This is what I saw. Salem controlled the line of scrimmage in first half. DeAngelo Ramsey had 114 yards in first half against great defense and Tae Hale was a load. The problem was turnovers which happened on both sides. Both teams apparently because of moisture in air or cold conditions had issues with ball. Salem pretty much kept Beck under control in first half as well as they could. He is extremely fast. Half time score 21-12 Salem. Blacksburg had missed extra point and missed 2 point conversion.
Third quarter Blacksburg came out and took over the line of scrimmage and Beck went nuts scoring twice. they put up another 6 to make it 21-18 and then again to make it 25-21 and then again to make it 32-21 Blacksburg. Salem could not move ball in third quarter. No clock on field so hard to figure time but with about nine minutes or so to go Salem went to the air and this made a difference as they moved the ball down the field. Viante Tucker and Avery Close made great catches. Close made a catch over the middle and used his 6'5" frame to fend off defender and get into end zone. 32-28 Blacksburg. After this Blacksburg could not do anything on offense as the defense of Salem was fired up and so were the fans. Approximately 4 minutes to play Salem gets ball back and Ramsey jumps over some blockers and makes a cut and heads to pay dirt. Salem back in front 33-32. Plenty of time for Blacksburg but Salem was swarming and Blacksburg looked finished.
This game reminded me of old Amherst-Salem games. A lot of talent for Blacksburg and great atmosphere. More Salem fans there and that helped. What a game. Salem could have folded their tents but they did not. Beck took some pretty good hits and it did not sway him. Salem had just enough stops and will to win this one but easily could have went either way. great game.
Third quarter Blacksburg came out and took over the line of scrimmage and Beck went nuts scoring twice. they put up another 6 to make it 21-18 and then again to make it 25-21 and then again to make it 32-21 Blacksburg. Salem could not move ball in third quarter. No clock on field so hard to figure time but with about nine minutes or so to go Salem went to the air and this made a difference as they moved the ball down the field. Viante Tucker and Avery Close made great catches. Close made a catch over the middle and used his 6'5" frame to fend off defender and get into end zone. 32-28 Blacksburg. After this Blacksburg could not do anything on offense as the defense of Salem was fired up and so were the fans. Approximately 4 minutes to play Salem gets ball back and Ramsey jumps over some blockers and makes a cut and heads to pay dirt. Salem back in front 33-32. Plenty of time for Blacksburg but Salem was swarming and Blacksburg looked finished.
This game reminded me of old Amherst-Salem games. A lot of talent for Blacksburg and great atmosphere. More Salem fans there and that helped. What a game. Salem could have folded their tents but they did not. Beck took some pretty good hits and it did not sway him. Salem had just enough stops and will to win this one but easily could have went either way. great game.
