Since what he refers to as a “learning experience” against Louisa County three weeks ago, Western Albemarle’s Sam Hearn has performed like a different player. He’s figured out at least part of what it takes to play at a high level as a high school quarterback — and free safety apparently.
Hearn had three interceptions in the second half playing free safety for the Warriors while putting together a solid, largely mistake-free outing at quarterback to boost the Warriors to a 28-7 victory over Charlottesville.
“I started to prepare really well and that’s something I didn’t do the first five games,” Hearn said. “That’s something I’m doing now that’s really helped me.”
With a slew of injuries — Western is slated to get six or seven players back into the lineup next week that were fighting injuries or illness this week — Hearn was pressed into extended action as a defensive back and in two weeks he’s had four total interceptions after snagging one against Monticello last week.
“Sam has really gained some confidence the last two weeks,” said Western coach Ed Redmond. “He’s just a real gritty kid and until we get some people back he’s a two-way player and he’s just a great kid. A super competitor.”
Against Charlottesville at quarterback, Hearn shook off an early interception that Hannibal Reid returned for a 68-yard gain for the Black Knights. CHS couldn’t capitalize however as Osiris Crutchfield blocked a field goal attempt by the Black Knights, giving Western possession once again.
“Our coaches say ‘take out the trash’—if something bad happens, I’ve got to get rid of that,” Hearn said. “.”
Hearn bounced back and guided the Western offense to a touchdown after Crutchfield’s block, and by halftime the Warriors held a 14-0 lead with a solid mix of run and pass offensive. Hoever, the Warriors had to work for nearly every inch of it that came on the ground.
“Their front seven did an outstanding job against us,” Redmond said. “They’re very quick, they come with some authority and they had a nice scheme ready for us.”
Charlottesville’s offense woke up on the opening drive of the second half and scored to cut the Western lead in half, but the Black Knights sputtered after that as Herndon came on strong after the break. Herndon finished with 83 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries.
“Oliver just sort of took over again, he’s just got that second half motor,” Redmond said. “When he gets a rhythm going and he gets going downhill with his shoulders north/south I just think he’s a super runner.”
Hearn chipped in with 76 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Charlottesville couldn’t maintain the offense’s early rhythm in the second half and eventually the Black Knights’ effort ended in Hearn’s flurry of second half interceptions. Nic Epps finished with 101 yards and the lone touchdown on seven touches for Charlottesville while Hannibal Reid came up with 43 yards on just four carries. The passing game couldn’t get going either as CHS mustered just 26 yards through the air.
“That’s been our problem all year is consistency,” said Charlottesville coach Eric Sherry. “We make a couple of good plays and then shoot ourselves in the foot.”
The Black Knights are teetering on the boundary of the Group 4A North playoff picture, and they have just a pair of chances at wins left on the table with Fluvanna and then Powhatan. The Warriors head to Powhatan next week for a Halloween clash between two of the Jefferson District’s top squads.
