What seemed like a game that might turn into a barnburner based on the first half performance by both teams quickly got out of hand in the 2nd half. Led by a suffocating defense, and a bruising running game the visiting Monterey Wildlcats took the hometown favorites to the old proverbial wood shed in securing a very important region win. Thus, keeping their playoff hopes alive. With the loss, Gordonsville’s chance of making the playoffs all but evaporates, and with six losses overall and only three games left means they will finish below .500 three years in a row.
Monterey got on the board with their first possession. They took the opening kickoff and marched 69 yards in 11 plays. Using both a strong running game and the arm of QB Corey Heiderich they connected on 2 out of 4 passes as Caleb Phillips capped of the drive going in from 28 yards out. Extra point was good by Uli Perez. Monterey led 7-0, 7:25 1st Qtr. After a three and out possession by Gordonsville, the Wildcats turned the ball over on their first play giving the Tigers great field position on Monterey’s 37 yard line. The Tigers took advantage of the opportunity, and put a TD on the board by converting two 4th down attempts with Sheldon Harris diving into the endzone after churning for 8 yards. Extra point was good by Brandon Cruz. Score tied up 7 all with 2:03 still left in the 1st Qtr.
Gordonsville’s defense came up big on Monterey’s next possession as Tiger defensive back Jacob Short picked off a Heiderich’s pass near mid-field. However, Gordonsville was unable to capitalize on this turnover as they lost possession on downs. After a Monterey punt, the Tigers turned the ball over with a fumble on their own 48. The Wildcats put together their second scoring drive before the 1st half came to a close. Caleb Phillips took a 11 yard screen pass from Heiderich and hit pay dirt. Extra point was good by Perez. 14-7 Monterey at the half.
The 3rd quarter saw no points scored as both defenses played hard, but the Wildcats began to flex their claws stopping Gordonsville on two 3 and out possessions. Monterey scored on their second possession of the 2nd half, and the very 1st play of the 4th quarter as Jesse Raines plunged in from the 1 yard line and Perez kicked his third extra point. 21-7 Monterey start of the 4th quarter. The Wildcats’ continued their defensive dominance in the remaining quarter as they stifled any Gordonsville attempt to get back into the game. Two more 3 and out stops by Monterey with a Caleb Phillips’ 6 yard run for the visiting team 28th point sealed the deal for a Wildcat victory. 28-7 Monterey for the final score.
How impressive was the Wildcats’ defense in that second half? It limited Gordonsville to no first downs, negative 20 yards of total offense, and only seven minutes of possession versus seventeen minutes for Monterey. Caleb Phillips rushed for 110 yards on 22 carries and 1 reception for 11 yards and 3 TD’s. Quarterback Corey Heiderich was 7 out of 12 passing with 90 yards and added 76 yards rushing on 13 carries . Phillips along with Cody Charlton, Noah Mason, Jesse Raines, Tommy Wilkerson and Brandon Buckner all caught passes from Heiderich.
Gordonsville was led in rushing by Sheldon Harris with 12 carries for 31 yards followed by Jay Vaden with 4 rushes for 26 yards. Using a two quarterback alternating system saw Adam Goolsby 4 out of 11 for 31 yards and Damian Davis 1 out of 4 for 1 yard. Jay Vaden caught 4 passes for 19 yards and Bailey Roney caught 1 pass for 12 yards.
Gordonsville will travel to Nashville Christian on Friday night October 16 for a region game. Start time 7PM.
