By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Sept. 17 — Luray overcame an early 12-0 deficit and scored 21 unanswered points to overcome Page County and win a key Bull Run District matchup Friday night at Bulldog Field.
Page County scored on two of their first three possessions, including their opening drive that covered 61 yards on just three plays. Senior Blake Turpin broke loose for a 57-yard ramble that put Page up 6-0 just 1:12 into the game. The Panthers would score again 30 seconds into the second quarter as Turpin plunged in from two yards out. The seven-play drive covering 51 yards over three minutes gave the Panthers a lot of momentum and a 12-0 lead.
The Bulldogs failed to convert fourth down attempts in their first three possessions, but after shaking off early penalties Luray got rolling with a nine-play drive late in the first half that covered 44 yards in 4:16. Junior Kenny Frye capped off the drive with a two-yard touchdown run that cut the deficit to five points at 12-7 going into the half.
The only turnovers of the game came in the second half, as both teams fumbled and Page threw a crippling interception. Despite fumbling on their first possession of the third quarter, Luray forced a Page punt and then went 85 yards in just over a minute on two plays. Junior Brady Jenkins scored the first of two touchdowns on the night on a 57-yard run that gave Luray their first lead of the game at 14-12. The touchdown was set up by a 28-yard pass completion to junior Caden Stevens.
The “Battle of Route 340” would remain a two-point contest until the final minutes of the game, when Luray when put together a 61-yard drive over seven plays that ate up five minutes of the fourth quarter. Jenkins scored his second touchdown on a 27-yard run that gave Luray a 21-12 lead with only 3:19 left in the game.
The Panthers would have only one more possession, which ended in their second turnover of the half and a Luray victory was secured. Stevens grabbed an interception for Luray late in the third quarter that stymied one Panther drive.
Page performed well on both sides of the ball. Junior quarterback Hayden Plum connected with senior All-Region tight-end Dylan Hensley on a few big gains, while Turpin handled the brunt of the ground game. Luray showcased a new “pistol” formation with Jenkins taking direct snaps from the shotgun most of the night. Jenkins also showed some range with his arm, throwing a number of deep passes, while also taking on the lion’s share of the ground game. Both defenses played tough all game.
With the win, Luray remains perfect on the season at 3-0 and will now host 3A Skyline on Friday, Sept. 24 in a non-district game. Page County (1-3) returns to Panther Field on Friday to host Madison County (0-3) in another Bull Run District match-up. During Friday night’s game, Page County will officially dedicate and name its football and track facilities the “Buddy Comer Stadium at Panther Field” in memory of the longtime coach and teacher, who passed away earlier this year. The PVN Sports crew will accompany the NFHS livestream for that game.
Central of Woodstock currently sits atop the Bull Run with three district wins, while Luray is sitting at the No. 2 slot. Central visits Luray on Oct. 8 for a big district contest. Most of the district will make the playoffs since Region B only contains 10 teams for eight playoff spots.
•••
The PVN Sports broadcast crew selected
Brady Jenkins
as the Blue Ridge Bank “Player of the Game”
for the second time this season.
To check schedules, rosters, results and standings for local high school sports,
see the Bull Run District website.
•••
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