Salem Stadium was packed earlier this month as Roanoke took the field for the first time, in preparation for returning to varsity football in 2025. Photo by Ryan Hunt, ryanhuntphotography.com, for Roanoke athletics

Landmark Conference and Old Dominion Athletic Conference football fans enjoyed two additional games in 2023 with the inaugural playing of the Chesapeake Challenge, the first edition of a four-year bowl series partnership announced in the summer of 2022. Following the success of the first Cape Charles Bowl and Cape Henry Bowl matchups, the two conferences are proud to announce future plans for the bowl series.

The City of Salem, Virginia, and Salem Stadium will serve as the neutral site hosts for the 2024 Chesapeake Challenge on Saturday, November 23. Salem previously hosted 25 consecutive Division III football championship games – the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl – beginning in 1993. After a few years' hiatus, the Stagg Bowl returned to Salem in 2023 for the 50th playing of the annual championship event.

"Partnering with the ODAC to bring the Chesapeake Challenge to Salem Stadium is an exceptional opportunity for our teams,” said Landmark Conference commissioner, Katie Boldvich. “Playing at a renowned national championship venue elevates the experience for both athletes and fans alike. The neutral site setting not only levels the playing field but also enhances the sense that this is more than just another game — it's a culminating moment in the season that every participant and supporter will remember."

The 2024 neutral site events will also benefit from a partnership with Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, the region’s official destination marketing organization. In addition to supporting the bowl series with financial assistance, Visit VBR will broaden the experience for traveling competitors and fans alike with its resources for accommodations, attractions, recreation, and dining in the Roanoke Valley.

“The City of Salem has long been synonymous with Division III championships, having hosted more than 100 championship events, including 26 Stagg Bowls,” expressed ODAC commissioner Brad Bankston. “We saw Salem and Salem Stadium as the perfect fit for our first neutral site bowl games in this partnership. Visit VBR’s commitment is a testament to the value the Roanoke Valley sees in sports marketing. Our partnership with Visit VBR will help highlight all the Roanoke area has to offer in making these games true showcase events.”

The series format will remain the same from 2023 — featuring two games with four teams (two from each conference) playing in either the Cape Henry Bowl or the Cape Charles Bowl. Cape Henry and Cape Charles serve as the northern and southern gateways of the Chesapeake Bay. Each conference will be represented by the top two teams from their respective league standings that do not qualify for the expanded 40-team NCAA Division III football playoffs.

The original agreement includes four years of bowl games, eight total games, through the 2026 campaign. 

The inaugural Chesapeake Challenge in 2023 was deemed an all-around success. Lycoming and Wilkes represented the Landmark, while Bridgewater and Washington and Lee carried the ODAC’s banner.

Lycoming traveled to WLU to take on the Generals in the Cape Charles Bowl. As the clock ticked under 30 seconds, Washington and Lee went for it on fourth-and-2 from the 31-yard line. After senior Kevin Gianoni got an ankle of the runner behind the line of scrimmage, junior Joey Rivituso and senior Johnny Day dropped him at the 30-yard line, helping Lycoming defeat WLU, 20-17.

Warriors quarterback Will Fish was named the game's MVP after he finished 23-of-36 for 200 yards and a touchdown. Running back Marcus Payne ran for two touchdowns to lead the WLU offense. Austin Rowley spearheaded the Lycoming defense with a game-high 15 tackles, while Jack Johnson led the Generals with 10 stops.

“The Cape Charles Bowl was a great opportunity for us in 2023,” said Lycoming coach and athletic director, Mike Clark. “With a young team, we got the chance to extend our season, take a trip to a part of the country we don’t normally get a chance to see in the course of the regular season, play a really good opponent in Washington and Lee, and we were fortunate enough to get a win. There’s no doubt that game helped build confidence heading into this year.”

Wilkes hosted Bridgewater in the Cape Henry Bowl and put together a strong outing in defeating the Eagles, 35-17. Colonels quarterback Isaiah Rodriguez was named the game’s MVP after passing for 250 yards and three touchdowns on 17-of-31 through the air. Quarterback Malcolm Anderson led the Eagles' attack with 217 yards and a touchdown passing. On defense, Wilkes linebackers Brandon Holcomb and Tallen Murray each recorded 12 tackles, with Holcomb also leading the team with two sacks. Aaron Moore registered eight tackles to lead BC’s defensive unit.

“At the Division III level where qualifying for our national playoff takes an almost perfect record, the Chesapeake Challenge is a great opportunity for our teams to get a reward for having a successful season,” said Scott Lemn, Bridgewater coach. “I’m proud of the administration in both leagues for working out the agreement, and our team was excited to compete in the inaugural year.”

“Last year's bowl experience was a great environment on our campus,” said Wilkes head coach, Dave Biever. “The game allowed us to show our campus off to a team from outside of the region, and it was great to reward our players after a year that wasn't what they expected but ended in a great way winning that bowl game. That gave us momentum going into the offseason.”