VHSL D1 Playoffs – Round 1
Pioneers knock off Narrows in the playoffs with 1-2 punch on the ground
Harry Ragsdale Field, Narrows, VA – Fort Chiswell made the long trip out to Narrows with one thing in mind – advancing in the playoffs. That they did with an impressive win over a talented #5 ranked, Group 1A team in the state. Pioneer Coach Zane Quesenberry was happy after the hard fought win, “Overwhelmed with joy for our kids…since June, it’s been an absolute grind, and playing in the Mountain Empire District is no joke… we played some very good opponents.
That prepared us (for tonight).” Hard for Narrows to prepare for the 1-2 punch of Fort Chiswell. Running a “Wildcat” formation on offense with RB/DB 7 Layton Kennedy and RB/DB 34 Mike Melton has worked well. Kennedy went off for 231 yards on 27 carries and 3TDs, while Melton scorched the earth with 21 carries for 214 yards, and 4 scores. That was more offense then they needed in the 48-19 win. Narrows QB/WR/S 6 Kolier Pruett looked like he’d match the Pioneer duo point for point early on, scoring on two 65-yard runs. Sandwiched between those was a RB 4 Cooper Helvey (6/33,TD) 4-yard TD run. Pruett finished the night 20/196 yards, 3TDs rushing, and 14/26, 159 yards, 3INTs passing. The Senior even caught three passes for 18 yards. “He’s unbelievable.
Our plan was to put pressure on him and make him uncomfortable back there. We knew that he was going to get his,” said Quesenberry. But, along with Pruetts’ teammates who played both ways, chasing Kennedy and Melton on defense, took its toll. Fort Chiswell’s defense also flexed their muscles after halftime. Fort led 21-19 at the half after Narrows missed a point after and then Kennedy blocked another. Those PAT’s add up. That and the Pioneers picked off the Green Wave three times to thwart drives. Kennedy, Melton, and DB 5 Matt Hanks all had interceptions. Fort Chiswell moves on to play at George Wythe next week. Narrows wraps up the season at 8-3. – Cap’n Crunch
