NEW CASTLE, Va. – Craig County is looking to keep momentum rolling after its first winning season since 2010, and the Rockets believe the formula is simple — run the football.
Last season, Craig County found its identity in the ground game. This fall, the Rockets are fully committing to the single-wing offense, led by standout running back Carter Calfee. Calfee rushed for more than 1,000 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in 2024.
“Our underclassmen are growing up, we’ve been able to get more backs involved to spread it out a little bit,” Calfee said. “Our line’s been putting in work. They’re getting a lot better. They stay low, you know, opportunities are endless. You just can’t stop it if they’re all over you all the time.”
The Rockets feel confident about their depth in the backfield.
“If we stay injury-free, this is potentially the best we’ve ever had,” head coach Jimmy Fisher said. “Our blocking back, Tristan, does a great job. Calfee averaged over 10 yards a carry last year. We’re stocked at the running back spot. We feel good about those guys.”
Teammate Landon Dooley added that the Rockets’ mindset has shifted.
“Keep buying into what coaches are saying, work a little bit harder than we did last time,” Dooley said. “We know what we can fix and just go from there.”
Craig County spent the offseason in the weight room, embracing a blue-collar mentality and a physical style of football. The Rockets open their season at home next Friday against Montcalm (W.Va.).