Wytheville– Coming off an opening season win and new head coach winning his first game, The Fort Chiswell Pioneers had to go face their arch-rival, George Wythe. The result was not good. The Pioneers lost a defensive and frustrating game by the score of 6-2.
The Maroons ( 1-1,1-1) got their lone score on a 69-yard slant pass and run from quarterback Cole Simmons to wide receiver Jacquez Younger with just under six minutes left in the first half. Simmons only completed three passes for 96 yards. He also carried the pigskin 16 times for 53 yards.
Fort Chiswell would drive the ball three different times inside the Maroons 20-yard line but came up empty handed each time. The last time they pinned the Maroons deep and with just under two minutes left George Wythe decided to run some clock in punt formation and took a safety for the lone Fort Chiswell score.
After punting from their 20-yard line, the Maroons Dorrien McMillan would then intercept Pioneer quarterback Brody Crockett with just 1:29 left in the contest to seal the Maroons win. The victory evened the Goerge Wythe record at 1-1 after losing last week to Radford.
The Pioneers (1-1, 1-1) were led by junior running back Denver Brown, as he rushed for 95 yards on 18 rushes. Crockett would complete six passes for 78 yards and throw two interceptions on 13 attempts. He also had 40 yards rushing on 15 carries. Zach Johnson had four rushes for 26 yards and Dylan Bailey had 27 yards on three rushes. Jonathan Poole caught four passes for 47 yards and Logan Newman had 31 yards on two receptions.
Fort Chiswell head coach Josh Wingate remarked, “We had chances all night long.” He then added, ”Their defense made a couple more big plays than our offense. Our defense was outstanding, just gave up that one big play.”
Fort Chiswell will travel to Radford this coming Friday to take on the Bobcats. Radford had beaten George Wythe 34-13 last week in Wytheville. Kick off for this Friday at Bobcat Stadium is scheduled for 7: 00 pm.
Fort Chiswell 0 0 0 2 – 2
Geo. Wythe 0 6 0 0 – 6
GW – Younger 69 pass from Simmons (run failed)
FC – Safety – GW downed the ball in the end zone