scoring a BHS School record 112 ¾ individual points in track, including scoring in Shot Put, Discus 880 meter Relay, High Hurdles and Broad Jump. Fulk capped it off as a member of the 1961 District Champion Basketball Team. Heather Cantrell (BHS Class of 2013) Heather Cantrell was the true face of Girls athletics over her time at BHS. Cantrell, excelled in each sport she played, setting school records in each. On the diamond, Cantrell was named to the All-District 1st Team all Four Years, she was a Two-Time 1st Team All-Region Player, and was named 1st Team All State as a Junior and 2nd Team All-State as a Senior. Cantrell played in 106 career games for the Gobblers, batting .435 with 23 triples and 93 RBIs. Cantrell’s 345 at-bats still stands as the most in school history. On the Hardwood, Cantrell scored 1,130 career points and grabbed 604 rebounds. She was named to the All District 1st Team three times and twice was selected to the All-Region 1st Team. Cantrell holds the School Record with a 48.9 FG%. Heather also excelled at Volleyball, where she currently holds the BHS School Record for most Match Spikes with 53. Chris Knight (Class of 2011) Chris Knight enters the Hall of Fame as one of the most decorated BHS Basketball Players of all time. Knight ended his career with 1,258 Career Points, second in BHS histroy. Knight also holds the record for Season three points, which was set in 2010-2011 when he drilled 64 threes. Knight also holds the BHS record for Steals in a Season, and when his playing career ended, he held the record for Steals in a Career. Knight ranks 10th all-time in Season assists with 90 and 3rd all time in scoring in a single season. Knight was named to the All-District First Team three times and was the District Player of the Year in his senior season. Knight alo earned 2nd Team All Region Honors and was twice named to the 2nd Team All-State. Joe Jones Joe Jones goes down in history as the first full time Athletic Director at Broadway High School. Jones served as AD from 1970-1978, taking the role full-time in 1975. Jones also served as the Heat Coach of Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Golf and Baseball. Coach Jones won over 150 games as the Varsity Head Basketball Coach. Steve May (Class of 1962) Steve May earned eight Varsity letters in Football and Track and Field. May led the Football Team in rushing yards in 1959 and 1960. In 1961, May was named the Co-Captain of the football team, and scored 24 points in a single football game, a BHS school record. May was a District Track Champion in 1960 and finished in 6th place in the State Track 180-Yard Low Hurdles. In 1961 May was again a District Track Champion and finished 4th place in the State Track 180-Yard Low Hurdles. In 1962, May was again a District Track Champion and finished as the State Runner-Up in the 180-Yard Low Hurdles. Anna Smith (Class of 1998) Anna Smith enters the Hall of Fame after a standout Softball Career at BHS. Smith was a three time 1st Team All-District Selection and a 2-Time 2nd Team All-Region Selection. Smith also earned 1st Team All-State Honors in her Senior Year. Smith is the current BHS Record Holder for Walks in a Season with 32. These new members were honored at a ceremony in October, and now they, and their accomplishments will be forever enshrined in the Broadway High School Athletics Hall of Fame. To see more about the BHS Hall of Fame visit: https://site.rocketalumnisolutions.com/category/64659c8ab8488257c25de568/6491b4d751b3b4c2e1d71494 After a solid start to their seasons, BHS Volleyball & Football prepare for the second half with visions set on the playoffs. By: Ben Elliott The leaves are starting to turn red, and the temperature is steadily falling (although not enough, especially for outside football practices), that can only mean one thing, fall or autumn (whichever you prefer) is upon us! Which in turn also means it's time for the mid-season Fall Sports Recap! Starting with Volleyball: So far this season as of the date this is being written, the Lady Gobblers have racked up five wins on the young season. All non-conference wins against former valley foe Waynesboro, a pair of tournament wins against Monticello and Chancellor, and a pair of wins against familiar faces EMHS and Stuarts Draft. To me, early in the year, the team has been so much fun to watch. They played a heck of a game at home against Turner Ashby which pushed to 5 sets with plenty of action throughout. Although they didn’t come out on top of the scoreboard like they would’ve liked, the team displayed numerous qualities that are unteachable, like heart and hustle. There were plenty of times a player went flying into the bleachers or against the wall mat in order to keep a ball in play. These Jeter-like plays will lead to more