A Hermitage kickoff return from Tristen Wright with :22 left in the first half stole the momentum away from the Patrick Henry Patriots Friday night in their Colonial District finale, giving the Panthers a 21-7 halftime lead on their way to a 41-28 victory.
The Panthers took the ball to start the second half and promptly marched 65 yards for another touchdown, and, with 2:43 to go in the third, Hermitage was firmly in command, 41-7. Playing against many second-stringers, the Patriots staged a comeback that climaxed with Brian Houchens intercepting a Dylan Jackson pass and returning it 85 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 41-28.
Brendon Riddick then returned to the field to lead the Panthers on a drive which ate up the remaining 4:02 of the clock, taking a knee inside the Patriot red zone to end the game.
Patrick Henry finishes 5-5 overall, but 4-3 in Colonial District, good for third place behind Hermitage and Deep Run. Both records are improvements over the disappointing 2009 season, where the Pats went 3-4 in the Colonial, 3-7 overall.
Certainly the highlight of the 2010 season will always be Coach Sam Hart's first victory at the helm, when the Patriots came back from a 24-0 deficit to win the Tomato Bowl at Lee-Davis, 25-24. Who knew as Jay Waller gleefully ran off the Mechanicsville field with the Tomato Bowl trophy that the loss would eventually cost PH's archrivals, the Confederates, a shot at the playoffs.
Now on to basketball and other winter sports at Patrick Henry! Good luck all teams and Go Patriots!
Showing posts with label Patrick Henry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Patrick Henry. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Week Six: Patrick Henry 6, Mills Godwin 3
The last time the Patrick Henry Patriots traveled to Axselle Stadium to face the Mills Godwin Eagles, the teams combined for 85 points as Godwin came back to nip the Patriots, 43-42. All of us in the press box couldn't remember the last time Patrick Henry scored 42 points....and lost.
Apparently the 2007 teams used up most of the points alloted by the football gods for the 2010 renewal Friday night.
Patriot fans knew coming into this Colonial District battle that points would come at a premium. Mills Godwin's defense held Highland Springs to 13 points earlier in the season, and survived a road test against John Marshall, the two teams' only common opponent in 2010.
Thus, when the Pats took the opening kickoff 80 yards, all on the ground, straight to the end zone, it was a pleasant surprise, and super start for the road team. Several times during the night I mentioned that I thought six points wouldn't be enough to win on the road.
I was proven wrong.
This was a game where the pessimist would say, "Neither team wants it. They're trying to give the game to the other team." Meanwhile, the optimist would declare, "both defenses have spent the night bending but not breaking, keeping their teams alive!"
Mills Godwin spent most of the second quarter in Patriot territory, thrice knocking on the door. The first drive ended on downs after Godwin failed on 4th down to move the chain. On the second and third possessions, Godwin kicker Whit Beebe missed on field goal attempts of 38 and 33 yards, on a side of the field quickly becoming muddy thanks to the rain of the previous 48 hours.
The Eagles only score would be, ironically, on the first possession of the second half, mirroring the Patriots but not equalling the score output, as their drive stalled and Beebe, who came back from halftime early to do some quick kicking practice, nailed a 23-yarder to cut the lead to 6-3.
Then, for the next 30-40 minutes of real time, they knocked, and knocked, and knocked on the door, thought once they'd knocked it down, but, in the end, did not.
Meanwhile, for the second straight week, the Patriots showed they don't yet have the poise and experience to make the key plays in the second half to close out games with authority. The Patriots twice had it first and goal. Both times the Pats commmitted offensive penalties to back themselves up.
The first drive ended controversially, when QB Jay Waller, seemingly going down for a tackle, tried a very ill-advised shovel pass to Brian Houchens. In the end, the referees ruled it a fumble, and Tom Solak picked up the ball and ran it some 94 yards for an apparent go-ahead Eagles touchdown. Confusion swept the stadium.
When the smoke cleared, it was determined to be a fumble and Godwin recovery, BUT...
....due to a penalty, Godwin's touchdown was taken off the board and their offense took over at their own 30. They didn't make it back to the goal line again.
The PH offense's second "down and goal" series of quarter four ended with Waller running for his life, tackled at the five on a fourth and goal, as a Brian Houchens touchdown run earlier in the drive was negated by, yep, a holding penalty.
Godwin's last hope ended when, with some questionable time management with some three minutes left, they used their last timeout of the second half to discuss a fourth down play deep in their own territory. Rather than punting to try to pin the Pats deep and ask their defense for a three and out, they went for it. Quarterback Dane Forlines was stopped on a great one-on-one tackle by Terrell Archer.
Josh Thomas broke a 2nd down run for 1st down yardage, and Godwin couldn't stop the clock.
Patrick Henry escapes Pump Road with the 6-3 win.
