Monticello’s Graham a dual threat

Monticello quarterback Michael Graham has already solidified his position as one of Central Virginia’s top passers —he’s thrown for 794 yards and eight touchdowns in Monticello’s first four games. But interestingly, the senior is also the team’s leading rusher.
Graham racked up a team-high 82 rushing yards on 14 carries and ran for two scores in the 44-13 win over Orange County. So far this year, he has rushed for 155 yards and five TDs.
Graham also made several incredible throws in rainy conditions to help his team secure its first Jefferson District win. Graham had two TD passes and finished 9 for 22 for 181 yards in the air.
This came a week after throwing two interceptions against Powhatan — until then, he had gone 171 attempts without a pick.
“His game raised a little bit,” Monticello coach Brud Bicknell said of Graham. “He was very disappointed after last week, and I think he had great focus and great leadership. He ran the ball well, and it was just a really great total effort by him.”
Albemarle’s defense locks down NSHS
Albemarle High got started on the right foot in Commonwealth District play Friday with a big win over North Stafford, and the Patriots can credit a stingy defense for the victory.
The Patriots locked down the Wolverines in the rainy, soggy conditions, coming up with stop after stop. Not that it comes as a surprise.
In four games this season, the Patriots have given up a total of 46 points — that’s just 11.5 points per game.
That lockdown effort opened the door for Jeremy Robinson and the Albemarle offense to put North Stafford away with 257 yards through the air including four passing touchdowns.
Zach Vrhovac’s 143 yards receiving led the Patriots in that category.
Now Albemarle will look to keep things going with a critical home tilt against Colonial Forge Friday. More on that game later this week.
FUMA’s Engermann gets back on the bike
Bobby Engermann came to Fork Union looking to make the transition from defensive end to linebacker. At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, that’s likely where he projects at the next level.
Apparently that plan is now on hold.
“I’m crazy, but I’m not stupid,” said Fork Union coach Micky Sullivan. “He’s played in every game [at linebacker], but right there [at end], he’s a whole lot better.”
Engermann played a big part in Fork Union’s disruption of Woodberry Forest’s offense Saturday. His penetration off the edge helped stuff the Woodberry run in the second half and hold the Tigers scoreless.
Engermann transferred to Fork Union, where his cousin had previously attended, from St. Stephen’s/St. Agnes in Washington, D.C.
In 2007, Engermann was a first team All-VISSA selection at end, so Sullivan was a little surprised that he wanted to play linebacker at Fork Union.
Before the Woodberry game though, Engermann shifted to end, and was happy to be back on home with the front four.
“That’s just like riding a bike — and you don’t forget how to ride a bike,” Engermann said. “I definitely like to get on the [offensive lineman’s] nerves, and once you see the whites of their knuckles you know they’re coming at you. I love that.”
It’s clear Sullivan does too, and that the Washington native will be settling back in at end.
WFS’ Gaskins gets it done on both sides
While Engermann stepped up for the Blue Devils, KG Gaskins did everything he could to keep Woodberry in the 6-0 defensive slugfest that finally ended in overtime. The senior fullback and outside linebacker rushed for 102 yards on 19 carries and nabbed an interception in the third quarter.
“He’s a tough young man,” Woodberry coach Clint Alexander said of the Philadelphia native. “We’re trying to make sure colleges know about him, and they’d be crazy not to take him.”
The bruising 6-foot-2, 212-pound senior appeared to be the only player moving at full speed on some plays on FUMA’s muddy, soggy field. While some players ran gingerly to keep their footing, Gaskins flew headlong into anything the Blue Devils threw at him and the Tigers’ defense.
Monticello’s Pelton
contributes in all areas
Jacob Pelton has done a little bit of everything for Monticello — he’s seen time at wide receiver, defensive back and punter already this year. Well, now you can add placekicking to his repertoire.
The senior booted a
30-yard field goal in the second quarter to give the Mustangs a 17-0 lead, and made three of his five point after attempts in the win over Orange. Pelton’s field goal was the first field goal attempted by Monticello in 18 games.
The last player to convert one was John Jamison, who hit a 25-yarder in Monticello’s season finale against Western Albemarle; a game the Mustangs won 29-28.
Pelton also led the team in receiving on Friday, catching four passes for 60 yards. Also impressive was after a botched PAT on a wet and muddy field, Pelton managed to get his hands on the ball and toss it to Sam Roller for a wild two-point
conversion. The play completed Monticello’s scoring.
Louisa-Monticello is game of the week
Monticello savored its win over Orange, but not for long. The Mustangs, the defending Group AA, Division 3 champions, have another big test this week — against Louisa. According to Monticello coach Brud Bicknell, the team is taking it one week at a time.
“You can never look past any games. So, we’ve got one down and one to go,” Bicknell said. “Now our total focus will be on Louisa, and that’s all we can think about right now. [Orange] is always a huge game for us, playing those guys, and we’re just fortunate to get the win again.”
The two teams have a common opponent —Powhatan. Louisa shut out the Indians 21-0, while the Southside District team edged Monticello 19-18. Bicknell knows they will have their hands full on Friday.
Louisa has just one loss so far — to a very good Courtland team.
“We haven’t seen much of [Louisa]. Obviously they beat Powhatan, and we
didn’t, so they must be a pretty good team,” Bicknell said. “I’m sure they’re going to be all we can handle, they are every year.”
Look for much more on this game later this week.