Eagles rise to the challenge, comeback against Wildcats

Peyton Rutherford grinds out yardage in the Eagles 31-29 win over Warren County  Photo by Doug Aylestock / CCS

PURCELLVILLE, Va.-  Eagles head coach Chris Parker challenged some of his players at halftime to step up their game against Warren County last Friday night. The Eagles did just that, scoring 24 unanswered points in a thrilling 31-29 comeback win that was capped by the Eagles defense stopping the two point conversion that would have tied the game with 17 seconds to go.

"I'm very happy, they met the challenge." Parker said, "First half we were out of sequence, the second half, I'm proud of them."

Colby Childs 4 of 4 for 154 yards and a TD  Photo by Doug Aylestock / CCS

The Eagles scored on their opening drive to take a quick 7-0 lead, but the Wildcats came right back and tied things up before going up on the Eagles 23-7. The Eagles managed a touchdown and 31 yard Nick Bahamonde field goal to close the gap to 23-17 at the half.

Peyton Rutherford had 230 yards combined offense and three touchdowns. 140 yards rushing on 32 carries and 3 receptions for 90 yards and another score.

"Coach Parker talked to us at halftime and helped us get our heads together, and we came out in the third and fourth quarters and played our game." Rutherford said.

Danny Lyman follows Ryan Nesselerodt's blocking to advance downfield     Photo by Doug Aylestock / CCS

Grayson Aylestock records a sack for the Eagles defense                                      Photo by Doug Aylestock / CCS

The win moves Clarke to 3-2 as they prepare to open their Bull Run District season this Friday as they travel to Woodstock to play the Central Falcons. The Falcons enter the game 5-0. Kickoff is at 7:30.

Doug Aylestocks game photo gallery can be viewed at the following:

Clarke Co vs Warren Co photo's by Doug Aylestock

VHSL 2A Region B Points Standings

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