GW tops Glass in Western Valley District opener

Published: October 10, 2008

LYNCHBURG — George Washington running back David Wilson broke the 1,000-yard mark for the season as the Eagles pounded E.C. Glass 28-14 on Friday in Western Valley District action at City Stadium.

“A thousand yards was not easy,” Wilson said. “E.C. Glass has the hardest defense we’ve faced all year.”

This district showdown had very little passing as GW opted to showcase its rushing attack.

Midway in the second quarter, Wilson surpassed the 1,000-yard mark on a 5-yard carry and finished with 139 yards.

On that drive, the Eagles (2-3, 1-0) utilized their ground game 15 times with running back Tahron Goods scoring on a 1-yard plunge for a 21-7 edge.

“This was the hardest team we played,” Goods said. “The line stepped it up and did what we needed to get it done.”

The Hilltoppers (2-4, 0-1) read the defense early in the first period and faked two punts on the same drive, converting the first attempt. The Eagles held strong on the second fake attempt and converted the switch of possession to six points as Devaughn Benion put GW on the board with a 5-yard run.

After a Hilltopper fumble, Goods (176 yards rushing) had a 36-yard dash to the end zone as time expired in the opening period.

In the fourth quarter with 7:19 left, the Hilltoppers’ offense created some magic. James Gaines tossed a 24-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Justin Henry, who backed into the end zone, tightening the game at 21-14.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Eagles were pinned back at the 1-yard line after the kickoff bounced at the 5 and rolled slowly toward the goal line without going over.

“I felt like it was our ball game to seize at that point,” E.C. Glass coach Richard Trent said. “All phases of the game were working for us.”

Glass’ defense stepped on the field down by just seven points. The defense made a few good stops but the GW tandem of Wilson and Goods found a way to squeeze out of trouble. Wilson scored the final points of the game on the drive that took 5:10 and sealed the win for the Eagles.