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Plummer powers Goochland

When Goochland lost its Jefferson District opener to Charlottesville, question marks arose about whether the Bulldogs would compete in the league in year one. After two straight victories including a 59-34 win over Monticello Friday night, those questions appear to have been answered.

Goochland looked the part of a title contender as they ran up and down the field on Monticello at will. Goochland coach Joe Fowler had plenty of options when deciding who to give the ball to between Dustin Plummer, David McKenna, Desmond Athey, Austin Chenault and Willie Ezell, and all registered rushing touchdowns against the Mustangs.

Plummer set the tone early with a 72-yard touchdown just 21 seconds into the game. The Bulldog defense added to the effort by forcing the Mustangs to a three and out on their first possession. With 5:30 left in just the first quarter a Desmond Athey score made it Goochland 14-0.

After a flurry of scoring on both sides, Goochland held a 21-13 advantage at the end of the first quarter and from there the Bulldogs ramped it up. Plummer rushed for over 200 yards before half time, Athey plugged one in just inches from the goal line, and Ezell picked off a Garrett Mullaney pass for another quick six to put the Bulldogs up 39-13 at the half.

Dustin Plummer had a stellar night, registering 225 rushing yards, 202 of those yards coming in the first half with only four carries.

“It felt good,” Plummer said. “That’s the best I’ve ever done.”

Monticello’s CJ Page was the only consistent answer the Mustangs had all night, registering two first half touchdowns with a 72-yard sprint of his own. Page even surpassed his career high, carrying the ball for 193 yards on the night. Other Mustangs reaching pay dirt were Mullaney and Nate Valadez who forced his way into the end zone twice with time winding down. Unfortunately for Coach Bicknell and company, they were a small glimmer of hope in a game where the away red and white jerseys made themselves right at home.

“We got some pep in our step against Orange last week and we tried to continue that momentum into this week,” Fowler said. “We’re not really worried about [winning] the district as much as we are making the playoffs. That’s the most important thing to focus on each year.”

Goochland looks to stay on track next week as they travel to Fluvanna while Monticello hopes to bounce back against Western Albemarle.

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