Clocked In: Grayson County and Galax

By Cody Hatfield | Fresh Off The Clock

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As football season inches closer, Fresh Off The Clock is proud to welcome two tradition-rich programs to our growing coverage network: the Grayson County Blue Devils and the Galax Maroon Tide.

Grayson County: Hungry for More

Coming off an impressive 11–5 campaign that ended with a Class 1 state runner-up finish, the Grayson County Blue Devils enter 2025 with unfinished business and a chip on their shoulder.

Under the direction of Head Coach Stephan James, who was named both Region 1C and Mountain Empire District Coach of the Year, the Blue Devils powered their way through a brutal postseason stretch before falling just short of the ultimate prize. But rather than sulking, this group is using that heartbreak as fuel.

“Getting there and not getting the job done has really driven our returning guys,” said James. “They’ve done great this offseason in the weight room, and we’ve had good gains at all positions.”

Leading the charge is Kingston Cox, a dominant presence in the trenches and a First Team All-State selection on both the offensive and defensive lines. Joining him are Xavier Brown (2nd Team All-State Linebacker), Makray Goad (Region C 2nd Team Offense, 1st Team All-MEC All-Purpose), and quarterback Maverik Goad, a dual-threat leader named Second Team All-MEC.

Replacing graduated standout Mac Goad—whose grit and toughness left a lasting impact—won’t be easy, but Coach James believes the foundation is solid.

“Mac set a standard for our skill guys on both sides of the ball. We’ve got some talented returners who need to rise to that challenge.”

In a district as competitive as the Mountain Empire, complacency can be a killer. But that doesn’t seem to be an issue in Independence.

“This group has worked extremely hard,” James added. “Hopefully that translates into more success this year.”

Galax: Rebuilding the Tide

A winless 2024 season may not tell the full story for Galax High School, where new leadership and a fresh mindset are bringing hope to a proud program. First-year head coach Travis Reed is focused on more than just wins and losses—he’s laying the groundwork for long-term success by building a culture rooted in trust, structure, and accountability.

“Our main focus this offseason has been to build trust—coach to player, player to player, and coach to coach,” said Reed. “Strong relationships in a locker room are vital to any program’s success.”

Galax finished 0–9 last year, placing last in both the Mountain Empire District and Region 1C, but returns several key contributors who Reed believes can help turn the tide. Quarterback Tommy Jones enters his senior year ready to lead, while juniors Braeden Whittaker (LB), David Brown (FB), and Trey Markham (TE) bring toughness and experience on both sides of the ball. Sophomore lineman Genaro Rosales is also expected to make a leap as a cornerstone in the trenches.

While the rebuild won’t happen overnight, Reed is focused on the process.

“As coaches, we have to remind ourselves why we do this,” he said. “We’re here to serve these athletes and make sure they walk away with as many positive experiences as possible.”

The Road Ahead

With Grayson County aiming to finish what they started and Galax grinding to reclaim their winning identity, the Mountain Empire District will once again offer compelling storylines this fall. Whether it’s a state title pursuit or a culture shift in the making, Fresh Off The Clock will be there every step of the way.

Welcome to the coverage, Blue Devils and Maroon Tide. Friday nights just got even more exciting.