Goochland takes a stand with red-zone defense

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.

"It takes us up to another notch, raises us up a bar."

Three times in their 28-7 victory over Louisa last night, Jordan and friends faced the Lions in first-and-goal situations.

Only once did the visitors score.

"When we get down to the red zone," Jordan continued, "we change the defense completely to a bigger set.

"They're a running team, and that played in our favor."

That the Bulldogs held fast in tough situations was key on the breezy, shirt-sleeve evening because their Jefferson District rivals controlled the clock throughout and extended them all over the field.

Running a hybrid version of the single wing in which any of three quick, speedy backs lined up shoulder to shoulder behind the center can take the snap, the Lions (3-2, 5-3) ran 67 plays and amassed 306 yards and 15 first downs.

Goochland (4-1, 7-1) managed just 35 snaps for 139 yards and six first downs.

"Unbelievable job by our defense," said Bulldogs' coach Joe Fowler.

"They made big play after big play.

"Coach [Dan] Summitt, our defensive coordinator, did an unbelievable job breaking down film, watching film with the kids, giving them the scouting report, and hammering into their heads what they needed to do on every play and every formation."

Dustin Plummer scored the Bulldogs' first touchdown on a 14-yard run at 9:24 of the second period to end a six-play, 73-yard drive.

Willie Ezell contributed the second when he intercepted a Louisa pass and returned it 20 yards three snaps into the Lions' next series.

"We were in a cover 2 defense," said the 6-0, 200-pound outside linebacker.

"I saw the quarterback's eyes, read'em. It was my chance to make a big play in a big game, and I jumped on it."

After Derrick Tucker ended the next Louisa series with a pick, the visitors stopped Goochland three and out.

Thomas Meadows placed the punt out of bounds on the 16, but the Lions responded with resolve and drove to the Bulldogs' 1 before time expired.

"In my mind, the game came down to the last play of the half," said Fowler.

"They score there, they have the momentum, and who knows what happens after that."

Plummer's second TD at 0:09 of the third period put Goochland up 21-0.

Louisa answered with 61-yard drive in eight plays, the last a 3-yard scramble into the end zone by quarterback Kire' Worley 8:48 from the end.

Desmond Athey's 2-yard run at 2:19 (after the Bulldogs' defense held fast once again) provided the home team's final score.

"My hat's off to Goochland," said Lions coach Mark Fischer.

"They came out and played ball, and we just didn't do it."

"You get to the 1-yard line, 2-yard line that many times and don't score, you're not going to win.

"That was the difference in the game."

Louisa ------------------------- 0 0 0 7 -- 7

Goochland ------------------------- 0 14 7 7 -- 28

G -- Plummer 14 run (Cooke kick)

G -- Ezell 20 interception return (Cooke kick)

G -- Plummer 2 run (Cooke kick)

L -- Worley 3 run (Payne kick)

G -- Athey 2 run (Cooke kick)

RUSHING

Louisa -- Cosby 14 carries, 78 yards, Jackson 3-48, Cross 4-40, Hunter 6-37, Mealy 10-36, Worley 11-15, Hollins 2-minus 14. Goochland -- Plummer 9-59, Ezell 7-44, Henley 7-19, Athey 3-8, McKenna 4-2.

PASSING

Louisa -- Worley 6 completions, 16 attempts, 2 interceptions, 66 yards. Goochland -- Henley 1-5-0-7.

RECEIVING

Louisa -- Jackson 4 receptions, 44 yards, Hunter 2-22. Goochland -- Moore 1-7.