Altavista falls to Gretna as turnovers play a big role in 41-19 setback
Gretna High School Gretna, VA – The Altavista Colonels traveled to take on Gretna Friday night and the Hawks were
ready for them. Utilizing their speed and athletes at nearly every position, the home team prevailed 41-19. Even so the young Colonels never let up and had their chances. Several times Altavista fumbled inside the Gretna ten, as it looked like they’d score. Altavista Coach Andy Cox spoke about the frustration, “We are extremely young, making mistakes that a young teams make. We are driving, doing what we are supposed to do and then shoot ourselves in the foot (with the turnovers).” Gretna was led by their Junior QB 4 Melvin Wooden. He was impressive on the night, picking up yards, avoiding the Colonel’s rush and finding receivers for big gains. “We’d get them in third and long and give up a big play,” said Cox. Much of that came at the hands and talent of Wooden. He ran for two including a 43-yarder and threw another. On the other side of the ledger a bright spot for Altavista was Sophomore sensation RB/QB/LB 2 Ladanian Stone. He was impressive, and at times dominant. He rushed for 206 yards on 24 carries, scoring twice and caught the Colonels other touchdown from QB 4 Jordan Pippin from 11 yards out in the second quarter to make it 21-6. The Colonels really never could close the gap on the speedy Hawks. “Gretna has athletes, tons of speed… they’ll always have that,” said Cox.
