Foxes edge Cyclones, secure Regional third seed
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 08 November 2012 13:51
- Hits: 1709
The 2012 season has been nothing short of magical for the King George High School Foxes varsity football (8-2, 5-2) team. After losing two relatively close games to James Monroe and Chancellor at the start of the season, the Foxes’ fortunes could have easily had them as the number one seed going into this week’s Regional playoff game.
In a twist of fate, after Chancellor’s (8-2, 6-1) recent 20-17 win over James Monroe (9-1, 6-1), the two district rivals will now share the Battlefield title for the final time. Next season, VHSL district championships will be eliminated due to the process of league realignment.
However, after defeating Eastern View, (4-6, 2-5) 23-21 on Senior Night, to lock up the third seed in the upcoming Regional playoffs, Foxes head coach Jeff Smith is elated to host the first Regional playoff game in 12 years. “We came out, we were fired up, and ready to play,” Smith said. “It was a closer game than I thought it should be, and that’s nothing against Eastern View, because they always field a good team.”
King George will play Grafton (5-6, 4-6) in the Region I, Division 4 quarterfinal game on Friday, at 7:30 p.m.
With 4:24 left in the first quarter, Corey Henderson scored from five yards out. After the extra point conversion, the Foxes lead 7-0.
In the second quarter, after shutting down the Cyclone offense on the ensuing the drive, the Foxes pushed the Cyclone defense to the brink, as they methodically marched 65 yards for their next score.
During the drive Corey Henderson shook off a third-down sack to convert a crucial fourth down and 17 into a first down. He completed a 20-yard pass to Jacob Baker for a first down on the Cyclone 16-yard line. Three plays later, Kendall Harvey delivered the final blow, as he scored from two yards out.
With the momentum on their side, and 9:16 left in the half, the Foxes increased their lead to 20-0, as De’Shon Brown scored from eight yards out.
Facing elimination from the playoffs, the Cyclones successfully put together a 76-yard scoring drive that culminated in a 31-yard run by Brandon Settle.
Settle would strike again in the third quarter, as he connected with Justin Gardiner for a 37-yard touchdown. After the point after conversion, the Foxes felt the visitors from the west breathing down their necks.
The Foxes responded with Xavier James’ second interception of the game, a 39-yard run by Jordi Estes, and a 40-yard field goal by multi-athlete Javan Haas. The 23-14 Fox lead proved crucial later in the game, as the Cyclones would cut the Fox lead to 23-21 with 3:11 left in the game, on a Settle one-yard touchdown.
With the Cyclone contingent of faithful fans yelling defense, and the Foxes facing a third and six yards to go for a first down, Henderson connected with Alon Clipper for a 43-yard reception. The Henderson to Clipper play took the wind out of the Cyclones sails, as the clock slowly ran out.
“Down the stretch we kept our poise, as Alon made a great catch, and in my opinion, that is what got us the win,” Smith said.
Leonard Banks
Sports Editor
