Strasburg Defense Stifles Wildcats
STRASBURG, VA – Strasburg and Warren County hadn’t met on the football field in 15 years, and after last night’s game, the Wildcats may wish for another 15-year wait. The Rams dominated the Warren County, kicking off their 2007 season with a decisive 35-0 victory.
Phil Ramsey ignited the game for Strasburg (1-0, 0-0 Bull Run) with a touchback on the opening kickoff. The Rams’ defense then forced a quick three-and-out, pinning the Wildcats (0-1) deep in their own territory.
Senior Josh Kibler, a 2006 All-Bull Run selection, showcased his talents on Strasburg’s ensuing possession. He burst through the line of scrimmage, eluded defenders, and sprinted 56 yards for a touchdown.
This would be the first of his three touchdowns on the night, despite only carrying the ball nine times. Kibler amassed 165 rushing yards, leading the team and setting the tone for a dominant ground game that produced 294 of Strasburg’s 305 total yards.
The Rams extended their lead in the first quarter. A long run by Tanner Orndorff set up Strasburg at the one-yard line, where sophomore quarterback Kaleb McKelvey scored his first varsity touchdown on a sneak.
A Warren County fumble on the ensuing kickoff resulted in a safety for Strasburg. The Wildcats’ return man misjudged the kick, bobbled it, and was tackled in the end zone as he attempted to run backwards. This increased the Rams’ lead to 15-0, a margin they maintained until the third quarter.
While the Strasburg offense thrived, the Rams’ defense, employing the “Oklahoma” scheme, wreaked havoc on the Wildcats. Warren County managed only six first downs throughout the game, two of which were aided by penalties.
The Wildcats were also forced into five turnovers – three interceptions and two turnovers on downs. Cornerback Tim McDonald intercepted two passes, while Kibler, playing safety, recorded another interception with a one-handed catch.
Strasburg put the game out of reach in the second half with another touchdown drive capped by a one-yard run from Kibler. The Rams added two more touchdowns in the third quarter: another by Kibler and a three-yard run by sophomore Colin Barnes. Barnes finished the night with 40 yards on eight carries (5.0 average), while Orndorff gained 66 yards on five carries (13.2 average).
McKelvey, making his first varsity start, completed 2-of-3 passes for 11 yards. His only incompletion was a dropped touchdown pass by a wide-open tight end.