GOOD NEWS:
---More rushing production. Josh Thomas had some hard yards, and put the dagger in the Eagles' heart rushing for that first down at the end. Brian Houchens was solid in the opening drive.
---Glimpses of Waller's Best. Jay completed a huge 2nd half pass to Gibson Vaught in double coverage after slipping in the pocket to keep one 4th quarter drive alive, went 4 of 7 for the night, with no interceptions.
---Indvidual defensive efforts. BIG kudos to Ryan DeRusha, Montel Minor, Andy Joyce, as well as Terrell Archer, for each making one-on-one defensive tackles at key points in Godwin second half drives to either cause a loss of yardage or a turnover on downs.
BAD NEWS:
---Learning to close. Salesmen will tell you nothing is sold until the "close". Gotta have a signed deal. The Patriots' offense had the pen in hand twice in the fourth quarter and couldn't score the dagger touchdown. And, Kenny Mock had a sure pick-six late in the fourth and simply dropped it.
---Glimpses of Waller's Worst. One ill-advised lob throw in the first half fell harmlessly to the ground. The ill-advised shovel pass attempt broken down earlier would have been disaster, except for Godwin committing the penalty that negated what could have been the winning score.
The Patriots return to Ashland for Homecoming 2010 against Deep Run, a historically good team struggling mightily (they are 1-1, 1-4 going into their Saturday game at John Marshall). The Wildcats would like nothing more than to pin the Patriots with their first District loss.
For now, it's simple for Patrick Henry. They're tied for first with mighty Hermitage in the Colonial. The way Division Five teams (Clover Hill, Hanover, Atlee, Petersburg, Dinwiddie) are playing this season, the Patriots, even at 7-3, probably wouldn't have enough VHSL points to make the Division Five playoffs as a wild card.
To extend the 2010 season to week eleven, the Pats must win out. They're the only team left that can win the District other than Hermitage, essentially, unless there is a major upset in Hermitage's future (they have Freeman, TJ, and John Marshall the next three weeks).
It will be fun to watch this young team and its coaching staff respond to the challenge and I look forward to these Patriots putting together that "complete game" performance. Congrats to the Pats for a very hard-fought win, filled with lessons that can help this team make it to the next level.
Apparently the 2007 teams used up most of the points alloted by the football gods for the 2010 renewal Friday night.
Patriot fans knew coming into this Colonial District battle that points would come at a premium. Mills Godwin's defense held Highland Springs to 13 points earlier in the season, and survived a road test against John Marshall, the two teams' only common opponent in 2010.
Thus, when the Pats took the opening kickoff 80 yards, all on the ground, straight to the end zone, it was a pleasant surprise, and super start for the road team. Several times during the night I mentioned that I thought six points wouldn't be enough to win on the road.
I was proven wrong.
This was a game where the pessimist would say, "Neither team wants it. They're trying to give the game to the other team." Meanwhile, the optimist would declare, "both defenses have spent the night bending but not breaking, keeping their teams alive!"
Mills Godwin spent most of the second quarter in Patriot territory, thrice knocking on the door. The first drive ended on downs after Godwin failed on 4th down to move the chain. On the second and third possessions, Godwin kicker Whit Beebe missed on field goal attempts of 38 and 33 yards, on a side of the field quickly becoming muddy thanks to the rain of the previous 48 hours.
The Eagles only score would be, ironically, on the first possession of the second half, mirroring the Patriots but not equalling the score output, as their drive stalled and Beebe, who came back from halftime early to do some quick kicking practice, nailed a 23-yarder to cut the lead to 6-3.
Then, for the next 30-40 minutes of real time, they knocked, and knocked, and knocked on the door, thought once they'd knocked it down, but, in the end, did not.
Meanwhile, for the second straight week, the Patriots showed they don't yet have the poise and experience to make the key plays in the second half to close out games with authority. The Patriots twice had it first and goal. Both times the Pats commmitted offensive penalties to back themselves up.
The first drive ended controversially, when QB Jay Waller, seemingly going down for a tackle, tried a very ill-advised shovel pass to Brian Houchens. In the end, the referees ruled it a fumble, and Tom Solak picked up the ball and ran it some 94 yards for an apparent go-ahead Eagles touchdown. Confusion swept the stadium.
When the smoke cleared, it was determined to be a fumble and Godwin recovery, BUT...
....due to a penalty, Godwin's touchdown was taken off the board and their offense took over at their own 30. They didn't make it back to the goal line again.
The PH offense's second "down and goal" series of quarter four ended with Waller running for his life, tackled at the five on a fourth and goal, as a Brian Houchens touchdown run earlier in the drive was negated by, yep, a holding penalty.
