Division 1 State Semifinals
George Wythe punches ticket to state title game with 35-12 victory over Grundy
George Wythe HS, Wytheville, VA – Emotions were running high for George Wythe Coach Brandon Harner when the cameras and reporters caught up with him at midfield amidst the Maroons’ celebration. What were they celebrating, you ask? The Maroons had achieved the goal that every high school football program in the state of Virginia dreams of when they start practice in August. They are going to the VHSL Championship game next week for Class 1A in Salem, Va. When asked what he was feeling, he said “exhaustion, happiness, adrenaline … I can’t describe it”. He went on when asked about the game saying, “we knew we had to get ahead early to make them start doing things they didn’t want to do.” His team definitely got the message. After their defense forced a Grundy 3-and-out on the game’s opening possession, it only took the Maroons 2 plays to go 64 yards in 16 seconds to take a 7-0 lead and set the tone for the first half. They tacked on two more scores and bolted to a 20-0 lead at the break. There was no change in the philosophy in the third quarter either. The Maroons again only needed two plays to score on their opening drive. QB 15 Tandom Smith found RB 6 Ben Jollay open in the middle of the field and Jollay did the rest to complete a 56-yard touchdown pass. Just like that, the Maroons had a 28-0 lead with only 7 seconds gone in the 3rd quarter. George Wythe would go on to punch their ticket to the title game with a 35-12 victory over the Grundy Golden Wave and enjoy a community celebration at the 50-yard line after the game. When asked about being able to continue his season with the championship game up next, Coach Harner said, “any time I get to spend one more week with this group, it’s something else, they’re a special group of kids.” Wythe will have their hands full next week facing Riverheads in the final, who are seeking their 8th straight state title. – T Mac
