Stone Bridge Holds Off Highland Springs 28-26

Stone Bridge emerged victorious over Highland Springs 28-26 in the State Semifinals Saturday afternoon in Ashburn. It was the fifth time these heavyweight programs collided but it was the first time they met in this round of the playoffs. All previous meetings were in the State Championship.

FIRST HALF

The Bulldogs took an early 7-0 lead when Jacob Thomas found a wide open Colton Hinton on a 20 yard touchdown pass (PAT Dastejerdi) with 5:07 left in the first period. Highland Springs had a chance to even the score on their next possession but the Bulldogs stuffed them on 4th and 1 inside their own 10-yard line.

The Springers defense responded by forcing a quick three and out to put the ball back in their offenses hands. Highland Springs was forced into another 4th down situation but this time they converted when Khristian Martin connected with Latrell Sutton to extend the drive. A few plays later, Martin called his own number and fought his way into the end zone from four yards out (PAT Rivas) to even the score at seven with 3:00 minutes remaining in the first half.

Stone Bridge wasted no time getting back to work on their ensuing drive. Thomas marched his offense down the field and Eli Mason capped off the drive with a four yard touchdown run (PAT Dastejerdi) to put the Bulldogs back on top of the Springers 14-7.

After an unsportsmanlike penalty following Stone Bridge's touchdown, Springers athlete Quanye Veney ripped off a huge kick off return to give Highland Springs excellent field position with a few seconds remaining before the half.

Martin found Sutton on two straight completions to move deep into scoring territory. On the final play of the half, Michael Hodge made a ridiculous one handed snag from Martin (PAT Rivas) to tie the game at 14.

SECOND HALF

Thomas found Colin Hart on a 25 yard touchdown pass (PAT Dastejerdi) to put the Bulldogs back on top 21-14 with 8:46 left in the third period. Highland Springs answered quickly when Martin hooked up with Sutton on a 42 yard touchdown play. Sutton was flagged for "spiking" the ball after the play. The Springers were assessed a 15 yard penalty and missed the extra point attempt. The Bulldogs held a 21-20 lead midway through the third.

Stone Bridge started their next drive with excellent field position after a big return from Thomas. The Bulldogs faced a 4th and 2 inside their own 10 yard line but fell short of scoring after a pop pass into the end zone was dropped.

The Bulldogs defense forced the Springers to punt and a few plays later Eli Mason made a 60 yard house call (PAT Dastejerdi) to make the score 28-20 in favor of the home team.

With 5:41 remaining in the game, Highland Springs faced another 4th down scenario inside their 10 yard line and were once again turned away by the stingy Bulldog defense.

The Springer defense dug their heels in and forced a sack/fumble which was recovered by Lance Nelson in the end zone to make the score 28-26. However, Highland Springs was flagged for a questionable unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that backed up their two point conversion attempt. Martin's pass to Sutton was incomplete and Stone Bridge held onto a two point lead.

Stone Bridge converted twice on fourth down to put the game on ice and secure the victory.

NEXT UP

With the win, Stone Bridge advances to their fourth straight Class 5 State Final. They will square off with Maury in a rematch from the 2019 State Championship. The Commodores defeated the Bulldogs 28-21.

Highland Springs ends the season at 10-4 and their four losses all came against championship caliber teams. Martinsburg (WV) won the West Virginia AAA state title on Saturday. JC Chambers (Charlotte, NC), Varina, and Stone Bridge will all play for a state title next weekend.

After the game Coach Johnson stated in an interview with CBS 6 reporter Sean Robertson, "We played a tough schedule. I don't think anybody else would have tried to schedule the games we scheduled. I'm all for Highland Springs. I said it last year and I'll say it again. We will be back. This is only a setback. I'm definitely confident that our team played well today. We will continue to play well and our program will continue to rise."

IMPACT PERFORMERS

Highland Springs

Khristian Martin: 9-11 101 yards 2 TD's; 7 carries 25 yards TD

Latrell Sutton: 6 receptions 67 yards TD

Michael Hodge: 10 carries 43 yards; 1 reception 18 yards TD

Stone Bridge

Jacob Thomas: 8-11 142 yards 2 TD's; 12 carries 43 yards

Eli Mason: 17 carries 159 yards 2 TD's

Colin Hart: 4 receptions 90 yards TD

Colton Hinton: 3 receptions 45 yards TD