Staunton Storm Football Preseason Snapshot
Football
Steve Cox
8/27/2025
Head coach: Mikey Bell, 4th season (18-14 .562)
2024 season: 7-4, 5-1 Shenandoah District
2024 postseason: Lost to Turner Ashby in Region 3C first round, 48-7
Key players to watch: Leon Woodard, Brodie Miller, Javaun Peyton, Kelston Byers, Tymek Strother
2025 Overview: Staunton enters the season as the defending district champion, but the Storm must fill some big holes left by graduation, including QB Maliq McCauley and dynamic back Marc Geffrard. It’s time for some new guys to step up. “Some guys are going to get the opportunities they probably didn’t get a year ago. I lost some pretty good offensive weapons, but as a coach, you don’t get to keep them forever. I’ve got a good group right now,” said Staunton head coach Mikey Bell. Bell has two capable backs with Leon Woodard and Tymek Strother and good receivers, including Braxton Covert and Zyleke Shepherd. The Storm also return three starters on the offensive line.
Staunton will be running a new defensive scheme this season, anchored by a group of experienced and talented linebackers – Brodie Miller, Javaun Peyton and Woodward. Up front Kelston Byers and Sirius Salisbury lead the defensive line. “We should be solid on defense. We’ve got a couple guys returning up front and are linebackers are really good. I think we’re going to OK at corner, but we still need to figure out our safeties.” Said Bell.
Thoughts on district expansion of Alleghany, Rockbridge County: “Winning the district last year was big for us as far as developing our program,” added Bell. “Our district got tougher. Alleghany coming in is very good and Rockbridge is a tough team with a new coach. You respect everyone you play. Adding the two new teams just makes it more competitive.
“The last two years we have started the season with a loss and had to bounce back. I hope we can get off to a strong start and get better each week. The feel in preseason has been positive. The guys are excited.”
