On the surface, Friday night’s contest in Lovingston pitted a pair of 3-0 squads from different corners of the Commonwealth who connected to fill late gaps in their 2024 schedules. As sub-.500 teams a season ago, both sides entered with buzz and had stretches of dominance. Although Rappahannock pulled away with a 36-20 win thanks to a suddenly-unstoppable two-headed rushing attack in the second half, it was hardly Nelson County’s top concern of the week.
Hanging along the fence in front of the home-side grandstand was a banner reading “Beat ‘em for Baker”, signed by players, the coaching staff, and cheerleaders. Many included notes and prayers for the Governors’ third-year head coach Jack Baker, who was absent from the sideline due to a sudden medical issue.
“This week, we had young men who handled adult situations very well,” said Nelson County athletics director Greg Mullins, who donned the head coach headset. “We just have to continue to work, continue to grind, and show up every day and do the things that Coach Baker has instilled in this program.”
Baker had been bolstering the program’s roster coming off back-to-back 1-9 seasons in 2021-22. Last year’s team started 4-0 before suffering six straight losses in Dogwood District play. After adding some first-time upperclassmen who excelled in other sports alongside returning seniors as key ball handlers, Nelson hopes to take the next step forward in district competition.
“We have a little more depth, so if we execute, we’re going to have a chance to win,” said Mullins. “We’ve had some injuries, but we’re going to get some kids back.”
To the extent the Governors’ defense was a question mark after nearly surrendering a 28-point fourth quarter lead to Stonewall Jackson two weeks ago, Friday night’s second half bolded the font. The Raiders’ first four second half possessions all ended with touchdown runs.
“Our guys are resilient,” said Rappahannock coach William West. “We just keep plugging away until our offensive line can find a groove. Once they create some seams, these guys are able to hit it and take it.”
Rappahannock started the game by receiving the opening kickoff and marching the field in just over five minutes. Junior quarterback Clyde Kelly Jr. put the first points on the board by taking a 24-yard keeper around the left edge.
Nelson answered with a 70-yard drive that stretched into the second quarter. Senior quarterback Colton Baker picked up 10 to convert a fourth-and-2 and senior tight end Houser Boyette collected a deflected fourth-and-9 pass before turning upfield for a 17-yard gain. Senior fullback Lekota Shaver barrelled in from a yard out to tie the game 7-7.
For the rest of the half, a combination of holding penalties and the Governors’ defense had the visitors out of sorts. While Nelson embarked on another long drive that ran over seven minutes, it ended on an interception of a fourth-down pass. The Raiders started to get rolling in the two-minute drill but senior Liam Winsheimer, one of the first-time players, intercepted a Kelly pass and raced 44 yards for a pick-six.
“We aligned property, played our assignments, and tackled well,” said Mullins. “When they got in an overload formation in the second half, things started going wrong for us.”
With Nelson leading 14-7 and set to receive the third quarter kickoff, momentum seemed to be with the green and gold. However, three runs netted minus-3 yards and Rappahannock enjoyed excellent field position after the punt. Three plays later, Kelly scored on a 12-yard keeper to tie the game.
The sequence repeated with another Nelson three-and-out and Rappahannock taking the field in plus territory. Junior running back Kenneth Madison ran in from 11 yards out to give the Raiders the lead.
“We came out [after halftime] with a different mindset,” said West. “Defensively, our interior guys played better and made it a little easier for our inside linebackers, who stepped up and made their reads correctly. That helped us slow [Nelson] down a little bit.”
The Governors then shuffled personnel, lining up with two tight ends and two receivers for their only scoring drive after the break. Baker started with passes to Jamire Terry-Giles for 11 and 23 yards Baker then covered the last 10 yards with two keepers. The PAT missed wide right, keeping Rappahannock on top 21-20 as the third quarter ended.
Madison added two more touchdown runs of 13 and 45 yards in the fourth quarter for Rappahannock, while Nelson’s next two possessions ended on downs near midfield and by interception.
Baker led the Governors with 62 yards on 17 rushes. He also completed 9-of-20 passes for 87 yards. Terry-Giles was his top target with six receptions for 46 yards. Demetrius Bell added 43 yards on 11 carries.
Rappahannock (4-0) hosts Middlesex next Friday to wrap up its non-district slate, while Nelson (3-1) opens district play at Chatham (2-2).
