JV Dominates Fairfax 24-0
We Have A Winner
Published October 21 2005
There's
no place like home. And the JV Wildcats have a renewed appreciation for that
sentiment, as they hosted the JV squad from Fairfax in a stunning shut-out
of the Rebels with a final score of 24 to 0. Just three days after traveling
to defeat at Robinson, the Wildcats looked renewed and energized. Things would
not be the same as last time.
Centreville's offense surprised everyone. They kept the football close to the turf, as their running game took on new life with David Hall stepping into the running back position. Hall was able to power P.J. Dunegan's hand-off through the Fairfax defense, down the field, and into the end zone. The football didn't see much air time, but it wasn't needed. Unlike the Robinson game, the offense was provided numerous opportunities to move the ball, partly from turnovers manufactured by the Wildcat defense.
The Wildcat defense flexed when it was most needed. Centreville prevented the Rebels from ever entering the end zone. Wildcats were able to stop the Rebel run and the passing game. The goose egg on the scoreboard was evidence of the defensive success. When Fairfax was able to move close to their end zone, Centreville grabbed possession to let their offense take the field. This was a football team focused on defeating their opponent. It worked.
Something Is Different
The game started with Fairfax receiving the kick-off. Centreville's defense was strong, and the Rebels went no where. Wildcats took the ball over on downs. This is where things began to look different—Centreville kept the ball on the ground. No passing. Both teams worked to figure-out each other, 'til P.J. Dunegan ran the ball into the end zone. Wildcats followed that with a 2-point conversion to make the score 8 to 0. The first quarter ended with that score as the teams switched places on the field.
The second quarter saw more of the same, with the Wildcat defense cranking it up a notch. Offense was pushing hard, running the ball with great success. Unfortunately, penalties were hurting Centreville's progress. After a huge Dunegan run that was taken back for a holding penalty, Fairfax took possession on downs. The Rebels were able to get into very good field position, close to the west end zone, after another Wildcat penalty. Then Fairfax fired the ball into the air, where Casey Sutton picked it off and shot through the crowd, darting through the chaos for about a 16-yard return on the interception.
Beep-beep
Occasionally the Fairfax offense would break out of the crowd, running toward the end zone. Then Wildcats were like the Roadrunner catching up with Wile E. Coyote - beep-beep... POW! Wildcats would not let a Rebel into the end zone.
Centreville's offense was on fire when it entered the field. Wayne Jackson completed a 39-yard run for a first down. P.J. Dunegan followed with a run of 15-yards and another first down. Then Dunegan slipped the ball into Jackson's firm grip so he could run the ball into the end zone. With 3 minutes and 5 seconds remaining in the first half, Wildcats give the ball to David Hall and let him snowplow into the end zone for a two-point conversion. The score is 16 to 0, Wildcats.
Defense stepped onto the field and tightened their grip on the Rebels. Fairfax fumbles the ball and Raji Ayoub scoops it up for the Wildcats. Offense is getting a work-out as they return to the field. Dunegan runs a keeper for 26-yards, but again penalties hurt Centreville as a flag is thrown taking away the success of the run. The clock runs out on the first half with Wildcats firmly in the lead, as the scoreboard displays a bright 16 to 0.
Use Your Head
Wildcats entered the second half determined to maintain control of the game. Things started in a quirky way, as the Fairfax kick-off hit a Wildcat in the helmet followed by a huge bounce. It's a live ball! Who's going to get it? Black and white jerseys are scrambling for the ball and Centreville ends-up with control. Wildcat offense is meticulously moving the ball, but in danger of losing on downs. Then Heath Shelters powers the ball 6-yards for a first down. This sets up a series of plays that end with David Hall muscling his way through the Fairfax defense and into the end zone. Dunegan again hands the ball to Hall for another successful 2-point conversion. Centreville has a tight grip on the lead with a score of 24 to 0 with 4:26 left in the third quarter. Wildcat send-in some fresh talent to finish the third quarter. Fairfax is showing some signs of life, as they begin to complete short passes. But Wildcats are ready, as defenders such as Clay Barfield are executing big, powerful hits and stopping the forward progress of the Rebels. The third quarter ends with the scoreboard displaying 24 to 0, Wildcats in the lead.
The fourth quarter was all about the Centreville defense. Rebels tried to get a second wind in the offense, but were stopped with big hits by Wildcat defenders such as James Cronin and Barfield. Fairfax began to battle back, moving the ball down the field. Then a bit of a flashback from the first half, as the Rebels were within scoring range. They sent the ball up into the air, and again into the hands of Casey Sutton, who grabbed his second interception of the game on the ten-yard line. That ended the Fairfax drive and any hope to replace the zero on the scoreboard. Wildcats effectively controlled the ball, the remaining time, and the game for a final score of 24 to 0.
This was an impressive feat for a team that was defeated just three days prior. Both the coaches and players showed their ability to adapt, surprise, and maintain their strength through the entire game. This was a team effort, as the coaches were digging deep into the roster to get the talent and skill they needed to improve their season record.
Captured for Eternity
Photos are ready for viewing. We have two galleries ready to please the eyeballs.
- Click here to see the first gallery of JV photos.
- Click this for Gallery 2 from Tammi Duble