Godwin's last hope ended when, with some questionable time management with some three minutes left, they used their last timeout of the second half to discuss a fourth down play deep in their own territory. Rather than punting to try to pin the Pats deep and ask their defense for a three and out, they went for it. Quarterback Dane Forlines was stopped on a great one-on-one tackle by Terrell Archer.
Josh Thomas broke a 2nd down run for 1st down yardage, and Godwin couldn't stop the clock.
Patrick Henry escapes Pump Road with the 6-3 win.
GOOD NEWS:
---More rushing production. Josh Thomas had some hard yards, and put the dagger in the Eagles' heart rushing for that first down at the end. Brian Houchens was solid in the opening drive.
---Glimpses of Waller's Best. Jay completed a huge 2nd half pass to Gibson Vaught in double coverage after slipping in the pocket to keep one 4th quarter drive alive, went 4 of 7 for the night, with no interceptions.
---Indvidual defensive efforts. BIG kudos to Ryan DeRusha, Montel Minor, Andy Joyce, as well as Terrell Archer, for each making one-on-one defensive tackles at key points in Godwin second half drives to either cause a loss of yardage or a turnover on downs.
BAD NEWS:
---Learning to close. Salesmen will tell you nothing is sold until the "close". Gotta have a signed deal. The Patriots' offense had the pen in hand twice in the fourth quarter and couldn't score the dagger touchdown. And, Kenny Mock had a sure pick-six late in the fourth and simply dropped it.
---Glimpses of Waller's Worst. One ill-advised lob throw in the first half fell harmlessly to the ground. The ill-advised shovel pass attempt broken down earlier would have been disaster, except for Godwin committing the penalty that negated what could have been the winning score.
The Patriots return to Ashland for Homecoming 2010 against Deep Run, a historically good team struggling mightily (they are 1-1, 1-4 going into their Saturday game at John Marshall). The Wildcats would like nothing more than to pin the Patriots with their first District loss.
For now, it's simple for Patrick Henry. They're tied for first with mighty Hermitage in the Colonial. The way Division Five teams (Clover Hill, Hanover, Atlee, Petersburg, Dinwiddie) are playing this season, the Patriots, even at 7-3, probably wouldn't have enough VHSL points to make the Division Five playoffs as a wild card.
To extend the 2010 season to week eleven, the Pats must win out. They're the only team left that can win the District other than Hermitage, essentially, unless there is a major upset in Hermitage's future (they have Freeman, TJ, and John Marshall the next three weeks).
It will be fun to watch this young team and its coaching staff respond to the challenge and I look forward to these Patriots putting together that "complete game" performance. Congrats to the Pats for a very hard-fought win, filled with lessons that can help this team make it to the next level.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Listen to the John Marshall game LIVE!
Click HERE at/after 6:30pm Friday night (10/8) to hear Patrick Henry battle John Marshall live!!
Monday, October 04, 2010
2010 Tomato Bowl Podcast HERE!
Click on the title above to download the podcast of the 2010 Tomato Bowl, featuring the biggest comeback in Tomato Bowl history, as Patrick Henry upset Lee-Davis, 25-24!
Friday, September 24, 2010
2010 Tomato Bowl: Patrick Henry 25, Lee-Davis 24
The most storied rivalry in Central Region high school football unfolded tonight in Mechanicsville in simply wild fashion.
When it was over, several players were injured, all were exhausted, 26 flags were thrown, one was not thrown, a 24-point lead was lost and an underdog shocked the home team.
I don't even know where to begin. So, how about the start? :)
Lee-Davis spent the first half dominating the line of scrimmage. Every play, both sides of the ball. They rushed for 150 yards in the first half, 104 by D'Vonte Scott alone.
But they also had plenty of misfortune and blown opportunities. Lee-Davis' two-quarterback system took an early hit when, first, senior William Coalson went down with a foot problem, then, junior Israel Vaughan was injured (left foot or ankle). Coalson was able to return, while Vaughan was on crutches watching the rest of the game from the sideline.
Scott scored the first two touchdowns of the night, with Chance Stone converting two 2-point conversions to give Lee-Davis an early 16-0 lead. Later in the second, Coalson hit Stone on a slant screen to the left side and Stone got one needed block and raced untouched 73 yards to make it 22-0. Another 2-point conversion made it 24-0 Confederates with 6:16 to go before halftime.
But on the play, Coalson took a hit and went out again with an ankle injury. Late in the second, third-string quarterback Travis Stallings' first pass was intercepted by Tre Bowden, who went 82 yards for the lone PH touchdown, making the halftime score 24-7.
The Patriots offense had zero yards of offense at halftime, got their one score on defense and seemed to have no answer for Lee-Davis' runs off-tackle. In spite of 12 first-half penalties and multiple turnovers, the home team led by 17 at halftime.
Enter the second half.
On the second play, Scott took a handoff and was drilled by a PH defender, losing the ball. Kenny Mock picked it up and raced 35 yards for the TD. A botched extra point later, Patrick Henry, with zero yards of offense, was only down 24-13.
