Barons blast Eagles

Entering Friday afternoon’s contest against Covenant, Blue Ridge senior running back David Coe had accounted for 100 yards rushing in each of the Barons’ first three games. Behind a dominating effort from his offensive line, Coe was able to eclipse the 100-yard mark with ease for the fourth time this season as the Barons defeated the Eagles 33-6 to earn their first Old Dominion Football Conference victory.

“I cannot say enough about the performance of David Coe tonight,” said Blue Ridge coach Del Smith said. “He works harder than anybody and I’m really happy to see him have this kind of performance here tonight.”

In all, Coe amassed for 178 yards of total offense and two touchdowns, but the senior was quick to give credit where it was due.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the help of my offensive line,” said Coe. “They gave me some room to make plays and we were able to move the ball offensively.”

With a starting offensive line that averages 247 pounds, the Barons (3-10, 1-1 ODFC) were able to take control of the line of scrimmage early in the game, leading to two Speedy McCauley touchdown runs and a 12-0 lead in the second quarter.

Covenant (2-3, 0-2) responded with its only scoring drive of the game in the last minute before halftime when quarterback Lee Coppock connected with tailback Chris Shifflett for a 28-yard touchdown pass to bring the Eagles within six points at the break.

Coppock, who came into Friday’s game with just over 500 yards passing on the year, finished with a season-high 287 yards on 32 attempts.

“From scouting and watching film, we thought we had to try some different things offensively,” said Covenant coach Rich Little. “Obviously, we were still able to move the ball, but we turned the ball over and we didn’t play sound enough defensive football to win the game.”

Blue Ridge seized control of the game for good on its first possession of the second half when McCauley found receiver A.J. Williams for a 24-yard touchdown strike with just over eight minutes left in the third quarter. After a strong defensive stand by Blue Ridge forced an Eagles punt, the Barons wasted no time in engineering another long drive, this time resulting in an eight-yard touchdown scamper from Coe. 

“Anytime you have a lead in the second half, it feels really good knowing you can run the ball successfully,” Smith said. “[Covenant] was stacking the line, trying to stop the run, but we were still able to control the clock and that always helps.”

Coe added his second touchdown of the game with just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Covenant is on the road next week against Hargrave Military Academy. The Barons also take to the road next week when they travel to St. Stephen’s/St. Agnes.