The Shadow
Hot Springs, VA (VR) The Bath County Chargers’ bid for a signature win fell short Friday night, as the undefeated Craig County Rockets showcased their speed, depth, and discipline to pull away for a 28-0 victory in front of a packed Bath County crowd.
From the opening kickoff, it was clear the Rockets (8-0) came prepared to defend their perfect record.
After stopping the Chargers (4-3) on their first possession, Craig County got on the board with a dazzling 52-yard touchdown run by No. 16, Carter Calfee, breaking tackles up the middle and accelerating to the end zone. The extra point was good, putting the Rockets up 7-0 with just minutes gone in the first quarter. The Chargers, undeterred, made progress on their ensuing drive behind tough runs by Ethan Bryant and Walker Randozzo, but were ultimately forced to punt after being stymied on a third down attempt.
Bath County’s defense held tough, delivering big stops and forcing a fumble to regain possession late in the first quarter, but Craig County’s relentless ground attack wore down the Charger front seven. Early in the second quarter, the Rockets broke free again, sprinting down the right sideline for another long score. A missed extra point made it 13-0. On the following kickoff, Bath County’s Walker Randozzo electrified the home crowd by taking it 78 yards to the end zone, but a penalty for blocking in the back wiped out what could have been a momentum-shifting touchdown.
With the Chargers’ offense having trouble sustaining drives which was common throughout the contest — Craig County capitalized often with excellent field position. The Rockets strung together short passes and power runs, eventually punching in a third touchdown before halftime and adding a successful extra point to extend their lead to 21-0 with less than a minute left in the half. Bath County tried to respond quickly through the air, but an interception with seconds remaining allowed Craig County another quick-strike score and made it 28-0 at halftime.
The second half was a defensive struggle, marked by physical play and multiple penalties. Bath County’s Ethan Bryant and Hunter Kirby worked to grind out first downs, but the Chargers continually found themselves behind the chains due to costly flags and negative plays. After a promising drive midway through the third, Bath County’s hopes were dashed when Kirby’s pass was intercepted deep in Rockets territory.
Craig County, content to manage the clock with a sizeable lead, leaned on its ground attack to chew up yardage. The Rockets’ offensive line continued to open holes for running backs, methodically moving the chains, and ensuring Bath County would seldom see the ball. Even as Bath County occasionally forced a punt or took advantage of Craig County penalties, the Chargers were unable to flip field position or break off the explosive plays necessary for a comeback.
As the fourth quarter wore on, frustrations mounted. Bath County drew several personal fouls and false start penalties, while the Rockets, despite a few mistakes of their own, remained firmly in control. Both sides rotated in reserves as the clock wound down, and Craig County’s sideline erupted in celebration as the final whistle confirmed the 28-0 shutout.
Statistically, Bath County’s leading rushers were Bryant, Randozzo, and Kirby who combined for the majority of the team’s positive yardage. Kirby completed several short passes and helped direct the offense but was unable to spark a scoring drive. On the other side, there was no single clear MVP, with multiple long touchdown runs sprung off of key blocks and numerous tackles on defense, everyone contributed to the Craig County victory.
With the defeat, Bath County moves to 4-3 and will look to bounce back in next week’s matchup against district rival Parry McClure. For Craig County, the victory cements their status as the team to beat in the region, keeping their perfect season alive.
