VHSL D3 Playoffs – Round 1
Big plays help Terriers tame Cougars 45-21 in first round of the playoffs
Robert A. Patterson Stadium, Jefferson W. Highfill Field, Vinton, VA – William Byrd is for real, ask Pulaski County. Byrd’s speed was just too much for the Cougars early on in the 45-21 win. The Terriers started the game with an 89-yard kickoff return for a TD by WR/RB 40 Walter Barrows who look like he was shot out of a cannon. Byrd added two more scores in the first quarter, both by QB 4 Izzy Hairston (6/175,2TDs), on runs of 8 and 62 yards to go up 21-0.
Hairston set up the 8-yard TD with a 52-yard sprint two plays earlier. There is no quit in a Cam Aker’s Pulaski County team though, and they continued to pound the rock behind the broad shoulders of Junior RB 22 Trevor Gallimore (35/129,TD). Pulaski also had some success throwing the football as Sophomore QB 11 Bryant Nottingham finished 9/15,137,TD,2 INTs) with his favorite target being WR 10 Marcus Reed (6/72,TD), but stats were a bit of a red herring in this one. Byrd scored fast, with little time needed. Pulaski held a 73-34 advantage on number of plays, but the Terriers out gained the Cougars 429-342 in total yards.
Hairston was also on fire throwing the ball. He finished 9/13 for 161 yards, 2TDs, and an INT. The man carrying the mail for Byrd this year did his part as well. RB 7 Brayden Andrews had 12 carries for 85 yards and a score. Byrd’s defense was physical Friday night per normal. Evident by DL 55 Doniven Davis bull rushing Nottingham on Pulaski’s second possession, tipping the pass, and LB 9 John Kiker, diving for the pick. That set up the Terriers second score. The Terriers get it done by committee though. Byrd (10-1) will entertain their neighboring, Blue Ridge District rival next Friday as Lord Botetourt (9-2) comes calling again. Byrd beat LB 16-0 earlier this year. – Cap’n Crunch
