Friday nights in Berryville aren't just about a game. If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines at Wilbur M. Feltner Stadium—known locally as "The Felt"—you know the air feels different there. It’s thick with woodsmoke, concession stand popcorn, and a kind of intensity that only a small-town rivalry can brew. Honestly, Clarke County VA football is the heartbeat of this community, and it has been for decades. It’s where the "Eagles" become legends and the rest of the town finds a common language.
Most people see a 2A school and think small. They’re wrong.
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The Unbroken Legacy of the Eagles
You can’t talk about Clarke County VA football without looking back at the 1960s. It was a literal dynasty. Between 1960 and 1964, the Eagles didn't just win; they refused to lose. They put together a 38-game unbeaten streak that remains one of the most storied runs in Virginia High School League (VHSL) history. Think about that for a second. Dwight D. Eisenhower was in the White House when that streak started. By the time it ended with a 0-0 tie against Elkton in '64, LBJ was in office. They went through the entire Kennedy administration without a single tick in the loss column.
Names like Dickie Longerbeam, Dave Childs, and James "Pickles" McCarty aren't just names in a dusty record book. They’re the foundation. These guys were beating opponents by an average of 30 points a game in 1963. It was dominant. It was clinical. And it set a standard that every kid putting on a blue and white jersey today still feels.
The Modern Era and the Bull Run District
Fast forward to the present day. The Eagles compete in the Bull Run District, a gauntlet that tests your chin every single week. Coaching has been the anchor here. Chris Parker, who spent a decade at the helm, really solidified the modern identity of the program. He wasn't just about the X’s and O’s; he was about culture. He was a Bull Run District Coach of the Year multiple times for a reason.
The program has seen a lot of success lately under coaches like Casey Childs. Take the 2024 season, for example. The Eagles went 10-1 overall and a perfect 5-0 in the region. That’s not a fluke. It’s the result of a system that emphasizes physicality and a "next man up" mentality. You see it in players like Peyton Rutherford or the long list of multi-sport athletes who populate the roster.
What Makes "The Felt" Different?
If you’re a visitor, you might find the atmosphere a bit... intimidating. The fans are right on top of you. It's a natural grass surface (though renovations are a constant topic of town debate) and the lighting has that classic, yellow glow.
- The Walk: Seeing the team come through the gates.
- The Community: You’ll see three generations of a family sitting in the same row of bleachers.
- The Grittiness: Clarke County football isn't flashy. They won't run a hundred trick plays. They’re going to run it down your throat until you stop them.
Basically, it’s old-school football in a world that’s gone increasingly digital. While you can stream games on the NFHS Network now—which is great for alumni living in Florida or Texas—nothing beats the physical vibration of the bleachers when a linebacker makes a stop on 4th and goal.
Navigating the 2025 and 2026 Seasons
We’ve seen some shifts recently. The schedule has become increasingly difficult as the Eagles look to test themselves against bigger schools in Loudoun and Frederick County. In 2025, the team faced some growing pains, ending with a 1-9 record. It was a tough pill to swallow for a fan base used to 10-win seasons.
But here’s the thing about Clarke County VA football: they don't stay down.
The 2026 outlook is all about the "rebuild." Coach Casey Childs and the staff are looking at a young core that got a lot of "trial by fire" experience last year. When you have sophomores playing varsity minutes against teams like Madison County or Strasburg, they’re going to be battle-hardened by the time they’re seniors.
Key Rivalries to Watch
If you only attend one game, make it the "Battle of the Blue Ridge" or any matchup against Strasburg. These games are personal. The Bull Run District is tight, and often, the district title comes down to a single possession in October.
- Strasburg High School: Always a physical, defensive struggle.
- Madison County: A rivalry that has seen some of the highest-scoring games in recent years.
- Central-Woodstock: The game that often decides playoff seeding.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Newcomers
If you're planning to catch a game or if you're a parent moving into the Berryville area, here is how you actually engage with the program:
- Get there early: Parking at the high school fills up fast on Friday nights. If you aren't in a spot by 6:15 PM for a 7:00 PM kickoff, you're walking from the elementary school.
- Digital Tickets: Most VHSL games have moved to digital ticketing via GoFan. Don't be the person stuck at the gate trying to find a signal to download the app; buy your tickets at home.
- Support the Boosters: The Clarke County Athletic Boosters are the reason the equipment is top-tier and the kids have what they need. Buying a burger at the concession stand actually matters here.
- Check the Weather: Berryville can get surprisingly chilly once the sun goes down behind the mountains. Bring a blanket. Even if it's 70 degrees at kickoff, it'll be 50 by the fourth quarter.
The Eagles represent more than just a school. They represent a town that refuses to be overlooked. Whether they are 10-1 or 1-9, the community shows up. That loyalty is what keeps the program alive and ensures that the legacy of those 1960s "Glory Days" is never truly out of reach.
To stay updated on the latest scores and roster moves, keep an eye on the official Clarke County Public Schools athletics page or follow local sports reporters who cover the Bull Run District exclusively. The road back to a state championship run starts with the work done in the weight room during the off-season, and in Berryville, that work never really stops.