Lee-Davis continued to lose players to injury, two for the game, others for critical plays or series. Stallings' second pass of the night was woefully short and far away from his intended receiver, so the Confederates opted to put in WR/TE Caleb Wyatt as the "wildcat quarterback". He never attempted a pass. He did gain most of his 107 yards in the second half, but the depleted offense could not gain traction.
Luis Carillo kicked a 22-yard field goal when a drive stalled to make it 24-16. On the ensuing kickoff, Lee-Davis forgot to fall on the football when it was pooched kick to around the 25. Ross Jones flew down the sideline and recovered the live ball and PH had it in the red zone.
They couldn't convert for six and Luis Carillo drilled a 32-yarder from the left hashmark, and, suddenly, with a quarter to play, it was 24-19.
PH mounted a drive in the middle of the final stanza, but, on second down from inside the 10, Jay Waller's fade pass to Raymon Minor in the end zone corner was underthrown, and Tyrell Eaton outjumped Minor for the interception in the end zone. He was tackled trying to make a play at the one-yard line.
Lee-Davis got one first down but stalled and had to punt with under three minutes to go. Patrick Henry was out of timeouts. It was time for what they may refer to in Ashland forever as "The Drive, Version 2010".
Big Play #1---Waller's pass across the middle from the 25 ended up at midfield, where two Patriots and three Confederates fought for the ball. A Confederate defender ran out of the pile with the ball, then, a few seconds later, a penalty flag. In the end, the officials determine Kenny Mock caught the ball at the Lee-Davis 48, and Lee-Davis was guilty of interference. So, tack on 15 yards, and suddenly, the Patriots are at the Lee-Davis 33.
Big Play #2---From the 28, Waller looks for Raymon Minor, single-covered down the left sideline. Minor caught the ball at the 9. This humble blogger, while broadcasting the game, saw what I fully believed to be offensive pass interference, as Minor pushed off the L-D defender before catching the ball. No flag was thrown. Lee-Davis fans erupted, beside themselves over the non-call. Suddenly, it was 1st and goal, Patriots, at the 9 yard line with 55 seconds to go.
Big Play #3---On the next play, instead of passing into coverage, Brian Houchens stepped out to the left flat, caught the ball and dashed to the pylon, scoring from nine yards out to make it 25-24 with :47.6 to go. The 2-point Patriot try failed.
A squib kick was taken by Lee-Davis to the 41, where they began their final drive. Coalson gamely came back in at quarterback, as Lee-Davis had no choice but to pass the ball, with seconds remaining and no timeouts. On the third play from scrimmage, Coalson, while going down, flipped the ball ahead to a teammate, but a PH defender tipped the pass up in the air and Josh Thomas intercepted the ball, and took a huge hit, but held onto the completion to give PH the ball, and the win.
Lee-Davis lost two quarterbacks, watched a third struggle, and changed their offense, not by choice, in the second half, committed 17 penalties, and were guilty of five turnovers. Patrick Henry found a way to win despite not scoring a touchdown on offense until the final minute of play.
Kudos to Jay Waller for a stronger second half performance, in spite of the interception in the end zone, which, for a time, looked like it could be the game-clincher for Lee-Davis.
This Tomato Bowl will be talked about from Beaverdam to Old Church and everywhere in between for years to come. Though no playoff implications were probably in play, as opposed to many other past meetings, tonight proved that, no matter how many high schools are opened in Hanover County, there's NOTHING like the Tomato Bowl.
Patrick Henry, now 1-2, opens Colonial District play at home next Friday against Thomas Jefferson. Listen beginning at 6:30pm on WHAN-AM (1430), or click on the listen link here at patrickhenrysports.com!
Podcast of the Tomato Bowl will be posted by Saturday night. If you missed the game, you'll want this one.
When it was over, several players were injured, all were exhausted, 26 flags were thrown, one was not thrown, a 24-point lead was lost and an underdog shocked the home team.
I don't even know where to begin. So, how about the start? :)
Lee-Davis spent the first half dominating the line of scrimmage. Every play, both sides of the ball. They rushed for 150 yards in the first half, 104 by D'Vonte Scott alone.
But they also had plenty of misfortune and blown opportunities. Lee-Davis' two-quarterback system took an early hit when, first, senior William Coalson went down with a foot problem, then, junior Israel Vaughan was injured (left foot or ankle). Coalson was able to return, while Vaughan was on crutches watching the rest of the game from the sideline.
Scott scored the first two touchdowns of the night, with Chance Stone converting two 2-point conversions to give Lee-Davis an early 16-0 lead. Later in the second, Coalson hit Stone on a slant screen to the left side and Stone got one needed block and raced untouched 73 yards to make it 22-0. Another 2-point conversion made it 24-0 Confederates with 6:16 to go before halftime.
