Robinson Leads the Way as Strasburg Blanks Cougars
STRASBURG, VA – Earlier this week after practice, Manassas Park’s (5-1, 0-1 Bull Run) head coach Jeff Lloyd told his players to start thinking about “the purple”. After Friday night’s 14-0 loss to Strasburg (4-1, 1-0 Bull Run), the Cougars were not only thinking about “the purple,” but feeling the sting of “the purple’s” defense.
Manassas Park’s much vaunted offense was held in check for three quarters, only moving the ball after the Ram’s had two scores on the board and switched to a prevent defense.
Sophomore sensation Zack Terrell faced constant pressure, sacked six times and intercepted once. He was also limited to zero rushing yards on 15 attempts. His main target, A.C. Fitchett was limited to just two catches, before grabbing receptions of 17 and 15 yards on the Cougars’ second to last possession.
The first half was a defensive struggle, with both teams struggling to gain momentum and the first three drives ending in turnovers. The game continued back and forth with little movement of the ball, thanks in part to stellar defense on both sides.
Strasburg finally found some life late in the second quarter. Starting at their own 37-yard line, the Rams put together a 14-play scoring drive, mixing running and passing before senior Sam Robinson took it in from the one. The touchdown gave Strasburg a 7-0 lead and much needed momentum for the second half.
The Rams began the third quarter much like they ended the second, taking their opening possession 58 yards, on six plays to up the score to 14-0.
Senior QB Cody Miller found a wide-open Sam Robinson for 28-yards, followed by an 11-yard burst up the middle from Aaron Barnes. Four plays later junior Jason Wilkins found pay dirt, taking it in from the five-yard line.
Strasburg would have another chance to add more points on to their total, but failed to do so when Manassas Park blocked a field goal attempt. The two touchdowns would prove to be more than enough though, as Strasburg confused the young Cougars by mixing passing defenses, and containing their running game.
Manassas Park senior Price Ward finished the night with a sub-par 48 yards on 14 carries (3.43 avg.). Altogether the Cougars tallied only 167 total yards, fewer then the 172 amassed by the Rams backfield alone.
Sam Robinson led the way with 115 yards on nine carries, and scored his sixth touchdown of the season. Tight end Matt Kupeski had 4 catches for 48 yards, while wide out Jason Gutierrez added two (44 yards) more for Strasburg’s passing game.
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