Follow the LIVE 5A State Championship BLOG with Highland Springs (13-1) vs. Stone Bridge (12-2) in a re-match from last year, won by the Springers, at Hampton University with Matthew Hatfield here...
LIVE 5A Championship Blog - Highland Springs (13-1) vs. Stone Bridge (12-2)
- Thread starter matthew328826
- Start date
Stone Bridge opens the game with an onside / squib kick and the Bulldogs recover. Paul Moore appeared to get the ball.
After recovering the ball, the Bulldogs began at the 43-yard line of Highland Springs and have marched down the field quickly, now at the 6-yard line of the Springers after a couple of long runs from Bradley Block and Joshua Breece.
After recovering the ball, the Bulldogs began at the 43-yard line of Highland Springs and have marched down the field quickly, now at the 6-yard line of the Springers after a couple of long runs from Bradley Block and Joshua Breece.
Stone Bridge is threatening, but the Bulldogs aren't finding easy running room inside the red zone.
Highland Springs junior defensive lineman Daymonte Felder and senior linebacker Justin Hopkins stand tall against the run after a procedure penalty on Stone Bridge backed them up to the 11-yard line.
On 3rd & Goal from the 5-yard line, Block is stopped by Hopkins, who's doing a great job in the early going. Hopkins appears to be shaken up after the tackle and is being looked at by the medical staff.
Stone Bridge now will face 4th & Goal from just inside the 2-yard line of the Springers.
Highland Springs junior defensive lineman Daymonte Felder and senior linebacker Justin Hopkins stand tall against the run after a procedure penalty on Stone Bridge backed them up to the 11-yard line.
On 3rd & Goal from the 5-yard line, Block is stopped by Hopkins, who's doing a great job in the early going. Hopkins appears to be shaken up after the tackle and is being looked at by the medical staff.
Stone Bridge now will face 4th & Goal from just inside the 2-yard line of the Springers.
7:59 left 1stQ - Stone Bridge 7, Highland Springs 0
Direct snap to Bradley Block for a 2-yard TD run on 4th & Goal. Believe that is Block's 27th TD of the year by our count.
Direct snap to Bradley Block for a 2-yard TD run on 4th & Goal. Believe that is Block's 27th TD of the year by our count.
Highland Springs recovers the squib kick from Stone Bridge this time and will begin at its own 49-yard line.
On the first play from scrimmage, QB Juwan Carter (Norfolk State commit) hands off to Billy Kemp and the 5'8" 175-pound junior takes off for a gain of 19 to the Stone Bridge 32-yard line.
Matchup I'm keeping a close eye on is Rivals250 offensive tackle Mekhi Becton of Highland Springs against defensive end Aidan McFarlne for Stone Bridge.
On the first play from scrimmage, QB Juwan Carter (Norfolk State commit) hands off to Billy Kemp and the 5'8" 175-pound junior takes off for a gain of 19 to the Stone Bridge 32-yard line.
Matchup I'm keeping a close eye on is Rivals250 offensive tackle Mekhi Becton of Highland Springs against defensive end Aidan McFarlne for Stone Bridge.
On 3rd & 12 - Highland Springs QB Juwan Carter is brought down by Aidan McFarlane and Daniel Renaud.
Springers keep the offense on the field on 4th down in Stone Bridge territory and Carter is stopped by the combo of Paul Moore and Cole Gordon short of the moving the sticks.
Stone Bridge takes over at their own 26-yard line, leading the Springers 7-0 with six minutes left in this opening quarter.
Springers keep the offense on the field on 4th down in Stone Bridge territory and Carter is stopped by the combo of Paul Moore and Cole Gordon short of the moving the sticks.
Stone Bridge takes over at their own 26-yard line, leading the Springers 7-0 with six minutes left in this opening quarter.
This Stone Bridge running attack is clicking as Joshua Breece breaks off a 21-yard gain and the Bulldogs are close to scoring range again, to the Highland Springs 31-yard line after that fourth down stop.
Defense and special teams have set Mickey Thompson's Bulldogs up well offensively. Another nice run - this one from Leland Girdy on a misdirection fake - nets 14 more yards. Stone Bridge is in the red zone and their offensive line is winning the battle in the trenches thus far against a tough Highland Springs front that gave Norview a lot of trouble a week ago.
Defense and special teams have set Mickey Thompson's Bulldogs up well offensively. Another nice run - this one from Leland Girdy on a misdirection fake - nets 14 more yards. Stone Bridge is in the red zone and their offensive line is winning the battle in the trenches thus far against a tough Highland Springs front that gave Norview a lot of trouble a week ago.
