The Shadow
Low Moor, VA – On a very crisp Tuesday night in the Alleghany Highlands, with the temperatures each under 50 degrees at times and the wind blowing strong, the Alleghany Mountaineers defeated local rival the Bath County Chargers 31-0.
The win for the Mountaineers snapped a seven game losing streak and improved their overall record to 2-7 on the season.
Following a heartbreaking loss to Carroll County at home last Friday night in which the team fell by only four points (31-27), the team was able to capitalize on their efforts from that game and used in the win over the Chargers.
The team scored on each of their first three possessions on offense. It was also a big 18 point second quarter that helped the Mountaineers get passed the Chargers on Tuesday night.
Prior to their performance last week, the team had only scored 47 points over six games after their season opening victory over Roanoke Catholic in which the team put up a season high 43 points (43-6). In the teams last two games, they have scored 56 points.
The offense is starting to put points on the scoreboard at a much need time as it is crunch time down the stretch of the regular season.
With the playoffs in sight, the Mountaineers needed the win over the Chargers to have any chance at making it to the Regional 2C postseason.
As it stands right now, the Mountaineers are on the outside looking in at the 11th spot. Only the top eight team make it from each region.
The offense on Tuesday night got a much needed boost from senior Matthew Howell who had three total touchdowns in the game, including tying the schools record for a fumble returned for a touchdown of 99 yards. Howell tied Waylon Maydian who returned a fumble of 99 yard in 2011, also coming against the Chargers.
It was quite the performance for Howell who finished the game with a 19 yard rushing touchdown, a 27 yard touchdown reception and, the 99 yard fumble return touchdown. Howell also had a sack and several tackles on defense.
Garrett Via added a game-high 94 rushing yards in the win for the Mountaineers.
Quarterback, Kole Caldwell finished the game 3-for-8, 37 yards passing and one touchdown and interception.
Meanwhile, Dylan Nicely and Waylon Campbell each had a rushing touchdown for the Mountaineers.
For the Chargers, the team moved the ball fairly well despite the final score.
The team put together several drives that had multiple first downs, but the team just could not find the end zone, even when they had the ball on the one yard line.
It was the fourth time this season, the team has been shutout as the Chargers are only averaging three points a game in their six games played.
Hunter Waldeck finished the game with 28 yards rushing for the team whom had 104 total for the game.
Junior Kamoy Stone had the teams longest play of the game, a 17 yard rush that came in the second quarter, a few plays prior to the Howell fumble return.
The Chargers had a few highlights of their own in the game including a converted onside kick to open the second half and an interception by sophomore Andrew Turner.
The Mountaineers defense was dominate though in the win. The team forced two turnovers and 14 tackles for losses.
Tomorrow night is a must-win for the Mountaineers in their regular season finale as they travel to take on the 4-4 Floyd County Buffaloes.
A win for the Mountaineers over the Buffaloes would be the teams third on the season and may even get them closer to a playoff berth. The team could also get help should Patrick County, Chatham, and Dan River all lose.
For the Chargers, at 0-6 they too are on outside looking in at the playoffs in the Region 1C rankings.
They have a tough opponent in the third ranked 1C team, Parry McCluer.
Led by junior running back, John Snider IV, the Chargers will have their hands full tomorrow night. Snider ran for over 280 yards against the Covington Cougars last week in the teams 35-6 victory.
If the Chargers want to pull off a David-vs-Goliath-like victory, they’ll need to score at will to keep up with the Fighting Blues offense, led by Snider.
Scoring Plays
First Quarter: Matthew Howell 19yd rushing TD (extra point was good), 7-0, 4:24
Second Quarter: Waylon Campbell 1yd rushing TD (extra point was no good), 13-0, 11:24
Second Quarter: Dylan Nicely 3yd rushing TD (extra point was no good), 19-0, 6:36
Second Quarter: Matthew Howell 99yd fumble recovery (extra point was no good), 25-0, 9.6
Fourth Quarter: Kole Caldwell to Matthew Howell for a 27yd TD (extra point was no good), 31-0, 9:02
Bath County Team Statistics
Pass. Yds – /
Rush. Yds – 104
KR Yds – 48
PR Yds – /
Total Yds – 147
First Downs – 9
Total Plays – 57
Penalties – 5
T.O.’s – 2
Alleghany Team Statistics
Pass. Yds – 37
Rush. Yds – 223
KR Yds – /
PR Yds – 8
Total Yds – 258
First Downs – 7
Total Plays – 32
Penalties – 8
T.O.’s – 2
