FD Runs Past Wildcats

FD Runs Past Wildcats Hoke Scores RC’s Lone TD On Kickoff Return

Hurt by several turnovers and injuries, the Rockbridge County High School football team suffered a 54-7 road loss to Shenandoah District rival Fort Defiance on Friday night.

After a scoreless first quarter, during which the Wildcats (0-9 overall, 0-7 district) dropped what would have been a touchdown pass, RC scored its only touchdown on an 85-yard kickoff return by Trevor Hoke about four minutes into the second quarter. Aiden Meyers followed with an extra-point kick that tied the game at 7-7.

After that, it was all Fort Defiance (4-4, 3-3), which scored four TDs in the second quarter, two by running back James Pruiksma, to take a 28-7 halftime lead.

The Wildcats lost middle linebacker Cole Hartless to an ankle injury midway through the second quarter, and they had to move some players around and put in some of the younger players. Hartless had just returned after missing the previous three games with a shoulder injury. “We were throwing it a little more than we had planned to, with him going down,” said RC head coach Zack Rhodenizer.

Also going down with an injury was running back and linebacker Asher Wells, who made five solo tackles and five tackle assists. Lineman Caleb Robinson left the game temporarily with an injury, but later returned.

In the third quarter, the Indians capitalized on interceptions of RC freshman quarterback Taylan Tyree and stretched their lead to 47-7. “We had a few miscues there, and they took advantage of them,” said Rhodenizer. One of the three interceptions of Tyree happened when the ball bounced right into a Fort player’s hands.

The Wildcats blocked two extra-point attempts, but the Indians kept their offense going in the fourth quarter and scored one more TD.

For the night, Tyree completed 8-of-20 passes with the three interceptions for 70 yards. Meyers made a 25-yard catch, Hoke caught two passes for 20 yards, and Pat Looney was on the receiving end of two passes for 18 yards.

On the ground, Andrew Kelly led RC, rushing for 25 yards on 13 carries, while Hoke carried the ball twice for 19 yards.

The Wildcats will have a bye this week, which will give their players time to recover from injuries and extra time to prepare for their final game. “A Week 10 bye is pretty late,” said Rhodenizer. “We’re going to do our best to try to get healthy.”

RC will conclude the season at home against district rival Alleghany (7-1, 5-1) next Friday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. Like the Wildcats, Alleghany is new to the Shenandoah District. The Cougars are coming off a 36-29 road win over district rival Riverheads last Friday and will play host to Fort Defiance this Friday.

Before the final game, the Wildcats will honor their 13 seniors: Hoke, Meyers, Kelly, Robinson, Grayden Brown, Ben Davis, Joseph Dorey, Marshall Earhart, Xavier Flowers, Price Lunsford, Tyler Watson, Tyler Woods and Carlos Yebra.