But on the play, Coalson took a hit and went out again with an ankle injury. Late in the second, third-string quarterback Travis Stallings' first pass was intercepted by Tre Bowden, who went 82 yards for the lone PH touchdown, making the halftime score 24-7.
The Patriots offense had zero yards of offense at halftime, got their one score on defense and seemed to have no answer for Lee-Davis' runs off-tackle. In spite of 12 first-half penalties and multiple turnovers, the home team led by 17 at halftime.
Enter the second half.
On the second play, Scott took a handoff and was drilled by a PH defender, losing the ball. Kenny Mock picked it up and raced 35 yards for the TD. A botched extra point later, Patrick Henry, with zero yards of offense, was only down 24-13.
Lee-Davis continued to lose players to injury, two for the game, others for critical plays or series. Stallings' second pass of the night was woefully short and far away from his intended receiver, so the Confederates opted to put in WR/TE Caleb Wyatt as the "wildcat quarterback". He never attempted a pass. He did gain most of his 107 yards in the second half, but the depleted offense could not gain traction.
Luis Carillo kicked a 22-yard field goal when a drive stalled to make it 24-16. On the ensuing kickoff, Lee-Davis forgot to fall on the football when it was pooched kick to around the 25. Ross Jones flew down the sideline and recovered the live ball and PH had it in the red zone.
They couldn't convert for six and Luis Carillo drilled a 32-yarder from the left hashmark, and, suddenly, with a quarter to play, it was 24-19.
PH mounted a drive in the middle of the final stanza, but, on second down from inside the 10, Jay Waller's fade pass to Raymon Minor in the end zone corner was underthrown, and Tyrell Eaton outjumped Minor for the interception in the end zone. He was tackled trying to make a play at the one-yard line.
Lee-Davis got one first down but stalled and had to punt with under three minutes to go. Patrick Henry was out of timeouts. It was time for what they may refer to in Ashland forever as "The Drive, Version 2010".
Big Play #1---Waller's pass across the middle from the 25 ended up at midfield, where two Patriots and three Confederates fought for the ball. A Confederate defender ran out of the pile with the ball, then, a few seconds later, a penalty flag. In the end, the officials determine Kenny Mock caught the ball at the Lee-Davis 48, and Lee-Davis was guilty of interference. So, tack on 15 yards, and suddenly, the Patriots are at the Lee-Davis 33.
Big Play #2---From the 28, Waller looks for Raymon Minor, single-covered down the left sideline. Minor caught the ball at the 9. This humble blogger, while broadcasting the game, saw what I fully believed to be offensive pass interference, as Minor pushed off the L-D defender before catching the ball. No flag was thrown. Lee-Davis fans erupted, beside themselves over the non-call. Suddenly, it was 1st and goal, Patriots, at the 9 yard line with 55 seconds to go.
Big Play #3---On the next play, instead of passing into coverage, Brian Houchens stepped out to the left flat, caught the ball and dashed to the pylon, scoring from nine yards out to make it 25-24 with :47.6 to go. The 2-point Patriot try failed.
A squib kick was taken by Lee-Davis to the 41, where they began their final drive. Coalson gamely came back in at quarterback, as Lee-Davis had no choice but to pass the ball, with seconds remaining and no timeouts. On the third play from scrimmage, Coalson, while going down, flipped the ball ahead to a teammate, but a PH defender tipped the pass up in the air and Josh Thomas intercepted the ball, and took a huge hit, but held onto the completion to give PH the ball, and the win.
Lee-Davis lost two quarterbacks, watched a third struggle, and changed their offense, not by choice, in the second half, committed 17 penalties, and were guilty of five turnovers. Patrick Henry found a way to win despite not scoring a touchdown on offense until the final minute of play.
Kudos to Jay Waller for a stronger second half performance, in spite of the interception in the end zone, which, for a time, looked like it could be the game-clincher for Lee-Davis.
This Tomato Bowl will be talked about from Beaverdam to Old Church and everywhere in between for years to come. Though no playoff implications were probably in play, as opposed to many other past meetings, tonight proved that, no matter how many high schools are opened in Hanover County, there's NOTHING like the Tomato Bowl.
Patrick Henry, now 1-2, opens Colonial District play at home next Friday against Thomas Jefferson. Listen beginning at 6:30pm on WHAN-AM (1430), or click on the listen link here at patrickhenrysports.com!
Podcast of the Tomato Bowl will be posted by Saturday night. If you missed the game, you'll want this one.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Week One: Hanover 49, Patrick Henry 21
The defending Division 5 Regional Champions are back for more.
Deane Cheatham rushed for over 100 yards in the first half alone, and the Hanover Hawks took advantage of an inexperienced, overmatched Patrick Henry defense to cruise to an opening night 49-21 win over the Patriots, ruining the head coaching debut of Sam Hart.