Stone Bridge draws Highland Springs offsides. Can't say enough just how well this Stone Bridge offensive line with Michael Weeks, Aaron Pappy Brian Fredrikson, Noah Crawford and Dillon Carey are creating room to mash the Springers up the middle. They are now knocking on the door again at the 1-yard line.
2:27 left 1stQ - Stone Bridge 13, Highland Springs 0
Stone Bridge's Bradley Block with 2TD's rushing so far. The two-point conversion was no good as the snap was bobbled up. Bulldogs decided to go for 2 after a penalty on Highland Springs moved them a yard closer.
Highland Springs needs a quick strike / answer from its offense and to find a solution to stop this Stone Bridge running game or else the Bulldogs will be on their way to victory today.
Stone Bridge's Bradley Block with 2TD's rushing so far. The two-point conversion was no good as the snap was bobbled up. Bulldogs decided to go for 2 after a penalty on Highland Springs moved them a yard closer.
Highland Springs needs a quick strike / answer from its offense and to find a solution to stop this Stone Bridge running game or else the Bulldogs will be on their way to victory today.
Highland Springs going for it again on 4th & 2 from the Stone Brdidge 29-yard line. Surprised a bit the Springers ran on 3rd & 10, where QB Juwan Carter picked up eight yards before being brought down by Daniel Renaud.
Carter runs to the short side of the field and is unable to move the chains. Stone Bridge, leading 13-0 with 1:38 left in the first quarter, takes over at their own 29-yard line.
Carter runs to the short side of the field and is unable to move the chains. Stone Bridge, leading 13-0 with 1:38 left in the first quarter, takes over at their own 29-yard line.
Surprisingly, Stone Bridge goes for it on 4th & 8 from their own 31-yard line with a 13-point lead on Highland Springs and the inside trap only picked up 2 yards.
We've reached the end of the first period... it's all Stone Bridge here, though Highland Springs has a chance to draw closer as the second quarter is set to begin.
End 1stQ - Stone Bridge 13, Highand Springs 0
We've reached the end of the first period... it's all Stone Bridge here, though Highland Springs has a chance to draw closer as the second quarter is set to begin.
End 1stQ - Stone Bridge 13, Highand Springs 0
Stone Bridge's running game out of the single-wing continues to blast up the middle with their 1-2 punchof Joshua Breece and Bradley Block. This latest drive began at their own 20-yard line, but after four runs, the Bulldogs have reached the 48-yard line of Highland Springs.
The Springers get a key tackle for loss from Aaron Motley (6-2, 265) senior and that could give them momentum and put Stone Bridge in a critical third down situation. However, we've seen Coach Thompson already go for it once on fourth down and he won't be shy about doing so again, especially in Highland Springs territory.
The Springers get a key tackle for loss from Aaron Motley (6-2, 265) senior and that could give them momentum and put Stone Bridge in a critical third down situation. However, we've seen Coach Thompson already go for it once on fourth down and he won't be shy about doing so again, especially in Highland Springs territory.
Coach Thompson decides to go for it on 4th & 2 from the Highland Springs 43-yard line and the Springers gang tackle Bradley Block short of moving the chains. Jordan Wall and Justin Hopkins (who has been very active thus far) were two of the main ones in on the stop.
So with just under 8 minutes to play in the first half - Highland Springs begins at their own 44-yard line, trailing Stone Bridge 13-7.
So with just under 8 minutes to play in the first half - Highland Springs begins at their own 44-yard line, trailing Stone Bridge 13-7.
Highland Springs is starting to get to the edges a bit and open up some things in the passing game with QB Juwan Carter. A nice tippy-toe catch by James Jackson on 3rd & 8 picks up 11. Then it's Billy Kemp in stride with a 24-yard reception from Carter down to the Stone Bridge 17-yard line.
Can the Stone Bridge defense buckle down against the speed and athleticism of Highland Springs and protect this lead?
Can the Stone Bridge defense buckle down against the speed and athleticism of Highland Springs and protect this lead?
Then on 4th down, a pass along the sideline for Highland Springs that close to being a catch is ruled incomplete. Officials say the Springers receiver who caught the ball was out of bounds.
So Stone Bridge takes over at its own 20-yard ine, leading 13-7 with 4 minutes left in the first half.
