Graham's Blake Graham snags the game-clinching interception against Union during the 2023 Region 2D football finals.
Allen Gregory
BLUEFIELD, Va. - Blake Graham has waited his turn in the talent-rich Graham football program.
Now, it's officially showtime for the 6-foot-1 senior.
Consider his performance in last week's VHSL Class 2 state semifinal game against Glenvar.
In addition to scoring on a touchdown pass and kickoff return, Graham picked off a pass as the G-Men recorded a 28-24 win.
"I've been hoping for a day like that,'' Graham said. "We have so many athletes in our program that it's hard to get to the ball to each player. I want to make something happen every chance I get."
After not playing football as a freshman and sophomore, Graham has scored over 15 touchdowns in the past two years.
His touchdown total for 2024 includes eight TD receptions along with kickoff returns against Galax and Glenvar.
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His 87-yard run to glory down the sideline last week against was a highlight-reel special that included a variety of ankle-breaking features.
"I will remember that play forever," Graham. "I tried to use my speed, work some moves and follow my blocks. Reaching the end zone was a great feeling."
Graham divides his time between receiver, cornerback and kick return specialist.
With senior free safety Jamel Floyd out of the lineup due to an ear ailment, Graham faced added pressure against potent 6-5 Glenvar quarterback Brody Dawyot.
"He's a great quarterback with good receivers around him,'' Graham said. "Our coaches prepared us all week in practice and we were ready to go."
What was the game plan for rocket-armed Dawyot?
"We wanted to apply pressure and make him as uncomfortable as possible," Graham said. "That game was a great experience, especially after we lost to Radford in the semifinal round last season."
Along with Graham and Floyd, the G-Men secondary includes all-state senior cornerback Chris Edwards and the speedy sophomore combo of Cambel Fix and Kaden Banks.
While the defensive line and linebacker corps gets most of the credit for Graham's six shutouts, the defensive back crew has been solid.
"We're all comfortable with each other," Graham said. "Chris is the quiet guy back there but he's really smart and knows the game. We just focus on getting the job done and we push each other to be the best we can be."
Blake Graham doubles as the defensive stopper and second-leading scorer on the Graham basketball team behind dynamic point guard Markelle Ray.
"I can play several positions in basketball, and I take pride in my defense," Graham said. "The footwork from basketball carries over to football."
Saturday at Salem Stadium, Graham and his teammates will be focused on football and the challenge from the Strasburg Rams in the Class 2 title game.
"Ever since I was little, this is exactly the situation I've envisioned for my final high school football game," Graham said.
"We will be competing a state championship. Every high school athlete dreams of this opportunity."
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