By Allen Kha/Scrimmageplaycva.com contributor
Albemarle hosted its senior night Friday evening against Commonwealth District rival Stafford, bidding farewell to the team’s nineteen seniors and hoping to get itself back into the playoff picture. For the young Patriots, however, Friday’s 24-14 loss to the Indians provided plenty of hope for next year’s Senior Day.
Stafford’s vaunted rushing attack established itself early in the game, with senior athlete Nehemiah Jones capping off the Indians’ first drive with a 35-yard touchdown run. Albemarle’s defense struggled to cope with Stafford’s speed, enabling the Indians to run off to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.
“Stafford has a reputation for being one of the best running teams in the area,” Albemarle coach Mike Alley said. “We knew coming in that they were going to run, and they just made plays.”
Albemarle (3-5, 1-4 Commonwealth) battled back in the second quarter, however, and closed the deficit to 10-7 by halftime. The Patriots’ scored via a 51-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Lee Carneal to senior wide received Tory Key. Albemarle had a chance to take the lead late in the second quarter, but a red-zone fumble from the recipient of a long Carneal pass killed the Patriots’ drive.
Both Albemarle and Stafford exchanged turnovers and three-and-outs early in the third quarter. Starting late in the third quarter, however, the Indians (5-3, 4-1) drove the ball down the field and opened a 17-7 lead off a one-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Gaither Mason.
After the Patriots went three-and-out on their ensuing drive, Jones capped off a run-heavy drive with a 37-yard scamper for the game-sealing touchdown with six minutes to go in the game. Albemarle would add a consolation touchdown off of a two-yard run from junior running back Micah Rivers, but that did little to diminish the spirits of the victorious Indians.
“We just ran the ball and did our thing,” Jones said. “Our offensive line did a great job opening holes for us, and we are deep at running back. It’s important just to get the ‘W’ and prepare for a playoff run.”
Stafford coach Chad Lewis agreed with Jones, adding that his defense stepped up and delivered in an emotionally charged environment.
“Our defense has been consistent and good throughout the season,” Lewis said. “Albemarle deserves a lot of credit, though. Tonight was a big night for them and they played us really tough. It was a great game and we came through.”
Alley, on the other hand, bemoaned his team’s turnovers, asserting that his team would have won sans the momentum-killing turnovers.
“We played very well, and I’m proud of our players. Honestly, minus the turnovers—our inability to execute at those key moments—we put in a positive performance,” Alley said.
“We’re a young squad though and we are continually getting better. We showed that tonight against a team that will finish second or third in [the Commonwealth District], and that shows us that we can play.”
Stafford hosts Brooke Point next Friday before traveling to undefeated Colonial Forge in two weeks’ time.
Albemarle travels to Mountain View next Friday.
