Photo by Elizabeth Farina
Lee-Davis’ Matt Marlowe, (9) carries the ball into the end zone to put the Confederates on the scoreboard first. Lee-Davis never looked back in their 31 to 20 win over the James River Rapids.
When Lee-Davis traveled to James River High School for the Rapids’ first home game of the season the stands were filled with fans hoping for a good game. For those who were looking for big plays this one delivered. It was a contest that was not decided until the final seconds when Lee-Davis’ Jonathon Alexander returned an interception for a touchdown and a 31-20 Confederates’ win.
On the first play of the evening, Confederates’ quarterback Phillip Gardner completed for 25-yards to Matt Marlowe. Three downs later, Justin Becker ran for 20 on a screen setting up a 32-yard Gardner to Marlowe touchdown that gave Lee-Davis a 6-0 lead after the missed extra point.
Things did not go so well on the possession for James River’s offense when C-feds’ Chad Muller intercepted on Rapids’ 29-yard line. But the Rapids’ defense bolstered to hold Lee-Davis; forcing them to settle for a 22-yard field goal and a 9-0 lead.
But the Rapids bounced back when Anthony Brown’s kickoff return to the 25 set up a six-play 75-yard scoring drive. Matt Brooks rushed to earn a first down on their own 38; then, on a keeper, Cole Ransom broke down the right side for 52-yards to set up a Brooks 4-yard run with little resistance. Jordan Dibich’s extra point closed the gap to 7-9.
However, any James River exuberance was short-lived, as C-feds QB Will Burton threw a 60-yard touchdown pass to T.J Harvey. Will Connerley converted on a David Fetter pass to close out the first quarter, 7-17.
Though scoreless, the second and third quarters were no less exciting as both defenses ramped up to hold each respective offense at bay. But, on the first play of the fourth, Lee-Davis’ Harvey pulled down a 17-yard touchdown pass from Gardner. Brandon Angus, on a keeper, made the conversion widen the gap to 25-7.
But the Rapids were not done for the night, responding with a series of option plays to bring them within striking distance. After a 25-yard Jesse Wells kick-off return,
Ransom and Joshua Wells ran keeper and option plays that made Confederates’ defenders scramble as they drove 65-yards in six plays to score on a Ransom 2-yard run. A failed extra point made the score 25-13.
James River head coach Greg DeFranchesco said the bond between Wells and Ransom makes them effective. “Joshua Wells and Cole Ransom have been competing for first string from the beginning,” he said. “They played some gutsy ball tonight. They both work like brothers; and they have a bond. They’re competitive, play well together, and set a great example of sportsmanship for everybody.”
With the Confederates starting from their 47, Rapids defenders held strong, sacking the QB on the 35, and forcing a punt on fourth- and-17. After the return, Ransom and Joshua Wells kept Lee-Davis defenders guessing as they ran back-to-back option plays, ending in a flip to Wells who took it 22-yards for a score. DiBich’s kick trimmed the C-feds lead to 20-25 with 3:40 remaining.
“I give a lot of credit to Coach DeFranchesco,” said Lee-Davis head coach Jason Meade. “We hadn’t prepared for the pressure they applied late in the game. We had to adjust defensively to that spread option offence.”
On their final drive, the Rapids’ defense denied the Confederates a first down, once again forcing a punt and giving James River a last shot at a comeback with 1:09 left to play.
On their own 20, with 17 seconds remaining, Ransom connected with Anthony Brown for a 76-yard gain. But in the final seconds, the Confederates’ Jonathan Alexander shattered any hope for a Rapids’ victory when Joshua Wells was pressed by defenders to lob a short pass. Alexander intercepted the ball and broke up the left sideline for a 96-yard touchdown return that ended the game.
“There were good defensive blocks,” Alexander said, “Angus blocked for me, I broke a tackle, and then wanted to get into the end zone.”
Following the game the Confederates were euphoric from the win, but Coach Meade was quick to bring them back to earth. “You guys are celebrating because you won, and that’s ok,” he said. “But let me remind you that interception was made in the last eight seconds. Be smart. Do the little things [right] and then the good things will happen. Play smart, work hard together, and be proud of what you’ve accomplished. We’ll clean up the mistakes from this game to be ready for the next. Have your eyes open and be ready to learn.”
Next week, Lee-Davis hosts Patrick Henry in the 50th anniversary Tomato Bowl game at 7:30 p.m.
Lee-Davis 17 0 0 14 - 31
James River 7 0 0 13 - 20
L-D - Marlow 32 pass from Gardner (kick failed)
L-D - FG Stevens 22
JR - Brooks 4 run (DiBich kick)
L-D - Harvey 60 pass from Burton (Connerley pass from Fetter)
L-D - Harvey 17 pass from Gardner (Angus run)
JR - Ransom 2 run (run failed)
JR - Jo. Wells 22 run (DiBich kick)
L-D - Alexander 95 interception return (no attempt)
Reader Comments
That’s my son! Way to go! Keep up the good work!
Delores Leffler of Lanesville IN
Sep. 20, 2008 at 12:09 PM
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