Hanover scored touchdowns on their first five possessions, all coming on the ground. The lone PH score of the first half was also on the ground, thanks to a 45-yard TD run by fullback Josh Thomas, cutting the deficit at the time to 14-7. It was 35-7 by halftime.
Jay Waller opened his second season at quarterback with no interceptions, a touchdown pass in the second half, but also overthrew several open receivers. Hanover QB Sam Rogers, starting his second season and only a sophomore, didn't need to rely on the passing game, completing 3 of 6 passes for 52 yards.
There are many people who believe Hanover, winners of two of the past three Division 5 Regional Titles, may finally win the Capital District title, something they've never done, thanks to Varina and Highland Springs. After seeing them tonight, I share in that sentiment. If the offensive line and linebacking play of Hanover continues to improve on their impressive opening night performances, the Hawks will be a tough match for anyone in the Central Region.
Hanover now leads the overall series with Patrick Henry 5-4, winning their last five straight against the Patriots. PH has not won on opening night since a win over Hanover in 2006.
Patrick Henry must now regroup, especially on both the offensive and defensive lines, and get ready for a rough road test against another county team with Division 5 playoff hopes, the Atlee Raiders.
Listen for all the action next Friday, 9/17, at 6:30pm, on WHAN, 1430!
Deane Cheatham rushed for over 100 yards in the first half alone, and the Hanover Hawks took advantage of an inexperienced, overmatched Patrick Henry defense to cruise to an opening night 49-21 win over the Patriots, ruining the head coaching debut of Sam Hart.
Hanover scored touchdowns on their first five possessions, all coming on the ground. The lone PH score of the first half was also on the ground, thanks to a 45-yard TD run by fullback Josh Thomas, cutting the deficit at the time to 14-7. It was 35-7 by halftime.
Jay Waller opened his second season at quarterback with no interceptions, a touchdown pass in the second half, but also overthrew several open receivers. Hanover QB Sam Rogers, starting his second season and only a sophomore, didn't need to rely on the passing game, completing 3 of 6 passes for 52 yards.
There are many people who believe Hanover, winners of two of the past three Division 5 Regional Titles, may finally win the Capital District title, something they've never done, thanks to Varina and Highland Springs. After seeing them tonight, I share in that sentiment. If the offensive line and linebacking play of Hanover continues to improve on their impressive opening night performances, the Hawks will be a tough match for anyone in the Central Region.
Hanover now leads the overall series with Patrick Henry 5-4, winning their last five straight against the Patriots. PH has not won on opening night since a win over Hanover in 2006.
Patrick Henry must now regroup, especially on both the offensive and defensive lines, and get ready for a rough road test against another county team with Division 5 playoff hopes, the Atlee Raiders.
Listen for all the action next Friday, 9/17, at 6:30pm, on WHAN, 1430!
Thursday, September 09, 2010
WEEK ONE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Armstrong at Thomas Jefferson, 4 p.m.
Collegiate at Trinity Episcopal, 4 (on WHAN-AM 1430 at 3:45pm)
Blessed Sacrament Huguenot at North Cross, 4:30
Atlee at Deep Run, 7
Hanover at Patrick Henry, 7 (on WHAN-AM 1430 at 6:30pm)
Caroline at Henrico, 7
Highland Springs at Meadowbrook, 7
Hermitage at Lee-Davis, 7
Dinwiddie at Varina, 7
James River at Douglas Freeman, 7
Mills Godwin at Monacan, 7
Woodberry Forest at J.R. Tucker, 7
New Kent at King William, 7
Goochland at Amelia Co., 7
West Point at Northampton, 7
Thomas Dale at Manchester, 7:30
Hopewell at Cosby, 7:30
Matoaca at L.C. Bird, 7:30
Prince George at Clover Hill, 7:30
Huguenot at Monticello, 7:30
Powhatan at Midlothian, 7:30
Louisa at Spotsylvania, 7:30
SATURDAY
Jamestown at John Marshall, 1 p.m.
St. Stephen's/St. Agnes at St. Christopher's, 1
Benedictine at Bishop Ireton, 2
Collegiate at Trinity Episcopal, 4 (on WHAN-AM 1430 at 3:45pm)
Blessed Sacrament Huguenot at North Cross, 4:30
Atlee at Deep Run, 7
Hanover at Patrick Henry, 7 (on WHAN-AM 1430 at 6:30pm)
Caroline at Henrico, 7
Highland Springs at Meadowbrook, 7
Hermitage at Lee-Davis, 7
Dinwiddie at Varina, 7
James River at Douglas Freeman, 7
Mills Godwin at Monacan, 7
Woodberry Forest at J.R. Tucker, 7
New Kent at King William, 7
Goochland at Amelia Co., 7
West Point at Northampton, 7
Thomas Dale at Manchester, 7:30
Hopewell at Cosby, 7:30
Matoaca at L.C. Bird, 7:30
Prince George at Clover Hill, 7:30
Huguenot at Monticello, 7:30
Powhatan at Midlothian, 7:30
Louisa at Spotsylvania, 7:30
SATURDAY
Jamestown at John Marshall, 1 p.m.
