The Shadow
STUARTS DRAFT, Va. (VR) – Alleghany took control with a 28-point second quarter and held on late Friday night to defeat Stuarts Draft 28-20 on the road for another district victory.
The Cougars trailed 7-0 after the opening quarter before their offense came alive in the second.
Buddy Leisure-White scored on a 1-yard run to put Alleghany on the board, then broke loose for a 71-yard touchdown with 9:35 remaining in the half. Talyn Elliott added a 28-yard touchdown run before Leisure-White capped the quarter with a 22-yard touchdown run with 28 seconds left.
Mason Hale converted all four extra-point attempts as the Cougars took a 28-7 lead into halftime.
Stuarts Draft cut into the deficit in the third quarter when Brandon Pritchett scored on a 2-yard run. The hosts pulled within one score in the fourth when Zakarre Hymes-Williams caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Jake Yow with 4:45 remaining.
Alleghany’s defense held the rest of the way, allowing the Cougars to run out the clock and secure the win.
Penalties remained a concern for Alleghany, which was flagged 19 times for 125 yards. Head coach Will Fields said “We for sure need to clean up some penalties based on the second half”.
Alleghany finished with 429 total yards, including 377 rushing yards on 39 attempts. Leisure-White’s three touchdown runs led the ground attack, while Fields credited the offensive line for helping create opportunities.
“Buddy has showcased his talents and been the beneficiary of pretty good line play so far,” Fields said.
The Cougars threw two interceptions but did not lose a fumble. Stuarts Draft finished with 248 total yards, including 179 through the air. Alleghany held the hosts to 69 rushing yards.
The Cougars now turn their attention to Buffalo Gap, which will bring a different offensive challenge.
“Buffalo Gap runs a different style of offense and we will need to play them a little different,” Fields said. “They are more run oriented and they combo that with misdirection and power. It will be a challenge. They are very sound on defense.”
