I don't have much to add here, but I hope you are right with Franklin Co. I guess they have nowhere to go but up, I just hope Coach Edwards can be successful there. I think it might take 3 or 4 years to get the program pointed in the right direction. I'd like to see them back to the 9-3 type season. When Carroll leaves the district, Salem will need to pick up another OOD opponent. FC is a local rivalry that would be a good fit if they are competitive and Salem plans to keep a local schedule. If FC continues to be below .500, it would be better to play a really good 3/4A instead. I think about anyone would be an improvement over Carroll Co. Some local teams that could be considered: Franklin Co, Magna Vista, GW-Danville, William Fleming, Lord Botetourt, Jefferson Forest, Brookville, Heritage, EC Glass, LCA, Rustburg, Liberty, and it's very unlikely but Glenvar might be a possibility.
I'd still like to see Salem use that extra non-district game to schedule a good 4A or 5A from another part of the state. A school like Broad Run, Tuscarora, or Hanover, for examples, or even a Salem vs. Salem matchup with the Sundevils. However, such a game - against any foe from a far-flung area - is still probably pretty unlikely.
Addressing the schools you mentioned, I'd be most enthusiastic about Magna Vista, Jefferson Forest, and Fleming, in that order. MV currently seems a sure bet for seven-plus wins, would bring a good crowd to Salem, and would offer a stiff challenge. Plus, they usually don't play any other teams on Salem's schedule (well, Byrd, sometimes), so there'd be no missing out on potential VHSL bonus points. JF will probably always be good under Christmas, though their support might be more up-and-down. Fleming seems like they HAVE to get better, and I feel like Salem should be playing both Roanoke City schools. Fleming's fan support could be problematic, especially in down years.
Franklin Co. could be a good pick up, when and if they ever get back on firm footing. That could be several years away. They
are a traditional Spartan rival, and the Eagle faithful turn out pretty well in good years. I would be lukewarm towards each of Brookville, Heritage and LB. I'd put Glass, Rustburg and Liberty as even less desirable, as I don't see potential games with those teams as being competitive, and I don't see any of them bringing many fans, even in their better seasons. It should be obvious, but this is all just my opinion.
I would be
quite displeased to see Salem pick up either LCA or GW, for varying reasons upon which I will decline to elaborate.
As for old foes Byrd and Northside, whenever Highfill decides to call it quits at Byrd could be a good time to look into switching that opponent. Despite the perception that "Byrd always plays Salem tough", the Terriers have prevailed just once in the last twelve meetings, and only three others have been as close as fourteen points. Northside should be guaranteed a spot on the Spartans' schedule every year.
As long as Salem remains 4A, I strongly doubt any 2A schools will appear on the schedule. I don't necessarily think it's a bad idea. If Glenvar seems like they can sustain a basement of six or seven wins, the potential gate alone might make that worth trying for two years. And I've always been intrigued by the potential Spartan war of Salem vs. Giles. Especially since, for thirty years, I've heard and read a lot of "Salem is scared to play Giles" remarks. So, by all means - let's see what would happen if we got these kids together! Don't think it will happen, but interest would probably be sky-high - initially, at least.
Hope you made it through the winter in good stead, mike!
