It’s just now setting in. This year’s Craig County football team was something really special.
“10-2 season, the best in program history,” said head coach Jimmy Fisher. “Highest scoring offense, least points given up by a defense, six shutouts. . .it has been a historic year.
“As for me, I don’t care anything about any records except for the win-loss record. I take zero credit for the 10 wins, that credit belongs to the kids who were battling at practice and during the games. But I do take the blame for the two losses. Even with the injuries, we had an opportunity to win both games if we perform better. That falls on the Head Coach, which is me.”
Craig’s single-wing offense was a big part of the success. It’s an offense that teams don’t see very often and is hard to prepare for. Craig assistant coach Jayke Dowdy played in that offense when he was a high school student at Giles. Legendary Spartans coach Steve Ragsdale had great success at Giles after installing that offense, going to five state championships and winning three. Jayke was on the team at the end of the Ragsdale era, playing his varsity ball for Steve’s successor, Jeff Williams, who won another championship during his tenure as Giles coach.
Dowdy also gives credit to Jeremy Haymore for making the Rockets’ offense tough to stop. Haymore ran the single wing at Staunton River and he’s the author of the book “The Bandana Express,” chronicling the 1980 Giles football season. That year the Spartans won their first state championship, defeating Park View-Sterling in the championship game, 33-32.
“Coach Haymore has been a true asset since we decided to install the single wing,” said Dowdy. “He took me under his wing and helped me develop a better understanding of the single wing as a whole. Obviously, growing up in the offense I was very familiar with it, but he’s really been instrumental in the progress we have made.”
Haymore attended Craig County’s Homecoming game against Eastern Montgomery during the season. The Bandana Express book can be found on Amazon.
“It’s a must read for football fans and those curious about what we do schematically,” said Dowdy.
Be assured the single wing will be a big part of next year’s team as well. Fisher thinks the 2026 Rockets can be just as good, and maybe even better.
“Coach Dowdy and I were both making lists on what we need to do to make 2026 better and to fix the things that kept us from playing in the region title game,” said Fisher. “I think we will compete in every game again next season. We have a bunch of starters returning on both sides of the ball and I honestly think we can be better next season than we were this season.”
Craig County fans supported the team on Friday nights by turning out in large numbers, filling the Mitchell Field stands, lining the fence and setting up folding chairs in the end zone. It was a season like no other in Craig County football.
“We have to take that energy and use it to propel the 2026 team forward,” said Fisher. “I want to thank every single person who bought a hot dog or bottle of pop, bought a raffle ticket, made a donation, bought a banner, sign, t-shirt or hoodie or even cheered us on from states away. We felt your positive vibes and this season belongs to you, too.”
“None of the improvements to the program are possible without the donors and fans. You are all a part of our success and I want to thank our superintendents, principals and staff for being so supportive of everything we try to do. The community has really rallied around these kids and this football program. It was absolutely amazing to watch and be a part of.”