Long sets STAB mark

LYNCHBURG — St. Anne’s-Belfield quarterback Howie Long passed for 283 yards to overtake Sean McChesney for the school’s all-time passing record in a 56-35 victory over Virginia Episcopal on Friday.

Long finished the game with 3,502 yards for his career. McChesney passed for 3,254 before graduating in 2000.

On the opening drive, Long drilled the Fighting Bishops’ defense with a 49-yard pass to Michael Battle. STAB (3-2) capitalized on that play with a seven-yard run by Battle.

“We needed a big play from the beginning,” said Long. “Michael did a good job looking for the ball.”

The Fighting Bishops (3-3) struck back as Tre Fuqua scorched the field on an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

“I just go, it’s basically the line,” Fuqua said. “I’m just second.”

On the ensuing drive, STAB’s Aaron Clark slipped away from Eddie Eichmann’s grasp and jetted down the sideline for a 74-yard TD reception from Long.

Long faced considerable pressure by the Bishops’ defense on STAB’s next possession and was sacked. Moments later, Long found wide-open spaces as he connected with Quincey September for a 50-yard strike.

Long found Alex Asher for a 35-yard touchdown pass on STAB’s next possession, but VES answered with a 19-yard pass from Daniel Alexander to Anthony Fletcher.

Clark swept past the Bishops’ defense unscathed for a 45-yard TD.

VES’ Jacob Pierce answered by punching the ball in the end zone from inside the one-yard line, but Battle scored another TD on a seven-yard slant pass as STAB took a 42-21 lead into halftime.

Pierce added another one-yard touchdown in the third quarter before September scored on a 13-yard catch from Long to make it 49-28 in the fourth.

“Our turnovers — costly mistakes and penalties were a big factor in the game,” VES coach Kyle Alexander said. “This group of seniors are stepping up and showing positive leadership. We are growing as a team.”