Carter’s Punt Return Fuels Falcons’ Victory Over Rams

STRASBURG, VA – When a defense holds an opponent to 13 points and 225 yards on 54 plays, a team typically wins. However, when your offense manages only 143 total yards, zero points, and just six first downs, more than not you will lose. This was the unfortunate reality for Strasburg (1-4, 0-0 Bull Run) as their county rival, Central (3-1), defeated the Rams 13-0 last Friday night.

One week after rushing for 244 yards and three touchdowns, the Rams could only accumulate 115 yards on 39 carries. The Falcons effectively shut down Strasburg’s rushing attack and limited their passing game to three catches for 28 total yards.

While Central also faced offensive challenges, their spread pro set, led by quarterback Brandon Foltz and wide receiver Brad Carter, was kept relatively in check. Foltz completed only 4 of 15 passes for 44 yards. Carter, a dominant force throughout the season, was held to a meager 29 receiving yards. However, he made his mark with a game-changing punt return.

Throughout the first half, neither team could penetrate the red zone. Strasburg and Central exchanged punts as their defenses consistently made stops. The score remained 0-0 at halftime.

The second half mirrored the first until midway through the third quarter. After another forced punt, Carter executed a game-breaking play. Receiving the kick at his own 27-yard line, Carter made a spin move to evade a Ram defender and sprinted down the sideline, reaching the 13-yard line before being tackled.

Two plays later, Central’s crowd erupted in cheers as running back Brandon Pence found the end zone. These were the Falcons’ first points against the Rams since the fourth quarter of their 2001 meeting, and they proved to be sufficient against the stagnant Strasburg offense. The ensuing extra point was blocked.

Central added an insurance score late in the game when a tired Ram defense was unable to contain Foltz, who ran 39 yards untouched for a touchdown.

Strasburg’s closest scoring opportunity occurred on their first possession. Receiver Alex Lynch streaked down the field and was wide open at the 10-yard line. However, sophomore quarterback Parker Neal overthrew the pass. Neal finished the game 4-of-15 passing with two interceptions. On the ground, the Rams were led by Jason Wilkins, who rushed for 56 yards on 11 carries.

Winchester Star: Central Downs Shenandoah County Rival Strasburg