By Liz Keller / Scrimmageplay.com contributor
BUCKINGHAM — Looking like a well-oiled machine, Buckingham County hit on all cylinders in its victory over Bluestone on Friday night.
The Knights, led by a stout defense and the one-two punch of Tariq Gough and Leon Ragland on offense, dominated from start to finish in the 42-0 win.
Gough accounted for five touchdowns, all of which came in the first half, as Buckingham picked up its third straight win in a game that took just an hour and a half to play.
“We had a great week of practice and we’re just trying to get better,” Buckingham coach Craig Gill said. “[Bluestone] looked a lot better against Goochland than they did tonight, so we didn’t know what to expect. The guys executed, we had a great defensive plan, the offense moved the ball and we’re just getting better every week.”
The Knights (3-0) got off to a quick start as they scored on the opening drive and never looked back. Gough, a 6-0, 190-pounder, found the end zone twice before Buckingham fans could even get settled in their seats. The sophomore speedster, who gave all the credit to the front five, finished with 127 yards on 11 carries.
“Our offensive line is playing awesome right now,” Gough said. “If it wasn’t for them, me and Leon wouldn’t be getting all the yardage and touchdowns.”
Ragland, a junior quarterback, scampered in for another score to give Buckingham a 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. He toted the ball seven times for 125 yards as the Knights amassed 330 yards on the ground. Sophomore running back Keavon Perkins added 76 yards on 10 carries.
Buckingham moved the ball swiftly down the field in the second quarter as the line continued to pave the way for Gough, who added a pair of rushing TDs in the frame. He also provided a spark on defense with an electrifying interception return for a touchdown (41 yards).
Gill was pleased with his team’s defense as it preserved the shutout in the second half. In addition to the interception return, the Knights had three fumble recoveries. Hunter Edwards, Patrick Carr and Sean Ayers led the way as the defense shut down the Barons.
“The defensive coaching staff did a great job stopping their bread and butter,” said Gill, who was able to get every roster player in the game. “We keyed on [their running backs and quarterback] and the boys up front played well and we tackled well.”
The Knights won’t dwell on the win for long, as they shift their focus to Friday’s game against longtime rival Goochland.
“It’s all about revenge,” Ragland said. “We haven’t won in three or four years and we’ve got to come out and play hard and execute.”
