Friday night marked the end of the
regular season and with that the end of a few high school football
careers. Others will continue to battle for at least another week when
playoff action kicks off this Friday. Several players on both sides of
the equation did all they could to help their teams achieve victory
this week whether their school was battling for a postseason spot or
simply fighting for pride. Here's a look at some of the best
performances of the final games of the 2014 regular football season.
Quarterbacks
Mark Smoot, Strasburg
The
Rams made a stretch run that resulted in six consecutive wins and while
there were several factors that played a role in that success, Smoot
was a primary factor. The quarterback capped a supurb second half of
the season with a performance that included 19 completions on 30 pass
attempts resulting in 231 yards and four touchdowns in the teams
victory over Central-Woodstock.
Henry Kreienbaum, Western Albemarle
The
Warriors quarterback had a solid evening both passing and rushing as
his team competed in their final warmup before the postseason.
Kreienbaum completed six of his nine pass attempts for 44 yards and
led the team in rushing average with 120 yards on 18 carries while
scoring twice on the ground against Fluvanna County.
James Graves, Madison County
The
Mountaineers senior quarterback did everything he could for his team to
keep their season alive on Friday night against Warren County. Graves
completed 17 of 35 pass attempts for 245 yards and two touchdowns but
it wasn't enough as the team fell on the road to dim the light on the
small playoff hopes they had entering the contest.
Jason Brown, Chancellor
The
Chargers were playing for pride but they also had their sights on
keeping their opponent, King George, out of the playoffs as well on
Friday night. The team managed to accomplish their goals led by an
outstanding performance from Brown who tossed for five touchdown scores
in the game. The quarterback only missed on five attempts, going 12
for 17, for 210 yards through the air.
Elijah Burress, Mountain View
The
Wildcats need a win to continue their seaon and Burress led the way on
offense in both the rushing and passing attack to ensure that his
teams' season would not end abruptly. Burress completed 11 of his 21
pass attempts for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns and added another 100
yards and three touchdown runs on the ground in 15 attempts.
Tavian Brown, R.E. Lee-Stuanton
The
Fighting Leemen quarterback helped lead his team to the postseason with
a strong performance as the offensive field general for the squad this
season. In the romp over Harrisonburg on Friday, Brown played a large
role in the rushing attack going for three touchdowns while
accumulating 126 yards on 14 carries in the win.
Gary Jennings, Colonial Forge
The
Eagles have improved throughout the season and may be playing at their
best as they enter postseason play. Against a solid Riverbend group,
the Forge defense did its' job and allowed the senior quarterback's
performance to carry the team to victory against the Bears. Jennings
completed five passes for 92 yards and a touchdown while reaching 107
yards on the ground on 20 carries and adding another touchdown.
Joey Benden, Massaponax
The
Panthers quarterback has done a fantastic job this season taking over a
Massaponax offense that consistently has double digits rushers in each
game. This week Benden's performance was pivotal as the Panthers won
their closest game of the season to complete an undefeated year.
Benden passed for 134 yards on 8 of 11 passing and had a touchdown.
The signal caller also added 122 yards on 16 rushing attempts and a
touchdown in the come-from-behind victory.
Aaron Walters, Liberty-Bealeton
The
Eagles quarterback led another solid offensive performance for the
Eagles against Fauquier on Friday night. Walters completed seven of
his 14 pass attempts for 133 yards and a touchdown and also covered 141
yards rushing on the ground. Walters averaged 28.6 yards per rushing
attempt and scored a rushing touchdown for his team as well. In
addition, Walters added 10 tackles from his defensive position in the
victory.
Sean McDonald, Clarke County
As
the Eagles completed their second consecutive 10-0 regular season,
McDonald led the potent offense with a solid performance in the rushing
and passing attack. The Clarke quarterback accounted for six
touchdowns against William Monroe Friday night including four rushing
scores. McDonald rushed 18 times for 121 yards and completed five of
his nine pass attempts for 147 yards with two touchdown strikes.
Running Backs
Kendrick Kube, Eastern View
Even
against the best defenses this season, Kube has been slowed very little
and found ways to dominate the competition. Against a typically strong
Kettle Run defensive front on Friday, the senior rushed for 266 yards
on 16 carries and scored three touchdowns. Kube also scored on a 52
yard pass reception late in the third quarter of the contest and will
certainly be a focal point for opposing defenses in the postseason.
Kyree Koonce, Monticello
The
senior has had his moments this season but as the Mustangs prepare for
postseason action, it appears that Koonce has fully recovered from his
broken leg in 2013. On Friday against Louisa County, Koonce carried
the rock just fourteen times but earned a whopping 229 yards and four
first half touchdowns. Koonce also set a school record in the game for
longest touchdown run when he dashed 98 yards on his third score of the
game.
