In the past when Nelson County took an early shot from an opponent, too often the Governors would roll over. There was a sense that the inevitable has arrived — especially on the road — and a loss is imminent, an understandable assumption with Nelson’s record.
Those days are clearly over.
The Governors took an early shot from Randolph-Henry Friday night and fell into a hole and roared back out of it with 44 unanswered points en route to a 50-23 victory over the Statesmen.
“I was very happy to see us get down early on the road and get back on track,” said Nelson coach Matt Hicks. “Not something we could have done two years ago.”
Nelson’s offense was lighting it up, with George Brown throwing for 237 yards while accounting for four total touchdowns, three through the air and one rushing. His backfield mate Felix Rodriguez was the perfect counterweight on the ground, rushing for 177 yards and a touchdown on 15 touches.
Brandon Jamerson had 100 yards receiving and Brice Wilson snagged a touchdown pass from Brown.
Meanwhile, after giving up the early score, the Governors’ defense got locked in, clamping down on Randolph-Henry while the offense piled up points.
“It was great seeing our guys go out and execute a complete game-plan in all 3 phases,” Hicks said. “It’s a testament to the hard work these guys have put in.”
The Governors will try and make it 2-0 for the first time since 2007 against Page County next week at home. The Governors lost to Page just 16-6 a year ago.
