RamPage

An unofficial archive of Strasburg sports.

Tag: Central

  • Strasburg Trumps Rival Central, 30-15

    Strasburg Trumps Rival Central, 30-15

    Rams Ride Defense, Special Teams to Victory Over Central

    STRASBURG, VA – When rival teams play, emotions often run high on both sides. However, for Central (0-2) on Friday night, those emotions boiled over to the point of self-destruction. The Falcons committed numerous untimely personal fouls, accumulating 86 total penalty yards, and threw three interceptions. Strasburg (2-0, 0-0 Bull Run) capitalized on these mistakes, securing their second consecutive victory against an AA opponent with a 30-15 win.

    The Rams began the game with a determined drive, achieving something they had been unable to do in their first win: sustain a long offensive series. Strasburg methodically marched down the field, utilizing 13 plays to cover 69 yards. Josh Kibler carried the load, rushing six times for 39 yards before fellow running back Michael Prince scored from nine yards out.

    Several possessions later, Central tied the game when Hoyle Laughli returned Phil Ramsey’s punt for a 50-yard touchdown. However, Ramsey would quickly get his revenge.

    After holding Strasburg’s offense, Ramsey lined up to punt once more. His ensuing line drive kick traveled 68 yards, pinning the Falcons at their own seven-yard line. From there, the Rams’ defense stepped up.

    Working from his safety position, Timmy McDonald focused on Central quarterback John Baroncelli. When Baroncelli attempted a deep pass, McDonald reacted swiftly, darting towards the sideline and intercepting the ball for the third time this season. McDonald’s return, coupled with a roughing penalty, positioned Strasburg’s offense near the one-yard line. Several plays later, Kibler scored his lone touchdown of the night.

    Kibler also made his mark on special teams. He lined up alongside McDonald to return a Falcon punt. McDonald received the ball at the 48-yard line and was immediately hit. It appeared the play was over, but with a Central defender wrapped around his leg, he flipped the ball to Kibler. Kibler utilized his speed to race down the visitor’s sideline, where he was finally stopped at the five-yard line.

    On the very next play, quarterback Kaleb McKelvey connected with senior tight end Caleb Ritter for a touchdown pass. Ramsey’s extra point made the score 21-7, where it would remain at the end of the first half.

    The Falcons began the third quarter with a different offensive approach that initially troubled Strasburg. Shifting to a shotgun formation, Central effectively utilized a quick passing game, moving the ball as close as the Ram eight-yard line. However, the drive, which consumed 8:30 of the quarter, resulted in no points as the defense forced a turnover on downs.

    A 30-yard pass from McKelvey to Ritter early in the fourth quarter, along with a safety caused by a bad snap on a special teams play, sealed the game for the Rams.

    Central’s offense managed to score one touchdown against a combination of first and second-team defensive players with 4:41 remaining. In total, they were limited to just 183 yards, with 90 of those yards coming on Caleb Cole’s late-game run.

    Strasburg’s offensive output was only slightly better, accumulating 219 total yards. For the second consecutive week, they were led on the ground by Kibler’s 134 yards on 27 carries (4.96 yards per carry average). McKelvey completed three of his seven passing attempts for 45 yards, all of which went to Ritter.

  • Strasburg Downs High-Flying Falcons, 17-14

    Strasburg Downs High-Flying Falcons, 17-14

    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.

    Winchester Star: Strasburg Outlasts Falcons

  • Football: 2004 Central Game Notes

    Football: 2004 Central Game Notes

    Falcons Soaring High: Can Rams Slow Them Down?

    After already matching their win total of last year, Strasburg (3-1, 0-0 Bull Run) continues their season against Shenandoah County rival Central High School. The Falcons, winners of 12 of their last 14 games, will be trying to extend their 3-0 record this year. Central handily beat Madison County 31-0 last week and have out scored their three opponents by a combined score of 86-36; claiming wins over private school Randolph Macon (41-27) and Group A Mathews (14-9).

