The Prince Edward County High School football team learned two things the Eagles already knew in their 43-8 loss to Liberty Christian Academy last Friday. First, turnovers hurt, and second, LCA, which is the top ranked team in the VISFA Division I ranks, is good. Very good.

“Yep, they were good,” said PECHS head coach James Ford. “We turned the ball over to them early and often, and they took full advantage. They executed well. They're disciplined and strong up front.

“They impressed our kids. They were like, 'coach, whatever they do, over the summer, we want to emulate it.'”

Three fumbles and an interception helped LCA build a 29-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and a 43-0 lead at the half. Liberty Christian's defense held Prince Edward's offense scoreless, with PE's only touchdown coming in the third quarter on an interception return for a touchdown by Walter Christmas. Senior tailback Ralick Lockett completed the two-point play.

“You do something to counter their strength, they counter with their speed. You do something to counter their speed, they counter with discipline. You pick your poison with them.

“The cold weather may have played a small factor, but I stressed to my guys that both teams had to play in the same conditions.”

The game carried no value in regards to power points with the Virginia High School Leagues' rating system, but Ford did see some value in the game from a program-building aspect.

“The facilities are nice, and the kids loved that. They enjoyed playing on that field, and got to do something that most kids wish they could do – play in a Division I [FCS] stadium. Maybe that will help some of our guys as they start to think about their careers beyond high school.”

Prince Edward gained just 83 yards rushing as a team on the night. Lockett led the Eagles with 55 yards on 11 carries. Davon Adams was 4-7 passing for 16 yards and an interception in the difficult conditions.

Defensively, Tyrek Goode led the Eagles with nine tackles. Christmas accounted for seven tackles and the interception return for a touchdown. Ferrance Brown had six tackles and caused a fumble, while Isaiah Davis had a fumble recovery.”

Prince Edward will travel to Southampton at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night to wrap up the season.