Stone Bridge is on the move again and playing with good pace. Highland Springs isn't helping itself as a face-mask penalty moves the Bulldogs into enemy territory. The 15-yard infraction puts Stone Bridge at the 38-yard line of the Springers.
With just over 3 minutes to play in the first half, Stone Bridge has a chance to extend its 13-7 lead. They've pretty much gotten it done with just one dimension on offense - their running game. Highland Springs wants to find a way to bottle that up and force them to throw some.
Joshua Breece plows 18 yards ahead for Stone Bridge down to the Highland Springs 10-yard line. Once again, the Bulldogs are getting excellent push up front with their o-linemen. Most of the runs have been between the tackles, but they've mixed in the occasional outside runs to make LB's like Jordan Wall and Justin Hopkins chase them to the perimeter.
With under a minute left in the first half, it's racehorse time for Highland Springs. Juwan Carter completes a pass to James Jackson for 15 yards. He goes to the sideline again and finds Jackson for the reception to stop the clock with 25.7 seconds left after gain of 8.
Coach Loren Johnson and his Springers might've found something in this second half on the Stone Bridge defense with their sideline routes in three and four receiver sets. It also can open up the middle of the field. But a holding penalty will back the Springers up and negate a pass completion over the middle past midfield.
Coach Loren Johnson and his Springers might've found something in this second half on the Stone Bridge defense with their sideline routes in three and four receiver sets. It also can open up the middle of the field. But a holding penalty will back the Springers up and negate a pass completion over the middle past midfield.
5A State Championship at the HALF at Hampton University - Stone Bridge 13, Highland Springs 7
Some numbers to come...
Some numbers to come...
For Stone Bridge at the break...
40 plays / 221 total yards (38Car. 221Yds. 0-2 passing)
Josh Breece - 12Car. 125Yds.
Bradley Block - 13Car. 45Yds. 2TD's
Leland Girdy - 5Car. 39Yds.
Daniel Renaud - 2.5 Tackles
Bulldogs - 1-5 on 3rd down, 1-3 on 4th down, 3 penalties for 15 yards, 16:43 Time of Possession
For Highland Springs at the break...
25 plays / 144 total yards (12Car. 85Yds. 4-13 for 59 yards passing)
Juwan Carter - 4-13 for 59 pass yards; 9Car. 57Yds. TD
James Jackson - 3Rec. 35Yds.
Jordan Walls - 6.5 Tackles
Springers - 1-5 on 3rd down, 0-3 on 4th down, 6 penalties for 45 yards, 7:17 Time of Possession
40 plays / 221 total yards (38Car. 221Yds. 0-2 passing)
Josh Breece - 12Car. 125Yds.
Bradley Block - 13Car. 45Yds. 2TD's
Leland Girdy - 5Car. 39Yds.
Daniel Renaud - 2.5 Tackles
Bulldogs - 1-5 on 3rd down, 1-3 on 4th down, 3 penalties for 15 yards, 16:43 Time of Possession
For Highland Springs at the break...
25 plays / 144 total yards (12Car. 85Yds. 4-13 for 59 yards passing)
Juwan Carter - 4-13 for 59 pass yards; 9Car. 57Yds. TD
James Jackson - 3Rec. 35Yds.
Jordan Walls - 6.5 Tackles
Springers - 1-5 on 3rd down, 0-3 on 4th down, 6 penalties for 45 yards, 7:17 Time of Possession
Second half is underway and Stone Bridge's Josh Breece takes the kickoff to 46-yard line. Not long after, the Bulldogs move into Highland Springs territory with a first down run from Leland Girdy. Just as they did during the first half in running for 221 yards on 38 carries, the Bulldogs are going up the middle, then popping an occasional play on the outside to keep the defense honest.
Appeared Highland Springs had good pressure with Aaron Motley getting after Stone Bridge QB Easton Turner, but they call a personal foul penalty that puts the Bulldogs at the 18-yard line of the Springers.
We're seeing more of Leland Girdy and that's the luxury Coach Mickey Thompson has with a deep backfield, allowing both Josh Breece and Bradley Block to get a breather.
We're seeing more of Leland Girdy and that's the luxury Coach Mickey Thompson has with a deep backfield, allowing both Josh Breece and Bradley Block to get a breather.
Highland Springs does a better job of reading the dive and run play up the middle with Justin Hopkins and Evan Robinson.
That set up this...
That set up this...
Chris Thaxton, senior receiver for Highland Springs, was relatively quiet in the first half. But he moves the chains for the Springers, to their own 43-yard line on a drive that began at the team's 20.
