Virginia Sports Academy Start With Win

Virginia Sports Academy Start With Win
By David Gravely

There were plenty of people who said it would never get off the ground, but a determined effort on the part of the coaches and players pushed them over the top.  Having the backing of a church never hurts either.  After all of the planning, preparation, and practice was finished, the Virginia Sports Academy Saints football team finally had the chance to strap the helmets on and play this past Sunday.  The Saints hosted the Durham Raiders at Auburn High Schools football field, and after taking an early lead and losing it, they were able to tie the game up with a 25 yard field goal near the end of regulation and then take home the win with a 35 yard field goal. 

Former Pulaski County Cougar and current Saints Head Coach Kirk Hendricks was very pleased with his teams efforts.  "We made some mistakes early in the game when we had a chance to add more points to the board, but we held our heads up and kept working" said Hendricks.  "I cant begin to tell you how proud I am of these young men.  They have a great work ethic, and they never say quit.  We're all looking forward to being able to build on what we're getting started here today."

Virginia started the scoring early after recovering a Durham fumble on a bad punt snap.  Running back Alvin Butler ran it in from five yards out for the first score of the season, and then former Patrick County running back Josh Walker ran the ball in for the two point conversion, putting the Saints up 8-0.  Durham held things together, and on the next play scored on a 55 yard touchdown pass.  The two point conversion tied the game, but the Raiders weren't ready to rest just yet.  With 1:48 left in the first quarter Durham added another touchdown pass and two point conversion, bringing the score to 16-8 Raiders.

The second quarter found the Saints on the move, and with 12:13 left in the half former Florida A & M quarterback Timothy Reynolds took the ball off the left side of his offensive line and scampered 26 yards for the second Saints score of the game.  The two point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the Raiders with a 16-14 lead.  Durham would add a final touchdown to the scoreboard with 7:29 left in the half, and after the two point conversion both teams went to the locker room with Durham leading 24-14.

The Saints came into the second half ready, and drove the ball down the field on a combination of running and short passing plays.  With 8:36 left in the third quarter, Reynolds sent the ball to the sideline where wide receiver Ernest Jones, formerly of Jean Ribault High School in Florida, snatched it away from a defender and spun to his left and headed eight yards into the endzone.  Former Allegheny kicker Dustin Billings was good for the point after, putting the Saints behind 24-21.  Both teams swapped punts until near the end of the third quarter, and then a turnover gave the ball back to the Saints.  A pass attempt was tipped at the line of scrimmage, and Virginia's Roy Owens Jr. suddenly found himself with the ball.  After a short return, the Saints were back in business. 

The fourth quarter found the Saints working the clock and moving the ball with a power offense.  With 1:24 left in regulation, Billings hit his first field goal of the season to tie the game at 24-24.  Durham attempted to pass deep and get into field goal position, but a stubborn Saints defense held strong.  The Raiders were forced to punt, and after several long pass attempts by Virginia the regulation time expired and the game went into overtime.

With the ball placed at the 25 yard line, Durham had the chance to go on offense first.   Three plays later, the Durham quarterback sent the ball to a waiting receiver, but the pass was batted around until finally Willie Yates intercepted for the Saints to end Durhams drive.  The Saints were then given the ball on the 25 for their offensive chance.  The first two plays resulted in lost yardage, but on third down running back Josh Walker broke loose for positive yardage and put the Saints into field goal range.  Billings calmly came out and connected on the 35 yard attempt to give the Saints their first win ever, 27-24.

The Saints get back to business this weekend, as they will face off against the Radford University Highlanders Club team.  The game is set to be played at Shawsville Middle School, with a 2 pm kickoff.  There are several local players who will be on each side of the ball, and this is an excellent chance to see some good hard hitting football.  Come out and support our local football teams.