Underdogs Unleashed: Rams Shock Rivals in Woodstock
WOODSTOCK, VA – Strasburg entered their matchup against Central as underdogs, facing skepticism from both media and fans. However, as the adage goes, “every underdog has its day,” and Friday night belonged to the Rams. Capitalizing on their rivals’ mistakes and misfortunes, Strasburg secured an impressive 17-14 victory in Woodstock.
This win, coupled with their earlier victory over Stonewall Jackson, solidifies Strasburg’s (4-1, 0-0 Bull Run) claim to the mythical Shenandoah County football title and signals their return to gridiron prominence.
The game began with a scare for the Rams. On Central’s opening drive, running back Brandon Pence burst through the line for a 50-yard gain, positioning the Falcons deep in Strasburg territory. However, the Rams’ defense stiffened, forcing Central into a field goal attempt. The snap sailed over the holder’s head, and Strasburg recovered the loose ball at their own 28-yard line.
Strasburg’s offense went three-and-out, punting the ball back to Central. The Falcons capitalized on the favorable field position. On the first play of their second drive, quarterback Kolter Stroop connected with a streaking Sean Sherfey for a 55-yard touchdown pass, giving Central an early 7-0 lead.
The momentum shifted in the second quarter. After weathering the initial onslaught, the Rams’ defense tightened, holding strong in the red zone when Jeff Musterman intercepted a Stroop pass.
With 2:38 remaining in the half, Strasburg finally found the end zone. Freshman Josh Kibler, the area’s leading scorer with seven touchdowns, broke through the line and scampered 19 yards for a touchdown. Ryan Swanger’s extra point tied the game at 7-7.
The Rams quickly regained the lead. The Falcons fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Strasburg’s Robbie Gossard recovered, giving the Rams excellent field position at the 27-yard line. Three plays later, Kibler again found the end zone, this time from 18 yards out. Swanger’s extra point gave Strasburg a 14-7 lead heading into halftime. Kibler finished the night with 80 rushing yards on 12 carries (6.67 yards per carry) and added 21 receiving yards on two catches.
The third quarter saw a back-and-forth battle. Strasburg eventually mounted a 16-play, 75-yard drive that consumed over seven and a half minutes of clock time. The drive stalled at the 13-yard line, but Swanger’s 30-yard field goal extended the Rams’ lead to 17-7.
Trailing by ten, Central attempted to mount a comeback. The Rams effectively neutralized the Falcons’ deep passing game, forcing them to rely on methodical drives. Jason Erick scored on a 3-yard run to narrow the deficit to three points. However, the long drive, aided by two Strasburg penalties, consumed valuable time, leaving only 1:09 on the clock.
Central attempted an onside kick, but the ball rolled into the hands of Strasburg’s Justin Baker. Three kneel-downs by the Rams sealed the victory.
For the second consecutive week, Strasburg’s ground game proved effective, churning out 186 yards on 40 carries (4.65 yards per carry). Brandon Holbert had a standout performance, rushing for 82 yards on 15 carries (5.47 yards per carry). Quarterback Parker Neal had an efficient night, completing 7 of 11 passes for 60 yards.