Sure, A.J. Williams can haul in fades and streaks all day, and he’s been getting it done for Blue Ridge through the air. But the Barons needed to prove they could put together a methodical, run-oriented attack — a necessity late in the year.
Mike Casey and a powerful offensive line made sure Blue Ridge did just that against Atlantic Shores.
Casey was a critical part of a 22-play, 90-yard drive that stretched from late in the third quarter until there were just five minutes left in the fourth. The drive put the game out of reach for Atlantic Shores and helped setup a 40-22 victory that clinched the top spot in the state playoffs for the Barons.
“That’s exactly what we needed,” Casey said. “We just told ourselves, just get a first down and step-by-step we’ll get down there.”
Casey, Chase Parten, Speedy McCauley and Andre Roberts all picked up big gains on the march before junior Khalif Dandy, a newer addition to the Barons’ gameday roster, finished the drive off with a 1-yard plunge for the score. Blue Ridge converted three third downs on the possession and kept the ball on the ground on all but one play. Just three plays went for more than 10 yards.
“That was a statement drive — that was one we knew we were going to have to do at some point,” said Blue Ridge coach Del Smith. “You have a 275-pound average on your offensive line you need to be able to do that and if we couldn’t do that we’re not going to be a very good football team.”
What’s perhaps most impressive about that drive is that Blue Ridge pulled it off with leading rusher David Coe in a boot on the sidelines because of a high ankle sprain for another game. Casey was more than up to the task to fill in for Coe again, rushing for 103 yards and a score on 19 carries.
Casey followed up the drive with a game-sealing interception on Atlantic Shores’ ensuing possession. Blue Ridge immediately moved to close out the win on the next play with a streak to Williams, who caught the McCauley toss for a 30-yard touchdown that ended any hopes of a miracle rally by the Seahawks, the defending state champions.
McCauley finished 8-for-17 for 157 yards and two touchdowns. He also had several critical runs. Roberts played well out of the wildcat, ripping off several big gains on key downs.
Blue Ridge will close out the regular season next week with local rival St. Anne’s-Belfield at 2 p.m. Friday.