St. Stephen's/St. Agnes at St. Christopher's, 1
Benedictine at Bishop Ireton, 2
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A word on Ray Long.......
Coach Ray Long came to Patrick Henry from what was then Liberty Junior High School in the fall of 1982 to become head football coach. My class did the same, so I arrived as a sophomore at PH when Long took over the reins.
Those of us who grew up in Western Hanover County in the 1970s knew what Patrick Henry Football represented: very, very little. Losing seasons were the normal, 1-9 was nothing unusual. The thought of having a winning football program at PH was, at worst, laughable, at best, somewhat of a pipe dream.
Ray Long changed all that.
He (as well as the many wonderful assistants who were with him, several for most of his tenure) instilled some things in Ashland that hadn't been found previously.
--Determination
--Focus
--Pride
--Work Ethic
--Enthusiasm
He also was able to recruit kids to try out for the team who, in the past, either didn't want to or simply weren't reached out to.
Here's how the 1982-83 yearbook described Ray Long's first season as Head Football Coach:
"Triumph. Victory. Disappointment. They were all felt during Patrick Henry's most successful football season in 14 years. Coach Long's great leadership ability carried the team to a top 10 position in the district. Not only was there a turnaround statistic-wise, but there was also a turnaround in school spirit and support by Patriot fans. No longer did you find the home side bleachers clearing with the 4th quarter; anxious fans stayed to see the entire victory spectacle. The season provided everyone with a new attitude about being a Patriot."
Upon that foundation, Coach Long leaves tonight with 228 career wins, the most ever in the Central Region.
I remember "storming the field" when PH upset then Richmond powerhouse (and state ranked) Jefferson-Huguenot-Wythe 3-0. I remember the picture of Coach Long holding a football high, being carried off the field by players after the season finale victory over Douglas Freeman in '82, finishing off an unheard of 7-3 Patriot campaign.
I was in the press box when PH finally beat Lee-Davis in the Tomato Bowl in 1983. The first "long trip" my Dad ever let me drive on my own after getting my driver's license was to make the journey from Beaverdam to Hopewell to watch PH in its first-ever playoff appearance against the Blue Devils in November, 1983.
And now, after having been blessed to watch almost every game over the past eight seasons from the press box as well (albeit on the "wrong" side of the field for us elder Patriot alumni--ha ha), I'm honored to say I had a very small part in bringing the story of a true legend to a community he dedicated his life to and loves so dearly.
I already see rumors online that his "retirement" may not of been of his own choosing. It's way too early to know "the whole story". If he was pushed out, shame on the current administration. Either way, Long is too much of a man to tell us what happened. He simply retired.
At the end of the 2008 season, I noted on the air that the Patriots were going into 2009 with more questions than they had had in many, many years. There were large losses to graduation, and the "heir apparent" running back and quarterback weren't obvious to us as observers and fans.
Now, with today's announcement, the number of questions surrounding 2010 and beyond far outnumber the questions of 12 months ago.
I do ask the Patrick Henry decisionmakers to be very prudent about how the program moves forward. One losing season doth not a "problem" make. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
In the meantime, I wish Coach Long happiness and great success. And if any high school in the area is looking......they'd idiots not to at least ask him. :)
Those of us who grew up in Western Hanover County in the 1970s knew what Patrick Henry Football represented: very, very little. Losing seasons were the normal, 1-9 was nothing unusual. The thought of having a winning football program at PH was, at worst, laughable, at best, somewhat of a pipe dream.
Ray Long changed all that.
He (as well as the many wonderful assistants who were with him, several for most of his tenure) instilled some things in Ashland that hadn't been found previously.
--Determination
--Focus
--Pride
--Work Ethic
--Enthusiasm
He also was able to recruit kids to try out for the team who, in the past, either didn't want to or simply weren't reached out to.
Here's how the 1982-83 yearbook described Ray Long's first season as Head Football Coach:
"Triumph. Victory. Disappointment. They were all felt during Patrick Henry's most successful football season in 14 years. Coach Long's great leadership ability carried the team to a top 10 position in the district. Not only was there a turnaround statistic-wise, but there was also a turnaround in school spirit and support by Patriot fans. No longer did you find the home side bleachers clearing with the 4th quarter; anxious fans stayed to see the entire victory spectacle. The season provided everyone with a new attitude about being a Patriot."
