Miller’s Trickery Seals Victory for Strasburg
STRASBURG, VA – A high school football game is a dynamic contest played in four 12-minute quarters. Momentum can shift dramatically within these 48 minutes. A single big play, a fumble, or a costly penalty can determine the outcome. In Strasburg’s thrilling 15-14 victory over Stonewall Jackson, one play proved pivotal in shifting the momentum.
The Generals dominated the first half, rushing for 140 yards and leaving the Rams struggling to keep pace. However, midway through the third quarter, Selvin Martinez caught a 40-yard pass, setting the stage for senior Sam Robinson’s two-yard touchdown run.
With the score now 14-13 in favor of Stonewall, placekicker Paul Ziacoma lined up for the extra point with quarterback Cody Miller as the holder. Instead of kicking, Miller smoothly rolled to his right and passed to a wide-open Matt Kupeski, who made a sliding catch for the two-point conversion. This gave Strasburg the lead and injected them with the momentum they needed to secure the victory.
The game initially appeared to be an offensive shootout. Stonewall marched down the field on their opening drive, gaining five to ten yards per rush. The Rams’ defense struggled to contain them, only stopping the Generals’ advance by recovering a fumble near the goal line.
Strasburg’s offense responded with equal ease. Late in the first quarter, Miller connected with Robbie Starkey on a 62-yard touchdown pass. Starkey finished the game with six receptions for 147 yards, a season-high performance.
Stonewall battled back in the second quarter, scoring on a one-yard run by Tony Viola and a 65-yard touchdown reception by Clint Deskins.
The Generals held a 14-7 lead at halftime, but their offensive stalled. Strasburg’s defense stiffened in the third quarter, limiting Stonewall to just 49 total yards for the remainder of the game.
A crucial stop late in the fourth quarter sealed the victory.
With Stonewall driving into Ram territory, Clyde Pangle burst through the line and sacked Josh Donald, forcing a fourth-and-eleven situation. The Generals failed to convert, allowing Strasburg to drive down the field and run out the clock.