There was little for Goochland coach Joe Fowler to complain about on Friday night in his team’s win over No. 15 Washington & Lee in the first round of the Region 2A East playoffs.
And with good reason. The unbeaten second-seeded Bulldogs made quick work of the visiting Eagles, as they raced to a sizeable first-quarter lead and cruised to a 49-7 victory.
Goochland advances to the second round against No. 7 Strasburg, a winner over King William on Friday.
The Bulldogs (11-0), were effective on both sides of the ball from the start, as a pair of interceptions led to quick scores. Cole Nuckols picked off a Carson Bell pass on W&L’s opening possession and took it into Eagles’ territory. Calvin Martin (8 yards) and Cordell Mattox (26 yards) moved the ball down field before Marcus Burton found his way in the end zone from seven yards out.
Zach Gordon converted the point after attempt to give Goochland a 7-0 lead.
On the Eagles’ following possession, running back Daquince Bunns was greeted by a wall of defenders, led by Jamal Carter and Marqual Chennault, and gained little or negative yardage. It didn’t get any better for the visitors on third down, as Devin McCray intercepted Bell’s second pass of the night.
Five plays later, the Bulldogs scored again, as Jasper Carter ran up the middle for a 5-yard TD.
“We’ve been trying really hard since the first week of practice in August to set the tone on defense,” senior Ricky Mayfield said. “We’ve just worked hard every single day of practice and it’s all about technique. Our defense is really tight. We know what to do and we’re always tackling as a family.”
Goochland continued to make the most of its opportunities, and after a blocked punt Chennault picked up the loose ball to give his team good field position.
It took just three plays for the Bulldogs to add to their lead. Mattox darted in from nine yards out and the rout was on.
“They had some injuries and suspensions, and they weren’t at full strength and it showed,” Fowler said. “We didn’t get a ton out of it, but a lot of young kids got a chance to play and as we get into the playoffs and go up against other tough teams, it’s always good to get those kids some chances.”
Burton, who rushed five times for 52 yards, tallied his second touchdown of the night (22-yard run) and Goochland tacked on scores from Martin (31-yard run) and Tanner Bradshaw, who connected with John King for a 17-yard TD pass before halftime.
Perry Snead-Johnson’s 7-yard TD in the third quarter completed the scoring for Goochland.
The Eagles’ lone score came on a 1-yard run from Bell late in the game.
Goochland, which last won a state championship in 2012, will play host to Strasburg Friday at 7 p.m.
