Young Rams Show Promise in Season-Opening Victory
STRASBURG, VA – Strasburg fans, entering Ram Stadium on Friday night, wondered what to expect from their young team. Would they be nervous and undisciplined, or would they showcase their potential and skill? The answer, as it turned out, was a bit of both.
Their opponents, the East Hardy Cougars (0-1), demonstrated speed and aggression. However, Strasburg’s (1-0, 0-0 Bull Run) determination, powerful running game, and overall size – both in terms of individual players and roster depth – ultimately proved too much for the West Virginia visitors, resulting in a 27-13 victory for the Rams.
After receiving the opening kickoff, East Hardy initiated their first drive, which was swiftly halted by the Rams’ defense. Strasburg’s initial possession was equally unsuccessful, as three consecutive rushing attempts failed to gain a first down.
On their ensuing drive, the Cougars struck first. Utilizing a sweep play from their wing formation – a tactic that troubled Strasburg throughout the first quarter – they found their way to the end zone. Senior running back Daniel Sine, propelled by a wall of blockers, sprinted 76 yards for the game’s opening score. The extra point was missed, giving East Hardy a 6-0 lead with 5:54 remaining in the first quarter. From that point on, Strasburg took control.
Less than two minutes into the second quarter, the Rams registered their first points. Senior tailback Jason Wilkins, after two attempts, finally crossed the goal line with a four-yard run.
Strasburg extended their lead. A 49-yard punt return by Caylin Valentine positioned the Rams favorably at East Hardy’s 36-yard line. Two plays later, senior Aaron Barnes scored the first of his two second-quarter touchdowns. His scoring runs of 32 and 11 yards propelled Strasburg to a commanding 21-6 halftime advantage.
With renewed energy and purpose, both teams returned to the field for the second half.
The Rams received the ball at their own 10-yard line. From this position, they effectively utilized their large offensive line, along with a rotation of running backs, to move the ball downfield.
Five minutes and twelve rushing plays later, Strasburg further solidified their lead as Wilkins scored his second touchdown of the game. The senior finished with only 10 rushing yards but contributed two crucial touchdowns.
The Cougars managed to score once more in the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit to 14 points, but it was ultimately too little too late.
Barnes led the Strasburg ground game, accumulating 118 yards on 13 carries for an impressive 9.1 yards per carry average. Junior Brandon Holbert added 88 yards, including a 41-yard burst early in the third quarter.
The Rams’ new quarterback, Parker Neal, rarely needed to air the ball out, attempting only two passes. However, he effectively managed the offense, keeping the running game flowing smoothly while contributing 8 rushing yards. The team amassed 325 total yards, all on the ground.