Zac Smiley hurdles a defender to keep the drive in the Gladiators rout of Sussex Central.
GREENVILLE- This was the game many anticipated as a challenge for Riverheads and that the Sussex Central offense would put some stress of the solid Gladiator defense. The speed of the Tigers and aggressiveness would be able to compensate for the fleet of horses in the backfield coming at them. That analysis would be halfway right........at least for 10 minutes.
Sussex Central went on defense first behind a pumped up visiting crowd held the Gladiators. Riverheads was stopped by the Tigers defense which appeared to have a game plan to slow down the Gladiators offense. Despite these efforts Riverheads would receive extra help from an unexpected component of the game. The Tiger offense.
Riverheads provided all the offensive fireworks as Sussex Central had no matches.
The Sussex offense would go 3 and out. Many felt this was big game jitters but what they would witness was a defensive art form at work. Penalties didn't help the Tigers. Steadily on the second drive Riverheads would cash in when Elijah Dunlap would go in from 1 yard out with 2:00 remaining left in the 1st quarter.
On the next Sussex Central possession they would have more of a set back as Riverheads lived in the backfield forcing the Tigers into 3rd and long. They would be unable to convert as the Tigers would give the ball back to Riverheads. This time Gladiators would find some success sweeping more to the outside. The athleticism of the Tigers defense did show up to aid as their defense held Riverheads to a 26 yard field goal by Peyton Skillman. 10-0 Riverheads with 8:06 in the 2nd quarter.
Sussex Central's defense at times early looked good but too much field time hurt them.
The 3rd time the Tiger offense would fail to move the ball would begin a wear on their defense. Zac Smiley got a 17 yard gain and things were beginning to open up for Riverheads. Smiley would cap off the drive with a 6 yard stroll into the endzone to make it 17-0 with 3:59 left before the half.
Sussex Central would want to move the ball some, prevent another Gladiator possession, and run the clock out to try to regroup at halftime. It would not happen as Riverheads captured more momentum. Smiley showed his athletic ability hurdling one of the Tigers best athletes getting them into scoring position again. With 0:11 before halftime the Tigers needed a stop as Coach Robert Casto's offense set up to bang their way in. They would have a convoy blockers escort Smiley in untouched for a 4 yard run. Riverheads 24 Sussex Central 0 at the half.
Smiley hauls in a catch between two Tiger defenders to set up another Red Pride score.
Anticipating adjustments to get back in it. The visiting crowd chanting loudly in support urging the 2nd seed to answer with something they've been seeing all season long. They would get more of the same as the Tigers would go three and out giving Riverheads the short field. The Gladiators took their time and cashed in the spiritually game clinching score when Smiley banged in from 5 yards out to make it 31-0 with 7:25 left in the 3rd.
The Tigers eventually changed up their offense and would go to their spread. There would be opportunities but the timing would be off. And when catches were made receivers slipped or couldn't handle the ball. Quickly Riverheads would get the ball back but would throw an interception as Tyree Rose with 5:07 in the 3rd would head toward the visitors side line to be stopped by whistles. Somehow a ref thought the ball hit the ground but it was no where near. They would huddle and get the call right but the whistle wiped out any return which would have been the Tigers biggest gain with the ball in their hands.
Braeson Fulton fights for extra yards after the catch to keep the offense rolling.
No movement from the Tigers offense still as they would come up short to get their first 1st down. Riverheads would steadily pound the Tigers. Smiley would go in for his 4th touchdown of the night. This one from 3 yards out to make it 38-0 Riverheads with 2:45 in the 3rd.
Sussex Central would earn their only 1st down when Rose got a 2 yard gain to convert on 4th down. The Tiger drive would stall from their as the back ups would come in for Riverheads on offense. Following a punt Sussex Central would give points to Riverheads as Aidan Miller blasted Rose to sack him in the endzone to make it 40-0 with 6:07 to play with the running clock.
Tyree Rose's interception was the biggest play for the Tigers all night.
The defense of the Tigers game up their biggest run when Bennett Dunlap bursted a 21 yard quarterback sneak for the touchdown wrapping up the game with a 46-0 victory. Smiley finished the game with 17 carries for 120 yards and 4 touchdowns. Riverheads (13-0) will host the winner of the Region A championship between Rappahannock and Essex at 1pm December 7th.
Riverheads took care of business capturing their 5th straight Region B championship.
Riverheads defense held Sussex Central to -12 yards of total offense. The Tigers finish with a 10-3 record and will look to meet the Gladiators next season.
SUSSEX CENTRAL 0 0 0 0 - 0
RIVERHEADS 7 17 14 8 - 46
R- Elijah Dunlap 1 yard run (Peyton Skillman kick)
R- Skillman 26 yard field goal
R- Smiley 6 yard run (Skillman kick)
R- Smiley 4 yard run (Skillman kick)
R- Smiley 5 yard run (Skillman kick)
R- Smiley 3 yard run (Skillman kick)
R- Miller sacked Rose for safety
R- Bennett Dunlap 21 yard run (kick failed)
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