wins than losses in the very near future for coach Frey and Co. I have no doubt in my mind that the team will remain a thorn in the side of any opponent for the rest of the season. Next with Football, the team stands at 2-2 through four contests. An overtime loss at home in week 1 to Fluvanna was followed up by a huge 21-20 win on the road against a very good Strasburg team. The win over the Rams was as good of a win that the team has had in all my five seasons with the program. We came out ready to get after it out of the gate and from the first play on, there was a different feeling in the air. The next contest was a rainy, stormy evening that resulted in a hard-fought win over Waynesboro. The elements were so bad, in fact, that the game was called with 4:22 left in the fourth quarter. Albeit physically uncomfortable with my rain-soaked clothes, I was more than thrilled to come out of the elements with a 21-6 victory. We lost a tough one last week at home versus Fort Defiance. The team's rushing attack was too much for us to overcome in the end, losing by a final score of 28-14. However, last Friday's home game didn’t come without any sort of positive note. Last Friday’s game against Fort was our 4th annual Gold Out game, in honor of children battling cancer. It’s about as emotional of a night as they come. Valuable members of our community that we love so much were in attendance which made the atmosphere one that I will never forget. Although we didn’t win on the scoreboard, we won off the field. Together through various raffles, we raised thousands of dollars to assist those fighting childhood cancer. Getting to honor those families means the world to us, even though the fight against cancer is one like no other, the whole community is behind each and every individual who is tasked with fighting this horrible disease. The second half of the season features the Valley District slate. A grueling six-week battle against some of the top teams in the area. The Valley District schedule features road games at Rockbridge Co. (Sept. 22), Turner Ashby (Oct 6) and East Rockingham (Oct. 27), while the team hosts Spotswood (Sept. 29–Homecoming), William Monroe (Oct. 13–Pink Out) and Harrisonburg (Nov. 3–Soldier Tribute). With much of the Volleyball Season yet to be played and half of the Football Season remaining, be sure to get to BHS and support the Gobblers!  Gobblers fans prepare for the annual Gold Out Game on September 15, 2023.
BHS Football and Volleyball look to take the next step as both teams look to build on 2022. by: Ben Elliott The first year of the “Behind the Gobbler Call” blog was an overwhelming success and experience for everyone here at Gobblers Sports Network. Giving back to the community remains the number one priority and getting to bring you a different type of coverage from our various Gobblers teams was an absolute blast.
With that being said I’m proud to announce that our coverage will be expanding for the fall sports season. As you all may have seen, we’re planning on doing a 5 game “test run” for Volleyball games this fall. Jeff Elliott will handle the Play-by-Play duties for each broadcast and will be joined in the Broadcast Booth by Micah Morris. So, without further ado, I bring to you the 2023 fall season preview! Starting with Volleyball! In their first year under new head coach EMU legend Colton Frey, the team posted a record of 7-12 which was a steady improvement from the previous season. Out of the nine wins last season, three came against Valley District foes Harrisonburg and Rockbridge. This year as we announced in our previous blog, we have a few new schools joining the Valley District this year, William Monroe and East Rock. The 2023 schedule features a long list of teams that are coming off of playoff appearances. Nothing is better for your team than getting to face high level opponents throughout the year. You find out who you are very quickly so to speak. As Coach Grogg always says, “This next game will determine the rest of your season”. Which I think is relevant to any sport. Especially in a sport like Volleyball where you play a couple times a week where you don’t really have a high margin for error being in the district that we’re in. Yet despite the hefty schedule, I have all the faith in Coach Frey and Co. The program continues to push in the right direction and before you know it, they’ll be right where they want to be, in the heart of the Valley District playoffs. The BHS Football team opens their season at Home against Fluvanna Co on August 25. Micah Morris will handle Play-by-Play for each broadcast and will be joined by Jeff Elliott (away games) and Karl Magenhofer (home games). We’ve opened up against Fluvanna ever since 2019 and at this point, I’m accustomed to seeing them week 1 of