GOOCHLAND—Credit Goochland’s 23-0 victory over previously undefeated Western Albemarle last night to the Bulldogs’ relentless defense. And their smash-mouth running game. And their thorough preparation, their desire, and their steadfast refusal to be intimidated by adversity. “The kids bought into our plan,“ defensive coordinator Dan Summitt said. “They understood it. They came out and executed. They did a wonderful job.“

Six different players scored touchdowns as the ninth-ranked Bulldogs scored the first 42 points and cruised to a Jefferson District win over the Green Dragons. Goochland (5-1, 8-1) will face Western Albemarle next week for the district championship. Desmond Athey ran for 92 yards to lead a Bulldogs’ running attack that ground out 356 yards on 37 carries. Dustin Plummer added 82 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Coles and Brandon Henry came up with interceptions to help the Bulldogs cause.

Goochland————————————- 10 12 22
Western Albemarle————————————- 25 25 25
Highlights: Ashley Harris (G) 7 kills, 7 digs, 7 service points.
Records: Western Albemarle 14-0 Jefferson, 19-1 overall; Goochland 3-11, 4-16.

GOOCHLAND—The mere thought of staring down a formidable opponent in the red zone can strike fear in the hearts of even the staunchest defenders. Not at Goochland, though. In fact, the big guys who suit up in the Bulldogs’ 3-5-3 alignment live for just those situations. “It makes us crazy,“ said Austin Jordan, a 6-0, 230-pound senior who anchors the front three.

Goochland High School grew enough in recent years to move up in its Virginia High School League classification from Group A, Division 2 to Group AA, Division 3. According to the VHSL division breakdown, Goochland is the second-smallest Division 3 school in Region II. Three schools in the Jefferson District, Goochland’s new league, scheduled the Bulldogs as homecoming opponents.

William Monroe————————————- 23 25 25 25
Goochland————————————- 25 16 17 20 Highlights: Ashley Harris (G) 7 kills, 4 digs; Kristina Donaldson (G) 5 digs Records: William Monroe 9-4 Jefferson, 12-6; Goochland 3-10, 4-15

Goochland16 17 23 Louisa25 25 25 Highlights: Ashley Harris (G) 5 kills, 5 digs; Katie Dabney (G) 4 kills, 4 digs Records: Goochland 3-9 Jefferson, 4-14; Louisa 8-6, 11-7

Dustin Plummer scored twice in the second half to lead the Bulldogs (3-1, 6-1) past the Flucos (1-3, 2-5) in a Jefferson District matchup. After falling behind 7-0, Willie Ezell (79 yards) ran in from 20 yards to knot the game at 7. Plummer finished with 65 yards and the Bulldogs ground out 236 yards on 43 carries. Goochland————————————- 0 7 7 7—21
Fluvanna————————————- 0 7 0 0—7

Goochland 10 13 19
Fluvanna 25 25 25
Records: Goochland 3-9 Jefferson, 4-13; Fluvanna 10-2, 13-4

Monticello25 17 25 25 Goochland17 25 17 16 Highlights: Ashley Harris (G) 17 digs, 6 kills; Morgan Thompson (G) 7 kills; Katie Dabney (G) 14 digs, 3 kills Records: Monticello 7-3 Jefferson 11-5; Goochland 3-7, 4-11

Dustin Plummer totaled 233 rushing yards on eight carries, and he opened the game’s scoring with a 72-yard sprint to lead Goochland (2-1, 5-1) to a Jefferson District win. Matthew Henley posted was completed 7 of 7 passes for 102 yards and two scores for the Bulldogs. Goochland tallied 356 rushing yards on 30 carries. C.J. Page led Monticello (1-2, 2-4) with 188 yards on 27 carries and two TDs.

Orange Co. 25 17 22 25 13
Goochland 17 25 25 13 15
Highlights: Ashley Harris (G) 15 kills, 10 digs, 4 service points; Katie Dabney (G) 22 digs, 4 kills, 7 service points; Megan Dulong (G) 19 assists, 6 service points
Records: Orange Co. 2-7 Jefferson, 7-8; Goochland 3-6, 4-10

Charlottesville 20 18 12
Goochland 25 25 25
Highlights: Cameron Berkle (G) 17 service points; Megan Dulong (G) 15 service points
Records: Charlottesville 0-8 Jefferson; 4-8; Goochland 2-6, 3-10

Collegiate25 26 25 Goochland10 24 14 Highlights: Ashley Harris (G) 4 aces, 6 kills, 4 digs; Meghan Fleming (G) 7 assists Records: Collegiate 12-4; Goochland 2-11

ORANGE—Matt Henley and Dustin Plummer ran for two touchdowns apiece in leading Goochland over Orange. Henley ran for two 1-yard scores, and Plummer ran for TDs of 3 and 12 yards. Kolby Cooke made a 22-yard field goal for the Bulldogs (1-1 Jefferson, 4-1). David McKenna had 11 rushes for 109 yards, and Willie Ezell made 10 carries for 86 yards and a halfback pass that went for 63 yards for Goochland, which totaled 390 offensive yards (275 rushing, 115 passing).