In four games Narrows has now scored 188 points in shutout wins over Bath County, Parry McCluer, Eastern Montgomery and James River. The Wave held River to minus yards rushing and just 31 yards passing as the Knights totaled 13 overall yards on 42 plays.
“We didn’t play particularly well, but they’re good,” said River coach Tim Jennings. “They remind me a lot of LB. Their coaches were able to sell them on the weight room program and the kids bought into it. Plus, they’re senior laden.”
River was down 35-0 by the half, setting the clock in continuous motion after intermission. Narrows was still able to score 19 points in the second half and finish with 382 yards of total offense, including 302 yards on the ground. They averaged 9.3 yards per play.
Individually, Jackson Taylor led River with just seven yards rushing while Zeal Hammons completed two of seven passes for 21 yards. Khalique White had one reception for 32 yards and James Voight had one for 10.
Defensively, Tanner Dillow led the Knights with eight tackles, including six solos. Addison McCaleb had seven tackles and Aaron Bridges and George Toliver had five each. Dillow also had an interception.
Now 1-4, the Knights will try and snap a four-game losing streak when they host Parry McCluer in Springwood this week. It’s always a big game when these two meet, and it’s especially big for Jennings, who played for the Fightin’ Blues in high school.
“I know their whole coaching staff,” he said. “I played for some of them and I played WITH some of them.”
This is a big game for the Blues. They’re currently fourth in the Class 1C rankings with the top four making the playoffs, and George Wythe is breathing down their necks. A win by River this Friday could knock the Blues out of the playoffs.
“It’s huge for them,” said Jennings. “It’s always a big game. These two teams are old Pioneer rivals, and there’s nothing I’d like better than to knock them out of the playoffs. Of course, if they manage to make it I’ll root for them after this week.”
