FOOTBALL: Broadwater defeats Fuqua to secure playoff berth

The Broadwater Vikings, on what can only called a day of throwback, old school Virginia High School football, defeated a tough and talented Fuqua Falcon squad 33-27 to land a coveted spot in the Metro Conference state championship. On a dreary, rainy Saturday, each team fought to the final whistle. In a game marked by sharp, clean hitting, talented running, and solid special teams play, in the end it was the superb performances by the Major twins, Tyler and Taylor, that proved to be the difference. William French of Fuqua also left nothing on the field, putting on a clinic in what it means to be a tough running back; it sometimes took five or six Vikings to stop French, who on several occasions switched gears into ‘Beast Mode’.

Broadwater started with a touchdown on their first drive, which was soon matched by 60+ touchdown gallop by Fuqua’s French. It was back and forth for the remainder of the first half, with Broadwater taking a 21-20 lead into halftime. The second half was more of the same, with each team trading scores. Finally, midway through the fourth quarter, it appeared the Vikings would pull away, after a 91 yard touchdown run by Tyler Major. With the score 33 – 20 with only 7 minutes left, Fuqua struck with a long 5o yard touchdown pass that cut the lead to 33 – 27. With momentum clearly on the Fuqua side, Broadwater was stuffed inside its own 5 yard line, and had to punt with just under 5 minutes to play. After a great punt by Major Morgan, and the ball at the the Viking 47, Fuqua and their star William French were poised for a late comeback win. It was not to be however, as the Vikings, led by ferocious line play by Liam Kelly and Jack Salm,  stopped Fuqua on a fourth and 5, to takeover. The Falcons did get one more shot, but a interception by Thomas Scott sealed the victory for Broadwater.

Mistakes hurt both teams, as Broadwater penalties resulted in a long touchdown being called back, it was a fumble in the red zone, and town interceptions that damaged Fuqua’s chances.  If anyone was the winner today, it the fans who were treated a classic smash mouth, ground and pound gridiron battle. It was a fine win for a Vikings squad that appears to be peaking just in time for the playoffs. Next Friday, the Vikings travel to Isle of Wight, where it will be payback time for an earlier loss this season. Game time is 7:00.

In other local action, the Arcadia Firebirds got their offense rolling, defeating Northampton on Friday 62-20.