On a humid night where at least six starters battled through cramps, Buckingham County held off Appomattox behind a strong defensive performance when freshman Kenneth Johnson and junior Tarian Ayers each came down with interceptions in the fourth quarter to lock down a 13-6 win.
Maurice Taylor put the Knights on the scoreboard with a 24-yard rushing touchdown, but the Raiders answered back and took a 7-6 lead into halftime. Late in the third quarter Ayers hit receiver Cam Johnson from 16 yards out to swing the game back in Buckingham’s favor.
Taylor had 17 carries for 117 yards for the Knights. Ayers finished 9 for 13 and 106 yards with Cam Johnson, Caleb White and Antonn Briley each catching three passes. White led the way with 50 yards, Johnson had 39 and Briley went for 29.
The Buckingham defense did more than just force the late turnovers. The Knights held the Raiders to a measly 113 yards of offense and surrendered just 10 yards in the passing game.
Buckingham (1-0) hosts Nelson on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
