by James J. Lidington

FARMVILLE
Hunter Edwards rushed for 155 yards and scored three touchdowns as Isle of Wight Academy fell to Fuqua School 55-32 here on Friday night.

Fuqua, the second-ranked school in Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association’s (VISAA) (small-school) Div. III, amassed 472 yards of total offense against the Chargers (3-5), who competed in VISAA Div. II, for medium-sized schools, this year.

The Falcons (6-2) wasted no time in setting the tone against IWA. After the two schools traded touchdowns on their opening possessions, Fuqua reeled off 22 straight points and held a 41-12 lead at halftime.

The Chargers continued their streak of rushing excellence. They again out-rushed their opponent (304-258) but were outdistanced in the passing game, 214-14. Falcon quarterback Elijah Warner was 6 for 8 with an interception. Backfield mate Billy French also tossed a scoring pass, a 3-yard effort to Tyler Thomas on Fuqua’s first possession.

IWA rallied somewhat in the fourth quarter. They marched 57 yards in nine plays, ending with Edwards’ second touchdown of the night. After a successful onside kick, the Chargers drove 48 yards in four plays to cut the Fuqua lead to 48-24.

After the Falcons’ next possession resulted in a touchdown, IWA’s Colby Williams took the ensuing kickoff back 80 yards. Freshman quarterback Luke Scrivanich converted on a run play for a 2-point play to make it 55-32.

Fuqua senior Ben Bailey ran for 166 yards on nine carries — including three touchdowns — to lead all rushers. 

IWA closes out its season with a visit from Norfolk Christian, the second-ranked team in Div. II, Friday night at William Hooper Field. Edwards needs 159 rushing yards in that tilt to pass the 1,500-yard mark for the season.

JAMES J. LIDINGTON is a teacher at Isle of Wight Academy. He can be reached at 357-3866.