Upon that foundation, Coach Long leaves tonight with 228 career wins, the most ever in the Central Region.
I remember "storming the field" when PH upset then Richmond powerhouse (and state ranked) Jefferson-Huguenot-Wythe 3-0. I remember the picture of Coach Long holding a football high, being carried off the field by players after the season finale victory over Douglas Freeman in '82, finishing off an unheard of 7-3 Patriot campaign.
I was in the press box when PH finally beat Lee-Davis in the Tomato Bowl in 1983. The first "long trip" my Dad ever let me drive on my own after getting my driver's license was to make the journey from Beaverdam to Hopewell to watch PH in its first-ever playoff appearance against the Blue Devils in November, 1983.
And now, after having been blessed to watch almost every game over the past eight seasons from the press box as well (albeit on the "wrong" side of the field for us elder Patriot alumni--ha ha), I'm honored to say I had a very small part in bringing the story of a true legend to a community he dedicated his life to and loves so dearly.
I already see rumors online that his "retirement" may not of been of his own choosing. It's way too early to know "the whole story". If he was pushed out, shame on the current administration. Either way, Long is too much of a man to tell us what happened. He simply retired.
At the end of the 2008 season, I noted on the air that the Patriots were going into 2009 with more questions than they had had in many, many years. There were large losses to graduation, and the "heir apparent" running back and quarterback weren't obvious to us as observers and fans.
Now, with today's announcement, the number of questions surrounding 2010 and beyond far outnumber the questions of 12 months ago.
I do ask the Patrick Henry decisionmakers to be very prudent about how the program moves forward. One losing season doth not a "problem" make. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
In the meantime, I wish Coach Long happiness and great success. And if any high school in the area is looking......they'd idiots not to at least ask him. :)
Friday, October 09, 2009
Patrick Henry on the air Saturday at 5pm!!
WHAN will provide delayed coverage of Patrick Henry's game against John Marshall at 5pm tomorrow (Saturday, 10/10).
Here's the football schedule for WHAN this weekend:
NOW (345pm, Friday): Woodberry Forest at Collegiate in a battle of unbeatens!
Saturday 10/10 at 12:30pm, Randolph Macon at Frostburg State, LIVE!
SATURDAY 10/10 at 5pm, Patrick Henry at John Marshall (delayed broadcast)
So, come cheer on the Patriots at John Marshall at 1pm, then listen to the game at 5!
Have a great football weekend, everyone!
Here's the football schedule for WHAN this weekend:
NOW (345pm, Friday): Woodberry Forest at Collegiate in a battle of unbeatens!
Saturday 10/10 at 12:30pm, Randolph Macon at Frostburg State, LIVE!
SATURDAY 10/10 at 5pm, Patrick Henry at John Marshall (delayed broadcast)
So, come cheer on the Patriots at John Marshall at 1pm, then listen to the game at 5!
Have a great football weekend, everyone!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Lee-Davis Wins 50th Tomato Bowl
Click on the title of this entry to read the thoughts of Lee Davis Head Coach Jason Meade on the fourth down resilency of the Confederates and how it was key in winning their first Tomato Bowl since 2004.
The win "returns the favor", spoiling the Patriots' 50th Anniversary Celebration, just as Patrick Henry did one year earlier at Lee Davis' 50th, winning in Mechanicsville, 14-13.
This marks Patrick Henry's first 0-3 start in 20 years and the first time since Hanover High opened in 2003 that the Patriots lost to all three county school rivals in the same season.
The win "returns the favor", spoiling the Patriots' 50th Anniversary Celebration, just as Patrick Henry did one year earlier at Lee Davis' 50th, winning in Mechanicsville, 14-13.
This marks Patrick Henry's first 0-3 start in 20 years and the first time since Hanover High opened in 2003 that the Patriots lost to all three county school rivals in the same season.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Tomato Bowl Preview---Times-Dispatch
Click on the title for today's article from the Richmond Times-Dispatch on tonight's Tomato Bowl!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Colonial District Poll Results
Hermitage
31 votes / 25.41 %
Deep Run
9 votes / 7.38 %
Patrick Henry
16 votes / 13.11 %
Douglas Freeman
0 votes / 0 %
Mills Godwin
13 votes / 10.66 %
John Marshall
2 votes / 1.64 %
J.R. Tucker
35 votes / 28.69 %
Thomas Jefferson
16 votes / 13.11 %
Other
0 votes / 0 %
31 votes / 25.41 %
Deep Run
9 votes / 7.38 %
Patrick Henry
16 votes / 13.11 %
Douglas Freeman
0 votes / 0 %
Mills Godwin
13 votes / 10.66 %
John Marshall
2 votes / 1.64 %
J.R. Tucker
35 votes / 28.69 %
Thomas Jefferson
16 votes / 13.11 %
Other
0 votes / 0 %
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