every season. The Flucos always bring with them a plethora of great athletes which is always something we must prepare for. The Flucos are coming off a tough season, which will give them all the motivation to come into our home and ruin our opening night. I’ve experienced seasons like that before and it isn’t fun. It makes you want to give even more than you did the year before to put a W in the win column. Our next home game is against Fort Defiance. We lost a real close one against them last year on the road. One of those that you wish you could get back. However, there’s plenty of lessons to be learned from games like that. You can almost take more from those losses than you can for wins. Spotswood is coming off an impressive 8-3 season. We lost a tough one on the road to them last season. Getting to play the game at home gives us a boost this time around. We had great success the last time the Blazers came to Broadway. I expect them to give us everything we can handle as usual this year. It’ll be a great matchup, definitely one you’ll want to circle on the schedule. William Monroe reminds me of yet another tough loss we had last year. Their offense featured a very mobile QB that we didn’t have the answers for that night. We fared well against them in 2021, the last time they came to Broadway. Lastly on the home slate is Harrisonburg for Soldier Tribute night. I don’t need to explain why this one is so important. The feeling you get while playing on that night is second to none. And getting a win the past two nights has been an unbelievable feeling. Not only do you get to put a W in the win column, but you get to do it on the most important of nights. I’ve got chills thinking about this one already and I can’t wait for this night! The first game on the road schedule is quite the opponent. Strasburg has always provided us with a challenge the past few years we’ve been playing against one another. The defensive scheme gives you headaches and trying to account for their athleticism is a whole different story. Nevertheless, I love competing against them and I can’t wait to make the trip to Strasburg this season. Going down to Waynesboro is one of the longer bus rides we’ll have this season. Reminds me of our last matchup down in their house in 21’. We scored in the final seconds to bring us within a win. One of the more exciting moments in my time here with the program. Yet the heroics fell just short. Our last-ditch effort for a win was stuffed and we dropped a close one on the road. Going down to Waynesboro always brings with it moments I’ll never forget. I got to dress for the first time ever in the final game of 2019 there. So one could say that game was the beginning of the story for me personally. Speaking of long road trips, Rockbridge! The Wildcats are a tough bunch that always gives us fits every time we clash. I’ve got tough memories of our road clashes with the Wildcats but, I’m confident in the group to go and get one this year. We make the trip to Bridgewater for our next road clash. Need I say more? The only school on this list that I’ve never played a regular season game at is East Rock! I love traveling to new places and getting to play at a new field. Especially with the Eagles. You’ve got a team that you always know will bring the house. They made the playoffs last year and I’d expect nothing less from them this season. If our previous 7v7 matchups are any indication, we should be in for a good one in Elkton! Overall, the atmosphere of high school sports is back once again! I’m overjoyed to bring these stories to you once again this season. I had a blast last year and can’t wait to see what this season will become! The Valley District will look a little different to Gobblers Fans
by: Micah Morris The sounds of students roaming the halls of Broadway High School is still weeks away. As the summer churns on, the school remains silent, except for the sounds of construction taking place as BHS undergoes an extensive renovation. But in a few short weeks, the school will once again be bustling, with the sounds of teachers and students busy with their studies and their social lives. But things are changing at Broadway High School, and the community will soon see these changes, some of which will impact BHS Athletics. New Facilities One of the first things that fans will notice is a new concession stand and restrooms located at the stadium. Throughout Spring and Summer, the new building has risen at the south end of the football field. The new concession stand and restrooms are expected to be ready for the opening football game, when Broadway hosts Fluvanna County on August 25. New Valley District Opponents Broadway High School has a proud tradition in the Valley District. One of the four “long-time members” of the district, BHS