George Cheetham, Courtland
The
Cougars rushing attack appears to be at full force going into playoff
action with the backfield trio going for over 100 yards each in their
second consecutive game. Cheetham scored two touchdowns for Courtland
while piling up 161 rushing yards on 12 attempts against James Monroe
on Friday night.
Anton Jenkins, Courtland
The
Cougars rushing attack appears
to be at full force going into playoff action with the backfield trio
going for over 100 yards each in their second consecutive game.
Jenkins powered his way to 132 rushing yards on 21 carries for his
team and found the endzone once for the Courtland ground attack.
Victor Greene, Courtland
The
Cougars rushing attack appears
to be at full force going into playoff action with the backfield trio
going for over 100 yards each in their second consecutive game. Greene
compled 119 yards on 19 rushing attempts and also added a rushing
touchdown for his team in the victory.
Martin Parker, Liberty-Bealeton
The
Eagles backfield has led the way for the team all season from the
offensive perspective and Parker has been a huge contributor for the
team along the way. Friday night was no exception with the running
back scoring three touchdowns while delivering 144 yards on 18 carries
for his team as the Eagles advanced to 9-1 on the season.
Josh Meeks, Western Albemarle
The
efforts of the Western offense on Friday night resembled what we have
come to expect from the Warriors each week. In addition to producing
48 points, the team spread the ball just enough through the air to
compliment its potent rushing attack. Meeks was one of two ball
carriers that toted 18 times for the Warriors. Meeks finished with 113
yards on the ground and two rushing scores for his team.
Juh-Kwquan McCauley, Wilson Memorial
The
Hornets running back made the most of his few attempts on Friday night
against Buffalo Gap. McCauley carried the ball just six times but
finished the night with 176 yards on the ground and two touchdowns
scores. Both scores came on long rushing gallops, one for 71 yards and
the other for 51.
Logan Allen, Powhatan
While
the seniors statistics on Friday against Charlottesville were not his
best this season, Allen again carried the Indians rushing attack for
105 yards on 23 carries to add to his season total that has already
topped the 2000 yard mark. Allens biggest contribution of the night
came with less than two minutes remaining in regulation when he crossed
the goalline to help the Indians avoid a loss and finish 9-1 on the
season.
Kevin McCarthy, Albemarle
The
Patriots senior rusher was nearly unstoppable on Friday night in his
final performance on the gridiron in his high school career. McCarthy
scored four touchdowns and gained 253 yards on the ground against
Orange County to eclipse the 1000 yard barrier on the season. The
accomplishment was certainly personal but one that Albemarle will take
pride in with having a 1000 yard rusher for the first time in quite
some time.
Joe Wayland, Louisa County
The
Lions have had production from several players out of the backfield
this season. This week it was Wayland leading the way for the team in
the rushing department for Louisa County when they traveled to
Monticello. The Lions running back earned 152 yards on 14 carries and
scored a touchdown in the teams' loss to the Mustangs.
Hank Hoover, Central-Woodstock
The
junior running back had another big night as his team hoped to secure a
playoff spot while keeping their opponents out of the postseason. The
outcome didn't turn out the way the team had hoped but Hoover's
performance provides for the potential of a bright future. Against
Strasburg, the running back carried 26 times for 151 and scored four
touchdowns on the ground. He also had two receptions for 48 yards in
the loss to the Rams.
Austin Lewis, Kettle Run
The
Cougars couldn't find a way to earn the victory this week but Lewis was
a prime factor in the offensive attack as the teams leading rusher and
figuring into the pass attack as well. Lewis gained 140 yards on 23
carries and scored twice in the ground attack while also gathering
three receptions for another 28 yards in the contest.
Cody Perkins, William Monroe
The
Dragons rusher became the all-time leading rusher for William Monroe
with his performance on Friday night against Clarke County. Perkins
attained 121 yards on 14 carries against the Eagles and scored one
rushing touchdown. Perkins has been a key performer for his squad all
season and the Dragons will look for more production from the senior
with the playoffs upon us.
Wide Receivers
Keyshawn Johnson, James Monroe
The
Yellow Jackets fell just short of completing a victory against
Courtland this week but Johnson had another solid performance in the
aerial attack for the team with six receptions for 112 yards and a
touchdown against the Cougars.
Robert
Edmonds
joined the Virginia Preps staff midway through 2013 and is in his
second year with the site. He provides insight on player profiles
and recruiting
news for players from around the state as well as in-season game and
team
reports. In 2014, Robert is covering the Piedmont area during the
regular and postseasons. He has been contributing sports coverage
in the
newspaper
industry since 2006 and also currently does correspondence work with
the Daily
Progress in Charlottesville. Follow him on twitter@bigrob2523
and send feedback and suggestions to him directly at bigrob2523@gmail.com.
regular season and with that the end of a few high school football
careers. Others will continue to battle for at least another week when
playoff action kicks off this Friday. Several players on both sides of
the equation did all they could to help their teams achieve victory
this week whether their school was battling for a postseason spot or
simply fighting for pride. Here's a look at some of the best
performances of the final games of the 2014 regular football season.
