BUCKINGHAM — It is only September, yet Buckingham is a team playing as well as many football programs hope to play in late November.
The Knights shined in every facet of the game and put their high-octane offense on display in jaw-dropping fashion in a 70-27 rout over Central Lunenburg on Friday night.
The victory was Buckingham’s fourth straight and set a school record for most points scored in a game. All four wins have been by double digits.
The game was a stark contrast to last year, in which the Knights scrambled for a come-from-behind victory.
“Last year we had to fight tooth and nail to win this game. They have a lot of tradition and pride and we just jumped on them early and they didn’t recover well,” Buckingham coach Craig Gill said. “Our guys got better as the game went on and never in my wildest dreams would I ever believe anybody would put up 70 on Central.”
Buckingham gave up an early score as Malik Foster hauled in a 60-yard TD reception from Josh Paynter on the first play of the game.
However, the Knights quickly responded with a six-play drive. Leon Ragland spun his way free from a defender and marched into the end zone from 20 yards out for the first of his four touchdowns. Hunter Edwards ran in for the conversion to give the home team the 8-7 lead.
Buckingham recovered a loose ball on the kickoff and Ragland again found an opening, sprinting five yards for the score.
After forcing the Chargers to punt, it didn’t take long for the Knights to do some more damage. Ragland continued to give an explosive performance, following his blockers and racing 60 yards for another score as Buckingham took a commanding 21-7 lead. The 6-0, 180-pounder finished with 176 yards on 19 carries and gave the credit to his offensive line.
“Our line is really pushing,” said Ragland, who was named Homecoming King at halftime. “At the beginning of the season we weren’t really getting that push but we’re more confident and we’re pretty good right now.”
BJ Gough was equally impressive on the ground as he added a 33-yard touchdown before halftime to give the Knights a 42-14 lead. The senior led all ball carriers with 185 yards on 19 carries.
Buckingham continued to dominate in the second half as every athlete on the roster earned playing time.
One of the highlights of the third quarter came when Harley Gough blocked a Central field goal attempt, then picked up the ball and sprinted 70 yards for the score, much to the delight of the large crowd on hand.
The defense continued with its opportunistic play, recovering a fumble on the visitors’ next possession. Jervonte Morgan picked up the loose ball and took it 57 yards for the score.
Junior Rajheem Holman added a pair of second-half touchdowns, including a 59-yard jaunt.
“I haven’t scored a touchdown or made a tackle — it all goes to my staff and to these players I’ve got who listen and do what they’re told,” Gill said. “We just hope we can keep playing and getting better and try to make a run at the end of the year.”
Buckingham visits Bluestone next Friday before a showdown with rival Goochland on Oct. 9.