joins Spotswood, Turner Ashby and Harrisonburg as the longest tenured schools in the storied district. Over the last two decades, many teams have entered and left the district for a variety of reasons. Central (Woodstock), Waynesboro and Fort Defiance are just a few of the schools that have called the Valley District home but have since moved to other districts. With the new VHSL re-alignment plan beginning this year, the former five team Valley District gets a jolt as it welcomes two new schools. Broadway, Harrisonburg, Spotswood, Turner Ashby and Rockbridge County have made up the five-team district for the last few years, but beginning this fall, the district welcomes in East Rockingham and William Monroe, with Rocktown High School scheduled to join upon it’s opening. For the first time in over ten years, all Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Schools will be included in the same district. BHS is familiar with both East Rockingham and William Monroe, as both have been common opponents for various Gobblers sports teams over the most recent seasons. East Rockingham High School is located in Elkton, Virginia and has most recently been a member of the Bull Run District and in Region 2B, but with the growth on the eastern end of the county, ERHS has been bumped up to Region 3C, the same Region as BHS. The Eagles have enjoyed a lot of athletic success over the past ten years, including being the home of Tyler Nickel, the leading all-time scorer in Boys Basketball history in the Virginia High School League. After graduating from ERHS, Nickel played collegiately at North Carolina and has since transferred to Virginia Tech. William Monroe, located in Stanardsville, Virginia, will move to the Valley District after being a member of the Northwestern District. William Monroe will be one of two teams (Harrisonburg being the other) that will not be a member of Region 3C. Instead, the Green Dragons will be members of Region 3B. William Monroe has been a common opponent on the gridiron for BHS over the last several years, but the two schools will compete as district foes for the first time. William Monroe, has a history of success in athletics as well, most recently sending Girls Basketball Player Samantha Brunelle to Women’s Basketball power Notre Dame after she finished a wildly successful career at WMHS. Brunelle has since transferred to the University of Virginia, where she is currently a member of the Cavaliers Women’s Basketball team. Rocktown High School, the much anticipated and much discussed new high school in Harrisonburg, will join the Valley District upon completion of the construction and opening of the school. Rocktown will be known as the Raptors. A Big Thank You! Another change that will take place at BHS for the upcoming year will be a new leader at the school. Longtime Principal, Donna Abernathy, accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent of Innovation and Learning with Rockingham County Public Schools, a position which she began in early July. We have very much enjoyed working with Mrs. Abernathy over the last nine years and will miss seeing her around BHS. She has always been very welcoming and supportive of the Gobblers Sports Network. We would like to Say a Big Thank You to her and wish Mrs. Abernathy well in her new position within RCPS. As Ben wrote last month, there are so many Thank you’s to go around. It’s important to recognize that the Gobblers Sports Network is lucky to have incredible relationships with BHS Administration and Coaches. We would like to Thank BHS Athletic Director, Ryan Ritter for his unwavering support over the last nine years and for being so accommodating for us for all the sports we cover. We would also like to thank the BHS Coaches, especially Danny Grogg (Football), Dwight Walton (Boys Basketball), Jeremy Fulk (Girls Basketball), George Laase (Baseball) and Becky Cantrell (Softball) for allowing the Gobblers Sports Network to be part of their teams. Exciting things are on the horizon for BHS Athletics and the Gobblers Sports Network. With Fall Sports around the corner, be on the lookout for Ben Elliott’s fall sports preview! By: Ben Elliott The 2023 Spring Season wraps up with a laundry list of "Thank You's" and awards. I’d say the first year of the “Behind the Gobbler Call” blog was an overwhelming success. Getting to tell even more stories about the teams we cover here at BHS was a tremendous honor. And it also helped that we had multiple teams that participated in the VHSL playoffs. It was a tremendous year all around for us here at Gobblers Sports Network once again. Filled with preseason coaches chats, broadcasts and of course blogs. Getting to work with Micah has been a tremendous honor. Undoubtedly the hardest working man in show business. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t give my father, one Jeff Elliott, a shout out. Getting to work with him on this network is the greatest feeling ever. Sappy thank you’s aside, let's do one final recap for the 2022-23 Softball and Baseball seasons. As of the last writing, each program was headed into playoff tilts. The baseball boys won a home playoff game over rival Spotswood- which I must admit was a thrilling victory. The Blazers are well coached and are always tough year in and out, so to beat them in a playoff game is a huge accomplishment. The baseball season ended with a road loss to LCA the following week. It was an outstanding year for first year head coach George Laase. He’s an unbelievable dude who’s put together a great staff to lead their players to success. Winning a playoff game in your first season at a new school is one heck of a way to make a first impression. The boys were a joy to watch this season and I can’t wait to do it all over again next year! The Softball Lady Gobblers were out of this world this season. The team made it back to the VHSL Class 3 State Tournament for the first time since 2017 with a lifetime of moments made along the way. After beating Fort Defiance in the Region 3C Quarterfinals, the Gobblers outlasted Liberty-Bedford in the Semifinals to reach the State Tournament. The Gobblers would fall to Rustburg in the Region Finals before facing Cave Spring in the State Quarterfinals in Roanoke. The Softball season would come to an end against an upper class loaded team in Cave Spring. Another shout out to head coach Becky Cantrell, who continues to be a great veteran mind that leads some awesome kids. For the accomplishments of the Softball Team this season, Coach Cantrell was tabbed the Valley District Coach of the Year by her fellow district coaches. Speaking of awesome kids, each squad filled up the voting ballots for the Valley District and Region teams. Starting with softball… Two Gobblers, Freshman Lilah Deavers (Pitcher) and Junior Jasmine Gett (Outfield) were named to the Valley District First Team, while Sophomores Emma Morris (Pitcher) and Brooklyn Spitzer (Shortstop), as well as Seniors Jacklyn Williams (Second Base) and Serenity King (Utility) were named to the Valley District Second Team. The Region Honors rolled in for the Gobblers Softball Team as well. Jasmine Gett (Outfield) and Lilah Deavers (Pitcher) were named to the All-Region First Team, while Junior Taylor Suters (At Large) was named to the All-Region Second Team. The Gobblers Softball Team was also represented when it came to All-State selections. Freshman Lilah Deavers (Pitcher) and Junior Jasmine Gett (Outfield) were selected to the VHSL Class 3 All-State Second Team for their great play throughout the season. Honors for the Baseball Team rolled in as well for the performance of the Gobblers throughout the regular season and postseason. Junior Mason Lynn (Pitcher), Sophomore Sy Crider (Catcher), Junior Bransen Hensley (Shortstop) and Senior Hunter Deavers (Outfield) were tabbed with All-District First Team Honors. Junior Conner Michael (Second Base) and Senior Isaac Wouters (First Base) were named to the All-District Second Team. The Gobblers were also well represented on the All Region 3C Teams, with Sy Crider (Catcher), Isaac Wouters (First Base) and Bransen Hensley (Shortstop) were named to the All-Region First Team, while Conner Michael (Second Base), Hunter Deavers (Outfield) and Mason Lynn (Pitcher) were named to the All-Region Second Team. The Baseball Honors didn’t end there. Junior Shortstop Bransen Hensley was named to the VHSL Class 3 All-State Second Team after hitting .440 with five doubles, four triples, one homerun and 24 RBIs to go along with 27 Stolen Bases. Hensley becomes the Gobblers first All-State Baseball selection Bryce Turner and Bryce Suters in 2019. Congratulations to each athlete for your tremendous seasons this year. Getting recognition from coaches around the Valley and Region is a huge deal. Each one of you deserves it! And most importantly congratulations to each and every senior for your success at BHS over the course of your respective careers. Leaving high school may seem scary at first but, trust me, your journey has just begun. Thank YOU, the loyal readers who make all of the good and bad times worth it. Your support keeps us going, it’s why we coach. We do it for the community we love most. Thank you all for everything, talk to you guys very very soon!  |
AuthorBen Elliott graduated from Broadway High School in 2021 and is currently taking classes at Blue Ridge Community College and will enroll at Eastern Mennonite University in 2025. Ben currently serves as an assistant coach with the BHS Girls Basketball Team. 
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