Highland Springs is starting to get a bit more aggressive with its offense. They show trips left and QB Juwan Carter takes off on a run to the right, but a minimal gain. That Stone Bridge defense is reading and reacting well on his keeper plays.
It brings up 3rd & 9 for the Springers from their own 43.
Highland Springs is starting to get a bit more aggressive with its offense. They show trips left and QB Juwan Carter takes off on a run to the right, but a minimal gain. That Stone Bridge defense is reading and reacting well on his keeper plays.
It brings up 3rd & 9 for the Springers from their own 43.
It's Thaxton again making a play - getting 5 yards. But Bradley Block meeting him kept the Springers from moving the chains. Instead, they go for it on 4th & 4 and Isaiah Winstead makes a catch in front of Dohnavyn Jefferson to put them in Stone Bridge territory.
Facing 2nd & 1 now from the Stone Bridge 15-yard line, a run-blitz pays off for the Bulldogs as Joe Nameth (no relation to the great Jets QB) brings down Shyrie McKeiver immediately. Springers go with 4-wide on 3rd & 2, but a low snap and movement on the offensive line will back them up five yards as it's a false start.
Though they have some solid bodies on the o-line, it hasn't been the best of days for the Highland Springs offensive line to this point.
On 3rd & 7 - Carter's pass is deflected by Matthew Branson of Stone Bridge, but on the deflection the QB's teammate McKeiver hauls it in and advances the ball enough for a first down. Wild play.
Though they have some solid bodies on the o-line, it hasn't been the best of days for the Highland Springs offensive line to this point.
On 3rd & 7 - Carter's pass is deflected by Matthew Branson of Stone Bridge, but on the deflection the QB's teammate McKeiver hauls it in and advances the ball enough for a first down. Wild play.
How will Stone Bridge respond? They're trailing for the first time today as Highland Springs has put up 14 unanswered points and missed opportunities have cost the Bulldogs their lead.
A 17-yard run off tackle by Leland Girdy quiets some of the Highland Springs crowd. Stone Bridge has had no problem moving the football at all on the ground, but they need to finish drives better and sprinkle in some form of a passing game to keep Highland Springs from loading the box on 3rd downs.
On 3rd & 2 from mid-field, it's a short completion by Leland Girdy from Easton Turner, but a tremendous open field tackle by Billy Kemp of the Springers. However, it's just enough to move the chains. A sigh of relief for the Stone Bridge fans.
A 17-yard run off tackle by Leland Girdy quiets some of the Highland Springs crowd. Stone Bridge has had no problem moving the football at all on the ground, but they need to finish drives better and sprinkle in some form of a passing game to keep Highland Springs from loading the box on 3rd downs.
On 3rd & 2 from mid-field, it's a short completion by Leland Girdy from Easton Turner, but a tremendous open field tackle by Billy Kemp of the Springers. However, it's just enough to move the chains. A sigh of relief for the Stone Bridge fans.
Appears that Highland Springs senior LB De'Andre Henderson is limping. Springers may need to rotate someone in for this key 4th & 1 coming up for Stone Bridge at the HSHS 39-yard line.
The Bulldogs go with a full house look in the backfield and Bradley Block once again shows what a difference maker he is, kicking it outside and gaining 14 yards. Third quarter is about to come to a close and doesn't look like another play will get off in time.
END 3RD QUARTER - Highland Springs 14, Stone Bridge 13
It'll be 2nd & 9 for the Bulldogs from the 24-yard line of Highland Springs when the fourth quarter commences.
The Bulldogs go with a full house look in the backfield and Bradley Block once again shows what a difference maker he is, kicking it outside and gaining 14 yards. Third quarter is about to come to a close and doesn't look like another play will get off in time.
END 3RD QUARTER - Highland Springs 14, Stone Bridge 13
It'll be 2nd & 9 for the Bulldogs from the 24-yard line of Highland Springs when the fourth quarter commences.
Deadlocked at 21-all, we've got ourselves a good one here at Hampton University with Stone Bridge and Highland Springs in a 5A title re-match that is much more competitive than their meeting from a year ago.
On 2nd & 8 - a Stone Bridge pass down the field is nearly picked by senior DB Bryan Epps Jr. of Highland Springs.
The Springers look very amped up defensively and Stone Bridge will decide to go for it on 4th & 7 from their own 23! At least it appeared that way, but QB Easton Turner ends up quick-kicking it away.
