Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Eagles grounded in Goochland

GOOCHLAND, Va.- The Clarke County Eagles run for a second consecutive shot at the VHSL 2A Football Championship fell 2 games short when were defeated 28-14 by the Goochland Bulldogs in the state quarterfinal round on Friday. We all want to be in Salem for the finals but I'm very proud of the players and the senior class that led them."

Trailing 21-14 the Eagles had their chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter after driving the length of the field only to have Goochland defender Calvin Martin pick off a Chris Davis pass in the end zone. That was as close as Clarke could get in the second half.

"It's tough to lose. I hate to lose, these players and coaches hate to lose." Eagles coach Chris Parker said, "I told our team to win this game or to lose this game you had to of had a great team to get to this point. There are a lot of teams that would love to get to the State quarterfinal and have a 10-3 record."

It was a classic tale of two halves. As the Eagles held a 14-7 lead at the half and seemed to have things going their way when Goochland running back Cordell Mattox got behind the Eagle secondary but stepped out of bounds on his way to a touchdown on the last play of the half.

"We both stuck to our game plans." Parker said, "They made plays in the second half. We knew this was going to be a heavyweight fight. We made a handful of plays on both sides of the ball we would like to have back. They came out in the second half and got the ball and made a statement."

Clarke County (10-3) took the lead on their first drive with a ball control drive that went 80 yards and consumed 7 minutes. Daniel Braithwaite raced around the left end for a 16 yard touchdown run. Nick Bahamonde's extra point gave the Eagles a quick 7-0 lead.

Goochland (13-0) came back down the field and tied the game on a Tanner Bradshaw 2 yard run. Both teams exhibited a power running, smash mouth type offense.

The Eagles got their second score with less than a minute remaining in the first half when quarterback Chris Davis scrambled to his right and found Brett McDonald in the back of the endzone. McDonald jumped over the Goochland defender to grab the ball and it looked like it might be the Eagles night going into the half. McDonald ended his career as Clarke's leading receiver this season with 9 receptions for 239 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Goochland scored three times in the second half, with two scores coming in the third quarter. Marcus Burton scored on a 10 yard run and Bradshaw got his second score of the game on a 1 yard run.

Goochland iced the game late in the fourth quarter when Mattox went in from 7 yards out.

"We knew that they were going to make a lot of corrections." Davis said, "We just had a hard time adjusting to their corrections. What we were doing in the first half was working and they made adjustments. We knew coming into it that it was going to be a one or two score game, and they came out on top, they played a phenomenal football game."

Hunter Rogers, the Eagles all time leading rusher ended his career with 117 yards on 33 carries. Rogers led the Eagles this season with with 2410 yards rushing and 31 touchdowns. Rogers was 2nd in receptions with 7 receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown.

"Obviously it was a great season, to make it to the third round of the playoffs, you can't complain about that." Rogers said, "Both teams are great, we're hear for a reason."

The Eagles won their fourth consecutive Bull Run District championship this year and made their tenth consecutive season in the playoffs .

Game highlights and post game interviews with Chris Davis, Hunter Rogers and Coach Parker can be seen below on the Clarke County Sports Game of the Week.






Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Kirk Cousins named NFC Offensive Player of the Week

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. - The National Football League announced today that Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the team's Week 11 win against the Green Bay Packers.

The honor is Cousins’ first of the season and the third of his career, joining selections in Weeks 7 and 10 of the 2015 season. He joins wide receiver Art Monk (five), quarterback Mark Rypien (four) and wide receiver Santana Moss (three) as the only players in team history to earn three career NFC Offensive Player of the Week awards since the honor’s inception in 1984.

Last week, Cousins completed 21-of-30 passes for 375 yards, tied his season-high with three touchdown passes and threw no interceptions in a 42-24 win on Sunday Night Football. He recorded his team-record 17th career 300-yard passing game and finished the game with a season-high 145.8 passer rating.

