Clarke County Sports: Millbrook comes from behind to defeat Clarke in Battle of Route 7

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Millbrook comes from behind to defeat Clarke in Battle of Route 7

Clarke County Sports Game of the Week, Highlights, Interviews and more from the game.

BERRYVILLE, Va.- In a game dubbed "The Battle of Route 7" it turned out be just that, a battle. In the end the Millbrook Pioneers (2-1) defeated the Clarke County Eagles (1-1) 20-14 before a capacity crowd at Wilbur M. Feltner Stadium in Berryville on Friday night.

The win snapped Clarke's 23 game regular season winning streak. The Eagles last regular season loss came at the hands of Manassas Park when the Cougars defeated the Eagles 40-28 on October 19, 2012. A bid for a third consecutive undefeated regular fell short.

"Our kids aren't used to losing, it's disappointing but I'm proud of how our kids played tonight." Eagles Coach Chris Parker said.

The Eagles drew first blood and led the entire game going into the fourth quarter but could not overcome a fourth quarter Pioneer score by P.K. Kier, who had three touchdowns for Millbrook after gaining 145 yards on 22 carries.

P.K. Kier rushed for 145 yards and 3 TD's James Murphy

"They [Clarke] were very physical and playing good on all cylinders," Kier said. "But we just overacame adversity and kept pushing to the final play and were able to make the play to win."

The Eagles came out strong scoring on their opening drive compiling 70 yards on the ground with running back Hunter Rogers going in for the 1 yard touchdown.

The Pioneers answered when Kier powered in from 10 yards out and after the kick failed, the Eagles held a one point lead.

Both teams moved the ball well but saw drives end short of scoring opportunities.

Eagles quarterback Jordon Turner managed the
clock well and drove the team from their 48 yard line in the final two minutes of the first half hitting Jr. tight end Brett McDonald for an 11 yard touchdown after scrambling out of the pocket with no time remaining on the clock.

The Eagles went into the half with the momentum and a 14-6 lead. The lead the Eagles held until mid way through the fourth quarter.

The battle was fought all night long in the trenches and it was apparent from the first play from scrimmage that pride and guts would be on display all night from both teams as the rivalry was reborn at 'the Felt".

Michael Fields paced the Eagles defense James Murphy

"We don't like them, they don't like us, and we played hard and gave it all we had. It was the toughest team we have faced in a while." Eagles Sr linebacker Michael Fields said.

Fields led an Eagles defense that kept the pressure on Pioneer quarterback Mark Paxton all night long, including an interception.

The Eagles final drive fell short as Pioneer Sr. linebacker Nick Harrell picked Turners pass on the left sideline near the 5 yard line. Turner drove the team the length of the field spreading 7 passes among various Eagles receivers with time running out.

"Jordon was a playmaker," Parker said. "On the two minute offense he made some big plays back there, we just came up short, but my hat's off to Millbrook."