L.C. BIRD 33, THOMAS DALE 0
L.C. Bird’s defense reigned supreme in the Battle of Chester, holding Thomas Dale to less than 100 total yards of offense as Bird cruised to victory 33-0.
The Knights weren’t able to sustain a long drive, and they picked at the Skyhawks’ defense, but never broke through. Senior linebacker and Virginia Tech commit Rayshard Ashby gave all the credit to the coaching staff’s game plan.
“The coaching staff is amazing, our coaches break down film so well and make it easy for us,” said Ashby. “The defensive line and defensive backs do awesome things and open us things for us [the linebackers].”
The Skyhawks came out running, but also connected early via the passing game. Quarterback Marcus Banks hooked up with Demetrick Atkins for a 30-yard score. After running back Rakei Pope broke free and hopped the pile for a touchdown early in the second quarter, Banks connected again – this time with Johquin “Pinky” Wiley for a 33 -yard strike.
Once L.C. Bird had a healthy advantage, it was time to pound the run game. That’s when 6-2, 240 pound running back Shedrick McCall broke off a Tecmo Bowl-esque run 55 yards down the sideline to make it 27-0 at the half.
In a very quiet second half, Defensive back Javon LaPierre made some noise when he intercepted a pass with seconds to go and returned it 82 yards for a touchdown to make it 33-0.
Thomas Dale dropped to 1-1 on the season after a convincing victory over Cosby, 36-6. L.C. Bird is now 2-0 after beating Meadowbrook 49-7 in their season opener. For the Knights, the schedule continues to be tough as they welcome Varina to Ed Karpus Field on Friday. The Blue Devils defeated Norview 41-0 last week. L.C. Bird will host Midlothian (0-2), who fell to Douglas Freeman 28-0 and Powhatan 33-13.
COSBY 21, MATOACA 14
The Cosby Titans bounce back this week after losing the first game. The Titans played a competitive game against the Matoaca Warriors, playing all the way down to the wire.Cosby came out strong and struck quickly while running the ball for 225 yards. They took advantage of two interceptions by the Warriors and used clock management to control the game holding the ball for more than 30 minutes of the game to hold off the Warriors from a comeback with a win of 21-14.
Cosby’s quarterback, Grant Squyars, finished with 12-22 passing for 162 yards, a rushing touchdown, and a touchdown pass to wide receiver Ethan West, who finished up with 4 receptions and 53 yards. Running back and recent JMU commit Joe Hunt finished up the game rumbling for 202 yards and one touchdown. Hunter Edmonds also finished the game with five receptions for 59 yards.
As for Matoaca, Justin Ford went 18-37 with 220 yards in the air along with two touchdowns, but also throwing two interceptions. Running back Jeremiah Carter finished the game with 52 yards.
While receivers Terrence Whitfield and Jarrod Mosby each finished the game with six receptions along with one touchdown.
The 1-1 Titans will face a difficult test on the road as they travel to play the 2-0 Monacan Chiefs. The 0-2 Warriors will also be on the road playing the 0-1 Clover Hill Cavaliers, who fell on the road 28-24 against Prince George.
HERMITAGE 41, MEADOWBROOK 13
The second week of the season proved to be a critical juncture for for both Hermitage and Meadowbrook at Chester Fritz Stadium.
As both teams headed into the non-conference matchup with a season-opening loss, this was a must-win game for both teams to get back on track. The good news is that both teams took great strides throughout the game under the Friday night lights.
The Panthers’ defense was stout all night, and so was their offense. Hermitage quarterback Woody Winborn went 10 for 19 in the air for 143 yards and two touchdowns, one to Nasir Hines and the other to Christian Velasquez. He also ran the ball 11 times for 42 yards and a touchdown. Teammate Jordan Hall, a 5-9, 190-pound senior running back, toted the ball 30 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns. The defensive stat leaders for the home team were Mateo Jackson with 11 tackles, Khalil Finger with 10 tackles, and Shamond Fox with six tackles, two pass-breakups, and an interception.
The visiting Monarchs were paced offensively by quarterback Cameron Bullock, who went eight for 18, with 111 yards and a touchdown. Meadowbrook wide receiver Jeremiah Medina had four receptions for 53 yards and a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Defensive stat leaders for Meadowbrook were Brett Hall, Dae’Quan Young, Kristopher McNeil and Demarez Branch with eight tackles each.
Hermitage has the week off and will then travel to Varina Friday, Sept. 16 to play in a non-conference matchup against the Blue Devils. Meadowbrook will play Highland Springs at home on Friday, also in a non-conference matchup against the Springers.
