HONAKER, Va. – Honaker High School senior Malachi Lowe made plenty of memories in last week’s VHSL Region 1D finals and not just because of that key first-half sack or the receptions he hauled in during a 28-18 win over Rye Cove.
Those moments were certainly notable, but what really resonated and will remain in his memory bank for years to come was the ambiance of Fuller Field and scenes that define small-school football at its finest.
The caravan of cars that filed in hours before kickoff and quickly filled up the hill that overlooks the cozy stadium.
Bleachers crammed with a sea of spectators, some loyal fans securing their seats as soon as the gates opened some 120 minutes before the scheduled start. Those who were tardy stood along the fences near the end zone.
Public address announcer Brandon Miller brought the enthusiasm and the crowd’s decibel level rose with each shift of momentum in what was four quarters worth of intensity.
“It was crazy,” Lowe said. “The energy from both sides of the stands was unlike anything I’ve experienced. The crowd roaring really lights a fire underneath every single one of us.”
Fuller Field should be raucous again today as Honaker (13-0) hosts the Galax Maroon Tide (9-4) at 2 p.m. in the VHSL Class 1 state semifinals.