With Cousins’ selection this week, Redskins players have won 91 NFC Player of the Week awards (including 39 Offensive Player of the Week awards) since the NFL started awarding weekly honors in 1984.
Kirk Cousins NFC Offensive Player of the Week

Washington sends Green Bay packing


By Moe Murphy / Special to Viva Loudoun

LANDOVER, MD – One would think sustained winds of 25 mph and gusts twice that much would hamper passing in a football game. That was not the case Sunday night as the Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers put 735 yards passing and 6 touchdowns in the books in an aerial shootout before a nationally televised audience.

 “We feel good about our personnel, that’s for sure. We just feel like we needed to put it together.” Redskins coach Jay Gruden said, “Big third down conversions, big plays, but overall a good balance by the offense.”

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 21 of 30 passes for 375 yards and 3 touchdowns, and running back Robert Kelley rushed for 137  yards and 3 scores in Washington’s 42-24 thrashing of the Green Bay Packers before 77,137 chilled fans at FedEx Field.

Cousins passed Sonny Jurgensen as the Redskins all-time leader for 300 - yard passing games with his 17th 300 - yard game.

“I’ve always believed that rotation beats wind so if you can get a tight spiral you can cut the wind.” Cousins said, “I believe I just let it fly. I was surprised with the way it turned out, but having played in the Big 10 and growing up in the Midwest, you are used to playing in some tough elements.”

Cousins spread his passing among 7 different receivers with Pierre Garcon leading all receivers with 116 yards on 6 receptions including a 70 yard touchdown. Jamison Crowder broke the 100 yard mark with 102 yards on 3 receptions and a 53 yard score.

The Packers Aaron Rodgers is no stranger to Midwest weather and battling the elements and also passed for over 300 yards completing 26 of 41 passes for 351 yards and 3 touchdowns.

“We had a rough start to the game, three three-and-outs. It’s tough and we didn’t get going early.” Rodgers said, “Obviously the wind was a factor to start it felt like but both teams moved the ball pretty efficiently and we’ve got to do a better job at the start of the game, get a lead for our defense.”

Washington (7-3-1) took the lead late in the first quarter when Cousins connected with DeSean Jackson for a 17 yard touchdown.

Jackson returned to the lineup after being deactivated for the previous game against the Vikings due to a sore shoulder.

“It feels good. I can’t really feel it right now. It will probably be a little sore later on in the morning, but it’s a great win [and] a great team effort.” Jackson said.

Green Bay (4-6) put together their best drive of the game, a 17 play drive that used 8:29 and culminated with a 13 yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Jordy Nelson. The Packers briefly held their only lead of the game when Mason Crosby connected with a 36 yard field goal to put the Pack up by 3.

The lead did not hold up for long as Kelley went in from 10 yards out with 39 seconds to go in the half. Due to the high wind condition the Redskins elected to go for two and failed, holding a 13-10 lead going into the half.

"I feel good about getting that sixth win.” Kelley said, “It’s onto the next team, Dallas. That’s a pretty good team and [we’ll] try and go in there with everything that we have.”

Green Bay twice narrowed the score to 5 points in the second half, but Washington always answered before scoring 20 points in the final quarter to ice away their seventh win, and second consecutive win at FedEx.

Although both teams surpassed 300 yards passing, the Redskins outrushed the Packers 151 to 84 with Rodgers gaining 33 yards to lead the Pack. The Redskins kept Rodgers on the run most of the night.

“Overall we rushed hard, flushed them out of pocket a little, but I liked the way they played.” Gruden said.
Safety Donte Whitner led the team with 8 solo tackles and 2 assists, Will Compton had 7 tackles and 3 assists, and Bashaud Breeland had 7 tackles and 1 assist for the Redskins defense.

Ryan Kerrigan and Chris Baker each got to Rodgers once in the sack department.

The Redskins have a short work week as the head to Dallas to face the division leading Cowboys who enter the game riding a 9 game win streak.



For postgame interviews watch the Viva Loudoun Locker Room Report: 



For more Redskins coverage including Game Photography go to VivaLoudoun 
VivaLoudoun
Reprinted with permission © Copyright 2013-2016 Viva Loudoun
"The premier choice for High School, College, and Professional Sports in Loudoun County"

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Eagles roll on to the next level

Hunter Rogers 303 yds   4 td's.
BERRYVILLE, VA- The Clarke County Eagles used their vicious ground attack and solid line play to defeat the Buffalo Gap Bison 38-20 to move to third round of the VHSL 2A Eastern Region football playoffs.

