Brevard High, once a 2A school, is now a 4A school. Varsity football has had an outstanding season so far, however. With an overall record of 7-0, the once tiny school that was looked down upon by others is now running down their opponents one game at a time.

Last season, the football team had an outstanding record, starting strong against Pisgah with a 35-0 win, and facing two slight hiccups with losses against Knoxville Catholic and Erwin High School. 

The boys remained undefeated for 10 games, including playoffs, until the fifth round, when they faced Monroe High, ending their streak with a loss of 41-15.

Once the 2024-25 football season concluded, the NCHSAA announced the realignment, which doubled the number of classifications from four to eight. 

“I thought it was going to be a little more competition,” said Nyrell Skinner, a senior who plays running back.

Toby McCracken, a senior who plays defense and tight end, added, “I didn’t really care, we’re still going to win conference and have a playoff run.”

Freshman Simon Robinson and sophomore Brayden Crain were excited to play “bigger teams.”

The football team last season gave a taste of something great, and this year’s boys are putting in all the work to get it.

“Something is different this season,” said Shane Worley, offensive line coach.

It might be because of what Worley describes as a “family atmosphere.”

“I treat everyone like they are my own children. I love you, and I am going to discipline you when you screw up. ‘Tough love,’ I call it. We have a big meal around New Year’s Day, watching college football bowl games. All linemen come to my home and we have a potluck-style meal,” he said.

Chandler Niven, a senior who plays right tackle/guard, says he is motivated by “the family aspect that we have in the locker room.”

The team has three games left until playoffs, and is taking it one game at a time. Since many of the players are seniors this season, it leaves many others wondering what is next for the football program.

According to Worley, there are short-term and long-term goals this season and next season. 

“Short term goals are to get the current players to reach their fullest potential, and to help them with what they want to do next. College ball, work or college without football,” he said. “Long term is to create an environment where the players would want to invite me to their weddings one day.”

This week’s game will be away, as the Blue Devils take on the West Henderson High Falcons on Friday, Oct. 17 at West Henderson.

They’re all in and hungry to win it. One play at a time, one snap, one game. These boys don’t just uphold to their motto, “where winning football is a tradition,” these boys bleed blue.

By Paula Garcia