    Coach: Greg Hatfield (5th year, 21-23-0).

    Mascot: Falcons.

    Enrollment: 683.

    Classification: Group A, Division 2, Region B.

    2003 Record: 9-2.

    Current Record: 3-0.

    Points Scored: 86.

    Points Against: 39.

    Offense: Spread.

    Defense: 4-4.

    Key Returnees: OL Devin Alexander, OL Daniel Logan, RB Brandon Pence, WR Justin Stickley.

    Key Losses: LB Clint Bishop, RB Mark Capansky, WR Brad Carter, QB Brandon Foltz, TE Cory Runyon.

    Quick Hits: Central has only beaten Strasburg twice since 1980, but both of those victories have come in the past five years; a 7-3 win in 2000 and last year’s 13-0 win at Ram Stadium. … While only four games into the season, freshman Josh Kibler’s five touchdowns have already tied him with last year’s leading scorers, Aaron Barnes and Josh Wilkins. … This will be the last year the Falcons will be playing in Group A until at least 2008. Beginning next year Central joins Group AA Northwestern District. … The game will be broadcast by Retro Radio starting at 7:20, on AM-1230/AM-790 and online at www.radioshenandoah.com.

  • Central Slips Past Strasburg, 13-0

    Central Slips Past Strasburg, 13-0

    Carter’s Punt Return Fuels Falcons’ Victory Over Rams

    STRASBURG, VA – When a defense holds an opponent to 13 points and 225 yards on 54 plays, a team typically wins. However, when your offense manages only 143 total yards, zero points, and just six first downs, more than not you will lose. This was the unfortunate reality for Strasburg (1-4, 0-0 Bull Run) as their county rival, Central (3-1), defeated the Rams 13-0 last Friday night.

    One week after rushing for 244 yards and three touchdowns, the Rams could only accumulate 115 yards on 39 carries. The Falcons effectively shut down Strasburg’s rushing attack and limited their passing game to three catches for 28 total yards.

    While Central also faced offensive challenges, their spread pro set, led by quarterback Brandon Foltz and wide receiver Brad Carter, was kept relatively in check. Foltz completed only 4 of 15 passes for 44 yards. Carter, a dominant force throughout the season, was held to a meager 29 receiving yards. However, he made his mark with a game-changing punt return.

    Throughout the first half, neither team could penetrate the red zone. Strasburg and Central exchanged punts as their defenses consistently made stops. The score remained 0-0 at halftime.

    The second half mirrored the first until midway through the third quarter. After another forced punt, Carter executed a game-breaking play. Receiving the kick at his own 27-yard line, Carter made a spin move to evade a Ram defender and sprinted down the sideline, reaching the 13-yard line before being tackled.

    Two plays later, Central’s crowd erupted in cheers as running back Brandon Pence found the end zone. These were the Falcons’ first points against the Rams since the fourth quarter of their 2001 meeting, and they proved to be sufficient against the stagnant Strasburg offense. The ensuing extra point was blocked.

    Central added an insurance score late in the game when a tired Ram defense was unable to contain Foltz, who ran 39 yards untouched for a touchdown.

    Strasburg’s closest scoring opportunity occurred on their first possession. Receiver Alex Lynch streaked down the field and was wide open at the 10-yard line. However, sophomore quarterback Parker Neal overthrew the pass. Neal finished the game 4-of-15 passing with two interceptions. On the ground, the Rams were led by Jason Wilkins, who rushed for 56 yards on 11 carries.

    Winchester Star: Central Downs Shenandoah County Rival Strasburg

  • Football: 2003 Central Preview

    Football: 2003 Central Preview

    Rams Looks to End Losing Streak Against Upstart Central

    Strasburg (1-3, 0-0 Bull Run) will conclude the first half of their season by hosting Shenandoah County rival Central High School (2-1) on Friday night. After dropping three consecutive games, the team hopes to regain its winning momentum. In contrast, the Falcons are striving for their third consecutive victory following decisive wins over Madison County and Randolph Macon in the preceding weeks.