Quarterbacks
Mark Smoot, Strasburg
The
Rams made a stretch run that resulted in six consecutive wins and while
there were several factors that played a role in that success, Smoot
was a primary factor. The quarterback capped a supurb second half of
the season with a performance that included 19 completions on 30 pass
attempts resulting in 231 yards and four touchdowns in the teams
victory over Central-Woodstock.
Henry Kreienbaum, Western Albemarle
The
Warriors quarterback had a solid evening both passing and rushing as
his team competed in their final warmup before the postseason.
Kreienbaum completed six of his nine pass attempts for 44 yards and
led the team in rushing average with 120 yards on 18 carries while
scoring twice on the ground against Fluvanna County.
James Graves, Madison County
The
Mountaineers senior quarterback did everything he could for his team to
keep their season alive on Friday night against Warren County. Graves
completed 17 of 35 pass attempts for 245 yards and two touchdowns but
it wasn't enough as the team fell on the road to dim the light on the
small playoff hopes they had entering the contest.
Jason Brown, Chancellor
The
Chargers were playing for pride but they also had their sights on
keeping their opponent, King George, out of the playoffs as well on
Friday night. The team managed to accomplish their goals led by an
outstanding performance from Brown who tossed for five touchdown scores
in the game. The quarterback only missed on five attempts, going 12
for 17, for 210 yards through the air.
Elijah Burress, Mountain View
The
Wildcats need a win to continue their seaon and Burress led the way on
offense in both the rushing and passing attack to ensure that his
teams' season would not end abruptly. Burress completed 11 of his 21
pass attempts for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns and added another 100
yards and three touchdown runs on the ground in 15 attempts.
Tavian Brown, R.E. Lee-Stuanton
The
Fighting Leemen quarterback helped lead his team to the postseason with
a strong performance as the offensive field general for the squad this
season. In the romp over Harrisonburg on Friday, Brown played a large
role in the rushing attack going for three touchdowns while
accumulating 126 yards on 14 carries in the win.
Gary Jennings, Colonial Forge
The
Eagles have improved throughout the season and may be playing at their
best as they enter postseason play. Against a solid Riverbend group,
the Forge defense did its' job and allowed the senior quarterback's
performance to carry the team to victory against the Bears. Jennings
completed five passes for 92 yards and a touchdown while reaching 107
yards on the ground on 20 carries and adding another touchdown.
Joey Benden, Massaponax
The
Panthers quarterback has done a fantastic job this season taking over a
Massaponax offense that consistently has double digits rushers in each
game. This week Benden's performance was pivotal as the Panthers won
their closest game of the season to complete an undefeated year.
Benden passed for 134 yards on 8 of 11 passing and had a touchdown.
The signal caller also added 122 yards on 16 rushing attempts and a
touchdown in the come-from-behind victory.
Aaron Walters, Liberty-Bealeton
The
Eagles quarterback led another solid offensive performance for the
Eagles against Fauquier on Friday night. Walters completed seven of
his 14 pass attempts for 133 yards and a touchdown and also covered 141
yards rushing on the ground. Walters averaged 28.6 yards per rushing
attempt and scored a rushing touchdown for his team as well. In
addition, Walters added 10 tackles from his defensive position in the
victory.
Sean McDonald, Clarke County
As
the Eagles completed their second consecutive 10-0 regular season,
McDonald led the potent offense with a solid performance in the rushing
and passing attack. The Clarke quarterback accounted for six
touchdowns against William Monroe Friday night including four rushing
scores. McDonald rushed 18 times for 121 yards and completed five of
his nine pass attempts for 147 yards with two touchdown strikes.
Running Backs
Kendrick Kube, Eastern View
Even
against the best defenses this season, Kube has been slowed very little
and found ways to dominate the competition. Against a typically strong
Kettle Run defensive front on Friday, the senior rushed for 266 yards
on 16 carries and scored three touchdowns. Kube also scored on a 52
yard pass reception late in the third quarter of the contest and will
certainly be a focal point for opposing defenses in the postseason.
Kyree Koonce, Monticello
The
senior has had his moments this season but as the Mustangs prepare for
postseason action, it appears that Koonce has fully recovered from his
broken leg in 2013. On Friday against Louisa County, Koonce carried
the rock just fourteen times but earned a whopping 229 yards and four
first half touchdowns. Koonce also set a school record in the game for
longest touchdown run when he dashed 98 yards on his third score of the
game.
