Six Interceptions Highlight Strasburg’s Performance
MADISON, VA – The game of football has multiply ways of scoring; Friday night’s 23-14 victory over Madison County (2-4, 1-1 Bull Run) displayed seven of those choices. A touchdown run, a punt return, a field goal, and a two-point pass are just an ordinary selection of how both teams put points on the board. But the real highlights are from how the others were scored.
The game began with a routine touchback for Strasburg. However, excitement quickly ensued when the Mountaineers punted, and seniors Jason Gutierrez and Cody Miller executed a brilliant 48-yard punt return. Miller’s speed and agility, combined with effective blocking, led to the touchdown. The extra point by Paul Ziacoma gave the Rams an early 7-0 lead.
A Madison County fumble deep in their own territory allowed Strasburg to capitalize with a 26-yard field goal, extending their lead to 10-0.
The Mountaineers attempted to mount a comeback, but their drive stalled. Madison County quarterback Josh Morris (5-10, 150) was intercepted by Cody Miller.
Strasburg then capitalized on a 64-yard run, leading to a three-yard touchdown by senior halfback Terry Pearce, marking his first career touchdown and start. Pearce effectively filled in for the injured Sam Robinson, rushing for 112 yards on 14 carries (8.0 yards per carry). Fellow running back Brandon Holbert also made his first career start, gaining 107 yards on 17 carries (6.29 yards per carry).
Madison County finally scored on a 46-yard run by senior fullback Matt White, making the score 16-8.
This score remained unchanged until late in the first half. With less than a minute remaining, another Morris interception, this time by defensive tackle Tyler Anderson, resulted in a touchdown for Strasburg, giving them a 23-8 halftime lead.
The second half was a more defensive struggle. The only score came on a 74-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Madison County.
Strasburg’s defense held Madison County to 156 rushing yards (4.72 yards per carry) and intercepted Morris six times. Morris completed only 5 of 33 passes for 73 yards. The Rams amassed 222 rushing yards on 40 carries (5.55 yards per carry), led by Pearce and Holbert.