Clarke County (10-2) rushed for 413 yards and 5 touchdowns on their way to their eighth consecutive win dating back to September 30.

Senior Hunter Rogers paced the Eagles rushing for 303 yards and scoring four times on runs of 40, 50, 12, and 63.

"We knew coming into the game that it was going to be a hard fought battle." Rogers said, "We did well on both sides of the line. We came out and got the ball and scored and I think that was great for our momentum."

The previous two weeks Clarke surrendered early touchdowns and started out behind. After Buffalo Gap (8-4) won the coin toss and deferred Clarke wasted no time scoring as Rogers went in from 40 yards out on the third play from scrimmage and Clarke never trailed in the game.

"We knew it was going to come down to the trenches." Eagles coach Chris Parker said, "Buffalo Gap's got a very proud program and we knew it was going to be a physical game."

Buffalo Gap turned the ball over three times in the first half, twice on fumbles and a pass interception, but Clarke only managed to get  3 points on a 32 yard field goal by Nick Bahamonde. Rogers went in for his second score with a little over two minutes to go in the half to give Clarke a 17-0 lead at the intermission.

The teams each scored three times in the second half and every time the Bisons appeared to be getting back into the game the Eagles answered to keep a double digit lead.

Buffalo Gap came out with an impressive drive to start the second half and Josh Reed scored the first of his two touchdowns on a 42 yard gallop to close the gap to 10.

Clarke answered right back when Rogers broke through the middle of the line and powered in from 12 yards out to keep the momentum on Clarke's side.

"Our offensive line stepped up and opened up some holes for Hunter and the other backs to get through." Lineman Kyle Anderson said, "We made some changes at halftime and came out and got the win."

Eagles quarterback Chris Davis raced 63 yards for a score that once again appeared to put the game out of reach, but Gap wasn't done scoring yet.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game." Davis said, "The second week of the playoffs we knew we had to have a good week of practice. We knew that we had to come out and grind and that's what we did."

Gap quarterback McKenzie Hamric connected on a 67 yard touchdown pass to Jay Johnson on one of the few mistakes the Eagles made in the half. Johnson was able to get behind the Clarke defenders and went untouched to the end zone.

Reed went in from yards out in the fourth quarter to pull the gap back to 11, but Rogers came right back and slammed the door with a 63 yard scamper down the sideline to ice the game for the Eagles.

The Eagles now must take their act on the road as they will travel to Goochland on Friday to face the undefeated Goochland Bulldogs. The Bulldogs (12-0) defeated the Strasburg Rams 35-13 last week and Washington & Lee 49-7 in the first round.

For the third year in a row the Eagles will be holding football practice over the Thanksgiving holiday break.

"It's something special. We usually practice in the morning and then we go to Thanksgiving meal." Parker said, "We take a picture, it's something you don't usually get to do. There's something special about Thanksgiving and togetherness, its special."

Kick off is scheduled for 7:00PM Friday at Goochland High School 3250 West River Road, Goochland, VA 23063.

Game highlights and interviews can be viewed on the Clarke County Sports Game of the Week...



Saturday, November 19, 2016

Redskins sink Vikings to start stretch run

By Moe Murphy 
 Special to VivaLoudoun.com

LANDOVER, MD- It was apparent that a week off did not hurt the Redskins as they came out of the gates fast and held on to capture a 26-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Alumni day at FedEx Field.

The last Redskin win came on October 16 when they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-20. A loss to the Detroit Lions and subsequent tie with Cincinnati left the Redskins pondering what was needed to turn things around.

With the second half of the season starting for the team they know that every game gets a little more important as the Dallas Cowboys show no signs of giving up their grip on the NFC East.

“Every game we play we have to come out with urgency, and they did today.” Redskins coach Jay Gruden said.

Washington (5-3-1) jumped on the Vikings early, scoring on their first two drives. Kirk Cousins connected with Jamison Crowder on a 4 yard touchdown pass on a 10 play drive of 68 yards.

The team’s most impressive drive came at the end of the first quarter, stretching into the second quarter as Washington started on their own 9 yard line and marched 91 yards with Vernon Davis catching a 38 yard touchdown pass to put the Skins up by 14.

