Chatham, VA – Hargrave Military Academy used a 31-point first half offensive explosion to set the pace versus a tough Louisburg Junior College team on Saturday at Hargrave field. The Hurricanes were able to put some points up in the second half, but it was not enough as the Tigers held onto the lead to earn their sixth win of the season 34-20.
Hargrave spent little time putting points on the board. Hargrave kicked off to Louisburg and on the first play the Tiger defense recovered a Hurricane fumble on the thirty yard line. The Tiger offense stepped onto the field and in one play found the end zone. Quarterback Emanuel Francis found receiver Chris Slaughter wide open in the end zone to put the Tigers up 7-0 less than a minute into the contest.
The Tiger defense came on again to force a three play and out scenario to give the offense the ball back and the result was the same on offense. Hargrave moved the ball down field with efficiency as Francis connected with Slaughter again on a trio of passes, the last one from 16-yards out for his second score of the game to put the home team up 14-0 in the first quarter.
Louisburg would not find much luck on offense in the first half as the Hargrave defense stifled the Hurricanes for the first two quarters. Led by linebackers Russ Wantowski, Almondo Sewell, William Johnson, defensive linemen Clifton Geathers, Miguel Chavis, Jon Hollins, along with defensive backs Jimmaul Simmons, Deandre McDaniel, and Brett Orr, the defense stood tough forcing three interceptions and two fumbles in the game.
The Tiger offense would strike again on their next drive. This time it was running backs Demetrius Goode and HB Banjoman who carried the load. Receiver Ben Finney also made a key snag on third down to put the Tigers in position to kick a field goal. Kicker Kyle Hughes hit his ninth field goal of the season to put the lead at 17-0 heading into the second quarter.
Hargrave would get the ball back and again put points on the scoreboard. This time quarterback Andrew Calantone would connect with Slaughter and Ronnie Tyler to move the ball 45-yards down the field. The Tigers called on monster full back Richard Parker from one-yard out to put Hargrave up 24-0.
The defense again would hold strong and give the offense the ball back with another golden opportunity to extend the lead. Demetrius Goode would get in on the fun as he rushed for 16-yards and chipped in another twenty yards receiving to move the lead to 31-0 with three minutes to go in the half.
Louisburg was able to put a score up with less than a minute remaining in the half, but mammoth 6’7” Clifton Geathers put his big paw up to block the extra point to leave the lead at 31-6.
The Tigers made an effort to put another score up before the half as Calantone found receiver Robert White for a 40-yards strike, but with six seconds remaining in the half the Tigers were unable to find the end zone on a last second hailmary.
Hargrave was able to add another field goal in the second half by Kyle Hughes for his tenth of the season and Louisburg put up another two touchdowns late in the game to cut into the lead, but the Tigers walked away with a victory.
Hargrave moves to 6-2 on the season and will travel on Thursday to Lexington, Kentucky. The Tigers will face off with the Wildcats on Friday in Commonwealth Stadium at 1:00 PM. For travel information, please check www.hargrave.edu on the PG Football link.
