Riverheads captures their 6th straight state title with even more expected in the future.
SALEM- Riverheads knew the task would not be easy going for their 50th consecutive win and their 6th straight state title at the expense of Galax, and they were right. The Maroon Tide came ready to battle and had a great game plan but could they execute it enough before the depth, size, and talent wore them down?
Things went as expected in the first half as the Maroon Tide pumped up and ready to plan was very effective slowing down the Gladiator offense. Their success would run out later in the 1st quarter when Cayden Cook-Cash would break loose for a 39 yard touchdown run to relive the concerned crown to give the Gladiators a 7-0 lead.
Ian Ashworth had been a force running the ball but the Gladiators pretty much took that option away in the first half. Coach Scott Allen would definitely have to change things up at the half but overall Galax was quite surprising with their success. Cook-Cash would go in for his 2nd touchdown from 3 yards out to make it 14-0 Riverheads at the half.
Galax would then go to a short passing game which was quite effective but several drops at the wrong time and the occasional pressure would hender several drives. Cook-Cash would deliver a big blow breaking loose on a 62 yard touchdown run that made Galax realize it would be now or never.
Cayden Cook-Cash breaks away for a 62 yard touchdown run in the 3rd quarter.
Ashworth and company would respond with a mix of runs and passes. The Maroon Tide would get inside the Riverheads 5 yard line and would soon cash in with Ashworth being met at the goal line trying to dive over. He would keep his legs moving and power in for the touchdown making it 21-7.
Galax would bend but not break as Cook-Cash out of bounds on a big run. That would be significant as the Maroon Tide defense would hold and force the Gladiators to kick a field goal. Cooper Robson would connect from 21 yards out to give Riverheads a 24-7 lead in the 3rd.
Drops and unexpected losses would continue to plague the Maroon Tide stopping them from being able to capitalize and the slither of hope Riverheads had given them to make it a game. All chances went out the window as Luke Bryant shut the door on all hope when he exploded down the sideline for a 76 yard touchdown run to wrap up the 3rd quarter. 31-7 at the end of the 3rd.
Luke Bryant pulls away from everyone for the longest touchdown of the game 76 yards.
Cook-Cash would get his 4th touchdown of the night as he scampered in from 9 yards out. The top back was able to rush 18 times for 225 yards in the evening. Bryant added 177 yards rushing.
Javonte Reeves would get the Galax highlight of the game when he broke loose through the right side of the offensive line going for a 41 yard touchdown run to make it 38-14 to close out the Maroon Tide scoring.
The Gladiators formula for success rolls on!Aiden Miller would finish up the game scoring and his solid Gladiator tenure going in from 10 yards out to make the score exactly how the VirginiaPreps championship preview called it 44-14....for a moment anyway. Robson's extra point would vanquish that as Riverheads secured the 45-14 victory as the top Class 1 program, the longest title streak in VHSL football history, and the current longest win streak in the nation!
Coach Robert Casto and the Gladiator program can enjoy the success of the great season and will gear up for the big spotlight having the longest streak in all of high school football. 8 straight state championships is the national record by Soldotna in Alaska. Covid canceled their season ending their streak at 8.
Living legend Coach Robert Casto soaks in a moment of success once again!
Riverheads (14-0) loses 14 seniors but they still return standout quarterback Bennett Dunlap, both of the top rushers, and most of their offensive line. The Big Red Machine looks to be the favorite going into 2022.
Galax (11-3) was led by Reeves with 88 yards rushing and Jackson Alderman led the team with 4 grabs for 48 yards.
GALAX 0 0 7 7 - 14
RIVERHEADS 7 7 17 14 - 45
R- Cook-Cash 38 yard run (Robson kick)
R- Cook-Cash 3 yard run (Robson kick)
R- Cook-Cash 62 yard run (Robson kick)
G- Ashworth 1 yard run (Alberta Vera kick)
R- Robson 21 yard FG
R- Bryant 76 yard run (Robson kick)
R- Cook-Cash 9 yard run (Robson kick)
G- Reeves 41 yard (Vera kick)
R- Miller 10 yard run (Robson kick)
2021 Class 1 State Championship: Galax vs. Riverheads
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