Generals run by Rams, 21-12

The Stonewall Jackson Generals marched into Strasburg Friday, Sept. 26, in rainy weather conditions that were not ideal for either team.

The Generals used the running of Colton Koontz and Dylan Dawson to withstand a gutsy second half come-back by the Rams to prevail 21-12. With the win, the Generals earned their first ever trophy presented for winning the county football championship.

After holding the Rams on their first possession, the Generals started their first drive at their own 10-yard line. On their second play, sophomore running back Colton Koontz broke off left tackle and scooted 87 yards for the touchdown. The PAT by Juan Guerrero gave the Generals a 7-0 lead.

After stopping the next drive by the Rams, the Generals fumbled and gave the Rams the ball at the General 30-yard line. The Generals defense rose to the occasion and held Strasburg on a fourth and one. The Generals took over and on the first play, Koontz bolted 79 yards for his second touchdown and 14-0 lead in the first quarter. The rest of the half was spent going back and forth with many fumbles, penalties and punts.

With 1:59 left in the third quarter, Strasburg started an 11-play, 67-yard drive capped by a 5-yard TD pass from Justin Sager to Sheldon Stickley. The PAT was no good. With 3:24 left in the game, Strasburg started another drive on the Generals 47-yard line. On fourth and 15, Sager threw a pass to Bub McKelvey which deflected into the hands of Stickley for a 59-yard touchdown. The 2-point conversion failed with the Generals leading 21-12.

The Rams got the ball two more times, but the clock ran out and secured the Stonewall win.

The Rams were led by Tanner Orndorff with 109 yards on 27 carries. Stickley caught three passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

The Generals were led by Koontz with 186 yards on eight carries and two touchdowns. Dawson rushed for 198 yards in 15 carries. Strasburg (1-4) hosts Luray Friday, Oct. 3, and the Generals (3-1) host Madison County.

NOTE: Sophomore running back Colton Koontz suffered a leg injury in the second quarter and never returned to the game. It was later revealed he suffered a broken bone in his foot.