The Mathews High School football program returns to the gridiron today in preparation for the 2019 season which begins on Aug. 30 at Middlesex.

“I’m very excited for the upcoming season,” second-year head coach C.J. Kelly said. “We are returning all but five seniors and this year’s team will have depth and talent. We’ve added more coaches to our program which is a benefit to everyone.

“Our JV program has great potential and that group will be special. Last season, the expectation for the program was growth. This season, we want to take the growth and pursue something great,” Kelly added.

Mathews will have its home opener on Sept. 20 against Northumberland. Other home games for the Blue Devils will be against Rappahannock (Sept. 27), King and Queen (Oct. 11), West Point (Oct. 25) and Middlesex (Nov. 8).

“Winning our district is an achievable goal,” Kelly said. “Everyone is buying in and we’ve had a great summer ...