Blue Ridge’s football program came into this season with high expectations and it didn’t take the Barons long to start capitalizing on the squad’s potential Saturday afternoon in a 35-8 rout of Hargrave Military Academy.
In fact, it only took a couple of plays.
That’s when new addition Cameron Carr hauled in an interception on Hargrave Military Academy’s first drive, setting up a quick Blue Ridge touchdown on a six-yard run by Justin Armwood.
“Cameron was a good addition to the family, I love that man right there,” said Blue Ridge’s Jahlil Puryear. “That was a good pick and it really turned the game for us.”
Carr picked off a pair of passes and the Barons took advantage of great field position all day created by a stingy defense that posted a shutout until under the three minute mark. The Barons came after the Tigers throughout, hemming in Hargrave quarterback Darrell Smith while coming up with six sacks as a team including two by Puryear.
“We just like to attack, we don’t like to sit back on our heels,” said Blue Ridge coach Tim Thomas. “Because we’re attacking we might give up a big run every now and then because we’re always trying to create pressure but they’re the spark.”
The Barons built a 21-0 lead before the break, then tacked on two more third quarter touchdowns to put the game away. Armwood rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another. He and Jamison Harrison got in behind an improved offensive line and showed that unlike last year the Barons could make things happen up the middle. In 2015, Blue Ridge did a tremendous job of attacking the edge with Malik Johnson and Harrison still gives them that option now. Throw in the emerging attack between the tackles and stopping the Barons on the ground could prove to be a major challenge.
“I’ve got to give credit to the offensive line, that’s the only reason we’re doing what we’re doing on the ground,” Armwood said. “We can do what we did last year and we can do what we’re doing now running up the middle. It’s just great.”
Those yards came with a slightly re-worked offensive line too according to Thomas. The Barons used a reserve at guard in freshman Tramell Thompson and a new starter at left tackle in Myles Jones who is playing football for the first time this season. That group still managed to clear the way for four total rushing touchdowns and protect Armwood as he threw for 143 yards on 8-for-14 passing.
“Myles stepped up and he did a great job,” Thomas said. “I was pleased, it was a good running game.”
Harrison finished with 107 yards of total offense that included a 45-yard catch and run and a 26-yard carry as he flashed some big play potential. Armwood picked up 56 yards on 14 touches. Carr and Puryear each had rushing touchdowns for the Barons.
Blue Ridge will look to pick up its second win of the year when the Barons take on Flint Hill at home next week.