Highland Springs will take over at their own 36-yard line. 9:33 to play in regulation. Drama heightening here at Armstrong Stadium!
On 2nd & 8 - a Stone Bridge pass down the field is nearly picked by senior DB Bryan Epps Jr. of Highland Springs.
The Springers look very amped up defensively and Stone Bridge will decide to go for it on 4th & 7 from their own 23! At least it appeared that way, but QB Easton Turner ends up quick-kicking it away.
Highland Springs will take over at their own 36-yard line. 9:33 to play in regulation. Drama heightening here at Armstrong Stadium!
Solid pass defense / coverage by Dohnavyn Jefferson of Stone Bridge on the Highland Springs pass intended for Isiaiah Winstead.
That sets up 3rd & 9 from the Springers own 37-yard line and a defensive pass interference is whistled, much to the dislike of the Stone Bridge fans below directly below us in the press box.
That puts the ball at the 48-yard line of Stone Bridge. This is where Carter's escape-ability and playmaking skills can be put to use.
The Springers show trips left, Carter decides to go the other way and he finds James Jackson on the other side for an inside slant. Touchdown. Springers back in the lead.
That sets up 3rd & 9 from the Springers own 37-yard line and a defensive pass interference is whistled, much to the dislike of the Stone Bridge fans below directly below us in the press box.
That puts the ball at the 48-yard line of Stone Bridge. This is where Carter's escape-ability and playmaking skills can be put to use.
The Springers show trips left, Carter decides to go the other way and he finds James Jackson on the other side for an inside slant. Touchdown. Springers back in the lead.
Three Highland Springs defenders meet Josh Breece on third and short. This Springers defensive front is starting to seize control much the way it did at the end o the game against Norview.
Stone Bridge, facing 4th & 3 from their own 27-yard line, goes for it and they get the power run from Leland Girdy to move the chains before Rell Coley brings him down. Coley has been a significant force on defense today.
Another good run from Josh Breece off a sweep before Justin Hopkins takes him down. Stone Bridge now advances to its own 40 and it's 2nd & 1.
One has to wonder if the Bulldogs score, will Mickey Thompson go for 2 and the lead? He's been aggressive today, beginning with the outside / squib kick, a two-point conversion earlier that worked and they've gone for it on 4th down quite a few times. He also may believe it's his best chance to win if it comes down to that decision.
Stone Bridge, facing 4th & 3 from their own 27-yard line, goes for it and they get the power run from Leland Girdy to move the chains before Rell Coley brings him down. Coley has been a significant force on defense today.
Another good run from Josh Breece off a sweep before Justin Hopkins takes him down. Stone Bridge now advances to its own 40 and it's 2nd & 1.
One has to wonder if the Bulldogs score, will Mickey Thompson go for 2 and the lead? He's been aggressive today, beginning with the outside / squib kick, a two-point conversion earlier that worked and they've gone for it on 4th down quite a few times. He also may believe it's his best chance to win if it comes down to that decision.
Bradley Block is running through and over guys. Now 2nd & 4 from their own 48 and they give it back to Block, who gets into Highland Springs territory and moves the chains.
Josh Breece dives ahead inside the 5 yard line as Stone Bridge continues to break off chunks of yards.
We're ticking near 2 minutes to play in the game and Highland Springs lead 28-21.
2nd & 3 from the 3. The Springers stuff the Stone Bridge run game, but the officials call encroachment, meaning half the distance to the goal. ANOTHER encroachment penalty is called on the Springers.
Aaron Motley and Rell Coley stuff Bradley Block near the goal-line. 3rd & Goal coming up with 1:30 on the clock... and ticking. The suspense...
We're ticking near 2 minutes to play in the game and Highland Springs lead 28-21.
2nd & 3 from the 3. The Springers stuff the Stone Bridge run game, but the officials call encroachment, meaning half the distance to the goal. ANOTHER encroachment penalty is called on the Springers.
Aaron Motley and Rell Coley stuff Bradley Block near the goal-line. 3rd & Goal coming up with 1:30 on the clock... and ticking. The suspense...
1:22 to go play - Highland Springs 28, Stone Bridge 27.
Bradley Block's 3rd TD run of the day.
Now, it's decision time for Mickey Thompson and the Bulldogs. Go for 2 or the game-tying extra point?
It looks like they're huddling to go for 2.
Bradley Block's 3rd TD run of the day.
Now, it's decision time for Mickey Thompson and the Bulldogs. Go for 2 or the game-tying extra point?
It looks like they're huddling to go for 2.