“It was definitely the situation that we were hoping for.” Davis said, “Came across, came down, sold it, and sold the block. It’s kind of like a wheel route up the red line. And Kirk [Cousins] found me and was able to execute.”

Just when it appeared this was going to be a cakewalk the tide turned, momentum shifted to the Vikings. Minnesota (5-4) scored 20 points in a span of five and a half minutes.

Matt Asiata plunged in from one yard out and Sam Bradford connected twice for touchdown passes of 20 yards to Kyle Rudolph and 3 yard completion to Adam Thielen and just that quick, the Redskins went into the locker room trailing 20-14.

The message from Gruden at halftime was not to panic, stay focused and do what needs to be done.

“We just had to keep our poise.” Gruden said, “Every game this year we’ve been leading and we’ve been trailing, and today’s no different. We just have to continue to handle the adversity, the adverse situations. Just stay focused, keep your poise and move on to the next play.”

The team heeded Gruden’s advice and came out and were able to overcome the deficit with four Dustin Hopkins field goals of 30, 37, 50, and 28 yards on four consecutive second half possessions.

Combined with a strong defensive performance the Redskins were able to stop a game ending rally by Bradford and company with two drive ending sacks by Trent Murphy and Preston Smith.

We locked them down in the second half. They didn’t score.” Linebacker S’ua Cravens said, “I’m proud of the defense [and] how the offense played. Game ball to Hop [Dustin Hopkins], Tress [Way] and Preston [Smith].”

Smith had his best game of the season with four tackles, 2 sacks for 16 yards loss and an interception with a 22 yard return.

"I’m just happy that we got the win. “Smith said, “The plays that I got on top of the win feel so much better than getting them in a loss. Guys fought through all the way to the end of the game. Guys played their tails off and were just playing sound when we needed it.”

Redskin reserve wide receiver Maurice Harris was able to help fill the void of DeSean Jackson’s absence and contributed with 3 receptions for 28 yards.

The most notable position change came at the offensive tackle position as Ty Nsekhe filled in for the suspended all pro Trent Williams. Nsekhe held his own in a line that gave up only one sack and helped the team to net 388 yards total offense, 128 on the ground and 260 passing.

“It was some big shoes to fill, all-pro. Just had to step in there and do my job when I’m called upon.” Nsekhe said.

Kirk Cousins 2TD's Steven Holland/VivaLoudoun
Quarterback Kirk Cousins finished the day 22 of 33 passing for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns and a QB rating of 110.9

"It was a big win, they’re all big. It took everybody, I’m very pleased with the way the team played and the way we were able to get a win.” Cousins said.

Robert Kelley led all rushers with 97 yards on 22 carries, Chris Thompson added 25 yards on 4 carries.

Pierre Garcon was the leading receiver for the Redskins with 81 yards on 6 receptions. Vernon Davis had 66 yards on 3 receptions including his touchdown.

Sam Bradford finished the game with 307 yards passing, going 31 for 40 with 2 touchdowns and an interception with a final rating of 104.9.

Stefon Diggs led all receivers with 13 receptions for 164 yards. Kyle Rudolph had 5 receptions of for 69 yards including a touchdown.

The Redskins held Minnesota to 47 yards rushing on 21 carries.

The Redskins will host the Green Bay Packers (4-5) on Sunday Night Football, while the Vikings will host the Arizona Cardinals (4-4-1).

Kickoff for the Redskins game against the Packers at FedEx Field is set for 8:30PM.
 For Postgame interviews watch the Viva Loudoun Locker Room Report:



For more Redskins coverage including Game Photography go to VivaLoudoun

VivaLoudoun
Reprinted with permission © Copyright 2013-2016 Viva Loudoun
"The premier choice for High School, College, and Professional Sports in Loudoun County"

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Eagles capture first round playoff win advance to next level

Kyle Baylor 2 touchdowns   CCS/Moe Murphy
BERRYVILLE, VA- The Clarke County Eagles rebounded after a slow start to defeat the Robert E. Lee Fighting Leemen 28-7 in the first round of the VHSL 2A Eastern Region football playoffs.

