Western hits the ground running

After being held to one touchdown and struggling on offense in the first half against Charlottesville, Western Albemarle changed its strategy in the second half.
The Warriors went to their running game — and the move paid off.
Western was able to move the ball effectively behind quarterback Stephen Schuler and running back Adam Diehl, who combined for 122 rushing yards in the game.
“When you [run] right at us, that exploits a little bit of our weakness,” said Charlottesville coach Chris Fraser after the game.
Schuler rushed for a team-high 67 yards on 14 carries, while Diehl, a junior, was also impressive with 55 yards on 12 touches. Diehl ran up the middle for a 3-yard touchdown — his first of the year — to put the game out of reach with 2:54 to play.
“We talked about it during the week, how unfortunate it was that we’ve got a back that talented because he’s quick, he’s a slasher, he’s tough, he’ll run inside, he’ll run outside and he lead blocks for us,” said Western Albemarle coach Ed Pierce of Diehl. “For him to get a chance to do what he did tonight was really special. Also it’s a credit to the offensive line — we challenged them this week and they stepped up a little bit more.”
Warriors past test
Western Albemarle survived one of its biggest tests of the season against a much-improved Charlottesville team. The Warriors had about all they could handle, but held the Black Knights scoreless in the second half and rallied for the win.
“Charlottesville is one heck of a team,” said Western Albemarle’s Mitchell Parks, who helped lead the defense with 10 tackles and a pair of interceptions. “From what they’ve improved in one year is unbelievable. I was totally shocked. We came out flat and they came out hyped.”
JD race
The Warriors handed the Black Knights their first Jefferson District loss and in the process kept their unbeaten record (6-0, 3-0 JD) intact to sit atop the standings.
But three teams — Goochland, Louisa and Charlottesville — have one loss apiece.
Since dropping its district opener to Charlottesville, newcomer Goochland has reeled off two straight district wins, beating Monticello and Orange County. Louisa bounced back after its loss to Western with a win over rival Orange County.
Extra points
With its 41-13 win over previously-unbeaten Collegiate on Friday, Woodberry Forest has knocked off the top-ranked team in the VISAA football poll for two consecutive weeks. The Tigers handed Fork Union their first loss of the season the week before. … Monticello gave up a school-record 59 points against Goochland on Friday. … Despite the loss three Mustangs recorded career single-game highs for rushing yards — C.J. Page (189), Jesse Ayers (124) and Nate Valadez (75). … When Fluvanna QB Ryan Foster left Friday’s game against William Monroe with an injury, Christian Hackenburg filled in admirably. The freshman finished 5 of 11 passing for 135 yards and 2 TDs.