FAIRLEA- After graduating a large senior class from last season, Greenbrier East head football coach Ray Lee believes this year’s Spartans are embracing both the challenge of replacing key contributors and the opportunity for a new group of players to step into larger roles.
The Spartans spent part of the summer competing in 7-on-7 competition at Virginia Tech, where Lee said his team benefited from facing some of the region’s top talent. While the results of those events are secondary, he believes the experience provided valuable exposure, particularly for younger players who are beginning to understand the level of competition required to be successful.
“We played against some VERY good competition at Virginia Tech. It’s good exposure and a good experience for all of our players especially the younger players. It was good for them to play against that type of competition. It lets them know the bar is always set a little higher,” Lee said.
Replacing a talented senior class won’t happen overnight, but Lee said the program has several experienced veterans ready to lead the way.
Rising seniors Keshawn Bland, Braylen Godfrey, Mason Carver, Danny Butler, and Pat Bostic have emerged as leaders after gaining significant playing time last season. Several other returning players, including John Trout, Austin Whitt, Gavin Eades, Ricky Butler, Brady Tomlinson, and Dravin Ambler already have valuable Friday night experience and are expected to take on larger roles this fall.
Lee also pointed to quarterback Sam Gabbert as a player who has shown tremendous growth throughout the offseason. Gabbert handled the majority of the snaps during the team’s summer 7-on-7 schedule.
“He had the majority of the snaps during our 7 vs 7 this summer and showed lots of potential and gained some valuable experiences along with some good teachable moments,” Lee said of Gabbert.
The Spartans will face an early challenge when the regular season begins, with five of their first six games coming away from home. Lee noted that while the opening stretch is road-heavy, the trips are relatively close, and the schedule becomes much more favorable later in the season. If Greenbrier East can return home with a winning record after the opening weeks, Lee believes the Spartans will be in position to finish the season on a strong note.
Greenbrier East will also have a different look on the sidelines this fall after the departures of assistant coaches Dom Daniels and Mike Anderson. Lee praised both as outstanding coaches and mentors who made a lasting impact on the program.
“Both were outstanding coaches and mentors for our program and players. We have a potential replacement that’s in the process of being approved by the Board to be officially hired,” Lee explained.
With preseason camp set to begin, excitement is building throughout the program.
Lee said players are eager for the opportunity to prove themselves, while the coaching staff looks forward to helping a new group of Spartans develop and showcase their abilities during the 2026 season.
The Spartans open the season at James Monroe on August 28.
