Ridgeview, Burton Get Early Start On Football Season

The waiting is over. “It’s time to go. This is for real,” Ridgeview coach Rick Mullins said as his team prepares for the season-opening football contest in Southwest Virginia. Mullins’ Wolfpack travels to Norton on Thursday to face the J.I. Burton Raiders. Several games are on tap for Friday as prep teams throughout Southwest Virginia kick off their regular seasons. STRONG UP FRONT Ridgeview and Burton have some similarities as they prepare to face each other at historic Lawson-Fitchko Stadium. Both teams are expected by many to win their respective districts, Ridgeview in the Class 2 Mountain 7 District and Burton in the Class 1 Cumberland District. Both squads also have big, strong lines. “I feel good about our defensive line,” said Mullins. Sophomore defensive lineman Caden Gibson missed the scrimmage and benefit game for the Wolfpack after going through the concussion protocol.