The Virginia Media Rocking Chair went back to Glenvar Friday when the visiting Highlanders defeated host James River in football, 40-7. The rocking chair goes to the annual winner of this rivalry game and Glenvar has now won the chair for the 11th season in a row.
This one was close for awhile. Glenvar led just 6-0 after the first quarter but the Highlanders scored two touchdowns late in the first half to open a 21-0 lead at intermission.
“I thought we played well but we couldn’t put enough good plays together,” said River coach Tim Jennings. “We were able to run the ball in the first half, but they made some adjustments at halftime and weren’t able to run it as well in the second half.”
River’s touchdown came late in the game on a run by Kody Park, denying the Highlanders a shutout. Park was at quarterback for Pierce Woodyard and he was nine for 16 passing for 136 yards, although three interceptions were costly.
“We had a fumble and some ill times interceptions,” said Jennings. “And we had 72 yards in penalties, most of which came on calls after the play was dead.”
Photos by Leigh Downey
Josiah Merchant had 97 yards on five receptions. Gavin Binns had 129 yards rushing on 19 carries and he also had an interception.
With the loss River dropped to 1-7 on the season and it was their sixth loss in a row. Things won’t get any easier this week as the Knights travel to Covington to play Alleghany High at Casey Field. The Cougars, who combined Alleghany and Covington schools beginning with the 2023 season, are 8-0 and that includes a 34-7 win over Glenvar for the Highlanders’ only loss. Alleghany won last year’s game in Springwood, 57-0.
“I don’t think they’re as good as last year, but they’re good at what they do,” said Jennings.