George Cheetham, Courtland
The
Cougars rushing attack appears to be at full force going into playoff
action with the backfield trio going for over 100 yards each in their
second consecutive game. Cheetham scored two touchdowns for Courtland
while piling up 161 rushing yards on 12 attempts against James Monroe
on Friday night.
Anton Jenkins, Courtland
The
Cougars rushing attack appears
to be at full force going into playoff action with the backfield trio
going for over 100 yards each in their second consecutive game.
Jenkins powered his way to 132 rushing yards on 21 carries for his
team and found the endzone once for the Courtland ground attack.
Victor Greene, Courtland
The
Cougars rushing attack appears
to be at full force going into playoff action with the backfield trio
going for over 100 yards each in their second consecutive game. Greene
compled 119 yards on 19 rushing attempts and also added a rushing
touchdown for his team in the victory.
Martin Parker, Liberty-Bealeton
The
Eagles backfield has led the way for the team all season from the
offensive perspective and Parker has been a huge contributor for the
team along the way. Friday night was no exception with the running
back scoring three touchdowns while delivering 144 yards on 18 carries
for his team as the Eagles advanced to 9-1 on the season.
Josh Meeks, Western Albemarle
The
efforts of the Western offense on Friday night resembled what we have
come to expect from the Warriors each week. In addition to producing
48 points, the team spread the ball just enough through the air to
compliment its potent rushing attack. Meeks was one of two ball
carriers that toted 18 times for the Warriors. Meeks finished with 113
yards on the ground and two rushing scores for his team.
Juh-Kwquan McCauley, Wilson Memorial
The
Hornets running back made the most of his few attempts on Friday night
against Buffalo Gap. McCauley carried the ball just six times but
finished the night with 176 yards on the ground and two touchdowns
scores. Both scores came on long rushing gallops, one for 71 yards and
the other for 51.
Logan Allen, Powhatan
While
the seniors statistics on Friday against Charlottesville were not his
best this season, Allen again carried the Indians rushing attack for
105 yards on 23 carries to add to his season total that has already
topped the 2000 yard mark. Allens biggest contribution of the night
came with less than two minutes remaining in regulation when he crossed
the goalline to help the Indians avoid a loss and finish 9-1 on the
season.
Kevin McCarthy, Albemarle
The
Patriots senior rusher was nearly unstoppable on Friday night in his
final performance on the gridiron in his high school career. McCarthy
scored four touchdowns and gained 253 yards on the ground against
Orange County to eclipse the 1000 yard barrier on the season. The
accomplishment was certainly personal but one that Albemarle will take
pride in with having a 1000 yard rusher for the first time in quite
some time.
Joe Wayland, Louisa County
The
Lions have had production from several players out of the backfield
this season. This week it was Wayland leading the way for the team in
the rushing department for Louisa County when they traveled to
Monticello. The Lions running back earned 152 yards on 14 carries and
scored a touchdown in the teams' loss to the Mustangs.
Hank Hoover, Central-Woodstock
The
junior running back had another big night as his team hoped to secure a
playoff spot while keeping their opponents out of the postseason. The
outcome didn't turn out the way the team had hoped but Hoover's
performance provides for the potential of a bright future. Against
Strasburg, the running back carried 26 times for 151 and scored four
touchdowns on the ground. He also had two receptions for 48 yards in
the loss to the Rams.
Austin Lewis, Kettle Run
The
Cougars couldn't find a way to earn the victory this week but Lewis was
a prime factor in the offensive attack as the teams leading rusher and
figuring into the pass attack as well. Lewis gained 140 yards on 23
carries and scored twice in the ground attack while also gathering
three receptions for another 28 yards in the contest.
Cody Perkins, William Monroe
The
Dragons rusher became the all-time leading rusher for William Monroe
with his performance on Friday night against Clarke County. Perkins
attained 121 yards on 14 carries against the Eagles and scored one
rushing touchdown. Perkins has been a key performer for his squad all
season and the Dragons will look for more production from the senior
with the playoffs upon us.
Wide Receivers
Keyshawn Johnson, James Monroe
The
Yellow Jackets fell just short of completing a victory against
Courtland this week but Johnson had another solid performance in the
aerial attack for the team with six receptions for 112 yards and a
touchdown against the Cougars.
Robert
Edmonds
joined the Virginia Preps staff midway through 2013 and is in his
second year with the site. He provides insight on player profiles
and recruiting
news for players from around the state as well as in-season game and
team
reports. In 2014, Robert is covering the Piedmont area during the
regular and postseasons. He has been contributing sports coverage
in the
newspaper
industry since 2006 and also currently does correspondence work with
the Daily
Progress in Charlottesville. Follow him on twitter@bigrob2523
and send feedback and suggestions to him directly at bigrob2523@gmail.com.
