Eagles tame Bears, head to State Championship

Clarke County defeats Union 43-15 to advance to the State Championship game in Salem      Photo by Joe Costa

BERRYVILLE, Va.- The Clarke County Eagles football team made history on Saturday, December 5, 2015 with a 43-15 win over the undefeated Union Bears in the VHSL 2A State semi final game held at Wilbur M. Feltner Stadium in Berryville.

The crowd of over 4,000 gave "the Felt" a college atmosphere as fans started arriving at 4:00AM for a 1:30PM kickoff.

The Eagles line controlled both sides of the ball and were able to amass 356 yards rushing on 63 carries and 6 touchdowns.

"We always have a game plan to come out and run the football," Blocking back Will Roper said. "On film they weren't as physical as [Robert E.] Lee was it seemed, and we just came out and ran it down their throats."

Jordon Turnner connects on a 2 pt. conversion and scored 3 touchdowns rushing        Photo by Jeff Webster

Quarterback Jordon Turner rushed for 106 yards on 19 carries and scored three times on runs of 2, 1 and 2 yards and completed 2 extra point passes to Brett McDonald and Mackie Martin.

"It was a great win, it was physical on both sides of the ball." Turner said, "Our defense held them and caused 4 turnovers and stopped them, scoring 15 points when they are used to scoring 40, it was a good day."

The Eagles scored on their first three drives and recovered a fumble and grabbed two interceptions to take an early 21-0 lead, never having to look back the rest of the day.

Hunter Rogers 141 yards on 27 carries and 2 TD's         Photo by Jeff Webster

The Eagles 2015 leading rusher Hunter Rogers ran for 147 yards on 27 carries and scored twice with runs of 4 and 4 yards.

"It was a great win obviously, I'm overwhelmed." Rogers said, "I knew we were going to come out here and play well, our offensive line was great."

Matt Dang was the third Eagle rusher to break 100 yards on the day with 115 yards on 10 carries.

For the second week in a row Dang electrified the crowd with a break away run, scoring on a 61 yard scamper.


"I couldn't thank our O line anymore. They are our big brothers." Dang said, "They help us get the yards and that's what we like."

Eagles head coach Chris Parker credited the crowd and the community for their support and mentioned that the victory was one of the top highlights of his 33 year coaching career.

Coach Chris Parker congratulates Julius Grant      Photo by Joe Costa

"I love coaching in an environment like that." Parker said, "I was really proud of our crowd, and I have to respect and take my hat off to Union. For those people to travel 5 or 6 hours and show the support they did, it was special for them too."


The Eagles made history by reaching the state football tournament as no other football team in Clarke's history has went this far, although the school garners 29 state championships in a variety of other sports.

Senior lineman Sam White was at a loss for words when asked about the team's historical run.

"It's incredible." White said, I would have never thought that we would have made history, I'm gonna play as hard as I can."

Matt Dang electrifies the crowd with a 61 yard touchdown run                              Photo by Jeff Webster

Assistant Coach Casey Childs congratulates Brett McDonald                                                  Photo by Jeff Webster             

Kickoff is set for 4:30PM on Saturday December 12 at Salem City Stadium. More information can be found at the official Virginia High School League website.  http://www.vhsl.org

Highlights and post game interviews can be viewed below  (Viewing time 25:31)