First off this was one heck of a defensive battle. Neither team could consistently move the ball. A ton of athletes on display in this game.
Lake Taylor's #22 Tucker-Dorsey (6.5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 kickoff return for td, 2 catches 14 yards, 122 yards in kickoff return yardage) is a fantastic player and he put heat on the Dinwiddie offense all night long. JMU landed a stud. I was also impressed with the Titans defensive backs. They know the pass coverage rules and push them intellegently to their advantage.
Yes, Pope (2 td's, 2 ints., 31 yds rushing, 6 catches 75 yards, 7.5 tackles) did it all tonight and his praise is well deserved. The running game and Witt (13-25 162 2 tds) did enough to get the job done. Our receivers dropped some sure catches, but more importantly we only had one turnover on a fumble (Lake Taylor 4 to's). Just got the teams stats and they were about even as well. Slight edge to Dinwiddie in both passing (162 Din. 148 LT) and rushing (143 Din. 107 LT).
Now about the "holding call". (It would not have tied it up without the xp). Unless you were an official or a coach in the box watching for a penalty there is no way a fan can honestly say there was or was not a hold. I, just like every other fan was watching the runner cut back for the td. I saw the flag come out as the runner cut back, because it was in my sight line. Did I see a hold no, but I was watching the runner. It was not delayed and was thrown towards the cut back.
I have seen the official in question who is a highly rated white hat, referee big high school games in Richmond and colleges for years. He also referees basketball and umpires. Not once have I ever seen him make a malicious or pro anyone call. By the way, I know for a fact he has never officiated a Dinwiddie game in the last15 years. Homer no. Good official yes. Did he make the right call????? Past history says he did. Film does not lie, so we shall see.
Lets not take anything away from the effort these two teams gave tonight. I for one apllaud both squads. Thanks for making high school football awesome.
Devils, you guys had one hell of a defensive game plan. Mad respect for your team and staff. Nice fan support as well glad to see a good crowd on the visitors side.