    No player on either roster was born the last time Central defeated Strasburg on their home turf. However, with only three years since their last and only victory against the Rams in the past 21 years, the Falcons are poised for another upset.

    One of the most significant weaknesses for Strasburg’s squad this season has been their pass defense. In just four games, the team has surrendered 686 yards (171.5 average) and 10 touchdowns through the air. Last year’s team allowed only 762 yards in 10 regular-season games.

    The past two weeks have been particularly challenging. Against Handley High School and Page County, the Rams conceded 506 passing yards and 906 yards of total offense. Central’s “Run-and-Shoot” offense, featuring three and four wide receiver sets, will present a significant challenge and likely be a key determining factor.

    Leading the Falcons’ offense is senior quarterback Brandon Foltz (5-10, 180). After sharing playing time last year with Jon Vallen (who opted not to participate this season), Foltz is now the full-time starter. While his first two outings were inconsistent, he rebounded with a solid performance last week. After a slow start where he completed 0-of-7 passes, Foltz quickly found his rhythm and completed six of his next ten attempts.

    His favorite wide receiver, Brad Carter (5-10, 165), excelled with five receptions for 120 of the team’s 164 passing yards. Carter has been a dominant force in the area, leading in catches and yards in the past two seasons and earning second-team All-State honors in 2002.

    Justin Stickley (5-10, 170) also contributed a catch against the Mountaineers, a 66-yard touchdown pass. He, along with junior Eric McLeod (5-10, 150), junior Ronnie Sherfey (5-10, 185), and junior Sean Sherfey (5-10, 160), complete the receiving corps. Senior tight ends Cory Runyon (6-6, 235) and Titus Cooper (6-1, 235) round out the passing threats.

    Central suffered a significant blow in the preseason with the injury of senior running back Michael Rice, leaving Foltz as the leading returning rusher. Without a featured back, the Falcons now employ a running back by committee.

    Mark Capansky (5-11, 180), Brandon Pence (6-0, 190), Kolter Stroop (5-11, 170), Foltz, Stickley, and Carter have all contributed to the rushing attack in various ways. Standard rushing plays, along with quarterback bootlegs, quarterback draws, and wide receiver end-arounds, are staples of head coach Greg Hatfield’s spread offense.

    Anchoring the offensive line and paving the way for the rushing attack is center Jacob Wymer (5-11, 210). Other players seeing playing time include Devin Alexander (5-10, 250), Clint Bishop (5-11, 240), Zach Cline (6-0, 215), Dale Flugle (5-10, 250), Daniel Logan (5-11, 190), and T.J. Marion (6-1, 240), all of whom saw playing time last season.

    Like most Group A schools, Central relies on starters to play both ways, often referred to as “Iron Man Football.” Foltz splits time at outside linebacker with Capansky, Nathaniel Dirting (5-11, 195), and David Burgess (6-2, 195). The inside linebackers in the Falcons’ 4-4 defense are Clint Bishop (5-9, 215), Jon Kanopa, and Casey Bowers (5-9, 185). Bishop is the only returning player with experience.

    The strengths of the unit lie in the defensive line and secondary. Seven starters from last year return to their respective positions. On the line, Alexander, Marion, Runyon, and Logan will once again be the starters. The secondary features Carter, Stickley, and Ronnie Sherfey, with Eric McLeod providing occasional relief. The group has allowed a total of 55 points in three games.

    The match-up will be featured on WAMM of Woodstock. WAMM is found at two places on your radio dial, AM-1230 and AM-790. Air time begins at 7:20.

