Dinwiddie Cruises to Central District Title 63-23

Friday night's Central District title bout was "supposed" to be a close one. I had predicted a low-scoring affair with the Knights edging out the Generals 24-21. Well ladies and gentlemen, I now know what crow tastes like, and let me tell you, it's not good!

From the opening kick, Dinwiddie had their way with the Knights. Harry Dalton put the game's first points on the board with an 18-yard scamper with 10:01 remaining in the first quarter (Kick Van Meter). Chris Drumgoole added to the lead with seven seconds remaining on a seven-yard touchdown run (Kick Van Meter).

Thomas Dale finally got things going on their first drive of the second quarter when Brandon Rose ripped off a 70-yard touchdown run (Kick Ibdah) to trim the lead to 14-7. However, the momentum would be short-lived as the Generals went right back to work on their ensuing drive. With 9:07 left in the half, Raphael Tucker busted loose for a 31-yard touchdown (Kick Van Meter) to put his team back up 14 on the visitors.

Dalton added another score on a one-yard dive to make the lead 28-7 with 6:21 left in the half. Thomas Dale kicker Amr Ibdah connected on a 28-yard field goal to trim the lead to 18, but again, Dinwiddie had an answer for them.

Raphel Tucker capped off a six-play 60-yard drive on a five-yard rush (Kick Van Meter) to make the score 35-10.

Brandon Rose responded with his second touchdown run a two-yard touchdown rush. However, the PAT was blocked and then Zalen Wiggins raced 85 yards to the house on the ensuing kickoff (Kick Van Meter) to make the score 42-16 at the half.

The Generals wasted no time continuing the onslaught after the break. Harry Dalton led his team on a quick four-play 49-yard campaign that only ate 1:39 off the clock. With 2:51 left in the third, Tucker added another Dinwiddie touchdown, this time from two yards out and the Generals led 56-16 with 2:51 remaining in the period.

Thomas Dale would add another score to the board when Christian Lyons hauled in a 42-yard bomb from Ethan Minter (Kick Idah). But it was a little too late at this point, and Dinwiddie had one more thing to say before the night ended. Zalen Wiggins called his own number on a 30-yard keeper (Kick Van Meter) to make the score 63-23 with 8:36 remaining in regulation.

NEXT UP

Dinwiddie (10-0) not only captured the Central District title Friday night, but they also secured the #1 seed in Region 4B. They will host Powhatan (6-4) next Friday night. Thomas Dale (9-1) could have clinched the #1 seed in Region 6A with a win over Dinwiddie since Oscar Smith was pummeled by Phoebus.

The Knights will be the #2 seed and will host James River (4-6) in the first round. The Rapids stunned the Knights last year in the second round of the playoff, so expect Thomas Dale to be ready to return the favor.

IMPACT PLAYERS

Thomas Dale

Ethan Minter- 13/23 167 yards TD; 8 carries 52 yards

Brandon Rose - 9 carries 111 yards 2 TDs

Dinwiddie

Harry Dalton Jr. - 21 carries 200 yards 3 TDs; 12/19 152 yards

Raphael Tucker - 16 carries 119 yards 3 TDs

Zalen Wiggins - 5 carries 45 yards TD; 85 yards KOR TD