After two straight home games, the Buckingham County High School football team hit the road for only the second time this season in a road contest at Randolph-Henry last Friday. The change in venue didn't seem to slow the Knights, who scored on its first play from scrimmage and didn't slow down en route to a 54-26 victory over the Statesmen.

“We were concerned going in,” said BCHS head coach Craig Gill. “Randolph-Henry ran the ball on Amelia as good as I've seen all year, so we knew they could move the ball.”

Kenneth Johnson set the offensive tone early for Buckingham by scoring on a 60-yard run on the first play of the game.

It seemed that Buckingham had an answer for every play that went positive for Randolph-Henry. Following a touchdown to put the Knights ahead 21-0, Randolph-Henry returned the kickoff for a touchdown. Buckingham answered that kickoff return for a touchdown with one of its own (an 83 yard return by Kyree Koonce) to maintain a comfortable lead.

Buckingham led 34-18 at the break, and slowly started to pull away as their numerous offensive weapons proved to be too much for the Statesmen as the night wore on.

On the night, Tarian Ayers was 13-21 passing for 161 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Jesse Hickman was the leading receiver with four catches for 65 yards. Cam Johnson had two grabs for 50 yards and a touchdown, while Kenneth Johnson had three catches for 24 yards.

Kenneth Johnson led the Knights on the ground with 127 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries. Ayers rushed 14 times for 86 yards and a touchdown, while Koonce had 75 yards on eight opportunities. Koonce also added a two-point conversion. All together, Buckingham rushed 44 times for 389 yards.

Devin Smith led the Knights on defense with 12 tackles (eight solo), three-and-a-half sacks, and an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Tariq Bartee had seven tackles (four solo), and Cam Johnson had six (five solo). Tim Randolph and Ayers each recorded interceptions.

“We made some adjustments on defense at halftime that worked. We played a lot better defensively in the second half. Offensively, I was pleased with how we were able to run the ball. When you rush for nearly 400 yards, you're going to have a good night.”

Buckingham will host Central of Lunenburg on Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

“It gets a lot tougher from here. Central is a good football team. Their problem is that they've already had to play both Goochland and Amelia. They gave us a fit last year, and I expect a tough ball game Friday night.”