Hargrave 63 – Radford 6
The Hargrave Military Academy Post-Graduate Football team took the field for the first time in 2009 against Radford University. Despite only practicing for a little over a week, the team looked like a well-oiled machine and combined a lighting-quick defense with a devastating ground attack on offense en route to a 63-6 final score.
Hargrave’s patented smash-mouth rushing attack thrashed the Radford defense all day to the tune of 317 yards on 35 carries. The Tigers offense was paced by local Danville product Tahron Goods as he powered his way to 124 yards on 17 carries and three touchdowns. Woodbridge, VA native Bill Nyantakyi made the most of his 6 carries, rushing for 107 yards and a score. Alex Owah also ran well finishing with 60 yards on 9 carries. It’s clear that Hargrave’s ability to run the football is going to be a consistent theme throughout the season.
The Tigers didn’t throw many passes, but when they did, they were successful. The Tigers threw two touchdowns, one from Quarterback Evan Ingram to Delray Beach, FL native, Preston Cleckley right before halftime, and one from Quarterback Dolapo Macarthy to Hampton, VA product Omyn Newkirk from 28 yards out. The two quarterbacks split time, and looked equally effective at running the Tigers offense and managing the game.
Other offensive standouts were Sean Farr, who reeled in a 43 yard pass and, and Deon Long, who returned a punt 44 yards for a touchdown.
The Tigers offensive line also included plenty of outstanding performances including: tackles Dan Polaski and Terrance Hackney, guards Johnnie Farms and Tom Pizzurro, and center Sawyer Russell. Tackle Laurence Gibson of Sierra Vista, AZ also played well, and showed that Hargrave’s offensive line will be athletic and deep this season.
Defensively, the Tigers swarming defense left Radford no margin for error and capitalized on many Radford mistakes. On the defensive line, Robert Kearney, sacked Radford’s quarterback and forced a fumble that was recovered by Monroe, LA native Foster Jones. Kearney had two sacks and was a terror for the Radford offensive line all day. Other defensive linemen that played well were, De’Antre Rhodes who had 2 Tackles for loss, Hakeem Worthen who had 4 tackles including 1 for loss, and Drew Cheripko, who recovered a bad snap in the end zone for a touchdown.
The Hargrave linebackers and secondary flew around the field making plays all day. Outside linebacker Jules Forney of Joppa, MD intercepted a Radford pass and returned it for a 15 yard touchdown. Cornerback Dylan Farrington also picked off Radford right before halftime, preserving Hargrave’s lead before the break. Other standouts include William Speight who was solid in run support and finished with three tackles and a pass break-up, Demetrius Ramsey, who played well at the inside linebacker spot and finished with 3 tackles, and Ishmael Banks who had two pass break-ups.
On special teams, kicker Troy Krepich finished a perfect 6 for 6 on extra points and made solid contact on kickoffs all day.
The Tigers are pleased with the effort and production they received in their season opener, but know it will take a collective group effort in their next game against the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL on Sunday September, 5 in Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
