Martinsville runs over Halifax County

BY
SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER & BEE
Published: September 27, 2008

MARTINSVILLE — The Comets from Halifax County zipped into Martinsville to try and tame the Bulldogs of Martinsville in high school football action on Saturday. The Comets were holding on to a 2-2 record and only averaging 18 points per game.  The Bulldogs, on the other hand, were looking to protect their home turf from another loss to Halifax County; after all, Martinsville has not lost to Halifax since the 2004-2005 season.

The Bulldogs (2-4) wouldn’t disappoint their faithful fans on homecoming as they pounded the visiting Western Valley District Blue Comets 26-7. The Bulldogs were led by senior running back Chris Scott, who accumulated 190 yards on 32 carries. Coach Matt Foutz said of his outstanding player “he is really stepping up as a leader and did a great job today” Foutz was quick to acknowledge the play of the offensive line, which averages 250 pounds, by saying “to be able to run the ball like we did today is a great credit to our offensive line”

The Bulldogs of the Piedmont District got their opportunity first as they started on their 20 yard line. It was apparent what the Bulldogs were aiming to do — run the ball. And run the ball they did. Behind the powerful running attack of fullback Logan Harr and the tailback tandem of Chris Scott and Marquill Eggleston, the Bulldogs reached the end zone 80 yards and 13 plays later. Harr capped off the scoring drive with a four-yard plunge. Behind the dominating play of the massive offensive line of the Bulldogs, Scott earned 104 rushing yards in the first half alone. The only miscue the Bulldogs had was a fumble by Eggleston on the Halifax nine-yard line. Chris Scott scored the second touchdown in the second quarter on a 13-yard scamper off tackle.

Halifax County (2-3), which likes to use a passing attack, got off to a great start on their first possession from scrimmage when running back LaQuan Lynn burst through the Bulldogs defense for a 35-yard gain. The promising drive soon came to a screeching halt after two incomplete passes and a quarterback sack on fourth down. The Bulldogs defense frustrated the Comets offense in the first half and only allowed one first down and 35 rushing yards. The Comets had plenty of opportunities to complete passes across the middle, but they couldn’t find any rhythm in the first half.

Misfortune struck Halifax offense on their first possession of the second half when QB Trent Dale tossed an interception into the waiting arms of defensive back Daniel Dandridge. Martinsville struck on the ensuing possession when senior quarterback DeChane Hairston connected with wide receiver Will Reynolds for 33 yards. Chris Scott would score his second TD of the game two plays later on an eight-yard run around the right end.

The Comets again committed another costly turnover on their next possession when the quarterback to center exchange was fumbled and recovered by Martinsville on their 42 yard line. The Bulldogs went back to what they know best —running the football. An eight play, 42-yard drive was capped off with Eggleston barreling over Comet defenders for the final four yards.

Halifax managed only five offensive plays in the third quarter, but by then all the momentum was in favor of the Bulldogs and they led 20-7.