Undefeated Falcons cruise in 42-14 rout of Colonels

Published 2:21 pm Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Fuqua School’s varsity football team produced a dominant performance for the home crowd during Saturday afternoon’s game, allowing younger Falcon players an opportunity to take the field and contribute to the team’s 42-14 victory over visiting Massanutten Military Academy.

With the win Fuqua improves to 6-0 this season.

The Falcons did not need their starters for all of this contest against the young Colonels, and senior quarterback Elijah Warner was finishing up his SAT at the start of the game and ended up being able to take the day off, playing-wise, though he supported his team from the sideline.

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“It was good to get the young guys out there,” Falcons Head Coach Ben Manis said. “At one point, we were a couple sophomores and mostly eight- and ninth-graders playing, so it was good to get them out there and just (experience) the difference in the speed so they can get ready for that as far as who’s coming up … next year. It’s always good to see the young guys that give you effort in practice, and then they get a chance to show what they can do. I really appreciate what they do in practice to make us get better for Fridays.”

As for standouts, Manis said, “This was a game that Jaylen (Hempfield), early, had a bunch of good touches.”

Hempfield, a senior wideout, finished with three catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior quarterback Drew Osborn was outstanding, going 5-for-5 passing for 125 yards and four touchdowns.

Junior running back Jackson Allen compiled 11 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown. Junior wing back Hayes Barton had four carries for 32 yards and a score.

Manis praised the senior leadership of Hunter Gibson and Colby Barton on the offensive line, helping younger players know their assignments.

Fuqua hosts Quantico High School on Friday at 7 p.m.