Essex’s big second half propels the Trojans over Altavista in State Semifinal
“We played football in the first half. Did not show up in the second. We lost to a very talented team. Proud of our young men this season.”–Altavista Coach Matt DeLoach
Altavista, VA – The last time the Altavista Colonels lost a game is was in a 16-8 thriller in last years state semifinal game against Essex. This year it look like it might be another nail biter down to the last play, but it wasn’t to be.
Tied at 8-8 at halftime, the Trojans of Essex got it done in the second half and move on to the state championship game with a 30-8 victory. Altavista Coach DeLoach commented afterwards, “We played football in the first half. Did not show up in the second. We lost to a very talented team. Proud of our young men this season.”
On the the Trojans second play from scrimmage, QB 3 Keion Hence hit Junior RB/FS 2 Jaden Holmes on a 72-yard touchdown catch and run. The 2 point conversion made it 8-0 Essex at the end of the first quarter. Essex got it down inside the five again a few series later, on a long Holmes run and looked to add to their lead, but on fourth and goal Colonel DB 3 Jamari Slayton with help from DB 4 T.J. Robinson kept Trojan QB 3 Hence short of the end zone. Later in the quarter, Essex, had it deep in Colonels territory.
But DB/RB 6 JaCorion Davis picked off a pass and returned it 98 yards down to the Trojan’s one. Altavista RB/LB 2 Ladanian Stone blasted his way into the end zone to make it 8-6. Davis followed that up with a 2 point run and it was 8-8 at the half. The second half was all Essex as they outscored the Colonels 22-0. RB 6 Demetrius Stewart added a short score on a tough run in the third quarter to give the Trojans the lead and the visitors never looked back. QB 3 Hence and RB/DT 1 Xzayviia Bundy also chipped in with second half touchdown runs.
Essex finished with 332 total yards to 234 for Altavista, mostly on the ground. RB/DB 4 T.J. Robinson lead the Colonels on the ground with 6 carries for 59 yards, while Davis was 7/40 yards. RB 2 Holmes led all rushers – 15/128, and RB 6 Stewart was 16/83,TD. Altavista had more success through the air. Colonel QB 9 Cooper Brooks was 3/10, 82 yards and RB 2 Stone was 2/3 for 17 yards passing on the afternoon. For Essex, Hence and the Trojans threw it only twice – once for the 72 yard touchdown and the other the interception leading to Altavista’s score. – Crunch Staff
