The Shadow
AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (VR) — Alleghany’s undefeated season faced its biggest test yet Friday night, and the Cougars answered the challenge.
Overcoming three turnovers, a blocked punt, and the loss of starting quarterback Des Jordan, Alleghany dug deep in the fourth quarter to pull away from Buffalo Gap, 27–11, spoiling the Bison’s homecoming and improving to 6–0 on the season and 4–0 in the Shenandoah District.
It was a gritty win that showed the Cougars’ resilience.
Buffalo Gap struck first, taking a 3–0 lead on a 36-yard field goal from Maddox Roach to cap the opening drive. Alleghany regrouped and took control in the second quarter. Jordan connected with Jay Godfrey twice before the break — first on a 4-yard toss into the end zone, then on a 53-yard strike where Godfrey slipped behind the defense and raced down the field. That quick flurry gave the Cougars a 14–3 halftime lead.
Momentum shifted in the third quarter when the Bison blocked a punt, setting up great field position. Two plays later, Isaac Goff powered in from the 1-yard line, and Brandon Argenbright ran in the two-point conversion to pull Gap within 14–11.
The drive not only tightened the score, but moments later the Cougars’ sideline fell silent when Jordan was helped off the field with an injury midway through the third.
Junior Talyn Elliott took over under center — and didn’t flinch.
Elliott quickly settled the offense, connecting with Austin Greene for a 43-yard gain to spark the fourth-quarter surge. That play set up a short touchdown run by Carter Nicely to stretch the lead to 21–11. On the Cougars’ next possession, Elliott capped the night himself, weaving through defenders for a 7-yard touchdown run that sealed the win.
Before his injury, Jordan was sharp, completing 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Greene caught six passes for 91 yards, while Godfrey finished with four receptions for 75 yards and both scores. Brady May paced the ground game with 76 rushing yards, and Nicely added 65.
Buffalo Gap was led by Goff, who ran for 110 yards on 20 carries in the Bison’s single-wing offense. Cooper Reed added 63 more on the ground.
The Cougars’ defense came up big late, forcing two fourth-down stops in the second half to halt the Bison’s comeback hopes.
With six straight wins, Alleghany now turns its attention to a major district showdown next Friday night in Covington, when Wilson Memorial comes to town. The athletic department reminds fans that all tickets are $7 each and to please have money ready when you arrive to the gate. The pass gate is located on the scoreboard end of the field, passes are not accepted at other gates. There is a No Re-Entry policy, if you leave you must pay for another ticket.