The teams traded punts on their first series and then the Leemen went to work with a balanced attack of running and passing culminating with a one yard touchdown run by Jaymond Venable-Chisley midway through the first quarter. The lead held up until the halftime intermission, although the Eagles defense came up tough twice in the first half stopping Lee turnovers with a Lucas Rogers fumble recovery near the goal line and an interception by Kyle Baylor in the Lee end zone.

"I have to give credit to my defensive line for causing the fumble." Rogers said, "All I did was catch the ball, run and react."

Clarke County (9-2) was able to drive into Lee territory twice but were stopped both times on fourth down.

"We told our team we are not used to this, being down at the half." Eagles coach Chris Parker said, "Basically we are going to have to treat the second half like we are starting a brand new game."

The Eagles did exactly that as they came out and marched 65 yards with Hunter Rogers scoring from 12 yards out, the first of his two touchdowns four minutes into the third quarter. Rogers put the Eagles ahead for good early in the fourth quarter with an 8 yard run.

Rogers ended the night with 204 yards on 31 carries.

Lee (4-7) moved the ball at times during the second half but were unable to mount a threat after Clarke took the lead.

Sophomore back Kyle  scored the first of his two touchdowns as he outran the Lee defense and went 47 yards untouched.

On the ensuing drive, Baylor grabbed his second interception of the night and raced 52 yards to ice the victory for the Eagles.

"We came out and won the second half like we were supposed to." Baylor said, "Sometimes things don't turn out like they are supposed to, we just came out and played better in the first half.

The Eagles gained 331 yards rushing and  held Lee to 220 yards total offense. Eagles kicker Nick Bahamonde was  4 for 4 on point after attempts.

"In the second half we didn't panic, we stuck to our game plan, our guys responded and defensively we made the plays and good things happened." Parker said.

The Eagles will face the Buffalo Gap Bison on Friday at Wilbur M. Feltner Stadium in Berryville. Kickoff is set for 7:00PM

Highlights and post game interviews can be seen below on the Clarke County Sports Game of the Week.




Friday, November 11, 2016

Thanks Veterans


Clarke to Host Robert E. Lee in the playoffs

BERRYVILLE, VA-  The Clarke County Eagles will host the Robert E. Lee Fighting Leemen in the first round of the VHSL 2A Eastern Region Playoffs on Friday 11/11/16 at Wilbur M. Feltner Stadium in Berryville. Kickoff at "the Felt" is set for 8:00PM

The Clarke County Sports Game of the Week, Playoff Edition will be giving updates from "the Felt"


Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Eagles clinch 4th Bull Run title in victory over Madison County

Hunter Rogers breaks Bo Morgans all time career yardage rushing record
BERRYVILLE, VA- The Clarke County Eagles captured their 4th consecutive Bull Run District football championship Friday with a convincing 49-7 win over Madison County.

The Eagles finished the regular season 8-2 and were crowned co champions of the District along with the Central Falcons. Both teams finished the Bull Run with a record of 5-1.

Senior running back Hunter Rogers broke the Clarke County High School all time career rushing yardage record of 4,246 held by Robert "Bo" Morgan since the 1991 season.

"It was truly an honor to have been one of many great running backs that came through Clarke County High School." Morgan said, "I first thank God to have played with some great players who helped me break the record in 1991, especially my offensive linemen. I congratulate Hunter for breaking the record and wish him the best at the next level."

Rogers finished the night with 182 yards on 14 carries and scored 3 touchdowns on runs of 42, 4, and 70 yards. The 70 yard run came on the first play of the second half. Rogers sat out the rest of the game. Rogers now has 4,359 yards and sets a record every time he carries the ball.

"It's an awesome feeling to be able to break a record that's been there so long." Rogers said, "I couldn't do it without my team and obviously my offensive line, they have been doing great ever since I got here. Every year I've been here I've had over a thousand yards and I couldn't do it without my entire team and my offensive line and I just want to thank them very much for that."

Madison (5-5, 2-4) drew first blood with an impressive opening drive that culminated with Chris Smith connecting with Dre Twyman on a 21 yard touchdown pass to take an early 7-0 lead.