  • Ram’s Defense Stops Falcons, 16-0

    Ram’s Defense Stops Falcons, 16-0

    Strasburg’s Secures Third Consecutive Shutout

    WOODSTOCK, VA – The old adage “defense wins championships” rang true for the Strasburg Rams (5-1) on Friday night. In a game where their offense struggled, the Rams’ defense shone, holding Central (0-6) to a mere 80 total yards and intercepting their quarterbacks four times. This 16-0 victory marked Strasburg’s third consecutive shutout, solidifying their position in the Bull Run District.

    Both teams struggled to gain offensive momentum early in the game. Central threatened late in the first quarter, driving to the Rams’ 16-yard line. However, back-to-back penalties stalled their progress.

    On the ensuing play, senior Cody Miller intercepted quarterback Brandon Foltz, ending the drive. This interception set the stage for the only score of the first half. Paul Ziacoma kicked a 27-yard field goal with 22 seconds remaining in the first quarter, giving Strasburg a 3-0 lead.

    The second quarter mirrored the first, with both offenses struggling to find their rhythm. Strasburg managed 122 yards of total offense, while Central was held to a meager 35 yards. The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with neither team able to generate significant yardage.

    Early in the fourth quarter, the game finally shifted. Selvin Martinez intercepted a pass and returned it 11 yards to the Central 32-yard line. The Rams capitalized on this excellent field position, with running back Sam Robinson scoring a one-yard touchdown. Ziacoma’s extra point extended the lead to 10-0 with 10:25 remaining in the game.

    The teams exchanged possessions before a short 16-yard punt by the Falcons once again gave the Rams favorable field position. Miller capped a four-play, 43-yard drive with a 17-yard touchdown run. An unsportsmanlike penalty on the play moved the extra point attempt back 15 yards, resulting in a missed kick.

    Central failed to mount any further threats, and the Rams secured the 16-0 victory.

    Strasburg’s offense was led on the ground by sophomore Brandon Holbert, who rushed for 78 yards on 12 carries (6.5 yards per carry). Robinson contributed 17 rushes for 74 yards (4.35 yards per carry) and scored his seventh touchdown of the season.

    Miller completed 3-of-12 passes for 42 yards, while also throwing two interceptions. The Rams’ total offense of 221 yards fell short of their season average of 304 yards per game.

    Winchester Star: Strasburg’s Stingy Defense Stifles Winless Falcons

  • Football: 2002 Central Preview

    Football: 2002 Central Preview

    Rams and Falcons Brace for Muddy Showdown

    When rivals Strasburg (4-1) and Central (0-5) meet tomorrow night fans and sport writers will undoubtedly be looking for a cliché to label the match-up. But with one day of wet weather already passing through the area and a 90% chance of precipitation for Friday, the game can possibly be called a sloppy affair.

    The Rams are riding high after a 14-0 victory over previously undefeated Manassas Park. Meanwhile, the Falcons are showing signs of improvement, making this matchup more intriguing than the record might suggest.

    Two years ago, Central pulled off an upset against Strasburg, a memory that still stings the Rams. Now, Strasburg aims to secure their second consecutive “Shenandoah County Championship,” an unofficial title awarded to the team that defeats its two county opponents.

    Central, under third-year coach Greg Hatfield, employs a pro-style, run-and-shoot offense.

    Junior quarterback Brandon Foltz (5-10, 175) leads the team, sharing snaps with the towering Jon Vallen (6-6, 195). Foltz also contributes at running back and linebacker.

    The Falcons boast a strong receiving corps, with former quarterback Brent Clinedinst (5-4, 200) and junior Brad Carter (5-9, 150) making significant contributions. Carter leads the area with 32 catches for 473 yards and one touchdown.

    Junior Michael Rice (5-8, 160) spearheaded the rushing attack last week against Stonewall Jackson, gaining 90 yards on 18 carries. He will be joined by sophomore Jon Sollenberger (5-11, 165) and other young running backs.

    The Falcons will face a tough challenge against a stout Strasburg defense that is allowing only 9.6 points per game and has recorded back-to-back shutouts.

    Central Falcons: Official Site