The Shadow
WAYNESBORO, Va. (VR) – Missing four key starters but refusing to flinch, the Alleghany Cougars leaned on their depth, defense, and timely big plays Friday night to defeat Waynesboro 36-14.
Alleghany was without Mason Hale, Kenton Kirby, Carter Nicely, and Sarge Persinger, yet welcomed back Buddy White and Brycen Griffith, whose presence helped dominate the game. The Cougars struck first with a balanced 69-yard drive, capped by a short touchdown plunge from Colton Jack.
Quarterback Desmond Jordan carried much of the offensive load. Jordan scored three touchdowns—two on the ground, including a 28-yard burst through the heart of the Little Giants’ defense, and one through the air.
Austin Green provided another spark, tallying 74 all-purpose yards and an early first-half touchdown that helped Alleghany build a 14-0 lead at the break. Jayvon Myers also found the end zone before halftime on a short run, giving the Cougars breathing room after Waynesboro missed a 30-yard field goal attempt.
The second half swung fully in Alleghany’s favor when Jay Godfrey crashed through the line and blocked a punt, recovering it in the end zone for a touchdown. That play made it 28-7 and deflated a Waynesboro squad that dressed only 20 players and was plagued by penalties throughout the night.
Defensively, Alleghany was stout from start to finish. Bryson Griffith and Jack controlled the trenches, while Brady May and Ethan Phillips flew to the football, combining for multiple tackles for loss. The Cougars limited Waynesboro to just over 100 yards of total offense, most of it coming late.
Waynesboro’s lone bright spots came on two scoring drives in the third and fourth quarters, but every surge was quickly answered. The Cougars’ defense forced three punts, two turnovers on downs, and never allowed the Little Giants to establish rhythm.
Alleghany showed great resilience, and proved that the team is ready to step up as needed to bring home a win.
The Cougars return home this Friday night as they host Stewart’s Draft, for Homecoming night.