Clarke (8-2, 5-1) came right back with Rogers first of three scores and after a botched extra point attempt trailed 7-6, but they quickly took the lead converted the two point play and never looked back.

Eagle running back Daniel Braithwaite had a big night that was overshadowed by Rogers record setting performance.

Braithwaite rushed for 104 yards on 7 carries and scored twice on runs of 4 and 14 yards.
"He's [Braithwaite] a hard runner, and a tough kid." Eagles coach Chris Parker said, "With our offense, when you have multiple people that can touch the ball at any given time that makes it very hard to defend."

The Eagles got two more scores with Chris Davis going in from 4 yards out and Patrick Cleary scoring on a 6 yard run.

"It was a very emotional night, the game was very emotional." Davis said, "I wouldn't want to play my last football game anywhere other than here. It's great to be out here for one more regular season game but we still have more football to play."

Nick Bahamonde  Malloy Ford Unsung Hero
First year kicker Nick Bahamonde was awarded the Fifth Annual Malloy Ford Unsung Hero Award after the game.

"When they said my name I was just shocked." Bahamonde said. "This is my first year of kicking, and it's been great. I wasn't expecting any of this."

Bahamonde went on to give credit to his special team unit and gave them praise for his success.

The Eagles will host a first round Region 2A Eastern division playoff game on Friday night at Wilbur M. Feltner Stadium in Berryville, as the host the Robert E. Lee Fighting Leemen from Staunton. Kickoff at "the Felt" is set for 8:00PM

Game highlights and post game interviews can be seen on the Clarke County Sports Game of the Week.



Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Eagles run wild on Cats


Hunter Rogers 5 touchdowns
FRONT ROYAL, VA-  The Clarke County Eagles showed no signs of letting up in their recent tear against opponents as they throttled the Warren County Wildcats 56-7 on Friday.

"It was a  good game ." Eagles coach Chris Parker said, "We got everybody in, we won and I think as a team we got better. That was our goal to win and get better."

Clarke County (7-2, 4-1) scored on every possession in the first half with Hunter Rogers finding pay dirt 5 times. Rogers rushed for 180 yards on 7 carries and scored 4 touchdowns rushing with runs of 51, 80, 18, and 5. Rogers was also on the receiving end of a 35 yard touchdown  pass from Chris Davis.

"We played great." Rogers said, "The offensive line blocked well obviously, and our defense gave us great field position. We need to play like this every week."

Rogers sat out the entire second half and needs just 70 yards to pass Bo Morgan as Clarke County's all time career leading rusher.

"I'm really proud of him [Rogers], he's worked hard." Parker said. "I'm not sure how many yards he got tonight but he will most likely break the record next week on senior night."

Eagles quarterback Chris Davis was 3 for 3 passing for 58 yards including the 35 yard touchdown to Rogers.
Robert "Bo" Morgan  Eagles all time leading rusher 4,246 yds.
Davis also rushed 8 times for 74 yards including a 2 yard touchdown run.


The Eagles also got scores from Daniel Braithwaite and Patrick Cleary. Braithwaite on a 31 yard rumble and Cleary scampered for 21 yards.  

Clarkes line once again controlled both sides of the ball giving up only one score in the game yielding only 35 yards rushing and gaining over 400 on the ground.

"We knew they were going to stack the box and we were going to go toe to toe with them." Eagles center and co captain Josh Wallace said, "We are hitting our stride right now, we have to just keep going and winning out." 

Warren County (2-7, 1-5) scored in the first quarter when quarterback  Cam Ford connected with Benjamin Vogt on a 57 yard touchdown.

Clarke will clinch at least a tie for the Bull Run District if they defeat Madison County this weekend. Central was defeated 7-0 by the Strasburg Rams creating a three way tie for first between, Clarke, Central, and Strasburg.

Kickoff is set for 7:30PM at Wilbur M. Feltner Stadium, in Berryville. This will be the Eagles final regular season game and it is Senior night.

"There's something special about Senior night." Parker said, "We have a great group of seniors that have worked very hard and very close not only to each other but the coaches. It's a special night and I'm sure we will play hard."

Highlights and post game interviews can be seen on the Clarke County Sports Game of the Week   Below: